December 6, 2018

Second Sunday of Advent The voice of one crying out in the wilderness: "Prepare the way of the Lord, make his paths straight. Every valley shall be filled, and every mountain and hill shall be made low, and the crooked shall be made straight, and the rough ways made smooth; and all flesh shall see the salvation of God." (Isaiah 40:3-5)

Golf Cart Parade rescheduled for tomorrow Due to predicted rain, the Port Royal Golf Cart Parade date has changed! The parade will now take place on Fri., Dec. 7, at 6 PM. Line-up with the St. Mark's "float" begins at Helena House on Paris Ave. at 5:30. All are invited to join us for the four-block walk and help give out keyring flashlights to parade watchers. Immediately after the parade, there is a hot dog, chili supper at Live Oaks Park ( behind the school). Come join in the celebration. -- Patty Crower

CHRISTMAS @ ST. MARK'S Community Carol Sing Sun., Dec. 23, 4 PM in the Church Christmas Eve Holy Eucharist Family Service 3 PM Candlelight Service 5 PM

It's not too late to send in your pledge As of Dec. 5, we have received 112 pledges for a total of $301,530 in commitment to the support of St. Mark's, our mission and ministry. Thank you, thank you, stewards of St. Mark's, for responding to this Call to Opportunity with love and generosity! We hope that all who plan to pledge do so before year's end, so the Vestry can prepare our final budget for 2019.  All things come of thee, O Lord, and of thine own have we given thee. (1 Chronicles 29:14) — Nicole Passeggio, Pledge Drive Chair

The Story of Christmas, the Story of Joseph As each week in December brings us closer to the manger, we prepare our lives for a journey to Bethlehem. We know of Mary and we’ll know of the baby, but what about Joseph? Join us on an Advent journey with this man of faith and in so doing, perhaps learn more about your own faith journey. This series continues on Dec.12 and 19 at 10 AM and again at 6:30 PM, with Holy Eucharist at 5:30 and a light dinner at 6.

Sale Sunday to benefit Tanzanian school Jack Nietert will hold a craft sale at the Center on Sun., Dec. 9. The sale will include many wood turnings and other objects of art. One-hundred percent of the proceeds will go to support a small school in a rural community in Tanzania, which the Outreach Committee also has supported for the past two years. Items will be available before and after each service.

Building & Grounds update Dave Strange reports that work will begin late this week or the first of next week to replace the front doors of the church, install a new St. Mark's sign, replace the front steps with ADA-compliant treads and handrail, and redeck the front porch.

Nativities from around the world First Presbyterian Church of Beaufort at 1201 North St. Dec. 7 & 8 from 10 AM - 4 PM Dec. 9 from noon - 2 PM Over 100 scenes on display -- Admission FREE

Blood drive this Sunday, Dec. 9 The Big Red Bus will be parked in front of the Center from 8 AM to 1 PM on Dec. 9. Free blanket and wellness check for all donors. The process takes about 45 minutes to an hour.

IN BRIEF

READINGS for Sun, Dec. 9, Advent 2 -- Malachi 3:1-4, Canticle 16, Phil. 1:3-11, Luke 3:1-6 CALENDARS for the 2019 church year now available in the Center. Please leave $2 to cover the cost. Supplies limited. THE CONTEMPLATIVE Prayer Group will meet at the home of Judy & Jerry Parichy on Dec. 8 and Dec. 22. Contact Judy for information HERE. ANNOUNCEMENTS POLICY: The deadline for this newsletter and the Sunday bulletin is 10 AM Wednesday. Verbal announcements during services should be cleared with the Vestry Person on Duty in advance.

HELPFUL LINKS

St. Mark's Prayer Ministry To have members of our prayer ministry pray for you or a loved one, contact Debbie Dawsey-Davis at  debdd3@gmail.com or 843-812-8255.  Unsure about service dates? Acolytes, ushers, readers, etc. click HERE to find out when you serve. Many slots still unfilled! To give Altar Flowers check for available dates HERE.

Parish Office 843 379-1020 Office hours are Tues., Wed., Thurs. 9-2