WORSHIP WHERE YOU ARE


Sunday mornings

10:00 a.m.

livestreamed from the sanctuary of St. Mark's


Worship is at the core of our faith. By gathering each week, even virtually, we experience the love of God, the grace of Jesus, Holy Breath of the Spirit. 


We invite you to join us live on our YouTube channel Sundays at 10:00 a.m. (preservice starts at 9:50), or watch the recorded video at your convenience either on our website or our YouTube "Worship Service" playlist.


Holy Communion is an important part of worship, and we invite you to have the elements of bread or cracker, plus wine or juice, available for all those in your home would we like to receive Communion.


We also invite you download the Order of Worship in advance, so you can participate fully.  To learn more, visit our WORSHIP page. 

PRAYER AROUND THE CROSS

Wednesday evenings

6 to 6:30 p.m. via Zoom


This year we are offering a unique series of short Wednesday evening worship experiences during Lent. These virtual services are based on the beautiful liturgies developed from the evening prayer services at Holden Village, a Lutheran center for faith and life renewal in a remote area of Washington state.


If you are looking for some peace and time for prayer, we invite you to join us for "Prayer around the Cross." We will sing simple songs together, reflect on a few readings, and then have time to go to the cross individually to light a candle and pray.


To prepare, set up a space with a few candles, a cross, and a map of the world. (You can use the one we mailed in our Lenten packet or one you have available.)


Each service will include scripture readings, songs and chants, times of silence, candle lighting, and prayers around the cross.


Contact the church office for the Zoom link.

CLICK HERE for the outline and song lyrics for March 24th.

WEEKLY THEMES

LITURGY 1

"For the healing of the nations"

The scriptures, songs, and prayers will focus on national healing around the world.



LITURGY 2

"BE STILL AND KNOW"

The scriptures, songs, and prayers will focus on God as our stronghold and sustainer.



LITURGY 3

"CHRIST OUR PEACE"

The scriptures, songs, and prayers will focus on Christ being our peace in every situation.



OPPORTUNITIES FOR REFLECTION


The season of Lent is a time for contemplation. For pondering some of life's bigger questions. For drawing closer to God.


During the 40 days of Lent, we encourage you to choose the mode that best fits for you: reading and study, daily devotions, listening to music. We'll be adding additional spiritual practices, such as a "finger labyrinth," so please check back for more spiritual nourishment for your Lenten journey.


Here are three options you can choose from now:

  • "THE WALK"

    Lenten Study

    Tuesdays at 10 a.m.

    via Zoom


    Our Lenten Study is focusing on Adam Hamilton's book The Walk: Five Essential Practices of the Christian Life. Each chapter explores a practice rooted in Jesus' own walk with God—worship and prayer, study, serving, giving, sharing—and what each practice might look like in our daily lives. 


    Click here for the reading schedule.


    Contact the church office for more information and to get the Zoom link.




  • LENTEN DEVOTIONAL

    A Word-a-Day Devotional

    15 minutes to ponder & pray


    Using a "word a day" to focus your thoughts and prayers during Lent is an excellent way to center yourself during Lent. In this devotional, synchronized with the Narrative Lectionary, the daily theme is a core word, such as "Follow," "Listen," or "Ask." Each meditation includes a scripture reading, a photo, a short devotional thought, plus some questions for reflection. 


    Click here for the devotional.


    Click here for a "word-a-day" print sheet.

  • GREAT HYMNS OF OUR FAITH

    Lenten music series for meditation


    Sometimes we need to go deeper than words to truly reflect on our walk with God. Each week during Lent, our Director of Worship & the Arts, Kristin Young, will be sharing a special hymn for your Lenten reflection.


    Feb 24: "Just a Closer Walk with Thee"

    Mar 3: "I Have Decided to Follow Jesus"

    Mar 10: "My Faith Looks Up to Thee"

    Mar 17: "Beneath the Cross of Jesus"

    Mar 24: "Jesus, Keep Me Near the Cross"


    (We'll be adding additional hymns as they are recorded. Click here to have the hymn delivered directly to your inbox.)

OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE


Serving others is an important way to walk as Jesus walked. Each week during Lent, we are offering suggestions for a different way of serving. 


Consider what you might want to offer during this Lenten season. Here are six possibilities:


• No plastics for Lent

• Reconnect with the saints

• Supply the soap

• Help Hesed House

• Give food. Give hope.

• Make kindness a priority

  • NO PLASTIC FOR LENT

    WEEK 1

    FEB 19 - 25

    Fast for 40 days from single-use plastics.

    Take a look at ELCA's #NoPlasticForLent initiative, led by young adults. The call is to lament the ways we have been complicit in the degradation of the earth, and to fast from the things that are hurting our planet. Their suggestion is that individuals, families, and communities fast for 40 days from single-use plastics. Follow the ELCA Young Adults on Facebook for ideas.

  • RECONNECT WITH THE SAINTS

    WEEK 2

    FEB 26 - MARCH 4

    Reach out to people right around you. We remember that Paul, one of the church’s first missionaries, was a man on the move. However, he always made time to write to the people he visited. To follow his example, considering writing a personal letter to someone within the congregation. Reconnect with a friend. Write to a new member. Help people remember they are not alone and that we are in this together.

  • SUPPLY the Soap

    WEEK 3

    March 5 - 11

    Help raise money to provide soap and sanitation supplies. The pandemic is relentless and has impacted every country—poor and rich alike. And we all know that handwashing is key. But how can people wash hands without basic supplies such as soap and water? You can donate to an ELCA Good Gift program to buy critical supplies to protect vulnerable people and save lives.

  • PREP MEALS FOR PADS

    WEEK 4

    MARCH 12  - 18

    Help feed our Hesed House neighbors. Even through the pandemic, Hesed House has continued to shelter hundreds of our Aurora neighbors. Every night, their PADS Emergency Shelter offers a place for people to sleep, shower, do laundry, and eat a meal. St. Mark's has a team that provides dinner bi-monthly, and you can help. Consider joining St. Mark’s PADS Team. Contact Pr. Patrick to learn more.

  • GIVE FOOD. GIVE HOPE.

    WEEK 5

    MARCH 19 - MARCH 25

    The Aurora Interfaith Food Pantry needs your help. Since the pandemic hit, the Food Pantry has seen a dramatic increase in need. On average, they serve 450 people each week. The need is great, and the Pantry needs both donations and volunteers to make it happen. You can donate directly on the Food Pantry website. Or contact Pr. Patrick for a day of service at the Pantry. 

  • MAKE KINDNESS A PRIORITY

    WEEK 6

    MARCH 26 - APRIL 1

    Surprise someone with an unexpected gift this week. A small act of kindness can make a big difference in how someone is feeling during these long days of isolation. Maybe you can help a family member with a project. Or pay for a stranger's purchase in a store. Or send a small gratitude gift. Check out "Kindness Ideas." You might never know the impact, but you'll know you reached out in love.