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FOOD FOR THOUGHT: Write a Letter to God
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 As I prepare to go on retreat this weekend with 19 young persons from St. Mark's and St. Matthew's, I am spending more than my usual amount of time in prayer. Some of my prayer time is silently sitting with God, other times I simply say the names of each of the students who will be on retreat and at still other times I ask God to provide me with the courage and the patience I and the other adults on retreat will need to allow the Spirit to work in and amongst these young persons. Today when I arrived in the office, I had in my e-mail this excerpt from Go Deep: Spiritual Practices for Youth Ministry, by Doris E. Kizinna. It gave me yet another way to engage in prayer this week.
"When was the last time you wrote a personal letter? It seems that letter writing is becoming a lost art. E-mails are quickly typed and then sent in the blink of an eye. Using paper and pen to write in your unique script, finding an envelope, going to the post office, getting a stamp, and sending your letter off is becoming a thing of the past.
Take some time and write a letter to God that expresses your longing, gratitude, and sense of connection. Begin by closing your eyes and breathing deeply. Then take pen and paper and focus on the page before you. Allow what needs to come onto the page to come. Be honest and open; this written letter is your prayer. Share what is in your heart. Let the words flow freely - don't think too much about it.
You are welcome to seal your letter in an envelope and take it with you. You may wish to keep it in a safe place. You may wish to mail it to yourself. You may wish to give it to someone else to read. You may wish to leave it in a special place. You may wish to throw it away. You'll know what to do with your letter."
Tonight before I go to bed, I will be sitting down with a piece of stationary and a pen and writing a prayer-letter to God in which I will consider my longings for the weekend ahead and giving thanks for the connections which have already emerged among the Confirm not Conform participants and the connections that I hope will emerge this weekend. I encourage you to take some time to write a letter to God this week as well. See what surfaces for you. Let yourself be surprised by the goodness of God.
- Pastor Debra+
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18th Sunday after Pentecost: Exodus 32:1-14; Philippians 4:1-9; Matthew 22:1-14
"Remember me, O LORD, with the favor you have for your people, *
and visit me with your saving help." - Psalm 106:4
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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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Volunteer Recognition Event
On Sunday, Oct.19th, St. Mark's and the Anniversary Steering Committee will recognize and honor parishioners who helped plan, staff, and coordinate events for the past year of celebration. These volunteers will be recognized for their service at both the 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. services that day. We have enjoyed outstanding support from the congregation and look forward to saying "thank you" for those volunteers who worked tirelessly and made our yearlong celebration special.
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Hand Bell Choir
The Ringing Continues! - St. Mark's hand bell choir rehearses on Sundays from noon until 12:30 (i.e., after coffee hour). Pack a lunch - or fill up in coffee hour - and join us in the balcony. New ringers are welcome to join us! 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 join 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 if you have any questions or would like more information. E-mail: [email protected]. Phone: (402) 650-9266.
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This Week'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.
- Lector: Lola Himrod & Dorothy Szczepaniak
- Eucharistic Ministers: Motoko Maegawa & Milner Seifert
- Acolytes: Clark Alexander, Patrick Nee, Abigail Seifert
- Altar Guild: Evelyn Russell & Sharon Friend
- Flower Guild: Ellen Bergman
- Vestry Persons of the Day: Bruce Gaede & John Lucadamo
- 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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Adult Forums Return October 19th with Animate FaithOn Sunday, October 19th from 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. Adult Formation returns to Bethlehem Chapel with conversations sparked by Sparkhouse's Animate Faith series. Oct. 19th Religion | Spirituality Is Not Enough: What does it mean to be spiritual? Is it the same as being religious? Lillian Daniel pushes back at this question that has been stirring up the cultural conversation for a while now. She asks us to consider how the seeds of faith take root and thrive. What role does organized religion play in helping-or hindering-growth? If religion is the problem, why has it held fast for thousands of years? In this age of religious pluralism, is it possible or even desirable to stick with our age-old traditions? Nov. 2nd Bible | A Book Like No Other: Why read the Bible? This is Lauren Winner's central question. For Lauren, an avid reader, there remains something odd about the way Christians read the Bible. Why do we keep turning to the same stories in search of some new revelation? What is it about the Bible that makes it worth repeated reading? What gets in our way as we read the Bible and try to make sense of it? These are issues the church has wrestled with for centuries and yet we keep at it. We keep coming back to this book and its strange narrative full of plagues and miracles and destruction and rebirth. So why do we do it? Nov. 9th Church | An Imperfect Family: Bruce Reyes-Chow knows he's not inventing the metaphor of the church as family. So he suggests we take our changing notions about what it means to be a family and let them seep into our understanding of the church. For Bruce, it's the messiness, the dysfunction, and the joy that comes from complex relationships that make church worth hanging on to. So how do we stay connected to this sometimes-broken family system? What does it mean to commit ourselves to the church family, for better or for worse?
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Children's Sunday School
After several weeks in the Season of Creation, this Sunday our children in their classes - and all of us in our worship - return to the Season after Pentecost. Thank you to this week's teachers and classroom assistants: Pat Acha and Susan Lewis (ages 3 - 5), Milner Seifert and Beth Johnson (ages 6 - 8), John Lucadamo and (ages 9 - 12).
We need your help: If you are able to assist (ages 9 - 12) on October 19 or to assist (ages 6-8) on either November 16 or November 23, please get in touch with Pastor Debra.
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Confirm not Conform: On Retreat
The combined St. Mark's / St. Matthew's Confirm not Conform Class and their leaders (Clark Alexander, Lori Goede, Jonathan Shotwell, Charlie de Kay, Debra Bullock) will be on retreat at the St. Edward and Christ Retreat Center in Joliet from Friday, October 10 through Sunday, October 12. Students from St. Mark's include Katie Gallegos, Lizzie Lele, Austin Suvari, and Jack Suvari. Please hold the students and adults in your prayers.
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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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SMAC News
Just a reminder that members of St. Mark's Youth Group (better known among the youth as "SMAC") will gather along with youth from St. Matthew's to volunteer at the Producemobile on Tuesday, October 14 from 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. We will meet at the Robert Crown Center at 8:30 a.m. This is, of course, only for those youth who do not have school that day - please do not cut class to join us!!!!
On Sunday, October 19th SMAC, along with youth from St. Matthew's, will meet at St. Mark's at 1:30 p.m. to participate in the CROP Walk followed by ice cream sundaes and conversation at St. Mark's. Parents you can pick your youth up at 5:30 p.m.
Please let Pastor Debra (email: [email protected]; text 847-732-9564) and/or Deane Johnson (e-mail: [email protected]; text 231-313-9217) know if you will be attending either or both of these events.
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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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Third Sunday Food Drive
On the third Sunday of each month, St. Mark's will collect non-perishable food items to be shared with local food pantries. On Sunday October 19, please bring your boxes of cereals, cans of soup, jars of peanut butter and other non-perishables with you to church. The big red shopping cart will be waiting for you at the back of the sanctuary. This month's donations will be given to the food pantry at Hemenway United Methodist Church.
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This Week at Saint Mark's
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Wednesday,
October 8
7:00 p.m.
Evanston English Country Dancing,
Cunningham Hall
7:15 p.m.
Evanston String Quartet Rehearsal,
Sanctuary
Thursday,
October 9
10:00 a.m.
Holy Eucharist,
The King Home
5:30 p.m.
Evanston Jr. Wildkits Cheerleading Practice,
Cunningham Hall
7:30 p.m.
Choir Rehearsal,
Choir Room
Friday,
October 10
5:30 p.m.
Confirm not Conform Retreat Departure,
St. Mark's Driveway
Sunday,
October 12
8:00 a.m.
Holy Eucharist - Traditional,
Lady Chapel
9:00 a.m.
Coffee Hour,
Parlor
9:30 a.m.
Children's Formation,
Classrooms
10:30 a.m.
Holy Eucharist with Music,
Sanctuary
11:45 a.m.
Coffee Hour,
Parlor
12:00 noon
Handbell Choir Rehearsal,
Balcony
3:00 p.m.
Confirm not Conform Retreat Returns,
St. Mark's Driveway
Monday,
October 13
1 p.m.
Staff Meeting,
Volunteer Office
7:30 p.m.
Worship Life Ministry Team Meeting,
Parlor
Tuesday,
October 14
8:30 a.m.
Producemobile,
Robert Crown Center
5:30 p.m.
Evanston Jr. Wildkits Cheerleading Practice,
Cunningham Hall
6:30 p.m.
Greeting Ministry Planning Team Meeting,
Bethlehem Chapel
Wednesday,
October 15
6:00 p.m.
Music Night
(ages 5 and up),
Choir Room
6:30 p.m.
Music Night
(youth and adults),
Choir Room
7:15 p.m.
Sesquicentennial Steering Committee Meeting,
Bethlehem Chapel
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October 3
Lily Consiglio
Otober 4
Margaret Forst,
Betsy Sagan
October 5
Sydney Johnson
October 8
Carol Martin
October 10
Leela Gaede,
Ayden Lettner
October 12
Owen McElhatton
October 13
Movelle Das
October 18
Abby Stahr
October 21
Doug Sondgeroth
October 23
Darlisa Himrod
October 25
Hardy Murphy
October 31
Tacia Johnson
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October 7
Charlie and Judy Kopp
October 11
Bob & Edie Molumby
October 25
Kevin & Debra Nee
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CROP Walk Information
CROP Rest Stop
CROP needs your help! St. Mark's is in charge of a rest stop along the walk route, and we need water bottles, juice boxes, granola bars,and individual packages of chips. Please place donations in the red shopping cart at the back of the sanctuary and write CROP on the boxes.
CROP Is Helping Hospitality Center This year, a portion of CROP Walk proceeds are benefiting the Hospitality Center housed in St. Mark's. The center provides breakfast, job counseling, computer training, transportation passes, and a warm place to rest for those struggling with homelessness and unemployment. Support your local Hospitality Center by registering for the walk online at http://bit.ly/StMarkCROPWalk. You can also drop a note saying that you'd like to participate in Ted Loda's mail file, located outside the Rector's office.
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Sesquicentennial Anniversary Blood Drive
We are asking parishioners to please donate blood as part of our special anniversary community outreach program. We have set a goal of 150 blood donations, a modest goal that we hope to exceed. As you are probably aware, there is an acute and ongoing need for blood by hospitals. In order to donate blood, an individual must be in good physical health and be prepared to donate by eating well and staying hydrated. Also there must be at least eight weeks between whole blood donations.
We have arranged for to have parishioners and friends to make donations through LifeSource, which is located at 2436 Main Street in Evanston. Donation hours are Monday thru Thursday, noon to 7:30 p.m.; and Friday thru Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. You must schedule an appointment by calling 877-543-3768. When you donate blood, identity our blood drive by using the special code O57G (zero, five, seven, g).
On Sunday, October 26th, LifeSource will be at the church upstairs in Cunningham Hall to accept blood donations between 9 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. If you have any questions please contact Donna Richardson at 847-677-0701.
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Producemobile - Tuesday, October 14  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 October 14, please send an e-mail to Pastor Debra, [email protected] or sign-up at www.signupgenius.com/go/5080D4FAFAC2FAB9-evanston. Thank you to St. Mark's September volunteers: Bruce Gaede, Andrea Nowack, and Chris Schultze.
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"Race: Are We So Different" and A Call for Cookies!
Please join all of the member congregations of Interfaith Action of Evanston at the  Fall Gathering on Monday, October 20 at 7 p.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, 3637 Gold Road, Evanston. The topic will be "Race: Are We So Different?" It is hoped that the conversation during the Gathering will move you to visit the Illinois Holocaust Museum and Education Center's exhibit, "Race: Are We So Different" which will be on display from October 12, 2014 through January 25, 2015.
St. Mark's has been asked to provide 12 dozen cookies for the October 20 gathering. If you are able to contribute, please contact Pastor Debra for more information.
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 Curt's Caf� Second Annual Gratitude Bash
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.
Curt's Cafe invites you to Party with a Purpose at their Second Annual Gratitude Bash! On the Menu: Dinner, Drinks and Dancing to Evanston's own Suite Mollie 7! Special of the Day: We're honoring Eddie Lakin, owner of Edzo's Burger Shop, with the Curt's Cafe Life Changer Award Hours of operation: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Saturday, November 1, 2014. Where: Alice Millar Chapel-Northwestern University, 1870 Sheridan Road, Evanston. Attire: Festive and fun. Cost: $100 per person
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 Old Treasures-New Treasures-Something for You---The Gift Shop Sale is coming up Sunday, November 23rd. Plans are being made by Ellie Bergman, Mary Pat Buckley, Joanna Greene, Dave and Lola Himrod, Tacia Johnson, Dorothy Laudati, Bonnie Lindstrom, Rima Lockwood and Natasha Oussenko for a great event. St. Mark's 150th anniversary will be honored by some items. YOU are invited to help by donating baked good, preserves, etc. (what do you make that others would enjoy?) and/or by volunteering to help at the sale. No books, media or other old items are being accepted other than Christmas items in very good condition. Contact Lola Himrod with offers of donations or help at 847-864-7815 or [email protected].
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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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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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Grief Support Groups
NorthShore Hospice sponsors two free support groups that are open to the public. One is called Soul Mates and is for those who have experienced the death of a spouse or life partner. The group meets on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month from 6:30 to 8 p.m. The other, called Legacy, is for adults who have experienced the death of a partent. The group meets on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of the month from 6:30 - 8 p.m. All groups meet at the NorthShore Hospice office, 4901 Searle Parkway in Skokie. For more information, please call Thom Dennis at 847-982-4364 or e-mail [email protected].
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Analyzing Systemic Racism Training
October 16 - 18 at Lutheran School of Theology
The Episcopal Diocese of Chicago's Anti-Racism Commission and the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America Metro Chicago Synod's Anti-Racism Team are co-sponsors of Analyzing Systemic Racism Training, presented by Crossroads Anti-Racism Organizing and Training.
The 2� day workshop explores the historical development of racism in the U.S.; how racism is perpetuated in institutions and how it continues to manifest itself in our culture; and how racism affects both people of color and white people. Anyone who is open to learning about these facets of historical and institutional racism is welcome to attend.
More details on the schedule, registration and fees can be found here. The registration deadline is Monday, October 13. For more information contact Anti-Racism Commission members Gary Cox (773.434.9783) or Miguel Briones (630.502.0051).
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Parish Prayer List
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If you would like your loved ones to remain on the prayer list or if you have additional names for the list, please send an e-mail to [email protected]. Thank you.
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We bid your prayers for: Helen Baker, Louise Beem and her family, Louise Behrends, Ellen and Tom Bergman, Veronica Braithwaite, John Burnham, Karen Cornelius, Kendric Das, Bob Easton, Lynn Erickson, Hal Griffith, Mary Hair, Charlie and Judy Kopp, Ann Lettner, Ayden Lettner, Grace Lettner, Kathy Lettner, Sadie Mysen, Mary O'Dowd, Jan and Jeri Offutt, Joan Barr Smith, Carol Albertson, Carol Beatty, Barbara Bishop, Susan Murrell Cataneda, Dorothy Clarke, Ward Clarke, Jim and Cathy Dillman, Darrell Huddleston, Kinzie Hughes, Katie Iles, Yvonne Johns, Leo, Alison King, OJ Mabwa, Mary Joyce Menzies, Mike Nee, Pam Oshlo, Maureen Puleo, Revaldo,Ean and Neale Smith, Tim and his family, Carlo Trovato, Blanca White, Jorkyn White, Jill Vannattam.
We pray for those who have died: Helen Gofrank, grandmother of Motoko Maegawa and great-grandmother of Tyler Maegawa-Goeser, Marc Beem, husband of Louise Beem.
We pray for the people in: the Diocese of Southeast Mexico and in the Diocese of Renk.
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