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| News from St. Mark's Episcopal Church |
January 2010 |
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 Letter from John de Beer
Dear Friends,
I received several comments on my Christmas letter, in which I acknowledged the shock to St. Mark's caused by the death of Marge, Bill and Penny. We are not the same without them. Nor will we be. They were all, in their own ways, shining examples of selflessness, hospitality and love. Their presence, week by week, grounded us in God's love. We cannot duplicate them. After any loss, the temptation is to want life to go back to normal, by which we mean the way it used to be. This doesn't happen for individuals or for congregations. New life emerges, if we are willing. It is new life though, not the old familiar life.
Tricia and I were blessed this Christmas by a family of dear friends who joined us for dinner. Derek and Judy Kotze have been friends from the early years of our marriage; they came bringing their two married daughters, together with husbands and a grandchild. All six of the adults were hugely supportive when our son, Mike, died three years ago. (The grandchild wasn't yet born.) This Christmas dinner was amazing; the food, conversation and gift-giving were all suffused with the love of God; we have become family for one another. Not that Mike was forgotten. All of us (except the grandchild) loved Mike and will always miss him. So he is part of the new reality which God is weaving among us.
So may it be at St. Mark's. Let us allow God to break our hearts open, so that we become willing for a new reality to emerge, one in which Marge and Bill and Penny inspire us to comfort one another and to reach out in welcome to those who come new to our parish. Specifically, I invite you to make it a priority to worship together each Sunday this January and to participate in the Annual Meeting. Without the commitment of those who have gone before us, there would be no St. Mark's. Now it is your turn. Unless you show up, you cannot be a part of the new reality that God longs to create here.
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
1 Peter 2:9 (NRSVA) Peace
John de Beer |
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 From the Senior Warden
Here we are in the year 2010. I hope everyone enjoyed a blessed Christmas. I was thrilled to attend my granddaughter's Christmas Concert. Notice the word "Christmas". She goes to a public school in Wilmington and they celebrate Christmas without being afraid of the word. The concert consisted of Christmas songs along with songs of Hanukkah. I was impressed with the lyrics of the songs as they expressed being kind and caring to all human beings. What a great way to teach elementary age children one of the lessons that Jesus teaches us.
We are anticipating some change in rental income and expense in 2010.
- The previous renters in the Rectory have been replaced by John, Tricia and her brother, John Worrell. They are paying the same rent and utilities as the previous tenants, so this change is budget neutral.
- Kumon, an after school program, used the parish hall two days a week and they have moved into other quarters. The loss of rental income will be partly offset by the reduction in electricity cost.
- Grace Baptist Church used the Sanctuary Sunday afternoon and they have moved on.
- The vestry made a decision not to charge the Pantry rent as we focus on helping People Helping People.
- We do have steady Saturday morning renters; The Reading Connection which prepares teachers for exams and Satsang which is a weekly religious school for young children. Overeaters Anonymous continues to meet on Wednesday evening in the choir room.
Our Annual Meeting will be celebrated on Sunday, January 31st after the service and will include a potluck luncheon. Our agenda for the meeting is to have some fun, food and story telling. We are planning to hear stories from our fellow parishioners about what they have experienced at St. Mark's over the past year. If you would like to tell your story, let John or me know, we will be happy to add you to the program.!
Peace,
Shirley Estrella |
 From the Associate for Multigenerational Ministries
Dear Friends,
Welcome to 2010!
It seems impossible but we are yet again at the beginning of a new year. We can say goodbye to 2009 taking with us the lessons we learned as we move into 2010. Anything is possible, with the future limited only by our powers of imagination.
As I look over the past year one recent evening especially sticks out in my mind. It was a cold December evening and the parish hall was full with 20-25 women gathered for the annual Women's Group Christmas party. There were women from early twenties to early nineties, women who were new to the parish and women who weren't so new to the parish, and we all had great time. We ate lovingly prepared food and laughed until our sides hurt. The Yankee Swap was, as usual, full of friendly banter as we tried to get a certain gift or get rid of one!
Amid this joy and friendship, however, was the realization that two of our dear friends were missing-Marge and Penny. Marge wasn't running around trying to make everything perfect, waiting until others ate before starting her own meal. And Penny wasn't there with a delicious dessert and her infectious laughter. The huge hole left from their absences affected us all. These two women, who we all admired, were really gone.
That night I chose to drive home on the back roads so I could see all the Christmas lights. In the quiet, soft light I mourned for Marge and Penny as well as Bill. I tried to wrap my head around a St. Mark's without these three people-What is St. Mark's now? Who will take their places of leadership? How do we continue to be a family?
In the aftermath of death those left behind have to learn a new way of being in the world. They have to re-imagine a life without that person. We at St. Mark's must do this as well. We need to take a step back from our grief to imagine a parish without the dedicated commitment exemplified by Marge, Penny, and Bill. And in this imagining we must rejoice in the loving legacies of their lives with us as examples of who we are to be.
Peace,
Sarah |
| Nominations for 2010
The nominating committee is:
Rick Blaney
John de Beer
Normand Dooley
Rick Eaton*
Betsy Figenbaum
Judy Gustafson*
* vestry members whose terms expire in Jan. 2010
On Sunday, November 15, 2009, after repeating the theme of 2009, "Listening for God", Rev. John de Beer asked the congregation to be open to what God might be saying to each of us. He included the situations where we may be called to step into a leadership role. He said that the Nominating Committee is looking for candidates to take elected positions and if you are contacted by a member of the Nominating Committee, please refrain from making a hasty decision. Think about it. Pray about it. Listen to God for what you have to offer, and if it is His call to you to use your gifts to help our parish, accept this call.
On Sunday, November 22, 2009, I announced in church that the Episcopal Church has some healthy traditions, one of which is "term limits". It is a good thing to cycle in new thinking and fresh perspectives. We have several open positions we need people to step into next January. If anyone feels a calling to serve in any elected position, we ask you to let your interest be known soon. If you are asked by a member of the Nominating Committee to serve, please follow Rev. de Beer's advice and do not respond immediately, but think about it and pray about it, and be present to hear God's call.
People who have experienced what it was like to be in leadership roles five years ago have clearly articulated that in the last three years, it has been a very different and positive experience. I invite you to ask any vestry member and officer to share their thoughts.
Please be open to and listen for God.
Rick Eaton
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 Altar Flowers for 2010
The Flower Chart for 2010 is now posted outside the sacristy. You may sign up to give Sanctuary flowers in honor or in memory of people or an event. If you have a particular date that you know you want, please sign up now.
How does this work? It is easy. Signing up for flowers is a great opportunity to celebrate birthdays, anniversaries or in thanksgiving or to honor a loved one who has passed away. All you have to do is put your name next to the date of your choice, fill out an envelope found at the bottom of the chart and turn it in to the office before Wednesday of that week so Senada can include the information in the bulletin for that Sunday and also to add to the prayers of the people. The cost of one arrangement is $15.00. Each Sunday we use two arrangements.
If you would like to take the flowers after the worship service, notify the Altar Guild, otherwise they will be given to members of our congregation who may be housebound, in hospitals or otherwise unable to attend church.
The Altar Guild will provide either plants, cut flowers or silk flowers for the Sundays where no one has signed up. Altar Guild members are Janet Lyna, Emily Howser, Linda Kelley,
Sally Cassidy, Sue Heidbrink and Betsy Figenbaum..
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Creative and Charitable Way to Recycle your Christmas Cards
St. Jude's Ranch for Children, with three locations in Nevada and Texas (not affiliated with St. Jude's Childrens Hospital), rescues abused, abandoned and neglected children of all races and faiths from the vicious cycle of child abuse. They provide healing and nurturing in a safe home-like environment where children can learn life skills to start new lives with new chances, new choices and new hope. One of their innovative programs is their Recycled Card Program. The following is from their website, http://stjudesranch.org/help_card.php.
Recycled Card Program History
Over thirty years ago, wishing to show our donors appreciation for making St. Jude's Ranch for Children possible, the idea was conceived for turning the previous year's Christmas cards into "new" cards for the coming season. The recipients were so delighted with their unique "thank you," they requested the children sell them the special cards. And so, the St. Jude's Ranch Recycled Card Program was born.
Since then, the Program expanded to include all occasion greeting cards...just about anything that starts with a used greeting card front. People from all over the world have sent us their used card fronts!
The children participate in making the new cards by removing the front and attaching a new back. The result is a beautiful new card made by the children and volunteers. The benefits are two-fold: customers receive "green" holiday cards for use and the children receive payment for their work and learn the benefits and importance of "going green".
St. Jude's is accepting used, all-occasion cards through February 28, 2010
You can mail your cards to:
St. Jude's Ranch for Children
Recycled Card Program
100 St. Jude's Street - Boulder City, NV 89005
877-977-SJRC (7572)
You can also buy cards from their online store:
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| B-SAFE, Past and Future
Last year, as many of you know, was our first year participating in B-SAFE, the Bishop's Summer Academic & Fun Enrichment Program, which provides urban youth, teens, and young adults with a safe, structured, and learning-filled summer. Marge Douglass got us involved, and although her fall kept her from participating herself, she followed our adventures with joy. She was particularly touched that the kids at the site St. Mark's served sent her a thank-you note.
As well as serving 530 kids with healthy food, fun, and educational programs. B-SAFE hired 88 15-17 year olds as camp staff. As well as working, these teens had their own enrichment programs including college and science workshops at MIT, and training in non-violent conflict resolution. They also hired about a dozen 18-21 year olds as site assistants and recreation specialists. The latter got special training in leading non-competitive games and activities to build teamwork.
I look forward to participating again this year with people from St. Mark's. Last year we supported our site for two days. Perhaps this year we might try for three! Jane Tierney, the Partner Church Coordinator, will be coming to speak to us one Sunday in the late winter/early spring, to share with us plans for the program in 2010. I hope that more of you will plan to get involved. It's a lot of fun to work together shopping for food or for books to donate to the reading program, preparing snacks and lunches to bring with us, or working at one of the site locations - reading with the kids is so much fun! It is truly a program in which you receive far more than you give!
For me, it's also a way of remembering Marge and her loving generous spirit. Our participation last year is just one way she reminded us that being church is about making a difference in the world. It's just one way she made St. Mark's a better place.
- Catherine Owens |
Penny-less at Christmas
John de Beer received this from Rick Eaton before Christmas, and forwarded it to be included in the January ROAR.
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This year has been a difficult one for many people, including me. The economy went from bad to worse. We saw giant private company CEOs fly in their private jets to go before Congress with their hands out begging for public money to continue their businesses. We saw giant financial institutions collapse much in part because they loaned too much money to people who could not demonstrate their ability to pay back their loans, and they couldn't. We know thousands of coworkers, neighbors and friends out of work because of the far reaching effect of a world wide economy.
To top this off, this Advent season, we find ourselves Penny-less as our sister, sister-in-law, mother, grandmother, and our dear friend, Penny Newton, died last week. She was such a giant personality for a woman who stood barely 4'10" tall. She baked birthday cakes for everyone she knew was having a birthday, including each and every Sunday School student over the many years she taught Sunday School, as well as for many adults she knew. Her Seven layer bars are famous as she baked them for so many occasions we all shared together.
She spent her entire life taking care of and brightening the days of others around her. We knew that recently, she was having a hard time moving about in her house and she did not want other people to see her having to use her walker. She did not want pity, or charity for herself, even though everyone would love to have been able to return the years of kindness she so willingly gave to us.
Every year she baked brownies and cookies for the cemetery workers who worked with her husband who had deceased 7 years ago. This year, she also baked batches of brownies and cookies for the cemetery workers. She left a note on top of the dishes of brownies and cookies directing her grand daughter to deliver them for her, for she must have sensed that she would not be able to do that herself. On Dec. 6, she was taken by ambulance from her home to the hospital where she died early on Dec. 7, 2009.
As I reflect on all that has happened this year, I am deeply touched by the sentiments of many of Penny's friends and relatives as to her generous and loving use of her life for all of her 92 years. We are Penny-less this Christmas, and it leads me to wonder more deeply how we are to use the gifts we each have to let our light shine so as to brighten the world of those around us.
Rick Eaton
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| Property
The "Church" is really the people and we are grateful that we have so many wonderful parishioners. We are also pleased that we have such nice buildings so that we can worship, socialize, share, and give. Thank you for being part of the church and for any contributions that you make to keep the buildings in good condition.
· If you have already made your pledge, thank you.
· If you have already made as special gift to the building fund, thank you.
· Please consider adding your time, talent and treasure for the coming year, 2010.
Finally, thank you for being a member of the family that we call St. Mark's Church.
Jack Heidbrink |
News from the Outreach Committee
Over the years, St. Mark's, through our Outreach Program, has supported the Lillian Vallely School. The school is a Christian School serving children who live on the Fort Hall Reservation in Blackfoot, Idaho. Eleven years ago some elders, mostly grandmothers, led by an Episcopal Deacon named Lillian Vallely, became concerned about the education of all the children on the Reservation especially their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They wanted the children to experience the greatness of their people and to achieve their highest potential. They asked Bishop John Thornton, the Episcopal Bishop of Idaho, if he would start a school. In 1998, the school opened with 15 students. They do not charge tuition, because they understand that children's families can not afford to pay it. The families help with time and talent as they are able. This past June, the school became fully accredited by the National Private Schools Association Group. With the help of donations, the Lillian Vallely School has added an additional half-hour to their school day. This in turn, has offered the children, grades K-5, more learning opportunities.
St. Mark's sends a monetary donation to the Lillian Vallely School every year. Last year we also collected box tops to help the school to fund their library.
Our outreaching reaches many people. Thank you St. Mark's!
Our next Outreach Meeting will be after the Church Service on January 10th. Please join us!
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Choir Notes
Thank you, Choirs!
I would like to thank the members of the Youth and Adult Choirs for all of their extra work to prepare the music of Advent and Christmas. The Adult Choir has not only worked longer hours during our extended rehearsals, but they have also participated in several funerals in the last couple of months. The Youth Choir has been learning lots of new music and singing familiar songs in new ways, and there is much more to come. And a special thank you goes out to Bruce Burrell for his playing during the recent funerals as well as the postponed Advent service on the snowy day of December 20th. He is a real treasure! Please join me in thanking all of our choir members for sharing their talents with us during our worship services.
John Wesley's Directions for Singing Hymns (from his Select Hymns, 1761)
Called "the father of Methodist hymnology", John Wesley (1703-1791) was a clergyman and a founder of Methodism. He offered the following instructions for singing hymns. Reprinted in a recent issue of The American Organist, these offer an interesting look into hymn singing ideals of the 18th century:
I. Learn these tunes before you learn any others; afterwards learn as many as you please.
II. Sing them exactly as they are printed here, without altering or mending them at all; and if you have learned to sing them otherwise, unlearn them as soon as you can.
III. Sing all. See that you join with the congregation as frequently as you can. Let not a single degree of weakness or weariness hinder you. If it is a cross to you, take it up, and you will find it a blessing.
IV. Sing lustily and with good courage. Beware of singing as if you were half-dead, or half asleep; but lift up your voice with strength. Be no more afraid of your voice now, no more ashamed of its being heard, than when you sang the songs of Satan.
V. Sing modestly. Do not bawl, so as to be heard above or distinct from the rest of the congregation, that you may not destroy the harmony; but strive to unite your voices together, so as to make one clear melodious sound.
VI. Sing in time. Whatever time is sung be sure to keep with it. Do not run before nor stay behind it; but attend close to the leading voices, and move therewith as exactly as you can.; and take care not to sing too slow. This drawling way naturally steals on all who are lazy; and it is high time to drive it out from us, and sing all our tunes just as quick as we did at first.
VII. Above all, sing spiritually. Have an eye to God in every word you sing. Aim at pleasing Him more than yourself, or any other creature. In order to do this attend strictly to the sense of what you sing., and see that your heart is not carried away with the sound, but offered to God continually; so shall your singing be such as the Lord will approve here, and reward you when he cometh in the clouds of heaven.
Susan Dearborn,
Choir Director |
 Notes from EDS
It's been interesting to have so many people with such diverse backgrounds and professions aware of and interested in my journey. As I talk with people about my future, now that ordination in the Diocese of Massachusetts is not a possibiity, I've watched how people read themselves into my life. People who are committed to the Episcopal church want me to remain committed. People with a more ecumenical view would like me to take a broader view of church. People who are confident tell me I should stay in school. People who are fearful encourage me to get a regular job and start pouring money into my 401(k). I've listened as best I can, hoping to hear God. Instead, all it seems I hear is static.
The one clear signal I've gotten is to remain open, to remain connected, to wait faithfully. Staying open - I can do that. I don't really have much choice. Waiting, on the other hand, is not my best thing. I think about my age, about how much I had hoped to do in the next 20 years or so as a priest in the church, and I feel time pressing on me. Even staying connected has been challenging. I'd like to hide and lick my wounds, or move on to something else where no one knows me.
So I'm intentionally making choices that will force me to remain connected. Early in December I had to choose a course for Spring semester. I chose a class on Modern Theologians, which will bring me into Cambridge every Monday, coincidentally the same day as our community Eucharist. After a semester of an online class and only occasional visits, I will be worshipping with my EDS community every week and re-forming relationships with my fellow students.
Around the same time John asked if I would work with Deb Smyth and other interested parishioners to develop an "inreach" program for St. Mark's, a structure in which the people of St. Mark's both know and can respond to the needs of our own community. It took me a long time to decide. What finally made me say yes, along with the thought of working with Deb, whom I have come to love, was realizing that this would keep me connected with St. Mark's.
Sometimes the challenge in the face of uncertainty is not how to move forward, but instead how to keep from drifting away. I think I've set structures in place that will keep me connected in spite of myself. Now if I can just master the whole waiting faithfully thing.....
Catherine Owens |
Usher Schedule
Jan 3 DON HOWSER
BOB PATTISON
Jan 10 BRIAN CULLINAN
RICK BLANEY
Jan 17 CAROL HODGKINS
DENNIS HODGKINS
Jan 24 GREG DOOLEY
BOB JANKOWSKI
Jan 31 MARK LAMOURINE
NELSON HOLT |
St. Mark's Schedule
Holy Eucharist and Church School both begin at 9:00 am on Sunday. Church School children join the congregation at the peace. After service we have coffee hour in the parish hall.
On the first Sunday of the month Sunday School combines with our regular service for a special Story service.
The Bible study group meets on Sunday in the parish hall after coffee hour to study the lessons for the next Sunday. No special background or education is required, and you do not have to attend every week. Please join us when you can!
The Youth Choir rehearses after service on Sunday. The Adult Choir rehearses on Thursday at
7:30 pm.
The Youth Group meets on the first and third Sundays after the service.
Confirmation class meets on the second and fourth Sundays after service. Any youth from 8th grade and up is invited, even if you've already been confirmed!
Vestry meets at 7:00 pm in the Choir Room on the second Monday. Vestry meetings are open to all, unless otherwise announced.
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