| Fourth Sunday in Lent
Sunday, March 30
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Texts for this Sunday: 1 Samuel 16:1-13, Ephesians 5:8-14, John 9:1-41 For once you were darkness, but now in the Lord you are light.
Live as children of light. - Ephesians 5:8 |
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Food for Thought: Darkness and Light
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"Themes of darkness and light, blindness and sign permeate the New Testament. Our name for this season, 'Lent," actually comes from an Old English word for spring that means 'the lengthening of days' - as in the longer hours of sunlight that come to those of us in the Northern Hemisphere during this time of year. Someone has noted that it's hard to remain penitential when springtime arrives and flowers begin to pop up around us. But what if Lent is not so much about continuing to focus on our tendency to stray from God's call to us as it is an opportunity to rediscover the light of our countenance, to remember that we are 'children of light'? How can you be a sliver of God's light to someone in your path today?" - "Monday, March 31, 2014," in Renew a Right Spirit Within Me: Journeying Toward Easter with All Your Heart, Soul, Strength, and Mind, Daily Readings for the Season of Lent (Living Compass, 2014).
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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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This Sunday's Lay Ministers
Thank you to the following individuals for bringing their best gifts to God in ministries at St. Mark's. If you would like to become involved, please contact Pastor Debra at 847-732-9564 or [email protected].
- Altar Guild: Pat Bent, Beth Johnson
- Ushers: Susan Lewis, Fred Lewis, Lisa Montgomery
- Lectors: Bob Barr, Trish Barr
- Acolytes: Abigail Seifert, Tyler Maegawa-Goeser, Bruce Gaede
- Lay Eucharistic Ministers: Joanna Greene, Jane McCarron
- Vestry Persons of the Day: Joanna Greene, Dave Himrod
- Snacks for Coffee Hour: Everyone! (5th Sunday)
- Welcoming First-Time Worshipers: All the people of St. Mark's
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Easter Flowers
One of the most beautiful ways in which we mark the difference between the season of Lent and the joyous celebration of the Feast of the Resurrection is in the way we adorn our sanctuary. All are invited to help us create a festive display by contributing money toward Easter  flowers. These contributions may be given in memory of a loved one or in thanksgiving or honor of someone special. The requested minimum donation is $20 per name. Please make checks payable to St. Mark's Episcopal Church and indicate "Easter Flowers" in the memo line or place cash in an envelope clearly marked Easter Flowers. Forms are available in the Parlor or can be sent to you by contacting Patty in the church office at 847-864-4806. Requests to remember or honor loved ones in this way, must be in to the church office no later than Monday, April 14.
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Wednesday Eucharist -
Join us on most Wednesdays throughout the year at 12:15 p.m. for this 30-minute break in our busy weeks to be reminded of the refreshment and strength God offers. Those who want to stay for conversation bring a lunch and gather after worship for fellowship in the Parlor.
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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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March 29 Men's Fellowship Breakfast
On Saturday, March 29th and on the fifth Saturday of every month (every month that has 5 Saturdays, that is), the men of St. Mark's and their friends gather at Walker Brothers in Wilmette at 7:30 a.m. for conversation and good eats. All men are invited. For more information, you can contact convener, Bruce Gaede at [email protected] or just show up and enjoy.
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Social Justice & Outreach Opportunities
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St. Mark's continues its commitment to young people through its many social justice and outreach opportunities. Each Sunday we pray, "Bring newness and change to our streets, O God, that we might commit ourselves to our young people and address the epidemic of gun violence which plagues our communities, our country, and the world. Awake, O Streets, rise from death!" Following are a list of 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, April 8
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 April 8, please send an e-mail to Pastor Debra, [email protected] or sign-up at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080D4FAFAC2FAB9-evanston. Thank you to St. Mark's March volunteers: Bruce Gaede, Chris Schultze and Nasim Alexander.
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Curt's Caf�
From "What's Cooking at Curt's" monthly newsletter, "We work hard to fill the needs of each student so that they can join the workforce and be self-sustaining. . .
- A student, who had recently been placed in a seasonal position, was laid off after the holidays. Even though he wasn't officially in the program, he know he could come back to Curt's and get support and help in applying for another job - a positive and constructive move on his part. And we were glad to help. He ended up with a position at Edzo's Burger Shop with another of Curt's students. A big thanks to Edzo's for now employing three of our students!
- We're allocating funds to help another student get training as a phlebotomist. Until that time we are continuing to mentor, love and support her."
Everyone in the St. Mark's community is encouraged to enjoy coffee, sandwiches and more at Curt's Caf�, 2922 Central Street, Evanston. Curt's Caf� is a non-profit organization that provides training in food service and life skills for at-risk youth in Evanston.
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This Week at Saint Mark's
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Wednesday, March 26
12:15 p.m.
Holy Eucharist and
BYO Lunch
Lady Chapel and Parlor
8:00 p.m.
Evanston English Country Dancers
Cunningham Hall
Thursday, March 27
6:00 p.m.
Music Associate Search Committee Meeting Library
7:30 p.m.
Choir Rehearsal
Choir Room
Sunday, March 30
8:00 a.m.
Holy Eucharist - Traditional
Lady Chapel
9:30 a.m.
Children's Formation, Classrooms
9:30 a.m.
Adult Formation
"Walking the Walk"
Bethlehem Chapel
10:30 a.m.
Holy Eucharist with Music
Sanctuary
12:00 noon
Hand Bell Choir Rehearsal
Balcony
Tuesday, April 1
6:30 p.m.
Lenten Supper & Program
Cross | Where God Is
St. Matthew's
Wednesday, April 2
12:15 p.m.
Holy Eucharist and
BYO Lunch
Lady Chapel and Parlor
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2 Natasha Oussenko
4 Miranda Whitmore,
Bernard Rocca IV,
Kirk Lucadamo
5 Katherine Heinz
6 Lynn Carver,
H�ctor Cort�s
7 Bernadette Lettner
8 Virginia Beatty
9 Sarah Francis
12 Marion Macbeth,
Calvin Whitmore
16 Deane Johnson,
Madeleine Yanaga
17 Addison Benz
18 Cynthia Garrels
19 Charles Sagan
23 Lisa Davis
24 Michael Arrington
27 Lynette Murphy,
London Lytle
31 Gabriel Howard,
Wayne Smith
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26 Andrew and Sandra Howard
27 Alex and Holly Gallegos
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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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Adult Forum: Walking the Walk
Walking the Stations of the Cross - a devotional path of reflection and repentance based on events in the passion and resurrection of Christ - is being adapted in creative ways today. How did this form of spiritual pilgrimage originate and why is it important for our discipleship? We will gather in Bethlehem Chapel on Sunday, March 30 at 9:30 a.m. for a conversation. A brief focus article for this session is available by e-mailing [email protected].
Adult Forum: Keeping Vigil
The season of Lent, and especially Holy Week, are traditional times for keeping vigil - an attentive openness to the work of God in our lives and in our world. But what does it mean to keep vigil today, when most of us no longer adhere to the strict discipline of late night prayers? We will gather in Bethlehem Chapel on Sunday, April 6 at 9:30 a.m. for a conversation. A brief focus article for this session is available by e-mailing [email protected].
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This Sunday in Children's Formation
Throughout the Sundays in Lent, children will experience this time of preparation by entering the narrative of Jesus' life. Thank you to this week's teachers and classroom assistants: Jenni Suvari / Austin Suvari, Jack Suvari (ages 3- 5), Dale Seifert / Daisy Kishler (ages 6 - 8), John Lucadamo / Lori Goede (ages 9 - 11).
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This Bread & This Cup Lenten Children's Retreat
Registration Closes Tuesday, April 1
 Everyone who has been baptized into the Christian family is invited to share Holy Communion with one another and with Jesus. Baptism makes you part of this extended family and makes you welcome at the Eucharist, the special, sacred family meal. Children ages 5 - 12 are invited to join Pastor Debra at St. Mark's for a mini-retreat during Spring Break to learn more about this meal that we share together each week. We will gather on Tuesday and Thursday, April 8 and April 10 from 1 - 3 p.m. Please RSVP to [email protected] no later than April 1 so we have adequate supplies (and volunteers) on hand. Cost is $5 / child (includes a book to take home at the end of the retreat). If you need a scholarship to help with the cost, please let Pastor Debra know as we would like everyone who is interested to take part. On Maundy Thursday, April 17 at 7:30 p.m., all children who have been a part of this mini-retreat will be invited to participate in the service.
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Lenten Soup & Salad Series
Tuesday, April 1 from 6:30 - 8 p.m. This year's program is called Animate Faith and includes a video-speaker, table conversations and more. After a light supper from 6:30 - 7 p.m., our final session will offer a guided tour through some of the basics of Christian theology. The session isn't meant to be a lesson and it isn't meant to provide answers. . . . in fact, the session is designed to raise questions, to flip established answers and assumptions upside down.
� April 1 at St. Mark's: Cross | Where God Is, featuring Nadia Bolz-Weber
We hope you will come and take part in this final session. The cost is $15 (includes a book). If you need a scholarship to help with the cost, please let Pastor Debra know as we would like everyone who is interested to take part. If you require childcare, you must RSVP to [email protected] or by calling 847-864-4806 so that we can let Mohammad and Zubaira know if they are needed.
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Parking
Please remember that the parking spaces in our circle drive are reserved on Sunday mornings and for church events (e.g., receptions, weddings, funerals, etc.) for those persons with a disability placard on their vehicle. We have had multiple incidents recently of parishioners unable to attend services because no parking was available in these spaces.
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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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Come, See, Listen: Journey to the Holy Land
December 26, 2014 - January 8, 2015
It is difficult to understand the full impact of the Israeli Occupation of the Palestinian people without traveling to the Holy Land ourselves. The Diocesan Peace and Justice Committee has organized a trip to the Holy Land to help us to better understand the complexities of the history and of the conflict between the Palestinian people and Israel. We will visit the sites where Jesus lived and died and from which Christianity developed its traditions. We will meet with religious leaders from all three faiths, as well as community organizers, members of the United Nations and government organizations in order to gain a different perspective and perhaps leave us with greater questions to pose to our own leaders in the United States about our involvement and responsibility in this conflict. The cost of the trip, including airfare, will be $2580-2680/person, double occupancy not including insurance and one meal/day. Two $500 scholarships are available for young adult participants. Deadline for registration ($500.00 deposit) is September 15, 2014. Members of the diocese familiar with Israel/Palestine and knowledgeable about the conflict are available to speak to your church. Contact Rev. Anthony Vaccaro, M.D. [email protected]. For more information about the trip including the itinerary go to: http://www.saintjamescathedral.org/outreach-and-missions/social-causes/trip-to-palestine-israel/
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Camp Chicago! - Priority Deadline is May 23rd
It may not feel like summer outside, but it is time to start thinking about summer camp! The Episcopal Diocese of Chicago is once again offering three camp sessions for children and youth ages 7 to 17 from June 22 to July 11, 2014. Camp sessions are held at Camp Stronghold in Oregon, Illinois. Online registration is now open and can be accessed through the diocesan website, www.episcopalchicago.org. Pastor Debra has copies of required camp registration forms. If you'd like to learn more about Camp Chicago! come talk to Pastor Debra. And, you don't have to be an Episcopalian to attend - so feel free to invite your friends from school!
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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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"Give Back Evanston" Invites Residents to Volunteer on April 2
On Wednesday, April 2, volunteers of all ages and abilities are encouraged to celebrate District 65's early dismissal with the "Give Back Evanston" volunteer event at Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center, 1655 Foster St., from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. Parents are encouraged to bring their children to participate in a meaningful afternoon of service projects benefiting Evanston-based organizations, including:
- Assembling welcome kits for Mary Lou's Place at YWCA Evanston/North Shore
- Creating magnet gift sets for Senior Connections
- Making bookmarks for the Evanston Public Library
- Writing notes of gratitude to the Evanston Fire and Police Departments
- Decorating pillows for Evanston Hospital
Donations of toothbrushes, toilet paper and full-size tubes of toothpaste will also be accepted to benefit those served by the YWCA Evanston/North Shore and Connections for the Homeless. Items should be delivered directly to Fleetwood-Jourdain Community Center at the time of the event. To participate in this event, please register online at www.volunteerevanston.org; walk-ins welcome. Light snacks and refreshments will be provided by Whole Foods Market-Downtown Evanston. The "Give Back Evanston" event is sponsored by the City of Evanston, The Kindness Connection and Evanston Lighthouse Rotary Club.
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Spring Fling 2014
Howard Area Community Center (HACC), which has been a primary social service resource for residents of Chicago's far north side since its founding in 1967, will hold its major annual fundraiser, Spring Fling 2014, on Friday, April 11, 2014 at Valley Lo Club in Glenview. For tickets and sponsorship opportunities, contact Margaret Wenzel at 773.262.6622x244 or [email protected] or visit www.howardarea.org/donate/spring-fling-fundraiser.
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 Harmony Hope and Healing |
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Parish Prayer List
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The Prayer List will begin anew on Sunday. If you would like your loved ones to remain on the list - or if you have loved ones you would like added (at any time), please send an e-mail to [email protected]. Thank you.
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We bid your prayers for: Bob Behrends, Veronica Braithwaite, John Burnham, Karen Cornelius, Kendric Das, Bob Easton, Lynn Erickson, Caroline Frowe, Desmond Francis, Mary Hair, Charlie and Judy Kopp, Grace Lettner, Kathy Lettner, Sally Lufkin, Ayden Montgomery, Mary O'Dowd, Jan and Jeri Offutt, Joan Barr Smith, Carol Albertson, Betty Augustinos, Einy Andersson, Carol Beatty, Dorothy Clarke, Sam Cotten, Brooks Davis, Terry Diamant, Holli Nester-Detweiler, Jim and Cathy Dillman, Holly Dinkel, William Henderson, Anny Heydeman, family and friends of Valerie Horton, Darrell Huddleston, Yvonne Johns, Teresa Johnson, Fredericka Kaider, Marc King, Audrey and Howard Kittelberger, Alain Lecurieux, OJ Mabwa, Janet Mack, Mark and Fran Mann, Anne McDaniel, Sandra Merrill, Tricia Moody, Scott Moody, Garrett Moody, Quinn Moody, Reece Moody, Jack Mundy, Bert and Anne Ott and their children, Sara, Carolyn and Dick Seaberg, Bruce Seaton, Tom Sheasby, Joan Sholten, Ean and Neale Smith, Marcia Summers, Tim and his family, Yvonne Theobald, Carlo Trovato, Jill Vannattam, Claudette Woodard Williams, Dick Zielinski.
We pray for the repose of the souls of Valerie Louise Horton, cousin of Jan Baker-Offutt, Kevin Schulz, son of former parishioner David (and Noreen) Schulz; Reed Hagee, dear friend of Deacon Joan Barr Smith. May their souls and the souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace and rise again in glory.
We pray for the people in the Diocese of Southeast Mexico. We pray for the people in the Diocese of Renk.
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