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This Week at St. Mark's September 15, 2016
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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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Bike the Ridge
and Blessing of the Bicycles- On Sunday, September 25, Ridge Avenue will be closed in front of the church for Bike the Ridge. This means there will be no access to our front driveway. As in past years, the City of Evanston has provided us with a limited number of parking permits that will allow parishioners to park on Grove Street between Ridge and Oak Avenues west of the marked tow zone until 2 p.m. These spaces will be on a first come first serve basis so please only request a parking permit if you are unable to walk a couple of blocks to church. You can pick up your permit from Pastor Debra on Sunday morning OR from Natalie in the church office on Monday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m., Wednesday 5 p.m. - 9 p.m., or Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
While the parking is more of a challenge that day, we have a great opportunity to be with our neighbors in the community. Ride your bike, greet passers-by, and get yourself and your bike blessed in front of St. Mark's at 10 a.m. or at 12 noon. If you would like to help with Bike the Ridge, see the sign up sheets in the Parlor on Sunday morning or click here to sign up today!
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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 tonight 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 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 10:30 services in the church, 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! We generally schedule acolytes one Sunday a month.
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Third Saturday Worship-
Saturday, September 17 at 4 p.m. and on the 3rd Saturday of every month, we offer worship for those who cannot attend on Sunday mornings - or those who might prefer an occasional evening service - the opportunity to come together for prayer, Bible reading and reflection, and sharing the bread and cup of Christ with one another. Like all worship at St. Mark's, this service is a family-friendly, single-friendly, GLBTQ-friendly, married-with-no-kids-friendly, come-as-you-are-friendly, doubter-friendly, seeker-friendly service. It is also an "I've-never-been-to-church-before" friendly service - together we will learn and grown. We hope you will make it a part of your spiritual life.
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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: Pat Bent, Rachel Easton
- Flower Guild: Michael Schoen
- Lector: Lynette Murphy, Aina Gutierrez
- Ushers: Fred Lewis, Susan Lewis, Lisa Montgomery
- Lay Eucharistic Ministers: Beth Johnson, Byron Scott, Carol Martin
- Acolytes: Kate Johnson, Betsy Johnson, Neena Gaede
- Coffee Hour Snacks: M-R
- Vestry Persons of the Day: Doug Sondgeroth, Beth Johnson
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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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2016 Church School Year-
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.
- 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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Pilgrim's Journey: The Lord's Prayer
Beginning this Sunday, September 18, and continuing on Sundays 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, a guide to our own prayers, and a way of deepening our relationship with God. Ideally participants will attend all sessions; however, you are welcome to join us at any time.
Confirm not Conform
- A reminder to CnC students and their families: you are invited to worship at St. Matthew's for their patronal feast day on Sunday, September 25. Worship begins at 10:30 a.m.
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Eighteenth Sunday after Pentecost
Jeremiah 8:18-9:1; 1 Timothy 2:1-7; Luke 16:1-13
"Help us, O God our Savior, for the glory of your Name; deliver us and forgive us our sins, for your Name's sake." - Psalm 79:9
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Thursday, Sept. 15
10:30 a.m.
Holy Eucharist, Presbyterian Homes
4:45 p.m.
'Kits, 'Cats and Kids Block Party, Downtown Evanston
7:30 p.m.
Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room
Saturday, Sept. 17
4:00 p.m.
Holy Eucharist, Sanctuary
Sunday, Sept. 18
8:00 a.m.
Holy Eucharist, Lady Chapel
9:00 a.m.
Adult Formation, Old Library
9:30 a.m.
Children's Formation, Downstairs Classrooms
Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room
10:30 a.m.
Holy Eucharist, Sanctuary
12 noon
Handbell choir rehearsal, Sanctuary
Tuesday, Sept. 20
6:00 p.m.
Lunch packing, Kitchen
Wednesday, Sept. 21
6:45 a.m.
AA meeting, Bethlehem Chapel
11:00 a.m.
Wednesday lunch program, Cunningham Hall
Vestry meeting, Bethlehem Chapel
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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
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September 2
Cas & Dorothy Szczepaniak
September 8
Jake & Nonie Morris
Dave & Lola Himrod
September 10
Jim & Lynn Carver
September 24
Doug Sondgeroth & Aina Gutierrez
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The Gardens Committee, which oversees the landscape around the church, will be meeting on Saturday, Sept. 24 at 2:30 in Bethlehem Chapel at St.
Mark's. Anyone who wishes to attend is welcome. For more information call Lola Himrod at 847-864-7815. The meeting will last no more than 60-90 minutes.
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Going Where the Youth Are: Being Church
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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, email Pastor Debra at rector@stmarksevanston.org
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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
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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. Questions? Contact John Lucadamo at lucadamj@gmail.com. To sign-up to volunteer, please click these links:
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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 .
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Music at St. Chrysostom's (1424 N. Dearborn, Chicago)
- Saturday, Sept 17 at 7:30 PM- A 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).
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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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Pledge payments have fallen  behind. . . . Please help, if you are able, 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, 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 Pastor Debra can prepare a note of acknowledgement and 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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"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.
'Kits, 'Cats and Kids Block Party
will take place in downtown Evanston on Thursday,  September
15 from 4:45 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Downtown Evanston (Sherman Avenue and Clark Street). The Party will feature games, arts and crafts, family-friendly activities, live music, a performance from Beatles cover band Kaleidoscope Eyes, the ETHS and NU Marching Bands, and plenty of dining options. For more information, please call or text 847-448-4311 or visit cityofevanston.org/kitsandcats. Let's be out in our community!
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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. For more Info: Sandra Robinson, Executive Operations Director 847-864-1330 or
srobinson@ucevanston.org
 Super Soccer Stars Indoor Soccer for Children Ages 1 through 8 will take place at St. Mark's every Saturday afternoon through December in Cunningham Hall. Super Soccer Star's goal is to teach soccer skills in a fun, non-competitive, educational environment. Their philosophy is to use soccer to nurture, to build self-confidence, and to develop teamwork in every class. For more information and to enroll your young person call 312-477-5877 or visit
chi.supersoccerstars.com
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.
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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, Olivia Heiting, Jay Johnson, Katie Iles, Alaf Kwayana, OJ Mabwa, Pat Martin, Carl & Lindy Messier,
Connie Montgomery, Rosemary Radford Ruether & Herc Ruether, Amelia Schmidt, Terri Shepard, Helen Snow, Tim and his family, Clifford & Byrdie Tucker, Richard Walsh, Juanita White, Julie Whitmore, Whitney, Nick, Lily, and Charlie
We pray for those who have died: T.T., a transgender woman killed in Chicago
We pray for the people in the Diocese of Southeast Mexico and the Diocese of Renk |
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