Markings Newsletter
- April 2026
Volume: 106 | Issue: 4
A Letter from Rev. Quentisha Davis Wiles, MSW, ASW, MDIV, Senior Pastor
Greetings, Saint Mark’s Community,
I greet you in the loving and matchless name of Jesus the Christ.
This new year began with our Covenant Renewal—a sacred reminder of who we are and whose we are, and a recommitment to live our faith boldly in the world. We carried that spirit into our year’s theme, Step Up & Step In, an invitation to walk deeper with God and love more actively in the world. But what does that love actually look like when life gets hard?
Our Lenten journey through The Struggle in the Wilderness: The Will to Follow has brought this question into sharp focus. As we retrace Jesus’ ministry, we see that even in his time, the people loved the miracles but wrestled with the message—a message that moved them from legalism to grace, and demanded an active, uncompromising love rooted in liberation and justice. More than two thousand years later, we are still wrestling. Jesus’ message of Love, Liberation, and Justice remains under fire—hijacked by those who refuse to love, resist mercy, and craft policies that harm the most vulnerable among us.
And so the call to discipleship is not without tension. God needs us—the people who said yes—to keep saying yes. To be love in action. To resist oppression while walking alongside the difficult, the proud, the arrogant, the mistaken, and those with whom we deeply disagree. We can—and must—disagree with hate, harm, and injustice. But we can never become those things and still be agents of God’s love.
“For God so loved the world…” (John 3:16). Not part of it. All of it. And we are called to love accordingly—to love God, neighbor, and self with everything we have (Matthew 22:37–40). All people are worthy of love. Not all behaviors are. We must know the difference and live it.
Two Ways to Be Intentional About Operating in Love—Even When It’s Hard:
- Choose presence over withdrawal. When we are hurting or frustrated, our instinct may be to pull back. Instead, commit to one intentional act of care each week—a phone call, a meal, showing up for someone who is struggling. Love is not a feeling we wait for; it is a decision we make, especially when it costs us something.
- Speak truth from a place of peace, not reactivity. We are not called to be silent in the face of injustice, but we are called to speak without becoming the very spirit we oppose. Before engaging a difficult conversation or situation, take a moment to ground yourself in prayer—then act from that center. God’s love sustains under fire. That is what sets us apart from the spirit of hate and fear.
As we continue this wilderness season, we look ahead to April’s series, Shaken Faith—an honest exploration of what happens when our faith fractures & how we find our way back.
We also have a tremendous gift to celebrate: Saint Mark’s has been awarded the JustLove Fellowship by Auburn Seminary. Through this fellowship, we will engage the JustLove Bible—which retells sacred text through the lens of love and justice—and deepen our commitment to intergenerational worship through the WINKS Fellowship (Worshipping Intergenerationally and Nurturing Kids through Storytelling), centering children in the life and worship of the church.
This is our way forward—growing together in justice and love as community.
Come on the journey. Join the movement. Become a love bearer. And don’t just come alone—bring someone with you.
In Love and Service,
Sunday School Happenings!
Holy Week is our Word of the Month. As the calendar moves closer to Easter, our Bible stories also move closer to the time of Jesus’ arrest and death. We will also look at what happened after Jesus’ death and how his disciples responded.
On Easter Sunday, April 5 an Easter egg hunt is planned that you won’t want to miss. It will be held during Sunday School time. Come make an Easter bag, hear the Easter story then prepare to have a good time hunting for colorful eggs with special things hidden inside.
We look forward to seeing you!
~ Mary Maret & Margie Shunk, Teachers
~ Mary Kohatsu, Garden & Music Coordinator
April Saint Mark’s Music High Notes
Join us on Easter Sunday, April 5, for festive Resurrection music by Saint Mark’s Choir, organ, band, and a brass quartet.
On April 19, we will welcome the Carmichael Presbyterian Church (CPC) Choir for combined anthems celebrating Earth Day. Music will include Tom Roehr on Trumpet, violin accompaniment to a beautiful Strathdee anthem “Come Home” (incorporating the chant, “The ocean refuses no river.”), and more.
On April 26, while our choir travels to CPC, we will be blessed with music by Inner Harmony, the A Capella ensemble from the Sacramento Women’s Chorus.
We’re excited to welcome new members to our music ensembles! If you’re interested in singing, playing in the band, ringing handbells, or sharing your talents in special music, reach out to Rick Schlosser and join the fun—there’s a place for you in our musical community! Mary Kohatsu welcomes all children and youth to sing with her!
Inner Harmony on April 26!
Inner Harmony is a seventeen‑member ensemble from the Sacramento Women’s Chorus that performs a cappella music across a wide range of styles, including sacred, pop, contemporary, and holiday selections. Known for reimagining familiar songs, the group incorporates creative vocal effects and light choreography into their performances.
Since 2024, Inner Harmony has performed at numerous community events, galas, and celebrations throughout the Sacramento area, as well as in worship and sacred settings at churches and spiritual centers. The ensemble also performs regularly for Bear Hollow Estates and annually at the Capitol Rotunda Holiday Music Program. Under the direction of Dr. Cindy Chaffee, Inner Harmony proudly serves as ambassadors for the Sacramento Women’s Chorus.
Crab Feed Dessert Auction Donations Needed!
One of the highlights of the Crab Feed is the Dessert Auction. Wonderful desserts are put up for bid with the winner able to share with their table or take home to enjoy. If you aren’t able to bake, no problem. In previous Dessert Auctions we have had selections purchased from Ettore’s, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Freeport Bakery or your favorite grocery store. Desserts can be brought to La Sierra Community Center the night of the Crab Feed, April 11.
Take a Peek at Live Auction Items!
One of the highlights of the 2026 Crab Feed is our Live Auction. Take a look now and start planning your bids!
Donner Lake Cabin Getaway
Escape to the mountains with 4 nights/5 days in a cozy Donner Lake cabin that sleeps six—just ½ mile from the public beach. Perfect for family fun or a friends’ retreat! Donated by Russ Burgess
Resort Escape: Lake Tahoe or Angels Camp
Enjoy 3 nights / 4 days at a beautiful Wyndham Resort—your choice of Lake Tahoe or Angels Camp. Relax, recharge, and soak up the scenery. Donated by Nepoh & Juanah Koker
A Magical Night Out: Frozen + Dinner
Bring the magic to life with tickets to Frozen at Music Circus (June 20, date flexible if seating allows) plus a $50 gift card to Aioli Bodega in Midtown for a perfect night out. Donated by Richard Burns, Bob Jacobs & Karen Humphrey
Dream Vacation: 7 Nights, Endless Choices
Indulge in 6 nights / 7 days at a Wyndham Resort of your choice—anywhere in the U.S. or worldwide. The only hard part is deciding where to go! Donated by Marie Smith
Wine, Whimsy & Local Flavor
Savor a private wine tasting and barrel room tour for four at Scribner Bend Winery in Clarksburg, plus a delightful gift basket from Blue Diamond Almonds. Cheers to this delicious experience!
VIP Treatment: Reserved Parking for One Year
Park like a legend! Enjoy one full year of reserved parking at Saint Mark’s, with a space proudly marked: “Crab Feed Hero.” Convenience, bragging rights, and glory included.
Music to Your Ears
Partner with Music Director Rick Schlosser and choose an anthem or hymn to be performed by the Saint Mark’s choir or a soloist during a Sunday worship service. A meaningful and unique musical moment.
Memory Treasure Chest
Preserve your precious memories with professional‑quality digitization services. Collect your photos, slides, or keepsakes in a provided treasure box—your originals returned safely along with beautifully digitized files. Donated by Abby Jaske
What can we do? UWF declares, “We can do lots!”
Tuesday, April 14 | 9:45 AM | MacMurdo Hall
United Women in Faith believes, “Bold action, like faith, takes courage.” At the April 14 meeting of Saint Mark’s UWF Karen Humphrey will share ways to be involved in action to meet the challenges in our community and the nation.
Karen Humphrey had a 45-year career in communications, public service, and education in which she broke barriers as the first on-air woman journalist in two different TV markets; then became the first woman Mayor of Fresno, CA; and the first woman to be Executive Director of California’s higher education agency.
During her years in Sacramento, she worked on K-12 and higher education policy, especially educational equity. Since retiring in 2011, she continues to live in Sacramento. She and her late husband, Ken Clarke, joined Saint Mark’s UMC in the late 1990s. She is active in Saint Mark’s and Sacramento ACT’s social justice advocacy work to end homelessness in Sacramento and in Saint Mark’s Rainbow Alliance for LGBTQ+ rights.
Karen Humphrey has been active in the National Women’s Political Caucus since 1979, serving as an officer in many levels of the organization. In recent years, she concentrates on vetting candidates to endorse; supporting women’s rights policy; and raising funds. She regularly volunteers in the campaigns of feminist women for public office.
The UWF Gathering will start with refreshments at 9:45 pm in McMurdo Hall. Newcomers are welcome, and everyone is urged to bring their best questions and suggestions about meaningful bold action.
Rainbow Alliance Brunches – Mark Your Calendar!
Sunday’s April 19 & May 17 | 11:00 AM | MacMurdo Hall
The Rainbow Alliance invites you to join us for upcoming brunch gatherings after worship on April 19 and May 17. These special brunches are a time for fellowship, connection, and celebration—and all are welcome!
During each brunch, there will also be a sign‑up sheet for volunteers interested in participating in the Sacramento Pride March, taking place June 13–14. Whether you’re ready to march, offer support, or simply learn more, this is a great opportunity to get involved.
For questions or more information, please contact Sylvia or Denise Cruz at 408‑202‑9859.
We hope you’ll join us!
Tidbits from the Archive. . .
The Peace Pole
The Peace Pole on the east side of the sanctuary was dedicated in July 2008 in honor of Reverend Robert Moon. Bob served as senior pastor at St. Mark’s from 1966-1974. He was our second senior pastor.
Bob’s ministry was brimming with peace and justice. He and his wife, Dorrie, marched along side Dr. King during civil rights protests. He held leadership positions in the General Board of the National Council of Churches, the General Board of Christian Social Concerns, and was national chair of the Fellowship of Reconciliation. He said, “…church must help the people of the world find the way to world peace.
The Peace Pole Project grew out of the World Peace Prayer Society founded in 1955 by Masahisa Goi. He had been profoundly affected by the devastation of the second World War, especially the destruction caused by the atomic bombs in his native Japan. His message, May Peace Prevail on Earth, spread throughout Japan. And after the United Nations Year of Peace in 1986, his message spread around the world on poles, like ours. All have his message—May Peace Prevail on Earth.
There are more than 200,000 Peace Poles around the world in more than 190 countries, from the Magnetic North Pole in Canada to the Jordan River in Israel. Peace Poles can be found any place where the spirit of peace is embraced by people of good will.
Bob Moon had a degree in economics from UC Berkeley and worked for General Electric before entering Boston School of Theology in 1942. A professor there, who disagreed with Bob’s stance on peace, said, “If you’re going to be a pacifist, then be a militant pacifist.” Bob lived up to that. In reply to being brought up on charges in 1954, Bob stated:
“. . . hatred and hysteria are not adequate substitutes for knowledge and common sense in dealing with communism. Communism is dangerous, but not nearly so dangerous as the attempt to suppress freedom and to produce conformity and to intimidate independent thought. . . “
These are still good words today! Thank you, Bob Moon!
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
March Finances
Vitals 3/16/26 – 3/22/26
UMCOR = $120.00
Contributions Received 2/9/26 – 2/15/26
General = $4,601.85
Designated = $1,547.00
Annual General Budget = $777,723
Monthly Budget Requirement = $64,810
Year to Date through 2/28/2026
Total Income through Feb 2026 = $129,916.63
Total Expenses through Feb 2026 = $113,215.93
Feb 2026 Net Income/Loss $16,700.70
New Prayer Requests
Adrian Diaz for protection. He is serving in the Navy & may be called to serve in Iran.
Roger Staley for healing and comfort.
Peace and comfort for the Lawrence family and friends upon the passing of Howard Lawrence on Thursday, March 12th.
Robert Grieve for successful surgery, comfort and healing.
Cecilia Cruz for comfort, healing and restoration following pacemaker implant surgery.
Holding in Prayer
Peace and comfort for the Ates family and friends upon the passing of Fatih Ates. Fatih Ates was a prominent member of the Pacifica community.
Ron West for swift and complete recovery from surgery in his left ear.
Bob Jacobs
Individuals, Families and Friends of loved ones suffering and living with mental illness.
Anne Smith for successful treatment and recovery from ovarian 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 and Gibbe Parsons
Prayers for world peace.
Prayers for caregivers and loved ones.
Prayers for our country, leadership and communities.
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!
