May 29, 2022

 We believe that on Pentecost, the Holy Spirit descended in a remarkable way! Tradition is that everyone wears red on Pentecost, a red Sunday in the liturgical calendar, to symbolize the fire of the Holy Spirit. 

At the 10:30 Service, the reading from the Acts of the Apostles will be read in multiple languages. If you can offer a language other than English and plan to be at the 10:30 on June 5, please, see the sign-up sheet at the Welcome Desk in the foyer and/or let Deacon Jan or Fr. Christian know. Mark your calendar and join us for Pentecost, one of the three 'high holy days' of the Church Year. On that day, we will also celebrate Baptism for several of our little ones at St. Mark's.

Pride Festival June 18: Volunteers Needed: Over the last 34 years, the Grand Rapids Pride Festival has now grown into one of the largest one-day events in Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids Pride Festival is an event that brings LGBTQ community members, LGBTQ businesses, allies, and organizations together to celebrate diversity, inclusion, and celebrating who you are Proud To Be! We are grateful to have acquired booth space again this year and are looking for volunteers for set-up, tear down and being available to hand out information about St. Mark’s. The festival takes place between 12 noon and 9 p.m. and we are requesting volunteers to fill 2 hour segments from 10 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Please sign up at the welcome desk if you are able to help. Of note: St. Marks has a wedding at 1:30 p.m. and our bride and groom have exclusive use of our parking lot for their wedding preparation and event. Please do not park in the St. Mark’s lot if you are helping out with the festival. 

Summer Camp Fundraising: Thanks to all who have given to provide scholarships for as many children throughout our community as possible. Our dream is to provide scholarships for as many children throughout our community as possible. With your generosity, we will have the ability to have that experience become reality. Many thanks to Even Knill, Director of Children’s Ministry.  

Tickets for The Music Man at Circle Theater July 24: Parish Life Hospitality ministry is sponsoring a group rate to see the Music Man at the Circle Theater on Sunday, July 24 for the 3 p.m. matinee. Tickets are $24.40 per person. Checks are to be written to the Circle Theatre and given to Judy Fetterhoff or put in the Parish Life mailbox in the parish front office. Your check will confirm your reservation. A signup sheet is located on the parish foyer welcome desk. Our parishioner Mike Dodge will be in the play so let’s cheer him on. 

Mid-week Eucharist, Summer 2022: In consideration of summer schedules for clergy, staff and so many away during the summer months, we will suspend Wednesday Eucharist at noon from June 8 through September 7. Services will resume on September 14, the Feast of the Holy Cross. Many thanks. 

This is the 11th year for our drive and we will partner with the Great Start Parent Coalition, Secom and Other Way to help families and their babies in need. One in every four babies born in Kent County is born into poverty and diaper costs are not covered by safety net programs. This effort stocks the pantries so that families may receive more than 12 diapers a month. We will collect diapers through the month of June. Please add diapers to your shopping list and help us with a successful Diaper Drive.

Are you looking to find a way to discuss pressing issues with your coworkers, neighbors and family members on matters of justice in a way that brings results? The Moral Justice Discussion framework includes four session topics: Moral Justice Moral Awareness Moral Choices Moral Actions.

Dates: Thursday, June 16 from 6:30-8:30 pm and Friday, June 17

from 8:15 am-4:45 pm

Place: Seidman Center, 50 Front Ave SW, Grand Rapids, 49504

There is limited seating so please RSVP.

Link below for the conference link.

Members of St. Mark's have been working with Together West Michigan to learn what issues are important across our community. Now it's time for action! Join us on Thursday, June 30, when we will start taking action on issues together. We will meet and park at St. Mark's and walk as a group to Westminster Presbyterian Church where the full community meeting will be held at 7 PM. Mark your calendars for this exciting night! More details to come.

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.