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GOOD NEWS |
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GOOD NEWS |
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LIFE TOGETHER As we move forward in our life together at St. Mark’s it is important to keep in mind that we are members one of another and heirs of God’s kingdom of justice, peace and love for all people. We are living through a time of transition and it is vital to the health and well-being of our community that we keep our focus on our Parish mission: "to be a welcoming community that gathers for worship; nurtures, loves, and supports our families; and reaches out to the needs of the surrounding community." Stewardship Sunday, our Annual Pledge Drive, is November 18th. In the First Letter of Peter, it says, "Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received" (1Pet. 4:10). All of us have received tremendous gifts in our lifetimes. We are blessed with many good gifts of family and friends, education, comfortable shelter, ample food, and all the resources for living healthy and abundant lives. These gifts are from God and his bountiful grace bestowed upon us. Good stewardship is about living thankfully and responsibly with all the gifts we have received. One of the things we need is the service of a full-time rector. The Diocese says that with a budget the size of St. Mark’s we should be able to do this. I know that it costs a lot to heat this building and to keep it in good shape. It also costs money to hire a full-time priest. However, I know that there is a lot of work needed to keep the ministry and mission of St. Mark’s vibrant and exciting in meeting the pastoral needs of everyone, and in reaching out to the surrounding communities. So, we are challenged to be generous and to pledge enough to assure this ministry. Will you respond to the challenge? |
To express our appreciation for what we have been given is to share our gifts of God’s manifold grace with others. "Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God" (Hebrews 13:15,16). Sharing with others leads to a fulfilled life. Whenever we give our time, skills, and money, or as some have said, wealth, work, and wisdom, we are moving in the direction of a life filled with satisfaction and grace. St. Mark’s is here to serve God and our neighbors. We cannot, we dare not, take this place for granted. In order for us to accomplish all we are called to do, we need adequate financial resources to support our annual budget. The ministry and mission we provide costs money. It takes money to keep our magnificent building open every day. It takes money to hire the staff to accomplish the administrative, liturgical, pastoral, programmatic, cleaning and maintenance work that goes on in our parish. We have a spacious physical plant and an accomplished and professional part-time staff. Each one of us needs to be a cheerful giver, rejoicing in the gifts we have received by offering to God our gifts of thanksgiving. On Pledge Sunday, November 18th, I ask you to consider what your annual pledge is to be for the year 2008. Actively participate in our life together by giving to the financial needs of our operating budget as well as to the time and skills necessary for outreach in service to others. To paraphrase the words of an anthem, "All things come from God, and to God’s own are we to give." The Rev. David A. Ames |
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FROM THE
SENIOR WARDEN Following an extensive process by our Strategic Planning Committee (Planning document) it is evident we will not be entering into a formal merger with St. Mary's and/or St. Matthew's - which could have allowed us to pool resources and redefine our ministry in the East Bay. The other two parishes, for a variety of reasons, do not want to give up their own identities at this point and are not yet at the economic brink of having to do so. That leaves us to determine what direction St. Mark's will go in the coming weeks and months. This much is clear: Father Ames will be leaving sometime next spring and we need to go out and search for a new rector. The diocese believes we are a large enough parish with a big enough budget to require a full-time rector. No argument there. But the economic reality is, given what it takes to pay a priest under the diocesan guidelines for salary and benefits, we can only afford a part-time priest, given our pledging base (and even then with a healthy supplement from our savings). The days of throwing a dollar or two - or even five - in the plate every week are over. If St. Mark's is going to survive we will need a significant increase in pledging this year and the coming years. I can't really sugarcoat it. And I don't mean to preach, because what you give is, and should be, between you and God. But this year, more than ever, we need everyone in the parish to evaluate his/her financial commitment and decide whether they can be part of an effort to raise enough money for full-time clergy. We will always need your time and talent, but in 2008, more than ever, we need your treasure Because St. Mark's truly is....at a crossroads. Jim Hummel |
STEWARDSHIP SUNDAY -- NOVEMBER 18th 1) Reflect and pray about your spiritual life and our ministries together at St. Mark's. 2) Listen to the witness of your fellow parishioners about their journey in faith. 3) Develop a sense of being a thankful recipient of God's blessings in your life. 4) Respond in thanksgiving with a generous financial pledge for the support of God's work of redemption and reconciliation through the ministries of pastoral care and outreach at St. Mark's Church. We need your help as we move forward in our life together. The coming year is a crucial time in the life of our parish community. We thank you for your support and participation in all that we do in service to God and those in need. 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. Wednesday, November 28th at Chelo’s in East Providence, 6:30 PM. Steve Adamek CHOIR Adult Choir meets on Wednesday nights at 7:00 PM in the Choir room downstairs. Come and lend your voice. Adam - Organist & Music Director |
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ECW MEETING Our meetings are from 7pm to 9pm and all women of the church are members so won’t you come and enjoy the fellowship of other women of St. Mark’s! Put December 4th down on your calendar for our Christmas Pot-Luck Dinner and cookie swap.
CW’S Bazaar is on Saturday, November 17th 9:00 to 2:00 PM. Arts & Crafts, Baked Goods & Homemade Candy, Jellies, Knitted Items, Treasure Room, and Toys & Books will be available. Breakfast items available at 9:00 AM and lunch will be served at 11:00 AM. On Thursday night November 15th all able men of the parish are asked to come help set up table for the Bazaar. We are in need of baked goodies to sell that day.
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 4th. |
EPISCOPAL
CHURCH WOMEN ANNUAL MEETING Provincial representative to ECW National Board. A catered lunch will follow $10.00 per person. All reservations needed by November 1st. Make checks to ECW, Diocese of Rhode Island. Mail checks to Priscilla McFarland, 15 McCann Street, N. Smithfield, RI 02896. Any questions call all her at 766-3115 ADVENT TO
EPIPHANY READ TO FEED
PROGRAM Any questions contact Ms. Mary Kolakowski at 274-4500 ext. 247 or maryann@espiscopalri.org On Saturday, January 19, 2008 from noon to 2:00 PM, participants are invited to celebrate together and help to choose the animal(s) we will send from the Diocese as a gift. Place to be announced. HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO : Nancy Adams, Daniel Bell, Nathan Hurd, Muriel Kirkey, Mary Kratzert, Duncan MacDonald, Billy Martin, Gladys McCulloch, Ruth Pace, Bob Tuthill, Stanley UlbrychNOVEMBER OUTREACH Debi Cook |
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WHAT'S COMING UP AT ST. MARK'S CHURCH
Vestry Meeting: Second Tuesday of the month, November 13th at 7:00 PM. ECW Bazaar: Saturday, November 17th 9:00 to 2:00 PM. Commitment Sunday: Sunday, November 18th at 8:00 & 10:00 AM. Theology on Tap: Wednesday night November 28th at 6:30 PM. CHRISTIAN
FORMATION AND ADULT EDUCATION
AMONG THE OFFERINGS ARE: FOR YOUR CALENDAR 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. Praying the Advent Collects: A Prayer & Discussion Group for Advent
3. Family Movie Nights - Old Movies! We provide popcorn and soda! Nov. 9th Treasure
Island These movies are designed for school age children. |
LOOKING AHEAD African Team Ministries after 8 & 10 AM Tuesday, December 4th Wednesday – Friday, December
12th – 14th Saturday, December 15th
Sunday, December 16th Saturday, December 22nd Sunday, December 23rd Monday, December 24th Sunday, January 6th Sunday, January 27th MEMORIAL
PLAQUE The seven year old had been staring at the plaque for some time, so the pastor walked up, stood beside the little boy, and said quietly, "Good morning Alex." "Good morning Pastor, what is this?" he asked the pastor. The pastor said, "Well, son, It’s a memorial plaque to all the young men and women who died in the Service." Soberly, they just stood together, staring at the large plaque. Finally, little Alex’s voice, barely audible and trembling with fear, asked, "Which service, the 8:00 AM or the 10:00 AM? |
