St. Marcus is proud to announce the completion of Phase I of the campus expansion. Celebrate with us as we open the doors to friends, family and the community. 

The Phase I dedication celebration is about more than just the new building. It's the manifestation of our dedication to education. It's our dedication to the future of the children of Milwaukee. It's our dedication to our community. And it's our dedication to the POWER of ONE. 

Help us dedicate Phase I, and find out what it means to be DEDICATED to THE POWER ONE. 

Dedication Agenda

Saturday, September 17, 2011

3:30 p.m.

Celebration Service

 4:45 p.m.

 Drum Line & Ribbon Cutting

 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

 Open House with Tours, Refreshments and Entertainment

 Call 414-267-8361 for more information

Theme of the Day:  God’s Plantation

Message of the Day:
God grows many beautiful plants, some wild and some tended by people.  Most importantly he grows his kingdom with his growing children. 

Romans 11: 16-18
If the part of the dough offered as first fruits is holy, then the whole batch is holy, if the root is holy, so are the branches.  If some of the branches have broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root…

Today’s theme of the day was very relevant… we found ourselves singing “Above All” (8^th grade graduation song) as we pulled down the mile long driveway to the Shirley Plantation. 

Our scholars excitedly departed the bus and had the opportunity to tour the regal plantation that was first settled in 1613.  Today, it stands as the oldest operating business in the United States, offering tours to hundreds from across the country each year.  It was amazing to see the great expanse of the plantation, the beautiful grounds, and hear the stories about the Hill Carter family, where the 11^th generation still occupies the second and third floors today.   Students re-lived the 1600's & 1700’s as they learned how to use a slate block for writing and quill, food preparation and cultural practices.  We heard stories about the 3,000 Union troops that camped on the Hill Carter land and the women of the house that offered their linens for the wounded soldiers, wrote letters to their wives and families and read the Bible and prayed with them.  Even though the women’s husbands were fighting for the opposite side, they took care of the Union soldiers the same way they would want their own husbands treated.  Because of their hospitality, the plantation was named “protected” for the remainder of the war.  

Our next stop was at historic Jamestown, which gave us a real-life tour of the grounds. Here we explored where the first settlers landed and learned about the relationships and sharing of agricultural and sustainable living practices between the settlers from England, the Indians and Africans that later were brought over on ships.   

Today, our 7^th & 8^th grade women were reminded of how extremely blessed and privileged they are to be able to see what many people will not ever be able to experience in a life time and reminded of the importance to never take their opportunity to Discover America for granted.

As the sun set, we drove to Virginia Beach to visit St. Marcus friends “The Frasier Family” and our kind hosts the “Gift Family” where we visited, ate pizza, swam and played ping pong, foosball, shuffle puck and basketball!   

A Remnant – What can we hang on to? 

Day 2:  May 17th, 2011 

Bible Passage of the Day: 
Romans 11: 4-6 And what was God’s answer to him? “I have reserved for myself seven thousand who have not bowed the knee to Baal.”  ‘So too, at the present time there is a remnant chosen by grace.’  And if by grace, then it is no longer by works; if it were, grace would no longer be grace.  

What should we preserve – a building, a city, a historic dance? Jesus has chose to preserve us.   

A 7:00am departure found our Discover America travelers back on the bus and driving to Monticello – Thomas Jefferson’s plantation.  

Here, our scholars had the opportunity to tour Jefferson’s estate and learn about the Italian architecture that inspired its open-air living spaces, L-shaped terraces and its transformation over time, incorporating design elements from famous European buildings of the past.  Touring “crossroads” exhibitions, hi-lighted the domestic work that took place at Monticello where Jefferson’s family intersected with enslaved people who were instrumental to the functioning of the house.  Not only did we tour the plantation, taking in the budding gardens and 180 degree views that stretched for miles, we listened to an engaging guide that explained the person that was Thomas Jefferson while walking “Mulberry Row.” This was used as the term to refer to a 1,000 foot section that encircled the house.  In this stretch, mulberry trees were planted and in the shade, enslaved, free and indentured workers and craftsmen lived and worked in small log buildings.  Our scholars asked relevant questions and represented St. Marcus positively, many for the first time, having the amazing opportunity of visiting a president's home.  

After getting caught in a torrential downpour during the last leg of the tour, we sat soaked on the bus as we headed a short ride over to the infamous University that Jefferson designed, planned its first curriculum and oversaw the hiring of its first staff, The University of Virginia. Our students had the opportunity to tour the campus with a young woman who was entering her junior year of college, offering a real-life example of what it is like to be a student at the University.  While walking throughout the prestigious college, we could feel the moments in history that the campus experienced since 1825.  Students were inquisitive about the cost of tuition, ethnic diversities of the student population, graduation rates and what majors the college specialized in, etc…

It was wonderful listening to the St. Marcus students speak about their future plans for attending Marquette University, UW-Madison, Notre Dame and Ohio State to become our future doctors, nurses and engineers.  Awesome!  Thanks to the University staff and our St. Marcus friend and University of Virginia alumni, Abby Ramirez from Schools That Can Milwaukee who helped organize the tour!     

During the evening we had an awesome experience at an African Song & Dance that invited us into a community to learn about slavery.  We had the opportunity to join in a re-enactment of how slaves used song and dance during work, remembering their African heritages, and joining as a community to share stories and memories.

Happy Birthday Fernando! 

We hold these truths to be self-evident…

All are created Equal they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights
Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. 

– Thomas Jefferson

Day 1:  May 16th, 2011
Message of the Day:
Beautiful Feet of Missionaries
Bible Passage of the Day:  Romans 10:14-15
How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in?  And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard?  And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?  - And how can they preach unless they are sent?  As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!”  

We leave Milwaukee with “happy feet” on this trip as we bring Christ with us as his missionaries.  

As the sun began to rise on this chilly morning, thirty-seven nervously excited 7th & 8th graders, seven chaperones, one bus driver and anxious parents gathered in St. Marcus’ gym to say their good-byes in a departing prayer circle.  8th grade teacher and trip leader, Bret Hopf began the trip with a story about the meaning and significance of rocks and distributing a rock to each traveler.  He asked the travelers to think about 5 things the rock symbolizes to them while they travel.  One 8th grader exclaimed, ”The rock symbolizes Jesus, and no matter where we go, He is with us.”  Each traveler is responsible for their rock throughout the duration of the trip and must carry it with them while site-seeing, hiking, swimming, sleeping, wherever the adventure leads.  
It will be fun to further discover what the significance of this rock means to our scholars.  

Throughout Monday’s long haul, our scholars studied.  Diving into the book of the trip, “Red Badge of Courage” by Stephen Crane and journaling their thoughts and feelings as they begin the trip.  Reflecting on their most anticipated site, their spiritual and social goals, fun bus memories and their favorite Bible passage.  During the ride to our destination, a few students shared their reflections.  One young woman reflected on her spiritual goal of having the amazing opportunity of seeing God’s creation.      

Our bus ventured through the landscapes of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio and West Virginia arriving 13 hours later in Charleston, West Virginia where we spend the night.

Happy Birthday Taylor Davis!

Saturday May 7th, the DA explorers headed to the University of Arizona for an amazing campus experience. Our tour guides lead two groups through the beautiful college and discussed the story of the campus fight song, showed the students the massive computer library, student services, and cafeteria.

Afterward everyone said a very tearfull goodbye to Mrs. Weber as she headed back to Wisconsin--and then headed to the Phoenix Airport to pick up a very special passenger--Mr. Festerling!

Now that we had the strength of Mr. Festerling, we headed to a local popular mountain just outside Phoenix called South Mountain. The weather was scortching at just about 100 degrees. Students and chaperones were packed to the brim with water and encouragement, and then began the almost 3 mile hike up the steep mountain. More than one student needed to "bear down" to find strength, but a select few made it to the very top and back for bragging rights!

Songs, homework, and fun for a "quick" 3 hour busride to Williams, Arizona. The students enjoyed wonderfull accomodations at the Best Western located at 511 N. Grand Canyong Blvd, and had a restfull sleep for the next days unforgettable trip to the world's largest canyon.

Being my first time to this massive work of God, there really aren't words to describe the experience of turning a corner and seeing the wide expanse so breathtaking it almost looks like fake. Take a look at the photos below, but bear in mind no camera on earth can appropriately capture this majestic natural wonder.

The Discover America trip could almost top out at the Grand Canyon, but as a perfect follow-up destination we packed up with our hiking stories and headed to Yucca, AZ and the Stagecoach trails Dude Ranch.

Met by our gracious hostess Kary who insisted we would "enter and strangers and leave as family," we packed into quaint but beautiful family homes and had a brief walkthorugh of proper horse-riding-ettiquete. After an awesome lunch and dinner and some games, we all crashed into our bunks for the next morning's ride. The gorgeous desert landscape with a mountainous backdrop looks even more amazing on horseback.

Check out our facebook page for some additional pictures! Our last destination is the Hoover Dam!

Hello DA parents, friends, and fellow southwest explorers! It's been a bit since an update so lets dive right in!

On Wednesday May 4th, the  students assembled into their teams with chaperones and visited the University of New Mexico in Albuquerque. The self-lead tour gave the DA scholars a great look at life on a large college campus

Later in the day they visited Old Town Albuquerque, and got a great look at how the Spanish originally founded the first location, took tours of ancient churches and heard about the legendary 13 ghosts that allegedly haunt the Old Town.

In the evening, the explorers traveled to Carlsbad Caverns for the legendary flight of the bats. Because no pictures or video are allowed, we have no great shots--but believe me, what started out as a few bats coming out with minutes in-between ended up as hundreds pouring out only 50 feet away from students seats! They were all extremely well behaved, as the experience was truly something to see!

The next day we returned to Carlsbad to take the tour through the actual cavern. Students got real-life looks at stalagtites and stalagmites made of gypsum and limestone. After the initial shock of being in the very opening where the hundreds of tiny "megabats" had flown out the night before, tensions were eased as the students made their way through the cool winding staircases down into the depths of the cavern.

The last part of the day saw a welcome way to release some energy while experiencing one of the coolest places in New Mexico--White Sands National Monument. Located an hour and a half from Carlsbad, students and their fearless leaders had a chance to blow off some steam, throw a frizbee around, and sled down the gypsum soft sand-like hills that stretched farther than the eye could see. So far, one of the highlights of the trip!

Good morning! After enjoying the Taus Pueblos, the DA travelers packed up and made their way to Los Alamos, NM to experience the Bandolier Cliff Dwellings. These small caves are literally hollowed-out in the side of an unactive volcanoe and made over500 years ago out of the softer "tuff" rock in the side of the cliffs. A knowledgable tour guide and video prepped the DA scholars about the lives of Pueblo Native Americans, and then students and chaperones alike were wowed by the dozens of cave dwellings with ladders--many kept preserved with original cave pictures and signs of activity even after all this time.

 Three members if my group "The Mequites holding up a sign of the ancient Pueblo community in front of the ruins."

 DA explorers climbing the ladders into the actual Pueblo cave dwellings at Bandolier.

 A few of the impressive cliffs with eager minds smiling.

Day 3

After enjoying a restfull sleep at the "Lamplighter Inn" in Santa Fe, our tireless explorers headed to the State Capitol for a self-guided tour lead by 6th grade teacher Mrs. Webber. In the afternoon the students toured El Rancho de las Golondrinas, a Pueblo virtual "Old-world New Mexico" with live exibits, outdoor dye tents, skinning "tanning booths," and an ancient spanish chapel on the hill. Afterwards we made a short stop at the Santa Fe airport to pick up the one and only Mr. Henry Tyson. With our fearless leader in tow, and a delicious meal of hot dogs and lemonade filling our stomachs we were off to our next adventure--Tent Rocks National Monument. These rocks are given there said name because of the "upside-down icecream cone" shape and were truly a wonder to behold.

 Mr. Tyson Explaining wind and water erotion. 

 Smiling student Joaquin posing under the roots of a tree in the middle of the travel path at Tent Rocks.

 Flawless blue sky inside the narrow canyon.

Head on over to our facebook page for many more picture updates, and stay tuned for days 4-5 updates and pictures! http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/stmarcusschool

The 5th and 6th graders from St. Marcus School have been on an amazing adventure! These updates are coming much later than anticipated due to the crazy fast-paced nature of being a chaperone, but let's get caught up on a few of the exciting experiences we've had...

Monday, May second. At 10:30 am we crossed the border into New Mexico on our way to the Taus Pueblos. The thirty-plus hour drive on a bus with multiple stops and thirty-seven 5th and 6th graders across 4 states makes for a wonderful night sleep :-) Upon inspection of our bus interior thermometer, my first reaction is...it must be BROKEN. The temperature reads 25 degrees F, and I'm thinking that is impossible because we are are in New Mexico..in the desert...southwestern United States. If you think I am exaggerating, take a look at the photo from our bus on the way to our first attraction:

I suppose when you take into consideration we are at 7,000 feet surrounded by mountains, the crazy temperature makes a bit more sense. Still, NOBODY (students nor chaperones) packed for this weather, so there was a few complainers but we all managed.

Despite the chill, the views are absolutely breathtaking. Snow-covered mountains, aspen tree groves and sandy mesas all on the same landscape. All around the town of Taus, there are adobe houses spattered with new architecture, which one would imagine when you think of New Mexico--and since the building material is so durable after hundreds of years, it is literally used on every since structure you see today.

The Taus pueblos was an interesting look at how the Pueblo Indians lived three hundred years ago. Our tour guide, Jesse was a native himself, and full of awesome facts as we followed him along. Since the landscape is so awesome, and I am about to board our bus again, I will stop typing and let the pictures speak for themselves. Stay tuned for an update for day's 3-4 later today!!

View at the Taos, NM.

Tour guide Jesse and DA travelers!

Entire group (before we were joined by Mr. Tyson) at the foot of an adobe structure in Taos.

Don't forget to check out our facebook page frequently for more picture uploads!!

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/stmarcusschool

St. Marcus Lutheran Church and School will break ground at 12:00pm on Sunday, October 31st on its second major campus expansion in the past decade. In 2003, the church completed a $5.5 million, 50,000 square foot expansion of its school and ministry space. This ground breaking initiates Phase I of a $12,000,000 school and campus expansion effort.

Phase I, at $9,300,000, will add a 46,080 square foot state of the art educational facility, allowing St. Marcus to double the size of enrollment to serve a yearly total of over 600 students. It also increases church ministry space, including additional rooms for community outreach. Construction will begin the first week of November. The expansion was designed by Korb Tredo Architects and the building project will be led by Catalyst Construction.

Phase II, at $2.7 million, will offer an additional 12,000 square feet of multi-purpose space designed for use as a theater, gym and community resource center. Currently, $7.1 million of the $12 million campaign goal has been raised and efforts continue to raise funds for the second phase.

St. Marcus is known not only for its vibrant and growing church congregation but also for its nationally renowned K4-8th grade school. The school has grown from 100 students a decade ago to 424 today. The school serves predominantly low-income, African American students who are selected randomly and who post dramatic gains in educational performance measures and receive a strong Christian education. Parents have flocked to the school resulting in the need for the current expansion.

Community leaders attending the ground breaking include: 

• Bruce Krier, CEO, Krier Foods
• Ron Jones, President, Siebert Lutheran Foundation  
• Andy Fleckenstein, Fleck Foundation 
• Lilli Gust, President, Arnold Investment Counsel, Inc.
• Eugene Manzanet, Vice President of Community Development, PNC 
• Maria Lopez Vento, Program Officer, 
• Helen Bader Foundation 
• Ben Hannemann, Marketing Director, Versant 
• Jeff Tredo, Korb Tredo Architects 
• Jennifer Bartolotta, The Bartolotta Restaurant Group

According to Tim Sheehy, President of the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce, "St. Marcus is building the city by taking a floundering neighborhood and giving it a great school. A capital campaign to expand the reach of St. Marcus is one of the best investments in this city's future." St. Marcus invites the community to participate in the ground breaking and to support the on-going fundraising effort.

Learn how the school is changing education in the region, providing a quality and a no-excuses education. Get more information about the campus expansion by contacting Henry Tyson, Superintendent, St. Marcus School 414-267-8387 or 414-303-2133 or Christine Safranek, Development Director, St. Marcus School 414-267-8361 or 414-750-6498

When: 

12:00pm Sunday, October 31, 2010

Where: 

St. Marcus Lutheran Church and School

2215 N Palmer Street, Milwaukee WI 53212 (one block east of 1st and North Ave)

About St. Marcus

St. Marcus Lutheran Church is a vibrant urban ministry, existing for more than 135 years, with 1,000 members from greater Milwaukee. Rich and poor, educated and undereducated, life-long Christians and those new to Jesus, the ministry celebrates a diversity of ethnic backgrounds and family histories. St. Marcus offers three Sunday worship services: 8:00am, 10:30am and 6:30pm

St. Marcus Lutheran School is a Christian, college-prep school serving 424, predominantly low-income African American students from K4-8th grade. As a nationally recognized leader in urban education reform, St. Marcus empowers individuals, children and families to overcome challenges and reach their full potential. Graduating students are fully prepared for high school and positioned to excel in higher education, including university academics and as leaders in their communities. The Christian focus and no-excuses approach encourages growth in wisdom, dedication and self-discipline. 

• Students boast an average daily attendance rate of 96%
• 97% of graduates 2005-2009 graduated from or remain in high school
• 100% of 8th grade students are proficient or advanced in math
• 95% of 8th grade students are proficient or advanced in reading

It's time to build!

On Sunday, September 26th the Congregational Capital Campaign was ignited during worship services with an historic mortgage burning.

We are in the business of connecting people,” states Pastor Mark Jeske. This campus expansion allows us to connect with many more people sharing the love of God, extending our reach into the community and providing greater opportunities for the growth of all St. Marcus ministries. To date, St. Marcus congregation leaders have pledged over $1 million toward the Congregational campus expansion goal of $2 million. Astoundingly, $6.2 million of the overall $12 million goal is committed! With a broad range of supporters, community connections and enthusiastic congregational involvement - these goals will be joyfully realized.

Now we ask ourselves, “Who would have believed?,” questions superintendent, Tyson. “Our Heavenly Father blesses us when we move forward in faith. We must put our faith in God - as only he knows what is next for the St. Marcus ministry.” With this spirited launch, an invitation is extended to the families of St. Marcus to become involved. “Ride the wave” of St. Marcus ministry growth. It's time to build!

HOW WILL YOU UNLOCK YOUR POTENTIAL?

GIVE

Prayerfully consider a stretch gift according to what God has given you. A stretch gift is one you may make only a few times in your life. This may require sacrifice and life style adaptation. Sacrificial giving is not about being bigger. It is about being faithful. Oftentimes people who gift sacrificially find they are filled with joy and peace. In fact, they grow spiritually with a deepened faith. God invites you to become richer by giving, transforming your spiritual walk with Him.

ENGAGE

Inviting others to share in the ministry story and vision allows St. Marcus to serve more people through the Word of God. Our Annual Benefit Gala, brings our mission to over 300 church, community and business leaders building essential connections. You can do this too! What is your spiritual vision? Know it, share it. Perhaps you would host a small gathering at your home or in a community venue. How about a Packer Party, barbecue, beer or wine tasting? Need suggestions? Contact the St. Marcus Development Office at 414-267-8361 for idea sharing and assistance in planning your event.

SHARE

While involved in the Kohl's Cares Facebook contest, we witnessed the power of social media as a door to awareness, collaboration and partnerships for building community. Reach out to your networks and offer others the opportunity to participate in our vibrant urban ministry. Social media, such as Facebook, Twitter and emails extend your reach to share. Building a community of love, builds God's kingdom, often transforming lives.

Use the talents that God has blessed you with, and together, we will unlock the potential.