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S T M A R K S E P I S C O P A L C H U R C H
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The CallMay the words of our mouths and the mediations of our hearts be acceptable in thy sight oh Lord our
strength and our redeemer. A Monthly Newsletter Issue - September 2015
FormationCF ScheduleChildren’s ProgramYouth Page
Page 5-7
OutreachLa Escuelita Food BackpacksSchool Supply DriveHarvest for HospitalityKairosLoaves and Fishes
Pages 8-12 & 16
StewardshipCelebration SundayB&G workday
Pages 2-3 & 10
ParishSt. Marks ShirtsTransitionsWINE Muses Book ClubGolf OutingParish Life MeetingDeacon’s ThanksPages 13-15
Celebrating New Vision, Timeless Mission
Welcome to the September issue of St. Mark’s newsle9er. In its pages you will discover much news of our upcoming parish plans and events. You will find news of worship space rejuvenaBon, ChrisBan FormaBon classes organized for the enBre academic year, outreach iniBaBves with a defined focus, and fellowship opportuniBes aligned with our parish mission. There is a palpable spirit and energy moving in our midst and the leadership of St. Mark’s wants you to be both informed and included in the good news happening on our campus and the good news we are carrying beyond our doors. This is a parBcularly good Bme to be part of the St. Mark’s family. While we conBnue a long tradiBon of supporBng our members with prayer and care, we are growing our understanding of the true mission of the church, “to know Christ and make him known.”
This concise statement was the focus of Visioning Day held in the rector’s home on a Saturday in mid-‐August. Vestry members and Commi9ee Chairs gathered to consider how we center all parish acBvity, planning, spending, and church energy on answering these dual calls. We put before us the challenge, can we arBculate how this event, this acBon, this use of funds, Bme or space helps us know Jesus Christ be9er or helps him to be known in the world more deeply or broadly? If we can make a clear case, we go forward with the plan. If not, we either amend the idea to where the mission is realized or we put the noBon down recognizing it is not for us.
In our common life and in our various ministries, we ask that you join us in this intenBon and focus. Be observant and bold in challenging the body. At every opportunity, ask does this acBvity promote the mission of the church expressed in “to know Christ and make him known?” How might it do so be9er? The mission of the church and the crux of my bapBsmal promises are the same. How in the context of this parish event, plan, or budget can I answer my charge and saBsfy my heart’s desire for a sustaining faith?
As a way to launch this parish intenBon, the church has planned Celebration Sunday beginning at 9:30 on September 13th. The day will resemble an old fashion home coming with worship, food, music, games and fellowship on the grounds, invited guests from Carolina Grace Church who share our space, and two important messages from Stewardship and ChrisBan FormaBon. Please see inside for a detailed schedule of events. If you call St. Mark’s your spiritual home, this is a Sunday you will want to be on site.
Yes, this is a good Bme to be part of the good news expressed in and about St. Mark’s, Huntersville. We will do all we can to keep you connected to parish doings. Of course, you must do your part. Read what is sent. Come oWen. More than one saint has said, it is in giving that we receive. To derive the significant benefits of ChrisBan community, one has to show up and share one’s self. When we are present, we give the believing loving body access to us and with that access the church loves, encourages and nudges us on.
Looking forward to a new vision in a new year with the good people God has called to this spot in his vineyard.
WorshipRejuvenation
Pages 4
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Our 2015 Every Member Canvas for funding all parish ministries in 2016 kicks off on CelebraBon Sunday, September 13th. Packets for every household will be available for collecBon that day. They will include an invitaBon from our Stewardship Chair, Libby James, and a pledge card to indicate the level you intend to support the mission and acBviBes of your church as well as a detailed descripBon of how each dollar you give is used in the cause of knowing Christ and making him known. You might also find a reusable prize. If you miss CelebraBon Sunday, your packet will mailed to
your home. As an integral part of this parish family, each household is asked to Open the packets. Read the concise contents. Pray for God’s guidance in making an appropriate pledge for the growth of the St. Mark’s mission and for the
wellbeing of the community charged with the care of your spiritual life. Commit to a pledge. Return your pledge card to be at Ingathering Sunday, October 4th. All members of the vestry are available to answer quesBons regarding the mission, ministries and finances of the church. Call the church office at 704-‐399-‐5193 for their contact info. Join the CelebraBon for making good mission in 2016.
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9:30 Worship (One service in the outdoor chapel)
10:30 Stewardship Presentation & Packet Distribution(Stewardship and Christian Formation Packets Available)
10:45 Rotations through Christian Formation Spaces (Get a glimpse of the offerings for ALL ages.
You won’t want to miss the pre-k Sunday school room)
Lunch to follow: Parish life will provide hot dogs & pulled pork sandwichesWe ask that the congregation please bring a side dish according to last name:
A-H Hot SidesI-Q Desserts
R-Z Cold Salads
Come prepared for a day full of:WORSHIP, STEWARDSHIP & CHRISTIAN FORMATION KICKOFF,
GAMES, BOUNCE HOUSES, DUNK TANK ($1 per try) , FOOD, MUSIC (by the band Brain Trust featuring our own Michael Thompson)
& FUN,
CELEBRATESeptember 13th
9:30 AM
ONE WORSHIP
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The pews have leW the building. The carpet’s been pulled up. The prayer books and hymnals are stowed. The wainscoBng has been lovingly scrubbed down. The chancel is extended. Floors with boards gouged out are soon to be refinished. Our worship space is undergoing a much needed re-‐sprucing and the process necessitates disrupBon. We ask that you bear with us with grace as we conBnue to offer prayer, confession, praise and thanksgiving to our gracious forgiving God in a variety of sefngs. A schedule of disrupBon appears below. If all goes well, we will be in the rejuvenated space for Sunday services on September 27th. In the weeks leading to “the reveal,” while praying in the church in folding chairs or in Osborne Hall, or the outdoor chapel, think about what consBtutes worship. What happens when two or three are gathered in the name of Christ? What are the essenBals of worship and what are the very nice extras? What draws you deeper into the act of praise and thanksgiving and what serves as a distracBon? As you see changes week by week, please remember to give God thanks for the funds donated to give our sacred space the care it deserves and the hands that have lovingly brought new life into our aging holy structure. Please also remember to show your support by thanking the members of the RejuvenaBon Commi9ee, our consultants and our dedicated craWsmen, Mike Tinsley, Mike Ferguson, Fiona Brown, Marylou Haraburd, Ma9 Addington, Jim Wilson, Ralph Fischer, Brent Sparks, Chaytor Chandler and Evelyn Fischer for their work on our behalf.
Es3mated Timeline for Rejuvena3on Project
August 17th Remove Pews (Pew restoraBon from August 17th through September 14th) Remove Carpet from Chancel & Sacristy Repair Flooring as required (August 17th through September 3rd) Extend Chancel second Ber (August 17th through September 3rd)August 21st Refinish sacristy cabinetsAugust 22nd Full CleaningAugust 25th-‐27th Install sacristy cabinets and sinkSeptember 1st Install new AV equipment and cabinetSeptember 8-‐11 Refinish wood floorsSeptember 16th Install New Communion Rail and new pewsSeptember 21st Install new carpet, altar, ambo, new instrument, choir chairs, cabinets and stained glass protecBve covers
*Sundays with folding chairs in the Sanctuary (8/23, 8/30, 9/6) Worship: 9/13 Outdoor Chapel at 9:30 (one service-‐Celebra3on Sunday) Worship: 9/20 Founder’s Hall (8:30 and 11am-‐Sunday School Resumes at 9:30) Worship: 9/27 In the church. Work completed
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ChrisBan FormaBon Classes for all ages resume on September 20th. Classes begin at 9:30 and conclude at 10:50 every Sunday. The ChrisBan FormaBon year ends with a brunch June 19th. Classes are divided into 5 seven week units. On the 8th week, classes are suspended for a parish brunch and class review. During ChrisBan FormaBon Time, children 0-‐3 are supervised in the nursery, children 3 years through Kindergarten are in the Noah’s Ark classroom, children 1st -‐3rd grade are in the Red classroom, children in 4th and 5th grade are in the Blue classroom. All these rooms are located in the Parish House. Classes for Middle and High School youth are in the lower level of Founders Hall. Adult classes meet in Osborne Hall. Coffee, lemonade and cookies are available in the Gallery.
Children’s Sunday School 7 week rotaBons
9/20-‐11/1 11/15-‐12/27 1/3-‐2/213/6-‐4/175/1-‐6/12Youth Sunday School 7 week rotaBons
9/20-‐11/1 Faith & Science11/15-‐12/27 7 stories of the Bible1/3-‐2/21 The Dirty Dozen3/6-‐4/17 Rules of Life5/1-‐6/12 The way of the Pilgrim
Adult Sunday School 7 week rotaBons
9/20-‐11/1 7 stories of the Bible-‐what you heard as a child, what you hear now11/15-‐12/27 Who do you say that I am? MeeBng Jesus again for the first Bme1/3-‐2/21 Animate Series-‐ChrisBan PracBce EdiBon, dvds, journal discussion3/6-‐4/17 Disciple as Advocate, finding our voice to stand with others5/1-‐6/12 Growing Spiritual PracBces that fed our faith
Detailed ChrisBan FormaBon Class descripBons, tours and expectaBons, will be available for each household CelebraBon Sunday. Copies will be mailed out on September 14th.
Lessons each week will follow the LecBonary. There will be a Communion 101 rotaBon (session tbd)A Lenten discipline will be the rotaBon’s focus during Lent
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Children and Youth have a special place in our church community. We strive to have programs and opportunities to help our children learn and grow. The programs we offer are noted below along with age guidelines for each ministry. We invite all of our children to be
engaged in their age appropriate program or ministry
Nursery: Provided from birth to age 4. The nursery is located in the downstairs of the Parish House. Nursery is available from 8:15 until after the 11am service. We have three new nursery attendants who are very loving and capable. Heather Lauro, Elizabeth Pagan and Madeleine Smith.
Children’s Sunday School: Offered for ages 3 through 5th grade. Sunday School takes place from 9:30 to 10:50. Classrooms are located upstairs in the Parish House.
Youth Sunday School: Offered for grades 6 through 12. Sunday School takes place downstairs in Founders Hall from 9:30 to 10:50.
Children’s Chapel: Children Ages 4 through 3rd grade are invited to Children’s Chapel. Children gather with the Children’s Chaplain in the courtyard before the 11am service. They process through the church over to the Children’s Chapel in the Parish House and return to the church to be with their parents at the Offertory. This is a wonderful opportunity for kids to experience worship with instruction that is child friendly.
*Children in 4th and 5th grade are invited to serve as Jr. Acolytes for the children’s chapel on a weekly rotation. Please see Sarah Milholland if you are interested in this ministry. [email protected]
*Youth 12 and up are invited to serve as acolytes during regular worship services. Please contact Jim Wilson for additional information regarding this ministry. [email protected]
*Children and Youth in 4th grade and up should attend worship services with their parents.
Your Christian Formation Team
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Formation Information
Visioning Lock-In/Lake Party Sept. 4th & 5th! All Parents & Youth Should be there.
7pm-7am Starting at the Fahey’s Lake House! Please RSVP on the Evite!
As the new school year begins, a new season of life starts. Sleeping in is replaced by early morning alarms. Days at the pool are replaced by days in classes learning about economics, math, and biology. New schools and new friends replace new summer vacation spots and new experiences are sure to be had.
This new season is also marked by the start of Christian Formation at St. Mark’s. Celebration Sunday (September 13th) marks the start of this new season. The first day of S u n d a y S c h o o l f o r everyone will b e o n S e p t e m b e r 20th. Our y o u t h w i l l e n j o y t h e same Faith in Science class o u r a d u l t s enjoyed. Our children will enjoy 3 age d e fi n e d l e c t i o n a r y based, hands o n , c r a f t o r i e n t e d classes where students will learn about the readings adults hear on S u n d a y mornings. By t h e e n d o f each Sunday h e r e a t S t . Mark’s, our y o u t h a n d children will leave our hill ready and primed for deep family conversation around what they learned that morning.
Won’t you join us each Sunday morning at 9:30 for a time of fun, growth and the possibility to change the world? Our classes and materials rival any other out there, and because its coming from St. Mark’s you can rest assured that it will has been together with much thought, care, purpose.
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LA ESCUELITA SAN MARCOS
ANNUAL FUNDRAISER
DONATIONS NEEDED
HELP NEEDED
DINNER & SILENT AUCTION
Last year’s dinner and silent aucBon was a huge success. Please consider helping with this great event.
GARAGE SALE
We hope to have a garage sale in the February/March Bme frame and need someone who likes to organize those type of events.
OTHER IDEAS
We are also looking for another Spring Bme fundraiser so ideas and volunteers are welcome.
Planning for the Dinner and Silent auc5on is star5ng now. Mee5ngs are Tuesdays star5ng Aug. 4th, 7 PM at St, Mark’s unless otherwise published.
Needs:DonaBons of artwork, craWs, etc. for the silent aucBon.
Volunteers to solicit local business’ for donaBons for the silent aucBon.People to solicit business’ to sponsor tables at the dinner.
People to co-‐ordinate the sale of Bckets, distribuBon of invitaBons, etc.People to help plan the dinner and aucBon.
For more informa3on contact:Lacy Hamilton 980-‐722-‐6203
OPEN HOUSESeptember 3rd
10-12amHopewell Presbyterian
First Day of SchoolSeptember 4th
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WEEKEND FOOD BACKPACKS
Outreach has transitioned from supporting Loaves and Fishes to providing weekend backpacks filled with food for some of our Ranson Scholars who face homelessness and hunger. During the school days scholars at Ranson are provided
breakfast and lunch; however, the weekend leaves many of these kids in a situation where food is scarce.
Our hope is to fill 15 backpacks with food and send them home each week with designated Ranson Scholars who will be indentified by Jon Rochester, the social worker at Ranson Middle School.
The items we are currently low on are: individual cereal boxes, peanut butter or cheese crackers, individual cookie packages, juice boxes, lunch items (such as ready to eat soups, ready to eat tuna packets, etc) and toiletries (tooth brushes, tooth paste, bar soap and shampoo).
We will need on a weekly basis:
45 dinners (can pasta meals)30 lunch items30 fruit cups30 juice boxes15 cereal boxes30 granola bars
15 peanut butter crackers pkg.30 fruit snacks
15 individual cookie pkgs
One extra item in your grocery cart each week could make a big difference in the lives of these young people.
Donations can be placed in the bin where Loaves and Fishes was previously collected
Please contact Marsha Philips with any questions: [email protected]
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SCHOOL SUPPLY DRIVE
Many thanks to everyone who participated in the school supply drive for Ranson Middle School. We were able to provide a total of 34 backpacks filled with school supplies. The backpacks were delivered
to Ranson on Monday August 17th. Your gifts and prayers will help make a more positive school year for many of these students.
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This past Easter we were presented with a challenge to give $1.00 a day during the 50 days of Easter to the Harvest for Hospitality campaign benefiting the Episcopal Farmworkers Ministry. As a congregation we were able to raise $1,890.00 for this ministry.While we also held an educational experience and mission trip to benefit the Episcopal Farmworkers Ministry you may not be aware of some of the important programs the EFM offers to over $3,500 families in eastern North Carolina or how our donations were utilized.
EFwM provides clothing and toiletry kit items to farmworkers; pesticide education and training as well as outreach visitation to the farmworker camps. When the families of farmworkers are included they are able to reach an additional 10,000 people. Last year over 7,000 people utilized the monthly food bank and 2,000 people sought immigration assistance services. Programing is also available to assist with English as a Second Language classes, income tax preparation, transportation and translation services as well as a thriving sacramental ministry.
Thank you to all who participated in supporting this ministry. We hope to provide continued support for years to come.
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KAIROS WEEKEND
at Kershaw Correctional Institution
September 16th-20th
Richard and Mary Beth Masline have been involved in this ministry for a number of years and ask that we please consider helping them by supporting the
upcoming Kairos weekend.
The Strategy of Kairos is to establish a strong Christian community among the residents of correctional institutions. This is done by the presentation of a 3-day short course in Christianity. It is presented by an interdenominational team of about 55 persons for a group of 42 residents. The chaplain carefully selects the inmates from the prison population. The ideal recruits are those residents who are presently the leaders in the institution. There, they become Christ's agents for change in their environment that ultimately can bring about change in the attitude and quality of life for the entire institution.
1. Baking cookies and delivering them to the church by noon on Tuesday September 15th (frozen cookies are ok but let them cool completely before freezing or packing)
2. Praying: We need a community of people willing to pray for these individuals and ministry during the ! weekend. (Thursday from 4pm through Sunday at 6pm).
3. Making Placemats: Any age person can do this. We ask that no identifying information is placed on the placemats. Children can write their first names and ages; however, no other identifying information such as last name, church home, etc.
4. Making Posters that are signed by a group of people that include words or sayings of encouragement
Monetary Donations: A typical weekend costs $10,000-$15,000 to put on. The one I participate in is about 1/3 of this cost. We still need $150.00 or more for each participant (inmates). Funds are tax deductible (501-C3) so please give name and address for a receipt. Make checks to Kairos of SC.
If you have any questions or would like additional information please contact Richard Masline at 704-597-5205.
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ST MARKS T-SHIRTS & POLOSON SALE NOW!
If you missed out on a St. Marks shirt or your old one is worn out they are now available for purchase
through an online store.
Please visit www.smec.deco-apparel.com
To order yours
The online store will be open from now until Monday September 14th.Youth & Adult Sizes Available
T-shirts $13.75 (available in red or white)Polos $23.00 (available in red or white)
*If you need additional assistance with an order please see Sarah Milholland on Sunday mornings between now and 9/14.
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Birthdays Fiona Brown - 9/1 Deborah Allen - 9/2 Tammy Atwell - 9/2 Scott Brett - 9/2 Arlene Knight - 9/5 Sarah Thompson - 9/6 Jennifer Klebaur – 9/7 Mandy Self - 9/7 Lucy Young - 9/9 Shanna Brown – 9/10 Matt Haney - 9/10 Camdyn Addington - 9/11 Michael Vaughn - 9/11 Andrew Blythe - 9/12 Kevin Haas - 9/12 Mary Kendrick - 9/12 Avery Gambill - 9/14 Angela McDowell - 9/14 John Milholland - 9/15 Alexis Pearson -9/15 Stephanie Keating - 9/17 Jillian Pearson - 9/17 Donna Osborne - 9/19 Delia Roberts - 9/19 Eric Savage – 9/21 Al Faulk - 9/22 Billy Black - 9/24 Libby James - 9/24 Maggie Fahey - 9/27 Susan Neumann - 9/30
Panera Bread Pick–Up
John Lavery & Robyn Englishman - 9/4 Alan & Lesli Kathman - 9/11
Cheryl Jones - 9/18 Andrew & Libby James – 9/25
Anniversaries
Jason & Anne Barwick - 9/1 Don & Debbie Siegel - 9/1
Martin & Donna Osborne - 9/6 Brian & Megan Schmidt – 9/18
Freddy & Flo Flores – 9/27
Prayers for continued healing:
Robin Mason Judith Hundertmark Alex Mondlak Mary Beth Masline Martha Ann Springer Anna Bester James Self Pat Pagola Larry Reilly Patricia Woolley Mary Anne Milholland Bob Weeks Julia Williams Victoria Mason Anita Lewis-Pitt Madelyn Harper-Walsh Jimmy Gordon Mike Wilson Jim Eschinger Mike Jones
New Members:
Andrew Mooney & L. Marcela Dvorzsak and daughter, Korinna Mooney
Eileen Moreno
Tom & Jackie Mooney
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W.I.N.E.
Women in Need of EntertainmentWINE scheduled for
September 21st @ 6:30
at the home of
Liz Gail6817 Bickham Lane
Charlotte
Along with your wine or dish to share Please bring an item for the Ranson
Weekend Food Backpacks to help support our new endeavor
Please contact Debbie [email protected]
with any questions
The September Muses book club will meet on
Monday Sept 14 from 6-7:30pm in the Gallery.
Please note the evening time.
We hope this will accommodate people's schedules better.
We will be discussing The Memory Keeper's Daughter by Kim Edwards.
For a copy of the book or if you have questions, call Genny Hinkle (704-595-7957).
Rick Hunt & Dawn Middleton
would like to coordinate a St. Mark’s golf outing
this fall.
The outing would most likely occur in Mid-October on a Saturday.
Please email [email protected] or speak directly to either Rick or Dawn if you
would be interested in participating.
We need to gauge interest in order to investigate courses and rates available.
Thank you!!Rick & Dawn
PARISH LIFE MEETING
Parish life will meet on Tuesday, September 29 at 6:30 pm
in Osborne Hall
We welcome all interested persons to join us at the meeting to learn what we are all about. We
see ourselves as the "Arms of Welcome"toour congregation, our visitors, and the outside
community. As the "hands and feet of Christ"'we will create opportunities for others to
know Christian love in fellowship, hospitality, and special events. Come and share your ideas.
Questions contact
Jan at [email protected] or Debbie at [email protected]
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St. Mark’s Episcopal Church8600 Mt. Holly-Huntersville, Rd.Huntersville, NC 28078www.stmarksnc.com704-399-5193
2015 Results to Date
**918 lbs**Total for July 2015 is 141 pounds for Loaves & Fishes.
This will be our last collection for a while as we transition our efforts to weekend food backpacks for Ranson Students (please see article on following page)
Although we will be switching our food collecBon focus to weekend backpacks for Ranson Middle School Students we plan to resume collecBons for Loaves and Fishes during the Summer months. Thank you for your con3nued generosity!
