Siblings in Christ,

Hope, Love, Joy, Peace. These are the themes of our Advent Season that is kicking off this Sunday. Advent marks the beginning of our new liturgical calendar, and it all begins with the period of preparation—preparation for the anniversary of Christ's birth and the promise of his return. Much like an expectant mother in the last trimester of her pregnancy, this season is typically marked with a number of preparatory chores: decorating, shopping, celebrating, etc. Despite the frenzy of the last few months of preparation, those expectant moms who have a good support network are encouraged to rest, practice calm, and enjoy the little things before the anticipated babe is finally born since life as they know it will never be the same again.

Isn't that amazing? Life life after any newborn, life, after Jesus, will never be the same again. Praise God! During this season of preparation, may you have enough time to pause, rest, relax, and enjoy the sounds, smells, tastes, and sights of this season, which can serve as reminders of the hope, love, joy, and peace we have in one another and in Christ, our Lord.

I'd like to express special thanks to those who have returned their 2023 promise cards. Having an idea of the gifts and tithes of our parishioners' financial contributions and generosity will help our vestry and staff plan and prepare for a vibrant and impactful 2023 ministry season. It's not too late to turn yours in, yet we will be saying a special blessing over the cards that have been submitted or will be returned tomorrow.

Advent Blessings,

Mike+

P.S. We could still use more volunteers to take a shift for bell ringing to support the incredible work of the Salvation Army. Please consider signing up for one or more two-hour shifts. It's a fun group activity, so don't feel like you need to do it alone. Questions? See Bill Flack or call the church office.

Week of November 27 at St. Mark's

Sunday, 11/27

• 8:00 a.m. Eucharist
• 9:30 a.m. Choral Eucharist

Monday, 11/28

• Morning Prayer at 9:30 a.m. outside "Under the Oaks." We will meet in Gray Hall in the event of inclement weather.
• EfM Meeting at 5:30 p.m. in the office conference room.
• Community Dinner served from 4:30 p.m. until 6 p.m.

Tuesday, 11/29

• Men’s Morning Fellowship at 9 a.m. via Zoom.
• Daughters of the King discernment meeting at 7 p.m; Questions? Call Judy Davis 941-780-3726

Wednesday, 11/30

• Wired Word Discussion Group at 11:00 a.m. via Zoom; Lessons are based on the week’s news with scriptural references that usually spark stimulating discussions. For more information or to be added to the group list to receive the weekly discussion material, please contact the church office or pickup the discussion material in the church narthex. To join, use this meeting link or Meeting ID 958 0982 2690 and passcode 941.
• Celebration of New Ministry for the Institution and Induction of the Rev. Michael S. Rau as Rector. at 6 p.m.; Reception will follow; All are invited and encouraged to attend.

Thursday, 12/1

• Contemplative Prayer at 4:00 p.m. in the Library

Saturday, 12/3

• Eucharist at 4:30 p.m. in the sanctuary

Looking Ahead

• Tuesdays through January 3: Daughters of the King discernment meeting at 7 p.m; Questions? Call Judy Davis 941-780-3726
• Wednesday, December 7: Intergenerational Gingerbread House Decorating Night and Parish Dinner
• Saturday, December 10, 2022: Diocesan Convention and the Seating of Bishop Coadjutor Douglas Scharf as the VI Bishop of the Diocese of Southwest Florida will be held at the Cathedral Church in St. Petersburg.
• Wednesday, December 14: Advent Lessons & Carols in the sanctuary at 6:30 p.m.
• Sunday, December 18: Friends of Music presents All Hearts Come Home for Christmas, a Christmas concert featuring Linda Bento-Rei, flute, Vytas Baksys, piano, and friends.
• Wednesday, December 21: Blue Christmas Service

For more information about any programs or upcoming events, to be added to the parish prayer list, or to schedule some time to talk with clergy or staff, please stop by the church office, call (941) 488-7714, or email info@stmarksvenice.org.