In these summer months, the pace of activity changes at St. Mark. Instead of our regularly scheduled programs, we experience our faith and community in bigger blocks of time: weekly Sunday School gives way to week-long Vacation Bible School; youth group meetings are transformed into Bible Camp adventures; Christian fellowship shifts from Wednesday night dinners to international travel opportunities; even Sunday worship is consolidated into a single service (10:00 a.m.) so that we can worship as a full family of God.

But make no mistake. Even though the pace changes, important ministry still goes on. God does not take a break for the summer, and neither do God’s people. Worship and Adult Bible study continue. Prayer and service are still crucial. The needs we address together continue to require your support in time, talent, and treasure. New people still come to worship, waiting to be welcomed with the love and compassion of Christ.

I encourage you to change your pace this summer too. Do something new to strengthen your faith and to grow in Christian service. Check out a book from our church library (the new children's books have been catalogued and look great!). Make plans to spend more time with your family and friends. Commit yourself to a new volunteer opportunity (Habitat continues to build in Dunedin; VBS needs helpers; the environment needs care, especially if oil washes up on the shore; elderly neighbors need help with storm preparedness). Learn a new skill. Even if you can’t travel to Bible Camp or Oberammergau, make your own plans to explore some new part of God’s wonderful world — even if it’s just a mile away or in the pages of a book.

The change of pace that summer brings can be a time of newness and renewal. Let’s grow together in faith, service and love!

Pastor Alan

St. Mark’s WELCA will meet for their annual luncheon before the summer break Tuesday, June 1at 11:15—11:30 a.m. at the Olive Garden on U.S. 19. If you have signed up and need a ride, contact the church office. This is our last together until our regular meetings resume in September.

Our Women’s Bible study group meets the 2nd Thursday of the month at 10:00 a.m. throughout the summer. All women are welcome to join this group which is based on a study taken from Lutheran Women Today, a monthly publication of the ELCA.

Our annual Scholarship Auction raises funds to provide modest scholarships as gifts of love to St. Mark’s college and military-bound high school graduates. To make the auction a success, we need donations of good quality items and services that would appeal to a broad range of St. Mark’s members. In the past, we’ve auctioned unique baked goods, personal and professional services, gift baskets, use of vacation property, gift certificates and tickets, as well as many other treasures from our members. If you’d like to donate, there are forms in the Narthex or talk to Carol Bernstein 942-8968 or e-mail her at crbern13@verizon.net. Then join us June 20 for a fun auction.

Congratulations to our 2010 Confirmands: Nick Piatt and Jeremy Swartz, who will also be entering high school this year and to our 2010 high school graduates: Christine Barberis, Julie Kitchen, Tabitha Piatt, Devon Root and Jonathan Rude. We wish them God’s blessings as they embark on a new chapter of their lives.

Scholarship Auction is June 20 at 11:00 a.m., with proceeds funding college scholarships for our graduating seniors.

VBS - Noah’s Ark — the Experience, offered at St. Mark June 21-25, will feature songs, stories, crafts, games and three awesome field trips. Thanks to all our teachers and helpers. Signup deadline has been extended to June 3.

Lutherock Campers will attend Lutherock July 18 and return July 24. Watch your Sunday bulletin and mail for further information on when we will be leaving.

Luther Springs Elementary youth campers will attend Luther Springs in Hawthorne, Florida the week of July 31—August 7.

From June 29 to July 11, 37 members and friends of St. Mark will experience the historic Oberammergau Passion Play and journey together in Germany, Austria and France. The trip will be a blessing, not only to those who travel, but to our whole congregation as our members return with new insight, knowledge and commitment to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Please keep them in your prayers and look forward to their return, when they will share their experiences (and maybe even host a fantastic Oktoberfest this Fall).

While Pastors Alan and Phyllis are gone, pastoral support and worship leadership will be provided by three ELCA pastors who are actively involved at St. Mark. Thanks to Ron Garrett, Ray Otto and Connie Bonner for their help.