Augsburg's Transformation Project
Wednesday, 16 July, 7:00 p.m.
Augsburg Lutheran Home of Maryland is setting the stage for a "Transformation Project" that will change nursing care. The goal is to transform an institutionally focused service provider to one that is person focused. Our congregation has been invited to participate in the project.
     On July 16, a forum will be held at St. Mark's to learn of this proposed project. Members and friends are urged to attend.
     Having Augsburg located in Northwest Baltimore is a great asset for us when persons need skilled nursing care, assisted living, or independent living.

Parish Picnic
Sunday, August 17, 1:00 PM
We will gather at 1:00, at the home of Donna and Harold Fink in Pasadena. Join us for an afternoon of food and fun on the Magothy River!

Keen-Agers
The Keen-Agers will not meet in July or August. In September, our parish nurse, Penny Paul, will make two presentations on emergency preparedness. Mark your calendar for Wednesday, 17 September 2008, at 10:00 for the first presentation. The second date is Sunday, 28 September, at 12:30 p.m. These presentations are for everyone.

Farewell and Godspeed to…
…Nicole and Greg Weddig, who are moving out of state. We're grateful for their faithful service to St. Mark's. Greg deserves credit for the beautiful large photo on the home page of this web site.
…the Rev. Kate and John Kidd, who are moving to Washington, DC, where John has been called to serve as pastor of Augustana Lutheran Church. We have appreciated their teaching and service to the congregation and hope to see them from time to time.

Visioning Task Force
Even though the task force will suspend activity during the summer months, the suggestion box will welcome your suggestions in any season! A considerable number of helpful suggestions have already come through the suggestion box, located just outside the rear entrance to Lehr Hall.

Service Opportunity
If you would like to volunteer your time and talents in service to the church, please see the announcement by our council president here.

Synod Assembly
The Delaware-Maryland Synod gathered earlier this summer at Gettysburg's Eisenhower Center. Our congregation was represented at the assembly by Pastor Dusman, Theresa Langdon, and Brad Schlegel.
     Anti-racism was the focus throughout the assembly, manifested especially in the theme, "Come to the Table: An Invitation Across Race, Culture and Class."
     The Rev. John Nunes, president and CEO of Lutheran World Relief, used his experience with LWR as the basis for a Bible study on the theme. "I want to commend you," he told a rapt audience, "for daring to tackle one of the most difficult topics in America." Using passages from Revelation, Luke and 1 Corinthians, Nunes talked about "A Healing That Splashes," "A Word That Smashes," and "A Ministry That Crashes."

Pastors recognized for 55 years of ministry
At the June synod assembly, two clergy connected to St. Mark's were recognized for fifty-five years as ordained pastors.
     The Rev. John Yost, who served as pastor of St. Mark's from 1959 to 1970, retired after serving Epiphany Lutheran Church.
     The Rev. Carl Heim Greenawald, after serving congregations in Pennsylvania, was Director of Pastoral Care Services, at the University of Maryland Medical Center in Baltimore from 1967 to 1998.

Synod offers trip to Finland and Estonia
The Delaware-Maryland Synod Companion Synod Program with the Diocese of Tampere (Finland) and the Diocese of Estonia will be sponsoring a trip to both countries, 16-30 September 2008.
     This program provides the opportunity to visit Estonia and Finland with the people who live there, to practice our faith with them, and to establish lasting relationships with our fellow synod travelers as well as those in Finland and Estonia. In different ways, both countries are extremely beautiful and interesting.
     The full amount of the trip is estimated to be $1,500. Pastor Matt Furhman will be leading this trip.

Requiescant in Pace
Our sympathy is expressed to the families and friends of those who have died:
Betty Rouse, a friend of St. Mark's for many years, died on Saturday, 14 June, at Salisbury, MD.
Blance Dvoskin, a member of St. Mark's and a resident of Keswick Home, died on Saturday, 21 June, at the age of 94.
Ruth Osbahr, mother of Nancy DeBell, died Sunday, 22 June, at her home at North Myrtle Beach, SC.

Browsing the Book Corner
For the avid reader, a Book Corner has been set up in the hallway between Lehr Hall and St. Mark's Store. An interestingly wide variety of hardbacks and paperbacks is available at absolutely unbelievable prices - mostly 50¢ or $1. Some are quite current. There are some coffee table volumes at slightly higher prices (possible gifts. . . ?).      If you suffer from shrinking bookspace at home, you might consider buying, reading, and returning a book or books for re-sale. Reading opens whole new vistas as an antidote to television!

Coffee Project Continues and Expands
We continue to participate in the Lutheran World Relief Coffee Project offering Equal Exchange Fair Traded Products, including coffee, chocolate, organic tea, and cocoa. Our latest addition is Espresso in regular and decaf beans.
     Hear are the voices of some of the producers:
* Blanca Rosa, General Manager of Promotora de Desarollo Cooperativo de las Segovias (PRODECOOP), Nicaragua: "Coffee farming forms the principal economy of the country, but until recently women did not enter into it. Now women form a significant portion of coffee producers: thirty-six percent. We are found within the management structure, we are in the administration, and this is very important. Fair Trade allowed this to happen."
* Tadesse Meskela, General Manager of Oromia Coffee Farmers Cooperative Union (OCFCU), Ethiopia: "Fair Trade is just asking a fair price for our product. The price of coffee has stayed low while the price of other commodities has increased. We don’t ask for charity; we ask for the right price for our product."
* Rocio Motato, Organizer of the Small-Scale Coffee Farmers Association (ASPROCAFE) in Ingrumá, Colombia: "We deeply appreciate Equal Exchange. Our relationship with them is much more than commercial; it is very human. Why? Because Equal Exchange has visited us, and they understand the producers' reality. They have linked us with other organizations like Lutheran World Relief, which has helped us to develop the youth animal project, improving productivity on coffee farms. Our youth raise animals to produce more fertilizer for crops. This project is very important for us because we are in a zone of conflict. The project motivates youth to stay on farms and not join one of the armed groups."
     The prices charged at St. Mark's reflect the cost and are not set to raise additional funds. Our project is designed to bring us quality products while helping others. Please patronize our Equal Exchange display in Lehr Hall. Contact Paul Walker with any questions or requests.

News from the Neighborhood!
Several years ago, the Station North Arts & Entertainment District was created in the area surrounding St. Mark's Church. The district is an interesting mix of cultural and entertainment venues. One important component is the ever-growing number of artists who have studios spread throughout the 100 acre district. In fact, one of the artists who has space in the Load of Fun Gallery at 120 West North Avenue is Rebecca Siegmund, daughter of Paul, and granddaughter of Elsa Jane and Jack Siegmund.
      The presence of artists along with theatres, restaurants, businesses, and a growing number of residents, is making our neighborhood more exciting and interesting. Buildings are being renovated and new residential units are being constructed. There is growing excitement as we welcome new people and new business to the Station North Arts & Entertainment District.
      Pastor Dusman serves on the Board of Directors for the District and has been involved with its planning since inception. Look around for new growth. What has been seen for many years as a neglected area is now becoming a desirable neighborhood for investment.