Beth Miller

January 21, 2019January 21, 2019

Lutheran Community Services seeks help to address food emergency

Lutheran Community Services is asking for help as the potential for a food emergency increases during the lengthy government shutdown.

In a recent email to supporters, LCS said the shutdown threatens to upset the safety net for many low-income households. More than 2,500 low-income households come to one of LCS’ 15 food distributions for nutritious food each month. Many also rely on SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, formerly known as Food Stamps, to obtain food. February’s SNAP benefits are being paid early, on January 20, but after that no further benefits will be provided as long as the shutdown continues.

If SNAP benefits cannot be funded, LCS expects a dramatic increase in the need for food assistance as LCS becomes a primary source of food for those in need. As one pantry client expressed it, “there will be a line down the street and around the corner!” LCS estimates needing to buy up to three times the amount of food normally purchased to meet the emergency. This would include providing more food to existing clients and meeting the needs of new ones. Even if the shutdown is resolved, LCS expects a surge in February because of the early distribution of that month’s SNAP benefits.

In order to get ahead of this situation, LCS is asking for financial help. Please visit the LCS website — www.lcsde.org — for more information on how you can help or call (302) 654-8886.

Also on the LCS website is information about how to organize a food drive as well as a grocery list of the food most often needed, including:

Ravioli, spaghetti, meatballs in sauce
Tuna/chicken/salmon
Beef stew
Corned beef hash
Ham and other canned meats
Canned fruit
Canned vegetables – spinach, yams, carrots etc.
Soup/stew
Beans
Pasta
Crackers
Macaroni and cheese
Cereal, grits, cereal bars, oatmeal
Peanut butter
Fruit juice
Dry or evaporated milk
Baking mixes for pancakes, waffles

December 18, 2018December 18, 2018

‘Compass Team’ starts work on strategic plan

A new team at St. Mark’s has started work on a strategic plan for our congregation, which has served the north Wilmington area for more than 75 years.

The team is working with Pastor Scott Maxwell and Jim LaDoux of the Vibrant Faith initiative to evaluate the church’s mission and provide detailed information to church leaders as we all plan for our future and our impact in the community.

The work starts with a fact-finding phase, an assessment of the church and its community context. Your voice and views will be essential and valuable during this process. Much more information on this fact-finding effort will be coming soon.

The team chose “Compass Team” as its name, reflecting the desire to pursue our True North – Jesus.

“The goal of the Compass Team is to work with the people of St Mark’s to discern God’s plan for our future and reflect it in strategic goals and actions that we hope the entire congregation can get excited about,” said Nancy Wilkerson, team convener. “Obviously, we can’t be successful without you. Over the coming weeks we will be reaching out to everyone at St Mark’s through surveys, focus groups and other activities to help us in the data-gathering phase of the process. Look for more information on this phase of the process in mid-January.”

The team chose Isaiah 6:8 as a guiding Scripture: “Then I heard the Lord asking, ‘Whom should I send as a messenger to this people?’ I said, ‘Here I am. Send me.’”

Also on the team are Nichole Bishop, Peg Bradley, Dwight Novotny, Mike Patterson and Beth Miller.

November 14, 2018November 17, 2018

St. Mark’s joins forces with Family Promise

New doors are opening – literally – for the St. Mark’s family in its partnership with Family Promise of Northern New Castle County, which recently announced its new Hospitality Center for families in need of temporary housing. And our first week of service is special indeed – Christmas Week! We will serve from December 23-30.

“What an opportunity for us to be Jesus’ hands and feet, opening our hearts and giving of our time and ourselves by providing meals, hospitality and support to those who need it most,” said Barb Gilbert, who with Pam Waters is coordinating the St. Mark’s team.

The Hospitality Center includes two ranch houses on the grounds of the Jesus House on Milltown Road. The Center will accommodate six families, up to 20 individuals. Continue reading “St. Mark’s joins forces with Family Promise”

November 13, 2018November 19, 2018

New tree in memory of Liz Lauber

Group gathered around newly planted tree

St. Mark’s lost a beloved member and servant in 2018 — Liz Lauber, who served our congregation with her music and gifts for more than 50 years.

Many of us — including many children — were taught and encouraged by Liz. On Sunday, Nov. 4, many youth from our Sunday School classes had a hand in planting a new tree in her honor and memory.

Barb Gilbert led a brief ceremony between the morning worship services, including Scripture, prayer and a series of readings by children and adults who had written expressions of gratitude for Liz.

“Thank you for letting me sing a solo,” one young girl read. “It was lots of fun. Thank you for having me sing ‘Away in the Manger,’ even when I was scared. We miss you so so so so so much.”

An adult friend said: “We love and miss your energetic spirit and hope music fills all of your days now. You are missed and can never be replaced.”

Another adult said “Our hearts are full of so many cherished memories. Your spirit will always be with us at St. Mark’s.”

After the ceremony, Tim Gilbert, Faith Patterson and Tim Bishop helped the youth plant the small evergreen that now stands just outside our building’s main entrance.

Along with the tree, they also planted a small time capsule, filled with written tributes, and placed two cross-shaped pavers created and decorated by St. Mark’s children earlier this year.

“We ask for your blessing upon this tree and upon us. May it serve as a sign of hope and a reminder of Mrs. Lauber and her dedication to You, the children and to the music program at St. Mark’s. As we watch it grow in the years ahead, may it inspire us to grow in Your service as we remember our dear servant, Mrs. Lauber. Through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.” — Barb Gilbert