Quarterly Benevolence Update—Q3

From July through September, we are supporting ELCA World Hunger in our Quarterly Benevolence Program. This ministry of the ELCA fights food insecurity in over 60 countries worldwide. ELCA World Hunger is uniquely positioned to accompany communities in need because they work with congregations in the United States, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, as well as other partners and Lutheran churches overseas. From health clinics to microloans, water wells to farm animals, community meals to advocacy, your gifts to ELCA World Hunger make it possible for the ELCA to respond, supporting sustainable solutions that get at the root causes of hunger and poverty. For more information about this ministry, see the ELCA World Hunger web page at https://www.elca.org/how-we-serve/relief-and-development/world-hunger.

During the 3rd Quarter, your donations through the Quarterly Benevolence selection through our e-giving portal will go towards ELCA World Hunger. If you would like to donate by check or cash, please note your check or envelope with "Quarterly Benevolence" or "ELCA World Hunger”—thank you!

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2nd Quarter Benevolence Results

Thank you St. Mark’s! In the second quarter of 2026, the congregation contributed $5,680 to support Mar-Lu-Ridge, Caroline Furnace, and Joy Ranch. Thank you for supporting the programs of these youth and outdoor-focused ministries! 

2026 Benevolence for Each Quarter

The Council approved the following charities for quarterly benevolence recipients for 2026:

Q1 – Food for Others / ECHO
Q2 – Caroline Furnace / Mar-Lu-Ridge / Joy Ranch
Q3 – ELCA World Hunger
Q4 – Lamb Center / FACETS

A Word of Caution!!!

To those of us who have keys to the church—and we all know this is an important responsibility! Please remember to check when leaving to ensure that this and any door you use is properly locked—especially Door #12 to the Fellowship Hall … THANK YOU!

Want to know our latest financial Update? … find it HERE!

From the Council President’s Desk …

Click HERE to see what’s new from the Council as well as the minutes from the November Congregational Meeting!

The "Watch and Pray" Bunch …

We meet every Sunday for 10-15 minutes after the English service at 11:00 AM in the Fellowship Hal1 for prayers … won’t you join us?!
Every Tuesday at noon the Lunch Bunch meets in the Lounge for lunch (bring your own) and prayer. All are welcome.

Help for Disaster Relief—Eastern Europe and Ukraine

Looking for ways to help victims of the recent horrific earthquake damage in Eastern Europe and to assist Ukrainian refugees? The stories and images coming from these humanitarian crises are heartbreaking. Click HERE for more information, and you may donate online to assist in their efforts directly at https://community.elca.org/eastern-europe-crisis-response?_ga=2.266466318.1699478920.1646717665-1017767480.1646717665.  

Do you need to change your electronic donation for 2026?

Click HERE to download the form to use to change the amount and/or frequency of your electronic donation to St. Mark's. Download it, print it, fill it in as needed according to the directions, and drop it into our church Treasurer’s box in the church office and the new information will be entered into the Vanco system.

New This Week!

Click the indicated text to find out more information!

Venezuela Earthquake Relief! On June 24, twin earthquakes hit heavily populated areas of Venezuela, with over 1,450 people killed, 3,000+ injured, 12,000+ displaced, and 50,000+ people unaccounted for. How can we help? 

First, please pray for the victims and families and for all of the disaster response teams. Next, if you would like to financially support the relief efforts:

1) On the St. Mark’s website, the red Donate Online button takes you to our e-giving portal, where you can select “Earthquake Disaster Relief” and donate by credit card or bank draft. Alternatively, you can write a check to St. Mark’s and annotate it with "Earthquake Disaster Relief.” These funds will go to Lutheran Disaster Response, a ministry of the ELCA. These donations will be reflected in your St. Mark’s giving statements. 

2) Alternatively, you can contribute directly to ELCA’s Lutheran Disaster Response HERE.

Vacation Bible School for 2026: “God Is With Us”

July 12, 19, and 26 (Sundays)
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Ages 3 - rising 7th grade
Learn more HERE!
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St. Mark's Family Movie Night: 

”Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat”
Friday, July 17 @ 8:00 PM
Outside in Lower Parking Lot
Bring your own blanket or lawn chairs!
**Popcorn provided**
Rain Location: Fellowship Hall

July 11- The funeral service for The Rev. Neal Davidson will take place on Saturday, July 11 at 1:00 PM at Faith Lutheran Church (3313 Arlington Blvd, Arlington, VA 22201); a reception will follow. His obituary is available onlineand the service will be live streamed through the Faith Lutheran website.

August 15- St. Mark’s Annual Community Heath Fair 10:00 AM-1:00 PM

Favorite Hymns for Use during Summer 2026
Please use the link below to select as many of your favorite hymns in ELW as you would like. There is space at the end for hymns not in ELW. We will be selecting hymns for Sunday morning services this summer based on your input! -- https://forms.gle/vLLWn43pQigfc5LH6

Spring Congregation Meeting from Sunday, May 17, 2026—see a recap of the meeting HERE!

Community Lunch resumes—Pizza is served each Sunday at 1:30 PM. Join us—learn more HERE.

Support for Lutheran Church of the Covenant (Dale City) after the fire in their building—learn more HERE.

Click HERE for the form to dedicate flowers or one or more Sundays in 2026.

Scheduling Appointments with the Pastors
—Pastor Triolo
—Pastor Yvette

RECORDINGS of Catechism and Ancient Christian Teaching

Click HERE for videos of the sessions.

2026 FLOWER DEDICATIONS

Click HERE to learn about how our beautiful altar flowers are created and click HERE for the form to dedicate flowers or one or more Sundays in 2026!

Community Gateway Operating Hours

The Community Gateway is closed during the Montessori School operating hours and it will be open during evenings, weekends, and school holidays. St. Mark’s members may see more foot traffic during the daytime along our main entrance. If you have a church-related social services event that needs gateway access prior to 6:00 PM, please contact the Church Office, and Maritza will coordinate with the school. (The gateway will be opening early on Tuesdays for Food For Others.)

Drivers needed for ‘Food for Others’

We are losing another driver and desperately need two drivers with a station wagon, small SUV, or larger car to pick up food once a month on a Tuesday late afternoon. The FFO Warehouse is in Merrifield near the post office. On your scheduled Tuesday, you pick up crates from St. Mark’s and go to the FFO Warehouse around 4:00 PM. When you get back to church, a team will be there to divide and distribute the food. 

Please contact Nan Ackerman or Debbie Brown if you would be willing to share your time. Thank you for helping with this important ministry!

The teams also need extra help on Tuesdays from 5:00 PM to 6:30 PM and we will be happy to train you. These teams are short-handed due to members with illness, and some with travel plans. Families are welcome to come work together. This is a great experience for teaching children to help others.

Visit our “CARE FOR NEIGHBOR” page …

Click HERE for information on St. Mark’s both
‘out-reach’ and ‘in-reach’ programs!

Reminder to Close Doors

Please remember to lock and close all doors behind you as you exit the building. This is especially true for group activities when it is not always clear who will be the last person to depart. Be sure someone with a key is available to lock up.