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Season of Creation: Wilderness Sunday
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"Wilderness suggests any wild, uncultivated, untamed, uninhabited (or inhabited only by wild animals) location; a part of desert or ocean, an empty place. Outback has been described as where the soul of Earth is untamed by human boundaries. In this week's readings, we hear of the groaning of creation, in the letter to the Romans; the lament for the 'pastures of the wilderness,' in Joel; the cry for help, in the psalm; and the wilderness testing of Jesus, in the gospel of Matthew. . . . The readings on this Wilderness/Outback Sunday show that wilderness can be physical in terms of the land, with imagery that speaks to the heart and challenges us in terms of re�sources and sustainable agriculture. They also speak of our perception of being in a place out�side of or alienated from God. In both cases our starting point as Christians is re-birth in the Spirit of God to find again a place of union with God, and a response to the wilderness land. What does the wilderness/outback have to say to us about the good things God has in mind for all creation?"
-from "Wilderness/Outback Sunday," Seasons of the Spirit Curriculum
for September 21, 2014
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| Creation Sunday -- Wilderness
Sunday, September 21
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Creation Sunday - Wilderness Joel 1:8-10, 17-20; Romans 9:18-27; Matthew 3:13-4:2
"He reached down from on high and grasped me; he drew me out of great waters. He delivered me from my strong enemies and from those who hated me; for they were too mighty for me. They confronted me in the day of my disaster; but the LORD was my support." - Psalm 18:17-19
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Bike the Ridge on September 28
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Bike the Ridge will be on September 28, and St. Mark's intends to be part of the festivities! We will have our regular worship schedule, but Ridge Avenue will be closed to motor vehicles from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM.
Parking of Cars - and Bikes!
Parking in the front driveway of the church will not be available that morning. If you plan to drive to church you must park either east or west of Ridge.
Better yet, if you can, plan to bike to church that day. Make it a family outing since there will be only bikes on Ridge. Valet parking for your bike will be available from 10 a.m. to Noon will be provided in a secure, inside room.
Sunday School / Blessing of Bikes and Bikers
There will be no Sunday School at 9:30 so families can ride together. But, do plan to gather on the front lawn of the church at 9:30 AM or at 12:00 PM to get your bike - and yourself - blessed by Pastor Debra.
Coffee Hour and the Red Shopping Cart
Our coffee hours will be on the front lawn from 9 a.m. to 10:15 a.m. and again from 11:45 - 1 p.m. We will be accepting donations of juice boxes and small bottles of water to share with riders. Please bring donations of these items to St. Mark's on Sunday, September 14 or 21 and place them in the red shopping cart at the back of the church.
In addition, we will be serving treats on the lawn after church, so everyone is urged to bring treats for September 28. Some suggestions: cookies, granola bars, bananas, apples, and other easy-to-eat snacks are greatly appreciated. If you will be providing non-perishables and would like to deliver them to the church before September 28, use the red shopping cart; otherwise, please bring your items to church on the 28th.
If you have any questions or need any more information, please contact our Community Engagement Coordinator, Jacqui Zeng at [email protected].
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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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Greeting Ministry Planning Team Meeting Announced
On Saturday, September 20 at 9:30 a.m., a Greeting Ministry Planning Team will hold its first meeting to review the Greeter Spy Sheets collected over the summer, to review best (and worst) practices of greeting, and to brainstorm ways a Greeting Ministry might be helpful to St. Mark's. Everyone is invited to attend this meeting; however, if you plan to attend you will be asked to review a packet of materials in advance. To receive this packet, please contact Pastor Debra.
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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 Plank if you have any questions or would like more information.
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: (402) 650-9266.
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 Hand Bell Choir
The Ringing Resumes -- St. Mark's hand bell choir under the direction of David Plank 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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Music Composition Competition
It is St. Mark's Episcopal Church's 150th year as a  congregation! We are inviting entries for a Music 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/ The deadline is September 30, 2014.
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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: Adrianna Dangermond & Aina Gutierrez
- Eucharistic Ministers: Dick Brooks, Motoko Maegawa, Ted Richardson
- Acolytes: Bruce Gaede, Leela Gaede, Rachel McElhatton
- Altar Guild: Patricia Bent & Beth Johnson
- Flower Guild: Dale Seifert
- Vestry Persons of the Day: Dale Seifert & Rima Lockwood
- Ushers: Susan Lewis, Fred Lewis, Lisa Montgomery
- Coffee Hour Snacks: Last names beginning with J-N
- 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 Sunday School
This Week in Sunday School, our children continue their focus on Creation. Each week, children will have an opportunity to explore through story and art one area of God's awesome creation. Thank you to this week's teachers and classroom assistants: Liz McElhatton and Holly Benz (ages 3 - 5), Milner Seifert and Beth Johnson (ages 6 - 8), John Lucadamo and Lori Goede (ages 9 - 12).
We need your help: If you are able to assist (ages 6-8) on either November 16 or November 23, please get in touch with Pastor Debra. Be involved in the lives of St. Mark's children. You'll learn a lot!
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Confirm not Conform Reminder
All CnC participants and their families are invited to worship at St. Matthew's this Sunday, September 21 as they celebrate "Homecoming Sunday with one worship service at 10 a.m. followed by refreshments and a photo booth! St. Matthew's is located at 2121 Lincoln Street 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: Painting and Pizza Party!
St. Mark's Youth Group - SMAC - will meet on the 3rd Sunday of each month. On Sunday, September 21 we will meet from 5:30 - 8 p.m. for pizza and painting in the youth room. If you have any cans of paint (latex) leftover from painting a room in your house, please send it along with your young person. Also, if you have brushes, rollers, etc. that you are willing to part with, send them along as well! We'll be painting the youth room -- dress accordingly!
If you have questions, please e-mail or text Deane at [email protected] 231-313-9217 or Pastor Debra at [email protected] 847-732-9564.
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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: A Year's Worth of Jam and Syrups!
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 September 21, the Interfaith Action of Evanston's Hospitality Center at St. Mark's is our recipient. They have asked us to provide them with a 3-month supply of jam and syrup. Each month they go through 4 large jars of grape jelly, 4 large jars of any other kind of jam or jelly, and 16 bottles of pancake syrup. We would like to  collect a total of 12 large jars of grape jelly and 12 large jars of other jams or jellies and 48 bottles of pancake syrup. Please bring your jars and bottles with you to church. The big red shopping cart will be waiting for you at the back of the sanctuary.
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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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This Week at Saint Mark's
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Wednesday
September 17
9:00 a.m.
Staff Meeting,
Volunteer Office
7:15 p.m.
Sesquicentennial Steering Committee Meeting,
Bethlehem Chapel
Thursday
September 18
10:30 a.m.
Holy Eucharist,
Presbyterian Homes
5:00 p.m.
'Kits, 'Cats and Kids Block Party
Sherman Avenue,
Evanston
5:30 p.m.
Evanston Jr. Wildkits Cheerleading Practice,
Front Lawn
7:30 p.m.
Choir Rehearsal,
Choir Room
Saturday
September 20
9:30 a.m.
Greeting Ministry Team,
Bethlehem Chapel
1:00 p.m.
Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-off Celebration,
Robert Crown,
Evanston
Sunday
September 21
8:00 a.m.
Holy Eucharist - Traditional,
Lady Chapel
9:30 a.m.
Children's Formation,
Classrooms
10:30 a.m.
Holy Eucharist with Music,
Sanctuary
10:30 a.m.
CnC Students and Families Worshipping at St. Matthew's
12:00 noon
Handbell Choir Rehearsal,
Balcony
5:30 p.m.
SMAC Youth Group,
Youth Room
Monday
September 22
1:00 p.m.
Staff Meeting,
Volunteer Office
Tuesday
September 23
5:30 p.m.
Evanston Jr. Wildkits Cheerleading Practice,
Front Lawn
Wednesday
September 24
6:00 p.m.
Generations Walking the Way: Stewardship Webinar,
Rector's Office
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September 3
Dale Seifert
September 7
Alice Lele, Jack Suvari, Austin Suvari
September 13
Karen Cornelius
September 14
Wesley Urbanowski
September 15
Michael Schoen
September 17
Mary O'Dowd
September 18
Compton Chase-Lansdale, Peter Dangremond
September 20
Gerald Offutt
September 22
Joan Barr Smith, Debra Bullock
September 24
Alex Gallegos
September 25
Colin Nesburg
September 26
S�le Malone
September 27
David Baker
September 28
Catherine Rocca, Rachel Easton, Nadia Oussenko
September 29
Jim Carver
September 30
Pat Bent
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September 1
Jonathan Greene and S�le Malone
September 2
Casmir and Dorothy Szczepaniak
September 5
Robert and Mary Pat Buckley
September 8
Jake and Nonie Morris, Dave and Lola Himrod
September 10
Jim and Lynn Carver, Jay and Kate Hayes
September 24Doug Sondgeroth and Aina Gutierrez
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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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"@Home" Screening
Interfaith Action of Evanston is co-sponsoring the screening of this movie at the Evanston Library on Sunday, October 5 from 3 - 5 p.m. @Home is a documentary film with one goal: to help move the needle on homelessness in America. The screening will be followed by panel discussion on homelessness and affordable housing in Evanston.
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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�
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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Stewardship Ministry Team
On Wednesday, September 24, the Stewardship Ministry Team will meet in the Rector's office to take part in a webinar called "Generations Walking the Way." Anyone who is interested may join the team as we explore the generationally distinct footprints and cadences of those who walk the way of Jesus and the implications for stewardship. We will be learning about The Episcopal Network for Stewardship (TENS') Stewardship Resource Series: Walking the Way and about overall strategies for an annual commitment campaign as well.
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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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 'Kits, 'Cats and Kids Block Party
On Thursday, September 18 from 5 p.m. - 7:45 p.m., the City of Evanston will close off Sherman Avenue between Church and Davis for a Block Party! There will be games, activities, crafts, live music and a Dj - fun for children, teens, and adults! The Northwestern University and Evanston Township High School marching bands will perform at about 5:45 p.m., followed by special guests who will fire up the crowd in anticipation of the NU and ETHS football games to be played that weekend (the Wildcats and Wildkits). Food trucks will be on site and there will be a limited supply of free hotdogs. Evanston's many NU and ETHS alumni will be able to purchase spirit wear that evening. Parking during the event is free at the adjacent Sherman Plaza Self Park Garage, 821 Davis St., with ticket validation at the City of Evanston tent. You may enter the garage from Davis Street or Benson Avenue. Discounted football tickets will be sold at the Block Party to help fill Ryan Field stadium with a sea of purple on Saturday, September 20, when the Wildcats will play the Western Illinois University Fighting Leathernecks. Discounted tickets also may be purchased at NUSPORTS.COM with the code PURPLE until September 19. The Block Party is sponsored by the City of Evanston, Northwestern University, Downtown Evanston, the Evanston Chamber of Commerce, Evanston Township High School, and Evanston/Skokie School District 65. For more information, please visit cityofevanston.org/kitsandcats, or call or text 847-448-4311.
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Go Outside, Evanston: September Adopt-a-Beach
On Saturday, September 20th, everyone is invited to gather at Greenwood Beach in Evanston to participate in a morning of clean-up (9 a.m. - noon) and family activities (10:30 - noon). Among the family activities, parishioner Allison Ashley through her organization, Covenant Nursery School, will be helping everyone dig into the sand to create sand castles and other sand art! For more information about this event visit http://goevanston.strikingly.com/ or contact Allison at [email protected]. What a great way to celebrate this Season of Creation!
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Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-off Celebration
On Saturday, September 20 from 1 - 4 p.m. at the Robert Crown Center, you are invited to experience Hispanic art, music, food and dancing at the 2014 Hispanic Heritage Month Kick-off Celebration! The event is presented by the City of Evanston and Latino Resources.
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Go Outside, Evanston: September Adopt-a-Beach™
On Saturday, September 20th, everyone is invited to gather at Greenwood Beach in Evanston to participate in a morning of clean-up (9 a.m. - noon) and family activities (10:30 - noon). Among the family activities, parishioner Allison Ashley through her organization, Covenant Nursery School, will be helping everyone dig into the sand to create sand castle and other sand art! For more information about this event visit http://goevanston.strikingly.com/ or contact Allison at [email protected]. What a great way to celebrate this Season of Creation!
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Freedom Fund Banquet: We're All in this Together for Justice and Equality
The National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Evanston / North Shore Branch will be holding their annual Freedom Fund Banquet on Saturday, November 1 beginning at 6 p.m. at the Holiday Inn and Convention Center in Skokie. Tickets are $100. If you would like to attend with Pastor Debra, please let her know by September 28. For more information or questions, please speak with parishioner George Mitchell who is President of the Evanston/North Shore Branch of the NAACP. George can be reached at 847-507-2023.
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Evanston Dance Ensemble Fall Fundraiser
On Sunday, September 28 beginning at 5 p.m. the Evanston Dance Ensemble will hold its Fall Fundraiser at St. Mark's. Learn World Dances from many cultures including circle dances, line dances, and mixers, led by internationally known dance leader Sanna Longden. EDE will provide a potluck supper for you and your family. Come alone or bring a group! Fun for all ages! Cost: $15/adults; $10/kids; $40/family of four or more. For more information, call 847-328-6683. To purchase tickets, go to: http://www.events.org/familydance14/cpage.aspx?e=76240.
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Evanston Chapter of the Lyric Opera
Sunday, September 28th, at 3 pm, the Evanston Chapter of the Lyric Opera will present a 'Season Overview' of the operas to be presented by Lyric next season, and the speaker will be Jack Zimmerman, who was the PR man at the Lyric until his recent retirement. He is also a story teller, and has written several books. It will be held at First Congregational Church house at 1417 Hinman Avenue in Evanston. The cost is $10.00 for members and $15.00 for guests.
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Moms of Multiples Semi-Annual Children's Resale will be held on Saturday, September 27 from 9 a.m. to Noon at the Unitarian Church of Evanston (1330 Ridge Avenue). Shop a huge selection of gently used children's clothing (NB-6+), toys, books, shoes, baby gear, maternity clothing, Halloween costumes and more! Admission is $1. Cash only sale. For questions or more information visit www.momsofmultiples.org/resale.
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Fierce Conversations at The Nicholas Center
The Nicholas Center at the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago is pleased to offer Fierce Conversations trainings in September and October. These workshops will provide sixteen hours of experiential training on how to have more productive conversations. The skills learned will be immediately applicable to one's personal and professional life. As accredited providers for Fierce, Inc. in the Episcopal Church, the faculty of the Nicholas Center have provided Fierce training in a variety of church and diocesan contexts.
Space is still available in the October 13 - 16 training. Discounts are available for local attendees who opt not to stay at The Nicholas Center, and scholarships are available as needed. Register here: http://bit.ly/FIERCE_Chicago. For more information contact Megan Krings at [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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Keeping God's People Safe Training
The Diocese of Chicago is committed to doing everything in its power to maintain a safe and supportive atmosphere for the children and adults who are members of its congregations, attend its programs or participate in its ministries. To foster a secure environment, we have developed Keeping God's People Safe, a two-level workshop training program that sensitizes all of those who work with children in our church to the dangers of child sexual abuse and teaches them to recognize and prevent situations in which abuse or exploitation might occur.
Several St. Mark's staff members and Sunday school volunteers will be attending training on Saturday, September 27 at Trinity Episcopal Church in Highland Park. If you would like to attend, please contact Pastor Debra at 847-732-9564 or [email protected]. This training is required for all who work with children and is highly recommended for everyone - especially parents.
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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 Behrends, Ellen and Tom Bergman, Veronica Braithwaite, John Burnham, Karen Cornelius, Kendric Das, Bob Easton, Lynn Erickson, 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 Castaneda, Dorothy Clarke, Ward Clarke, Jim and Cathy Dillman, Darrell Huddleston, Katie Iles, Yvonne Johns, Leo, Alison King, OJ Mabwa, Anne McDaniel, Mary Joyce Menzies,The Nacey Family, Mike Nee, Pam Oshlo, Maureen Puleo, family and friends of Martin Shur, Ean and Neale Smith, Tim and his family, Carlo Trovato, Blanca White, Jordyn White, Jill Vannattam.
We pray for the people in: the Diocese of Southeast Mexico and in the Diocese of Renk.
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