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THE COLLECT
A lmighty God, whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ is the light of the world: Grant that your people, illumined by your Word and Sacraments, may shine with the radiance of Christ's glory, that he may be known, worshiped, and obeyed to the ends of the earth; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who with you and the Holy Spirit lives and reigns, one God, now and for ever.  Amen.
Martin Luther King Jr.
January 16 at 12 noon, the Holy Eucharist and Healing Prayer in St. Mary's Chapel will include a Martin Luther King Jr. memorial with a luncheon and discussion to follow in the Parish Hall. Please come and pray as we remember our brother Martin this Tuesday.
HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Lee Strodtman is celebrating his 99th Birthday on Saturday January 13. Let's shower him with cards: 2565 44th St Kentwood MI 49512
January 18, leaders in worship and music will gather at 6 pm to review Advent, Christmas and Epiphany and to begin preparation for Lent. If you are part of that Ministry or are interested, please join us. Father Christian
2018 OFFERING ENVELOPES are available on the table in the Gathering area. Thanks again to all who have made their 2018 pledges. If you haven’t filled out a pledge card, and would like to do so, there are some available on the Welcome desk and R esource table in the Parish Hall. 

If you would like offering envelopes please contact Pam Stevenson, Finance Manager .
Usher Opportunity
The Usher ministry at St. Marks is looking for new volunteers. We've recently had several retirements, moves, etc. and we need new ushers at both the 8:00 am and 10:30 am Services. If interested, please contact Tom Burr by email (tburr@burrcompany.com) or phone 818-4988. No experience necessary, and we will accommodate your schedule.
Martin Luther King Day/Healing Racism
The more we learn, the better we will be able to advocate for racial justice. Here are some great upcoming opportunities:
1/15/18 12:30 pm—Beverly Daniel Tatum at Calvin’s January Series. This shouldn’t be missed. Ms. Tatum will be talking about her book, Why are all the black students sitting together in the cafeteria? 1/15/18, 6 pm—Dr. MLK commemorative program at Fountain St. Church. Speaker April Reign will speak about using one’s voice to create social change. This will be followed at 7:30 pm by the Opera GR production of I DREAM. Both offerings are free! WE WILL GATHER IN THE PARISH HALL AT 5 PM TO WALK OVER TO FOUNTAIN STREET. 1/16/17, 10-11 am April Reign will be speaking at Davenport University. Live streaming available at davenport.edu/streaming. 1/26/18—Join a group from St. Mark’s who will attend “All the Way” at GR Civic Theater. This award-winning play is about LBJ and the passage of the Civil Rights Act.  
Vestry
At the upcoming Parish Annual Meeting on Sunday, January 28, several new members of the Vestry will need to be elected. The Vestry is the leadership council of the Parish. Vestry members work closely with the Rector to continue to focus on the mission and direction of the Parish and to assist in the management of the operations, finances, property, etc. of the Parish. Vestry members are an example of commitment and active support of the Parish. A nominee for Vestry must be a member of St. Mark’s, a faithful parishioner who worships as often as possible and receives Holy Communion, is active in the work of the Parish and who pledges support for the financial needs of the Parish. Please, pray for this process. If you have interest or want to suggest someone who might be interested in serving on the Vestry, please, see Jackie Taylor, our Senior Warden. Bios of nominees will be available in the foyer bulletin board. She would be most happy to talk with you. 
transportation needed
We have a member of St. Marks who is unable to attend church because he can not drive. If you would be interested in providing a ride to either service please contact Megan. This parishioner lives in the Kentwood area.
Convention Delegates
With similar expectations as those for Vestry nominees, Convention delegates (four to be elected) serve as representatives from St. Mark’s to the Diocesan Convention, a two day event (Friday-Saturday) in November. Please consider this important service. If you are interested, please see Father Christian who will be happy to speak with you or add your name to the list of nominees on the Foyer bulletin board.

"Soup's On For All"
Service Opportunity

Our youth have enjoyed serving at this fundraiser for God's Kitchen the last few years and event organizers are eager to have our group volunteer at this coming January's event. The date for this year's event is Monday, January 29th, in the evening, at The B.O.B. Our help would be needed from approximately 6:30 pm- 9 pm and this would also include a meal for each volunteer. Please let Jeff Brown know very soon, if your child would like to help, as it greatly helps with planning and/or if you need a permission slip.
Join us on Sundays 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.
Assisting Worship This Sunday


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