For your thought:

Tell it out among the nations: "The Lord is King!

he has made the world so firm that it cannot be moved;

he will judge the peoples with equity."

--Psalm 96:10

Study this Sunday's Study this Sunday's Readings.

WORSHIP CORNER

Useful links:

• Fill out a form to volunteer, donate altar flowers, fill out a new member/visitor form, and more!
• Access and/or edit your Member Directory information.
• To read or view previous sermons, click here.

Important Upcoming Dates:

• Sat., Oct. 28, 5-8 p.m., Oktoberfest & Hymn Sing (Bratwursts & pretzels will be provided; bring a side/libations) 
• Sun., Oct. 29, 9:30 a.m., Pledge & Pancake Celebration Sunday
• Mon., Oct. 30, 7p, Fall Rosary for Remembrance (Hybrid)
• Sun., Nov. 5, Bishop Hunn Visit & Pie - Feast of All Saints liturgy - Bring a savory or sweet pie to Share!

SAINT MARK'S MISSION, MINISTRY & OUTREACH

Widening the Welcome With Open & Generous Hearts

We have been created in the image of God, whose opening act in creation in the Book of Genesis is generosity. The words “genesis” and “generosity” spring from the same etymological source. Long before death pulls from your grip what you cannot take to the grave, acknowledge it all as gift, and gift it back to God as an offering for God’s use.

~Br. Curtis Almquist, SSJE

These words invite us to connect our biblical story of origin and our ongoing life of generosity in the present. Next week you will receive St. Mark’s Widening the Welcome: Open and Generous Hearts Annual Giving 2024 Pledge Card. Please take some time to prayerfully consider how you will support the life and ministry of your faith community in the coming year. Your gift is vital to the thriving of worship, prayer, outreach, learning and fun in this place.

On Sunday Oct. 29th our Stewardship Celebration Sunday, playfully named Pledge and Pancakes. It is our opportunity to make a generous and meaningful commitment to joyfully give back a portion of our income for God’s use.

There are at least two ways to participate: 

1. Place your completed 2024 Pledge Card in the offering collection on Sunday Oct. 29th^th.
2. Place your completed 2024 Pledge Card in the mail this coming week or drop it by the Church (will be sent to homes with the mailing address we have on file this coming week!).

Together we are building something beautiful for God in this place.

Please note: Pledge cards will be available to fill out next week. Please use this time for prayerful consideration.

In case you missed it:

• Week #1
• View Week #1 Mailing (dated October 6, 2023)
• View the Widening the Welcome Stewardship Video #1 (presented during the Sunday, October 8 liturgy).
• Week #2
• View Week #2 Mailing & Proportional Giving with Step Chart (dated October 18, 2023)
• View the Widening the Welcome Stewardship Video #2 (presented during the Sunday, October 15 liturgy).

Oktoberfest & Hymn Sing!

Join us for Oktoberfest & Hymn Sing on Saturday, October 28, from 5-8 p.m. at St. Mark's. We'll be providing bratwursts; we ask you provide sides and beverages/libations. This will be a fun and celebratory evening for all, and all ages!

Feast of All Saints: Bring Photos for the Ofrenda

All youth (infant through high school) are invited to participate in the Parade of Saints at the 9:30 Eucharist on Sunday, November 5. Arrive a few minutes before 9:30 and select a saint placard to carry as we walk around the sanctuary during the Litany of the Saints. Families are encouraged to walk in the parade together.  

Fr. Christopher's Ruminations on All Saints' Day and El Dia de los Muertos:

On All Saints' Sunday, November 5^th we honor all those who, by the way they live their lives, have proclaimed the goodness of God in the world. We remember famous Saints like Francis and Mary but also unknown ones as well. Some of those we remember have shaped our lives and faith in amazing ways. 

One of the ways we remember them at St. Mark’s is by creating our own Dia de los Muertos ofrenda or altar in honor of the faithful men and women who have gone before us and been examples and inspiration in our lives. In doing so we want to create a kind of holy space in our simple act of honoring and acknowledging death. Lovingly, reverently, solemnly we will place photographs, items that remind us of loved ones and icons of those who have gone before us in the faith. Among the marigolds and pumpkins, the cornstalks and the sugar skulls we will nestle image of the saints, old and new to remind us of the gift of life in the midst of remembering death. We will light candles and sing songs that remind God’s people that in death life is changed not ended.

Death is not easy and we don’t always understand it as a gift. Some deaths are so difficult they nearly destroy the lives of the living. Some are so senseless in war and violence and disease or accident that we mourn and rage against them. There is nothing wrong with clinging tenaciously to life and resisting death in all its many forms. But the truth is that there are also deaths that are a kind of gentle and welcome good. And there are times when even difficult deaths, tragic or sudden, can become for us a kind of gift over time, a gift that opens us up to the power and depth of life. This of course is why the celebration of Dia de los Muertos with its playful but reverent honoring of death can be such a gift to us. In the robust celebration of All Saints' Day and Dia de los Muertos, there is the possibility of shaping a space for holy reflection that interrupts our busyness, and allows us to open our hearts and lives to be touched by God’s Holy Spirit. 

So, my hope for us in the coming Feast of All Saints is that in the mist of our worship and in our experience of the ofrenda for Dia de los Muertos, we will rediscover our own communion with all the saints and in doing so find courage and vision to live as one of God’s very own saints here and now.

Please bring photos and items that remind us of those we love but see no longer as we remember all the Saints. Also, please take a moment to list any loved one who has died within the last year so that their names will be sung as part of the All Saints' Day liturgy on November 5th. Click here to add recently deceased loved one's name(s) to be sung in the liturgy on Sunday, November 5th.

Bishop Michael Hunn, of the Diocese of the Rio Grande, will visit St. Mark's during our All Saints' Day liturgy on Sunday, November 5th, 2023. Bring a savory or sweet pie to share during Coffee Hour.

A Message from the Rector of St. Mark's

Beloved of God,

We have all been watching in horror at the violence and destruction of human life that is gripping the Holy Land after a terrorist attack on innocent civilians by Hamas militants. While conflict in the Holy Land is nothing new, this outbreak of the Israeli-Hamas war threatens to unleash waves of violence and a humanitarian crisis of dire proportions. As is always the case, the civilians caught in the midst of war suffer the most.

Over the past week I have heard from parishioners who have relatives, friends, and former students living in Israel or Gaza. They are worried for their safety and fearful about the growing conflict. In the midst of so much uncertainty between Israelis and Palestinians, we are called to be a people of hope. As followers of Jesus, we condemn the acts of terror on innocents that began this current conflict. With millions around the world, we continue to condemn terrorism, antisemitism, islamophobia, racism, and injustice in all its ugly incarnations. 

We are a people called by our Baptismal Covenant to, “strive for justice and peace among all people and respect the dignity of every human being.” (BCP p. 305). There is no need for us to take sides in this conflict for what we desire for the people of both Israel and Palestine is a peaceful resolution and progress toward a two-state solution that will give all a chance to thrive and grow in peace.

You may know that Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza where this week's horrific explosion occurred is owned and operated by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. Episcopal Relief & Development continues to partner with Al Ahli Hospital, a ministry of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, to provide emergency medical support in the Gaza Strip in response to the Israel-Hamas war.

Following the deadly explosion on Tuesday evening, Al Ahli Hospital, in partnership with Episcopal Relief & Development, is determined to continue its mission to serve all people in need by offering emergency treatment. While there has been periodic violence in the region for decades, the need within northern Gaza has surged since the attack on October 7. Since then, explosions throughout Gaza have brought the death toll to over 3,000 people and have injured many thousands more. I encourage you to give to Episcopal Relief and Development (ERD) either directly https://www.episcopalrelief.org or by making donations to St. Mark’s marked for Episcopal Relief and Development.

We are people of prayer, and we will join people of faith all around the world in praying for peace during our Eucharistic worship on Sundays and Thursdays and whenever we gather. I have also been made aware of a ministry that works to support the Episcopal Church’s ongoing humanitarian relief work in the region. You can learn more about the American Friends of the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, here.  Please continue to pray and support the work of peace in the Holy Land with faithful people all around the world.

In the Peace of Christ,

Fr. Christopher McLaren

Thanksgiving Volunteer Opportunities

There are exciting outreach opportunities this Thanksgiving!

St. Mark’s is teaming up with La Mesa Presbyterian Church to feed those in need at La Mesa’s annual Feast of Hope Thanksgiving Day dinner.

Here are some opportunities to help:

• Wednesday, Nov 22 – help with set up and food prep at La Mesa
• Thursday, Nov 23 (Thanksgiving Day) – early set up, mid-day food service, meal delivery to homes, late day clean up at La Mesa
• Now – donate money for food and supplies

These are great ways to express our gratitude for the abundance of gifts we receive by giving our time and talents to help create a wonderful Thanksgiving for others. Please see Deacon David for more information via email here.

Can You Spot a Text or Email Scam?

Sometimes St. Mark's parishioners, clergy and staff are a target of cyber scams. Do you know how to recognize imposters? Take our phishing quiz to learn more!

Sunday Small Groups, Formation & Community Conversations

Breathing Underwater: Spirituality and the 12 Steps

Sundays 11:15 a.m.

Location: Classroom 3 (Montessori classroom nearest the kitchen)

Facilitator: Thomas Russell

Join us for a weekly time of mutual support and accountability in community. We’ll begin each session by reading together a chapter from Richard Rohr’s book, Breathing Under Water: Spirituality & the Twelve Steps. We will then spend time together in silent meditation/contemplation/prayer. We’ll conclude our sessions with time for reflection, sharing, and conversation. All are welcome.

Vital Conversation Series - Caring for Our Gifts- Toward a more comprehensive Theology of Stewardship 

Sundays, 11:30 a.m. (following coffee hour)

Facilitator: Fr. Christopher McLaren

Location: Chapel

Check out the schedule here.

The spiritual practice of “Stewardship” is about more than money. Stewardship is about how we faithfully nurture and share ALL the gifts God gives us–including our bodies, minds, spirits, relationships, time, money, talents, and the earth. Join us for any session in this series of informal community conversations as we wrestle together with the challenges and blessings we face as we strive to grow as good stewards of the many gifts God has given us.  

The Way of Love (Inquirers') Class

Sundays 11:15 a.m.

Location: St. Mark’s Library

Facilitators: Fr. Christopher McLaren, Ty Camp, and Harrison Higgins

For the schedule and more information, click here.

Join us to learn more about the Episcopal Church and the practices that make for a vital faith journey. We will enjoy brief videos from The Episcopal Church’s series on The Way of Love, inspired by Presiding Bishop Michael Curry. Classes will consist of video, teaching, discussion and reflection. This class is for anyone who wants to learn more about the Episcopal Church, deepen their connection to the community of St. Mark’s, refresh their faith and spiritual practices, or prepare to become a member through baptism, confirmation, or reception. 

Community Viewing & Conversation: Season Two of 'The Chosen'

Sunday Nights, 7:00-8:45p.m.

Location: In-person in St. Mark’s Library and on Zoom

See the schedule and more information here.

Join us on site or online! Bring snacks or drinks to share! We’ll gather to share our “highs and lows,” watch a film or an episode from a series together, enjoy some small group discussion, and close by praying a brief service of Compline. 

Godly Play (ages ~3+)

Sundays 11:15 a.m.

Join us for a wonder-filled and wonderful hour of storytelling, wondering, and independent exploration & creative response. Godly Play is a Montessori based approach to supporting the spiritual growth of children that is spacious, contemplative, and open-ended, while grounded in the Sacred Stories of the Christian Tradition. Contact Mo. Sylvia (via email here)   Drop-ins welcome. Registration encouraged. Please click here to register. 

Bible Stories & Art (ages ~8+)

Sundays 11:15 a.m.

We'll expand our knowledge of the bible and enjoy creating art together. We’ll listen, talk, play and create to make the stories come alive.  Drop-ins welcome. Registration encouraged. Please click here to register. 

Holy Troublemakers (ages ~12+)

Sundays 11:15 a.m.

We’ll study the lives of a variety of people from different faiths and backgrounds who have worked tirelessly to bring God’s love to all people. Sometimes, their efforts are met with skepticism and derision for not following the norm. We’ll learn to be Holy Troublemakers, too. Contact Deacon David (via email here). Drop-ins welcome. Registration encouraged. Please click here to register. 

Chamber Concert to Benefit Our Partners at ABQ FaithWorks Collaborative

A chamber music concert to benefit the work of ABQ FaithWorks Collaborative. An afternoon of classical music featuring many distinguished former principals of the New Mexico Symphony Orchestra. Featured musicians include Joan Zucker (cello), Krzysztof Zimowski (violin), Peter Bond (trumpet) and Luis Baez (clarinet).

Sunday, November 12, 2023 at 4:00 p.m.

Congregation Albert

3800 Louisiana Boulevard NE

Albuquerque, NM 87110

Tickets: $25.00/ $40.00 

For Tickets visit: https://www.abqfaithworks.org/blog or visit here.

Contact Peggy at (505) 252-5218 with questions.

GIVE TO ST. MARK'S

Give by mail (St. Mark's has a secure mailbox and is checked regularly). Send to: 431 Richmond Place NE, Albuquerque, NM 87106.

Give electronically through By PayPal®.

Please consider checking the box that reads, "I’d like to add to my donation to help offset the cost of processing."

Give electronically through the Diocese of the Rio Grande Parish Donation site and check the box next to "Albuquerque-St. Mark's".

Just fill out the rest of the information and click the Next button at the bottom of the page. Please make sure fill out "special instructions or comment" to let us know how to apply your gift (e.g., pledge, congregational relief fund, etc.).

All are welcome to join us for worship during our Thursday 11 a.m. midweek Holy Eucharists and our Sunday Holy Eucharists at 9:30 a.m. You may join us in person or on Facebook & YouTube.

Come as you are!

Email submissions should be sent (via email) to the Communications Specialist by 9:00 a.m. each Wednesday for inclusion on Thursday's e-news.

www.stmarksabq.org

© 2023