27apr22

For over two thousand years, Christ's beloved have gathered together to break bread and share wine in remembrance of Him. The Altar Guild sets the table. At the priest's direction, the Altar Guild members prepare the elements, arrange the altar and take care of the linens. They clean and polish the church from top to bottom for holidays, with help from volunteers. It is a beautiful way to serve God and the church family. Presently Paula Green (shown here with her daughter Nicole), Harry Richardson, Lori McFadden, and Joan Billings serve on the Altar Guild. They would love to increase their ranks. It is even more rewarding to serve together in fellowship! Contact Paula at 954-213-5766 or Lori at 413-218-3946 to join the Altar Guild.

We need to fund all the wonderful things our Church wants to do in the coming fiscal year (July 1, 2022-June 30, 2023); a new Rector, a strong music program, new outreach programs, upgrading our beloved Church, increasing membership and other goals. You may fill in your pledge card on the table at the back of the Church and turn it in or pledge online at http://www.saintmarksftl.com/pledge-online/. Every pledge of any amount is important and valued, as well as your offering of time and talent. Thank you!

On the first Sunday of every month, the Church will be collecting food items for the Food Pantry of Broward. The Pantry of Broward serves seniors who are on a fixed income and/or raising their grandchildren. Kirk Bookman, who volunteers at the Pantry of Broward, has offered to take the food to the Pantry on the Monday following each collection. The Pantry receives many donations at Thanksgiving and Christmas, but the non-holiday months can be very lean. By collecting food each month we hope to help provide food on a more regular basis. Those of you who winter with us and ARE RETURNING NORTH OR TRAVELLING EXTENSIVELY DURING THE SUMMER, please remember to clean out your pantry before you leave and bring your food items to the Church. While the First Sunday of the Month will be a regular collection, donations are gratefully accepted any time.

Patiently I Have Waited on the Lord by Saint Saens, who was a French composer/organist (1835-1921).

The Book Club will meet tomorrow, April 28th at 11:30 am, in the Parish Hall for lunch followed by the discussion of  Countdown 1945: The Extraordinary Story of the 116 Days that Changed the World by Chris Wallace.

There is an increased need for the nutritious snack packs that many of us give to the homeless who are soliciting on the street corners. The Guild, who prepares the packs at their usual third Thursday of the month meetings, is having a special meeting to fill the nutrition snack packs on Monday, May 2nd  at noon in the Parish Hall. There is no meeting or lunch at this work session, but fellowship and an opportunity to be able to offer food to those in need are provided! Guild members and any guests are most welcome to help.

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.