This Week at St. Mark's         November 24, 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." 
Christmas Poinsettias- One of the beautiful ways in which we mark the difference between the season of Advent and the joyous celebration of the Feast of the Incarnation is in the way we adorn our sanctuary. All are invited to help us create a festive display by contributing money toward poinsettias. Contributions may be given in memory of a loved one or in thanksgiving or honor of someone special. The requested minimum donation is $20 per name. After our Christmas celebrations, the plants are delivered to our homebound parishioners and to others in the community to enjoy. Please make checks payable to St. Mark's Episcopal Church and indicate "Christmas Flowers" in the memo line or place cash in an envelope clearly marked Christmas Flowers. (If you prefer to pay by credit card, you can go to our website and click the Donate button which will take you to PayPal. Be sure to include a note that makes it clear the donation is for Christmas Flowers). Along with your payment, please include the names of those you want remembered or honored. There are forms in the Parlor to help simplify this process. Requests to remember or honor loved ones in this way, must be in to the church office no later than Sunday, December 18.
Coffee Hour Hosts- During December Mohammed and Zubaira will be taking some time off.  We are looking for one or two people each Sunday and on Christmas Eve to set out coffee hour treats for the 8 a.m. and the 10:30 a.m. services and to clean up afterwards (i.e., load and run dishwasher, clean out coffee urns, wipe down tables and counters, etc).  Coffee making will be taken care of by staff members who are already in the building. The dates we need help are December 11, December 18, December 24 (Christmas Eve, 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. services), December 25. If you can assist on any of these Sundays, please contact Pastor Debra or signup here.
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: Julia Ferguson, Beth Johnson
  • Flower Guild: Ellie Bergman
  • Lectors: Ted Richardson, Dorothy Szczepaniak
  • Ushers: John Fitts, Alison Walsh
  • Lay Eucharistic Ministers: Edie Molumby, Lynette Murphy, Abigail Seifert
  • Acolytes: Wesley Urbanowski, Neena Gaede, Leela Gaede
  • Coffee Hour Snacks: last names beginning T-Z
  • Vestry Persons of the Day: Luke Urbanowski
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.

Christmas Baskets are due by this Sunday, November 27th. The ReVive Christmas Basket program at St. Mark's is wrapping up! (Pun intended)  Please remember to bring your gifts by or on this Sunday (11/27). Gifts should come wrapped, but please no bags or baskets. If you are available and would like to help volunteer to package gifts into boxes so they are ready for pick-up, please join us in Room 02 (downstairs in St. Mark's) at noon on this Sunday, Nov. 27th. Any questions? Contact Dave Himrod (847-864-7815) or Katie Kuriyama (847-864-4806,
community@stmarksevanston.org). ReVive Center for Housing and Healing is also looking for energetic volunteers to help check-in clients and unload, organize, and distribute baskets as they arrive at ReVive. If sponsors would like to see the family they personally sponsored, please volunteer the day after their scheduled drop off of boxes. Distribution dates are Tuesday 11/29 through Sunday 12/11; ReVive is looking for volunteers with weekday and Sunday availability in particular. This is a good volunteer opportunity for teens and adults but not for children. If you would like to volunteer, contact Nathaniel Jamison-Root at christmasbaskets@revivecenter.org
or (312) 997-2222 x 233.
Overnight Shelter Volunteers Needed-  Interfaith Action of Evanston will be opening an overnight shelter this year when the temperature reaches 15 degrees. Six faith communities in the downtown area have agreed to host. If you would like to volunteer one or more nights this winter- as a set-up volunteer (8 pm- 9:30 pm), as an overnight volunteer (9 pm- 7 am) or as a clean-up volunteer (6 am- 7 am), email Sue Murphy (ia@interfaithactionofevanston.org)  for more information and plan to attend a training session at St. Paul's Lutheran Church, 1004 Greenwood Street, Evanston from 7 pm-8:30 pm on December 6. St. Mark's is a member of Interfaith Action of Evanston.
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:  
Fellowship
Third Sunday of Advent
Isaiah 2:1-5; 2 Romans 13:11-14; Matthew 24:36-44

"I was glad when they said to me, ' Let us go to the house of the Lord.'"  - Psalm 122
In This Issue:
Calendar
Thursday, November 24
10:30 a.m.
Thanksgiving Eucharist, St. Matthew's

Saturday, November 26
4:00 p.m.
AlAnon meeting, Bethlehem Chapel

  Sunday, November 27
8:00 a.m.
Holy Eucharist: Feast of All Saints, Lady Chapel

9:30 a.m.
Christmas pageant prep, Downstairs Classrooms

Choir Rehearsal, Choir Room

10:30 a.m.
Holy Eucharist, Sanctuary

12 noon
Handbell choir rehearsal, Sanctuary Balcony

Monday, November 28
10:00 a.m.
ReVive truck pick-up day, St. Mark's

Tuesday, November 29
6:00 p.m.
Lunch packing, Kitchen

Wednesday, Nov. 30
6:45 a.m.
AA meeting, Bethlehem Chapel

11:00 a.m.
Wednesday lunch program, Cunningham Hall
Birthdays
November 2
Aina Gutierrez

November 3
Donald Lindstrom
Judy Kopp

November 8
Elizabeth Furlong

November 9
Betsy Sagan

November 11
Ovaldo Buntin

November 13
Debra Nee
Compton Chase-Lansdale

November 18
Tori Gallegos

November 20
Jane McCarron

November 21
Ruth Duck
Cath Carpenter

November 25
Mickey Loewenstein

November 27
Nia Himrod

November 28
Dorothy Laudati
Katie Gallegos
Anniversaries
November 8
David Najem Sr. & Shannon May

November 11
Phyllis Lyons & Manel Valdes-Cruz

November 23
Bonnie & Donald Lindstrom
Women's Christmas Tea- Saint Mark's Guild (ECW) cordially invites the women of Saint Mark's to a Christmas Dessert Tea on Wednesday, December 7, 2016 at 7:00 p.m. at 2214 Lincoln Street, Evanston. RSVP no later than December 4th to Tacia Johnson 847-328-0993 or taciajohnson123@earthlink.net.  To spread Christmas Goodwill, please donate to the charity of your choice.

Newcomers Reception-  The Wardens, Vestry, Staff and Our Families invite anyone new to St. Mark's to join us for a light supper at the Rectory (1501 Ridge Avenue, immediately to the south of the church) on Sunday, December 4 from 5:30 - 7 p.m.  Please RSVP to Pastor Debra (rector@stmarksevanston.org) by November 26 so we can plan accordingly. Children are most welcome.  

Cookies and Carol Sing-  On Sunday, December 18 from 3 - 5 p.m. all are invited to the Rectory for cookies, cocoa and carol singing.  No need to RSVP, just come and enjoy the fellowship!  If you would like to be part of the hospitality team, please contact Pastor Debra (rector@stmarksevanston.org).
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, email Pastor Debra, rector@stmarksevanston.org
December 3 - 4
Lydia will be speed-skating at the Midland Youth Festival at the Midland Civic Arena, 405 Fast Ice Drive, Midland, Michigan
 
December 16-19
Neena will be participating in the Nutcracker on Ice at the Robert Crown Center
Christian Formation
Bread-Baking for The Body of Christ - All children of St. Mark's are invited to join Pastor Debra and Andrea in St. Mark's kitchen on Saturday, December 3 at 9 a.m. for a morning of bread-making! The bread which we make will be shared with newcomers at St. Mark's- and perhaps we'll make enough for you to each have a small loaf as well! Children ages 3-5 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian or a responsible older sibling (for extra safety in the kitchen!). If you can join us, please let Pastor Debra know- rector@stmarksevanston.org or 847-732-9564.

Christmas Pageant Preparations-  Calling all children and youth! On Sunday, November 27 we will begin our weekly Sunday morning Christmas Pageant preparations from 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. in the downstairs classroom. Even if you will not be here on Christmas Eve (for the 4 p.m. worship service), we hope you will take part in the preparations! Adults - if you are able to help out this year, please contact Scott Lybrand at intern@stmarksevanston.org.
Other Announcements
Returning church keys-  We are requesting that any parishioners who have a church key return their keys as soon as possible. Unless you need your key on a weekly basis, please bring your keys to the church during office hours- Monday 12:30-4:30 pm or Wednesday/Thursday 8:30-4:30. If you have questions or need to drop off your key at another time, call Natalie, Office Manager, at 847-864-4806.
St. Mark's Parishioner Mickey Loewenstein will have an Exhibition of Paintings at the Evanston Library, 2nd Floor through November 29. Mickey was the Scenic Art Director at WTTW Channel 11 for forty years and he was privileged to design most of their local and Network productions including Siskel and Ebert, Kukla Fran and Ollie. In addition, he designed specials for Studs Terkel, Steppenwolf Theatre, Hubbard Street Dance and more. Mickey is a six-time regional Emmy Award winner, with one National Emmy Nomination and a Peabody award. 

Annual Campaign / Stewardship / End of Year Giving- 3rd Quarter Giving Statements were recently mailed out. Please take a careful look at your statement.  If you have fallen behind in your giving and are able to get "caught up" it will be greatly appreciated.  If you can make an extra payment to "make up" for those who may be unable to complete their pledge, that too will be greatly appreciated.  And, remember a donation to St. Mark's in honor of a loved one makes a great Christmas present! Simply let us know that's what your donation is for and we will be sure to create a special card that you can put under the Christmas tree.  A reminder that pledge payments can be made electronically using PayPal - simply go to St. Mark's website and click the "Donate" button.
 
Office Closed on Thursday and Friday, November 24 and November 25 so that St. Mark's can enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday with their family and friends.
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.

St. Andrew's Annual Christmas Dinner and Fundraiser-Join guest speaker Elizabeth Tisdahl, Mayor of Evanston, and enjoy entertainment by Mr. Jeff Green on Saturday, December 3, 2016 from 7-10 pm. This dinner will benefit St. Andrew's Pentecost Episcopal Church at 1928 Darrow Ave Evanston, IL. For Tickets and more information, visit Stapec.com or call (847) 340-1452. St. Mark's has a 10-seat table reserved, so please RSVP to Pastor Debra at rector@stmarksevanston.org to come to this fun event!

Northwestern University's Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) program- OLLI is committed to the concept that older adults learn best when they are active in their own learning process. Using our method of peer learning, members are engaged in proposing topics, facilitating study groups as coordinators or volunteering to be weekly discussion leaders. Members contribute in many ways to strengthen and enrich OLLI, serving on the Advisory Council, becoming a committee team member or volunteering at special events and programs. This lively daytime program for mature learners has no exams, no grades - just the pleasure of learning.  If you are interested in learning more, please sign up to attend the next info session on Wednesday, Nov. 30th, 10-11:30 am. RSVP at l-dangelo@northwestern.edu or 847-492-8204. 

Peaceable Cities Evanston Upcoming Events-  Peaceable Cities Evanston is a local nonprofit organization whose mission is to "stimulate, coordinate, and support the efforts of all in our community who strive to promote respect and prevent violence." Four times per year, Peaceable Cities presents a panel discussion on a specific topic related to peace issues, earlier this year it was a panel on gun control legislation.  On Tuesday, December 6, A Panel Program on Domestic Violence will be held at the Levy Center from 6:00-8:00 PM. If you plan to attend the panel program, please RSVP to erica.peaceablecities@gmail.comOn Tuesday, December 13, A Post-Election Community Circle will be held at Gibbs Morrison from 7:00-8:30 PM. This is an opportunity to see how a circle works. In this circle, there is no agenda: "We'll see where the circle takes us as we share our insights with each other about recent political events."
Evanston Symphony Holiday Concert-  Make sure your holiday season starts with the best holiday event in Evanston on Sunday, December 4th at 3 pm at ETHS auditorium Don't miss enjoying favorite Yule festivities with your family and friends- and you can take advantage of our special rates for a package of 2 adult and 3 kid's tickets.  The award-winning Evanston Symphony Orchestra will be joined by  North Shore Choral Society,  Evanston Dance Ensemble,  The Evanston Symphony Holiday Gospel Choir,  Evanston Children's Choir,  ETHS A Cappella Choir, an a udience sing-a-long, a nd, a BIG bonus for all kids from 1 to 101- a visit from Santa and his elves! Click here for more info and tickets or call 847-864-8804.

Coriolis A Capella Holiday Concerts- Coriolis presents its 30th anniversary holiday program featuring engaging settings of traditional seasonal favorites along with original works for the season. Join us for festive melodies and lush harmonies, including a Capella settings by Bach, Burt, Biebl, Applebaum, and more. Join us on  Saturday, December 10, 7:30 pm at Christ Church, Winnetka Church on the Hill 784 Sheridan Road, Winnetka and on  Saturday, December 17, 7:30 pm at St. Luke's Episcopal Church 939 Hinman Avenue, Evanston.  Get season tickets and concert tickets online: www.coriolisacappella.org. General admission $25, youth tickets $10. For more information, call Gregg Skalinder at 847.869.0223. 

Carols by Candlelight-  Celebrate the glow of the season with enchanting and cherished holiday music as the Chicago Chamber Choir  returns to St. Mark's on Saturday, December 10th at 7:30 p.m. with Carols by Candlelight: A Holiday Sing-Along. Surrounded by candles, the rich voices of CCC will ring in the season with contemporary and traditional settings of exquisite carols--What better way to kick off your winter holiday? Beloved settings by choral favorites John Rutter, Alice Parker, and Robert Shaw are just a few of the familiar works on this program. In case that isn't enticing enough, they will also be premiering a brand new arrangement by local composer Wayland Rogers. For more information, including ticket sales and other concert dates and venues, visit www.chicagochamberchoir.org.  
 
Saturday, December 10th, 7:30pm
Carols by Candlelight: A Holiday Sing-Along
St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 1509 Ridge Ave, Evanston
 
Saturday, December 17th, 7:30pm
Carols by Candlelight: A Holiday Sing-Along
Unity Lutheran Church, 1212 W Balmoral Ave, Chicago
 
Sunday, December 18th, 3:00pm
Carols by Candlelight: A Holiday Sing-Along
Anderson Chapel at North Park University, 3225 W Foster Ave, Chicago 
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!
Parish Prayer List
The prayer list has been refreshed for the month of November (and is at the beginning of each month). If you would like your loved ones to be placed on the prayer list at any time, please send an email to Pastor Debra at rector@stmarksevanston.org
We bid your prayers for: Bob Barr, Astley Bent, Veronica Braithwaite, John Burnham, Tony Campise, Genevieve Costello, Karen Cornelius, Bob Easton, Aina Gutierrez, Charlie and Judy Kopp, Grace Lettner, Kathy Lettner, Ayden Lettner, Ann Lettner, Charlie Lettner Donald McCrea, Anne Meyers, Jake Morris, Mary O'Dowd, Jan and Jeri Offutt, Casmir Szczepaniak, Char Wiss, Ronnie Witt IV, Betty Augustinos, Lucy Augustinos, Art & Tim Bauer, Genevieve Costello, David Cresap, Chisara Concepcion, Merle Delandro, Gracia Grindal, Olivia Heiting, Alaf Kwayana, Tehaiko Kwayana, OJ Mabwa, Ahmed Mahmoud, Claire McArdle , Baila McCullough, Carl and Lindy Messier, Connie Montgomery, Milton Pickett , Reg Ryan, Byrdie Tucker, Tim and his family, Jay Urbanowski, Richard Walsh, Whitney, Nick, Lily, and Charlie

We pray for those who have died: Donald R. Santeler, friend of Dorothy and Cas Szczepaniak; Edwin L. Szczepaniak, younger brother of Cas Szczepaniak George Czerlinski, father of Jean Whitmore; Clifford Tucker, friend of Mary Pat Buckley

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