20jul22

After much anticipation, our church community, the Bishop, Canons, other representatives of the Diocese, and clergy from neighboring parishes all came together this past Thursday evening to make official the installation of our next Rector, Father Grant Wiseman. This service is described as a ‘Celebration of New Ministry’, and it was indeed a splendid occasion, made much more so by musical contributions from Gordon Robert and the choir under his direction.

For those of you who didn’t witness it in person, the service format is different from your typical Sunday morning but also has many similarities. Interspersed was a period where Father Wiseman took an oath of faith and signed some documents attesting to his commitment to his role as Priest-in-Charge. Another interlude invited parishioners’ presentation of symbols of his commitment to pastoral duties, and to the support of present and future ministries. That was the Episcopal formality of the evening; we embraced it, and in no way did it disappoint. (Read more and view our photo gallery!)

Final service with our interim priests, Father Sonley Joseph and Father Errol Harvey presiding together for a single service on July 31st. Followed by a farewell gathering with food and beverage provided for the entire congregation.

First Service with Father Grant Wiseman presiding for another single-service. This will be an opportunity for our whole congregation to worship together. Followed by a welcome gathering with food and beverage provided.

Several people have come forward with interest in supplying a welcome give for Fr. Grant and Heather on their first Sunday, August 7th. The idea is a gift basket. We have asked them their food and beverage preferences. They have no dietary restrictions and they do take wine and some spirits. Ideal gifts would be favorite snacks, and gift cards for your favorite restaurants. Maybe Trader Joe’s. Heather is an avid reader. They enjoy walking and the arts, out-of-the-way dining, and of course, their dogs. They will be living near the center of Wilton Manors. There is a sign-up sheet at the entrance of the church. The contact is Mike Mullins at mike.mullins.fl@gmail.com

Our nursery is coming back! Would you like to help us get it underway by donating to this ministry? We are looking for nursery attendants to restart our program on Sundays running from 9:00 am to 12:30 pm. Are you young at heart and have a calling for helping children? We are looking for you! Give our Saint Mark’s little ones a fun and nurturing experience in our nursery. Or if you know someone who may be interested, please have them contact the Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church office. (Giselle Dorsett)

In the last four months, Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church has delivered over 210 pounds of canned and boxed food to the Pantry of Broward. The staff at the pantry and all the clients are greatly appreciative of our congregation’s generosity. In addition to canned and boxed food, we will also be accepting school supplies from the list below. Let’s all help to start the school year off right, bringing joy and happiness to the children and grandchildren of Broward County who need these important tools to help them in their classes. Thank you very much, Kirk and Charles Baran-Bookman for leading these efforts!

Crayons, washable markers, ink pens/colored pencils, loose-leaf paper, composition books, glue/glue sticks, scissors, erasers, Kleenex boxes, binders, backpacks, pencil boxes, calculators, white-out, hand sanitizer, protractors, or gift cards from Office Depot, Office Max, Target, Payless Shore Store. Thank you for your generous support!

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.