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Building Relationships
A church is a unique entity. In some ways, it is like a business - we have annual meetings, budgets, committees. In fact, we can learn a great deal from the business world about managing our churches. But the nature of church is much different from that of a business. In most businesses, something is being sold or traded - financial services, new gadgets, expertise, and the like. The Church, on the other hand, is not selling anything. The Church is about the work of building relationships, relationships that are rooted in the unconditional love that God has for every individual. For this reason, one of th  e first and most obvious gifts we can offer to another person is the gift of a relationship. A gift of relationship that asks nothing in return. A gift that values the other as a beloved child of God.
I've mentioned that the vestry will begin a practice of meeting with members of St. Mark's to learn more about you. The purpose of these meetings is simple: we want to get to know you. The goal is that simple. We are not meeting with you to ask you to join a committee. We are meeting with you simply to know you - to build relationship.
Over the summer, I've begun making these sorts of conversations a regular part of my ministry. In addition to meetings with several parishioners, I've met with other community leaders - educators, politicians, and not-for-profit directors. I've held these meeting not because I need something (no committee to join, no donation to solicit) but simply to get to know the community in which I worship, work, and live.
Recently, I've invited St. Mark's newest staff member to do the same - to reach out to parishioners over a cup of coffee or tea to just get to know you. Especially for our staff, who do not see parishioners on Sunday mornings, this is a way to get connected, to build meaningful relationships which, I believe, will ultimately strengthen our congregation. So, if you get a call from Coty, our new Administrative Assistant, from me or from a member of the vestry in the weeks or months ahead, I hope you'll take the time to say "yes"" to having a conversation. It is Holy work. It is God's work. It is the work of the Church.
-Pastor Debra
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| Eighth Sunday after Pentecost
Sunday, August 3
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Eighth Sunday after Pentecost: Genesis 32:22-31, Romans 9:1-5, Matthew 14:13-21
I call upon you, O God, for you will answer me; incline your ear to me and hear my words. -- Psalm 17:6
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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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Beach-a-Palooza with all Churches Potluck Picnic
 On Sunday, July 20, more than 180 Evanston Episcopalians gathered at the lakefront to worship together. On August 17, we will do it again - at the same location! The morning will kick-off with worship at 10 a.m. (The Rev. Jeanette De Friest of St. Luke's will preach; The Rev. Charlie de Kay of St. Matthew's will preside) and will continue with a fabulous picnic (St. Andrew's is providing the meat and we are asked to bring side dishes - click here to sign-up: http://bit.ly/LakefrontLemo). In addition to the picnic there will be games for the kids coordinated by St. Mark's very own Liz McElhatton. It is going to be another great day and we hope everyone will come and take part.
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Composition Competition
It is St. Mark's Episcopal Church's 150th year as a  congregation! We are inviting entries for a Composition Competition. We will be choosing one selection from the entries to be used during a church service as part of our celebration. The winner will receive a prize of $500 and their composition will be performed at St. Mark's Episcopal Church in Evanston, IL. For complete competition rules go to http://www.stmarksevanston.org/150anniversary/
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Lakefront Lemonade and Cookies
Please sign-up to bring and set-up cookies  and/or lemonade and/or cups and napkins at the lakefront. It's easy to do: simply sign up by going to this website http://bit.ly/LakefrontLemonade or by sending an e-mail to [email protected].We especially need folks to sign-up for July 20th's Potluck Coffee Hour after Beach-a-Palooza!
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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 at 847-732-9564 or [email protected].
- Eucharistic Ministers: Motoko Maegawa
- Lector: Aina Gutierrez
- Flower Guild: Michael Shoen
- Altar Guild: Trish Barr and Rachel Easton
- Vestry Persons of the Day: Beth Johnson and Joanna Greene
- 8 a.m. Coffee Hour Snacks: Last Names Beginning with A-C
- 9:30 a.m. Lakefront Lemonade and Snacks: Beth Johnson and Joanna Greene
- Welcoming New Worshippers: All the People of St. Mark's
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Where I Worshiped on My Summer Vacation ...
During the summer, we hope that everyone at St. Mark's will take one Sunday to worship somewhere else. You heard right - we want you to not come to St. Mark's for one Sunday this summer and attend another church's worship. But, here's the catch - we want you to be a Greeter Spy. We have developed a "Greeters' Spy Sheet" which is available on our website at http://bit.ly/GreetersSpySheet
Use the Greeter Spy Sheet as a tool for your visit. After worship, complete the form and return it along with a copy of  the visited congregation's bulletin or welcome brochures (or both) to St. Mark's. You can either give these to any member of the vestry, to Pastor Debra or to the volunteer office at the church. We'll use the data we collect to identify some best greeting practices (and perhaps some warnings about the worst!) and we'll create a bulletin board of "Where We Worshiped On Our Summer Vacations" with the bulletins and brochures. We hope children will participate too! Invite your child(ren) to provide their input on the Greeter Spy Sheet and/or have them take some photos - or draw a picture - of the congregation you worshiped in. Photos can be sent via e-mail to [email protected] (make sure they are clearly labeled by city and state (for our bulletin board) and who any people are in the photo). Drawings can be returned along with the Spy Sheet and church bulletins. We hope everyone will take part!
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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, August 12
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 a.m. at the Robert Crown Center. Volunteers are needed from 8:30-11:45 a.m. If you are able to help in August please sign-up at http://www.signupgenius.com/go/5080d4fafac2fab9-evanston.
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150th Anniversary Blood Drive
Help us give 150 pints of blood to LifeSource! Schedule an appointment at LifeSource (2436 Main Street, Evanston) at your convenience by calling 877-543-3768. Be sure to let them know you are giving on behalf of St. Mark's Episcopal Church - give them our code: 057G (zero, five, seven, g) - so that your donation is counted toward our goal. Also, LifeSource will be at St. Mark's - Sun. Oct. 26th in Cunningham Hall, please plan on giving that day as well! For more information contact Donna Richardson at 847-677-0701 or [email protected].
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This Week at Saint Mark's
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Wednesday, July 30
7:15 p.m.
Evanston String Quartet Rehearsal
Sanctuary
Thursday, July 31
5:30 p.m.
Evanston Jr. Wildkit Cheerleader Practice
Cunningham Hall or Front Lawn
Saturday, August 2
1:00 p.m.
Funeral Service and Interment for Sally Lufkin
Sanctuary
Sunday, August 3
8:00 a.m.
Holy Eucharist -- Traditional
Lady Chapel
9:30 a.m.
Holy Eucharist
Lakefront
Monday, August 4
7:15 p.m.
150th Anniversary Steering Committee Meeting
Bethlehem Chapel
Tuesday, August 5
5:30 p.m.
Evanston Jr. Wildkit Cheerleader Practice
Cunningham Hall or Front Lawn
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July 3
Ruthanne Brule
Amaru Greene
July 4
Phyllis Lyons
July 8
Elsa Sondgeroth
July 10
Asher Sondgeroth
July 13
John Fitts
Gordon Lewis
July 14
Char Wiss
July 24
Joshua Lettner
July 25
John Sagan
Lisa Liang
July 26
Meagan O'Dowd
Catherine Heindel
July 27
Alice Yanaga
July 29
Sharon Friend
Nadia Himrod
July 31
Richard Forst
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July 14
Ed & Jane McCarron
July 16
Vittorio & Dorothy Laudati
July 25
Hector Cortes &
Byron Scott
July 28
Theodore & Donna Richardson
July 30
Bob & Trish Barr
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Curt's Caf�
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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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: S'mores and More
For all youth entering 6th through 12th grade... an evening of chatting, roasting marshmallows, laughing and brainstorming about cool things we can do this year will take place on Wednesday, August 20 from 7-9 p.m. at the fire pit near the Evanston lighthouse. By the way, "SMAC" stands for St. Mark's Adventurous Christians and was decided upon as our temporary name by those who attended our Andy's Custard Gathering in June. We can talk about continuing with that name or going with something else when we get together. For more information, contact Pastor Debra at [email protected] or Deane Johnson at [email protected].
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Second Friday Dinner
On Friday, August 8, St. Mark's family and friends are invited to gather at 6:15 p.m. for dinner and conversation. The location will be announced soon! In the meantime, to RSVP or for more information, contact Dick or Carolyn Brooks at [email protected].
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Photos from Gala Celebration
Whether or not you were able to attend the Sesquicentennial Celebration at the Evanston Golf Club on April 25, you won't want to miss out on the photos! You can view them (and purchase individual photos) by going to: http://www.pictage.com/1580274. Thank you to Lynette Murphy and other members of the Sesquicentennial Gala Committee for arranging for such wonderful photos to be taken! |
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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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Confirm not Conform Open House on August 24
St. Matthew's and St. Mark's will once again be offering the Confirm not Conform (CnC) confirmation program for youth. This program is for all young persons who are 13 or 14 years old when the program begins this fall. Confirm not Conform is focused on helping young people ask tough questions and search out the answers. Through innovative sessions, mentor relationships, service opportunities, overnight retreats, and the challenge to do a whole lot more than just learn a few facts, CnC lets youth take real responsibility for understanding their faith and its power. When they do - when they see the church and faith as something that truly belongs to them - it can build bonds that last. At the end of the two-year program, as a sign of their ability to take charge of their own spiritual life, each youth chooses whether or not to be confirmed. All participants, whatever their decisions, are honored in a special service dedicated to their work, exploration, and discoveries. We'd like to invite you to a special CnC Information Session which will be held on Sunday, August 24 at 6:15pm at St. Matthew's, 2120 Lincoln Street. This will be your opportunity to hear about the program and to ask questions. You can also find out more about the program at www.confirmnotconform.com.
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Children's Sunday School
Sunday School resumes on Sunday, September 7 at 9:30 a.m. We will once again have three (3) classrooms: ages 3-5, ages 6-8, ages 9-12 and nursery care will be available for younger children.
If you would like to teach or be a classroom assistant, please get in touch with Pastor Debra at [email protected]. There are opportunities for weekly, bi-weekly, or monthly participation as well as occasional needs for substitutes or help for special projects. Get involved in the lives of St. Mark's children. You'll learn a lot!
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Activity Sheets
Coloring pages and crayons are available from an usher throughout the summer when we worship at the Lakefront.
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Staff Vacation Notices
David Plank is currently on vacation (in Italy!) and will be back on Sunday, August 3 Pastor Debra is currently on vacation (Seattle and Beyond!) through August 13. In her absence, Deacon Joan and Fr. Charlie de Kay will be covering for any pastoral emergencies that arise. Deacon Joan can be reached at 847-334-1848 and Fr. Charlie can be reached at 630-862-5701.
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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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Gospel Family Skate Night
The staff of the Fleetwood - Jourdain Community Center/Theater is hosting a "Gospel Family Skate Night" on Friday, August 1, 2014 at 7 p.m. This is a free event for the whole family. There will be drawings and fun and food will be available for a small fee.
Additionally, the church with the most attendees will win a free skate party! For additional information call 847-448-8254.
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Imagine No Malaria Concert 
First United Methodist Church in Evanston is proud to host an evening of violin and piano music featuring Anne Kristin B�st, violin and Amadeus Boyde, piano. Amadeus is the son-in-law of St. Mark's parishioner, Hal Griffith. The concert will take place at 7 p.m. on Saturday, August 9 at First Church, 516 Church Street, Evanston. A freewill offering will be received to benefit "Imagine No Malaria," a charity working in Africa to eradicate Malaria. Concert selections include works by Beethoven, Ravel and Shumann.
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How Lovely is Thy Dwelling Place Photography Exhibit
The beauty and vibrancy of Chicago's historic St. James Cathedral and its congregation reveal themselves in How Lovely Is Thy Dwelling Place, an exhibit of photographs by Kevin Nance. Completed in 1857 and now the home church of the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago, St. James is known for its art glass windows, its ornate stenciling and its elegantly carved woodwork, all of which are captured here. Also featured in the images is St. James's diverse congregation, which is shown in worship, contemplation, and service to the community. The photographs will be displayed in Kyle's Place gallery in St. James Commons as well as in the Cathedral nave. St. James Commons, 65 E. Huron Street, Chicago is open 8:30 a.m-5:30 p.m. Monday-Friday and during Cathedral services throughout the week. For more information, visit www.saintjamescathedral.org. The exhibit runs through August 15, 2014.
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Parish Prayer List
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If you would like your loved ones added to (or deleted from) the prayer list at any time, please send an e-mail to [email protected]. Thank you.
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We bid your prayers for: Helen Baker, Bob and Louise Behrends, Ellen and Tom Bergman, Veronica Braithwaite, John Burnham, Karen Cornelius, Kendric Das, Bob Easton, Lynn Erickson, Caroline Frowe, 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, Anne and Andrew, Bill and Patti Armstrong, Carol Beatty, Dorothy Clarke, Ward Clarke, Jim and Cathy Dillman, Darrell Huddleston, Katie Iles, Yvonne Johns, Judy, Fredericka Kaider, OJ Mabwa, Janet Mack, Anne McDaniel, Garrett Moody, Quinn Moody, Reece Moody, Scott Moody, Tricia Moody, Ean and Neale Smith, Marcia Summers, Tim and his family, Carlo Trovato, Jill Vannattam, Miriam Witmer, Christopher Witmer, Jonathan Witmer, Tess Zegan.
We pray for those who have died: Sally Lufkin, parishioner; Richard Zielinski, longtime friend of Vittorio and Dorothy Laudati; and Elizabeth Schulz, daughter of the late Jane and Otto Schulz (longtime members 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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