Groups of St. Mark’s

In addition to worship services, St. Marks has many different groups in which you may express your faith in whatever way you so desire:

Lutheran Men in Mission

The Lutheran Men in Mission is a fellowship group for all the men of St. Mark’s. They meet for breakfast every third Saturday of the month. We do service projects throughout the year to benefit both the community and the church. One of our recent major projects was building a ramp for Erick Smith.

Women of the ELCA (WELCA)

The WELCA at St. Mark’s contains one circle, that serves the church and community in addition to their fellowship and monthly programs where Bible studies and special topics are presented. Their ministry to others is:

  • Provide ABCCM Women and Children’s Shelter meals (4 dinners and 3 breakfasts)
  • Provide cookies for the Yokefellow Prison Ministry
  • Provide Lutheran World Relief Projects of school bags, health and sewing kits
  • Provide Lutheran Family Services projects of In-Kind gifts (personal, health and school items) and a collection project of Campbell’s Soup products’ UPC bar codes
  • Provide funeral meals or receptions
  • Visit and send cards to the sick members

The Women of the ELCA at St. Mark’s is a part of the Smoky Mountain Conference within the NC Synodical Organization. The monthly magazine is Lutheran Women Today. Spring and Fall Conference Gatherings, State Organization Gathering, and one-day retreats provide important links to our circle. We also participate in four meetings a year with Church Women United of Asheville.

Social Club

The St. Mark’s Social Club was new in 2003 with the purpose of increasing interest in fellowship activities at St. Mark’s. It has sure worked! Here are some examples of their activities:

  • Inter-generational Game night
  • Church property clean-up
  • Golfing tournament
  • Mountain hike to Twin Falls
  • Attended the Unto These Hills Drama in Cherokee, NC
  • Progressive dinner

Youth Groups

(visit their webpage here) The St. Mark’s Youth Group is for youth between 4th and 12th grade. This is divided into three smaller groups - Senior High, Junior High, and the Lions (4th - 6th grade). They all do faith-building activities as well as just have fun! One of the annual events put on by the Youth Group is the Youth Show. This has become quite a signature of this group and the whole congregation is invited. Here are some other things that they have done in the past:

  • Skiing trip
  • Visited Carolina Hemlocks
  • Hiked in the Black Balsam area
  • Oktoberfest Auction
  • Watched new movies on faith-related subjects
  • Game night with the Senior Adults
  • Went to Fun Depot to play putt-putt and laser tag

Fishing Ministry

Outings are on Saturdays. They meet at St. Marks between 6:00-7:30a.m. and return around 3:30p.m. Fly and spin casting are practiced. Angles may keep their catch up to a 4 or 7 fish limit, depending on the type of stream

A brief devotional or Bible study is held with a a bring-your-own lunch. Stream selection may change in response to member input or changing conditions; some outings are spontaneously planned and all events and outings are announced by e-mail.