Markings Newsletter
- December 2025
Volume: 12 | Issue: 102
The 2025 Interfaith Thanksgiving Dinner was a roaring success!
Living Our Faith: The Presence of God
A Letter from Rev. Quentisha Davis Wiles, MSW, ASW, MDIV, Senior Pastor
Beloved Saint Mark’s Community,
As we journey through this Advent season, I am mindful that we gather in trying times—times marked by uncertainty, changing plans, and pressures that test our faith. Yet even now, especially now, we are called to set our hearts on anticipation and waiting, knowing that God’s presence remains constant through every circumstance we face.
Our sermon series this month calls our attention to profound truths: that we can give thanks even in difficulty, receive God’s peace amid chaos, discover joy for the journey regardless of our trials, and trust divine wisdom when our plans must change. These aren’t empty platitudes—they are invitations to experience the living presence of God both internally, within our own hearts, and externally, as we witness God’s faithfulness in our lives and in our world.
I want to speak especially to those among us who are not in a celebratory spirit this Christmas. Perhaps grief, loss, disappointment, or struggle weighs heavily on your heart. Please know this: God is present with the broken-hearted, too. The psalmist declares, “The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18). You belong here. Your honest heart is welcome in this community.
As we navigate these December days, I encourage you to meditate on these scriptures:
Psalm 16:11 – “You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
James 1:5 – “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”
In a season saturated with commercialism, I invite us to turn our hearts toward the true spirit of Christmas—not the frenzy of consumption, but the wonder of Christ, the power of Love, and the gift of community. What actions can we take to experience and witness God’s presence? We can choose gratitude over anxiety. We can extend peace to troubled souls. We can share joy with those in sorrow. We can offer wisdom and companionship to those whose plans have been disrupted.
You are warmly invited to join us throughout this sermon series as we explore God’s Presence together. And please mark your calendars for our Christmas Eve Los Posadas service—a beautiful celebration of Christ’s coming and our journey of faith.
Be expectant, dear ones. God is with us now and forevermore. In these trying times, may we be people who live our faith not by denying reality, but by trusting in the One who meets us in every reality we face.
With faith, care and hope,
Pastor Q
Join Us for a Christmas Eve Las Posadas Celebration!
Wednesday, December 24 | 7:00 PM
Las Posadas, which means “The Inns,” is a traditional Advent/Christmas celebration in Latin America, particularly Mexico, and among many Mexican Americans. It dates back more than 400 years to Spain. Las Posadas traditionally is celebrated for nine nights from December 16 through 24, culminating in the Christmas Eve worship service. It is designed to reenact the story of Mary and Joseph’s journey to Bethlehem and search for lodging.
Join us for a shortened version of this tradition as well as favorite carols, music, and traditional candle lighting.
Christmas Music Celebration with Brass and Organ Sunday, December 28 | 10:00 AM
Join us on the First Sunday after Christmas for a festive service full of hope and joy, featuring a brass quartet playing music of the season with organ, favorite carols, other special music, and words of inspiration. Don’t miss this special Sunday!
Starting Monday, January 5, 2026, the office schedule will change:
Currently, the office is open Tuesday–Friday, but beginning in January, we’ll shift to Monday–Thursday to better serve our community and to align with Pastor Quentisha’s schedule, which is also Monday–Thursday, with her day off being Friday.
Questions? Contact the office at 916-483-7848.
Christmas Break Office Closure
Please note:
- The office will close early (half day) on Christmas Eve.
- After that, the office will remain closed for Christmas break and will reopen on Monday, January 5—with the new office schedule in effect.
Enjoy the holiday season, and thank you for planning ahead!
Office Staff Update
We want to share an important update with our Saint Mark’s community: Thomas Vilhjalms is no longer serving as our Office Administrator. Thomas’s time at Saint Mark’s was brief but impactful, and we wish him all the best as he begins a new employment journey!
The SPRC (Staff-Parish Relations Committee) is already interviewing candidates for his replacement, and our goal is to welcome a new Office Administrator at the start of the new year.
Please keep us in your prayers as we seek the right person to join the Saint Mark’s team and continue supporting our many ministries.
New Assistive Listening System
Have you been having problems hearing the Sunday morning worship service? If so, there is exciting news. A new Listening system has been installed for a better experience. There are twelve (12) new Receivers and earphones and three (3) Neck Loops to aid with a better listening experience during Sunday worship. The systems are available in the lobby/Narthex of the Sanctuary.
New Portable Public Address System (P.A. System)
A new portable Public Address System is available for use for meetings and events. It has been a longtime coming and will greatly help with sound during events in MacMurdo Hall and Wesley Hall.
Christmas Lunch at Sandy Allen’s Home Tuesday, December 9
Cost: $30 per person (checks payable to Saint Mark’s UMC).
This event is a joyful Christmas lunch and a fundraiser for Saint Mark’s, so your participation helps support our church community.
Please send your check directly to Sandy to reserve your spot—we always have a wonderful time together!
Christmas Brunch in MacMurdo Hall Sunday, December 14
After worship, come downstairs for a festive Christmas brunch!
Special Feature: Pick up holiday gifts and make a difference—the Angola VIM Team is raising funds for their 2026 missions.
If you’d like to help with the brunch, please call Sandy at 916-412-1958.
Come for the brunch, stay for the fellowship, and shop for stocking stuffers that support mission and ministry!
Trustees’ Project Updates
During this quarter, we have experienced a highly productive period marked by several significant accomplishments. The Board of Trustees has overseen and successfully completed the installation of a new HVAC system in the Grace Café, ensuring improved comfort and climate control for all who use the facility. In addition, we completed the conversion of ceiling lights in Mac Murdo Hall to energy-efficient Fluorescent LED fixtures, which will help reduce energy consumption and maintenance needs. We also replaced missing ceiling tiles, restoring the hall’s aesthetic and functionality. All these projects were completed within the allocated budget, reflecting careful planning and resource management.
Our efforts, however, are ongoing. We are currently planning to address the replacement of floor tiles and to pursue upgrades in both the men’s and women’s restrooms. These improvements are part of our commitment to maintaining and enhancing the quality of our campus facilities. Furthermore, we are also preparing to focus on the exterior of the campus facility to ensure it remains welcoming and well-maintained.
We would like to extend special thanks to all the groups whose dedication and hard work help maintain our campus grounds. The Trustees could not have achieved these goals without your invaluable contributions and continued support.
Sincerely,
Board Chair & Vice Chair
Help Us Winterize the Campus!
As autumn turns to winter, the leaves are falling in buckets—and with our abundance of trees, we need your help to keep Saint Mark’s campus looking beautiful and safe!
Many hands make light work, so please join us for upcoming workdays:
Saturday, December 6
Saturday, January 3
Time: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Tasks will include raking leaves, clearing walkways, and preparing the grounds for winter. Bring gloves, tools if you have them, and your energy!
Let’s roll up our sleeves, beautify our grounds, and share in fellowship spirit!
In-Person Worship:
Drop gifts in the offering plate during worship on Sundays
Secure Text to Give:
Text a numerical amount to 916.299.5706
Mail:
2391 St. Marks Way Sacramento, CA 95864
November Finances
Vitals 11/10/25 – 11/16/25
Special Offering = $0
Contributions Received 11/10/25 – 11/16/25
General = $5,506.75
Designated = $617.50
Annual General Budget = $770,086
Monthly Budget Requirement = $64,174
Year to Date through 10/31/2025
Total Income through Oct 2025 = $527,673.79
Total Expenses through Oct 2025 = $568,526.31
Oct 2025 Net Income/Loss $40,852.52
New Prayer Requests
William Grieve, Sharon Grieve’s son, is in hospice care.
Prayers of comfort and healing for Martha, the grandmother of Azula Burke
Holding in Prayer
Update: Lily Cardot, a 9-year-old family friend of the McCormack family, who was diagnosed with a brain tumor, is doing great! The tumor was non-cancerous, and her neurological assessment is almost back to normal.
Anne Smith for successful treatment and recovery from ovarian cancer
Lynne Tracy-Kendall for successful treatment and recovery for breast cancer
Barney Brinkmann for successful treatment and recovery from lung cancer
William Huckaby
Cathy Parker for healing and recovery from heart issues
Bill and Mary Ann Gile
Ann Parsons
Bob Jacobs
Prayers for world peace
Prayers for caregivers and loved ones
Prayers for our country, leadership and communities
Prayers for courage and perseverance for our youth and young adults as they seek employment
Volunteer-in-Mission Christmas Faire
Not quite finished with your Christmas shopping? You can find fun stocking stuffers and more at the VIM Christmas Faire on Sunday December 14 during the Christmas brunch in MacMurdo Hall after church. All proceeds will benefit the VIM missions to Angola and Sierra Leone.
Please imagine how you or someone you know can be blessed by joining this team. Now is the time to start asking questions to illuminate your path and discern your call. We are working toward a journey to Angola next May. We also invite you to donate $25 to $100 to sponsor Angolan young people we know, who are ready to bloom with just a little boost. Just mark your donation as “Angola VIM sponsorship.”
As ever, your financial support for Angola and Sierra Leone should be in addition to your normal generous support for the whole church. Questions? Talk with Joel Bulaya, Jane Henderson, or Jim Eychaner.
The team will meet next on Saturday January 17 at 10 AM in room E25. We would love to have you visit.
Submitted by Jim Eychaner
Mercy Pedalers Needs Help!
We need your help—donations of sleeping bags, tents and tarps are urgently needed to begin distributing supplies NOW!
Goal: Supplies for 45 people
We currently only have a fourth of what we need.
Big 5 is offering discount coupons again, making it easy to give. Every donation makes a difference.
Donations can be dropped off at the church office.
Questions? Contact Jan Dell at jmuggles@sbcglobal.net
Second Saturday Respite: Caring for the Unhoused
The Arden-Arcade Saint Mark’s Second Saturday Respite is a hit with our unhoused neighbors.
A hot breakfast enjoyed in a comfortable place, a change of clothes, a shower and a take home meal mean so very much to those who have the least. They look forward to the special time together. We would like to give them something for Christmas. Unisex hats and gloves are greatly appreciated. Please consider donating one or more sets of unisex hats and gloves.
We are also in need of used bicycles to give unhoused folks a means of transportation which can really open up their world. We have folks that can make the bike rideable. What a gift this is.
Thank you for caring for our brothers and sisters who have the least.
~Jan Dell, jmuggles@sbcglobal.net
UWF in December: A Time to Celebrate
Tuesday, December 9 | 9:45 AM | MacMurdo Hall
As the 2025 Advent season progresses, United Women in Faith at Saint Mark’s will come to MacMurdo Hall at 9:45 AM on Tuesday, December 9, to share holiday treats for themselves and others in the UWF membership as well as gifts for a family suggested by Single Moms Strong.
Once again cookie boxes for members who aren’t able to attend in person will be made to be delivered by UWF members. Members are asked to bring 2 or 3 dozen cookies for the boxes. Nancy Landrum has purchased boxes: Iola Halligan has given a member list to Boni Fields; her daughter, Denise, is once again making beautiful name tags for them!
Last year many UWF members provided delicious cookies. Hopefully that will happen again as Nancy heard from several members who received a box and said they were touched to get such a sweet gift.
At 10:00 AM members from all activity circles will build joy in the gathering with music and readings. Officers for the coming year who will be installed at the meeting include Margie Shunk, President; Nancy Landrum, Vice President; Sue Gylling, Secretary and Sandra Kristensen, Treasurer. Mission Coordinators will be Carolyn Holst, Education; Boni Fields, Spiritual Growth; Lynn Tracy Kendall, Membership Nurture and Outreach; Cynthia Lawrence, Social Action as well as Marilyn Kissler, Program Resources.
Some activities in December by UWF groups: December 2 — Ankh members make their annual angels, Calexico enjoys a nutcracker display in a member’s home, and Underground learns about Christmas; December 4 — Knife and Fork meets for lunch; December 14 — Shalom has a potluck; Wednesdays in December — Sew and Craft meets in E-4; the third Wednesday craft will feature clothing.
Sunday School Happenings!
ADVENT is our word of the month. ADVENT is the four Sundays before Christmas. The first Sunday is HOPE, the second, PEACE, the third JOY and the fourth is LOVE. It is a time of preparation and waiting for the birth of the Christ Child who will be named Jesus.
Each Sunday our Wonder Box will have a gift for you. We will have things to make as we prepare for Christmas.
We look forward to seeing you!
Mary Maret & Margie Shunk, Teachers
Mary Kohatsu, Garden & Music Coordinator
Tidbits from the Archive. . . .
Sacramento United Methodist Union
The Sacramento United Methodist Union was formed in 1911 as the City Methodist Society, connecting 34 churches dedicated to expanding Methodism. Chauncy Dunn served as the first president of SUMU from 1911 until 1926. During that time, churches were planted in Del Paso, North Sacramento, Arcade, Colonial Heights, Hagginwood, Elverta, Rio Linda, and Oak Park.
The mission of the foundation was to support the California-Nevada United Methodist Conference by providing development services and socially responsible financial management. SUMU encouraged giving through current donations, wills, and trusts with an emphasis on building local church endowments. Those endowments and other restricted funds benefitted local churches and conference agencies. SUMU acted as trustee for charitable remainder funds benefitting any church.
Earlier mission projects provided Sunday Schools in outlying areas — in Florin in 1880, Central Methodist in 1884, and Oak Park in 1895. SUMU continued the effort continued by establishing Centennial (1949), St. Mark’s (1951), St. Andrew’s (1959),
Citrus Heights (1960), Rancho Cordova (1963), and, more recently, Sacramento Tongan Fellowship (1993) and Sacramento Korean Fellowship (2000). SUMU also encouraged, through grants, missionary activity, an environment of fellowship, music programs (such as children’s choirs and handbell choirs), youth activities and camperships.
In their 90th anniversary program, in 2001 SUMU included a page for each of the churches in the district. The Saint Mark’s contribution included a list of all the pastors who have served, both senior pastors and all associates. At that time there were two services, one at 9:30 and another at 11; one service in the summer; and Friday night services from autumn through spring. The church sponsored Heifer Project International, Sierra Service Project, International Christian Youth Fellowship, Sacramento Area Congregations Together, Volunteers in Mission, preschool and after-school programs, Vacation Bible School, Salvation Army bell ringers, and Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays… Saint Mark’s was clearly growing a thriving, inclusive and diverse community and engaging the broader community with compassionate acts.
Barbara Eychaner, Historian
Saint Mark’s is excited to launch Faith Unbound, a new podcast hosted by Pastor Quentisha—exploring bold, honest, and liberating faith.
Now available on Apple Podcasts and Spotify!
Listen, subscribe, and share!
