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This Week at St. Mark's August 25, 2016
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To Build and to Plant. . . . a place where "Everyone is Welcome Here!"
Everyone is welcome here - those four words are the concluding statement of St. Mark's welcoming statement on our website and on our worship bulletins. And everyday God invites us to live into those words more fully.
 Last spring, a member of St. Mark's Usher Team, after conversations with other ushers, approached the vestry with a proposal to make our sanctuary more welcoming to persons with mobility challenges. Specifically they encouraged us to think about creating space for wheelchairs that does not relegate their users to the back of the church or to the far north end of the church where being able to see and fully participate in worship are both a challenge.
The proposal presented involved making room for wheelchairs near the front of the
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Larry, Rich & Rudy
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church, next to the main aisle. At our May vestry meeting, we agreed to proceed!
Thank you to Rudy Burke, Rich Forst, Bruce Gaede, Larry Mize, and David Plank for getting the work done! The pictures here will help you see what's been done - shortened pews about 3 rows back from the front allowing space for wheelchairs and, as importantly, for friends or family members to sit together. While a picture may be worth a thousand words, seeing the handy work in person will, I think, help you appreciate the gift all the more.
 I am proud to be the rector at St. Mark's where we continue to seek out ways to live more fully into our mission or, as Doug Sondgeroth so eloquently preached on Sunday morning, where we respond to God's invitation to "build and to plant."
-Pastor Debra+
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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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Summer Schedule:
 St. Mark's continues to operate on a "Summer Worship Schedule" through Sunday, September 4, 2016:
- 8:00 AM Traditional Worship with Eucharist in the Lady Chapel at St. Mark's
- 9:30 AM Contemporary Worship with Eucharist at the Lakefront (click here for map); in the event of rain, we worship at the church
Summer Snacks:
- 8 a.m.: Worshipers are encouraged to
bring snacks (cookies, fruit, etc.) to share in the parlor after worship. Coffee, tea and juice are provided.
- 9:30 a.m. Lakefront: Please sign up to bring lemonade and/or cookies to share at the lakefront after worship. We still need someone to bring lemonade this Sunday and someone(s) to bring lemonade and/or cookies on September 4. To sign-up, click here or send an email to office@stmarksevanston.org and Natalie will get you signed up.
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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 beginning September 8 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: music@stmarksevanston.org. Phone: (402) 650-9266.
Hand Bell Choir
The Ringing Resumes! - St. Mark's hand bell choir rehearses Sundays from noon until 12:30 beginning September 11 under the direction of David Plank. New ringers (ages 5 and up) are welcome to join at any time! For more information or questions, contact David at music@stmarksevanston.org
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This Sunday's Lay Ministers-
Thank you to these parishioners for sharing their time and talent with the congregation this week. If you would like to be involved, contact Pastor Debra at rector@stmarksevanston.org.
- Altar Guild: Tony Campise, Beth Johnson
- Flower Guild: Dorothy Laudati
- Lector: Chris Schultze
- Ushers: John Fitts, Rich Forst
- Lay Eucharistic Ministers: Aina Gutierrez, Joanna Greene, Lynette Murphy
- Lay Eucharistic Visitor: Milner Seifert
- 8 a.m. Coffee Hour Snacks: S-Z
- Lakefront Lemonade & Cookies: You? and Motoko Maegawa (click here if you can help)
- Vestry Persons of the Day: Motoko Maegawa, Dale Seifert
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Social Justice & Outreach Opportunities
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St. Mark's continues its commitment to our community through its many social justice and outreach activities. Following are ways in which you can get involved with the St. Mark's community in helping to create a better world.
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Midweek Lunch: Come and join us!
There are two weekly opportunities to serve our neighbors who struggle with hunger and homelessness. Every Tuesday from 6:00-6:30 pm, lunches are packed in the kitchen here at St. Mark's, and every Wednesday lunch is served at 11 a.m. On Wednesday volunteers are asked to arrive by 10:00 a.m. and stay until 12:30 p.m.
To sign-up to volunteer, please click these links:
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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 life of continuous learning.
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Confirm not Conform Info Night
will take place on Sunday, August 28 beginning at 6:15 p.m. at St. Mark's. If you have a 7th, 8th or 9th graders, this is the time to come to learn more. Confirm not Conform (CnC) is about asking tough questions about faith and seeking answers. This information night is your opportunity to hear about the program and expectations for students and parents. It is also when we will hand out the year's calendar of events and answer any questions.
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2016 Church School Year Kick Off-
Sunday, September 11, 9:30 a.m.
We are trying an all new format this year with children ages 3 - 12 gathering together at 9:30 a.m. for prayer, music and Biblical story telling. We will continue until 10:15 a.m. with a variety of activities that are related to the story of the day. To enroll your child, please complete the registration form available at http://bit.ly/RegistrationStMarks OR send an email to Natalie Greene, office@stmarksevanston.org to receive a registration form by e-mail. Please return registration forms to the church office by September 2 so that we can ensure that we have adequate volunteers and supplies available.
- Classroom Assistants: Young people ages 13 and older are encouraged to participate as a classroom helper. If you would like to do this, please contact Pastor Debra at rector@stmarksevanston.org to be added to the schedule. This is a great way to help younger kids and also to remind you of the Scripture stories you have received as you have been growing up!
- Classroom Teachers: Adults who are interested in participating as a classroom teacher one or more Sundays per month are invited to contact Pastor Debra for more information at rector@stmarksevanston.org. You will be partnered with 2 or 3 other adults to prepare a Sunday morning lesson.
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Fifteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Jeremiah 2:4-13; Hebrews 13:1-8,15-16; Luke 14:1, 7-14
"Sing with joy to God our strength and raise a loud shout to the God of Jacob." - Psalm 81
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Sunday, August 28
8:00 a.m.
Holy Eucharist, Lady Chapel
9:30 a.m.
Lakefront Eucharist, Burnham Shores Park
6:15 p.m.
Confirm not Conform info night, St. Mark's
Tuesday, August 30
6:00 p.m.
Lunch packing, St. Mark's kitchen
Wednesday, August 31
6:45 a.m.
Alcoholics Anonymous meeting, Bethlehem Chapel
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday Lunch Program, Cunningham Hall
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August 1
Ann Lettner
Maggie Johnson
Lucy Consiglio
August 3
Jake Morris
Corinne Clarkson
August 4
Andrea Nowack
August 5
Nathan Waller
Eliana Greene
August 6
Jack Heinz
August 10
Edie Molumby
Matthew Yanaga
Sebastian Urbanowski
August 12
Fred Lewis
August 13
Joanna Greene
Blair Lele
August 14
Patrick Arrington
Emily Dangremond
August 16
Andrew Schultze
Emmett Bell
Jackson Benz
August 19
Sherri Crawford
Eva Sondgeroth
August 21
Kate Johnson
August 24
Hal Griffith
Casmir Szczepaniak
Elizabeth Lewis
Melinda Heindel
Rachel McElhatton
August 27
Bob Easton
August 28
Kristine Offutt
August 29
Clark Alexander
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August 2
Donald & Mary Koss
August 3
Judson & Gabrielle Brooks
August 5
Patrick & Emily Furlong
August 8
Milner & Dale Seifert
August 10
Robert & Rima Lockwood
August 13
Catherine Carpenter & David Baker
August 20
Luke Urbanowski & Lisa Liang
August 29
Deane & Beth Johnson
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Pilgrim's Journey: The Lord's Prayer
Sundays, September 18, October 2, October 16, November 6, and November 20 from 9-10:15 a.m.
Long ago, when Christians were first learning about the faith, people would prepare for baptism as adults over two or three years. The final part of their journey would be in the season of Lent, preparing for baptism at Easter. During the final part of the journey, the bishop would teach them about some of the greatest treasures of the Christian faith. One of the most important was the prayer we know as The Lord's Prayer. In this class for inquirers, new Christians and any who want a refresher will explore the Lord's Prayer as a gateway to the Christian gospel, as a guide to our own prayers, and as a way of deepening our relationship with God. Ideally participants will attend all sessions; however, you are welcome to join us at any time.
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Bexley Seabury:
Did you know that YOU can take courses at Bexley Seabury as a non-degree student? Yup! It's true. The cost of each course taken for academic enrichment (a/k/a audit) is $475. For more information and to register, visit Bexley Seabury online. Here's a preview of offerings for Fall:
- Liturgy and Music: Development and Theology brings students and faculty together in the classroom Sept. 23-24, Oct. 21-22, Nov. 18-19, with interim online learning. New Academic Dean Terry DeLisio teams up once again with Milner Seifert to teach this course, which introduces students to the principles and practices of Anglican worship with particular focus on liturgical tradition and practice in the Episcopal Church. The course also examines how worship principles and practices have evolved as well as the theology and use of music in worship.
- Anglican and Episcopal History meets three weekends, Sept. 16-17, Oct 14-15, Nov. 11-12, with ongoing learning online. This hybrid course with Tom Ferguson provides an introduction to history and development of the Episcopal Church and Anglican Communion, with particular attention given to Anglicanism as a diverse, globalized faith community.
- Death of the Beautiful Young Man: The Erotics of Redemption meets Sept. 30-Oct. 1, Nov. 4-5, and Dec. 2-3, onsite sessions linked by online learning. In this popular course, John Dally asks "Why is Jesus so often portrayed as young and beautiful in suffering and death?" and "What systems of belief are encoded in artistic renderings of the crucifixion?" Such questions will be asked through various lenses (art history, anthropology, theology, philosophy) in dialogue with painting, sculpture, music, and film.
- Topics in Anglican Theology: Rowan Williams and Sarah Coakley ... Sept. 30-Oct. 1, Nov. 4-5, Dec. 2-3. Jason Fout will explore in depth the theology of Williams and Coakley, two significant contemporary theologians -- both connected to the Church of England, deeply involved in ministry, and representative of broader trends in Anglican theology. Close readings and discussions of Williams' and Coakley's central texts will be enriched through poetry, praying with icons, and contemplative prayer.
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Chad, Motoko & Tyler on their way to the University of Southern California
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A Lion Hunt to Create Fellowship Across the Miles-
Each summer, St. Mark's parishioners and staff members fan out across the country (sometimes across the globe) as travel plans take them outside of Evanston. This summer, St. Mark's invites
you to go on a Lion Hunt! The lion is our mascot and so we invite you, wherever you are (even if you don't leave Evanston) to keep your eyes open for lions -
stuffed, real, in a painting, in the pages of a book - and take a picture (preferably with you in it). Then, send it to Natalie at office@stmarksevanston.org OR better yet, post it to Facebook, Twitter or Instagram using the hashtags #StMarkEvanston and #LionHunt. We can't wait to see all the places you've found a lion to remind you of St. Mark's!
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Coming Soon: Jubi-latte & Tea Deum with the Rector-
One Friday each month, Pastor Debra will be available at a local coffee shop to treat you to your favorite coffee or tea drink and to enjoy a time of relaxation and fellowship. No hidden agenda. Just a time to spend time together. First up: Friday, September 9 from 9:30 - 10:30 a.m. at Cupitol Coffee & Eatery, 812 Grove St, Evanston.
Jubilate is Latin for "Rejoice" and the Te Deum is a Hymn of Praise. . .Thank you to The Rev. Eric Biddy of St. Christopher's Episcopal Church for thinking up this fabulous pun in search of a ministry!
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Understanding and Analyzing Systemic Racism Training - In July, Pastor Debra, Liz McElhatton and Andrea Nowack attended the Chicago ROAR / Diocese of Chicago Antiracism Commission's 2 1/2 day training in Hyde Park. The cost was just $75 and the information shared and conversations had were priceless. We hope you will consider taking this training when it is next offered - October 20 - 22. To learn more and to register,
click here.
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Actual cats are not this cat. |
3-month foster home needed for 2 cats-
The Dangremond family has 2 cats who are 9 years old and need someone to foster them for 3 months. They are neutered, sweet-tempered, and healthy. Their immunizations and medical care are up to date and the Dangremonds have records from Bramer Animal Hospital. Their names are Merlin and Griffin. Anyone who is interested can contact Adrianna Dangremond at 847-309-0988. Adrianna will be responsible for the cost of food, litter, medical care if needed.
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Staff Vacations-
David Plank, Associate for Music Ministries will be away from the office until September 2. Some of this time will be for vacation, some for continuing education. Please hold David in your prayers as he travels. During his absence, please contact Pastor Debra with any music-related questions (to be honest, she'll probably tell you they need to wait for his return)!
Financial Update, Pledge Status and Special Giving - Last month St. Mark's Finance Team conducted our mid-year budget review and we are happy to report that we are doing fine overall. There are always a few line items higher or lower than anticipated;
 but, overall, we are on track for a great 2016. With your support, we will continue that trend. One request we have is that you please remember that when you go on summer vacations, the church does not.
Pledge payments have fallen behind. . . . you can help us by keeping your giving up to date (pledge payments can be mailed directly to St. Mark's, Attn. Treasurer, 1509 Ridge Avenue, Evanston, IL 60201). And, if you are particularly grateful for something that has happened in your life or the life of a loved one recently, perhaps you can show your gratitude with an additional one-time summer gift to St. Mark's. To make this even easier, you can make your gift through PayPal today. Go to our website (
http://www.stmarksevanston.org) and click the DONATE button in the right-hand column. There is a place in PayPal for you to add a note so that the rector can prepare a note of thanksgiving!
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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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The VITA Program at Oakton Community College in Skokie is looking for fall tutors to help adults improve basic reading, writing, or speaking skills. There is a four-part required training held on September 1st & 6th, and October 1st & 15th. For more information call 847-635-1426.
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Fleetwood Jourdain Theater-
Tonight they will host the Old School R&B Concert at 7pm. Tomorrow, August 26th, they will be hosting the Jazz Meets Blues Concert III at 7pm. They will also hold their annual Black Tie Gala: Songs from Broadway's Black Musicals on Saturday, August 27, 6pm. Ticket prices for all of these events range from $10-$17 (excluding the Gala). Fleetwood Jourdain Theatre is located at 927 Noyes St. in Evanston, IL. Call with questions or to purchase tickets at 847-866-5915. More information can be found online here.
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Tai Chi Chuan
is an ancient Chinese martial art that promotes well-being by circulating the chi of the body through a series of slow, relaxing movements. The Human Process teaches the Yangstyle short form each Saturday morning at St. Mark's. Practicing Tai Chi helps replenish energy reserves, improves balance, loosens tight muscles and brings more flexibility to joints and ligaments. It is a cardiovascular and weight-bearing exercise. For more information, contact The Human Process at 847-556-6040.
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Evanston Creative Writing Group-
Do you like to write? Do you like to be creative but find it challenging sometimes to put yourself on the page? Do you enjoy receiving challenging prompts that spur your creativity? The Evanston Creative Writing group is a creative prompt group designed to get you on the page and start the creative juices flowing. Each meeting one member will act as the Prompt Master, offering a writing prompt like a picture, a first line, an object, or even a single word. From these prompts members will write for fifteen to twenty minutes, creating a unique and original story, or perhaps creating something that will be the start of something bigger. Please note that this is not a critique group. We offer positive comments on what our authors create, understanding that the writing generated within our group is rough or "first-draft". We accept all members, from those who are serious about writing to those who use the time offered to blow off some creative steam. We meet on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month in the library at St. Mark's.
For more information visit us online here
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Parish Prayer List
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The prayer list will be refreshed for the month of July (and is at the beginning of each month). If you would like your loved ones to remain on the prayer list for July, send an email to Pastor Debra at rector@stmarksevanston.org.
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We bid your prayers for: Bob Barr, Astley Bent, Veronica Braithwaite, John Burnham, Karen Cornelius, Bob Easton, Lynn Erickson, Hal Griffith, Charlie and Judy Kopp, Grace Lettner, Kathy Lettner, Ayden Lettner, Ann Lettner, Donald McCrea, Anne Meyers, Jake Morris, Mary O'Dowd, Jan and Jeri Offutt, Donna Richardson, Sarah Sutcliffe,Casmir Szczepaniak, Char Wiss, Ronnie Witt IV, Carol Albertson, Betty Augustinos, Lucy Augustinos, Carol Beatty, Margaret Beatty, Martha Burns, Joseph Compton, Chisara Conception, David Cresap, Faye Delandro, Rebecca Fortner, Olivia Heiting, Jay Johnson, Katie Iles, Alaf Kwayana, Jason Loda, OJ Mabwa, Pat Martin, Carl & Lindy Messier, Connie Montgomery, Amelia Schmidt, Terri Shepard, Helen Snow, Tim and his family, Clifford & Byrdie Tucker, Richard Walsh, Juanita White, Julie Whitmore
We pray for those who have died: Beverly Broome, friend of Lisa Montgomery
We pray for the people in the Diocese of Southeast Mexico and the Diocese of Renk |
Stay Connected
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