Faith Journey: A series of weekly gatherings at St. Mark’s that gives participants an opportunity to hear each other’s stories, explore questions of faith, build relationships, and listen for God’s call. Faith Journey is designed for seekers and visitors to St. Mark’s but is always open to St. Mark’s members as well. Wednesdays, September 30 - November 4, 6- 7:15 p.m. To sign up for the Fall session, please email Pr. Bri.

SWWA Women of the ELCA: SWWA Synod's annual Women's Convocation will be held on October 10 from 10-4 p.m. at St. Mark Lutheran Church in Lacey. Please reach out to Deacon Ingelaurie by Sept. 27 if you are interested in attending. Pastor Beth Utto-Galarneau will be presenting on Growing in Faith: The Art of Becoming.

Looking ahead to fall: Welcome to Fall programming for students in grades 6-12. Please complete this interest survey so we can plan ahead for the fall--thanks!

Blessing of Educators and Learners--Sunday, September 13, at the end of all 3 services (8:20 a.m., 9:50 a.m. and 11:10 a.m.) 

Faith formation classes for all students grades PreK-12th grade begin September 20 at 9:40 a.m.( please note the new time). 

Peer Ministry Training--Saturday, September 26 for students grades 6-12. Sign up here to attend by September 16.​ The cost is only $20.00 per student. 

Fall Retreat with area churches- November 6- 8, grades 6- 12, in Auburn. Sign up here. Cost: $175.00 pp.

ELCA Youth Gathering for students in grades 8-12 (2026-2027 school year)--June 28-July 2(travel day June 27), Minneapolis, MN. Yes, I am interested in this event--sign up here.

• Cost breakdown for the gathering per person: $450.00-$525.00 Registration; $350-400 food; $450-500 for hotel; airfare $500-$700.00. Fundraising opportunities are available as well as some scholarship funds through the church. Please don't let the cost prevent you from attending. 

Youth Group begins October 1 for students grades 6-12

• Dessert & Devotions: October 11, location and time TBA
• ​Corn Maze October 18--More information coming soon. 
• Affirmation of Baptism Service/Confirmation Sunday--October 25 at 11:10 a.m.

Raising Faithful Kids Devotion Series: Check out this week's self-guided devotional practice from the nationwide project we are participating in, Raising Faithful Kids. Each week of the summer, we are posting a short devotion from this series that you can integrate into your week as you see fit! We hope these devotions can provide opportunities for meaningful reflection and contemplation for you and your family.

Gathering Day at St. Mark’s! On Sunday, September 13, we will kick off the fall with an All-Church Gathering Day. This will be our first Sunday in our new three-service worship schedule, and an opportunity to

share in the joy of gathering together after the summer months! This day will take the place of both the Ministry Fair and the Congregational Picnic. We’ll gather for worship, then as we are sent out there will be opportunities to engage in fellowship and fun; share a potluck brunch; fill our calendars with fall activities; and sign up for various volunteer opportunities.

● Fellowship & Fun: Take some serious or silly photos at the St. Mark’s Photo Booth. Check out fun activities for the young at heart in the Courtyard. Most of all, have fun reconnecting in fellowship after the summer!

● Potluck Brunch: Dig in to a delicious potluck brunch from 9:20 a.m. to 11:10 a.m.! SIGN UP HERE to bring an egg dish or breakfast protein, a baked good, or fresh fruit.

● Get Involved: Did you know it takes about 40 people - not including staff or musicians! - for Sunday Worship and Fellowship to happen each week? In addition, there are lots of opportunities to volunteer with partner ministries or get involved here at St. Mark’s. Bring your calendars and sign up (on paper!) to serve or mark down the activities you’re interested in.

College Cheerleaders Needed: It's that time of the year again and our students are headed off to or are about to head off to college. We are looking for about 35-40 volunteers to be cheerleaders for our college students this year. If this is something you are interested in, please complete this form. I will reach out later in September and let you know who you have been matched with. Thanks for supporting our college-age young adults.

Thinking Ahead to Fall: Monthly meals to the OASIS Youth Drop-In Center continue, with plenty of need for SIGN-UPS for September and October. Be a part of a team that makes homemade foods to nourish young people in need. CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP. Big thanks to the August team: Diana B., Diana S., Paula F., Nancy H., Kate C, Carolyn P., Karis C. Questions? Contact Karis Crocco or Roz Lueck-Mammen. OASIS is the only LGBTQ+ youth organization in Pierce County. Their philosophy is “to cultivate accessible pathways for youth to thrive authentically." More info about OASIS here.

Join us for SUMMER worship on Sundays at 9:00 and 10:30 a.m.!

Upcoming Fall Worship Schedule:

On Sunday, September 13, we will launch our new 3-service worship schedule!

- 8:20 a.m.-9:20 a.m.: First Service

- 9:15 a.m.-11:15 a.m.: Gathering Day All-Church Celebration (see: Gathering Day Announcement)

- 9:50 a.m.-10:50 a.m.: Second Service

- 11:10 a.m.-12:10 p.m.: Third Service

On Sunday, September 20, we will begin Faith Formation for all ages.

- 9:40 a.m.-10:30 a.m.: Children's (PreK-4th Grade) Faith Formation. Kids will head up to the second service to worship with their class or families from 10:30-10:50.

- 9:40 a.m.-10:40 a.m.: Youth (5th-12th Grade) Faith Formation. Youth will remain in their classes for discussion and learning through this time.

- 9:40 a.m.-10:40 a.m.: Adult Faith Formation

Share prayer requests with us by sending them to: prayers@smlutheran.org. 

St. Mark's Podcast Channel: Be sure to check out the St. Mark's podcast channel for weekly sermon recordings and special podcast content published throughout the year. St. Mark's podcasts are available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, and more. You can also access our podcast feed directly on our website.