Markings Newsletter
- September 2026
Volume: 111 | Issue: 9
A Letter from Rev. Quentisha Davis Wiles, MSW, ASW, MDIV, Senior Pastor
Greetings, Beloved Family!
I trust this newsletter finds you well as we press through this summer heat and feel the season begin to shift beneath our feet. Change is in the air and so is a growing hunger for community, for unity, for care that reaches beyond our own front porch.
It’s time we humanize the human race. Time to value our non-harmful differences instead of fearing them. Time to band together against the real threats to our peace: fear, greed, and hate. These are not new enemies. But they are still enemies, and they still require a united people to stand against them.
This season, I’ve been reminded of how music has shaped my own life, faith communities, and our world. Music has carried us when words failed us.
Can you think of a time when a particular song spoke to you, ministered to you or inspired you to keep going when you didn’t think you could? In what ways can we lean on music today to speak to the masses and/or to reach people who won’t walk through a church door but will press play on a song? What song do you imagine communicates the love and light of Jesus the Christ to this generation?
I believe music is life, not only because it tells stories, but because it tells the stories of the masses. It speaks for the voiceless. It reminds even the powerful that they do not have the final say.
What song would you write if you had to put your gratitude into a melody? What song would you write if you had to speak to the challenges of today?
For me, there are numerous songs. I am inspired daily by sacred and the so-called secular songs. How about you? I want to encourage you today, don’t be dismayed. Don’t be discouraged. God is still speaking, still moving often through every day, ordinary folks like you and me to remind us that where there is a will, there is a way. And Christ showed us the Way. He told us the Way. He said:
“This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, when you love each other.” — John 13:35 (CEB) That’s it! If we want to see change, we must be it. Change starts with us, our love for self and community!
So, it’s in the spirit of Love I extend an invitation for you to come and hear how music connects to life and inspires faith and action. Come consider what song God is writing through your story right now. And don’t come alone invite a friend, a neighbor, someone who needs to hear that music is life and love still wins.
We’ll be worshiping together this Sunday. I can’t wait to see you there.
The grace of God will keep us where the Spirit of God leads us.
Love,
Your Musical Gifts Have a Place at Saint Mark’s!
Just a reminder: there’s a place for you in the Saint Mark’s Music Ministry! You don’t have to be an expert, read music, or perform in front of people comfortably. If you’ve ever thought, “I’d love to join, but I’m not sure I’m good enough,” please know that you are welcome. We’re here to make music together, learn together, and have fun along the way.
Choir! Love to sing—or just love singing with others? Come give choir a try! We rehearse Thursdays at 6:30 PM and Sundays at 8:30 AM, beginning September 10. No experience or music-reading skills required. Come discover the joy of making music together.
Handbells! Curious about handbells? Join us Fridays from 11:15 AM–12:15 PM beginning September 11. We play in worship about once a month, and you don’t need previous experience. If you can count to four, you’re qualified!
Band! Do you play drums, guitar, bass, keyboard, or another instrument? We’d love to explore what you might bring to the band. Rehearsals are Thursdays at 8 PM, right after choir. Talk with Rick about getting started.
Soloists and Special Music! Maybe you have a musical gift you’ve been hesitant to share. You don’t have to be a professional or have years of experience. If sharing a song, instrumental piece, prelude, offertory, or postlude sounds meaningful to you, we’d love to hear from you.
Not sure? Come try it out. You don’t have to make a commitment before you know what it’s like. Come meet us, make some music, and see if one of our music ministries feels like a place where you belong.
Questions or ready to take the first step? Please see Rick Schlosser or contact him at rschlosser@stmarksumc.com or 916-508-7797
Sunday School Happenings!
Wow! Have you been to the Kids Garden lately? Lots of tomatoes and string beans have been picked to share with our families and others. Kids, you did a great job planting all those seeds. You were able to reap what you sowed! What shall we plant in our Fall garden? Bring your ideas to Sunday School.
Our Word of the Month for September is CALL. When you hear the word CALL you might think of someone calling your name or making a phone call. But in the Bible, God also “CALLS” us. When God calls us, God is asking us to do something special.
We’re looking forward to seeing you!
~ Mary Maret & Margie Shunk, Teachers
~ Mary Kohatsu, Garden & Music Coordinator
We sure did let our voices bloom at Kids Camp 2026. A wonderful week was had by all! It was made possible by the many volunteers who stepped up and stepped in to make it a success. Many thanks to the following people: storytellers Jim Eychaner, Ron West and Jane Henderson, Music with Marilyn Kissler, Lucy McKnight and Mary Maret, who took the children from one activity to another, Julie Shunk and Alyssa Ware who led the older youth program, Christy Stoughton and Jack Miller on crafts, Kelly Adams, Rita Adams, Bella Adams and Sharon Grieve leading games, Nancy Landrum and Andrew Maret prepared daily snacks, Boni Fields managed registration & helped where needed, Dick Shunk, built backdrops for the theme, and Pastor Q who provided a daily meditation.
~Margie Shunk, Kids Camp Coordinator
September Mercy Pedalers
While it is still warm outside, we are preparing for the cool to cold evenings soon approaching. Sweatpants, sweatshirts and hoodies help an unhoused person transition.
Men’s or unisex sweats in Medium through 4X sizes are needed…new or used are welcome. It’s also the time we hand out small blankets.
Our annual sleeping bag, tent and tarp drive will begin in September with the goal of 40 new of each item by mid to late October. Our street friends know they are given one of each to last them. If we have used items we will issue a person one of those if there is good cause.
Please watch for the Big 5 coupon for our drive. A summary of our last campaign will be provided in Remarks. Saint Marks provided camping supplies this past season to approximately 40 unhoused people right in our own neighborhood! ~ Jan Dell
September United Women in Faith
Saint Mark’s United Women in Faith will meet in September for Bible study and a report on the 2026 UWF Assembly.
The Bible study group meets Thursday, September 10, at 10:00 AM in Room E-4. Rev. Linda Pickens-Jones will teach, with Lori White and Cynthia Lawrence serving as co-leaders. The group will begin Her Faith Still Speaks, exploring the lives of more than 14 women of the Bible. Newcomers are always welcome.
At the September 8 UWF meeting, President Margie Shunk will share highlights from the May Assembly in Indianapolis, attended by nearly 3,000 women. The gathering featured worship, mission opportunities and speakers including Stacey Abrams and Rev. Carolyn Abrams, under the theme “Dream it! Believe it! Do it!”
The September meeting will also receive the World Thank Offering, supporting UWF mission work benefiting women, children and youth. The meeting begins at 9:45 AM in MacMurdo Hall, with refreshments.
Fall Events to Get Excited About
Blessing of the Animals
Saturday, October 3 | 10:00 AM | Grace Cafe
Bring your precious animal companions to be blessed by Pastor Quentisha. All animals big and small are welcome!
World Communion Day and Saint Mark’s 75th Anniversary
Sunday October 4 | 10:00 AM | Sanctuary & MacMurdo Hall
A Table Set for Generations: Celebrating 75 Years, One World Communion. Join us for a very special Sunday as we honor world communion day and Saint Mark’s 75th Anniversary. There will be a special presentation during worship service celebrating Saint Mark’s impressive history and a world communion brunch directly after the service.
Autumn Fest Trunk o’ Treat
Saturday, October 31 | 3:00-6:00 PM | Parking Lot
Halloween falls on a Saturday this year, so we had to have another Trunk o’ Treat event! There will be a BBQ, bouncy houses, face paint and of course Trunk o’ Treating! We will be taking candy donations and Trunk sign ups in October.
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
July Finances
Contributions Received 8/17/26 – 8/23/26
General = $4,462.95
Designated = $628.00
Annual General Budget = $777,723
Monthly Budget Requirement = $64,810
Year to Date through 7/31/2026
Total Income through July 2026 = $418,186.68
Total Expenses through July 2026 = $404,188.53
July 2026 Net Income/Loss $13,998.15
New Prayer Requests
Margot Perry for healing.
The Twin Falls community after the mass shooting.
Peace and comfort for Colleen Townsley Brinkmann, family and friends upon the passing of Barney Brinkmann. Barney passed away July 23, 2026.
Francoise and Joel Bulaya for success in their mission and for safe travels.
Holding in Prayer
John Sibilsky for healing.
Rosemary Erlewine for healing following surgery.
Vivian Noble-Klein for healing following surgery.
Brett Anthony
Hezekiah Wiles for healing, wisdom & guidance.
Prayers for successful treatment and healing for Sandra Kristensen for esophageal cancer.
William Huckaby
Cathy Parker for healing from heart issues.
Bill and Mary Ann Gile
Ann and Gibbe Parsons
Prayers for world peace.
Individuals, Families and Friends of loved ones suffering and living with mental illness.
Tidbits for the Archive . . .
The Saint Mark’s Annual Report from May 1959 has some interesting comparisons.
On Charter Sunday, October 21, 1951, there were 70 members. By 1958 that number had grown to 558; a year later it was 646, with 65 baptisms and 15 weddings! The land the church and the parsonage occupied had been purchased with gifts from Sacramento Methodist churches, the conference and the National Mission fund. The land was valued at $210,000 with an additional $10,000 for furnishings, $13,500 for the parsonage, and another $1500 for its furnishings. February 1, 1959 was groundbreaking for the new sanctuary, adding another $231,000, bringing the value of the property to nearly a half million dollars.
“Lay leadership is more than necessary; it is an art.”
In 1959, Saint Mark’s had six leadership commissions, as directed by the Discipline, four required and two others optional.
- Membership and Evangelism was responsible for outreach to families and cultivating community interest.
- Education was entrusted with recruiting Sunday School members, training and supervising teachers, securing literature and supplies.
- Missions was charged with informing the congregation about the total Missionary program of Methodism, as well as seeking support for that work with money and leadership.
- Stewardship and Finance sought to inform and challenge the congregation to a total life of Christian Stewardship involving time, talents and money.
- Worship worked with the minister to provide the best possible worship services, in regular Sunday services, special occasions, and in their homes.
- Christian Social Relations assisted with Saint Mark’s influence on the total community.
There were also fourteen committees: Policy and Lay Personnel; Pastoral Relations; Parsonage; Church Property; Music; Office Help; Fred Finch Children’s Home; Methodist Union and Co-Operation; Service; Campus Church Relations; Community Concerns; Public Relations; Building Council; and Nominating.
In September 1959, a cornerstone was laid in the new sanctuary. Inside the stone, as directed by the Methodist Discipline, were a list of the charter members, a list of current membership, the annual report from 1959, a list of all the Sunday School teachers and pictures of the ground breaking ceremony.
Only a few years later, in 1965, membership had grown to 2000. There were two full time ministers, a director of religious education, a minister of music and two custodians. Average Sunday School attendance was 900! And there were 40 voices in the choir. Just a glimpse of where we have come from . . . .
Barbara Eychaner, Historian
UMVIM Call for Volunteers
Sacramento Centennial UMC - Kitchen Renovation Project
Demolition crews needed Friday/Saturday October 2-3 and 9-10, 2026
Project Summary
The goal of this project is to replace a 1958 kitchen with a new commercial-grade kitchen and create a senior ministry in the area around the church. The ministry will build a dynamic multigenerational community of comfort, love, and peace through healthy meals prepared in a modern kitchen, information and fellowship, and ultimately spreading the Gospel throughout the surrounding neighborhood.
Volunteer Task Request
This volunteer task is part of the Interior Demolition step of the project plan. A team of 10 workers is needed Friday and Saturday of the first two weekends in October (10/2-3 and 10/9-10). Each team member may work one to all four days. Volunteers will gather at the church each morning and return home each evening. They must be at least 16 and physically capable of a full day’s labor. Construction experience is preferred but not required. Individuals and groups from any church are invited, making this an ideal opportunity to introduce new individuals to the Volunteer in Mission program.
The work will be supervised on site by Emosi Raura of Centennial UMC, who has an inactive contractor’s license and is now a seminary student at Pacific School of Religion in Berkeley. Centennial will provide four workers each day, including Emosi. Jim Eychaner will recruit, coordinate, and schedule the additional volunteers.
Background
Centennial established a study committee in August 2024, leading to the present well-organized project with a solid design and strong church leadership. An architectural design study produced a detailed report on March 27, 2025. Centennial also contracted a hazardous-materials survey and sampling. The July 7, 2026 report identified asbestos beneath sheet vinyl flooring in much of the work area and a small amount of lead-based paint in a bathroom. On July 12, 2026, a church conference attended by 62 members unanimously approved the project.
Schedule of Tasks
Centennial UMC is at 5401 Freeport Blvd., Sacramento CA 95822 (corner of Freeport Blvd. & Fruitridge Road). Workers should gather by 8:00 AM each day for a briefing. The work day ends at 4:00 PM.
- October 2-3: Turn off gas, electric, and water supplies. Remove kitchen cabinets and fixtures without disturbing sheet vinyl flooring. Remove bathroom plumbing fixtures without disturbing paint. Remove or safely expose electrical and plumbing connections.
- October 6-8: A contractor will safely remove flooring and painted wood containing asbestos and lead hazards.
- October 9-10: Remove about 160 ft. of walls, doors, and framing and approximately 1,000 ft² of ceiling finishes. Remove or safely expose electrical and plumbing connections.
For more information and to register for the team:
Contact: Jim Eychaner (EYE-k’n’r) | jeychaner@stmarksumc.com | 916-715-3446 (mobile)
United Methodist Creation Justice Ministry August Tips
Here are a few practical ideas from this month’s Climate Hope article:
- Start small: Choose one or two simple changes, such as using reusable water bottles and bags, and let one action lead to another.
- Work together: Join a local cleanup, plant a pollinator garden, or support an organization working for creation care.
- Think bigger: Small actions matter, but keep looking for ways to create lasting, larger-scale change.
- Remember our collective impact: Our individual choices—such as using renewable energy or driving an EV—help create demand for cleaner, more affordable options.
- Reuse whenever possible: Save shipping boxes for another move, use reusable containers for lunches, and replace disposable dryer sheets with reusable dryer balls.
- Save energy: Switch to LED bulbs and make turning off unused lights a household habit.
- Keep plastic away from heat: Avoid cooking or microwaving food in plastic containers or bags.
- Plan ahead for trees: September–March is prime tree-planting season. Look now for local sources and planting opportunities.
Want more ideas? Read the full August 2026 Climate Hope article for additional ways to take action for Earth and all its inhabitants.
A Reminder About Plug-In Solar
Last month, John McCormack shared a recap of Climate Justice Advocacy Day in Sacramento, including our advocacy for Plug-In Solar to be made available in California. We wanted to revisit that effort and share some encouraging news about how this movement is growing across the country.
Below is a recent article from Canary Media highlighting the benefits of plug-in or “balcony” solar, especially for people with limited incomes who may not have the resources to invest in traditional rooftop solar. These smaller, accessible systems can give more people an opportunity to participate in clean energy and benefit from lower electricity costs.
The good news: As of early July, eight states—Maine, Colorado, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Virginia, Maryland, and Utah—have passed laws making plug-in solar more accessible. Three more states—New York, New Jersey, and Massachusetts—have passed legislation through both chambers and are awaiting final action. California is still considering plug-in solar legislation this year.
This is an encouraging example of how advocacy can help make climate solutions more accessible and equitable. Our work in Sacramento is part of a growing movement!
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!
