23mar22

Thank you to the Vestry who stood before the congregation during the 8:00 am and 10:00 am Services last Sunday to talk about the importance of Stewardship for our Church. Please remember to fill in your pledge forms online or fill out the pledge card on the table, at the back of the church and turn it in. Every pledge for the fiscal year starting July 1, 2022 is needed and greatly appreciated. Vestry Members and Stewardship Committee Members will be wearing a rose to identify themselves if you want to ask them any questions on Sunday.

On Monday, March 28, Dr. Norm Carroll will lead a zoom discussion on the Sunday Gospel for April 3rd, which is John 12:1-8, Jesus Anointed at Bethany. The discussion begins at 7:00 pm. Parishioners will receive an email each Monday afternoon with login instructions.

On Tuesday, March 29, Father Harvey will continue to lead us in our Lenten Supper and Study Series which begins at 6:00 pm in the Parish Hall. The Study will be focused on the Book of Common Prayer. The richness and beauty of the Book of Common Prayer is the foundation of the Episcopal Church. It can help us find comfort, peace and renewal when used in our daily lives. While the focus of the study sessions is The Book of Common Prayer, each lesson stands alone, so if you miss an evening, you won't be behind for the next session. Bring your family and friends. The evening will end by 8:00 pm. The choir will host the supper.

Create in Me a Clean Heart, O God by Carl Mueller is this Sunday's Anthem. Written in 4 part harmony, it sets to music Psalm 51. Carl Mueller was a long lived American organist, choir director and composer, 1892-1982.

In order to have our Church shining for Easter Services and all our guests we will be meeting in the Church on Saturday, April 2 at 10:30 am. All students and adults are gratefully welcomed. We will be straightening and wiping down the pews, cleaning and polishing the altar rail, polishing silver and candlesticks, preparing the altar linens for the Holy Week Services and cleaning out the clutter in the acolyte and altar guild room. Also if you are handy with sewing and mending we need help with repairing vestments and robes. Please contact Paula Green at paulamikenicole@yahoo.com or 954-213-5766 with any questions, suggestions or volunteering availability.

The Episcopal Church has an Episcopal Relief and Development Outreach. Contributions will help people fleeing the violence in Ukraine by providing cash, blankets, hygiene supplies and other needed assistance to Ukrainian refugees. Next Sunday, April 3rd, there will be a collection during the Offertory for Ukraine. Please bring checks or cash for the special collection.

Father Harvey and Ryan Brukardt will be leading acolyte training following the 10:30 service on April 3rd. Adults and children are encouraged to attend. If you have served as an acolyte and want to receive a refresher course, please join us. The training will serve as a rehearsal for Holy Week and Easter Sunday services. If you have any questions or plan to attend, email Ryan at ryan.brukardt@gmail.com.

Honor or memorialize your loved ones by making a generous gift to our Easter Lily Fund. These flowers will adorn our Altar and Church during the Easter Season as they stand in celebration of those who have touched our lives. If you would like to the names or your loved ones printed in the Easter Sunday bulletins, please email Kelly Harris, kharris@saintmarks.com by Monday, April 4th.

On Saturday, April 16 at 6:00 pm, Fr. Harvey will officiate The Great Vigil of Easter. The service will include baptisms. If you are interested in being baptized or want to have your child(ren) baptized, please contact; the Church Office at 954-563-5155. The Baptismal Candidate(s), Parent(s), and Godparent(s) are required to attend the rehearsal which will take place at 5:00 pm, followed by the service, in the church.

Palm Sunday, April 10, services will begin with the traditional outdoor Blessing of the Psalms followed by a procession to the Church, prior to the 10:30 service. Maundy Thursday, 4/14, will have a very special service at 6:30 pm that will include the Washing of Feet. Good Friday, 4/15, will follow “The Good Friday Liturgy” referenced in The Book of Common Prayer. It begins at noon and will end at 3:00 pm. There will be natural breaks where people can come and go. Easter Eve, 4/16 Father Harvey will lead us in a Mass that will include baptism. Easter Sunday, 4/17, services at 8:00 and 10:30 am will be a Celebration of the Resurrection. At the 10:30 Service there will be a very special music component and “The Flowering of the Cross”. Following the 10:30 service there will be a joint our Saint Mark's School will be hosting the Easter Egg Hunt.

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.

Our priest-in-residence, Fr. Errol Harvey is currently available to provide pastoral care for our parish. You may contact Fr. Harvey at 917-653-8839, or by email at eahnyc@yahoo.com.