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LIFE
A Publication of St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church
2363 West Third Street, Davenport IA 52802
Phone: 563-322-5318 Pastor Travis Fisher-King: 563-676-8160
Annual subscription of $1.00 per year is included in payment of weekly pledge of members.
Email: stmark@stmarkcares.org
November 2020 Volume 53 Issue 11
“They will now we are Christians by our Love”
As we continue to struggle to keep Covid-19 at bay, we have become
numb to the fact that this virus is deadly, and the long-term effects are From Pr. Travis
unknown. As the number of infections and deaths rise we are seeing a lack of care and love to
those who are most vulnerable. The St. Mark Church council has had many conversations about
how we can safely worship together. Although all of the council members wish we could return
to regular worship indoors, we know that it is not what Jesus would want of us. Jesus would not want us to sacrifice
the lives of others to gather to worship as we have been accustomed. Jesus would want us to love our neighbor as
ourselves; which requires sacrifice of us. Who best to know about sacrifice as the one who came to take away the sin
of the world?
In August of 1527, the plague visited the little town of Wittenberg, where Martin Luther had begun the Reformation
only a decade earlier. Martin Luther, during the black plague, wrote:
"Now if a deadly epidemic strikes, we should stay where we are, make our preparations, and take courage in
the fact that we are mutually bound together so that we cannot desert one another or flee from one
another ... Use medicine; take potions which can help you; fumigate house, yard, and street; shun persons
and places wherever your neighbor does not need your presence or has recovered, and act like a man who
wants to help put out the burning city. What else is the epidemic but a fire which instead of consuming wood
and straw devours life and body? … I shall fumigate, help purify the air, administer medicine, and take it. I
shall avoid places and persons where my presence is not needed in order not to become contaminated and
thus perchance infect and pollute others, and so cause their death as a result of my negligence … If the
people in a city were to show themselves bold in their faith when a neighbor’s need so demands, and
cautious when no emergency exists, and if everyone would help ward off contagion as best he can, then the
death toll would indeed be moderate. But if some are too panicky and desert their neighbors in their plight,
and if some are so foolish as not to take precautions but aggravate the contagion, then the devil has a
heyday and many will die … " (From Martin Luther, Luther's Works, Vol. 43: Devotional Writings II, ed.
Jaroslav Jan Pelikan, Hilton C. Oswald and Helmut T. Lehmann, Luther's Works (Philadelphia: Fortress
Press, 1999, c1968), 43:119-138.)
As many members as we have at St. Mark, we also have varied opinions about what should be done and how each
one of us carries out our lives - even during a pandemic. This makes it impossible to address the needs, wants and
desires of all our members regarding the way we would safely return to worship and/or if we should return to
worship. Some of our members have tested positive, some continue to have medical issues, and some have lost loved
ones due to Covid-19. Taking heed to our name sake Martin Luther who faced a similar pandemic during his life,
and the fact that Jesus repeatedly reminds us “to love our neighbor as ourselves”, the St. Mark council has voted
unanimously that we should not worship indoors until after the first of the year – out of love for our members and
visitors alike. We realize that we have kicked this can down the road month by month, but we had hoped that the
virus would be under better control. In effort to return safely to worship, we will continue to follow the advice of
epidemiologists, the recommendation of Bishop Burk, Martin Luther, and the life of Jesus.
I thank you for your continued prayers and support. I am only a phone call away to help your spiritual needs in this
time of trial. I encourage you to continue to read your scrpiture and spend time in daily devotions.
Journeying with you,
Pr. Travis M. Fisher-King
Matthew 22:36-39
36
“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” 37 He said to him, “‘You shall love the Lord
your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind.’ 38 This is the greatest and first
commandment. 39 And a second is like it: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Page 2
Thank Important
You! Ministry
First off, I am so very grateful for all the support opportunity
for this year's Virtual Quad Cities CROP Hunger
Walk. This was to be the year that we were going DVD and CD recordings are needed to be sent out to
to try some new ideas in preparation for next year's those who are not able to view us online. If you have the
50th QC CROP Hunger Walk. And we certainly ability to write either or both and are willing to show a
had to try new things, didn't we? Just not what we staff member, or produce a few dozen a week (either
were hoping to try. from Viemo or a thumb drive) please let Pr. Travis
know tfisher@stmarkcares.org. All materials will be
I don't have to tell you that year has been such a supplied. We hope to being this ministry no later than
challenge for so many people here in the USA and beginning of Advent November 29th.
all around the world. Thankfully, many of us are
doing alright, and we are the ones who have
stepped up and helped fill the shelves at our food Greetings St Mark family,
pantries, donated food and clothing to shelters and
soup kitchens, lent a hand to teachers, students and As it becomes clear that
working parents where we could. And, as you virus counts are rising and
know, the need continues... we are unable to meet in-person for large gatherings, the
The QC CROP Hunger Walk raises money to Social Ministry Committee is committed to providing
assist with the everyday activities at Christian opportunities for giving for the seasons of Thanksgiving
Care, Humility Homes & Services, Expanded and Advent.
Food & Nutrition Education Programs, River Bend
Foodbank, and Meal Service of Scott County While we may not have a physical mitten tree as in
(a.k.a. Meals on Wheels). We have supported years past, hats/mittens/socks for elementary age
these organizations for years and will continue to children are in great need this year. It has also come to
do so into the future. our attention that gently used warm coats are needed at
With all this in mind, we will continue collecting the Grace Methodist Church Blessing Closet. With the
donations for this year's CROP Hunger Walk Covid restrictions, it would be best if we could gather
through Thanksgiving. You can go to the items at St Mark and a member of the committee
www.crophungerwalk.org/quadcities/donate, will deliver them to the designated school or church.
choose St. Mark Lutheran and make a secure, Boxes will be placed in the lounge for donations, one
online donation. Or, if you prefer, you can send a for the “MittenTree” and one for the coats. If you can’t
check made payable to CWS/CROP Walk and make it to church and have donations, please call the
send it to: Janet Martin in care of St. Mark church and they will get you in touch with Candy Nagel
Lutheran Church, 2363 West 3rd Street, and she will pick up your items!
Davenport, IA 52802
Last year’s reverse advent calendar was a HUGE
Again, my heartfelt thanks for all your support, success. We fed MANY families. I would like to go
prayers and donations. The Quad Cities is truly a with that idea, however we must go contactless. We are
very caring community and St. Mark is a shining negotiating buying gift cards from area grocery stores.
example of our concern for one another.
Rick Martin, Coordinator We are asking for monetary donations to go towards the
gift cards. Checks can made to St Mark, with Angel
49th annual QC CROP Hunger Walk Tree on the memo line or a note indicating that you are
wishing to sponsor this outreach.
Hospitalized in October
As we continue our journey together, now and through
Chery Berg Kenny Martens Advent, may we continue Gods Work, Our Hands.
Judy Knisley Bob Stellrecht -Candy Nagel
Page 3
(W)holistic Living….
Thoughts from the Parish Nurse
We know that protein is important to our diets. It helps us recover after we
workout, protects our bones, gives us energy and getting enough protein can
also help us out as we age. As we age our muscles gradually get weaker and
our bones become frail leading to muscle wasting and fractures which drasti-
cally decreased quality of life. Maintaining a good amount of protein in our
diet throughout life helps to prevent all that weakening and decompensating
from happening.
While eating protein can’t stop aging in its tracks, it can help with repair as
our muscles and bones start breaking down. The older we get, the more re-
pair we need. And protein is our body’s main tool in performing repairs-that
is true for inside and outside. Even our hair, skin and nails need more of an assist through the years. Women
especially experience a lot of shifts in hormones through our lives and protein remains an essential part of
keeping them in balance and healthy.
As we age, the recommended protein intake increases and while getting enough protein is important, the type
of protein is also important. Most people think of animal-based protein first, but when it comes to longevity
and healthy aging, plant-based proteins play a key role thanks to their better-for-you fats and antioxidants.
Pistachio nuts are a great source and offer six grams of protein per serving and also provide important antioxi-
dants. Hemp hearts are another great plant-based protein and offer ten grams per serving and are a good
source of B vitamins that will help keep your energy levels up throughout the day. Add them to oatmeal and
smoothies.
Eggs are an excellent choice of animal-based protein. Just one egg provides six grams of high-quality protein
and is an excellent source of choline, a nutrient that works to support cognition, keeping our brain sharp
through the years. Another bonus of eggs is that they have carotenoids, too, which promote healthy eyes as we
age. Scramble them with spinach for breakfast, hard-boiled for a snack and for dinner, mix them with cauli-
flower rice and other vegetables for a protein-rich fried rice.
Seafood is another great choice because of its serious omega-3 fatty acid content. Omega-3 fatty acids help
decrease inflammation throughout the body, working to fight against premature effects of aging. Shrimp, tuna
and salmon are all good examples of seafood high in Omega-3 fatty acids.
Another thought-I cannot stress the importance of getting a flu shot enough. Please
choose to get one at your healthcare provider’s office or at any of the many pharma-
cies that are offering the vaccine. During the pandemic we can help to protect our-
selves from getting the flu or a milder form of the flu virus. Continue to wear your
mask, social distance and wash hands frequently to help protect your health from
COVID-19 and the flu. Stay home if you are not well and treat yourself with sympto-
matic treatment.
Last thought-there will be a footcare clinic here at St. Mark in November on Wednes-
day, November 11 from 12:30-2:30 by appointment provided by UnityPoint at Home.
Please talk to me about an appointment time or call the office. Please wear a mask
and bring a towel. Payment of $30 is by cash or check.
In faith, hope and love, PN Bev
Page 4
News From As you've no doubt already heard, we won't be meeting for indoor worship at St
the Organ Bench Mark Lutheran for at least the rest of the year 2020. This has been a bitter pill to
swallow, but I am confident that it's the best decision (or rather, the least bad
By Ross Jallo decision) in these unprecedented times. I'd like to use this month's article to make it
clear why it may still be a long time before we can safely meet and celebrate the
liturgy as we're accustomed to.
Several incidents suggest that singing is one of the activities most likely to spread the
coronavirus. You may remember hearing about the community choir rehearsal in
Washington State, back in March, that caused the deaths of two singers. In a
rehearsal with sixty-one attendees, a single carrier of the virus resulted in thirty-two
confirmed and twenty probable COVID-19 cases. After a March choir performance
in the Netherlands, 102 of 130 singers contracted the coronavirus, with one singer
(and three singers' spouses) dying. Some scientists have hypothesized that singing is
particularly effective at spreading the airborne droplets that can transmit the
coronavirus.
In my other job, I'm a choral accompanist at Northwest Junior High in Coralville,
and things have been starkly different since we resumed classes in September. For
the students who have opted to attend school in person, we've observed a range of
precautions in choir, including masks at all times, a distance of six feet between all singers, limiting the
number of students in a room, limiting singing time to thirty minutes, facing forward at all times, and no
sharing of sheet music. While necessary, these measures have nearly destroyed the choir experience as we
know it: quite simply, nobody really feels like singing out when they don't feel like part of a choir. I'm afraid
the experience would be much the same at church: we could observe similar precautions, but it would be
impossible to capture the joy of singing as part of a unified congregation.
My heart goes out to all St Mark's members, particularly those who have been largely homebound since
March, and those who don't have access to our service broadcasts. I pray that all of you are somehow able to
incorporate some music-making into your day-to-day lives, in some small way. I pray, too, that we all have
the patience that will be necessary to forego the joy of congregational worship, until we can meet again in
safety. Please know that I'm always trying to think of ways to serve our church musically.
Advent Devotionals and Advent Calendars
We have Advent Devotionals and Advent Calendars for families as well
as personal devotionals for adults. They can be picked up in the office
during office hours, or if you are homebound Pr. Travis will be happy to
deliver them to you by calling the church office 563.322.5318
Theology on Tap via Zoom
November 3rd at 7PM
Discussing: Crushing – God Turns Pressure into Power
by TD Jakes.
Please let Pastor Travis know if you would like to participate so he can send you
a Zoom Invitation and password.
On January 5th we will discuss The Snow Child, A Novel by Eowyn Ivey
Robert Morgan, author of Gap Creek, writes: “A vivid story of isolation and hope on the Alaska frontier, a
narrative of struggle with the elements and the elemental conflict between one's inner demons and dreams,
and the miracle of human connection and community in a spectacular, dangerous world. You will not soon
forget this story of learning to accept the gifts that fate and love can bring."
Lector from home
Pr. Travis is looking for 4
people who would be will- 100th
ing to lector for our Advent Anniversary
worship services. If you
have the ability to video Committee
yourself reading the lessons, November 17
and get them to us electroni-
cally; we would love to at 6:30pm in
have your volunteer. the Lounge
If you are interested email stmark@stmarkcares.org and
you will be sent the lessons for one of the weeks lessons
during Advent.
NO online access?
We are hoping to be able to mail out a DVD or CD of our worship
services. If you do not have the means to watch our worship services
online. Please let the church office know if you would like them sent to
you; and the format you prefer – CD or DVD. We are hoping to begin
this ministry no later than Advent 1 (November 29th).
Sponsor Flower Decorations for Advent
Even though we are not worshiping in person each Saturday or Sunday, worship is still happening! We will
continue to video and stream the services during Advent and at Christmas this year, as we have done all
summer and fall. We would like our worship space to reflect the seasons of Advent and Christmas and, with
your help, it can be done!
If you would like to honor or remember a loved one by sponsoring Advent and Christmas decorations, you
may use this form and include it and your $15.00 in an envelope and bring or mail it to the church office.
Forms are due in the Church Office no later than December 14.
We will include a list of those you choose to remember or honor in our January Newsletter and also the emails
that will include our Christmas Eve worship links and bulletin.
Given by (your name) _______________________
Offering Env. #____
In memory
of_____________________________________________
-Or
In honor
of_______________________________________________
Forms and money ($15.00 ) are due in the office no later than December 14th.
ST. MARK LIFE Non-Profit Org.
St. Mark Evangelical Lutheran Church US Postage
2363 West Third Street, PAID
Davenport, Iowa 52802 Permit No. 909
Davenport, Iowa
Address Service Requested
Happy Retirement
Drive-Thru
for Bev Blake our
Parish Nurse
We will have a drive-thru
opportunity for you to wish
Bev a happy retirement on
November 7th from 1PM
until 3PM. Details are being
worked out, but likely the
event will be a drive thru in A heartfelt thank you to everyone
the east parking lot that day. who sent a card, note and good
We wish Bev (and Joe) a wishes to us to celebrate our 65th
very happy retirement and wedding anniversary, The love
God speed in the next chapters of their life. Bev has been shown was amazing. We are
instrumental in being the better part of the Spiritual Care for those looking forward to the day when
who have been homebound, hospitalized and in helping us to focus we can all gather together in
on our mind and body as well. If you cannot join us for the event, person.
cards may be sent to the church.
In God’s love,
I will dearly miss her collegiality and partnership in ministry
together over the last 11 years. We all will miss her. – Pr. Travis Ira and Dolly Dunsworth
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