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"In the psalm for this Sunday, we read the words:
Make me to know your ways, O Lord;
teach me your paths.
Lead me in your truth and teach me,
for you are the God of my salvation;
for you I wait all day long." - Psalm 25:4
Discerning God's ways and the path that God intends for us to walk is at the center of our spiritual lives. How do you discern God's ways or God's path in your life? Do you have a clear sense that you are walking that path right now? How could you be more intentional about discerning God's ways or God's path?"
- Reflection for February 25, 2015 in Living Well Through Lent:
Practicing Resilience with All Our Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind**
**If you did not receive your copy of Living Well through Lent: Practicing Resilience with All Our Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind in church on Sunday, you can pick one up in the parlor this Sunday or you can order a copy at this link: http://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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First Sunday in Lent: Genesis 9:8-17; 1 Peter 3:18-22; Mark 1:9-15
"Show me your ways, O Lord, and teach me your paths." -Psalm 25:3 |
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Ash Wednesday Worship 
We begin our observance of a holy Lent with two Ash Wednesday services today, February 18. The first service at Noon will take place in the Lady Chapel. The second will take place in the Sanctuary with music at 7:30 p.m. Both services will include the imposition of ashes for those who wish to receive and will conclude with the celebration of communion.
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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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Hand Bell Choir
The Ringing Continues! - St. Mark's hand bell choir rehearses most Sundays from noon until 12:30 under the direction of David Plank. New ringers are welcome to join at any time! For more information or questions, contact David at [email protected]
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Sing to the Lord a New Song: An Invitation to Sing in St. Mark's Choir
All teens and adults are invited to sing with St. Mark's Choir. People from all musical backgrounds and levels of experience are welcome! Rehearsals take place every Thursday evening from 7:30-9:00 in the choir room. Please contact David Plank if you have any questions or would like more information. E-mail: [email protected]. Phone: (402) 650-9266.
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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: Adrianna Dangremond & Ted Richardson
- Eucharistic Minister: Liz McElhatton
- Acolytes: Tyler Maegawa-Goeser, Elia Basha, Wesley Urbanowski
- Altar Guild: Evelyn Russell
- Vestry Person of the Day: Beth Johnson & Ted Richardson
- Ushers: Tacia Johnson & Alsion Walsh
- Coffee Hour Snacks: Last names beginning with
O - Z - 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: Liz McElhatton / Luke Urbanowski (ages 3 - 5), Anne Heinz / You? (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
- February 22
- March 15
- April 12, 19
- May 10
We also need nursery assistance from 9:30 - noon for the first two Sundays in March while Zubaira is on vacation. Please check your calendar and send an e-mail to Pastor Debra at [email protected] if you are able to assist on one or more of these dates. Thank you.
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Adult Forum and Living Well through Lent: Practicing Resilience
Copies of the Living Compass Lenten devotional, Living Well through Lent 2015: Practicing Resilience with All Our Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind are available in the parlor. We hope that everyone will take a copy. On Sunday morning February 22nd from 9:30 - 10:15, you are invited to gather in the library as we work together to develop a deeper connection between faith and our capacity to be resilient.
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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]. If you would like to volunteer to bring soup and bread for one of the evenings, please contact Pastor Debra at [email protected].
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This Week at Saint Mark's
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Wednesday,
February 18
8 - 4:30
Leadership
Evanston Gathering,
Bethlehem Chapel and Parlor
12 noon
Ash Wednesday Worship,
Lady Chapel
5:45 p.m.
Music Night
(note time change,
this week only),
Choir Room
7:30 p.m.
Ash Wednesday Worship,
Sanctuary
Thursday,
February 19
10:30 a.m.
Holy Eucharist, Presbyterian Homes
7:30 p.m.
Choir Rehearsal,
Choir Room
Sunday,
February 22
8:00 a.m.
Holy Eucharist,
Lady Chapel
9:30 a.m.
Children's Formation, Classrooms
9:30 a.m.
Adult Forum:
Practicing Resilience,
Library
10:30 a.m.
Holy Eucharist
with Music,
Sanctuary
12 Noon
Hand Bell Choir Rehearsal,
Balcony
3:00 p.m.
Cribbage Tournament, Parlor
Tuesday,
February 24
7:30 p.m.
Interplay Class, Cunningham Hall
Wednesday,
February 25
6:00 p.m.
Music Night, Choir Room
7:00 p.m.
Evanston English Country Dancers, Cunningham Hall
7:00 p.m.
Evanston Creative Writing Meet-up,
Library
7:30 p.m.
Worship Life Ministry Team Meeting,
Parlor
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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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 Cribbage Tournament
Do you enjoy cribbage? Bring your board and a deck of cards and join us at 3 p.m. on Sunday, February 22 for this tournament - the only prize? Fame! (of a limited nature). . . so why come? For the fun! Have you always wanted to learn? There will be a table set up for learners as well (children are welcome as long as they can, without help, (a) add numbers up to a total of 31 --- e.g., 8 + 10 + 6 + 7) and (b) hold up to six cards in their hand (or bring a card holder with them). If time warrants, we'll order in dinner. . . Feel free to bring a snack to share and a non-alcoholic beverage of choice. Questions? Contact Pastor Debra ([email protected]), Andrea Nowack ([email protected]), or David Plank ([email protected]). Game on!
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♪♫ Music Night♫♫
***Tonight Only - we will gather at 5:45 p.m. so that we conclude in time for the Ash Wednesday services. It will be a Beethoven listening party!***
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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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 on the schedule in the parlor. We especially need people who can volunteer monthly. We are excited to report that all February volunteer slots have been filled. For more information, contact Community Engagement Coordinator, Jacqui Zeng at [email protected].
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Annual Pledge Update 
As of Sunday, February 15, we have received 77 pledges totaling $263,700. Yes, we are at 99.51% of our goal!!! Please help us meet and even exceed our $265,000 goal. . .With everyone's help, we are confident that we can make a dent in that "faith line" of the budget. If you have not yet sent in your pledge card (or put it in the offering plate), please do so as soon as possible so that we can wrap up our campaign and move forward confident of our ability to meet our ambitious budgetary goals this year.
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 French Trivia Night 2015
Do you know the distinction between King Louis IX and Louis XIV? Do you know there's a Bismark that is not a donut? Or maybe you know nothing about French history, but you know the distance between New York and Paris. Mike and Tacia Johnson are putting together a St. Mark's trivia team - 10 people - to compete on Friday, March 20 at the Alliance Fran�aise du North Shore's 2015 French Trivia Night. If you would like to be on the team and are willing to get together once a week between now and March 20, to prepare by learning (or reviewing!) French history and French trivia, contact Mike or Tacia Johnson at (847) 328-0993 or [email protected]. We are proposing to meet at our home, at a mutually convenient time, probably in the evening or possibly Saturday afternoons around 4:00 p.m-- before evening meal or evening activities, one hour tops. If you'd like to learn more about the Alliance Fran�aise du North Shore and this event, visit www.AFnorthshore.org.
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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]. Upcoming dates include: February 11, 25.
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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, 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, parishioner; James Lawrence Schulz, former parishioner and friend of the Laudati Family; Richard Darnell,dear friend and sailing buddy of Richard Forst; George Weber, uncle of Luke Urbanowski.
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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