17aug22

I am excited for the start of the new school year. It is fun to see the energy that seems to be flowing through both the church and school. I am getting to know more and more of you and look forward to some events that are being planned for us to gather in worship and fellowship. My office hours are Monday to Thursday from 8:00 am – 2:00 pm. I intend to be out in the community as well. Please feel free to contact me to set up times to meet. My email is gwiseman@saintmarks.com. I am very quick to respond to emails. Last Sunday was exciting, especially celebrating the Baptism and the wonderful music the choir and soloist provided. In October the Diocese is sponsoring a training program called Invite-Welcome-Connect and I invite you to look at it www.invitewelcomeconnect.com. I want to have a group attend that training so that we can implement it here. We will also be planning training sessions for several of the ministries. Keep an eye out for those sessions.

Yours in Christ.

Grant+

It is the sabbath. An aged woman, bent over presumably with arthritis, appears in the room to the rear of the synagogue, where women and children are restricted. Jesus sees her, and without even being asked or asking her about her morals or behavior, heals her by exclaiming, “Woman, go Free!” Is Jesus speaking only to this woman, or all women? Is He addressing only her physical ailment, or women’s oppression and secondary cultural status? Does He seek to heal only on the Sabbath, or every day? Because Jesus lives in each of us, surely He seeks through us to heal the injustice women suffer today: our own mothers, wives, sisters, daughters, and friends. Jesus is still trying to exclaim through us, “Woman, go free!” (Norm Carroll)

This Sunday, August 21, all are welcome to join jus at our 8:00 am or 10:30 am service. Our Rector, Fr. Grant Wiseman will be celebrating the Holy Eucharist during both services. The coffee hour will take place following each service.

The TRUE fund is for the purpose of helping our parishioners of Saint Mark’s and the surrounding community that is confronted with an urgent emergency. A special collection occurs alongside the offertory collection.

Our founding members selected as our namesake, from among Christ’s many followers, the person who is traditionally ascribed to be the author of the second Gospel and according to Church tradition, the founder of the episcopal see (diocese) of Alexandria. But their choice may not only have been intended as a tribute to Saint Mark, but also as an acknowledgment of their love of the church left behind and appreciation for the support they received during those early months gaining traction.

The first members of Saint Mark’s were former parishioners of All Saints Episcopal Church. Their much-loved Rector had been Fr. “Mark” Carpenter. Coincidence? Interesting too, St. Martin’s Episcopal Church has almost the identical story of its formation. . . On October 24, 1950, the Reverend Mark T. Carpenter, the Rector of All Saints Parish in Ft. Lauderdale, received authorization to start a mission in Pompano Beach. All three of the aforementioned churches were built on waterfront properties. Try that today!! (Harry Richardson)

Stewardship is doing well this year! We have pledges for $238,485 for fiscal 2022-2023 year, which began July 1st. Last year the Church had pledges for only $155,611 by this time! Our accountant, Cyndee Zeck, says we are on track to raise over $300,000 for the year! I hope so! Also we have 55 pledges vs. 58 this time last year. I know that sounds less positive, but every giver this year is very involved with the church, and thus more likely to continue their support. If this stewardship news is new to you, then you are NOT on our mailing list! Please email me at robindreyfuss@gmail.com with your email address!! Thank you! (Robin Dreyfus, Stewardship Chair)

Now that the cases of COVID have thankfully abated, wearing a facial mask is encouraged, but not required. Please respect the space of those who choose to be more cautious.

Father Grant is currently available to provide pastoral care for our parish. You may contact Fr. Grant at 954-334-0131, or by email at gwiseman@saintmarks.com.

Please check for our parish updates on the church website at: https://saintmarksftl.com/parish-news/

Got news to share? We’d love to receive your submission at: https://saintmarksftl.com/submit-post/