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There is something wonderful about the number of baptisms we have had recently and those that are coming up. It is an incredible thing to watch people as they grow in their faith, and as they have this anticipation of what is ahead. I love baptizing children and adults. The older one’s have some appreciation for the commitment they are making, and it is fun to give them their first communion right after their baptism.

Welcoming new people into our parish family is one of the most important things we do as a church. The commitment we make to the one being baptized is significant. We have several baptisms coming up over the next few months, and I can’t wait to see what those who we are baptizing will do as they grow in Christ.

Yours in Christ,

Father Grant +

During the winter, shepherds kept their sheep in a protective sheepfold. A low wall with a gate surrounded the fold. The shepherds called their sheep by name, and the sheep recognized the distinctive sound of their own shepherd. Jesus used this as a parable to describe our relationship with Him in each other. We know His voice; it speaks of courage, compassion and peace. Christ calls us, however, to be not only good sheep, but good shepherds by our calling other sheep to Him. Shhh! Listen! He is calling you to give your life “and give it more abundantly” for the sheep. (Norm Carroll)

The Pantry of Broward, one of Saint Mark’s ministries, has suffered severe loss during Fort Lauderdale’s deluge, estimated at $150,000 in damages. All perishable and frozen foods, carpeting, computers and documents had to be discarded. If you wish to make a donation, please visit www.thepantryofbroward.org. If you can volunteer some time, please email volunteer@thepantryofbroward.org or call 954-358-1481. If you can host a food drive with your friends, company, school, organization, etc., that would be so helpful. PLEASE BRING FOOD ITEMS to CHURCH on SUNDAY. You may also, email ashlie@thepantryofbroward.org for a list of food items needed. Their need is great. Thank you for your generosity!

Our next ECW meeting will be held on Saturday, May 13th at 10 am in the Ministry Center. Hope to see all you gals. Please bring your Lenten Cards to church if you haven’t turned them in yet. We will be discussing what we can do to help Saint Mark’s. One of the items to discuss is the planning for the Christmas potluck luncheon in early December. It’s never too early to start. We certainly had a lot of food and fun this past December. Let’s do it again! (Becky Fogleson)

On Easter Sunday Father Grant and Heather took in a mama dog, Star, and her eight newborns. Sadly, Star was unable to produce milk, so bottle feeding was the answer. And we lost one of the babies. Quickly, a crowd of volunteers stepped up to help Father Grant and Heather feed the babies Monday through Thursday, twice per day. What a great

experience. We are helping to save lives

and we are all getting to know one another

on a new level. If you are interested in joining the fun at 9 am and/or 1 pm, please reach out to Mike Mullins: mikemullinsfl@gmail.com.

He is Risen Indeed! Hallelujah! Hallelujah! Enjoy Handel’s Hallelujah Chorus (https://youtu.be/76vW6huqk1o) from our wonderful Easter celebration at Saint Mark’s! Included are some beautiful photos that we hope you find inspiring.

(Robin Dreyfuss)

Our church web address is www.saintmarksftl.com. To view up-to-date, easy-to-read church and school schedules of meetings and activities CLICK HERE, this is a very useful tool. If you want to receive the weekly Parish Newsletter via email please sign up at https://saintmarksftl.com/#subscribenow and complete the Constant Contact form located on the right side of the web page. If you are interested submitting an article to our weekly Parish Newsletter email dorothyseibert@comcast.net. 

Father Grant has a daily prayer blog which he starts each morning. He shares this with all who would like to pray together at www.atwinfather.com. When you go to the prayer of the day, there is an option to receive the daily prayer in your email inbox so that you don’t have to type it in every day.

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, our rector 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.

We invite you to post on our church website blog, https://saintmarksftl.com/submit-post/, which helps us keep up with the sharing of information. All information will be reviewed and considered for posting on the church website, Facebook page, and Instagram, as well as in this Parish News.