St Mark's Episcopal Church
THE COLLECT
 God, your never-failing providence sets in order all things both in heaven and earth: Put away from us, we entreat you, all hurtful things, and give us those things which are profitable for us; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.   Amen.

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
 
 
Financial Report
 Our weekly contributions have fallen well behind in the last few weeks and are less than 1/2 the amount that is needed, as you can see in the financial report. We know that it is a busy time and we need your continued support to carry forth God's work during the summer months.
God's peace,
Sharon Buursma, Treasurer
Exploration and Renewal in Christ
June 10: The next session in our series of adult formation is preparation for confirmation, reception into the Episcopal Church or reaffirming one’s faith will continue our study of “The Book of Common Prayer.” The session will be on Sunday, June 10, at 12:15 pm in the chapel. All are welcome.
~ +Christian
Ordination Service Invitation

June 30, 11 am: By the Grace of God and with the Consent of the People of God, The Right Reverend Whayne M. Hougland, Jr., Bishop of Western Michigan will ordain Francis Michael Berghuis, Janet P. Gockerman and Patricia Gay Vinge to the Sacred Order of Deacons here at St. Mark’s on Saturday June 30 at 11 am. Your prayers and presence are requested. There will be a light luncheon to follow.  
Youth and Children Formation
  • 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
Calling on all fun loving volunteers
Parish Life Ministry would love to have some new members join our energetic and fun loving group. We do several activities a year and could do more if we have more people join our team! Some of the activities we already do are the Fall Picnic, Newcomer Welcome dinner, Civic Theater and luncheon in December, Easter Eve Vigil reception, Ice Cream Social or picnic in May, the Shrove Pancake Supper, special coffee hours, which are just a few activities. Many more activities could be planned depending on interest and if people want to help out such as bike trips, baseball games, hockey games, just to name a few.
If you are interested please sign up on the sheet provided on the Welcome Desk.  If you have any questions please feel free to contact any members of our committee or call the Chair, Judy Fetterhoff at 534-5361 and she will be happy to answer any of our questions if you are interested. Thank you!!! Parish Life Ministry
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 $ 5,966 contributions in  
                                         pledges and offerings.  

                                 R eceived YTD                      Needed                    Difference
YTD Contributions:         $ 289,430                       $  256,691                  $ 32,739 

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