Message from Pastor Carolyn | |
Dear Saint Mark Family,
God's grace and peace to you.
Let me begin by reminding you that our Called Church Conference with our District Superintendent, Dr. Michael McQueen, will be this Sunday, November 5, at 12:30pm. The sole purpose of this conference will be to elect members to serve in different leadership capacities, as recommended by your Nominations and Leadership Development Committee. A list of those members who are recommended was shared with you yesterday. I encourage you to consider prayerfully the names that are before you, pray overnight them and for each of them, and ask the Holy Spirit to guide your decision.
I must express my sincere gratitude to the members of the Nominations and Leadership Development Committee for the work they have done. They have busy lives, but they took the time out of their busy schedules to meet, to consider the needs of the congregation and the gifts and grace of the different members, to pray for them, and spent hours making the calls and sending emails to those being recommended. Thank you for your grace and your commitment to the ministry and work of the church.
This past Tuesday evening we had a great time doing our "Trunk or Treat" neighborhood outreach. Quite a few of you showed up in your Halloween costumes, ranging from the "lost sheep," to a "Piñata," to a group at the "Eiffel Tower" with a French backdrop. We had neighbors and their little ones who also came in their costumes, posing as "Harry Potter," and "Wonder Woman" and more. Thanks to all the volunteers, including the young adults, who made it such a wonderful ministry event. Thanks to everyone who donated candies, and to those who used their vehicles to distribute candies. A big thank you to our Children's Minister, Madi Dunn, who worked to make it such a success.
This Sunday, if you go towards the Chapel and then walk the hallway into the second floor of the Education Building, you will see a significant change in that area. You will see that the new floors have been put in, and the doors and walls along the hallway have been painted. If you go a bit farther, you will see the new red glass door at the entryway between the connector and the parking deck. The work is 99% completed, and just the final touches remain for us to have direct access from the parking deck, via the elevator or stairs, directly to the education building. This is a great cause for celebration and thanksgiving. Thank you to Belva White, our former Trustees Chair, for working diligently and creatively with Street Light Developers, to Taylor Yarbrough, to Deana Hilton, and to our Endurability Committee members for getting this work done.
Finally, this Sunday will be All Saints and Communion Sunday. It will be a time to remember those loved ones from among us who have entered the Church Triumphant, whose lives and legacies have shaped and impacted our own, and a time to acknowledge the saints present among us, who are living reminders of God's love and grace. Please bring photos of your loved ones and place them in the window wells in the chapel and sanctuary. There will also be an opportunity for you to light a candle in memory of your loved ones. We will also celebrate the Eucharist and feast at the Lord's table. I invite and encourage you to come and let us remember, celebrate, and feast together.
In God's love,
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