See how you can get connected at and with St. Mark's!

This Week at St. Mark's
A reminder that if you have announcements for the newsletter or the bulletin, they must be sent to Katie at community@stmarksevanston.org  no later than Tuesday at 12 noon.
Faith, Formation and Fellowship 

You sent a gracious rain, O God, upon your inheritance; 
you refreshed the land when it was weary. 
 - Psalm 68:9

This Sunday is the Seventh Sunday of Easter and the appointed readings are  Acts 1:6-14 Psalm 68:1-10,33-36 1 Peter 4:12-14, 5:6-11 , and John  17:1-11.    We invite you to take some time this week to read them in advance so that they can speak to you throughout the week. If you don't have a Bible nearby, you can find the passages at this website: www.lectionarypage.net .

Sunday Morning's Lay Ministers -- Thank you to the following parishioners for sharing their time and talent with the congregation this week. If you would like to become involved, please contact Pastor Debra at 847-732-9564 or rector@stmarksevanston.org.
  • Altar Guild: Julia Ferguson, Beth Johnson, Betsy Johnson
  • Flower Guild: Michael Schoen
  • Ushers: John Fitts, Tacia Johnson, Alison Walsh
  • Acolytes: Sebastian Urbanowski, Abigail Seifert, Wesley Urbanowski
  • Lectors: Chris Schultze, Ted Richardson
  • Eucharistic Ministers: Sarah Francis, Motoko Maegawa, Abigail Seifert, Dale Seifert
  • Vestry Persons of the Day: Motoko Maegawa, Ted Richardson
  • Coffee Hour Snacks: T-Z
Feast of Pentecost -  On Sunday, June 4, we celebrate the 50 th day of Easter as we remember the sending of the Holy Spirit and experience together the many ways the Spirit is at work in the lives of the community at St. Mark's. It is also a full morning and we thought it best to outline the morning here:

8:00 a.m.          Holy Eucharist, Lady Chapel

8:45-9:30 a.m.  Wardens' and Rector's Mid-Year Update to the Church, Bethlehem Chapel

9:30-10:15 a.m. Wardens' and Rector's Mid-Year Update to the Church, Bethlehem 
 Chapel (this is a repeat of the 8:45 presentation)

 Social Justice and Outreach Ministry Team Meeting, Library

 Children's Formation, Downstairs Classrooms

10:30 a.m. Holy Eucharist w/ Recognition of All Worship Leaders, Commissioning of New Acolytes, and Taiko Drumming

11:45 a.m. Farewell Coffee Hour for Mohammad and Zubaira Waraich who have faithfully served St. Mark's for many years

Summer Worship Schedule Begins June 11-- Beginning on June 11 we will worship, as usual, at 8 a.m. in the Lady Chapel and then, we'll head to the lake for Summer Lakefront Worship at 9:30 a.m. (Hamilton Street and the Lake).  For those coming to the lakefront services, bring a chair or a blanket-- though we always have a few extras on hand.  Summer services at the lake are a great time to invite a friend or neighbor to "Come and See" St. Mark's. 
racing_bike_carbon.jpg
Bike to Church Month  May is National Bike Month.  We encourage you to ride your bike (or walk, take
 public transit or carpool) to St. Mark's for worship on Sundays in May.  You may park 
your bike in Bethlehem Chapel during worship.  This is a great way to try to cut down our carbon footprint-- one ride or walk at a time.


Newcomers Reception:  The Wardens, Vestry, Staff and Our Families invite anyone new to St. Mark's to join us for light refreshments in the Parlor at St. Mark's on Sunday, June 4 from 4:00 - 5:30 p.m.  Please RSVP to Pastor Debra ( rector@stmarksevanston.org ) by June 1 so we can plan accordingly. Children are most welcome.  

Chapel and Sanctuary Flowers:  If you would like to donate money toward flowers for the Lady Chapel altar this summer, a flower chart is available in the Parlor. The minimum suggested donation for one week is $25.  Instructions for completing the form and envelopes for payment are next to the chart.  This is a lovely way to remember or give thanks for a loved one. 
 
Jubi-latte & Tea Deum with the Rector: This Summer, beginning June 7, Jubi-latte and Tea Deum becomes a weekly event! Pastor Debra will be at a table at Cupitol (812 Grove Street, Evanston) on Wednesday afternoons from 3:30 - 4:30 p.m. and is happy to buy you a coffee, tea, or milkshake and to chat about whatever is on your mind (or nothing at all). . . . Hope you'll stop by! Students who are off for the summer are especially welcome!

Sunday School Finale: Sunday, June 4th marks the end of another great year of Christian Formation for our children.  Please be sure to have your child(ren) join us at 9:30 a.m. next Sunday as we wrap up the year and get ready for summer!
 
Confirm not Conform: Reminder that our last class session of the 2016/2017 school year is next Sunday, June 4 at 6:15 p.m. at St. Matthew's. We will be sharing information about the summer service hours' expectations as well! See you then and there!
 
Becoming the Story We Tell: Lectionary at the Lakefront:  You are invited to join Pastor Debra at the lakefront each Tuesday in June from 7 - 8 p.m. to reflect together on the scripture for the following Sunday, to look for connections between the gospel drama and the drama of our own lives and to become shaped by the stories that have been a part of our faith for centuries.  Where: just north of Hamilton Street and the lake close to the playground so that those who have small children can easily take part. [Rain location: St. Mark's parlor]. What: just bring yourself, a lawn chair or blanket, and, if you'd like, a friend (and maybe a sweater and some bug repellant!).  Who: anyone.  Not sure this is for you?  That's ok, come once and give it a try (or, "Come and See" as we like to say at St. Mark's).  Why? (1) maybe this is the moment for you or your household to become more intentional about following the way of Christ, or (2) maybe your faith is mostly a private affair and you would like now to explore this faith with others, or (3) maybe Christ seems a distant figure to you  and this is the moment that you are being called to deepen your relationship with Christ, or (4) maybe you are simply curious and are willing and able to be open-minded to a new experience that will be shared with others who are curious as well. If you have any questions, contact Pastor Debra at 847-732-9564. Otherwise, we'll see you at the lakefront! 

Confirmation and Reception: The Diocesan-wide service of Confirmation and Reception will take place at St. James Cathedral on Saturday, June 10 at 11 a.m.  St. Mark's will be presenting Blake Chastain, Emily Chastain, and Julia Ferguson for confirmation.  We hope that many from St. Mark's will come to our Cathedral (65 E. Huron Street, Chicago-- red-line Chicago/State stop) to celebrate! 

Going Where The Youth Are

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 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, please email Pastor Debra, rector@stmarksevanston.org


May 25
  • May 25, "The Music Man", Willard School, Time TBA, Kate J.
May 27
  • MDWY Stars & Stripes Open Swim Meet, University of Chicago, Maggie
May 28
  • MDWY Stars & Stripes Open Swim Meet, University of Chicago,  
    Maggie
  • 12:15 p.m., Soccer, Hamlin Park, Skokie,  
    Vince
May 31
  • Haven 8th Grade Graduation, Betsy, Maggie, Patrick and Rachel
June 2
  • Orrington 5th Grade Farewell Assembly, Sydney
June 3
  • 11 a.m. Piano Recital, Music Institute of Chicago, 300 Green Bay Rd., Winnetka, Naomi
  • 4 p.m. and 6:30 p.m., Dance Center Evanston Recital, North Shore Center for the Performing Arts, Abigail and Asher

June 4
  • Soccer, Evanston, Sydney
  • 1 p.m., Dance Center Evanston Recital, see June 3 for details, Naomi
  • 6:30 p.m., Dance Center Evanston Recital, see June 3 for details, Abigail
June 10
  • Swim Meet at Rec Plex, Pleasant Prairie (WI), Maggie
Outreach and Social Justice
 
At St. Mark's 
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. For more information and to volunteer, contact John Lucadamo at  lucadamj@gmail.com .

Social Justice & Outreach Committee-   We are meeting on Sunday, June 4 from 9:30-10:15 a.m. in Bethlehem Chapel.  All are welcome to attend.  This is a great place to discuss ways we can put our faith into action!   Hope to see you there!  For those who plan to attend this meeting, the vestry leadership team asks that you please plan to come to the 8:45 a.m. presentation of the Mid Year Update to the Church (Bethlehem Chapel) so that you don't miss any information.

In the Community

Dialogue Workshop:  Bridge Relational Divides with Constructive Conversation-- Conflict is inevitable if you are human and are in relationship.  However, it seems that conflict over politics has had an enormous effect recently with "40% of voters polled saying the recent election has hurt a close relationship." (Rassmussen Reports Feb. 2, 2017).  This workshop is meant for those who want to learn more about why some conversations are so difficult and who want to take their conversations from conflictual to constructive.  Participants will learn:  to identify barriers to constructive conversations; to set constructive goals; to increase self-awareness; and to use practical tools for engaging effectively.   Suzanne J. Priebe, Ph.D., a clinical psychologist and Clinical Director of Samaritan Counseling Center will lead the training. Thursday, June 8 from 7 - 9 p.m. at Grace Lutheran Church (1430 South Blvd. Downstairs Hall).   Space is limited: 30 spots available.  Please RSVP to churchoffice@graceevanston.org or call 847-475-2211.   This event is hosted by Evanston4All's Uniting Voices Team, a team that aims to address societal polarization. Katie Kuriyama is a part of the team hosting this event.  She is happy to answer questions!

Ready, Set, Go!   The Ricky Byrdsong Memorial Race Against Hate is set for Sunday, June 18, 2017. The YWCA Evanston/ North Shore sponsors this Father's Day tradition. The race features 5K/10K Runs, 5K Walk, and Youth Mile/Half mile.  Race proceeds support the Y's racial justice and relationship violence programs. The race honors the memory of Ricky Byrdsong, the first African-American head coach of the men's basketball team at Northwestern University and insurance executive who died a victim of a hate crime. In the summer of 1999, Mr. Byrdsong was jogging with two of his young children in his Skokie neighborhood when a member of white supremacist group shot him. Registration and more information about the Race are available at  www.ywca.org/evanston.
 
Are you running or volunteering for the Race? Please report your involvement in the Race with Katie Kuriyama at community@stmarksevanston.org so we can record our social justice efforts. 

Understanding & Analyzing Systemic Racism  presented by Chicago Regional Organizing for Antiracism (Chicago ROAR) and subsidized by the Antiracism Commission of the Diocese of Chicago, provides an in-depth look at race and racism in the United States. The next 2.5 day training opportunity is June 22 at Lutheran School of Theology at Chicago. Individuals affiliated with the Episcopal Diocese of Chicago attend at a reduced rate.  NEW: Many healthcare and counseling professionals as well as teachers can receive continuing education / professional development credit for attending.  For more information contact Jen Boyle Tucker at jbtucker@episcopalchicago.org or (312) 751-4200 OR Fr. Miguel Briones at miguebrio6@gmail.com or (630) 502-0051.
Stewardship 
Each month in 2017 we will feature a ministry of St. Mark's where we can "count what counts" because we are Bound Together in Christ. If you have a ministry at St. Mark's where we can "cou nt what counts" (lunches packed or served, pounds of produce distributed, hours of candles burned, number of notes sung!) contact Katie Kuriyama at community@stmarksevanston.org so we can assign you a month!
 

Counting What Counts:
St. Mark's musicians worked especially hard last month!  In the month of April, 36 people participated in leading music at St. Mark's-- learning 104 pieces of music, including hymns, preludes, postludes, psalms, anthems, and a handbell piece.  Thank you to all of the musicians (the choir, the handbell choir, guest singers, guest instrumentalists, and Associate for Music Ministries, David Plank) for enhancing worship by sharing your time and talent with our community.

St. Mark's Mulching Party!   All ages are invited to a no-skills required mulching party on Saturday, June 10 at 3 p.m.  Share the fun with other parishioners as we spread mulch on the garden in front of the church and St. Francis Garden to save water and reduce weeds. People are needed to carry and pour bags, and to cut bags open. Bring a light rake if you own one (a few will be provided) and work gloves if you want for spreading mulch by hand.  Bottle water will be provided.  The project will take at least one hour.  If you are available to help carry bags of mulch from Home Depot to the church in your vehicle the week before the mulch party, or if you have a wheelbarrow to loan, or if you would like to help pay for mulch, please contact Lola Himrod  847-864-7815. 
Other Announcements

Prayer List
The Prayer List will begin anew on Sunday, June 4th.  If you would like your loved one to remain on the list, please email their name(s) to Pastor Debra at rector@stmarksevanston.org.

We bid your prayers for:  Bob Barr, Trish Barr, Pat Bent, Veronica Braithwaite, John Burnham, Tony Campise, Genevieve Costello, Karen Cornelius, Maryallen Estes, Caroline Frowe, Ann Lettner, Ayden Lettner, Charlie Lettner, Grace Lettner, Kathy Lettner, John Lucadamo, Donald McCrea, Bob Molumby, Jake Morris, Mary O'Dowd, Jan and Jeri Offutt, Casmir Szczepaniak, Luke Urbanowski, Danny White, Fareedun Ansari, Betty Augustinos, Lucy Augustinos, Paul Basenberg, Violet and Abda Benjamin, Robert Bent, Margaret Brown-Stansbury, Susan Murrell Castaneda, Laura Easton and her family, Marilyn Goede, Bill and Barbara Haswell, Olivia Heiting, Katie Iles, Joan and Sherwin, Bruce McMenomy, Jay Johnson, OJ Mabwa, Ahmed Mahmoud, Carl and Lindy Messier, Garrett Moody, Jim Riley and his family, Reg Ryan, Herman Schrock, Delores Sykes Hicks, Kelly Wheeler Szczepaniak, Tim and his family, Dorothy Waller.
 
We pray for those who have died: Astley Bent, father of Pat Bent and longtime parishioner of St. Mark's

We pray for the people in  the Diocese of Southeast Mexico and the Diocese of Renk


May Birthdays -  Georgia Ealy (1), Nick Easton (3), Martha Lettner (4), Helen Baker (6), Elizabeth Lele (7), Sophia Chastain (8), Sam Consiglio (9), Avis Redwine (9), Alice Rocca (9), Bonnie Lindstrom (10), Milind Lele (13), Vittorio Laudati (16), Hughie Lele (18), John Sagan, Jr. (18), John Baker (19),Anne Heinz (19),  Kate Lewis (19), Veronica Braithwaite (22), Mary Koss (22), Bob Molumby (22), Lee Gaede (23), Molly Skelton (26), Todd Skelton (26), Reba Howard (27), Dalia Benz (28), Nasim Alexander (29), Kate Hayes (29), Donald Koss (29), Robin Tucker (29)
 
May AnniversariesCalvin and Holly Yanaga (24), Fred and Susan Lewis (31)
 
If we have missed your birthday or anniversary, please do let us know so we can correct the error. Send your name and date of birth to rector@stmarksevanston.org

**New Date** David Plank will be performing in a Chamber Music Concert on Wednesday, May 31 at 8 p.m. at DePaul University's Concert Hall, 800 W. Belden Ave., Chicago (red-line Fullerton stop).  The concert is free and open to the public.

Summer Office Hours:  Beginning the week of June 4, the office will be open for "drop-in" on Mondays from 2-5 p.m. (Debra) and on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. (Katie).  And, of course, you can always schedule an appointment to see Pastor Debra, Katie, or David.  Just call!
 
Nametags -  Please wear your nametags.  It's welcoming!  And it helps us all converse and connect.  If you need a nametag, please contact Katie (community@stmarksevanston.org)

 
Evanston English Country Dancers meet in Cunningham Hall on alternate Wednesday evenings beginning at 8 p.m.  All dances are taught and prompted and include English Country dances devised from pre - 1650 to the present.  Once a month, live music is performed by Putting on Aires; other Wednesdays, the music is from an extensive CD collection.  Please come with or without a partner.  Wear comfortable shoes (the type you would use to walk a mile) and casual clothing.  The fee is $5 ($3 for students).  Upcoming dates include: May 31.  For more information, contact Tom Senior at 847-606-8704 or ChicagoECD@yahoo.com.

Calendar of Events
For information about upcoming dates and events at St. Mark's, click here ( http://www.stmarksevanston.org/calendar-of-events/ ) .

St. Mark's Episcopal Church | community@stmarksevanston.org | www.stmarksevanston.org
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