Weekday Offerings & Special Events
Please check with the Church office, 388-2681, for additional details on any event.Mondays
(Preschool Nursery provided from 9:00 a.m. – noon)
Mothers of Preschoolers
Second and fourth Mondays 9:30 -11:30 a.m. Youth Center
The purpose of MOPS International is “to nurture every mother of preschoolers by meeting her distinct needs to the glory of Jesus Christ.” Meetings include fellowship, programs, arts and crafts, and outreach programs. Loving volunteers provide childcare.
Listening for God Book Club
Second Mondays, 6:30 p.m., Bookstore
The St. Mark's Book Club provides an opportunity to join others in discussing contemporary literature and exploring the issues of discipleship and theology raised by books which may or may not be explicitly religious. Join Rev. Sandra Moyle and Laura Magevney in the Bookstore for discussion, fellowship and light refreshments. Book selection will be posted in and may be ordered from the St. Mark's Bookstore.
*While having read the book is decidedly preferred, it is not required in order to attend. This is an informal gathering, friendly and open to all types of readers.
Wednesdays
(Preschool Nursery provided from 9:45-11:45 a.m.)
EFM (Education for Ministry)
8:30-11:30 a.m. September 3rd through May 6th, Grace House
Every baptized person is called to ministry. Education for Ministry is a unique weekly program of theological study and spiritual reflection that provides people from all walks of life the education "to be" Christians and to carry out their ministry. In a small group setting, participants read Scripture, learn about church history, study theology and practice integrating faith and daily life through guided theological reflection under a trained mentor.
The cost per year for the 4-year program is $350. Scholarships are available. This class is currently full, however if interest warrants, a second class will be scheduled. Please contact Amy Slater or Laura Magevney, 388-2681.
Mothers with Young Children Bible Study
Every Wednesday, 10:00 to 11:30 a.m. Grace House
This class is designed for St. Mark’s moms who are expecting or have children age three years or younger. Besides having fun and fellowship, will read and discuss various books that apply to our stage in life. This year we will continue reading The Power of a Positive Mom, available in the St. Mark’s Bookstore. Anne Beard, 384-5382 or Norma Basford 388-3932.
Wednesday Morning Bible Study
Every Wednesday, 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Library, begins September 10
Take a mid-week, mid-day break and attend the Wednesday Morning Bible Study followed by Eucharist in the Chapel. Everyone is welcome at the informed but informal study of scripture, facilitated by Rev. Sandra Moyle. This spring we are studying Revelation. Many people who come to the Bible Study also like to attend the 11:30a.m. service of Holy Eucharist in the chapel.
Wednesday Night Live
Every Wednesday, Dinner is served at 6 p.m., Leatherbury Hall, begins September 10
Kids' Night In
Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m.
Hope House
Exciting programming for kids age 4 and up. Homework room provided for kids needing study time. Nursery for infants through age 3.
Adult Bible Study--Kerygma
Wednesdays, 6:30-8 p.m.
Leatherbury Hall
This Bible study is for all adults and provides a time to learn the basics and complexities of the Bible, develop skills for interpreting Scripture and applies Bible teachings to personal and corporate life in today's world.
The Marriage Course
Wednesdays, 6-8:45 p.m.
Clingman Hall
The Marriage Course, taught by the Rev. Dave and Carol Killeen, is a series of eight sessions designed to help any married couple strengthen their relationship. It's a great opportunity to sped time together as a couple looking at the important issues in your marriage. The Marriage Course is very practical and will help equip you with the tools needed to build a healthy marriage that lasts a lifetime.
Each week you are given the opportunity to enjoy a special meal together and listen to a talk. Then, there is plenty of time to discuss the topic as a couple. There is no group work involved at any stage of the course.
Childcare, children's programming and homework rooms are available. The cost is $125/couple, which covers course materials and catered dinners. Financial scholarships are available.
The class is currently full. To reserve your spot on the waiting list, please call the church office, 388-2681.
SPECIAL EVENTS HELD ANNUALLY
Please check with the church office (388-2681) for additional details on any event.
Annual Cutting of the Greens
Volunteers are needed for Annual Cutting of the Greens on Saturday, December 1st, 2007 in Leatherbury Hall. Bring a pair of gloves, strong clippers and a friend or two and we will provide the food and festive environment as we prepare the greens for the Advent Fair.
Advent Fair
Sunday, December 2, 2007 from 9:30 to 11:30 in Leatherbury Hall. Begin the blessed season of Advent by making a wreath for your home or a friend. All supplies to make an Advent wreath, as well as other crafts and activities, including painting ornaments, will be available during the Christian Formation Hour. Please call 388-2681 to reserve a place for your family. A donation of $10 per wreath is requested.
Family Caroling Night
Tuesday, December 18, 2007 from 5 - 7 p.m. Join us for hot chocolate, cookies and caroling. After meeting in Leatherbury Hall at 5 p.m. we will go caroling to various homes within the parish community. This is a wonderful service opportunity during the holidays. Help bring some cheer to members of the St. Mark’s family. All families are welcome to help make this St. Mark’s tradition a special one.
Christmas Tableau Information
On Christmas Eve the 5 p.m. service will resemble a conventional service, but with a dramatic presentation of the Christmas story by the first through sixth grade Sunday school students instead of the homily. There will be a Eucharist and the children will sing anthems. If your child would like to participate in the tableau he or she needs to attend Sunday School on a regular basis in November and December. On Sunday, December 23rd we will have a dress rehearsal where costumes will be distributed. If you would like to help with the tableau or have any questions, please contact Laura Magevney, 388-2681.
Visit from the Magi
Interested in hosting royalty this Christmas season? Sign up for a visit from one of the three kings. On Christmas Eve, at three of the services, a king from a nativity set (or crèche) will be sent home with a St. Mark's family, complete with a devotional guidebook/ scrapbook. Each evening the hosting family will have the opportunity to have a devotional time with their king and add their thoughts, memories, a drawing or photo to the scrapbook. The following day, the host family visits another parish family and passes the king and his book along to a new household. On Epiphany, January 6 all those who have hosted a king during the past two weeks are invited to join the procession at our
Epiphany celebration, complete with a child-friendly service, kings cake and the burning of the greens. If you are interested in helping with or learning more about this fun event, contact Laura Magevney, 388-2681 ext 212.
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper On Shrove Tuesday parishioners gather in Leatherbury Hall for a dinner of pancakes, sausage, bacon, with a pancake-topping station. Games and crafts are available for children of all ages. A bonfire in the courtyard will be used to burn palms for the Ash Wednesday services the next day. Bring your palms from last year’s Palm Sunday services to add to the fire. This event is sponsored by Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS).
Palm Sunday Procession
On Palm Sunday our 8:45 service begins at the youth center deck with a procession that includes a live donkey, sheep and goats. Come early and spend some time with the animals before the service begins.
Agape Feast on Maundy Thursday
In the life of the early Christian church, believers often gathered over an Agape meal, or “love feast” of bread, wine, cheese and other simple foods before worship. Here they would read the latest letters from the apostles or retell the stories of Christ’s ministry. Come to a recreation of this early Church tradition. Call the church office, 388-2681, to sign up to bring items to share with others at the Agape Feast. Even if you cannot bring something to eat, please come anyway. In God, there is abundance! Infant and toddler child care is available, and there will be craft tables in Leatherbury Hall for children age 3 and up.
Pentecost Celebration
On The Day of Pentecost St. Mark’s celebrates with birthday cake in Leatherbury hall. Since Pentecost is the time for brilliance, red in all its restraints and outbursts shows up in balloons, streamers and other decoration. Children of all ages can “catch the Holy Spirit” by making Pentecost spinners are other crafts.
Vacation Bible School
An exciting week of fun and learning for children ages three years through sixth grade. Older youth are encouraged to volunteer.
Kidz Night Out!
5:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Sometimes kids are ready to get out of the house and parents need a break! We provide childcare, dinner, movies, and games while parents get a night off! Your children may bring a friend or meet one there. Come in your pj’s or dressed ready to play. You may drop off your child at any time. $20 for the first child. $5 for any additional child. 3 months to rising 6th graders welcome. Watch for published dates as reservations are required, Laura Magevney, 388-2681.
Blessing of the Animals
Bring your pets to the front lawn of St. Mark’s to celebrate the life of St. Francis of Assisi. The clergy will offer special blessings for each pet -- furry, scaly or otherwise! Children love to see their special pets receive a blessing. Treats for animals and people will be provided.