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Dear Saint Mark Family,
Yesterday, February 1, was the start of Black History Month. The month of February is designated to shine a spotlight on the invaluable contributions African Americans have made to America. It is to honor and celebrate the achievements of Blacks - from those were enslaved and brought here against their will to those who were born here or chose to migrate here, and their participation in the history and the building up of this country.
It is vital to bring awareness to the significant role Blacks have had in the history of America and its accomplishments. Throughout the month, we will be incorporating a variety of prayers, video clips, letters, sermon, music, books, interviews, and visual displays during worship, online, and throughout the campus to recognize and honor the voices and important work of Blacks in America.
On Sunday, February 11, the Rev. Dr. Byron Thomas, Superintendent of the Central South District, will be our guest preacher at both services. Rev. Thomas is a gifted preacher, teacher, and is the leader of the North Georgia 2024 General Conference Delegation. I look forward to welcoming him to share with us at Saint Mark.
As I have shared before, there will be several opportunities for congregational fellowship and mission outreach opportunities throughout the year. On Sunday, the 11th, there will be a “Chili Cook-off” between and after services. If you are a Chili extraordinaire and have a great recipe and believe you can win the prize ribbon, we welcome you to be a part of our cook-off. It could be that you simply want to enter for the fun of it, you are welcome, too. Please let Robert Gilleo know you want to participate, so he can register you for the cook-off.
In March we will also be doing a mission outreach event that will include the entire congregation. We will share more information about the outreach in a few weeks. Beginning in March, there will also be an opportunity to be a part of a Saint Mark hiking group that will hike different trails throughout the state. More information will be forthcoming soon.
This Sunday we will be wrapping up our sermon services on the vows we made when we joined Saint Mark, and how essential it is to the life and future of our church to honor them. We will also be receiving persons into membership at both services, and partaking in Holy Communion. I encourage you to come on out and bring a friend and let us worship God and celebrate together.
God’s grace and peace,
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