Trinity Sunday
The Holy Trinity Malankara Orthodox Syrian Church
THE COLLECT
A lmighty and everlasting God, you have given to us your servants grace, by the confession of a true faith, to acknowledge the glory of the eternal Trinity, and in the power of your divine Majesty to worship the Unity: Keep us steadfast in this faith and worship, and bring us at last to see you in your one and eternal glory, O Father; who with the Son and the Holy Spirit live and reign, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.

Memorial Day Prayer
O God, we remember those who have made the ultimate sacrifice for the freedoms we enjoy every day. We think of how they have followed in the footsteps of so many others who have committed themselves in service to God and Country. Please, hold our servicemen and women in your strong arms. Cover them with your sheltering grace and your presence as they stand in the gap for our protection. 
We remember the families of our troops. We ask for your unique blessings to fill their homes, and we pray that your peace, provision, and strength will fill their lives. We especially remember those in the Military on our Prayer List for whom we pray each week.  
May the members of our armed forces be supplied with courage to face each day and may they trust in God's mighty power to accomplish each task. May our military brothers and sisters feel our love and support through the power of the Holy Spirit and in Jesus’ Name we pray: Amen.

Adapted from http://www.beliefnet.com/faiths/galleries/15-inspirational-prayers-for-memorial-day.aspx#hgHeFaHpeOrFZEIY.99
June 3 - First Sunday
  • each first Sunday we collect food donations for our local food pantry, Westminster Presbyterian Church. Bring in non-perishable food items to help support out neighbors in need.
  • Church tour - If you would like to know more about the church's history meet at the main doors on the west side of the sanctuary following the 10:30 postlude.
St Mark's Diaper Drive
As May is winding down, we are nearing the end of our Diaper Drive. We hope that there will be one last push to get us to a higher number to contribute. We are currently at 3,059 diapers collected. In past years, we have collected up to 8,000 diapers. A few more to add to the pot for this year would be so great. So if you are at the store this week….think diapers. We can make a difference and be the change! Let’s do it with diapers!

Spring Wednesdays at St. Mark’s

Next Wednesday, we will offer an adult Christian formation in the Parish Hall: 

Potluck Supper at 6:00;
Presentation and discussion at 6:30;
Compline (Night prayer) at 7:30 or thereafter. 

A flier for the seven-week Series is on the resource table, and sign-up sheets are at the Welcome Desk for the potluck offerings. Please, plan to be with us for this spring’s series. 

Many thanks 

~  +Christian
 
 
Julian Medrano, Sexton
Long-time Sexton, Julian Medrano, has accepted a full-time position at a local dairy farm for which he is very excited. Julian has served as sexton at St. Mark's for many years, and we are thankful for his service and commitment to the Parish and our ministry together.  We wish Julian all the best in his new position. We will honor Julian at the 10:30 Service and Social Hour following, as we bid him farewell. This Sunday will be Julian's last day with us at St. Mark's. Please, join in thanking him for Julian's commitment and service. May God bless him and his family. ~  Christian+
Richard Grover Celebration of Life: May 30 is a husband of long-time and formerly very active parishioner, Carolyn Grover. Richard passed away on Tuesday at Porter Hills. Richard is survived by Carolyn and their children.  The Celebration of Life will be at St. Mark's on Wednesday, May 30, at 11:00 a.m. The Service will be followed by a reception in the Parish Hall. All are invited to attend. Please, keep Carolyn and her family in your prayers.  ~ Christian+ 
Gloria Cowen Roy, age 92, passed peacefully on May 8, after living a long and fulfilled life. Gloria is remembered fondly as an active member at St. Mark's. Gloria rests in peace and may light perpetual shine upon her and all the departed.
Formal Statement of Inclusion
On Tuesday night, May 22, St. Mark's Vestry approved a statement of inclusion which was drafted by Jan Gockerman. This statement will enable St. Mark's to be attached to the National Episcopal Church's Integrity network, linking our website to their website of churches which welcome all people including those from the LGBTQ community. The Vestry unanimously approved the statement, as it is consistent with the Parish's Mission Statement, our vision, goals and practices of welcoming all people. We have submitted the statement for review and approval by the Integrity network. If it is approved, a button will appear on our website as a link to the Integrity website of the National Church. Many thanks to Jan and the Vestry. I hope that we all appreciate the depth, breadth and power of this statement of inclusion.  ~ Christian+

In beautiful downtown Grand Rapids, Michigan, St. Mark's Episcopal Church is a growing, welcoming and affirming community of faith in a vibrant urban community. In our worship and in our service to the community, we proclaim that all people are worthy of God’s love. We celebrate and uphold the dignity of all people whose ethnicity, cultural heritage and denominational traditions are examples and celebrations of God's love. We welcome visitors and parishioners from all social, political and educational backgrounds, and all abilities, sexual orientations and gender identities. We affirm all people and celebrate diversity, as we work to fulfill God’s love for all people as a community of faith.
Youth and Children Formation
  • are you able to help with the Youth parking lot fundraiser during the Festival June 1 and 2? Please contact Jeff Brown
  • The summer formation program for preschool - 4th grade begins June 10 during the 10:30 Service. The children will be working in Creation Care so please bring children dressed for planting and tending to our green space.
  • Let us gather as a church family and celebrate the end of another school year by joining us June 8 at 6 pm for pizza and movies. (Bring a side dish if you can)
Pride Day 2018: June 16
This year, St. Mark’s and Two Churches in Kentwood will share a booth at Pride Day, Saturday, June 16. We will have our “God is love” banner with us and volunteers will be needed to staff the table. Look for a sign-up sheet on the Foyer Welcome Table and consider helping us to staff the table, smile and answer any questions about St. Mark’s. Many thanks!
Parking for Sunday Services
Sustaining St. Mark’s Ministry in 2018

Thanks to all who sustain our ministry together at St. Mark’s with pledges and offerings. We have pledged $425,550 toward our common life in 2018.  Last week, we received $ 5,277 contributions in  
                                         pledges and offerings.  

                                 R eceived YTD                      Needed                    Difference
YTD Contributions:         $ 282,665                       $  244,468                  $ 38,197 

A reminder that we gratefully received 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.) Want more details about the Parish’s giving or finances? Please email questions to Finance Manager, Pam Stevenson pams@stmarksgr.org or our Treasurer, Sharon Buursma sbuursma@msn.com .
 
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 (Library, 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.
Explorations and Renewal in Christ (St. Mary's Chapel) June 3rd at 12:15pm. 
Assisting Worship This Sunday
  St. Mark's Episcopal Church
134 N. Division Avenue
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Office#: 616-456-1684