View
219
Download
3
Category
Preview:
Citation preview
St. Mark’s RemarksSt. Mark’s RemarksSt. Mark’s RemarksSt. Mark’s Remarks
JULY/AUGUST 2016 Seek God Serve Others Transform LivesSeek God Serve Others Transform LivesSeek God Serve Others Transform LivesSeek God Serve Others Transform Lives
St. Mark’s Episcopal ChurchSt. Mark’s Episcopal ChurchSt. Mark’s Episcopal ChurchSt. Mark’s Episcopal Church
322 North Horne Street, Mesa, AZ 85203
Office Hours: Tues —Fri: 9 am-1 pm
(480) 964-5820
E-Mail: office@stmarksmesa.org
Web Site: www.stmarksmesa.org
Parish Directory
The Rev. Gerardo Brambila Vicar
The Rev. Steven Ford Assistant Priest
Chris Perry Director of Music
Gloria McManus Parish Administrator
Deb Cannon Licensed in Children’s Ministries
Donald Henney Sr. Senior Warden
Carl Burgess Junior Warden
Al Rausch Treasurer
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bishop’s Committee Members
Mayra Alvarado John Ddamba
Elizabeth Hernandez Dudley Jans
Patrick Mack Jim Poulos
Paige Stalcup
Delegates to the Annual Diocesan
Convention Mayra Alvarado Caleb Collins
Gloria McManus Jim McManus
Julia Coleman, Terry Gordon and Samuel Mungai will serve as
first, second and third alternates respectively.
Ministry Leaders
Acolytes Paige Stalcup
Altar Guild Terry Gordon
Choir and Praise Ensemble Chris Perry
Christian Formation for Youth Deb Cannon
Dianne Nunez
Communications Kathy Cheatham/
ML Burgess
Cursillo Monica Larsen
Daughters of the King Marge Fountain
ECW (Women’s Ministry) Jeanette Rogers
Food Pantry Penny Place
Greeters Judy Hossack
Hispanic Ministry Fr. Brambila
Liturgical Arrangements Viviana Brambila
Office Angels Gloria McManus
Pastoral Care Elaine Austin
PRIDE (Men’s Fellowship) Glenn Gordon
Scriptorium Deb Cannon
Sunday Lay Ministries Fr. Brambila/
Gloria McManus
Tai Chi Dee Greiner
Thrift Store Sally Worthington
Ushers Kathy Smith/
Bob Cheatham
Visit us on the Web: www.stmarksmesa.org and join us on Facebook at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church-Mesa, AZ
Join us at www.stmarksmesa.org for updates and more news!
Services: 7 am-Spanish Service . . 8:30 am-Praise Service . . 9:45 am-Children’s Chapel . . 11 am-Choral Holy Eucharist Rite II . . Wed. 10 am-Healing Service
Heavenly Father . . .
We thank you for the great resources of this nation.
They make us rich, though we often exploit them.
Forgive us.
We thank you for the men and women who have
made this country strong. They are models for us,
though we often fall short of them.
Inspire us.
We thank you for the torch of liberty which has been
lit in this land. It has drawn people from every na-
tion, though we have often hidden from its light.
Enlighten us.
We thank you for the faith we have inherited in all its
rich variety. It sustains our life, though we have been
faithless again and again.
Renew us.
Help us, O Lord, to finish the good work here begun.
Strengthen our efforts to blot out ignorance and prej-
udice, and to abolish poverty and crime. And hasten
the day when all our people, with many voices in one
united chorus, will glorify your holy Name. Amen.
(bcp)
Let Us Pray . . . Let Us Pray . . . Let Us Pray . . . Let Us Pray . . . It’s Summertime . . . It’s Summertime . . . It’s Summertime . . . It’s Summertime . . . And it is getting nice and toasty here in the
desert. For those of you who have traveled ‘up
North’ for the summer months, we miss you
and hope you are having a good summer.
Despite the ‘hot’ temperatures, St. Mark’s
continues a full schedule of services and events in order to offer
more support and access to those who remain in this heat. The
change in service time for the Spanish Service to 7:00 am on Sun-
days has been very well received and has attracted more congre-
gants. We continue to have a very good turnout of parishioners
for the 8:30 and 11:00 am services — so come and worship with
us in the cool confines of the Church and Knight Hall. Everyone
is welcome.
For those who take vacations during the summer months and
cannot be with us for a few weeks, remember that the Church
continues while you are away — so plan ahead. It is easy to for-
get your commitments when you are out there in the cool weath-
er, having fun and enjoying the freedoms of vacation.
More importantly — take care of yourselves this summer. Re-
member that our heat is a dry heat . . . similar to a convection
oven. Stay out of the heat as much as you can, drink plenty of
water, use the sunscreen and BE CAREFUL. Remember that it
is a COOL thing to keep in touch with your friends to make sure
they are safe and well. Enjoy your summer.
2
Cave Quest: Following Jesus The Light of the WorldCave Quest: Following Jesus The Light of the WorldCave Quest: Following Jesus The Light of the WorldCave Quest: Following Jesus The Light of the World
T he Parish Hall was dark — eerie really. You could hear the sounds of the
bats and varmints . . . the drip, drip of the moisture on the rocks . . . and the
stank smell of the algae. We searched and finally found our flashlight — but we
couldn’t see much . . . Still too dark and scary. Which way should we go (or should we
even go at all?) . . . Let’s use our compass . . . Sure, but we didn’t bring our compass . . . Now
what? Do you hear voices? Are those images up ahead? (We were having a very difficult time bring-
ing those images into focus) — and then before our very eyes, there stood Dianne Nunez, Kathy Smith and
Deb Cannon with warm smiles and outstretched arms welcoming us into their cave to learn about Jesus-The
Light of the World on June 20th. For five days we learned that “Jesus sheds light on how to live”, “Prophets
foretell the Light of the World”, “Jesus and Peter walk on water”, “Jesus dies and comes back to life” and
“Jesus ascends and empowers his followers”. We had an exciting and wonderful time because for each lesson
we heard Bible stories, sang songs, worked on experiments, played games and made all sorts of craft items
like bats, bugs and slimy stuff. We were even given yummy snacks that corresponded with the lesson of the
day. On the last day, a lady whose name was Mary Twentyman, entered the cave with bunches and bunch-
es of books, and she let us choose 5 books to take home. There were lotz of people helping us throughout the
week — serving as crew leaders, snack crew, craft
helpers, and there was this young, handsome teen-
age boy whose name was Michael Clark and was
“johnny on the spot” whenever asked to help. I re-
member some of the names of those who helped us
this week . . .Viviana, Penny, Barbara, Diane, Joy,
Susan, Deb’s brother, Mary Lou, and several friends
who gave of their time and talent — each one made
every day “special” for me. There were lotz of kids
who joined us — the highest number was 19 because
not everyone could come every day. There were
many new faces too — some of the kids were from
the surrounding neighborhood. Kids from the Church of Transfiguration and Resurrection were invited to
spend the week with us and Joy, one of our kitchen helpers, came from the Resurrection Church. I’ll never
forget this week at Vacation Bible School — even when I get to be 70+ years old — because I learned that Je-
sus gives us Light, Direction, Courage, Hope and Love. It’s the story that never gets old.
Although this was a special week with an unforgettable story for the youngsters, all of us at St. Mark’s recog-
nize and give heartfelt thanks to Kevin and Dianne Nunez, Russ and Kathy Smith and Rick and Deb
Cannon for all of their time, energy and creative talents in making the Vacation Bible School a memorable
and re-markable event — along with the many volunteers and donors. Be sure and check out the bulletin
board for more pictures.
Kid’s Korner . . . Kid’s Korner . . . Kid’s Korner . . . Kid’s Korner . . .
Back to School Back to School Back to School Back to School St. Mark’s Food
Pantry will be initiating its campaign for
school supplies soon — yes, its that time of
year already. Look for the donation box in
the Narthex. Supply donations and dona-
tions for supplies are always needed and
very much appreciated. See Penny Place for more infor-
mation . . . or call the office with questions.
Youth Christian Formation and Children’s Chapel
will resume in September — stay tuned.
3
Ministries . . . Ministries . . . Ministries . . . Ministries . . . ECW (Episcopal Church Women)
Jeanette Rogers, Leader
PRIDE (Men’s Ministry) Glenn Gordon, Leader
Easter Sunday Altar
Easter Sunday Easter Egg Hunt
All Episcopalian women are the ECW. The ECW comprises women of all ages, ethnic
origins and socioeconomic backgrounds in the Episcopal Church – working mothers,
homemakers, career women, ordained, lay, single, married, widowed, divorced. Episco-
pal Church Women are active in all nine provinces of the Episcopal Church in North and Central America.
All are welcome!
WHY WOMEN ONLY? An important ‘why’—women simply enjoy getting together with other women –
whether it is for fellowship, Bible study, or working on a project. Another important aspect is the oppor-
tunity for women to grow into the life of the Church through women’s ministries. Many of the women in
leadership roles in the larger body of the Church began their involvement/ministry with the Episcopal
Church Women. Episcopal Church Women groups most importantly offer an environment for spiritual
growth and opportunities for ministry. Participation in these groups also promotes an understanding of
the structure and functionality of the Church.
From our beginning as Women’s Auxiliary, and following through many changes in purpose and activities,
the Episcopal Church Women have played a significant role in the work of the Episcopal Church. Cher-
ished memories of the contributions of resources - ranging from financial to missionary to training to spir-
ituality - which women have made throughout our history, are a source of satisfaction and pride for all of
us. Our vision as Episcopal Church Women, are to be keepers and proclaimers of the Christian faith,
bearing the light and hope of Jesus Christ to all. Witnessing for Christ, worshiping together and celebrat-
ing our diversity, we build and strengthen community. We minister to become faithful stewards of God’s
creation. Our purpose: “The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) is a ministry of St. Mark’s that supports
the mission of the parish through promotion of ongoing programs focused on children and family endeavors
within the parish and its neighbors”. Our goals: Listen to the concerns of women throughout the church
in order to respond creatively to their needs; become leaders in response to our Baptismal Covenant; build
an accepting atmosphere where every woman is welcomed and valued for her individual ministry; work
toward mutual respect and equity of service throughout the church as we continue to monitor women’s full
participation in the church; develop effective communication linking parish, diocesan, provincial and na-
tional Episcopal Church Women and all women of the Anglican Communion; and join and support our sis-
ters ecumenically throughout the world.
WHY PARTICIPATE?•Spiritual growth; •Focus on mission;•Fellowship, •Education, •Leadership train-
ing, •Ecumenical environment and Social Action and advocacy.
As Episcopal Church Women, we are keepers and proclaimers of the Christian
faith, bearing the light and hope of Jesus Christ to all. Witnessing for Christ,
worshiping together and celebrating our diversity, we build and strengthen com-
munity. We minister to become faithful stewards of God’s creation. Please join
us after the 11 am service in the Conference Room on the 2nd Sunday of every
month.
St. Mark’s Men’s Ministry is stepping up its campaign to increase its membership
and is asking that all of the men join them on Wednesday, July 20th at 6:00 pm in
the Parish Hall for a re-reorganization meeting. Glenn Gordon has graciously taken
the leadership torch from Jim McManus who retired in May — leaving the Ministry with an enviable
space to re-think and re-organize its mission and schedule. Every male member at St. Mark’s — and friends of these
members — has something to contribute to this Ministry so this will be an excellent time for everyone to share their
thoughts and ideas. In the past the Ministry has met once a month in the evening for supper and fellowship. The
men have volunteered to be the “Chief” Cooks for several Church events and have hosted wonderful Mother’s Day
brunches — they have also been very supportive in helping the ECW with its events. But — unfortunately over the
months — membership in the Ministry has declined. The July 20th meeting will offer an opportunity for ALL of the
St. Mark’s men to articulate their ideas and help formulate a “purpose” statement for the Ministry; and to further
lend their voice to the type of meetings, meeting times, etc. that will foster growth in the Ministry.
Please mark this date on your calendar and plan to attend this very important meeting — bring a friend
and your thoughts. If you cannot attend, e-mail Father
Brambila at frgerardo@stmarksmesa.org with your
ideas and thoughts. For our winter parishioners who
are enjoying much cooler weather at the moment,
please share your thoughts and ideas too. Let us know
what the Men’s Ministries are doing in your “summer”
home — and when you return, we’ll see you at one of
our PRIDE meetings.
Thank you Jim McManus for your leadership the last 2
years . . . and “thank you” Gloria for all of your delicious
food — you went above and beyond. Thank you both.
St. Mark’s On the Web . . . St. Mark’s On the Web . . . St. Mark’s On the Web . . . St. Mark’s On the Web . . . Calling those with computers, tablets and smart Calling those with computers, tablets and smart Calling those with computers, tablets and smart Calling those with computers, tablets and smart phones . . . phones . . . phones . . . phones . . . Have you looked at St. Mark’s Web Site Lately? www.stmarksmesa.org — Anali Perry has
been re-designing the web site for several months and it
is AWESOME! Very user friendly and packed with loads
of information. Did you know you can find the current
prayer list, schedules, calendar of events, photos, etc. —
right at your finger tips? Try it . . . You will love it!
Thank you, Anali. Super job!
The ECW welcomes donations
to its Ministry — Memorial
donations have recently been
received in memory of Dot
Johnson and Susan Harris.
4
United Thank Offering . . .United Thank Offering . . .United Thank Offering . . .United Thank Offering . . .
Upcoming Events . . .Upcoming Events . . .Upcoming Events . . .Upcoming Events . . . July 10 — ECW Meeting — Following the 11 am service in the Conference
Room
July 13 — Daughters of the King — Conference Room 11:00 am
July 16 — Altar Guild — 10 am
July 16 — Summer Classical Music Recital — 3 pm in the Church hosted
by Jeff Norman
July 20 — PRIDE Meeting — 6:00 pm in Knight Hall
July 24 — Celebration of Fr. Knights 104th birthday — Lion’s Den
between Services
July 26 — Bishop’s Committee Meeting — 6:30 pm in Conference Room
Youth Christian Formation and Children’s Chapel will resume in
September
ECW and Bishop’s Committee will not meet in August
Bible Study and Confirmation Class — Every Wednesday in Knight Hall
following the 10 am Healing Service
Scriptorium — Every Wednesday in Knight Hall — 6 pm in Conference
Room — All are welcome
Tai Chi — Every Saturday Morning — 10 am in Knight Hall — All are
welcome
Night at the Ball Park . . . Night at the Ball Park . . . Night at the Ball Park . . . Night at the Ball Park . . . Don't forget Episcopal Night
on August 26th (Friday) at
Chase Field to see the Dia-
mondbacks! More fireworks!
Your ticket will help send
water filters to South Su-
dan. The fun starts at 6:40
in section 134 ($28) or sec-
tion 319 ($15). Pick up a
flyer in the Narthex or con-
tact the church office! Tick-
et order deadline is August
19th. Limited seating —
tickets can be ordered on
line at http://azdiocese.org/
baseball.html
Daughters of the King . . . Daughters of the King . . . Daughters of the King . . . Daughters of the King . . .
Installation of New Members . . . Shown left to right:
Teresa Gordon, Marjorie Fountain, Ministry Leader,
Karen Ddamba, Sally Worthington, The Rev. Steve
Ford, Assistant Priest, The Rev. Gerardo Brambila,
Rector, Julie Poulos, Pam Vespie, Deb Larkins, Bob-
bie Degnon
Congratulations Karen and Sally — New Members
Father’s Day . . . Father’s Day . . . Father’s Day . . . Father’s Day . . .
In November on All Saints Day, the ECW will
be distributing the all familiar UTO boxes for
parishioners to take home and fill with daily
offerings of monetary coins throughout the
Fall and Spring. On Ascension day in the
Spring, the boxes will be gathered up and the content
will be forwarded to the Dioceses. The United Thank
Offering (UTO) is a ministry of The Episcopal Church
for the mission of the whole church. Through UTO,
men, women and children nurture the habit of giving
daily thanks to God. These prayers of thanksgiving
start when we recognize and name our many daily bless-
ings. Those who participate in UTO discover that
thankfulness leads to generosity. UTO is entrusted to
promote thank offerings, to receive the offerings and to
distribute the UTO monies to support mission and
mnistry throughout The Episcopal Church and in invit-
ed Provinces of the Anglican Communion in the develop-
ing world.
Zumba Anyone?Zumba Anyone?Zumba Anyone?Zumba Anyone?
Father’s Day festivities with Fr. Steve presiding —
wearing his new vestments bought in République
Togolaise — sermon delivered by John Caleb Col-
lins, our ‘priest in training’ — and a modified
brunch hosted by the ECW. T’was a perfect day!
Knight Hall was rockin’ the morn-
ing of June 11th with a room full
of enthusiastic, and may I say
very energetic, zumba folks . . .
Everyone had a terrific time and
the supply of food for the food
bank grew. Thanks everyone.
Recommended