November 5, 2017

This Week at St. Mark's

Almighty and merciful God, it is only by your gift that your faithful people offer you true and laudable service: Grant that we may run without stumbling to obtain your heavenly promises; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.



WORSHIP
Tuesdays: 
12Noon - Holy Eucharist with Healing Prayers
Sundays: 
8:00 am - Holy Eucharist
10:30 am - Holy Eucharist with music

Exciting Stewardship News!

A parishioner has offered to match new pledges up to $5000 to encourage parishioners who have not pledged before to offer a pledge toward our ministry in 2018. Please, prayerfully consider a pledge to our life together if you have not pledged in the past. Join us in the offering of our lives and our labors to God.
 
All Saints' Day
The Sacrament of Holy Baptism
Stewardship Commitment Sunday
This Sunday, we have a triple celebration. We celebrate the holy women and men who have gone before us and those beside us. We celebrate the baptisms of Lucas Fletcher and Grayson Powell. We celebrate Journey to Generosity and the giving of our pledges for our ministry in 2018. Let us rejoice through the power of the Holy Spirit and give God thanks and praise for all we are and all we are called to be as saints of God in our life with God. 

Following the 10:30 Eucharist, please, join us in the Parish Hall for our Social Hour and a special cake of celebration!
St. Mark’s would like to sincerely thank those we generously donated 285 cans of food during the First Sunday Food Drive. We are looking forward to a even more successful collection on November 5. It is just wonderful how we come together for a common goal: to help those in need in our community. Please consider donating one of the Top Five Foods needed: tuna, canned beans, peanut butter, jelly and canned chili.

FIRST SUNDAY FOOD DRIVE
Donating one can of food can make a difference!

Our Daily Bread:
A Christian Formation publication produced here in Grand Rapids is now available on the Resource Tables of the Church along with   Day By Day . We offer this new daily devotional which contains a brief Scripture text and a reflection for each day for the next three months. It is our hope to continue to provide this spiritual resource. If you know of someone who cannot be with us here, please, feel free to take a copy to them with our greeting. Thanks.

Children
in
Worship
As Jesus did, St. Mark’s welcomes children of all ages as integral members of the body of Christ, and we welcome the sounds and activity that accompany them! There are a number of spaces and activities designed for children to experience and participate in worship; we trust families to work out the best option(s) for them and their child(ren) on any given day. One of the newest options is our Children’s Worship Area, located in the front-right section of the sanctuary. This area is designed for our young children to quietly engage in age-appropriate activities while experiencing worship in the sanctuary along with their families.
As we share space together, we appreciate your feedback. Please take a moment to check out the adjustments we’ve recently made to this area, as we seek to better serve everyone who worships at St. Mark’s. 
PARISH HALL NEWSPRINT

On the large wall of the Parish Hall are numerous sheets of paper, the results of a process known as ‘Mutual Ministry Review’. That process involved Canon Bill Spaid from the Diocese, members of the Vestry and the former Rector Search Committee, Fr. Christian and other professional staff. Please, take a look at the seven questions and the texts which flowed from our discussions. Some things will look familiar while others will perhaps be quite surprising and joyfully delightful. Please, take a look!
 
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Fall Wednesdays at St. Marks
Our next presentation is on November 8 with Potluck at 6:00 p.m., presentation/discussion from 6:30pm to 7:30pm, followed by Evening Prayer. Catherine Frerichs’s parents were missionaries, shaping her world view much more than she realized, even as an adult. She will be speaking on Wednesday evening on Another Way: The Difference Communal Values Can Make . Her parents were sensitive to the culture of the people they worked among, but they also had no doubt that they brought a better way of living, which they felt called to pass along. In 2000, when Catherine decided to foster a family of three Sudanese teenagers, she was aware of all the ways in which they needed help, which she expected to provide. The greatest challenge to her perspective came when Ajak, the children’s birth mother, arrived from the Kenyan refugee camp they had left four months earlier. Catherine knew she would have to step aside when Ajak came to Grand Rapids, but how could she give up children she now loved so intensely? The children had an answer, drawing intuitively from the communal values with which they were raised. This presentation tells the story of what the children taught Catherine, part of the book she is writing on her relationship with them.
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High Altar Kneelers:

The needlepoint kneelers at the High Altar were originally crafted and served at the former Episcopal Cathedral in Kalamazoo. They have been at St. Mark’s for a number of years. We’re experimenting with using them which also enables us to open the walkways on both sides of the platform to the chancel level. Please, take a look, as they are beautifully handcrafted.
21st Century Giving
at St. Mark's

A reminder that we gratefully receive pledges at any time throughout the year. Pledge cards and envelopes are available on the resource table in the church, which can be given as cash, check, direct deposit, or on-line. 

If you prefer to use your smart phone and debit card, we are now using Square Cash to collect online gifts.No account set-up is required. When using Square Cash, there is a 3% transaction fee taken from your online gift. Please consider adding an additional 3% to your online gift so that 100% of your donation or pledge will go to the church.  St. Mark's is now set up to take mobile donations from your smart phone and debit card through Square Cash. Please enter the web address below into your browser, access the Square Cash app, or scan the QR code below. No account set-up is required.   
Cashtag: $stmarksgr 
Web address:  cash.me/$stmarksgr 
Healing Racism Ministry Notes:

Please plan to join us for a discussion of Richard Rothstein’s  The Color of Law  which details how federal housing policies in the 1940s and '50s mandated segregation and undermined the ability of black families to own homes and build wealth. The discussion will take place at 7:00 pm. on November 30th. (239 pages including Frequently Asked Questions). Words to ponder: Equity and equality are two strategies we can use in an effort to produce fairness. Equity is giving everyone what they need to be successful. Equality is treating everyone the same. Equality aims to promote fairness, but it can only work if everyone starts from the same place and needs the same help. 
Addressing Climate Change:

A Way Forward November 15 th 6:30 pm @ St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church 1025 3 Mile Rd NE, Grand Rapids MI 49505, Presented by Dr. Kenneth Piers, Professor Emeritus of Chemistry at Calvin College. Find out how you can help solve climate change. Supported by Citizens Climate Lobby of Grand Rapids chapter Citizens Climate Lobby is a grassroots, non-partisan organization with over 500 chapters around the world, including 15 in Michigan. CCL empowers citizens to become effective advocates for Carbon Fee & Dividend, a form of carbon pricing that puts a steadily rising fee on fossil fuel producers and returns the net revenues to American households as monthly dividend.
SOCKS NEEDED
DURING THE MONTH OF NOVEMBER, SOCKS WILL BE COLLECTED FOR THE LAGRAVE FOOT CLINIC AND OUR NEXT WOMEN'S SPA DAY.

NEEDED ARE LARGE SIZE WARM WINTER SOCKS FOR WOMEN AND MEN.  

THANK YOU! 
Transportation needs: We have three college students (Calvin and GVSU) as well as some senior members who have expressed a desire to attend our worship service but need a ride to and from church. If this is something you are able to provide, please contact Megan in the office and she will be able to give you contact information.  
CHURCH CALENDAR
With so many Parish meetings and activities happening alongside outside meetings, we really need all Ministry Chairs to double-check with Megan Harding, Parish Office Coordinator, before scheduling an event to ensure the availability of date, time and space. Many thanks!
This is year's retreat with Tall Turf Ministries is open to all middle school-aged youth in the diocese. It will be an overnight retreat at St. Timothy’s in Richland, Saturday, November 11-Sunday, November 12. We had a similar retreat with our high school group last year and it was a moving experience. Tall Turf Ministries staff will lead the retreat, providing activities that help teach our youth the importance of diversity, resulting in critical cross-cultural skills in a fun, safe, and engaging environment. Follow this link to register and let me know of any questions., Thank you Jeff, Youth Director
Interfaith Thanksgiving Service
Please, join me in celebrating Thanksgiving with the dynamic interfaith community of our city on Monday, Nov. 20, at 7:00 p.m. The Service has been planned and prepared by members of at least fifteen different religious communities, and I can assure you that it will be most uplifting with songs, dance and reflections from a number of religious traditions. I have been honored to serve on that team and hope you will join me for the 17 th Annual Interfaith Thanksgiving Service at Trinity Lutheran Church, 2700 Fulton Street E, Grand Rapids! ~  Christian+  
Parish Life Ministry is sponsoring a trip to the Civic Theater to see the musical, “Annie”! The date is Sunday, November 26 for the 2:00 pm matinee. There will be an optional complimentary luncheon after church. Tickets are $16.00 for students and $30.00 for adults. We may also celebrate that both Michael and Nancy Dodge have roles in “Annie”. This musical is always a sellout so today is the last day to sign up and pay for your reservation. Sign up is at the welcome desk.
 
Join us on Sunday's for
Faith Formation
9:15am—
Childcare (Nursery, lower level) available for infants - kindergarten
Children's Choir Rehearsal (upstairs children's chapel) for 1st-6th graders. No audition, all are welcome.
We Make the Road by Walking (upstairs Youth Room) for High School - Adult. Overview of the whole Bible, organized around the traditional church year.
Devotional Book Group (Canterbury Room, main floor) for adults. Exploring faith and spiritual practices.


10:30am—
Childcare (Nursery, lower level) available for infants - 2 years
Preschool/kindergarten (Activity Center, lower level) chapel and formation for ages 2 through kindergarten.
Elementary (Main classroom, upstairs) chapel and formation for 1st through 4th grades.
Middle (Youth Room, upstairs) formation for 5th through 8th grades.
PARKING ALERT: 
The GRCC garage off of Winchester Alley is   no longer   available to us for parking on Sundays. As an alternative, GRCC is offering Ramp 1 garage (brown brick bldg north of our lot) at Lyon & Divison for Sunday parking. 
A reminder that the Kendall College parking lot across from the front entrance to St. Mark’s (the SW corner of Pearl Street at Division) is available for free parking on Sundays. ( Please do not park in staff parking spaces). Parking meters are free on Sundays as well and spots are often open on Ionia and Lyon Streets.
Assisting Worship This Sunday
8:00 am Worship Service
Assisting Minister:  Roger York
Reader: Doug Karsen
Usher: Tom Burr

10:30 am Worship Service 
Verger: Pedro Martinez
Crucifer: Christ Trevathan
Torch Bearers: Addy Henry, Judy Visser, Shannon Gould
and Chloe Falkenstern
2nd Cross: Isaiah Luk
Gospel Book: Miranda Lee
Assisting Ministers: Catherine Frerichs, Chris Trevathan,
Mark and Miranda Lee
Readers:  Jackie Taylor and Leigh Eicke
Ushers: Larry and Sandie Snellink and Julie Connors
Altar Guild: Margaret Stretton, Leigh Eicke, Mary Fraser

A copy of the Assisting Minister Schedule, through January, is now available at the Parish Office Coordinators desk. If you are unable to serve in the role listed, or if the above information is incorrect, please contact the coordinator of your ministry (listed below), or the office. Also, if you feel called to any of these ministries, you are encouraged to speak to the coordinator or Father Christian. 

MC/Chalicer/Healing Minister:  Father Christian Brocato or Margaret Stretton
Crucifer/Acolyte:  Mark Lee
Greeter/Welcome Minister:  Brenda Holland
Usher:  Tom Burr
Altar Guild:  Margaret Stretton
Lector:  Margaret Stretton
Social Hour: Laura Kozminski
PRAYER LIST
  Our Homebound and
Semi-Homebound
       
  • Betty Burns
  • Barbara Carduff            
  • Olga Cassard
  • Gerry Fairbrother
  • Jane and Vivian Jawahir
  • George & Katy McAleenan
  • Earle & Mary Slenker
  • Lee Strodtman
  • Shari Takus
  • Margaret Tanase    
  • Joan Weigle
We Pray for Those in Formation for Ordination, Especially:
 
  • Jan Gockerman

  In Military Service: 

  • LTC Timothy Brower, Sr., USA
  • PVT Gabriel Monsalvo, USA
  • MAJ Todd Murray, USAF
  • 1/SGT Deidre Piechocki, USA          

  Others for Whom our Prayers are Requested:
  • Otto Albers
  • Brian Barr
  • Lynn Berk
  • Phyllis Bettison           
  • Bob Bliss
  • Betty Burns
  • Glenda Carpenter & Janice Hoekstra
  • Pat Daley
  • Erin Dean and family
  • Jim Dusendang      
  • Brad Eastman
  • Jill Eldred
  • Joan & Tom Evans
  • Beverly Gibbs & the York family
  • Seth Gregory
  • Daniel Hawley
  • Emily Hepker
  • Patrick Keenan family
  • Robert Leacock
  • Jack Lensink  
  • Joyce & Mike Krushinsky
  • The David McCormick family
  • Sarah McIntire
  • Frederick J. Manning Sr.
  • Jenny Mason
  • Michael Moberg
  • Alissa Monsalvo
  • Jacqueline Montgomery
  • Steve Muma
  • David Pyles
  • Linda Raschke
  • Claire and Tim Roy
  • James Rush
  • Kara Smith Spicer
  • Harold Stidolph   
  • Glory Strey                      
  • Shari Takus
  • Angelina Vazquez-Crisp 
  • Joan Weigle
  • Barbara Williams
  • Family & friends of Jim Winkler
The names of those in need of prayer will remain on this list for two months, and then will be removed. If after that time, you wish to continue having them held in prayer, please contact the Church Office
 
Sustaining St. Mark’s Ministry in 2017  

Thanks to all as we sustain our ministry together at St. Mark’s with pledges and offerings. We have pledged $337,974 toward our common life in 2017. Last week, we received $ 8,523 in contributions in pledges and offerings.                                 

Contributions Received YTD               Needed YTD                  Difference           
         $445,857                                 $486,588                 $ -40,731

A reminder that we gratefully receive pledges at any time throughout the year. Pledge cards and envelopes are available on the resource table in the church, which can be given as cash, check, or direct deposit. Direct Deposit from your checking account may be set up with the financial manager for whatever frequency you desire (weekly, monthly, annually for pledges or one time gifts). If you prefer to use your smart phone and debit card, we are using Square Cash to collect online gifts. Please enter the web address below into your browser, access the Square Cash app, or scan the QR code below. No account set-up is required. When using Square Cash, there is a 3% transaction fee taken from your online gift. Please consider adding an additional 3% to your online gift so that 100% of your donation or pledge will go to the church.
Cashtag: $stmarksgr
Web address:   cash.me/$stmarksgr

Want more details about the Parish’s giving or finances? Please email questions to Finance Manager, Pam Stevenson or our Treasurer, Sharon Buursma
SpartanNash Receipts
  Have you noticed the GREEN  collection box on the welcome desk?

When you bring in your SpartanNash receipts you are helping the Meals on Wheels program of West Michigan (MOWWM). For every $150,000 in receipts collected, MOWWM receives $1,000 in aid. This provides 200 meals to seniors in our community. 

For more information on MOWWM,

Retail Stores:

Family Fare 
D&W 
Forest Hills Foods 
ValuLand 
VG’s 
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Donations for Altar Flowers

Flowers add beauty to the sacred spaces of our church. They are a gift to God and all those that attend our Sunday worship services. A contribution to our Flower Fund is a meaningful way to honor and remember a loved one. It is also tax deductible. If you are interested in making a donation to our Flower Fund, here's how it works:
  • Write your name on the desired Sunday on our Flower Calendar (located at the Welcome Desk Bulletin Board)
  • Dedication for Altar Flowers will be listed in the Church Bulletin
  • $75 covers a side arrangement that is placed in front of the lectern
  • Please make checks payable to St. Mark's Episcopal Church and indicate "Altar Flowers" on the memo line. 

Please note: there are no flowers during Lent; special collections are taken for Christmas and Easter. 

For questions about Altar Flowers, please contact the church office or the ministry coordinators:  Linda Busman  or  Sandie Snellink 
Morning Prayer at St. Marks
My House Shall be Called a House of Prayer

Parishioners are always welcome to pray in the Church whenever the Parish Office is open:
Monday - Friday from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Morning Prayer booklets are available in the Canterbury Room for private prayer, Monday through Friday. The booklet is an adaptation of Morning Prayer from the Book of Common Prayer and Mission St. Clare. 

Please come to the Parish Hall for entrance to the Church. 
NEW AT ST. MARK'S?
If you are new to St. Mark's, we're delighted to have you here. We invite you to make an appointment with Fr. Christian, so he can welcome and learn more about you! Also, please consider making a pledge, a gift of your financial resources, as part of your commitment to our life together and the ministry of the Parish. All who call St. Mark's their 'Parish Home' are enthusiastically encouraged to give of ourselves, our time, our talents and our monetary resources in support of our mission to serve God and God's people at St. Mark's. Pledge envelopes are available from Pam Stevenson, our financial manager. Contact her at pams@stmarksgr.org  or call her at 456-1684, ext. 21.

  St. Mark's Episcopal Church
134 N. Division Avenue
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Office#: 616-456-1684
Email:  meganh@stmarksgr.org