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FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Jesus as a Model for Resilience
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". . . Scott Hayashi identifies that Jesus [in the story from Mark 8:31-38] was resilient because he had 'clarity of purpose.' When our purposes align with God's purposes, we experience ever-greater clarity, strength, and resilience. Peter is rebuked in [Sunday's] gospel for focusing not on 'divine things, but on human things.' Clarity of purpose does not mean that we stop focusing on human things, but that, as we focus on human things, we do so within a wider, more divine perspective.
To help you find your own clarity of purpose, take time at the end of each day this week to reflect on your day. Write down some of the 'human things' that took your attention, then think if there is a way you can view these 'human things' in a divine way that puts them in a wider perspective of God's purpose or call for you. Where are your purposes in alignment with God's purposes, and where are they out of alignment? Reflect on what you might do about that."
- Reflection for March 2, 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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Second Sunday in Lent: Genesis 17:1-7, 15-16; Romans 4:13-25; Mark 8:31-38
"My soul shall live for him; my descendants shall serve him; they shall be known as the LORD'S for ever." - Psalm 22:29
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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].
- Lectors:Bob Barr & Trish Barr
- Eucharistic Minister: Lisa Montgomery & Alison Walsh
- Altar Guild:Trish Barr & Rachel Easton
- Vestry Person of the Day: Aina Gutierrez & Nathan Waller
- Ushers: Marion Macbeth & Dorothy Laudati
- Coffee Hour Snacks: Last names beginning with
A - C - 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 / Ellie Bergman (ages 3 - 5), Lisa Montgomery / Andrea Nowack (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 1, 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 3, 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,
February 25
6:00 p.m.
Music Night,
Choir Room
7:00 p.m.
Evanston Creative Writing Meet-up,
Library
7:30 p.m.
Worship Life Ministry Team Meeting,
Parlor
8:00 p.m.
Evanston English Country Dancers, Cunningham Hall
Thursday,
February 26
7:30 p.m.
Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room
Sunday,
March 1
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
12:30 p.m.
CnC Mentors Luncheon, Bethlehem Chapel
Tuesday,
March 3
6:00 p.m.
Building Healthy Relationships' Dinner and Program,
Bethlehem Chapel
7:30 p.m.
InterPlay Class, Cunningham Hall
Wednesday,
March 4
6:00 p.m.
Music Night,
Choir Room
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February 1
Helena JeanBaptiste
February 3
Mary Hair
February 8
Astley Bent
February 10
Helen Kelly
February 11
Louise Behrends, Neena Gaede
February 14
Emily Furlong
February 16
Manel Valdes-Cruz, Judi Mueller,
Luke Urbanowski
February 18
Justin Blatner,
Carly Ho
February 20
Alexander Rocca,
Tyler Maegawa-Goeser, Evelyn Skelton
February 21
Abigail Seifert
February 22
Carolyn Brooks
February 23
Nonie Morris,
Calvin Yanaga,
Eleanor Lucadamo
February 24
Bill Mueller
February 25
Bob Lockwood,
Charlie Lettner
February 26
Seth Himrod,
Anne Sagan
February 27
Tom Bergman
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February 26
John Lucadamo & Nancye Kirk
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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. If you are unable to attend for financial reasons, please see Pastor Debra in confidence.
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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 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].
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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.
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ANNUAL PLEDGE CAMPAIGN UPDATE
 
Thank you everyone who has already committed to St. Mark's Annual Pledge Campaign. We set a goal of $265,000 and as of Sunday, February 22, we have pledged a total of $275,970. You may recall that we have a $30,000 projected deficit - also being called a "Faith Goal" in the budget. Because of your generosity we are already 37% of the way to filling that gap as well! If you have not already pledged, it is not too late. Additional pledge cards (and the pledge card box) are at the back of the sanctuary. Again, thank you! And a special thank you to Aina Gutierrez and Motoko Maegawa for faithfully leading the Stewardship Ministry Team!
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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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The Prayer List will begin anew next Wednesday. If you would like your loved one to remain on the prayer list (or if you have names to add), please send an e-mail to [email protected]. Thank you.
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We bid your prayers for: Helen Baker, Louise Behrends, Veronica Braithwaite, John Burnham, Tony Campise, Karen Cornelius, Kendric Das, Bob Easton, Lynn Erickson, 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, Celeste Ammons, Carol Beatty, Barbara Bishop, Susan Murrell Castaneda, Dorothy Clarke, Ward Clarke, Thomas Galaty, Patricia Gosling, Dave and Jan Gurniak, Kaileen Hogan-Brink, Erma Johnson Hadley, Teresa Johnson, Jay Johnson, Katie Iles, Jacqueline Irvine and her Family, Jeff, Yvonne Johns, Andre King, Allison King, Marc King, Leo, Ryan Lennon, OJ Mabwa, Connie Montgomery, Garrett Moody, Scott Moody, Tricia Moody, Kyle Peach, Penny Pritchett and her family, Barbara Rosenbloom, Deborah Russell, Helen Snow, Sue, Tim and his family, Jill Vannatta, Richard Walsh, Blanca White, Jordyn White.
We pray for those who have died: Louise Behrends, longtime parishioner of St. Mark's.
We pray for the people in: the Diocese of Southeast Mexico and in the Diocese of Renk.
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Stay Connected
 
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Soup and Bread for Tuesdays in March