LIFE TOGETHER

Dr. Stanley Aronson, retired Dean of Medicine at Brown, published an article a few years ago in the Providence Journal titled, Death be not the enemy.    He said, Issues concerning the end of life, sooner or later, involve all of us.  We readily acknowledge the universality of death, and there is no paucity of books on the subject.  Yet, despite this we don't have authoritative voices to instruct us on the subjective intricacies of dying.  None of us has passed through the terminal months of a wasting disease and can then reflect back upon the experience saying, yes, we were there and can now clarify its nature for the rest of us still in the midst of life.

I write this as a follow-up to our recent discussion of End-of-Life Issues.  How can we best address our concerns about end-stage diseases and the death of someone important to us?   Here are a few things I believe are helpful to keep in mind:

a)      Keep as informed as possible and share what you know with others.  Communication with family, friends, and relatives, and with doctors, nurses and the clergy is helpful.

 b)      Take all the time you need to process what is happening and what you are experiencing.  Issues of significant loss, and grieving the death of another take time and effort. Experiences are individual, and moving through stages of grief may not be predictable.

 c)  Keep in mind the importance of ritual.  Doing something in an active way that honors the life of the person or people who have died helps in bringing closure to a significant relationship.  The Prayer Book service for the Burial of the Dead helps us not only to remember the person who has died but enables us to commend that person to God and commit the body to its resting place.

      d)     Know that there is a difference between grief and mourning.  Grief is a fear, a dread an apprehension that the structure of values that sustain a person’s life will be destroyed.   Generally, we work through a process of grieving: we go through stages of emotional release, depression or isolation; we may have physical symptoms of distress like aches and pains, experience a sense of panic, guilt, hostility, anger or resentment, even find ourselves unable to return to usual activities.  Gradually, however, we move toward a renewed sense of hope and a reaffirmation of reality. 

 e)      Mourning differs from grief in that it will be with us for the rest of our lives. The relationship we had with the person who died is part of who we are.  It remains with us as part of our identity and history.  Mourning is about celebrating the importance of our relationships, filled with memories of shared times, including occasions of sorrow and pain, but also times and events filled with joy and laughter.

 Perhaps what matters most is that we take the time for reflection and for being in touch with our feelings.  Time alone in quiet reflection and contemplation as well as time spent with trusted friends and family members can help us face that wonderful mystery of living and dying well. 

David A. Ames 

BACK TO SCHOOL

Can you spare a couple of hours a week to help a child get good grades in school?

We are in need of tutors to help with our Tutoring Program.

This has been a great ministry, but without tutors we can’t continue to help the children of our community. It is held on Tuesdays 2:30 to 4:00 PM during the school year.

Please call the office at 433 – 0211 if you can help.

EPISCOPAL
 CHURCH WOMEN

(Note) Click on the
 photo for a larger view)

A reminder to all women at St. Mark’s: You are a member of the Episcopal Church Women and we invite you to our next meeting on Tuesday, October 2^nd at 7:00 PM.

 We will meet in the church  for a Communion Service with the Rev. David Ames and a short business meeting to follow. Our program will be a trip through South west Ireland with pictures presented by Lauren Oberg. Lauren is a member of the Barrington High School band and traveled with them for a week and will narrate the trip.

 Refreshments will be served after the program.A listing of our programs, for the year can be found in the Narthex. Please take one

THEME  BASKETS

If you were not able to attend the September ECW meeting for a demonstration on the work involved in preparing a Theme Basket, we invite you to come to the Craft Ladies any Wednesday from 10 to 12 noon when we will be preparing the baskets for shrink wrapping.

 We ask that anyone who is making a basket to please bring them to the Craft Ladies or you can bring them to the church office any Tuesday thru Friday.

Have all baskets in by Sunday, November 4^th. 

Suggestions for Theme Baskets may be found HERE

On Sunday, September 30^th after the 10:00 AM service Adam Schneider our Choir Director is inviting any child grades 2 to 6 who would like to join a children’s choir please meet in the Choir Room downstairs.

Rehearsals will be held on Sundays after church

CHRISTIAN FORMATION
AND ADULT EDUCATION   

Several adult education opportunities are on the horizon for the Fall. Some of these will be here at St. Mark’s, and some at St. Matthew’s, West Barrington. Watch for more information in the September newsletter.

 Among the offerings are:

    1. Poetry
    2. Advent Collects
    3. Bible Study
    4. Family Movie Nights

For your calendar:
      October 28^th       Parish Meeting
      November 18^th     Tokens of Trust   What makes for a well functioning Christian Community   

1. Bible Study – on Wednesday, from 6-7 PM.
    For the fall, we will be comparing the film Jesus of Nazareth to the Gospel accounts.

    2. My Heart Lifts Up –“ A four part look at religious poetry.

            A. Oct. 1^st  – Geoorge Herbert
      B. Oct. 10^th G. M. Hopkins
      C. Oct. 23^rd – Assortment – 20^th century
 Copies of poems will be provided. 7-8:15 PM

 3. Praying the Advent Collects: A Prayer & Discussion Group for Advent
      A. Nov. 27^th – 1^st Advent
      B. Dec. 4^th – 2^nd Advent
      C. Dec. 11^th – 3^rd Advent
      D. Dec. 18^th – 4^tth Advent

 4. Family Movie Nights - Old Movies! We provide popcorn and soda!
      Oct. 19^th National Velvet
      Nov. 9^th Treasure Island
      Dec. 7^th Robin Hood
   These movies are designed for school age children.

LOOKING AHEAD

Friday, November 2^nd
    All Soul’s Service at 7:00 PM

 Saturday, November 17^th
   Annual Bazaar 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM

 Sunday, December 16^th
    Lesson & Carols Service at 4:00 PM

 Saturday, December 22^nd
    Christmas Pageant Rehearsal at 11:00 AM

 Sunday, December 23^rd
    Decorate the church after 10:00 service

 Monday, December 24^th
    Christmas Pageant & Holy Eucharist 5:00 PM
    Festival Christmas Eve Service 10:00 PM

^{JOIN THE CHOIR}

Our wonderful choir needs new members. Singing is an offering of praise to God. Please join us.   

DIRECTIONS TO OUR FATHER’S HOUSE

Make a right onto Believeth Blvd. Keep straight and go through the Green light, which is Jesus Christ. There, you must turn onto the Bridge of Faith, which is over troubled water.

When you get off the bridge, make a Right turn and Keep Straight. You are on the King’s Highway – Heaven bound. Keep going for three miles: One for the Father, One for the Son, and One for the Holy Ghost. Then exit off onto Grace Blvd. From there, make a Right turn on Gospel Lane.

Keep Straight and then make another Right on Prayer Road. As you go on your way, Yield Not to the traffic on Temptation Ave. Also, avoid Sin Street because it is a Dead End. Pass up Envy Drive, and Hate Ave.

Also, pass Hypocrisy Street, Gossiping Lane, and Backbiting Blvd. However, you have to go down Long-suffering Lane. Persecution Blvd. and Trials and Tribulations Ave. But that’s all right, because Victory Street is straight ahead!

 Send these directions to your friends and family so they will not get lost.

Submitted by a parishioner

STRATEGIC PLANNING COMMITTEE

The Strategic Planning Committee has now completed its work and will be presenting a Draft Planning Document to the Vestries of the three parishes on Sunday, October 21st.

Then, on Sunday, October 28th, following the 10:00 service we shall have a parish meeting to discuss the Planning Document and set in motion our own plans for the future.

This will be an important meeting, and we hope that everyone will be able to attend.  

Youth Group

This summer the Youth Group had a chance to go to New Hampshire to Camp Berea for a weekend youth retreat. Here are a couple of reflections from the trip:

On the weekend of August 24-26 the Saint Mark's Youth Group went to Camp Berea in New Hampshire. I thought it was great. The person that really inspired me the most Reid Saunders who talked to people about Jesus, for 30 minutes. He is from Oregon and travels around the world to talk about Jesus. He inspired me because he comes from Oregon to talk and inspire other people about Jesus. I hope he could come to the church and talk to the congregation. That is what I liked about the trip. ~Steven Atkinson

 The weekend at Camp Berea meant a lot to me. It was a lot of fun but more importantly it's inspired me to try to become closer to God, When I got back I had gotten my monthly Brio magazine and instead of just putting it in the pile with the other magazines, I read it cover to cover and I'm glad I did. I've also been encouraged to tell my friends about Jesus and how much he loves them. I really hope that we can go on this trip again!  ~ Judith Hoskin

 Camp Berea was the best! I especially loved the blob. I would really like to go back there again!                                      ~ Jessica Cook

We would like to take this time to thank the parishioners of St. Mark’s Church for all their support and financial help. Without it trips like this would not be been possible. Thank you!  
Sue Rossi  Youth Group Leader    

EDUCATION COMMISSION 

Anyone who is interested in Confirmation classes or Bible Study should contact me at home any evening at 383-4556.

I am looking to start an Adult Forum called "Theology On Tap". It will be an informal group discussing various topics related to the pressures of being a responsible adult.

Starting Wednesday, October 4^th & 24^th at Chelo’s in East Providence, 6:30 PM. Further down the pike, I am starting to plan an "October Fest" & I am looking for possible adults interested in participating. Please, don't hesitate to contact me or Joyce Reid.

Steve Adamek

WHAT’S COMING UP AT ST. MARK’S CHURCH

 Episcopal Church Women: Tuesday, October 2^nd at 7:00 PM.  Next ECW bake sale will be Sunday, October 7^th after both services.

 Theology on Tap: A men’s discussion group on Wednesday October 3^rd at Chelo’s in East Providence at 6:30 PM. Any questions please contact Steve Adamek 383-4556.

 Bishop’s Visit: Sunday, October 7^th The Rt. Rev. Geralyn Wolf will be with us for the 10:00 AM service. Join us for a special coffee hour with the Bishop.

 Vestry Meeting: Second Tuesday of the month, October 9^th at 7:00 PM.

 Deanery Meeting:  Wednesday, October 10^th Church of The Epiphany at 7:00 PM.

 ECW Retreat: At ECC in Pascoag on October 11^th -13^th. Led by The Rev. Dr. J. Gregory Prior, rector of St. Andrew’s –by-the-sea in Little Compton.

 Blessing of the Animals: On Sunday, October 14^th at the 10:00 AM service, Rev. Ames will bless all animals brought to church.

 Crop Walk:  Sunday, October 14^th at 2:00 PM. All ages are welcome to join in the fun. We leave from St. Mark’s and walk the bike path.

Talent Show & Pot-Luck Supper: Saturday, October 20^th at 6:00 PM. For young and old, we all have talent show us what God gave you! A sign-up sheet can be found on the bookcase outside the office for the supper and if you will be participating in the talent show.

 Parish Meeting: Sunday, October 28^th after the 10:00 AM service.

 Docesan Convention: Friday, October 26^th 5:30 PM & Saturday, October 27^th 7:00 AM at the Biltmore Hotel in Providence.

OCTOBER OUTREACH

We are collecting food for the Thanksgiving Baskets that Self-help will distribute. Stuffing mix, canned vegetables, cranberry sauce and gravy, everything but the turkey is needed.

                                                        Debi Cook 

DRIED FRUIT & NUTS

Forms will be available soon for ordering your holiday dry fruits & nuts. Delivery will be on Sunday, November 4, 2007.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO:

A NIGHT TIME PRAYER

Lord, it is night.
The night is for stillness.
     Let us be still in the presence of God.

 It is night after a long day.
     What has been done has been done;
     what has not been done has not been  done; let it be.

 The night is dark.
     Let our fears of the darkness of the world
     and of our own lives rest in you. 

The night is quiet.
     Let the quietness of your peace enfold us,
     all dear to us,
     and all who have no peace.

 The night heralds the dawn.
     Let us look expectantly to a new day,
     new joys, new possibilities.

 n your name we pray.  Amen.
                   from: A New Zealand Prayer Book 

^{LARGE PRINT PRAYER BOOKS}

 Are you having trouble seeing the prayer book or the lessons on the insert? Larger print prayer books and the insert with larger print are located on the shelf in the Narthex.