A Letter from Rev. Quentisha Davis Wiles, MSW, ASW, MDIV, Senior Pastor
Volume: 108 | Issue: 6
Dear Saint Mark’s Community,
With all that is happening in our world, it is difficult not to feel distracted, dismayed, or distressed. Things can appear bleak and unpredictable. And yet I want to challenge you to see the bigger picture, the possibilities, the mystery of what God is still doing.
Jesus declared that God gave Him “the keys of the kingdom of heaven” (Matthew 16:19, CEB) and in turn, He has given them to us. Those keys unlock something far greater than access to a place; they unlock the truth about who we are, who God is in us, and how God is actively at work in the world. We are not powerless. We are not without direction. We carry the keys.
The challenge, of course, is that it is difficult to see in the dark. But here is the Good News: our faith is not contingent on how things look. We are not called to assess the obvious, we are called to see beyond it. Scripture instructs us to “walk by faith, not by sight” (2 Corinthians 5:7, CEB). This is not a suggestion it is a directive. It means that even when the road ahead is obscured, God is already there, and the Holy Spirit is our light and our roadmap guiding us through darkness, distress, and clutter toward something new, something inspiring, something revolutionary, not just for us, but for all of humanity.
There is a season the saints have long called “the meantime” that in-between space of unrest, uncertainty, and becoming. If you find yourself there, do not panic. Keep moving. Look for God. Watch for God. Expect God to provide revelation, direction, and provision. The meantime is not the end it is often where the miracle begins.
One practical way to approach this season with faith and optimism: each morning before you check the news or scroll the feed, pause and declare what you believe about God rather than what you see around you. Speak it out loud. “God is my provider. God is my guide. God is already ahead of me.” Let your confession shape your perception, not the other way around. Faith is not denial of reality; it is the decision to let God’s truth be louder than your circumstances.
I may not know exactly what is in store for you on your personal journey, but I know this with certainty: with God, you are safe. You are loved. And you are never alone. We serve a God of provision and a miracle working God.
This June, we will journey together down the narrow road toward God’s unfailing love. Join us as we discover together what it truly means to “walk by faith and not by sight “and bring a friend. Someone in your circle needs this word right now.
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit sustain you in every season especially this one.
Hugs and blessings~
Join us for our next Landscaping Workday on Saturday, June 6 from 8:00–11:00 AM It’s a great opportunity to enjoy a morning outdoors while helping enhance the beauty of our grounds. The more hands we have, the more we can accomplish—so come ready to dig in and make a visible impact.
Please note, there will be no Landscaping Workday in July due to the 4th of July Holiday.
We’re excited to share that the Trustees have approved a special new project for Saint Mark’s. An Eagle Scout candidate has chosen our church as the site for his service project, and he will be creating a beautiful memorial garden for our community to enjoy. This meaningful addition will provide a peaceful space for reflection and remembrance. Be sure to read more about this inspiring project in the poster.
A Scout working toward the rank of Eagle—typically at least 14–17 years old and having already earned a minimum of 21 merit badges, including all required badges—carries the responsibility of serving as the true leader of his Eagle Project. He sets the vision, makes key decisions, and guides others toward a successful outcome. He takes charge of planning and organizing every phase of the project, communicates clearly with beneficiaries and volunteers, and delegates tasks in a way that empowers others to contribute their strengths. As challenges arise, he models calm problem-solving and adaptability, ensuring the team stays focused and safe. Through his leadership, he not only completes a meaningful service project but also demonstrates maturity, initiative, and the ability to inspire others to work together for the good of the community.
SPIRIT is our word of the month. While the disciples and Jesus’ followers were celebrating Pentecost, the birthday of the church, the Spirit arrived and attracted quite a crowd. Jesus had promised to send the disciples a helper and now it had arrived.
We’ll find out what a spiritual gift is and what does fruit of the spirit mean. Our Wonder Box always has a surprise in store that leads to a fun game or craft.
See you in Sunday School!
Mary Maret & Margie Shunk, Teachers
Mary Kohatsu, Garden & Music Coordinator
Ice Cream Social and Open House, Thursday, July 30 7-8pm
Ages 5-15 with community service hours available for older youth
Cost: $15 includes t-shirt (Scholarships available)
Registration available at church or online beginning June 15
I just want to take a moment to say Thank You to the Organizing Committee (Margie, Tom, Nepoh, Russ, Channel, and Ron) for all your hard work on making this years Crab Feed after a six (6) year hiatus a roaring success! Thank you to the Kitchen Crew (Michael, Becky, Lisa, Sue, Robin). Thank you to all who helped set-up and took down the event. Thank you to all who donated live and silent auction items. Thank you to everyone who helped make this event as wonderful as it was. It truly takes a village! The event raised approximately $15,000 with some money still to come. On behalf of the Saint Marks Community, I want to thank you for all your hard work, time, generosity, and effort to make this event so special and the success it was.
You’re warmly invited to enjoy a refreshing morning in nature with Saint Mark’s United Women in Faith. Join us for a special visit to the Effie Yeaw Nature Center at Ancil Hoffman Park.
We will gather at the church at 8:30 AM to carpool, or you may meet us at the nature center at 9:00 AM (parking fees apply).
Our guide for the day, Mary Maret, will lead us on a wonderful exploration—beginning with the Butterfly Garden, followed by a scenic walk along the river. Along the way, we’ll discover the birds, animals, and plants that make this area so special.
After the walk, relax and enjoy time together with a picnic lunch. Please bring your own meal and beverage.
All members of the Saint Mark’s community, of every age, are invited to attend.
Please RSVP to Mary Kohatsu at mnkohatsu@gmail.com.
We hope you’ll join us for this peaceful time outdoors.
Get ready to grab the mic and light up the night! Join us for a lively Friday Night Karaoke celebration on Friday, June 5, where we’ll honor Father’s Day and celebrate all our June birthdays in style.
Whether you’re a seasoned performer or just love cheering from the crowd, everyone is welcome for an evening packed with music, laughter, and great company. The fun kicks off from 6:00 to 9:00 PM in Wesley Hall—so bring your energy and your favorite songs!
A free-will offering will be collected to help support our fantastic DJ.
For more details, be sure to connect with Sharon Grieve or Ron West.
Looking Ahead: In July, we’ll switch things up! Karaoke will take place on the second Friday, July 10, since the holiday weekend lands on the first Friday.
Don’t miss this unforgettable night—come sing, celebrate, and make some joyful noise!
While our choir enjoys a well-earned summer break, our worship comes alive with you. We’re thrilled to invite performers of all kinds to be part of a vibrant, joy-filled Summer Arts Festival—a celebration of creativity, community, and connection.
Step into the spotlight and share your gift! Whether it’s music, dance, poetry, storytelling, theater, visual arts, or something uniquely your own, we’d love to feature you on a Sunday morning between June 7 and September 6.
Not ready to perform? You can still be part of the magic—invite a grandchild, family member, friend, or neighbor to share their talents with our warm and welcoming community.
We’re building a festival that reflects the beauty of diversity in all its forms—all ages, cultures, genres, styles, and abilities are enthusiastically welcome.
Come be part of something inspiring this summer!
To sign up or learn more, contact Rick Schlosser at rschlosser@stmarksumc.com.
Let’s make this a summer full of creativity, connection, and unforgettable moments.
Sacramento Lavender Chorus is dedicated to building harmony, joy, diversity, and strength in the LGBTQIA+ community through song. Our chorus welcomes members from all walks of life, and we come together to celebrate our unique voices and create beautiful music. Join us in our mission to spread love and acceptance through the power of choral music.
Join the Rainbow Alliance at this year’s Sacramento Pride Festival as we celebrate community, faith, and inclusivity. We’ll be walking in the parade with the Sierra Service Project youth staying with us, and hosting a booth all weekend to share information about Saint Mark’s. There’s still time to get involved—whether marching in the parade or helping at the booth. Contact Sylvia Cruz at 408-202-9859 to sign up.
Tidbits from the Archive. . .
The 1972 General Conference of the United Methodist church adopted language stating “the practice of homosexuality is incompatible with Christian teaching” while recognizing that all people are persons of sacred worth.
In 1984, the General Conference restricted ordination for self-avowed homosexuals. The same year a movement to fully include lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transexuals, and queer Christians in the United Methodist church took the name Reconciling Congregations.
In 1988, the General Conference initiated a study on homosexuality. The study results were to be reported at the 1992 General Conference and were directed to use “consultants as it deems appropriate, including persons representative of the major existing points of view on homosexuality within the church and person well-versed in scientific and theological method. The council shall: Study homosexuality as a subject for theological and ethical analysis…Seek the best biological, psychological, and sociological information…Explore the implications of its study for the Social Principles.” The committee consisted of 27 members from across the country, including two with St. Mark’s connections — Jeanne Barnett and Dr. Bruce Hilton.
“The reconciling process first took place at St. Mark’s between October 1990 and May 29, 1991. The final vote was 141-108 [against], with several factors directly involved leading to the defeat: Despite the high number of votes cast at the church conference, a number of supporters did not vote because they thought the vote would pass without any problem… In June 2005, the St. Mark’s Reconciling Task Force met with …the Outreach Coordinator for the Reconciling Ministries Network. She talked about the continuing need for reconciling congregations given the ongoing discrimination within the United Methodist church…” (Reconciling Congregation Committee Proposal, April 2006)
The second attempt to become a reconciling congregation took a more deliberate approach, starting with a survey to church council members, before the survey was presented to the entire congregation. In the spring of 2006, The Shower of Stoles, a recognition of those who had lost their status as clergy, was displayed in the narthex. The Task Force made presentations to Family Ministries in April. A special church conference was called for May 7, 2006. It was attended by 183 members of the congregation; including absentees, the final vote was 269 approve, 43 disapprove, and 4 abstentions.
And so we celebrate Pride this year as a Reconciling Congregation, honoring one another, listening to each other’s truths and being as kind and as considerate as possible.
Barbara Eychaner, Historian
In-Person Worship:
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2391 St. Marks Way Sacramento, CA 95864
Vitals 5/18/26 – 5/24/26
Special Sunday’s = $0.00
Contributions Received 5/18/26 – 5/24/26
General = $7,039.95
Designated = $1,797.00
Annual General Budget = $777,723
Monthly Budget Requirement = $64,810
Year to Date through 4/30/2026
Total Income through Apr 2026 = $243,271.37
Total Expenses through Apr 2026 = $229,959.29
Apr 2026 Net Income/Loss $13,312.08
Mary Czech for healing and recovery from surgery.
James and Judy Udell for health and healing.
Prayers for successful treatment, healing and recovery for Sandra Kristensen, who is undergoing treatment for esophageal cancer.
Please lift up Cynthia Marx’s twin sister, Claudia, and her husband Doug in your prayers. They are grieving the devastating loss of their daughter, Brooke, who tragically passed away in a plane crash. Pray that they are surrounded by God’s comfort, strength, and peace during this incredibly difficult time.
Richard Burns
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
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!
