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 Throughout January, the Stewardship Ministry Team will be sharing a reflection from The Episcopal Network for Stewardship's "Walking the Way" Series. We hope that you will take the time each week to read the reflection and then, on Sunday mornings, January 11 and January 18 meet with others from 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. in the Library to discuss the reflection together with Pastor Debra or another member of the Stewardship Ministry Team. "The stone that the builders rejected has become the chief cornerstone; this was the Lord's doing." - Matthew 21:42 Matthew 21:42 has Jesus teaching from the Parable of the Wicked Tenants, where the workers reject the son of the vineyard's owner so they may take the land for themselves. An unthinkable act if they wished to keep their jobs - indeed their lives. Jesus recalls Hebrew scripture: "Have you not heard? 'The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord's doing, and it is amazing in our eyes (Psalm 118:22-23).'" Jesus calls out the need to always be mindful of God, learning naturally to live peacefully with God's presence. Jesus reminds his listeners of what they already know. As Christians, we know too. We may stumble over our cornerstone - look at it, ponder it, reject it, embrace it, build on it, or leave it sitting alone with no associated structure - but it would be unwise to act as though it did not exist. We must consider how we shall live with its presence. Cultivating an intentional awareness of God's presence, our cornerstone, is a Christian practice that has its roots in the early monasticism of the Desert Fathers and Mothers. It is not always easy, but is essential to following The Way. It was said about Abba Agathon, a Desert Father, that "for three years he carried a pebble around in his mouth until he learned to be silent." Perhaps this was his way of noticing the cornerstone and learning to be in God's presence more consistently! The season of stewardship is filled with talk about money: what is needed, what we should do, what the church wants to accomplish, those we serve and the projects we must sustain. It is all of such value. In order to communicate its importance, we make the conversation urgent, loud and grand, perhaps helping us feel our value about our offering. But when we are silent - and I mean really silent, with not even internal chatter, arguing, rationalization or justification - we can sense God holding us. The longer we remain in that embrace of unconditional love and mercy, the more deeply we are aware that this grace meets every need the world has. We are aware that it meets every need we have. We are able to give freely from our abundance, sharing that gift with others. Silence is a spiritual practice of relaxing into the stillness of God, noticing grace as a constant presence rather than as fleeting and random moments. It is counter-intuitive in our chatty culture to think that stillness and silence can move us so profoundly, but indeed it is so. Perhaps the 'pebble in our cheek' teaching of Abba Agathon could serve as a metaphor for the cornerstone in our lives. Let its power cause you to stumble over your words, even silence you. Spend time with the cornerstone in this stewardship season. It will make you strong and you will know what to build - what to give - to make your church and the places in the world for which you are prayerfully passionate, locations where God's grace is stronger through your generous and overflowing heart. The Rt. Rev. Mary Gray-Reeves, Bishop The Episcopal Diocese of El Camino Real Reflection Questions - How do you rest in God?
- How does cultivating the practice of God's presence change you?
- How does God's grace meet you?
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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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The First Sunday after The Epiphany: Genesis 1:1-5; Acts 19:1-7; Mark 1:4-11
"The LORD shall give strength to his people; the LORD shall give his people the blessing of peace." - Psalm 29:11
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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].
- Lector: Aina Gutierrez & Lola Himrod
- Eucharistic Ministers: Motoko Maegawa & Joanna Greene
- Acolytes: Sara Basha, Elia Basha, Patrick Nee
- Altar Guild: Evelyn Russell & Sharon Friend
- Vestry Person of the Day: John Lucadamo & Ted Loda
- 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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Evanston Christian Unity Worship Service
On Thursday, January 22nd all Christian communities in Evanston are invited to celebrate the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity with an evening worship service at 7:00 pm. Hosted this year by St. Paul's Lutheran (1004 Greenwood Street), the worship service brings together many Christian communities and allows us to celebrate our unity through our diversity. The Rev. Dr. Karen E. Mosby, moderator of the Evanston Pastors Fellowship and pastor of Second Baptist Church, is the preacher for the 2015 annual gathering. A combined choir will rehearse at 6:00 pm.
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Worship Life Ministry Team Meeting
On Monday, January 12, the Worship Life Ministry Team will meet to begin planning for services of Holy Week! Can you believe it?! If you'd like to be a part of the conversation, please meet in the Parlor at 7:30 p.m. If you have questions or would like to provide input in advance, please contact Bruce Gaede at [email protected], Pastor Debra at [email protected], or David Plank at [email protected].
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Annual Meeting / One Worship Service
Mark your calendars for St. Mark's annual meeting, January 25, 2015, after our one worship service at 9:30 a.m. that day. We will show a video in the Parlor for children to enjoy during the meeting --- with adult supervision, of course!
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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 in January: Walking the Way
For each of the next four weeks, the Stewardship Ministry Team will be sharing a reflection from The Episcopal Network for Stewardship's "Walking the Way" Series. You can find it in the eNews and as an insert in Sunday's bulletin. We hope that you will take the time each week to read the reflection and then, on Sunday mornings, January 11 and January 18 meet with others from 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. in the Library to discuss the reflection together with Pastor Debra or another member of the Stewardship Ministry Team.
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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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No Music Night This Wednesday!
Due to the cold weather there will be no Music Night tonight, January 7th. Music Night will return on Wednesday, January 14th. 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 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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Connecting Homeless Families and Veterans to Educational & Support Services
All are welcome to attend Interfaith Action of Evanston's Winter Gathering titled, "Connecting Homeless Families and Veterans to Educational & Support Services." The gathering will take place on Sunday, January 11 at 3 p.m. at Evanston Friends Meeting-Quakers, 1010 Greenleaf Street, Evanston. The topic of discussion is how educational and support services are working in our community to benefit homeless families and veterans. Presenters will explore challenges of homelessness and its barriers to service delivery. Presenters are Ahmadou Drame, Community and External Affairs Coordinator at Evanston Township High School and Dr. Betsy Tolstedt, Team Leader, Evanston Veteran's Center.
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Producemobile - Tuesday, January 13
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 January 13, please send an e-mail to Pastor Debra, [email protected]. Thank you to St. Mark's December volunteers: Bruce Gaede and Chris Schultze.
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Wednesday Lunch Program 
A sub-group of St. Mark's Social Justice and Outreach Ministry Team has found a partner in St. Matthew's to prepare and distribute sack lunches to the homeless in Evanston every Wednesday! We are targeted to launch in early February.
"Wednesday Lunch" will involve preparing and packing somewhere between 50-100 sack lunches on Tuesday after school/work and serving on Wednesday at St. Mark's when the Interfaith Action of Evanston Hospitality Center closes for the morning.
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This Week at Saint Mark's
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Wednesday,
January 7
7:00 p.m.
Budget and Finance Ministry Team Meeting, Rectory
Thursday,
January 8
10:00 a.m.
Holy Eucharist,
The King Home
7:30 p.m.
Choir Rehearsal,
Choir Room
Sunday,
January 11
8:00 a.m.
Holy Eucharist - Traditional,
Lady Chapel
9:30 a.m.
Christian Formation - All Ages,
Classrooms and Bethlehem Chapel
10:30 a.m.
Holy Eucharist with Music, Sanctuary
12:00
Hand Bell Choir Rehearsal,
Balcony
3:00 p.m.
Winter Gathering, Quaker Meeting House, Evanston
6:15 p.m.
Confirm not Conform Class,
St. Mark's
Monday,
January 12
7:30 p.m.
Worship Life Ministry Team Meeting,
Parlor
Tuesday,
January 13
8:30 a.m.
Producemobile,
Robert Crown Center
7:30 p.m.
Adult InterPlay Class, Cunningham Hall
Wednesday,
January 14
6:00 p.m.
Music Night,
Choir Room
7:00 p.m.
Evanston Creative Writing Group Meetup, Library
8:00 p.m.
Evanston English Country Dance, Cunningham Hall
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January 1
Milner Seifert
January 4
Patrick Furlong
January 5
Rima Lockwood
January 9
Gerrit Dangremond
January 11
John Burnham, Jr.
January 16
Susan Lewis
Patrick Nee
January 17
Andrew Howard
January 18
David Himrod
January 19
Beth Johnson
Charlie Kopp
January 20
Walter Clarkson
January 21
James Lettner
January 22
Grace Lettner
January 23
Jonathan Greene
January 25
Will Suvari
January 28
Lindsay Chase-Lansdale,
Byron Scott
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January 1
Andrew and Chris Schultze
January 14
Jack and Anne Heinz
January 25
Hardy and Lynette Murphy
January 27
Dick and Carolyn Brooks
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This will be a multi-generational and zero-waste ministry! We hope that families, students, existing small groups (choir, vestry, Sunday School teachers, people with brown hair, familes with small children, teens with (or without) attitude, young adults with zip - you get the idea) and new small groups from just St. Mark's, from just St. Matthew's and from combinations of the two will be chomping at the bit to start planning and packing lunches! Any person of any age who wishes to pack and/or serve are welcome. Remember - this is EVERY Wednesday!!! Those who want this to be a part of their daily lives can make it so. Those who want to participate occasionally or rarely, are encouraged to do so!
There is a sign-up sheet in the Parlor so you can let know that you want to be a part of the process --- you'll be contacted by a team member who can best match your interest and time commitment with the needs of this exciting ministry. In the meantime, for more information speak with or email parishioner, John Lucadamo ([email protected]) or Community Engagement Coordinator, Jacqui Zeng ( [email protected]).
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 Annual Reports
Coty is now compiling the annual report highlighting our ministries. If you help lead a ministry (outreach, St. Mark's Guild, choir guild, acolytes, lectors, etc.), please send (1) a brief paragraph summarizing your work during the year and (2) a digital photograph of St. Mark's members engaged in that work. All items should be sent to Coty at [email protected] no later than Thursday, January 15 for inclusion in the report.
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Continuing Studies for Pastor Debra
From Friday, January 16 through Friday, January 23, Pastor Debra will be out of the office for coursework related to her Doctor of Ministry program at Bexley-Seabury Theological Seminary in Chicago. This winters' courses include a Thesis Proposal Workshop and a course called "Diversity and Context" which is being taught by The Rev. Dr. Eric H.F. Law. The course will explore a number of topics including: what is culture and why are there cultural differences? How do these differences impact congregational leadership? and consideration of power dynamics in multicultural environments. The capstone project for this course will be to use the skills and models from this course to create a project at St. Mark's involving at least eight parishioners from diverse backgrounds. . . so, stay tuned for more information and ways to be involved!
During her absence, The Rev. Charlie de Kay, Rector, St. Matthew's will be providing coverage for pastoral care emergencies. His number is 630-862-5701. On Sunday, January 18, The Rev. Andrea Mysen, Associate for Ministries, Diocese of Chicago who will preach and preside. Andrea, her wife Rene and their children Sadie and Asher have been worshipping at St. Mark's since last summer and we are delighted to welcome Andrea to lead worship among us!
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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: January 14, 28, February 11, 25.
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Race and The Economy: Jobs, Housing, Poverty
Thursday, January 15, 2015 | 5:00 - 8:00 pm
In conjunction with the special exhibition RACE: Are We So Different?, the Illinois Holocaust Museum and YWCA Evanston/North Shore present a Scholar Series: moderated by Dr. Yolanda Moses, University of California-Riverside, former President of American Anthropological Association and co-author of "RACE: Are We So Different?" and Dr. David Stovall, University of Illinois at Chicago, Associate Professor Educational Policy Studies and African American Studies. This event will take place at the Illinois Holocaust Museum, 9630 Woods Drive, Skokie. Reservations required: [email protected] .
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Fierce Conversations, January 21 & 22, 2015
"While no single conversation is guaranteed to change the trajectory of a career, a company, a relationship, or a life...any single conversation can." Fierce Conversations will take place at Saint James Commons, 65 East Huron Street, Chicago IL 60611. Wednesday, January 21, 8:30am-4:30pm, and Thursday, January 22, 8:30am-4:30pm. The cost is $100. Registration is capped at 60 participants. Breakfast, lunch, snacks and materials are included in the cost of training.
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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, Karen Cornelius, Kendric Das, Bob Easton, Hal Griffith, Mary Hair, Charlie and Judy Kopp, Mary O'Dowd, Jan and Jeri Offutt, Joan Barr Smith, Char Wiss, Carol Albertson, Carol Beatty, Barbara Bishop, Susan Murrell Castaneda, Dorothy Clarke, Ward Clarke, JoAnne Gilburg, Dee Goodale-Mikosz, 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, OJ Mabwa, Sally Mitchell, Connie Montgomery, Kyle Peach, Penny Pritchett and her family, Barbara Rosenbloom, Deborah Russell, Helen Snow, Sue, Tim and his family, Jill Vannatta, Richard Walsh, George Weber, Blanca White, Jordyn White.
We pray for those who have died: Joan Roscher, friend of Lisa Montgomery; Carl Krieger, uncle of Lori Goede; Kathleen Davis Norton, grandmother of Motoko Maegawa and great-grandmother of Tyler Maegawa-Goeser; Devane Williams, friend of Wayne Smith.
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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