Pause, Breathe, Listen, Respond

A Message from The Rev. Mike Rau

"Emotions are running high, and it's sobering to face the fact that Christians disagree with one another."

—Mike Rau

Siblings in Christ,

I have a confession to make. I know what I want to say, but I'm not exactly sure how to say it. I've been a bit frozen for the last few hours, wondering how you all are doing, praying for our community and the nation, recognizing there are some among us who are elated by the decision of the Supreme Court to overturn their previous ruling on Roe v Wade, while some are absolutely devastated by it.

So I've taken time to pause. I've put aside all distraction and have breathed, focusing on the sound of my breath filling my lungs, and the whoosh of air leaving my body through exhaling. Breath is life. At all times, don't forget to breathe, my friends, when you're strung tight and uncertain. Then listen. Listen to those you have a hard time loving because they are God's beloved. Listen deeply to what they are saying and the undercurrents of pain, fear, anxiety, and anger that may be laced through their words.

Respond in love, always.

That is our mission as followers of Christ Jesus—to love the people the world doesn't love, to love all God's people. And to do that well, we must pause, breathe, and listen.

Emotions are running high, and it's sobering to face the fact that Christians disagree with one another. And yet, I've learned agreement isn't required for unity. Please join us this week, whether in person or online, to be together in unity to celebrate the love Jesus has for all and to be better prepared to listen to those who are hurting.

For more information on the Episcopal Church's teaching and views on abortion, click the button below. Click HERE to read the Presiding Bishop's statement made yesterday.

Be assured of my prayers for us all.

Grace and Peace,

Mike+

P.S. The Community Dinner this Monday, June 27, will be a fun cook-out under the oaks. We'll have hotdogs, burgers, and sides with a special treat for dessert. Join us!

P.P.S. A special shout-out to Laurie Colombo her team of volunteers who have signed up for a shift to host our Family Promise families staying with us this week. Thanks you for supporting this incredible mission.

Episcopal Church on Abortion

Week of June 26 at St. Mark's

Click here for LIVE STREAM and BULLETIN

Sunday, 6/26

8:00 a.m. Eucharist
9:30 a.m. Choral Eucharist
Coffee hour will follow each service in Gray Hall
Family Promise Setup will begin after coffee hour. Gray Hall will be used exclusively for Family Promise until Saturday, July 2. A few volunteers are still needed for overnight shifts. If you are interested, please contact Laura Colombo at (941) 445-7349.

Monday, 6/27

Morning Prayer at 9:30 a.m. will meet in the library in the church office. (note change in location due to family promise.)
Community Dinner served 4:30 pm under the oaks 4:30 pm – 6:00 pm. Join us for a good ‘ole summer cook out with hamburger, hotdogs, and all the fixins. The dinners serve anyone interested in loving fellowship and a delicious meal.

Tuesday, 6/28

Men’s Morning Fellowship at 9:00 a.m. Meetings are held online via Zoom; Please contact the church office for the Zoom meeting details. This week's topic is "Finding Your Place of Worship."

Wednesday, 6/29

Morning Prayer at 9:30 a.m. will meet in the library in the church office. (note change in location due to family promise.)
Wired Word Discussion Group at 10:30 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.

Thursday, 6/30

Contemplative Prayer at 4:00 p.m. in the Church office library for meditative prayer

Friday, 7/1

DEADLINE—Attention all graduating seniors and college students. Now is the time to submit your application for the Episcopal Church Women Scholarships. More information can be obtained by calling the office at (941) 488-7714 or email Debbie at debbie@stmarksvenice.org. The deadline for all submissions is July 1.

Saturday, 7/2

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

Looking Ahead

Join the Summer Choir— come sing with us! Gather in the choir room at 9 a.m. to learn the anthem. No robes! No mid-week rehearsals! Bring a friend and give it a try!
Volunteers needed—Several ministries are in need of volunteers. Where do you feel called to serve? Lay ministry is vital to the life of our church. Those ministries in need are Altar Guild, Saturday Bakers, Ushers, Readers, and Greeters.
Prayer Shawl Knitters during the summer months the knitters will not be meeting in person. Everyone is welcome to continue to knit at home. If you need any patterns or other information, please contact the office or Emily Smith.
Wednesday, July 13 Parish Dinner with Trivia Night – start studying up on your trivia facts!

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.