A Sequence Hymn for Advent
(Anonymous, c. 900; translated by L. William Countryman)

 

Eternal Health,
unfailing Life of the world,
everlasting Light,
and truly our Redemption,

 

For grief that the generations
of humankind should perish
by the work of the tempter's agents,

Without leaving the heights of heaven,
you have entered the depths of the world
with your clemency.

 

Then by your own free grace
taking on all that is human,

 

You have rescued all
the earthly things
that had been lost,
bringing joy to the world.

 

Our souls and bodies,
O Christ, restore to God
that you may have us as your
light-filled dwelling places.

 

By your first advent, claim us as just and faithful;
by your second, set us free.

 

So that when you judge
all deeds
in the bright light,
we, then, clothed
in spotless garments,
may follow
your footsteps
wherever we may find them.

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.

This Sunday's Lay Ministers-

Please Visit and Donate to our Mitten Tree! Help St. Mark's provide warmth to children and homeless individuals in Evanston by donating scarves, mittens, gloves, and hats to the Mitten Tree, which is located in the church parlor. All St. Mark's parishioners are invited to visit the Mitten Tree, take a moment to consider those in need in our community, and hang items on the tree that will help share the warmth of the season in a tangible way. All items from the tree will be donated to Evanston School Children's Clothing Association (ESCCA) and Interfaith Action's Hospitality Center. The Mitten Tree will be in the parlor through Christmas.

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.