Posts from 2017

Posts from 2017

2017 Youth Group Christmas Party

On Sunday evening Dec. 17, 2017 the Youth Group had their Christmas party in fellowship hall, featuring a live animated Christmas tree (Chris Ryan) and one of Santa’s elves (Tom Holt). Thanks to Kim Ryan and Donna Robinson for the pics

Bill Maiden Honored by University Hospitals

On Monday Dec. 11, 2017 Bill Maiden, a long time St. Mark member was honored for his service in the military by University Hospital Hospice. Bill was presented with a pin and certificate honoring his military service in the United States Marine Corps. Bill told the group about his growing up as a youth in Alabama through his service to the United States as a Marine in World War II. He also led a stirring rendition of “God Bless America,”.…

November Community Lunch

Nov 30, 2017 was Turkey Day for the community surrounding St. Mark. Home made turkey stuffing casserole was the main course at the St. Mark monthly community free lunch. Fellowship Hall was full of laughter and conversations , the St. Mark bus “Prayforce One” brought people from the West Geauga Senior Center, food and friendship was the order of the day. The next community lunch will be Dec.27! Mark your calendars and celebrate Christmas with us.

December Men’s Breakfast

On Dec 2, 2017, the men of St.Mark met at the Rise and Dine Cafe in downtown Chesterland for their monthly fellowship breakfast. This month’s speaker was Rev. Lud Golz, retired Pastor at Fellowship Bible church in Chagrin Falls, OH. Rev. Golz website is here http://www.gettinggodsmessage.org/meet_golz.html        

St. Mark Celebrates Bill Maiden at 95

Often described as the “Spiritual Soul” of the St. Mark congregation, Bill Maiden had his 95th birthday celebrated on Sunday Nov. 27 in the St. Mark Fellowship Hall. For those of you that don’t know Bill listen to the “Voices of Faith” interview by Pastor Matzke below. https://www.stmarkchester.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Bill-MaidenVOF.mp3 The members of St. Mark love and cherish Bill. We are grateful for his living faith that he shares with all that he come in  contact with.

Gift of the Magi Christmas Boutique – Magical

On Nov. 10 and 11th , the St. Mark church  entrance, hallways and Fellowship Hall were turned into a magical Christmas boutique. Beautifully displayed, colorful hand made Christmas gifts were available for purchase during the event. The proceeds will be used to fund projects and ministries by the Women’s League at St. Mark. This annual boutique at St. Mark features a preview party fellowship event  on the Friday night before the event is open to the general public. Special thanks…

Clayton Heuer – New Organist at St. Mark

October saw major change in the music ministry at St. Mark. Longtime organist Hildred Tornberg stepped down from her position as organist at St. Mark. Hildred will still direct the choir. St, Mark is pleased to announce that member Clayton Heuer has assumed the position of organist. Clayton is the son of Don and Carolyn Heuer, members of St. Mark. Clayton, has A Master of Music from Michigan State University. Notable performances include the American Guild of Organists, Bach Festival…

Rev. Terry Cripe, Ohio District LCMS President visits St. Mark

On Monday November 6, 2017 , Rev. Terry Cripe, Ohio District President of the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod visited St. Mark. Rev. Cripe gave a presentation on what churches can do to spread the Good News of Jesus Christ. Rev. Cripe pointed out many different ways congregations can be more inviting from simple signage changes to streamlining sermons. Pastor Mark Matzke, Saint Mark Senior Pastor, was invited to pray by Rev. Cripe at the conclusion of each sections of Rev.…

November Men’s Breakfast

Every month the men of St. Mark meet for breakfast at the Rise and Dine cafe in downtown Chesterland.  A short presentation on various topics is presented by speakers from all walks of life. This month Deacon Chris Ryan spoke about the cycles of life and used a leaf as an illustration. Chris jokingly said all the guys were reminded of all the work they had ahead of them, cleaning up the leaves in their yards. Next breakfast is Dec.…

Honoring Service, Serving the Needy, Fellowship, Bibles for Kids

The weekend ending on Sunday Sept 24, was a busy time at St. Mark. Hildred Tornberg, the longtime church organist retired from playing the organ. Hildred will still direct the choir. The congregation appreciates  her years of service and dedication to excellence in music at St. Mark . Satuday we served a meal those in need at Building Hope In The City(BHIC), the urban outreach of Trinity Lutheran on the near west Side of Cleveland. St. Mark serves a meal…