What a summer we had at St. Marks!  Unlike some churches that go to sleep during the hot months we've been working away.  Shirley and her team of lionesses have completely transformed the parish hall.  Catherine and the Vestry are creating a welcoming narthex.  And we've had Bible study every Sunday!
 
Phew.  And while I'm sad to see summer go I'm also excited about my new ministries for the upcoming year.  Twice a month I'll be teaching Godly Play under the great tutelage of Tracey.  It will be great to get to know the kids better and work on my teaching skills.  I'll still be helping with the youth group and planning the Intergenerational Sunday services.  Outside of church I'll be collaborating with the Diocese in developing a ministry program for people in the twenties. 
 
I'm most excited about the new high school Sunday school program we're starting this year.  It's open to all high school students in the parish as well as their friends.  Together we'll be looking at the Millennium Development Goals which the National Episcopal Church voted to support in 2006.  These eight goals were created by the United Nations to end the devastating poverty around the world.  The goals focus on such issues as hunger, fatal diseases, education, and the environment.  With the help of Deb Smyth I hope to create a class where we can have discussion and field trips.  The plan is to meet after church on the Sundays when there is no youth group.  Let me know if you have any questions!
 
So that's what I'll be doing!  Where will your ministry take you this year?
 
Peace,
Sarah

On August 6th the Presbyterian Church, St Malachy's Church, St. Margaret's Church, St. Mark's Church, Temple Shalom Emeth and the United Church of Christ Congregational Church joined together in an effort to raise money for People Helping People.  This was held at Flatbread in Bedford who generously gave a percentage of each pizza that was sold between 5:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. We were also able to sell baked goods that were donated by each Church.    

 

We are very happy to tell you that the Fundraiser was successful.  

 Baked Goods Table and donations given    $  780.00

Percentage of Pizza                                         557.00

Other donations                                             1,100.00                 

Total for PHP                                                  2,437.00   

 

We thank Flatbread Restaurant and everyone who participated in this project.   

- Marge Douglass

Our wardens have gone traveling, they're on a mission bent

To pick us out a rector with whom we'll be content.

He mustn't be too high and he mustn't be too low,

We'd like him very plastic, a man made out of dough.

He mustn't be too short and he mustn't be too tall,

He mustn't have opinions that clash with ours at all.

He mustn't be too young and he mustn't be too old

But he must be very humble and never speak out bold.

He must please the rich and haughty, the poor and humble too.

And must always praise us richly for everything we do.

He must be very tactful and have pleasant things to say,

And when we disobey him he must look the other way.

Our wardens seem to think that they can find the very man.

But, somehow I am doubtful if they ever really can.

 

From a Parish Bulletin. (thanks to Doris Floyd!)

 

The vestry was on our summer schedule of meeting once a month. In the three summer meetings we reviewed and approved the form letter and data collection form that was sent to our mailing list, reviewed and approved the audit report from our audit team from Christ Church Waltham and discussed draft financial policies, which we hope to approve in September. We also continued to conduct normal business around financial outlays for our various improvement projects, property management, and initial plans for the fall fair and 50th anniversary.

 

Joan kept us up to date on our financial situation. She was pleased to tell us that Karen Donahue has agreed to serve as her Assistant treasurer. Karen will begin to get more involved in September. Thank you Karen!  In the meantime Senada has successfully taken over data entry of the pledge contributions and other income. Joan updated all of the signatures on accounts and has continued to improve our investment profile.

 

The vestry is unanimous in hoping that John will continue with us as our Rector. John shared with us that, should his discernment process lead him away from that possibility, he will stay with us at least through the middle of next year, thereby providing a smooth transition over the change in Senior Wardens and continued support of our transformation into a vital, growing parish. Thank you John!

 

Minutes and treasurers reports are posted on the bulletin board outside of John's office.