St. Mark's Episcopal Church
Celebrating 185 years of Service
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The First Sunday of Advent
A Proud History and A Bright Future!
November 28, 2021
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At this time we are offering both Services
on Sundays at 8:00 a.m. and 10:30 a.m.
The 10:30 a.m. Service will be recorded live from the St. Mark's Sanctuary through our Facebook page and YouTube Channel.
A copy of the Bulletin may be found on our website, in the button below
or on the Facebook page.
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The Season of Advent
Sunday begins Advent, a four-week season, in which we are called to reflect on the gift of Christ in human form as well as salvation which his coming heralded. It is a time to reflect, to pray and to hope. It is a time to get close to God through using Advent resources such as the reflection included in this email. It is a time to consider the upcoming retreat on December 4, the Sunday Adult Forum series on the Psalms and Canticles of Advent on Dec. 5, 12 and 19 and the Ecumenical Prayer Service at the Catholic Information Center on December 9. A lovely Advent prayer resource has been made available on the Resource Table in the Sanctuary of the Church. If you are in need of personal counseling or confession (The Rite of Reconciliation), please, know that Mother Sue and I are available especially during Advent.
May God bless you and us all on this year's Advent Journey. ~ Christian+
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Stewardship update and Financials for 2022 |
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In case you missed last Sunday's service, it was Commitment Sunday, and we still need help receiving the remaining pledges to meet our needs. Please consider submitting a pledge with St. Marks. The button below is David Bullers message he shared with us on Sunday. Thank you! |
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"Every generous act of giving, with every perfect git, is from above..."
James 1:17 NRSV
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The pledge goal for 2022 is $500,000. To date we have received 109 pledges from parishioners for a total of $418,666 in 2022 pledges. Thank you to those who have pledged for 2022. |
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The Staff of St. Marks wish all of you a meaningful
and Happy Thanksgiving.
The Parish Office will be closed on Thursday Nov. 25 and Friday Nov. 26 in observance of the Thanksgiving Holiday.
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Advent 2021
The Season of Advent will begin on the Sunday after Thanksgiving, November 28. Advent is a four-week season of prayer, reflection, hope and anticipation. Link below for Father Christians message.
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A Prayer for the End of the Pandemic
O God, hear the prayers of your people all over the world who are crying out in need for an end to the virus pandemic. Comfort those in isolation, those who have lost livelihoods, those who are sick and those who may die this day unloved or unattended. Comfort those in mourning, those for whom the virus has brought deep and utter sadness, families, villages, cities and countries. Give strength to those in the rescue and medical professions to keep them safe from harm as they work to bring safety and health to those in need. Give us all a greater sense of connectedness as we strive to be safe from harm and as we await the end of the suffering of millions of people throughout the world. Amen.
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Outreach and Event Opportunities
for Community and St. Marks
Westminster Food Pantry Fall Drive - Please consider helping the hungry in Grand Rapids. See how you can help below.
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Advent Retreat December 4 from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 a.m. |
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Adult Advent Series: "The Psalms of Advent" Dec 5,12 & 19; 9:30 a.m. to 10:15 |
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Giving Tree: Collecting hats, mittens, scarfs and socks for our neighbors. |
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An Evening in December: Maranatha: Dec 9 for panel discussion and prayer at the Catholic Information Center from 6:30 - 8:30 |
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A Festival of Advent Lessons and Carols: Dec 19 at 5 p.m. |
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Christmas Eve Services: Dec 24 at 5 p.m. and 10 p.m. |
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Afghan Refugees in West Michigan |
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Advent Prayer Booklet
Please, find a new beautiful small booklet for Advent, “The Gospel of Advent.” My hope is that this resource for prayer and reflection will be
meaningful for Advent, a special time and opportunity
to walk together as a Faith Community at prayer.
The booklets can be found on the Resource Table of the Sanctuary. ~ Christian+
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You are invited to enjoy the 2021 Advent Devotion
and Daily Reflections Booklet.
Thank you to all of the St. Marks parishioners
who have given of their time and talent to add a devotion
to this meaningful publication.
Link below for to reflect and enjoy.
(We are no longer given a printed booklet and encourage you to print your own hard copy from the link below)
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New Restrictions from our telephone providers
We have had a few people who have had trouble calling in to St. Mark's office. Although we have new phones, the issues with connecting to St Marks is because the Michigan telephone companies are now requesting that you dial 11 digits in order to connect to the party you are trying to reach. 456-1684 or 616-456-1684 will not connect you if you have an older phone line such as a land line. Please use 1-616-456-1684 when calling the church.
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Dismantling Racism Ministry Blog
Walking my path… Diversity, Inclusion, and Equality
This Weeks Blog from Rich Hiskes
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Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)
Create a great offer by adding words like "free" "personalized" "complimentary" or "customized." A sense of urgency often helps readers take an action, so think about inserting phrases like "for a limited time only" or "only 7 remaining!"
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Sunday Children's Opportunities
During the 10:30 Service, opportunities for children are offered in the Lower Level of the Parish House. Please plan to be with us, parishioners of all ages!
For more information and to volunteer to be of assistance, please contact Evan Knill, Director of Children's Formation at evank@stmarksgr.org
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Pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the LORD's people.
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Grand Rapids Episcopal Youth News and Updates |
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Five Ways to Give to St. Mark's
1.) Mobil App Square Cash - Cashtag: $stmarksgr Web address: cash.me/$stmarksgr
3.) Electronic Giving (email Pam for form – see the attachment in our e-news)
4.) Vanco Mobile App from any mobile device
5.) Pay by text - text 616-205-9714 from your phone and send in a payment
6.) Mail in a check to the church
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Thank you for your continued support of St. Mark's!
Please see the ways to give to St. Mark's in the link below.
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Parking on Sundays
Limited parking is available in the Parish Lot. Therefore, consider the free metered parking on Pearl, Ionia, Lyon, Fountain and other streets near the church, the upper and lower levels of the GRCC building on Fountain Street and the Ellis Parking Lot at 210 Ionia just west of Lyon Street.
For the Ellis Lot, please, pick up an exit ticket from an Usher, a Greeter or on the little table where the bulletins are in the north transept. Parking is free on Sunday only. A white ticket is required to accompany the parking ticket and to exit the lot.
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St. Mark's is a part of the |
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St. Mark's Episcopal Church
134 N. Division Avenue
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
616-456-1684
https://.www.stmarksgr.org
https://www.facebook.com/stmarksgr/
meganth@stmarksgr.org
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