Markings Newsletter
- January 2026
Volume: 01 | Issue: 103
A Letter from Rev. Quentisha Davis Wiles, MSW, ASW, MDIV, Senior Pastor
Happy New Year, Saint Mark’s Community!
Look at what God has done—ushering us into this new year wrapped in Love, surrounded by community, and filled with sacred opportunities to serve. God is good!
As I reflect on the journey ahead, my heart swells with gratitude for the sacrificial love and faithful action that define who we are at Saint Mark’s. We are blessed to walk alongside people who believe deeply in the power of community and Spirit-led action—the same faith that has brought us this far and will carry us forward into all God has planned.
In 2026, we are Igniting Hope by Stepping Up and Stepping In to our faithful witness as God’s people. Inspired by the Holy Spirit, we commit to growing in love, sowing in love, and being a visible presence of Love within our own hearts, our relationships, our community, and our world.
Our global United Methodist mission—”To Make Disciples of Jesus Christ for the Transformation of the World”—pulses through everything we do. Here at Saint Mark’s, we’ve embraced this calling in a beautifully specific way: growing a thriving, inclusive, diverse congregation that engages the broader community through compassionate acts. Our history is rooted in service and justice work for the healing of the world, which is why our vision centers us: Saint Mark’s envisions a church that enriches community and transforms the world through God’s love.
We’ve reached an exciting turning point. Saint Mark’s is sharpening our focus and inviting each of you—yes, YOU—to join us in building a faith community that is both transformative and sustainable. From our youngest members to our seasoned saints, everyone has a vital role in what the Holy Spirit is doing among us.
This year, we’re returning to our Wesleyan roots by living the Social Gospel—a holistic approach that begins with our covenant to let God’s love live and work in and through us. We’ll realize our mission through faithful stewardship, missional partnerships, discipleship, and ambassadorship, reaching both inward and outward with the good news.
I’m thrilled to share that Saint Mark’s has been selected as a WINKS Fellow (Worshipping Intergenerationally and Nurturing Kids through Storytelling) and as a Heal the World Summit participant by Auburn Theological Seminary. This fellowship will support our commitment to creating worship spaces where everyone—from infants to our platinum years—belongs and encounters God. What an exciting confirmation of where the Spirit is leading us!
Igniting Hope: Stepping Up and Stepping In
So how can you be part of this movement? Here’s one way to start:
- In-person: Join us for our Annual Covenant Renewal Service on January 4, 2026, where we’ll recommit ourselves to God’s work together. Volunteer for one new ministry area this quarter—worship, outreach, or fellowship.
- Online: Participate in our live-streamed services and share words of encouragement in our digital community. Commit to praying daily for one church ministry or member.
- Sick and Shut-in: You are essential to our community! Share your prayer requests, receive our weekly devotionals, and know that your prayers and wisdom strengthen us all. We’ll bring Holy Communion and fellowship to you.
Whatever your season of life, wherever you worship with us, there’s a place for you in this movement of hope.
Join us this month for our Annual Covenant Renewal Service on January 4, 2026, our Installation and Blessing Service on January 14, 2026, and a refreshing month of worship and fellowship ahead. Bring a friend, bring a family member, bring a neighbor—let’s fill our sanctuary and our screens with people hungry for God’s transforming love.
The best is yet to come, beloved. Let’s step up, step in, and watch what God will do!
With love and anticipation,
Pastor Q
Reflections in 2025
As we bid farewell to the year 2025, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the past year as we lived into our collective theme of “Living our Faith”. We began 2025 with the Living our Faith Summit which was a conversation about our hopes, dreams, and concerns for the future for this community we call Saint Marks. Much was learned and implemented from those conversations this past year.
There was collective excitement about the community being more open, active and inviting to the larger community. As a result, we held Autumn Fest 2025 in the fall. It was an event in which we engaged the broader community and learned some of their needs and concerns which included: Childcare and Youth programs, building friendship and community, Health and wellness, Service projects or volunteering opportunities, Shared meals or gatherings, and being more empathetic and compassionate were some of the highlights of the surveys that were conducted during the event. All the respondents gave insightful responses.
The Saint Mark’s community welcomed 19 new members in 2025 and continues to see new faces appearing each Sunday.
Saint Mark’s community played host to an Interfaith Thanksgiving Dinner and Fellowship event with Pacifica and Beth Shalom. Over 150 people in attended.
It was a year of music experiences for Saint Mark’s Community, where we held the Music in The Key of Life Jazz Concert. The Bell Choir returned to Sunday morning worship. The Saint Mark’s Choir participated in a Choral exchange with Carmichael Presbyterian Church.
Jim and Jean Strathdee blessed us with the Song of Hope…In These Times Concert with a powerful message from our Bishop Sandra K. Olewine.
New signage went up on the Sanctuary building, back parking lot was restriped, upgrading of lighting to LED in MacMurdo Hall and other rooms around campus. Installation of new heating and cooling system in Grace Café making the space available year-round.
We held a successful All-Church Yard Sale that benefited Angola Mission Team and church ministries.
The new group “What to Do” formed to help give a fresh perspective on current events based in Peace and Social Justice.
2025 was a busy year from beginning to end. This short list of highlights of activities represent our lived theme of “Living our Faith” with much more to come in 2026 as we Ignite Hope: Step Up, Step In Living the Social Gospel there will be many opportunities of service to make this community we call Saint Mark’s the beacon of hope for all who come into contact with us. So, stay tuned.
As we look forward to the coming year 2026 and all its possibilities. I just want to take another moment to say thanks again to every one of you for all you have done and continue to do for the Saint Mark’s Community. Thanks for your Gifts, Talents, Wisdom, Time, and Service. We are all richly blessed because of all your efforts.
To God Be the Glory!
Christopher Harris
Lay Leader
Nominations Committee Update
I just want to give a very big Thank You to all the leadership that has encompassed our Teams and Committees this past year that have done the tireless work of Living our Faith in 2025. As some of you take a break from leadership roles, may this time be renewing and refreshing for your continued faith journeys.
For all the leadership that agreed to be in service for the coming year 2026. Thank you so very much for sharing your Gifts, Talents, Wisdom, Time, and Service. We will all be richly blessed because of all your efforts as we live into Ignite Hope: Step Up, Step In Living the Social Gospel for the coming year and beyond.
For all who are not currently serving Saint Mark’s Community in a leadership capacity I want to extend an invitation to all of you to prayerfully consider sharing your knowledge and wisdom in the coming year. There will be many opportunities this year for us to reflect the love of Christ. It takes all of us to be that beacon of hope for all in the wider community and to Step Up and Step In.
Thanks again for all you do! Looking forward to the year 2026 and all the opportunities and challenges it will present. Through the grace of our Lord, we will meet all of this and be the reflection of our Mission Statement: Growing a thriving, inclusive, and diverse congregation that engages the broader community with compassionate acts.
Christopher Harris
Lay Leader
On April 11, 2026, Saint Marks Crab Feed Returns! It will be held at the La Sierra Community Center. So, mark your calendars and look for additional information to be provided in the weeks to come.
Join Us for Habitat for Humanity’s “Build for Unity” Saturday, February 7, 2026 | 8:00 AM – 3:00 PM Citrus Heights – New 25-Home Habitat Site
Ready to make a difference? Saint Mark’s is continuing our longstanding partnership with Habitat for Humanity for the annual interfaith “Build for Unity”—a powerful day where people of all faiths come together to build homes and hope for families in need.
This year, we’re assembling a team of 10 volunteers to help construct homes at a brand-new 25-home site in Citrus Heights. No special skills required—just willing hearts & helping hands!
- Lunch provided
- Registration fee covered by Saint Mark’s
- Young people welcome (ages 16–17 with a parent or guardian)
Why join? Because every nail, every board, every hour you give helps transform lives. Together, we can provide deserving families with a safe, affordable home—and that changes everything.
Sign up by January 15!
Contact John and Miriam McCormack at firetester14@gmail.com for questions or to reserve your spot.
Let’s build more than homes—let’s build unity, hope, and a better future!
Sunday School Happenings!
Journey is our word of the month. A journey is a trip without regard to how long it will take. We will start the month on January 4 with the journey the Wisemen took to find Jesus. They brought him gifts of gold, frankincense and myrrh. Those seem like strange gifts to give a baby. Come find out why those gifts were important and even take home some frankincense and myrrh.
The rest of the month we will focus on the journey’s Jesus took. One of his earliest journey’s was when he was 12.
Lots of fun activities are planned. We look forward to seeing you!
~ Mary Maret & Margie Shunk, Teachers
~ Mary Kohatsu, Garden & Music Coordinator
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.
Tidbits from the Archive. . .
Family Camp
Saint Mark’s first Family Camp, was held in 1973. In conjunction with the theme “The More We Get Together the Happier We’ll Be,” camp included guided geology hike and nature hikes, volleyball, horseshoes, campfires, games and stories.
It was held at a campground in Placer County, on 866 acres at 4,000 feet elevation. The fees varied depending on whether participants brought their own camper, tent, or preferred a cabin space. Instructions reminded campers to bring their own sleeping bags, and towels, and other necessities. There would be a Saturday pot luck, but other meals were available to purchase: as little as 75 cents for children and as much as $2/dinner. The agenda was similar for 1974.
In 1984 camp was in Sonoma County and included a tour of old Bloomfield, swimming, painting, a scavenger hunt, softball, campfire, a potluck dinner, and a pancake breakfast.
By June 1987 camp had moved closer to the coast and included a tour of Bodega Bay and spiritual time along with worship. An Eldertreat was held in 1990. Throughout the years family camp was growing a thriving, inclusive and diverse congregation that engaged with the broader community.
Post Script: Nothing more appears in the historic record, though Jim and I attended family camp after joining St. Mark’s in 2001. If anyone has records from years after 1990 that they would be willing to share, the archive would happily receive them.
Barbara Eychaner, Historian
Bring a Friend to UWF for a Healthy Start to 2026 Tuesday, January 13 | 9:45 AM | McMurdo Hall
Looking for a way to invest in your whole-body health—mind, body, and spirit? The newest circle of United Women in Faith invites you to experience Qigong, a centuries-old practice that blends gentle movement, mindful breathing, and focused awareness to reduce stress, boost energy, and promote lasting wellness.
Our first gathering of 2026 will feature Paul O’Sullivan, a licensed Qigong instructor with a wealth of knowledge on how these practices can help you overcome everyday challenges and feel your best.
Enjoy refreshments, receive your 2026 UWF Directory, and celebrate the recipients of Special Mission Recognition announced at the Sunday, January 11 church service.
This is more than an exercise—it’s a chance to share community, nurture your health, and start the year grounded and energized.
Join us Tuesdays at noon for ongoing Qigong sessions and make 2026 the year you prioritize YOU!
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
December Finances
Vitals 12/8/25 – 12/14/25
Special Offering = $0
Contributions Received 12/8 – 12/14/25
General = $9,545.55
Designated = $4,756.30
Annual General Budget = $770,086
Monthly Budget Requirement = $64,174
Year to Date through 11/30/2025
Total Income through Nov 25 = $585,363.56
Total Expenses through Nov 25 = $619,296.58
Nov 2025 Net Income/Loss $33,933.02
New Prayer Requests
Individuals, Families and Friends of loved ones suffering and living with mental illness.
Matthew Thomas
Zacchai Enoch
Kiaya Wiles
Prayers of comfort for the family and loved ones of Vickie Ann Freemyer
Peace and comfort for the Welch family, and friends upon the passing of Thomas Louis Welch III, brother-in-law of Nora Sibilsky. Thomas Louis Welch III passed away in Huntington Beach on Friday, December 5th.
Holding in Prayer
Anne Smith for successful treatment and recovery from ovarian cancer
Lynne Tracy-Kendall for successful treatment and recovery from 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 and Gibbe 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
Status of SacACT Homelessness and Housing Advocacy ~ Mike Jaske
Early this year SacACT Housing and Homeless team conducted a “report back” meeting with the congregation to highlight our work. Thankfully, several congregation members decided to join our efforts. Little did we know when we projected what we expected to accomplish in 2025 that our efforts would focus on trying to defend, not expand, resources devoted to helping homeless people.
Reorganization of the Homeless System of Care
Late in the 2025 California legislative session, Senator Ashby introduced a bill that would have forced all of the cities and the County of Sacramento to create a joint powers agency (JPA) – a commonly used, voluntary mechanism to reduce common costs among multiple jurisdictions. In this case the bill would force all homeless and housing programs to be combined with an existing JPA covering low-income housing between Sacramento County and the City of Sacramento. Feeling ambushed by this bill, every single local jurisdiction opposed it, and it was suspended. To avoid the bill being reintroduced, local governments began discussing how to reorganize homeless program oversight. The County seized the initiative and proposed its own approach. The County’s idea was to eliminate the existing coordination body, replacing it with a council of elected officials, justifying this proposal as a means of improving accountability to voters. Unfortunately, what problems this new oversight body could improve were at best vague. Basic questions like “what” are the problems and “why” do they persist have not been presented. SacACT has been submitting formal comments emphasizing the need for a much more detailed assessment of how the proposed board would improve upon the current community-based board. We have also asserted that insufficient funding is the real cause of excessive unsheltered homelessness. At this point, the County Board of Supervisors is pressing ahead with their idea of a new board composed primarily of elected officials. The City of Sacramento remains to be heard from and none of smaller suburban cities seem interested.
Federal Funding Cutbacks and Grant Restrictions for Homeless and Housing Programs
In addition to state homeless funding cutbacks, the Trump administration has been pursuing its own program funding cutbacks and disastrous changes to the main homeless and low-income housing programs. These changes reflect the ideologies behind much of the Trump administration’s cuts to social safety net programs in health, food assistance, and support to help local school districts cope with changing student composition. Changes directly opposed to Jesus’ teachings. For homeless funding grants, these changes mean capping the proportion of funds to build and operate permanent supportive housing for those whose mental health, substance abuse, or physical infirmities require supportive services in combination with subsidized housing. Instead of program eligibility requirements focused on individual income or needed mental or physical health services, the proposed program design imposes an arbitrary cap of two years not person-specific needs. In Sacramento, estimates suggest nearly 2,000 homeless people and more than 12,000 low-income people are threatened with loss of existing housing. Multiple state attorneys general have filed lawsuits to block these changes, and there is a broad effort of advocacy organizations trying to get Congress to block them. Here in Sacramento, SacACT has petitioned City and County officials to get behind the effort to urge our local House of Representative members to join in this effort. You may have received an email from SacACT urging you to contact your House representative about this. Perhaps in response to broad opposition, the federal government withdrew its proposed rules, but asserted they are just being finetuned.
How this Affects You
These issues could lead to a massive increase in people trying to survive without housing subsidies – some newly evicted people now homeless on the street, and some trying to cover increased monthly costs from loss of rental assistance. Our Mercy Pedaler and food closet operations could be overwhelmed. Join SacACT, and help us to block these changes.
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!
