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| News from St. Mark's Episcopal Church |
November 2009 |
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 Letter from John de Beer
A prayer from St. Augustine
Oh, God, from whom to be turned is to fall; to whom to be turned is to rise; and in whom to stand is to abide forever. Grant us in all our duties your help; in all our perplexities, your guidance; in all our dangers, your protection; and in all our sorrows, your peace. Through Jesus Christ our Lord, our body, and our blood, our life and our nourishment. Amen.
Dear Friends,
Listening for God is sometimes hard work. We often expect that it should be easier, that we are the only ones that struggle. Then we may give up. Or, we may think that we are unworthy, so do not even begin. If we persist, God's call to us may terrify us. What if God wants more than I am able or willing to do? And what if there is no God there anyway?
The "Listening for God" class members voiced all of these concerns and more to Bishop Tom Shaw when he met with them before the Eucharist on the Saturday of his visitation to St. Mark's. He listened deeply to each person and responded with encouragement and wise counsel. He surprised the participants by sharing his own doubts and struggles with prayer. "The most prayerful people know that we are always beginners," he said. "The most important thing is to keep telling God what is really on your heart, then listen for God's loving response." |
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I am thinking of continuing the "Listening for God" theme as the parish focus in Advent. I invite you to join me on Tuesday, November 3rd at 6:00 pm to pray about this and help me discern God's invitation to us this Advent.
Peace,
John de Beer |
 From the Senior Warden
Looking back over October at St. Mark's gives me joy and sadness. The sadness of losing our dear friend Marge Douglass so suddenly and unexpectedly that we were all in shock and some of us still are having difficulty dealing with this. Marge and I sat at the Wish Tree together at the Mall every year. It was a tradition we had kept for many years. She will be with me in spirit this year. The joy comes in knowing that Marge is with God, the father and creator of all and she is without pain and suffering. Joy came also when Bishop Tom Shaw came to visit St. Mark's. Being in the presence of this man, one cannot help but feel a real connection to God. He met with the prayer group in the morning and he allowed us all to ask questions of him regarding prayer. He didn't just answer these questions, but he made us all aware of how important prayer is to sustain a faithful community. He also suggested ways in which we could deal with the many questions and concerns we all have which we plan to discuss at future prayer group meetings. He stayed for brunch and engaged us in conversation about St. Mark's past, present and future. The vestry enjoyed an hour of his time also where we talked about our recent Mutual Ministry Review and then he met with young families.
November is going to be a busy month with a great birthday party planned for Nov. 8th (everyone is invited), our Fellowship Dinner Party on Nov. 7th and all the many Thanksgiving celebrations. Our altar will be adorned with an overflowing cornucopia of fresh vegetables which will be donated to the pantry for the Thanksgiving Baskets. We are a church community of abundance and your stewardship and generosity is making a difference in Burlington and the world as seen in the initiatives of the Outreach team. We have much to be thankful for at this time, thanks be to God.
Peace,
Shirley Estrella
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 From the Associate for Multigenerational Ministries
Dear Friends,
As many of you know when I am not working at St. Mark's I also work full time as a preschool teaching assistant. I work in a 4-5 year old integrated class room which means half the children are considered special needs. It's a great place to work, although after spending the day with 17 children I am usually exhausted.
I was feeling particularly exhausted last Thursday when after a chaotic morning I had to attend a professional development workshop on stress relief. Honestly I wasn't looking forward to it. But after 90 minutes of listening and meditating I found myself fully relaxed. It was great! Looking around, however, I saw that many of colleagues looked bored. After the workshop they complained about the futility of trying to get rid of stress. Stress is just a part of life. So why waste time meditating or doing breathing exercises?
As I was listening to these conversations I realized that the complaints were just a cover-up. These teachers are drowning in stress from work, family, money etc... They're looking for something meaningful to lift them up out of stress and worry. Immediately I thought of St. Mark's and our mission to awaken everyone to a fully connected life. We invite people to live above the stress. Clearly these men and women need to come to St. Mark's!
And yet I felt too shy to invite them to church. Looking back on it I'm embarrassed that I missed an opportunity to tell about the great things happening at St. Mark's. It was like my tongue went numb and I couldn't get a word out. But from now on I'm going to speak up. I'm going to encourage people to try out St. Mark's. I truly believe everyone needs what we are blessed to have in our community. So it's my job to make sure everyone knows who we are and what we're doing!
Will you join me?
Sarah |
| All About Ruby
Our wonderful friend, Marge Douglass, fell in love with a little stone pig awhile back on one of her New Hampshire excursions. Alas, at a closer look, the little pig was quite damaged.
This past July, while Marge was recuperating at Woodbriar, on her birthday her family gave her a picture of a stone pig they got her and told her it was waiting at home for her. Sure enough, when Marge did get home, there was Ruby (named after Marge's birthstone) patiently waiting for her.
After Marge passed away, the family knew their mother would be thrilled to know that Ruby took up residencew at St. Mark's. You will find Ruby sitting amongst the flowers right outside the parish hall windows. Please stop and meet her, and think of our dear friend Marge and how much she meant to all of us. We know Marge is smiling as she looks down upon her family and friends who loved her so much.
Contributed by Sue Thompson |
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Fellowship Dinner
Please join us for fun and fellowship Saturday, November 7, 2009, 5 pm to 9 pm potluck dinner, music, games. ALL AGES WELCOME. Sign-up sheet in the narthex. Questions: Please see Linda Kelley, Kathy Lamourine, Sally Cassidy, Allison Cassidy or Anne Sullivan |
Property Notes
It has been a busy month. Thanks to several volunteers here is what has been DONE.
#1 -DONE √ The new garden has been improved with tough weed pulling and some plantings. The "team" added some pumpkins and other bright spots. --Thanks to Sue, Betsy, Ruth, Karen, Joyce and others
#2 -DONE √ New lights in Rectory kitchen have been done professionally. $$
#3 -DONE √ The foundation and stairs at the Rectory have been repaired and refaced professionally $$.
#4 -DONE √ The stairs at the Church have been repaired and refaced professionally $$.
#5 -DONE √ The Rectory: bathroom radiator has been painted-- Thanks to Howard.
#6 -DONE √ The Rectory: bathroom tub has been caulked and the floor tiles repaired.--Thanks to Jack
#7 -DONE √ The lawn has been cut and weeds have been removed.--Thanks to Rick, Howard, and other secret angels.
#8 -In PROGRESS √ The Church sound system in the church will get further updating. This long range task is nearing completion and John Doiron will be coordinating this. Thanks John!
#9 -In PROGRESS √ The Church Outdoor lighting system is scheduled to be "fixed" professionally $$
#??? -Secret Angel tasks DONE √ There haves been many other tasks done by "secret angels". For those who do these random acts of generosity, thanks from all of us!
HELP NEEDED
#1-HELP ! The Rectory: Kitchen needs a dishwasher. This will be done professionally. Who will step forward to coordinate this? Are you a carpenter?
#2-HELP ! The Rectory front railing (steps) need sanding, priming and painting. Who will step forward to coordinate this?
#3-HELP ! 8. The rectory window sills need to be inspected, repaired or replaced. A challenging job. Who will step forward to coordinate this?
#'s 4-5-6-7-8 and beyond: There are many other jobs that require attention.
Please remember that it is OUR church and we need a little help here and there to keep things in shape. Please help out!
THANKS IN ADVANCE
Jack Heidbrink |
Women's Group Meeting
Wreath Decorating with the Women's Group
We will be having our "Annual Make Your Own Christmas Wreath Day" on Sunday, November 29, 2009 following the church service in the parish hall. A sign up sheet is in the Narthex for anyone that would like to purchase a wreath. We will provide bows and decorations. The cost is to be determined. St. Mark's entire congregation is welcome.
The Women's Group annual Pot Luck Supper, Yankee Swap and
Secret Angel night will be held on Tuesday, December 8th.
We will begin our evening at 6:30 with a "Pot Luck Supper", proceed to our White Elephant Yankee Swap and finish off the night finding out who our Secret Angel is. All the women of St. Mark's are welcome. A sign up sheet is in the Narthex for the pot luck. What is a "White Elephant Yankee Swap" you might ask. How many of us have that one new or nearly new item at home that you don't know what to do with, be it because it's ugly and you don't want to display it or it just doesn't go with anything. Now is your chance to rid your home of that unwanted item. All you need to do is wrap it up in a pretty bag or paper, bring it to the White Elephant Yankee Swap and let someone else take it to their house. Imagine the fun and laughter when someone says they actually like it. I'm sure it will be said at least once. It should be a lot of fun and at no additional expense. If you are unable to attend due to transportation issues, please feel free to contact me and I will make arrangements to have someone pick you up and take you home. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact: Linda Kelley at 781-883-8972 or email at ljkelley@rcn.com Rosemarie Tieri at 781-272-1558 or email at rozeetea@yahoo.com |
Outreach Notes
On November 9th, the Outreach team will be set up in the Narthex to accept contributions to give Commissary cards to veterans on Veteran's Day, Nov. 11th. These can be given in memory or thanksgiving for a loved one.
The Burlington Pantry will be giving all the food for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner to over 130 families, including elderly shut-ins and veterans, on Sunday, November 22nd. We hope you will participate in the food collection for this project. We are also looking for volunteers to bring food collected at St. Mark's to the collection point at the UCC church on Sunday November 22nd.
The list of foods needed follows. Please donate only new purchases, not old items with expired dates.
Stuffing (bags or boxes)
Cranberry Sauce
Gravy
Chicken Broth
Corn
Apple Juice Concentrate (canned, not frozen)
Cornbread Mix
Mayonnaise
Fresh vegetables (potatoes, carrots, green beans, squash, etc.) will be purchased, so if you would like to contribute money instead of food items, such donations would be welcome. Checks should be made payable to People Helping People. Rotary will be providing the turkeys again this year. Cub Scout families will be providing pies. |
Choir Notes
We'll be celebrating All Saints' Day on Sunday, November 1st, with both choirs and added instrumental music. Our recessional hymn will be "When the Saints Go Marching In" with Bruce Burrell adding his special flourishes on Dixieland clarinet and any Sunday School students who want to play an instrument joining in.
Our Youth Choir will be singing "I Sing a Song of the Saints of God" for our All Saints' service on Story Sunday, and will add a verse they have written just for the occasion. We've got a special dedication in store for that song, and the choir is looking forward to sharing it with you.
The Adult Choir's anthem for All Saints Day will be an old American hymn, "When Jesus Wept", based on the gospel story of the day. Written by the pioneering American composer of hymns and anthems, William Billings (1746-1800), this hauntingly beautiful hymn is sung as a round. Later in the month our Adult Choir will sing a special anthem for our In-Gathering Sunday on November 15th. "What You Have Done for Me", by Tony Alonso, will be enhanced by our own Bruce Burrell on flute.
Scheduling note: Please remember that we will not have Adult Choir Rehearsal on Thursday, November 26th because of the Thanksgiving holiday. Our regular schedule will resume on the following Thursday, December 3rd. The Youth Choir will rehearse as usual after the service on Sunday, November 29th.
And another scheduling note: The Burlington Interfaith Thanksgiving Service will be at the St. Margaret's on Monday, November 23rd at 7p.m. We are waiting to hear from those planning the service, but I expect that the St. Mark's Adult Choir will be involved in some way. We hope to see many of you there to join us as we gather together to give thanks.
Susan Dearborn,
Choir Director |
 Notes from EDS
As many of you know, in August I applied to the Diocese of Massachusetts to be a postulant, the first step in being ordained as a priest. I am sad to tell you that the Diocese has decided not to invite me to interview, which would have been the next step in the process. I don't have any information about why - Colin, our contact from the Commission on Ministry, is out of the country, and John, who has spoken with him, would prefer I hear the details directly from Colin. John did tell me that this was not a conditional no but a flat no - in other words the Diocese does not extend any possibility of a future acceptance. I had thought that this definite decision only came after the interview. I don't understand why they would make that decision solely on a stack of paper, without entering into relationship with me in the interview process, without giving God a chance to speak in that relationship.
But that's the only real surprise. I knew I only had an outside chance of being accepted, that a middle aged woman returned to active participation in the church in the last ten years did not fit the Diocesan profile of what they wanted in a postulant, regardless of how many checkmarks I could put next to their list of what they say they want. It is however a profound grief. The only emotion I can really compare it to is my grief over my father's death.
I'm glad I tried, though. I'm proud of myself that, after a lifetime of protecting myself from hurt by never wanting anything too much, I let myself want this, and pursued it with all my heart. And it has not shaken my faith in God's love for me. Nor has it shaken my faith in myself or in my gifts. Considering my history as someone plagued with self doubt, that's a pretty good testimony to what God's love can do!
So many people worked so hard to help me get to the point of application. So many people have supported me as I waited. I thank you all from the bottom of my heart. And I want to assure you that I may be down, but I'm not out.
I had thought that a no from the Diocese would give me a sense of opportunity lost, of my horizons closing in. To an extent that's true. I will not have a sacramental ministry. I will not consecrate the bread and wine. I will not baptize new members into the church. I mourn that loss more than I can say. And, paradoxically, this rejection has opened a world of possibilities to me, a world not limited by the Diocese of Massachusetts, a whole world in which I can use my gifts to bring about the Household of God. I have God's work to do. I may not know right at this minute what shape that work will take, but I do know it will be wonderful. I am a child of God and, like a child, I can't wait to see what comes next!
Catherine Owens
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Usher Schedule
Nov 1 BRIAN CULLINAN
RICK BLANEY
Nov 8 DON HOWSER
BOB PATTISON
Nov 15 CAROL HODGKINS
DENNIS HODGKINS |
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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