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SPRING FORWARD: Daylight Savings & 2nd Annual Fuzzy Slipper Service
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|  Just a reminder: before you go to bed on Saturday, March 7, you should turn your clocks forward one hour - yes, you will lose one hour of sleep! As a result you may find yourself a bit tired and slow on Sunday morning. Don't worry - to help you out, we are rolling out the 2nd Annual Fuzzy Slipper Service at St. Mark's at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.. No need to put on your shoes (think of how much time you'll save!). . . just wear your slippers to church. The fuzzier, the funnier, the better! Photo ops galore! See you in church!
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Keep On Keepin' On
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"Resilience is the ability to keep on going after you have had enough of the status quo. That may not be the dictionary definition of "resilience," but when I think of people who appear to bounce back from life's difficulties, they often bear this trait. . . When Jesus 'lost it' in the Temple, it was clear that he had had enough with the institutional hypocrisy that he witnessed all around him. And confirmed in his belovedness as God's Son - and with crystal clarity about his vocation and mission - Jesus defined 'keep on keepin' on.' His steady movement toward Jerusalem, the cross on Calvary, and the resurrection he foretold kept his heart and spirit from being stuck in the status quo.
Whenever I find myself frustrated by a difficult, seemingly intractable situation - when my mind is unable to really make sense of things - it is my heart and soul yearning and stretching toward a new and different possibility that brings me through. IO find that my heart has to know that things can be different before my mind will believe it, and this is a lesson I must learn over and over again as life brings its challenges.
One of my favorite lines from the film Hannah and her Sisters is this: 'The heart is a very, very resilient little muscle. It really is.' Life will too often test the resilience of our hearts, but God desires that we 'keep on keepin' on,' trusting that something new - indeed, resurrection itself - lies ahead. . . .
Take some time today and reflect on the resilience of your own heart. Have you experienced a 'heartbreaking' loss or difficult time? Was your heart able to mend and were you able to find a way to 'keep on keepin' on'? If so, how? What helped your heart to heal and to be resilient? If not, what might you do going forward that would help your heart to heal?"
- The Rev. Jennifer Baskerville-Burrows,
Reflection for March 8 and March 10, 2015 in
Living Well Through Lent:
Practicing Resilience with All Our Heart,
Soul, Strength, and Mind
**copies of this Lenten meditation booklet can be ordered here:
www.livingcompass.org/view-products.html.
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Worship
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In the baptismal covenant, we are asked, "Will you continue in the apostles' teaching and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in the prayers?" and we respond, "I will, with God's help."
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| Third Sunday in Lent: Exodus 20:1-17; 1 Corinthians 1:18-25; John 2:13-22 "The law of the LORD is perfect and revives the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure and gives wisdom to the innocent." - Psalm 19:7
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 Lay Eucharistic Visitor Ministry Team Now Forming
If you would like to be part of a new ministry team at St. Mark's - a small group of individuals who visit with and share communion with parishioners who are homebound or who are in the hospital or in a rehabilitation facility, please speak with Pastor Debra at 847-732-9564 or send her an e-mail, [email protected]. After a conversation to determine if this is an appropriate ministry for you, training will be scheduled. Training will include: method and practice in administering communion, including approved liturgy for visitation; some guidelines for visiting; and sexual misconduct prevention training (for those who have not already completed such training in the past 5 years). This is a wonderful way to share St. Mark's worship begun on Sunday mornings with those in our community who are unable to be present and it is a ministry that can be undertaken by an individual or a two-person team (friends, couples, parent/child, parent/grandchild).
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This Sunday's Lay Ministers
Thank you to the following parishioners for sharing their time and talent with the congregation this week. If you would like to become involved, please contact Pastor Debra at 847-732-9564 or [email protected].
- Lector: Dorothy Szczepaniak & Casmir Szczepaniak
- Eucharistic Ministers: Joanna Greene & Byron Scott
- Acolytes: Patrick Nee, Abigail Seifert, Sara Basha
- Altar Guild: Sharon Friend & Beth Johnson
- Vestry Persons of the Day: Dale Seifert & Joanna Greene
- Ushers: John Lucadamo, Nancye Kirk, Doug Sondgeroth
- Coffee Hour Snacks: Last names beginning with
D - I
- Welcoming New Worshippers: All the People of St. Mark's
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Christian Formation
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Lifelong Christian faith formation is important for lifelong growth in the knowledge, service and love of God as followers of Christ. Regardless of where you are on your spiritual journey, no matter what season of life you are in, you are invited to enter into a prayerful of continuous learning.
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 Children's Formation On Sunday mornings from 9:30 - 10:15, children (ages 3 - 12) are invited to take part in small groups that include Bible reading and response through arts and crafts, games, and other activities. There are three classes and this week's leaders are: Patty Acha / Susan Lewis (ages 3 - 5), Anne Heinz / Luke Urbanowski (ages 6 - 8), John Lucadamo / Lori Goede (ages 9 - 11). "Will you who witness these vows do all in your power to support these persons in their life in Christ? We will." - from the order for Holy Baptism (Book of Common Prayer, p. 303) On Sunday mornings, our children gather in three classrooms from 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. to hear one of the stories we'll be reading in church and then to reflect on that story through music, art, or other activities. We have a core group of teachers who ensure that lesson plans are in place. But, we need your help. We are looking for classroom assistants
- March 15
- April 12, 19
- May 10
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Wellness for Parents - Sunday Mornings, 9:15 - 10:15 - March 8, 15, and 22
There is no greater joy, challenge, or responsibility in this life than that of being a parent. But, with all there is to do as parents, finding time for self-care can be difficult. Parents and families are pulled in many different directions. Because of this, it is more important than ever for parents to have a compass to help them find their way and to keep themselves and their families heading in a positive direction.
Join Pastor Debra and Beth Johnson, St. Mark's Congregational Wellness Advocates on this 4-week Lenten journey toward Wellness.
Childcare will be available from 9:15 a.m. until Sunday School starts at 9:30. Children will join their parents at 10:15 a.m. for worship.
For more information, pamphlets are available in the parlor or you can contact Beth at [email protected]or Debra at [email protected].
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Building Healthy Relationships - Tuesday Evenings, 6:00 - 8:00 - March 10, 17, and 24
Few things affect the quality of our lives more than the quality of our relationships. Our relationships are always under construction, and it is good to learn and re-learn what it means to support, love, and communicate with others in healthy ways. This four-week program provides an opportunity to explore together some new skills that can improve the relationships in our lives, in our families, at work, or in the community.
Join Lisa Montgomery and Andrea Nowack, St. Mark's Congregational Wellness Advocates on this 4-week Lenten journey toward Wellness. Each evening will begin with a simple supper of soup and bread (6 - 6:45) followed by small groups focused on building healthy relationships (6:45 - 8:00). Please feel free to come for the small groups at 6:45 even if you can't make it in time for dinner.
For more information, pamphlets are available in the parlor or you can contact Lisa at [email protected] or Andrea at [email protected].
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This Week at Saint Mark's
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| Wednesday, March 4 6:00 p.m. Music Night, Choir Room 7:30 p.m. Vestry Financial Orientation, Bethlehem Chapel Thursday, March 5 10:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, The King Home 7:30 p.m. Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room Sunday, March 8 8:00 a.m. Holy Eucharist, Lady Chapel 9:15 a.m. Wellness for Parents Group, Bethlehem Chapel 9:30 a.m. Children's Formation, Classrooms 10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist with Music, Sanctuary 12 Noon Hand Bell Choir Rehearsal, Balcony 6:15 p.m. CnC Class, St. Mark's Tuesday, March 10 8:30 a.m. Producemobile, Robert Crown Center 6:00 p.m. Building Healthy Relationships' Dinner and Program, Bethlehem Chapel 7:30 p.m. InterPlay Class, Cunningham Hall Wednesday, March 11 6:00 p.m. Music Night, Choir Room 7:00 p.m. Evanston Creative Writing Meet-up, Library 8:00 p.m. Evanston English Country Dancers, Cunningham Hall |
| March 2 Natasha Oussenko March 4 Miranda Whitmore, Bernard Rocca IV, Kirk Lucadamo March 6 Lynn Carver, Hector Cortes March 7 Margaret Scott, Bernadette Lettner March 8 Virginia Beatty March 9 Sarah Francis March 12 Gunnar Lewis, Marion Macbeth, Calvin Whitmore March 16 Deane Johnson, Madeleine Yanaga March 17 Addison Benz March 18 Cynthia Garrels March 19 Charles Sagan March 23 Lisa Davis March 24 Michael Arrington March 27 Lynette Murphy, London Lytle
March 31
Gabriel Howard, Wayne Smith
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March 26
Andrew and
Sandra Howard
March 27
Alex and Holly Gallegos
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Fellowship
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Where are you today? Lonely and afraid? Joyful and confident? Somewhere in between? Wherever you are in your journey of faith, know that there is a place for you here, companionship for the journey in this community gathered.
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?? Music Night??
If it's Wednesday Night it's Music Night at St. Mark's! Who will be the composer of the month? What will be the instrument of the fortnight? Will there be a quote of the week? Come and find out! Associate for Music Ministries, David Plank, leads "Music Night." People with any level of musical background-even those with no music experience-are welcome to come upstairs to the choir room on Wednesday night from 6:00-7:30. Younger children, starting at age five, are welcome to join with all ages from 6:00-6:30. Youth and adults can come (or continue) from 6:30-7:30. Please contact David with any questions you may have at
[email protected].
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 Bowling Day!
Everyone is invited to come bowl with us at Brunswick Bowling in Niles on Saturday, March 14 from 12-2. Cost is $15 per person for bowling and shoes. Bring extra money for snacks, if you'd like. Checks can be made out to St. Mark's Church. If you are unable to attend for financial reasons, please see Pastor Debra in confidence. Please RSVP to the event by emailing Jacqui Zeng at [email protected] or by calling her at 847-903-0102.
SMAC - St. Mark's Youth Group Members, We will be sure to designate a lane or two just for you! So, tell your friends and plan to join us.
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Social Justice & Outreach Opportunities
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St. Mark's continues its commitment to our community through its many social justice and outreach activities. Following are ways in which you can get involved with the St. Mark's community in helping to create a better world.
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Producemobile - Tuesday, March 10
On the 2nd Tuesday of each month, Interfaith Action of Evanston teams up with the Greater Chicago Food Depository to bring free, fresh produce to our neighbors in need. The distribution takes place from 9:30 - 11:30 at the Robert Crown Center. Volunteers are needed from 8:30 a.m. - 11:45 a.m. If you are able to help on March 10, please send an e-mail to Pastor Debra, [email protected]
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|  Wednesday Lunch Program Has Launched! Lunches are being packed on Tuesday evenings at 6 p.m. in Cunningham Hall. Lunches are being served on Wednesdays (volunteers are asked to arrive by 10:45 and stay until 1 p.m.). If you're interested in volunteering, please sign-up here:
For more information, contact Community Engagement Coordinator, Jacqui Zeng at [email protected]. |
| Interfaith Action of Evanston, an organization of faith-based groups and individual members bringing direct help to many in our community, has an easy new way for you to help them fund its programs when you buy the groceries your family needs. Gordon Food Service (GFS Marketplace), 2424 Oakton St., Evanston. Register (free) for a Fun Funds card next time you are at GFS and you will receive coupons and special offers, as well as earning rebates of from 1%-10% for IAE. Ask for more details at GFS. |
Social Media and St. Mark's 
If you have your mobile device it would be good if you put it on silent when in worship. But if anything in Sunday's service - a prayer, reading, hymn or the sermon-moves you, please feel free to tweet it or post it to Facebook #StMarkEvanston. While you're at it, "check-in" with us on Foursquare!
St. Mark's website has up-to-date information on all that's new at St. Mark's - including a current calendar of events - check it out at http://www.stmarksevanston.org. Also, we are on Facebook and Twitter! Find us at http://www.facebook.com/StMarkEvanston and follow us @StMarkEvanston.
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Ice
Please remember that with fluctuations in temperature, icy patches can appear despite after even a small amount of precipitation. Please use great care when driving and walking. And, if you notice a particularly icy area, please notify an usher on Sunday or, during the week, let a staff member know.
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In The Community
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God calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Loving finds all of its meaning in relationship. The following are opportunities to be in relationship with one another and with the community of Evanston.
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Adult InterPlay Group 
InterPlay is an easy to learn creative process that invites adult participants to express themselves through storytelling, movement and vocalization. Through well-established methods of play participants can simply have fun. They can also discover new things about themselves and others. InterPlayers across the world are celebrating its 25th birthday this year. You can be part of the party! No Prior Experience is Necessary. This class meets every Tuesday night in Cunningham Hall. The cost is $5 per session. Contact: Christina Ernst (847)899-5329.
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 Evanston English Country Dance Group
This group meets every other Wednesday in Cunningham Hall. All dances are taught and prompted. We learn English Country dances devised from pre-1650 to the present. Jane Austin would recongize much of the dancing we do. Once a month, we have live music performed by Putting on Aires; the other Wednesdays, the music is from an extensive CD collection. You are welcome to come with or without a partner. Wear comfortable shoes (the type you would use to walk a mile) and casual clothing. We ask for a $5 ($3 for students) admittance fee to cover the rent and to buy music for the band. For further information, contact Tom Senior 847-606-8704, [email protected].
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 Evanston Creative Writing Meetup
If you like to write and want a supportive environment in which to write, join us! Each week, a member volunteers to provide writing prompts to spark our creativity. It can be a first line, an object, a picture, a situation. For about 10-15 minutes we write and if we feel like sharing we read our creation aloud. This is not a critique group - only positive feedback is encouraged. We usually fit in 3-4 prompts in an evening. Member ages range from young adults to octagenarians. You do not have to be a serious or professional writer to participate. For more information go to http://www.meetup.com/Evanston-Creative-Writing-Group/. The group meets on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of each month in the Old Library at St. Mark's.
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Parish Prayer List
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If you would like your loved ones added to (or removed from) the prayer list, please send an e-mail to [email protected]. Thank you.
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| We bid your prayers for:Helen Baker, Veronica Braithwaite, John Burnham, Tony Campise, Karen Cornelius, Kendric Das, Bob Easton, Hal Griffith, Mary Hair, Lola Himrod, Charlie and Judy Kopp, Grace Lettner, Kathy Lettner, Ayden Lettner, Ann Lettner, Phyllis Lyons, Jake Morris, Mary O'Dowd, Jan and Jeri Offutt, Joan Barr Smith, Danny White, Char Wiss, Carol Albertson, Carol Beatty, Robert Cain, Patricia Gosling, Dave and Jan Gurniak, Andre King, Allison King, Marc King, OJ Mabwa, Garrett Moody, Scott Moody, Tricia Moody, Tim and his family, Jill Vannatta, Richard Walsh. We pray for those who have died: John Alms, friend of the Laudatis'; Pat Kyollonen, cousin of Dorothy Laudati We pray for the people in: the Diocese of Southeast Mexico and in the Diocese of Renk. |
Stay Connected
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Soup and Bread for Tuesdays in March