St Mark's Episcopal Church
THE COLLECT
O God, the protector of all who trust in you, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy: Increase and multiply upon us your mercy; that, with you as our ruler and guide, we may so pass through things temporal, that we lose not the things eternal; through Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.  Amen.
It’s hard to believe that it’s already July 26 and school starts in less than a month. Parents with children in school are busy shopping for school clothes and supplies. But not every child in our community will have a new backpack filled with paper and brand new crayons. Hope Academy of West Michigan is a Charter School for students who have trouble fitting into traditional schools. Many come from single parent homes and live in poverty. Fifty percent are Latino and 30% are African American. St. Francis Xavier Roman Catholic Church provides the building and supports them in as many ways as possible. One way is to provide backpacks and school supplies that they distribute at a festival the weekend before school starts.

For the next three Sundays, we will be collecting as many new backpacks filled with supplies as we can. We will deliver them to St. Francis on August 17 . For $25.00 per student you can provide everything a student needs on the first day of school. We will even do the shopping. Or, if you just love back to school shopping we will give you a list of what to buy and you can bring it to church. Look for us in the parish hall after church. If you have any questions please talk to Deacon Jan or Mother Sue.
Publications Available
Historically, the Episcopal Church has produced small publications for Christian formation called Tracts. St. Mark’s has provided such publications along with other resources for some time, and we are diligently trying to update and provide further resources as well. Please, take a minute to see the publications on the wall behind the Welcome Desk in the foyer of the Parish House and at both resource tables in the Sanctuary. If there are other publications which you would like us to provide, please, let me know. I hope that these resources as well as the wonderful resources found in our Library help to provide provocative and helpful information for Christian formation. ~  Christian+
This new book, “Walk in Love”, is getting rave reviews in the church world. Our librarian, Charles Brown, is excited about the copy I have given him for the Library, and I have purchased fifteen copies for the upcoming fall Inquirers’ Class. This latest resource on Episcopal beliefs and practices looks to be a fascinating, engaging and accessible text for us, and it is hot off the press from Forward Movement. Take a look at the copy in the Library and consider learning more about out Tradition in the fall Inquirers’ Class. Stay tuned.- Christian+
Gift from Jean McCormick
Jean McCormick has given the Parish a facsimile edition of the First Book of Common Prayer’s Psalms and the Gospel of John which she designed. It is a stunning reproduction. Please, stop in to the Library to see this lovely edition and gift from Jean. Many thanks, Jean. 
Jazz Mass and Picnic
Everyone is invited to St. Philip's Episcopal Church on Saturday, July 28, beginning at 3pm for a Jazz Concert and Picnic. The Address for St. Philip's is 558 Henry Ave SE. All are welcome.
Blessings,
Carole Redwine, Sr Warden
Social Hour
Just a reminder for Mininstry teams and groups which meet to sign up for a few Sunday’s a year and provide both or just one of the 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. social hours with treats/sweets needed. It will be up to your Ministry team to handle assignments and set up. As always/receipts may be turned in to the Financial Manager, Pam, for reimbursement up to $75 per Sunday. There will be two ways to sign up your Ministry team. Clip boards with signup sheets will still be on the Welcome Desk or you may email Megan ( meganh@stmarksgr.org ) or call (616-456-1684) to request a Sunday.
Thank you so very much for all that you are doing for St. Mark’s and thank you in advance for your assistance with our Social Hours, Megan
Youth and Children Formation
  • The summer formation program for preschool - 4th grade began 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.
Parking for Sunday Services
Upcoming Events
  • August 5 - first Sunday food collection and tour
  • September 9 - Celebration Sunday
  • September 16 - Fall Picnic
  • September 19 through October 7 - Artprize
  • October 11 - Spa Day
  • October 14 - Sacred Sounds Concert
  • October 21 - Anniversary Dinner
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 $ 6,969 contributions in  
                                         pledges and offerings.  

                                 R eceived YTD                      Needed                    Difference
YTD Contributions:         $ 386,095                       $  3544,79                 $ 31,616 

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