A Letter from Rev. Quentisha Davis Wiles, MSW, ASW, MDIV, Senior Pastor
Volume: 113 | Issue: 11
Greetings, Saint Mark’s Community,
How is it with your soul? Your mind, will, emotions, and thoughts?
Ecclesiastes 3:1 tells us, “There’s a season for everything and a time for every matter under the heavens.” The world is shifting, and much of it feels unfamiliar. Some of us are grieving, some are celebrating, and others are giving thanks. Wherever we are, life summons us to engage, not only with our thoughts and actions, but with our souls.
So, first things first. What season are you in? How do you see the world right now?
The writer of Ecclesiastes offers a timely reflection, “I have seen the burden God has laid on the human race. He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart; yet no one can fathom what God has done from beginning to end. I know that there is nothing better for people than to be happy and to do good while they live.” (Ecclesiastes 3:10–12, NIV)
God makes things beautiful and sets eternity in our hearts. We are made to wonder and to remember. That means we can recall God’s beauty and goodness, even in a trying season. So, let me ask you this, what burdens are you carrying? What is welling up in your heart? Where have you noticed beauty?
I invite us all to pause and look back over your life. Do you remember the provision that came right on time? The friend who showed up unannounced, the healing you didn’t expect, the door that opened after fervent prayer or the strength that carried you through? God was there then and God is here now! The answers to these questions will facilitate our awareness and memory.
In this season, we are invited to step up for what matters. But first, we are invited to check in. Check-in by naming what you feel and paying close attention to your attitude. Unfortunately, there are divisive and harmful forces pulling at us and the soul of our nation. Checking in will help us take inventory and be conscious of our needs.
I believe we have a stronger voice and ally in God. And one of the many beautiful things about God is God equips us for every season. Two of God’s amazing gifts are grace and gratitude. By grace, we refuse to become victims of hate, resentment, or complacency. By grace, we choose God’s love, a love that resists harm and offers care, compassion, and faithful engagement.
Let’s be clear. Gratitude ushers in another superpower. It is not a mood. It’s spiritual practice. At its core, gratitude recognizes value. It does not deny pain, anger, or harm. It refuses to let them have the last word. Gratitude reminds us of glimpses of light and appreciation for the many things we are grateful for.
Have you given or received grace or gratitude? What did it look like? Are you ready to begin, or to keep going? If so, set aside time this month to practice grace and gratitude:
This is our time. Let’s step up and step in with grace, hope, love, and gratitude for the journey.
Grace and peace,
Harvest day is almost here! On November 15th, we’ll bring together everything we’ve planted during All IN: Stepping Up for What Matters. Take some time to pray about your commitment for the year ahead, then bring your pledge card on Commitment Sunday. Let’s bring in the harvest together.
The UWF Sewing Circle’s upcoming Craft Sale is here! All proceeds from the sale will go directly toward supplying our annual ADVENTure Make & Take event in December.
Please note: the Craft Sale is a separate event from ADVENTure itself — think of it as the fundraiser that makes ADVENTure possible, not the craft faire itself. Mark both on your calendar!
Come shop, support a great cause, and help set ADVENTure up for another wonderful year of making and giving.
There’s something special about watching little hands create something with care — a handmade ornament, a wrapped gift, a craft made just for someone they love. This December, we invite you to bring your kids, your grandkids, and the whole family to experience that joy together at ADVENTure.
Join us Sunday, December 6, 1:00–3:00 PM, in MacMurdo Hall for an afternoon of making, singing, and fellowship as we step into the season of Advent together. There will be crafts to make and take home, gifts to create for someone special, and Christmas carols to fill the room with joy.
This is more than a craft fair — it’s a chance to slow down, be present, and share in the wonder of the season with the people you love. Whether it’s your child’s first ADVENTure or your tenth, there’s something magical about ringing in Advent surrounded by family and community.
Come make memories, make a little mess, and make space in your hearts for the season ahead. We can’t wait to see you there!
Our word of the month for November is VOICE. When you hear the word VOICE you might think of talking, shouting or speaking. We can use our VOICE to speak up for what you believe and share the love of God. Our Bible verse for November is Psalm 49:3 My mouth speaks wisdom. My hearts meditation is full of insight.
We’re looking forward to having you join us for a fun filled learning time.
Mary Maret and Margie Shunk, teachers
Mary Kohatus, music and garden coordinator
We are a global organization with a unit here at Saint Mark’s. Driven by God’s love and united in sisterhood, we work to improve the lives of women, children and youth. We believe love in action can change the world! We currently have 14 different Circles (groups) for ladies to choose from. Everything to enhance your mind, body and spirit such as Bible Study, Book Club, Sewing & Craft, Community and Mission Outreach, Dining out, Fashion Memories, Qigong, and Cards & Games.
Our next Gathering (where all Circle members come together) will be Tuesday, November 10 in MacMurdo Hall. We will begin with refreshments and social time at 9:45 AM followed by our guest speaker, Becky Richardson, from the Department of Waste Management and Recycling on the changes ahead.
For more information contact Margie Shunk, president, childrenandyouth@stmarksumc.com
Have a minute? That’s all it takes! A Minute for Mother Earth is a series of very short videos that help us recognize God’s call in the midst of climate-related issues. Each “Minute” is based on Wake Up World, a curriculum on the climate crisis for faith and community groups.
The full series is free to watch at www.wakeupworld.earth or by scanning the QR code, where you can also find the complete curriculum at no cost. Print copies are available from Cokesbury. Watch one on your own, share it with a friend, or bring it to your small group to spark a conversation about caring for God’s creation.
Join us this fall for Mystical U, a New Thought gathering exploring themes of gratitude, hope, peace, love, and joy as we move through November and the Advent season. Led by a rotating team of ordained ministers — Rev. Deborah Phillips, Rev. James Trapp, Rev. Janée Marth, and Rev. Paul Sanchez — each gathering includes a time of welcome, candle lighting, meditation, message, reflection, and a closing blessing.
No sign-up required — just come to any or all of the gatherings that speak to you!
Dec 27 — White Stone Ceremony with Rev. James Trapp & Rev. Deborah Phillips. A meaningful, symbolic ritual of release from old ways of thinking and the start of a new journey. Each participant receives their own white stone and, through guided meditation, discovers their word for the new year.
Whether you join for one gathering or all eight, come explore these themes with us — a space for reflection, meditation, and spiritual growth as we move through the season together.
Join us for an evening of unity in this sacred space where people of all faiths and backgrounds can come together to give thanks, to connect with others who desire change, and to be inspired to sow love, peace, and hope with gratitude in the world.
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
Contributions Received 10/19/26 – 10/25/26
General = $10,125.30
Designated = $1,754.06
Annual General Budget = $777,723
Monthly Budget Requirement = $64,810
Year to Date thru 9/30/2026
Total Income through Sept 2026 = $519,381.57
Total Expenses through Sept 2026 = $520,399.99
September 2026 Net Income/Loss $1,018.42
Ingrid Moeava’s mom for safe surgery and speedy healing after cochlear implant surgery.
Johanna Brownell for health reasons
Brett Anthony
Peace and comfort for Lynne Tracy-Kendall and the Gile family and friends for the loss of Mary Ann Gile, who passed away on October 16.
Peace and comfort for the Cane family and friends for the loss of Edric Cane.
George Shagen prayers for healing.
Anne Eychaner for healing and recovery.
Margot Perry for healing.
Rosemary Erlewine
Sandra Kristensen
William Huckaby
Cathy Parker for healing from heart issues.
Bill Gile
Ann and Gibbe Parsons
Individuals, Families and Friends of loved ones suffering
and living with mental illness.
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!
