St. Mark's Youth & Family

11/18/2024

"As we move toward Thanksgiving and the bustle of the holiday season, we may need the reminder to use what small pockets of time we have to pray.

"Have your family write a prayer together for each day. Talk about what and whom you might pray for. You can add these written prayers to a prayer jar or display them in your home."

November provides ample opportunity to focus on gratitude. Is it also the perfect time to dwell in prayer? An ELCA pastor explores.

10/23/2024

"The Ministry with Children Grant program awarded $20,000 in grants in 2023. It is in the process of naming recipients for $20,000 in grants in 2024, whose recipients include outdoor ministries and programs for underserved populations, Hooper said.

"The grants, she added, are serving others. Some of the congregations 'aren’t getting members out of this, but [they are] ministering to the most vulnerable kids in their community,' Hooper said. 'Truly thinking about ministry to kids is doing it to serve the kids and having them know God’s love. That’s why it’s an essential ministry. It feels great to be a part of that.'”

Two ELCA congregations received ELCA Ministry with Children Grants that help congregational programs focused on children.

10/16/2024

"Camp doesn’t function as a lone drum in the wilderness. Camp is at its best when it seeks rhythm and harmony with the camper’s supporting networks in the home and local church."

ELCA Outdoor Ministries camps across the country partner with churches and families to pass faith on to the next generation.

Research finds that camp is at its best when it seeks rhythm and harmony with the camper’s supporting networks in the home and local church.

10/16/2024

08/27/2024

Gracious and Loving God,
As the new school year begins, we seek Your blessings on students, teachers, and staff. Grant students curiosity and wisdom, teachers patience and creativity, and parents understanding and support. Bless school staff with the ability to create safe, welcoming environments. Protect all who are returning to school and guide us with Your Holy Spirit.
In Jesus' name, we pray.
Amen.

Gracious and Loving God,

As the new school year begins, we seek Your blessings on students, teachers, and staff. Grant students curiosity and wisdom, teachers patience and creativity, and parents understanding and support. Bless school staff with the ability to create safe, welcoming environments. Protect all who are returning to school and guide us with Your Holy Spirit.

In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

07/23/2024

The final day of the Gathering welcomed all 16,000+ participants back to Smoothie King Arena for a Closing Worship service, with Presiding Bishop Elizabeth Eaton preaching on the story of the Good Samaritan. This service brought joy and dancing and holy movement and spirit-filled music, the ultimate culmination of a week where all were reminded of who God created them to be.

07/22/2024

Created to BE.

07/22/2024

What’s the good news? We’ll see you in Minneapolis in 2027! 😉