WHAT TO EXPECT
You can expect to meet friendly and authentic people; experience relevant worship that includes people of all ages; preaching from the Bible; an invitation to serve others; and an opportunity to be a part of a community. You can expect to find a church where creativity and fellowship come together, creating a dynamic community that makes a difference. And, you can expect to be encouraged, challenged, called to serve, and, most importantly, welcomed.
These words of Jesus keep inspiring this community in new and creative ways: "I was hungry and you fed me, I was thirsty and you gave me a drink, I was homeless and you gave me a room, I was shivering and you gave me clothes,I was sick and you stopped to visit,I was in prison and you came to me.“Then those ‘sheep’ are going to say, ‘Master, what are you talking about? When did we ever see you hungry and feed you, thirsty and give you a drink? And when did we ever see you sick or in prison and come to you?’ Then the King will say, ‘I’m telling the solemn truth: Whenever you did one of these things to someone overlooked or ignored, that was me—you did it to me.’ - Jesus. (Luke 25:36-40)
Worship
At the center of our live together as St Mark is worship. Each Sunday morning we gather together at 9:00 AM, as well as Wednesday evenings during lent and Holy Week, and special times for Christmas Eve. All worship services at St Mark are created for people of all ages. Children are included in the service as well as helping to lead. The themes and topics we touch on in worship are relevant and current. Preaching is from the Bible. Prayers are offered at all worship services as well and an invitation to share in Holy Communion. At each service you will be invited to serve others and be a part of a community growing more diverse. We are a mid-sized. congregation so there is alway room for a few more. We live-stream all services via our Facebook Page.
Serving our neighbors
At St Mark we share a deep passion for justice and compassion. We demonstrate this by loving our neighbors. Some of the ways we serve others is by: gathering and distributing food and other items to our neighbors; visiting and getting to know our neighbors; holding community conversations and other events for the entire community. And by welcoming new friends from the community to gather together in our church building for many different activities.
Ministering together
We are grateful for the gifts of ministry that God has given to this congregation. We believe , and invite everyone to discover their gifts for ministry. As Paul wrote: "God’s various gifts are handed out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. God’s various ministries are carried out everywhere; but they all originate in God’s Spirit. We look for ways for everyone to be able to share their abilities.
Youth and Children
Our life together as St Mark is greatly enriched through the participation and inclusion of young children (ages 3 through grade 5) and students (Middle School through High School) Parents and adults are involved in leading age-appropriate learning opportunities and activities. Young children and students volunteer their time, and abilities, ministering alongside people of all ages. And for those wondering about Confirmation classes, yes, we do have those, though we learn a bit differently than perhaps mom and dad did.
COLLABORATE
As you are around St Mark you will quickly learn that the St Mark community is quite diverse . In many ways we look like Storm Lake does throughout the week through the many ministry opportunities that take place each week. St Mark has become a community center where many groups from different backgrounds gather together to create a culture of compassion and service.
GIVE TO ST MARK
Giving is a part of our worship to God. It has been said that you can tell nearly everything about a person by the way they spend their money. Whether you are getting started with giving by making a one time gift, you are a weekly or monthly gifts, tithing, or thinking of something else, your gifts help to accomplish ministry and service in our communities and beyond. We give out of gratitude and love! You can give your gift safely and securely online - click on the link below to give now. Thank you.
St Mark is a member of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA)is one of the largest Christian denominations in the United States, with nearly 2.8 million members in more than 8,500 worshiping communities across the 50 states and in the Caribbean region.
St Mark Lutheran Church
1614 West 5th Street, Storm Lake, Iowa 50588
(712) 732-5255 • hello@stmarkstormlake.com