The Sunday after Easter, we witnessed the baptism of Addyson Shea O’Connell and celebrated the wonderful news that, through Holy Baptism, we are forever united to the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. We are made God’s people through this sacrament and our lives in Christ bear witness to all that he has done. As we watch little Addyson grow in faith and love, we are called to support her and her family through our faith and prayers. There is no greater privilege!

At the end of May, we claim our baptismal identity in another way as we celebrate the Feast of Pentecost — that day when the Holy Spirit filled the whole church, giving us power and purpose as God’s people. Tongues of fire, rushing wind, and the ability to speak in other languages were the signs of the Spirit on that first Pentecost. But those signs are nothing compared to the love, compassion, courage, and self-giving that the Holy Spirit empowers each day in our lives and in the lives of those we love. The Spirit is God at work for you and in you and through you, helping you to live in the promises and hope of your baptism.

WEAR RED on Pentecost Sunday, May 27, as a sign of the Spirit burning within us so that we might share Christ’s love in all we say and do.

In honor of all our mothers, the men and youth of St. Mark invite you to a Mothers Day Breakfast following worship on Sunday, May 13. 
Proceeds from the free will offering will benefit our youth program and summer mission trip. We’re still in need of a few men to help out. 
To offer your kitchen skills, please email Pastor Alan at pastoralan@tampabay.rr.com.

Join us for a seminar for parents and grandparents of pre-teens/teens (and other interested adults) on using healthy communication and encouragement. Encouragement is a continuous process aimed at giving a child a sense of self-respect and a sense of accomplishment. Encouragement is recognizing and conveying faith in a child.

Healthy communication with our children allows them to learn the art of interpersonal effectiveness. Keeping the lines of communication open gives parents the best chance of remaining a constant positive force in their lives. Encouragement allows children to feel they belong through shared decision making, involvement, and meaningful contributions.

This seminar will be lead by Linda Peterman, Licensed Mental Health Counselor, on Sunday, May 20, after the service at 10:45 AM. You are welcome to bring friends, family or anyone who you think would benefit from this discussion.

The Council brainstormed about the Christian education of our children and made initial recommendations for next Fall. Discussion continued on a possible congregation retreat in the Fall. The pastors presented details of new Communion ware and a distribution method which will be inaugurated later this year. The treasurer reported that member giving is well above budget and in excess of current expenses, thanks to a special member gift and the continued faithful giving of all the people of God at St. Mark. Thank you for your partnership in this ministry. Please continue your generosity in the more challenging months of summer.

WELCA will meet Tuesday, May 1 at 9:30 AM. Our program will be a movie followed by discussion. All are welcome. We will be taking plants to our homebound members in May.

Elementary Youth had a fantastic Easter Scavenger Hunt! We had 10 children and their families joining us; eight were visitors. Thanks to Barb and Caroline for all their help!

EASY, CHEAP and HEALTHY is a free hands-on cooking class with Chef John for high school and college students who want to sharpen their cooking skills. The class is Sunday, May 20 from 2:00 PM -5:00 PM and is limited to six participants. Talk to the pastors now to secure your spot.

Vacation Bible School will be held cooperatively with Lutheran Church of the Palms on Nebraska Avenue in Palm Harbor. VBS will be held June 11—15 from 9:00 AM—noon. Details for helpers and children will be mailed out later in May.

Confirmation Classes conclude for the year on May 9, with the rite of Confirmation held in the Fall.

We need you! Middle and HS students and their families are asked to help out for the Mothers Day Breakfast May 13 and the Italian Dinner and BINGO on June 2. Both will raise funds for the youth program.

Congratulations to our Graduates! Becca Anderson, Kristopher Bryant, Dylan Husserl, Austin Reed, Alice Salmon, and Ben Schumacher are all graduating from high school this spring. Our Annual Scholarship Auction will be held on Fathers Day, June 17 to raise money for scholarships for these talented young people. Nathan Wolkenhauer is graduating from USF. (Please let us know if we’re missing anybody.)

It’s not only mothers who give the gift of life! Blood donors do too. Sign up and stop by the blood mobile on Mothers Day, May 13, to donate a pint of life-giving blood to someone in need. Do it honor of your mother!

Sit at club level (with private elevator access) in padded seats with overhead protection from the weather! Enjoy an all-you-can-eat buffet of ballpark favorites, as well as pulled pork, baked beans and more, with little or no lines. An awesome fireworks display follows the game. Gates and buffet open at 5:30 PM with the game starting at 6:30 PM. Sign up sheet in the Narthex starting May 1. Cost $19.00 adults, $14.00 12 and under, with plenty of financial help available (talk to Pastor Alan).

Mark your calendars for Saturday, June 2 at 5:00 PM when the youth of St. Mark will sponsor 
another awesome night of Italian food and BINGO to benefit youth ministries and our summer mission trip. Tickets are $5 each and include a complete dinner as well as a card for the first round of BINGO. Tickets will be on sale in the Narthex and church office beginning May 20. Additional cards can be purchased at the event for each round of BINGO at a cost of $1 each.