Markings Newsletter
Volume: 11 | Issue: 101
No Ordinary Season - Gratitude and Thanksgiving
A Letter from Rev. Quentisha Davis Wiles, MSW, ASW, MDIV, Senior Pastor
Greetings, Beloved Saint Mark’s Community,
Well, well, well—it’s November, yet this feels like no ordinary season. We’re in a season of change, difficult choices, rallies, and resistance—a time of disillusionment and urgent outcries for justice.
I’ve never stopped calling on God, but in this season, I find myself drawn deeper into contemplation, prayer, resistance, lamentation, and supplication.
How about you? How are you truly doing? Your family, friends, loved ones—how are they faring? Take a moment and listen to your inner voice.
What voices do you hear? Which ones are missing? Are you adding your voice to the chorus demanding change? And what about your conversations with God? When did you last talk to God? What did you hear, feel, or sense the Spirits saying to you?
I’m reminded of prophets Habakkuk and Ezekiel—in the midst of exile, war, and subjugation. Both condemned the wickedness and iniquity they witnessed, including the shedding of blood and cities founded on injustice. Both foretold that God would use the “bitter and hasty nation” of the Chaldeans to bring judgment.
Ezekiel prophesied Jerusalem’s fall to foreigners, while Habakkuk boldly questioned how God could use a more wicked nation to punish Judah. Yet both had honest, raw conversations with God—conversations that instructed, directed, empowered, and transformed their situations. God asked Ezekiel, standing before dry bones: “Son of man, can these bones live?” (Ezekiel 37:3, ESV). God told Habakkuk: “Write the vision; make it plain” (Habakkuk 2:2, ESV).
If God granted you power, what would you change?
I believe God has already granted us power—power to live, love, transform, and thrive within community. The message for us is “Lift Every Voice” until earth and heaven ring with liberty. Our voices hold unprecedented power to build and transform.
The change our world needs starts with us. Poet June Jordan said, “We are the change we’ve been waiting for.”
This November calls us to gratitude and Thanksgiving. It also presents an opportunity to balance our democracy, create justice, and ensure voices are heard.
So, you are invited to try on these spiritual practices as we march toward Radical Love & Change with Gratitude, Prayer & Thanksgiving;
- Daily Conversations with God: Speak openly with God through lamentation, praise, gratitude, and prayer. Journal what you hear.
- Lift Your Voice: Identify one justice issue and take one concrete action—write a letter, attend a meeting, or support change-makers.
Join me this month—bring someone along—as we explore conversations with God. Together, let’s lift every voice and impact Change.
Blessings,
Pastor Q
Tidbits from the Archive. . . .
The Roaring 20s
In 1988 and ’89 a group of thirty to forty twenty-somethings gathered for fun and camaraderie.
Their first event was on July 31, 1988 for a mystery picnic. They were instructed to bring enough picnic to share and admonished to bring a friend. They met in the narthex after the 10 o’clock service and caravanned to the mystery location. For the August event they saw a movie, after brunch, then added a four-week class for discussion to coordinate with the film. A potluck lunch was scheduled for December followed by a performance of the Sacramento symphony.
By April the group was playing miniature golf. There was also a game evening. May included a picnic; on an additional date they shared a movie and munchies. Bowling was the June gathering.
The organized activities were short lived, but they created durable relationships in a growing, thriving and diverse congregation, engaging the broader community.
Barbara Eychaner, Historian
Saint Marks Mercy Pedalers and Second Saturday Respite
Mercy Pedalers have been busy with their regular route every Wednesday morning. Recently the number of people we serve has increased to 40, when normally we see 20 or 25. This puts a strain on our supplies, and unfortunately, we have not been receiving very many donated supplies.
We need creamy peanut butter, strawberry and grape jams, cheese filled crackers, Capri Sun, pudding cups and chips. Clothing needed includes used or new men’s jeans especially waist sizes 30, 32, and 34, men’s medium boxer briefs, and long men’s socks. For hygiene kits, travel size toiletries you get on a trip are great, and disposable razors. For the pets, we need dog food both dry and canned, including small kibbles for the little pups out there. Sweaters or coats for the dogs are needed, used or new leashes, collars and harnesses.
We use many of these items for our Second Saturday Respite cosponsored by Arden-Arcade HART and Saint Mark’s Mercy Pedalers. This is a wonderful event that folks on the streets look forward to each month. We serve a hot breakfast, bring in portable showers, provide a clean change of clothes, and give them a takeaway meal. We are looking for more volunteers for this event…cooking, serving, setting up, cleaning, visiting with the guests, etc.
We have also started a small bicycle ministry for our unhoused neighbors to have access to transportation. We gladly accept your bikes that you don’t use anymore. We are getting access to people who can check out the bikes for safety and for any repairs that are needed. We purchase a steel lock for each person. We have been giving out the bikes at Second Saturday Respite. So far, we have given out four bikes, and have three more to be distributed next week.
We feel blessed to be sponsored by Saint Marks, and we appreciate every donation of time or requested items. Thank you for continuing to support these awesome ministries.
Saint Marks Mercy Pedalers: Jan Dell
Ignite Hope: Step Up, Step In – Commitment Sunday is November 19
The season of giving and reflection is here! Our 2026 stewardship campaign, Ignite Hope: Step Up, Step In, invites each of us to consider how we can contribute—not just financially, but through our gifts, talents, prayers, & presence.
This is more than a pledge—it’s a chance to reflect on how God is calling you to serve. What gifts has God given you? Where is He leading you to step in?
We’ll wrap up the campaign on Commitment Sunday, November 19, when we bring our pledges and offerings forward in faith and celebration.
Let’s prepare our hearts, pray boldly, and get ready to see what God will do through our faithful community in 2026.
Holiday Giving with the Food Closet
The holidays are coming—and Saint Mark’s Food Closet is preparing special food baskets for our guests! While Teichert retirees are donating turkeys and fixings, we’d love to include Winco gift cards to help families with extra essentials.
We’re asking for $5 and $10 family-friendly cards (white with red letters). Please place them in an envelope labeled Food Closet and drop it in the offering plate or bring it to the church office.
Calling All Turkey Chefs!
We’re also teaming up with Mercy Pedalers to serve turkey soup or casserole during the holidays—and we need cooks! Turkeys are ready in the Food Closet freezer. Cook one on your schedule and help us spread warmth and nourishment.
Interested in helping? Contact Jane Henderson at 916-717-4834.
Let’s make this season brighter for our neighbors in need!
First Friday Karaoke Continues! Let’s Sing, Snack & Celebrate!
We’re keeping the music going! Join us for First Friday Karaoke Ministry on November 7 and December 5, from 6:00 – 9:00 PM in Wesley Hall.
Whether you’re a karaoke pro or just love cheering from the crowd, these nights are full of fun, laughter, and community. October’s event brought out amazing costumes—Bella Nichols stole the show with her spot-on Wednesday Addams look!
Bring a snack to share and enjoy drinks and supplies provided. A free-will offering helps support our fantastic DJs.
Got questions? Reach out to Sharon Grieve or Ron West.
Come sing your heart out—we’ll see you there!
Sunday School Happenings!
Trust is our word of the month. Trust is believing God’s love is always with you.
Our stories this month will be from Exodus 15: 22-17:7. The Israelites were free and out of Egypt, but they were a long way from the land God promised. Instead, they found themselves in the wilderness. The soil was sandy, there was little vegetation, and water was scarce. Soon, the people were complaining. They began to doubt Moses and God. Our Bible verse will remind us the “The Lord your God is with you wherever you go. (Joshua 1:9b)”
Lots of fun activities are planned. We look forward to seeing you!
Mary Maret & Margie Shunk, Teachers
Mary Kohatsu, Garden & Music Coordinator
United Women in Faith Presents: Education Innovation Tuesday, November 18 | 9:45 AM | Grace Café
Join United Women in Faith for a powerful morning of learning and connection as we explore the future of education with Jonathan Raymond, a visionary leader in educational innovation.
Enjoy refreshments at 9:45 AM, then hear Jonathan share his journey—from Superintendent of Sacramento City Unified School District to President of the Steward Foundation, and now Superintendent of Highland Community Charter Schools. His passion for the Whole Child approach and commitment to equity in education has transformed countless lives.
Whether you’re an educator, parent, grandparent, or simply curious about how education is evolving—this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.
Following the presentation, we’ll hold the election of Saint Mark’s UWF 2026 officers.
Come be inspired, informed, and engaged!
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
October Finances
Vitals 10/13/25 – 10/19/25
Special Offering = $0
Contributions Received 10/13/25 – 10/19/25
General = $6,702.65
Designated = $6,104.00
Annual General Budget = $770,086
Monthly Requirement = $64,174
Year to Date through 9/30
Total Income
$461,091.14
Total Expenses
$507,867.15
Aug 2025 Net Income/Loss $46,776.01
New Prayer Requests
Peace and comfort for the Sally Weinland family and friends upon the passing of her sister, Gwen Bruzas, in Michigan. Gwen passed away on October 17
Holding in Prayer
Jennine Jones, for successful surgery, healing & recovery
Olivia Jones for healing and strength
Peace and comfort for the Turner family and friends upon the passing of Wayne Turner. Wayne Turner passed away on September 30, 2025, at the age of 90.
Anne Smith for successful treatment and recovery from ovarian cancer
Lynne Tracy-Kendall for successful treatment & recovery from breast cancer
Barney Brinkman 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 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
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!
