The Lion's Pause

WE SEEK TO UNITE ALL PEOPLE WITH GOD AND EACH OTHER IN CHRIST THROUGH WORSHIP, FELLOWSHIP, EDUCATION, AND SERVICE

Rector's Ramblings

The Gospel According to John speaks of Christmas in a different way than do Matthew and Luke. John tells us plainly, “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” In the same paragraph, John writes, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.”

The darkness has certainly tried to overcome the light. Herod attempted to destroy the light early on. Various governments have attempted to overcome the light by either attempting to control or eliminate the church. All of these attempts have been in vain because the light is the incarnate Son of God. No one can fight against God and come out victorious.

As we come together to celebrate the fact of the Incarnation, remember that we are celebrating the birth of the One who is victorious through humility. A baby born into an ordinary family, who would never raise an army, who would appear to be defeated on the cross, won the ultimate victory over the forces of darkness, and to all who put their faith in him, he has given the power to become children of God.

Fr. RJ+

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Sunday, December 24

Holy Eucharist at 8 a.m. and 10 a.m.

Lessons

Bulletin

Live Stream

Sunday, December 24, Christmas Eve, 5pm

Stream Bulletin

Monday, December 25, Christmas Day, 10 a.m.

Stream Bulletin

Wednesday, December 27

No Evening Prayer

The office is closed December 22-January 3

The Diocese has continued to offer easy online giving. To use this, please select "St. Mark's Canton" from the dropdown, and choose either a one-time or recurring gift. We thank you for your continued support.

Designate a Gift to St. Mark's

Newsletter Additions

If you are adding something to the Lion's Pause, please submit it here by the Monday prior to Friday publication.

NOTABLE - Bob Morrison

It seems odd, in the midst of December, to be writing about a warm and sunny summer in 2020 where, with a virus spreading, St. Mark's was able to worship in our Betty Fortney Sanctuary in the Woods - a natural amphitheater just off the parking lot. As I recall, every Sunday that summer was a weather delight, and week after week we could appreciate Mother Nature as our thoughts turned Heavenward.

But - how to make music outdoors with (at that time) no electrical connection? In a previous year I invited Larry Kehl to play his flute. His dad played French Horn in the Symphony and Larry's family operated a flower shop. That sweet flute on the summer air was nice. The next year I asked Susan Bair, oboe specialist, to play - and it was a special treat to hear that plaintive sound wafting through the trees. Another year I asked our handbell ringers to clang away, but the gentle sound of these bells didn't travel too far in the summer breeze.

And then, voila! - my caregiver Ray Slinger came into possession of a Yamaha battery-operated keyboard - just a three-octave affair - but ideal for our needs. I went over to Pellegrino Music and bought a Samson boombox to amplify the Yamaha - and I also connected up a microphone for the pastor's sermon.

Perfect solution! Week after week the synthesized sound of that keyboard wafted through the air. Until.......

December Birthdays

2 Dave Thorley

10 Kathy Wise

12 Al Korosi, Pam McCarthy

14 Gary Mull

16 Patrick Watters

24 John Wise

25 Christy Thorley

27 Marilyn Thorp

29 Rebecca Watters

December Anniversaries

13 Wayne and Sandy Paradis

27 Rick and Julie Werren

29 Barrie and Marilyn Thorp

*Please note: Your birthday/anniversary will only show up if you've completed your profile on Instant Church Directory.

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Prayer Concerns

Ten Gall, Vonda Temelkoff, Henry Aegerter, Jim Weaver, Jane Schutrum, & Ron Brookes

Family and Friends: Dr. Mallamaci (acquaintance of Bobbi Zollinger); Jeanette Moore (Louise Moore’s daughter); Jolanda Mull, Dr. Sandy Lopater, Kirk Schuring, Pam Lagodich, & Bill Allen (sister-in-law & friends of the Mulls); Earl Hoot (father of Joe Hoot); Chuck Boone (cousin of Bruce Hixon), Ashley Stockman (friend of Katie & Ryan Kuceyeski); Tim Swihart & Michelle Graber (friends of the Gordons); Larry Aclaska & Judy Heisser-Turner (acquaintence & sister of Bert Heisser); Lee, Theresa, & Addelyn, and Chuck Boone (friends & cousin of the Hixons); Nori Shawk (friend of Brynn Pelger); Heidi Hoekstra (friend of Father RJ); Tracey Davy, Alison, & Johnny Willoughby (friends & grandson of the Willoughbys); Middle East & Heather Armington (request & friend of the Watters); Jane King; Elaine Campbell (friend of the Turners); Sammy (friend of Leslie Redmon); Bob Rownd (friend of John Werren & Anne Coen); Melanie & Trish (friends of Paulette Frech); Pat Walter & family (friend of Barb Whitehouse); Don Martin & Mark Osterhage (classmate & neighbor of the Watters); Alycia Geis (Karen Violand’s friend’s daughter); Don & Janet Sheatzley-Morgan (husband & sister of Barb Siegfried); DaNay Jackson (friend of Ron Brookes); Allison Cornell-Hood, Jody Serentsis, & Anne Higgins (daughter & friends of Diane Cornell); Finnigan Savage (friend of Pam McCarthy); Lynnda Hoefler & Jimmy Little (friend & son of Sue Little); Yanette Pysher (Vonda Temelkoff’s cousin); Tony Donahue (friend of the Boyds); Marc Hostetler (brother of Susan Hostetler); David (acquaintance of the Nadels).

For those who have died.

For those in the armed forces.

PRAYER CHAIN:

St. Mark's has a group of prayer warriors who pray for the specific needs of those on the prayer chain. If you would like to place yourself or a loved one on the prayer chain, please contact Bobbi Gordon at ggordon24@sbcglobal.net

Prayer requests may be placed on the private Prayer Chain or on the Prayer Concerns list appearing in The Lion's Pause and Sunday bulletin or in both places. Please let Bobbi know your preference. Unless otherwise instructed, names will be listed as we receive them. Please update Bobbi or Katie on the status of your friends or family members as to when they may be removed from the prayer lists.