Faith Journey is a series of 10 weekly gatherings hosted by Pastor Ruud that give visitors to St. Mark’s an opportunity to hear each other’s stories, explore questions of faith, build relationships, hear scripture together, and listen for God’s call. We are happy to announce that two new groups will be forming in early October, and we hope that many inquirers and guests who have been worshipping with us online will consider this unique opportunity. Participants can choose from a Faith Journey group that meets on Wednesdays from 6:00 p.m.–7:15 p.m. (beginning October 14) or Sundays from 11:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m. (beginning October 18)
Both groups will meet via Zoom, and those who are interested can sign up by emailing Pastor Jan Ruud at: jruud@smlutheran.org.
FAITH JOURNEY IS ABOUT:
Our Diverse Stories The first Faith Journey gatherings offer an opportunity to get acquainted with others who are visitors at St. Mark’s through the sharing of our stories and a time of inquiry where the questions you bring form the basis of our discussions. In these and all future gatherings, we promise to provide an open and welcome space for everyone.
God’s Story As the journey continues, we take time each week to go deeper into our questions and to hear God’s story together in a way that allows us to explore its meaning for our lives today. In all our conversations, we stay committed to our tradition of shared learning and to the possibility that God is always doing something new in our lives.
God’s Call In our last weeks together, we create space for each person to explore the uniqueness of his or her vocation as a child of God. This is a time for reflection and discernment as we consider how we will use our gifts to glorify God and serve our neighbor. Our group will expand as members of the congregation join us as “faith companions”.
Faith Journey can also lead to membership at St. Mark’s Becoming a member of our congregation means going deeper into your calling to live among God’s faithful people, hear the Word of God and share the Lord’s Supper, proclaim the Gospel in word and deed, serve all people in the way of Christ, and strive for justice and peace in all the earth. All Faith Journey participants are invited to become members of St. Mark’s, but this is never an expectation. We want you to follow where the Spirit of God is leading you. Those who choose to join our congregation will be welcomed during worship.