Thank you to all clergy, volunteers, staff and worship participants!

You can still experience Holy Week services live-streamed

Left to right: Palm Sunday Procession, Garden of Gethsemane for Keeping Watch on Maundy Thursday, and Children's Ministry Stations of the Cross, Candelabras and circled chairs on the Chancel for Tenebrae Service of Shadows

Join Small Parish Dinners!

Sign-up here or at the Welcome Desk by April 7. Kickoff April 14.

Whether you're new to St. Mark's, or have been attending for years, whether you're single or attached, or young or old, getting to know more of your fellow parishioners over a series of three potluck dinners can only be a good thing.

Speaker Event with Author Jim Wallis, April 7, 7 pm

At Sherman Street Christian Reformed Church, 1000 Sherman St SE. Jim Wallis is the "Archbishop Desmond Tutu Chair in Faith and Justice" at Georgetown University, 50+ year President/CEO of Sojourners Magazine, and has worked closely for many years with our Bishop Michael Curry. The Q&A is led by Dr. Kristin Du Mez, author of Jesus and John Wayne. See "From Your Ministries" section below for more details. You don't have to have read the book to attend.

Canon Sunil Preaches at St. Mark’s, April 14.

Episcopal 101 Class starts April 21, on Sundays from 12:30-2 pm (with lunch), running about 6 weeks. Sign-up at the Welcome Desk or by email. 

Parish Education Sessions on the Building Project

Sundays, April 21, 28 and May 5, ~9:00 a.m.

These are being repeated for those who did not attend the first series. They will take place in-between the services. The first session this time will be entitled: "The History of Change." Chris Trevathan will walk us through a slide presentation on the significant physical changes to St. Mark's from the time of its inception in 1848.

"Redeemed" Ballet, Knickerbocker Theater at Hope College

April 25-27 at 7 pm or 2 pm Buy tickets now.

Our own youth Sophia Rozeboom is dancing in a spectacular new show “Redeemed” that tells the story of salvation. It is in Holland in a few weeks. It is the dramatic continuation of the winter ballet performance of Christ’s birth. This spring ballet showcases the rest of His life.

Despite its name, it's not actually a Catholic Mass but more of a theatrical pageant about challenging organized religion; losing and finding faith; and advocating for peace. More than 100 performers are involved, including singers from the community in addition to the Fountain Street Church and Aquinas College choirs, a children's choir, a 20-piece orchestra and the Deos Contemporary Ballet. A free will offering will be taken. More info. 

Anniversary Celebration, April 28, in the Parish Hall at Social Hour. Our Vestry invites you to celebrate our church’s 187-year Anniversary and the Feast Day of Saint Mark, Apostle and Evangelist with festive hors d’oeuvres! 

Safe Haven Training, Saturday, May 18,

8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.

We can all help prevent and recognize domestic violence, relationship abuse and trafficking. Save the date and stay tuned for details.

Announcements & Celebrations

Gratitude from the Downtown Food Pantry

St. Mark's also thanks Sue Poll, Mother Sue and the Outreach Ministry, and all who shared of their bounty with our neighbors during the weeks leading up to Easter!

Cathy Karsen & Visiting Eucharistic Ministry

Cathy Karsen is a familiar face to those who attend the 8 o'clock Sunday service and the midweek Eucharist. Cathy gives of herself tirelessly in many roles: polishing all of our silver, ironing altar clothes, cooking and serving soup for every Wednesday night adult education forum, and much more. For the last ten years, she has also dedicated herself to Eucharistic Ministry. She began doing this work because she felt that the inbound and sick needed to see a face from St. Mark's and feel connected to our community.

She is dedicated to visiting some of our beloved elderly and shut-in parishioners, bringing them hope and joy, and serving them Communion. As Cathy explains, "I connect with and am committed to these individuals until they are through their hardship or until the end of their lives. We learn from one another how to handle life and go on the way to heaven." In the past, she visited several parishioners, many of whom have since died. Now she visits two incredible women: Jean “Cleo” Zylstra (100 years old) and Irene Haizman (101 years old). Cathy explains, "I love the happiness that I see in their faces and how much they have enriched me with their faith and love of our church." If you see Cathy, thank her! Please also consider becoming a Visiting Eucharistic Minister. It is a fulfilling and deeply meaningful service that we offer our parishioners in the hope that we too might one day benefit. "Remember the words of the Lord Jesus: 'It is more blessed to give than to receive'" (Acts 20:35). ~Laura Kozminski

To volunteer as a future Church Spotlight subject or nominate a topic, email Kate.

"Yes! We are Better Together!"

Saturday's Special Convention voted yes to juncture between the Episcopal Dioceses of Eastern and Western Michigan. Into a new Episcopal Diocese of the Great Lakes. Pending ratification at the General Convention of the Episcopal Church in June in Kentucky.

Thank you to Deacon Jan Gockerman, and our elected delegates and alternates Dawn Buller, Jeff Brown, Gloria Lara, Margaret Stretton, Judy Freeman and Michelle Jennings. They have put significant time and energy into this discernment process.

Baptisms on Pentecost, 10:30 a.m.

Our next opportunity for the Sacrament of Holy Baptism, for adults or children, will be on May 19. Contact Fr. David or the church office to join those participating in this important Sacrament.

Rector Search Committee Update

Our Rector posting is now “live” on the Episcopal News Service through the end of April. To view it, click here. 

Also, check out our “Rector Search” page on the St. Mark’s website, www.stmarksgr.org Look at the bottom of the landing page for the “rector search button” which will take you to the dedicated page (there is also a "Rector Search" banner at the top of the page). Many thanks to St. Mark's webmaster Eric Gable and Office Admin Kate Assarian for the good work on pulling it together in the professional and timely manner!

We now wait to see who applies. The Search team is preparing now for interviewing and discernment process. 

Happy Spring!

Update on the Building Project

Last Saturday we were honored to have Senator Mark Huizenga and his wife Kris work with us at the Breakfast Cafe. The Senator's servant leadership included staying to help us clean every last table and chair. The bonus was that he indicated he would provide letters of support for us as we went to community foundations and that he has our project on his list to recommend for funding. This, of course, is not a guarantee as things may change as the State budget is finalized in June. It is, however, very encouraging and gives us the energy and courage to continue our work.

As we finish our pre-campaign work, we will have met with most of our local State Representatives and those from across the State who sit on Appropriations Committees. We have also been asked to submit grant applications to both Congresswomen Hillary Scholten and Debbie Stabenow, and we are working with several large state wide foundations. In June we will begin our Capital Campaign after we have laid a successful foundation for a successful campaign.

Event Invitation

The Dismantling Racism Ministry invites you to join Jim Wallis, Michigan native, theologian, writer, teacher, political activist, founder and former editor of Sojourners magazine as he leads a discussion of his new book The False White Gospel: Rejecting Christian Nationalism, Reclaiming True Faith, and Refounding Democracy. This event will be on April 7, 7 pm at Sherman Street Christian Reformed Church, 1000 Sherman St SE, Grand Rapids. You may remember that St. Mark's did a book study on one of Jim’s books ‘America’s Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege and the Bridge to a New America.

The DRM has discussed Christian Nationalism as a hidden threat to our country and political system in this election year and we are considering exploring this with our programming. The book discussion and Q&A session will provide a good background to this topic. Also participating will be Rev. Joe Jones, former head of the Grand Rapids Urban League and Dr. Kirstin Du Men, author of 'Jesus and John Wayne'. Please join members of DRM at this book discussion.

~ Karen Hunter on Behalf of the St. Mark’s Dismantling Racism Ministry

You Can Save a Life! (Last Week to Click!)



Learn CPR in 15 Minutes

Learn how to use our AEDs (AEDs talk you through CPR!)

25 more people at St. Mark's are ready to save a life! Staff, clergy, ushers, Breakfast Cafe volunteers and others dedicated a recent Saturday to learn CPR, AED and some basic first aid. The American Heart Association training team was impressed. You can get the basics in 15 minutes with the videos above. ~ Safety and Security Ministry

2024 Camp and Retreat Offerings

Ask any questions to McKenzie Knill, Director of Children, Youth, and Young Adult Formation and the Executive Director of Camp Chickagami for the diocese.

Calling all Episcopalians and beyond! The Episcopal Dioceses of Eastern and Western Michigan have a wealth of formation experiences for children and youth, families, and adults, open to all people regardless of location, diocese, or church affiliation.

Click here for more information on these great offerings: Eastern Michigan’s Camp Chickagami in Presque Isle and on the road, Western Michigan’s Episcopal Youth Camp taking place at Stony Lake Camp in New Era, and Plainsong Farm and Ministry in Rockford, who will offer day camps. Transportation will be available from Lansing for overnight Camp Chickagami sessions.

All staff, Vestry and volunteers in contact with vulnerable youth or adults must re-certify with Safe Church every 3 years. For the online, self-directed platform, reach out to Kate or Jeff for instructions.

Zoom opportunities for this training are forthcoming from the diocese.

St. Mark's partners with Westminster's Downtown Food Pantry. Items needed for April: pork and beans, ravioli, chili.

St. Mark's Volunteers:

St. Mark’s relies upon a significant volunteer effort to fulfill its mission – within the congregation and in the community. There is an online form to see volunteer opportunities you can fill out to alert staff and ministry leads. If you prefer a more personal option, do not hesitate to reach out to Mike or Kate, 616-456-1684. Thanks to all our ongoing volunteers!

Getting to St. Mark's and Parking

Pearl Street is still the best route. See map below.



From the N or E, you may also take Michigan Street to Bostwick Ave to Lyon St to Division Ave.



From the SW, you can take Fulton Street to Ionia Ave to Pearl St.

From SE, take Fulton Street to Ransom Ave (just east of the Public Library) to Lyon St.

The chains will be down to allow access from the Winchester Pl 'alley.'

The usual parking places apply: see "P" on map.

Free street parking at the meters, our lot, a few spaces in the GRCC ramp adjoining us, the small Kendall lot across Division Ave, and the Ellis lot at 210 Ionia Ave (exit passes available from the ushers or Resource Table).

Sunday Services at 8:00 a.m. and at 10:30 a.m. (recorded live)

Healing Prayer during Holy Communion, near the piano in the South Transept

Mid-week Eucharist at noon on Wednesdays from September-May

St. Mark's Episcopal Church is a growing, welcoming, and affirming community of faith in a vibrant urban community. In our worship and in our service to the community, we proclaim that all people are worthy of God's love. We celebrate and uphold the dignity of all people whose ethnicity, cultural heritage, and denominational traditions are examples and celebrations of God's love. We welcome visitors and parishioners from all social, political, and educational backgrounds, and all abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We affirm all people and celebrate diversity, as we work to fulfill God's love for all people as a community of faith.  

Parking and Restrooms on Sundays

Please, respect the handicap parking spaces at St. Mark’s, especially on Sundays. These are needed by many parishioners.

Consider the free metered parking on Pearl, Ionia, Lyon, Fountain and other streets near the church. The small Kendall College lot across Division from the church is available when the gate is open. Paid options include 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 Sundays only, white validation tickets for the Ellis lot can be found from an usher or greeter.

Main floor restrooms are limited. The second floor has additional restrooms.

Sunday Children's Opportunities

During the 10:30 Service, in the Lower Level. 



For more info and to volunteer, contact the church office.

Grand Rapids Episcopal Youth

For info on virtual and in-person youth group meetings as well as events and activities, contact Jeff Brown, Director of Youth Ministries at jeffatgrey@gmail.com

St. Mark's Episcopal Church

134 N. Division Avenue

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

616-456-1684

https://www.stmarksgr.org

https://www.facebook.com/stmarksgr/

officeadmin@stmarksgr.org