Reserve your tickets by Tuesday, April 30!

Every one of us has the responsibility to protect children from child abuse and neglect, every day! April just happens to have the distinction of being designated Child Abuse Prevention Month.  So, The Saint Mary Magdalene Chapter of the Daughters of the King chose this month to provide information which is hoped to be helpful to you in supporting that effort. Remember: If you suspect child abuse or neglect, by law, you should report the abuse to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services Abuse Hotline at 1-800-252-5400. All calls are confidential. You can also report online.

The last Sunday in April has been designated nationally as “Blue Sunday” whereby the faith communities are asked to wear blue to show support for the prevention of child abuse. We encourage you to do the same!

It has been mentioned that a sign of support for this cause is a Blue Ribbon – blue symbolizes the bruising experienced by the abuse and neglect of a child. Members of the Daughters of the King have put together Blue Ribbon pins for you to wear if desired. They are attached to a special prayer card, the prayer of which was created by Chad Teeler, Former Foster Care Supervisor of the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.  Prayers are powerful and a true form of positive action.

Members will be in the Narthex, distributing these before both services on this coming Sunday, April 28.  

UPDATE: Buckner Shoes for Orphan Souls: The shoe drive continues until May 3rd. In regard to shoe sizes, the greatest need is in the larger athletic sized shoes. (Adult size 4-12). To donate new shoes place them in the collection box in the hallway outside the chapel. To donate cash scan the QR code located outside the Wiggle Room or donate online at Buckner.org.

Nutrition & Services for Seniors: Save the date-Thursday, May 2nd at 11:30 a.m. for “Deliver the Difference”-annual luncheon benefitting Meals on Wheels at the Beaumont Event Centre. Individual tickets start at $75 but if you are unable to attend, donations of any amount are greatly appreciated. Call 409-892-4455 for information or visit www.seniormeals.org.



MHA Southeast Texas: Its purpose is to enhance the lives of all individuals impacted by mental illness through community collaboration, education, and advocacy. The first Mental Health Matters Luncheon will be Thursday, May 9th at 11:30 a.m. at Beaumont’s Holiday Inn & Suites. Individual tickets are $75 and can be obtained by email at director@mhasetx.org or by phone (409) 550-0134.

Forward Day by Day:  The May/June/July issue of Forward Day by Day is now available for pick up from the track rack in the Narthex or the church foyer.  

If you would like to help defray the cost to the church of these booklets, please enclose your donation in the small brown envelope in the display in the church foyer and place in the offering plate or give it to Melody or Dana. Or make your check out to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church and write Forward Movement in the memo section.

If you would like a copy but are unable to come to the church, contact Ellen Panchot at 409-454-0053 or ellenpanchot@gmail.com. It is also available on the internet at forwardmovement.org.

Forward Movement provides daily devotionals, Bible studies, and other resources to nursing homes, hospitals, and prisons. You can join this ministry with a donation. Go to forwardmovement.org/donate  

St. Mark's Food Pantry Sunday is May 5

Inquirers class/Episcobasics 101 is open to everyone. If you have ever wondered why Episcopalians worship the way they do or what is the Book of Common Prayer or where do Episcopalians even come from, then this semi-annual class is for you. For those wishing to join St. Mark's and be confirmed, received, or reaffirmed when Bishop Ryan visits in August, then come join us. All are welcome, even if you just want to learn a bit more.

Please Pray For:

Lorraine

Scott Abshire

Howard Cobb

Michelle Stacy

The Trchalek Family

For Those Serving in the Military…

Army

Navy

Air Force

Marines

Coast Guard

National Guard

Reserves

Space Force