This Week at St. Mark's         September 1, 2016
Worship
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." 
September 4 Schedule: 
Join us as we bid farewell to Deacon Martha Durham. 
  • 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
September 11 Schedule:
  • 8 am  Spoken Traditional Service of Holy Communion in the Chapel, at the front of the church along the north wall
     
  • 9:30 a.m. Sunday School (ages 3 - 15) / Choir Rehearsal (Sanctuary)
     
  • 10:30 a.m.Inter-generational Celebration of Holy Communion with Hymns in the church
     
  • 11:45 a.m. Fall Back to Church Potluck Breakfast (see the announcement under "Fellowship" below)
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


New Acolytes-  With our return to services in the church on September 11th we invite anyone who is interested in the acolyte ministry to speak with Bruce Gaede on a Sunday morning or call him at 847-274-0541. Worshipers of all ages are welcome to consider serving as an acolyte.  We ask only that children be old enough to sit through the service by themselves.  The first commitment is to try a Sunday as a torchbearer (one of the two acolytes who carry the candles) with a 15-20 minute training session the Sunday before. The new acolyte will be paired with an experienced acolyte who will coach them through their duties. Then we'll have a chance to talk about the experience to see if this is a good ministry for you!  If so, we generally schedule acolytes one Sunday a month.    
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: Trish Barr, Dorothy Laudati
  • Flower Guild: Ellie Bergman
  • Lector: Lynette Murphy
  • Ushers: Marion Macbeth, Dorothy Laudati
  • Lay Eucharistic Ministers: Milner Seifert, Andrea Nowack, Motoko Maegawa
  • Lay Eucharistic Visitor: Ric Ashley
  • 8 a.m. Coffee Hour Snacks: Everyone!
  • Vestry Persons of the Day: Ted Richardson
Christian Formation
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.
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.  
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.

Going Where the Youth Are: Being Church
The Church is wherever God's people are gathered and for our youth that is often not at St. Mark's - the building - because they are involved in so many extra-curricular activities.  Imagine the positive message we might share with our young people by Being Church where they are - at the ice rink, on the baseball diamond, at the debate club, at their concert.  Let's show up and cheer for our young people. Let's Be Church Where the Youth Are!  Take pictures, congratulate often, and remind our young people that they too are Being the Church wherever they are!  If you have events to add on behalf of your young person, please email Pastor Debra, rector@stmarksevanston.org
Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Jeremiah 18:1-11; Philemon 1-21; Luke 14:25-33

"Lord, you have searched me out and known me; you know my sitting down and my rising up; you discern my thoughts from afar." - Psalm 139
In This Issue:
Calendar
Thursday, Sept. 1
10:00 a.m.
Holy Eucharist, King Home

Friday, Sept. 2
6:30 p.m.
Ealy/Kirby Wedding Rehearsal & Rehearsal Dinner, Sanctuary and Parlor

Saturday, Sept. 3
4:30 p.m.
Ealy/Kirby Wedding, Sanctuary

Sunday, Sept. 4
8:00 a.m.
Holy Eucharist, Mary Chapel

9:30 a.m.
Lakefront Eucharist, Burnham Shores Park

Monday, Sept. 5
All Day
Office closed for Labor Day Holiday

Tuesday, Sept. 6
6:00 p.m.
Lunch packing, Kitchen

Wednesday, Sept. 7
6:45 a.m.
AA meeting, Bethlehem Chapel

11:00 a.m.
Wednesday lunch program, Cunningham Hall

Thursday, Sept. 8
7:30 p.m.
Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room

Birthdays
September 3
Dale Seifert

September 7
Alice Lele
Austin Suvari
Jack Suvari

September 11
Sarah Lettner

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 21
Rebekah Lettner

September 22
Debra Bullock

September 24
Alex Gallegos

September 26
Sile Greene
Peter Heinz

September 27
David Baker

September 28
Catherine Rocca
Rachel Easton
Nadia Oussenko

September 29
Jim Carver

September 30
Patricia Bent
Weddings
September 3
Tom Kirby & Georgia Ealy
Anniversaries
September 2
Cas & Dorothy Szczepaniak

September 8
Jake & Nonie Morris
Dave & Lola Himrod

September 10
Jim & Lynn Carver

September 24
Doug Sondgeroth & Aina Gutierrez
Saturday, Sept. 3
Sydney's soccer team will play in the Celtic Cup Tournament in Palatine: 2:15 p.m. at Virginia Lake #19 (1111 N Rohlwing Rd, Palatine) and6 p.m. at Hamilton #34 (1037 N. Smith Rd, Palatine)
 
Saturday, Sept. 10 - Sunday, Sept. 11
Jack and Austin at Kick-Off Classic Regatta at Sheridan Shores Yacht Club, Willmette, IL
 
Saturday, Sept. 17 - Sunday, Sept. 18
Jack and Austin at Cherry Festival Invite Regatta at Grand Traverse Yacht Club, Traverse City, MI
 
Saturday, Oct. 1 - Sunday, Oct. 2
Jack and Austin at Great Oaks Qualifier in Wayzata, MN
Fellowship
Fall Back to Church with a Potluck Breakfast - On Sunday, September 11 after the 10:30 a.m. worship service, St. Mark's will hold a potluck breakfast as a way to welcome everyone back to the program year. . . . Sunday School will have launched, worship will be back in the sanctuary, the choir will have sung, hand bell choir will rehearse and we want to have a great morning for conversation as well.  To sign up to bring something to share at the breakfast potluck, contact Alison Walsh at awalsh@weichertlakeshore.com or 773-485-1607.  We hope everyone will participate!
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!
Second Friday Dinner-  St. Mark's Second Friday Dinner will take place on Friday, September 9, at 6:15 p.m.  We will meet at Bonsai Cafe, 2916 Central Street (at the corner of Lincolnwood Drive), in Evanston.  This restaurant serves Thai, Sushi, and selected other Asian dishes.  It does not serve alcoholic drinks buts allows BYOB.  If you plan on joining the group, please RSVP to Dick and Carolyn Brooks at 847-424-8422 or brooksuww@comcast.net.   Newcomers, this is a GREAT way to begin to get to know some of the folks who make up the community of St. Mark's and to become part of that community! Hope to see you there! 
Social Justice & Outreach Opportunities

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.

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:
 
Questions? Contact John Lucadamo at lucadamj@gmail.com
In the Diocese
Bridging the Political Divide:  Whatever one's political affiliation, the 2016  presidential campaign has revealed disturbing fissures in our society. Living faithfully in such a polarized environment is more challenging every day. We desperately need thoughtful, respectful conversation across differing experience and points of view. Here is one opportunity.   Next month, ChurchNext will offer a free course, "Bridging the Political Divide," led by theologian, author and social justice activist Parker Palmer. The course, a series of video lectures and discussions, can be taken anytime September 5-19. Registration is free and open to anyone who has access to an internet connection. Visit the ChurchNext website for more information about the course .
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. 
Music at St. Chrysostom's (1424 N. Dearborn, Chicago)  
  • Tuesday, Sept. 6 at 7:30 PM...SOUNDS OF THE ROYAL COURT-The renowned Choir of Gonville and Caius College, Cambridge, UK will perform music by composers with royal connections, from the Renaissance to the 21st century. Free.
     
  • Saturday, Sept 17 at 7:30 PMA NEW SONG-Chicago's acclaimed Aestas Consort will present a program of music inspired by divine love and mercy, including works by Alain, Duruflé, Fauré, Josquin, Pärt and others. Tickets are $20 ($12 students/seniors).
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
Financial Stewardship
Financial Update, Pledge Status and Special Giving - Pledge payments have fallen fundraising_60.gif behind. . . . You can help us by bringing 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 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!   
In The Community

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.

"Having the Talk" about Race and Making Change: The PTA Council of Evanston/Skokie presents its third-annual, four-part series: "Navigating Real Life Diversity with Our Kids: Communicating and Acting with Awareness and Bravery." The first part o f the series will take place on Tuesday, September 27 from 6:30 to 8:30 pm at the Evanston Public Library. The series explores the urgency of frequent dialogue around race, identity, and difference with the youngest of children to adults, as well as strategies families can use to directly address inequity in their schools and communities.
Evanston's Black History: Discovering the Past and Exploring the Future- On Saturday, September 17 at 7pm, The Unitarian Church of Evanston will present a program about African American history in Evanston from the 1800s to the present day. Morris (Dino) Robinson of Shorefront Legacy Center will discuss the early history. "Evanston's Living History," a documentary film produced by resident Craig Dudnick, will document the 20th century events through interviews with families of early citizens and prominent civic leaders. Following the film, Mr. Dudnick, Mr. Robinson, Rev. Dr. Michael Nabors and moderator Dr. Gilo Kwesi Logan will discuss this history and the present day African American experience in Evanston. For more Info: Sandra Robinson, Executive Operations Director 847-864-1330 or srobinson@ucevanston.org

Evanston Creative Writing Group meets at St. Mark's on the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month in the library at St. Mark's from 7 - 9 p.m. The group is a creative prompt group designed to get you on the page and start the creative juices flowing.  All are welcome - from those who are serious about writing to those who use the time offered to blow off some creative steam!
 
Tai Chi Chuan is an ancient Chinese martial art that promotes well-being through a series of slow, relaxing movements. The Human Process teaches the Yang style short form each Saturday morning at St. Mark's in Cunningham Hall. To sign up, contact The Human Process at 847-556-6040.
Parish Prayer List

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

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, Rosemary Radford Ruehter & her family, 
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: Joseph Compton, friend of Hardy and Lynette Murphy; Beverly Broome, friend of Lisa Montgomery

We pray for the people in the Diocese of Southeast Mexico and the Diocese of Renk
St. Mark's Episcopal Church | 847-864-4806 | office@stmarksevanston.org |   http://www.stmarksevanston.org
1509 Ridge Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201