29jun22

On July 5th, 1953, a group of people interested in forming a new Episcopal Mission to serve the Coral Ridge and Wilton Manors areas of Fort Lauderdale, met at the Garden Center in Birch State Park for a Morning Prayer Service. This year we celebrate our 69th Anniversary. (Karen Richardson)

In the last three months, Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church has delivered over 120 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.

The official collection is on the first Sunday of the month, July 3rd. Many of us travel over the July 4th long weekend. Feel free to bring your items ahead of time if you will not be attending our church services on July 3rd. Thank you for your generous support!

We are a nation deeply divided, especially in partisanship, abortion and racism. Does Christ have something to say or is he solemnly silent? Sunday’s gospel portrays Jesus with plenty to say and he sends us to say it: to combat hostility and anger (John 8:1-11). We may disagree, but never with oral or physical violence, and always with respect, Christlike wisdom, and an open mind toward our brothers and sisters. (Norm Carroll)

If you ever thought of joining the choir, summer is the time to do it! We want you!!! We sing very familiar hymns in the summer. The choir doesn’t wear the standard choir robes during the summer. Come on over for a big welcome! Come on over for a big welcome!

The Guild will attend The Big Band Hits of the Golden Age at FAU on Sunday, July 10th. We will take the Saint Mark’s school bus leaving from the parking lot around 12:00 pm. We will have lunch at Panera’s. The concert at FAU starts at 2 pm. Please purchase your ticket in advance this Sunday, July 3rd from Lynne Coughlin to assure we have seats.

As the date of arrival of our next Rector, Father Grant Wiseman, approaches, plans are taking shape for his investiture service and for the completion of the transition from the interim period between Rectors, to a bright future under his leadership. Please mark your calendar and join us for each of the following events:

Institution Service for our next Rector, Father Grant Wiseman in our Church with Bishop Eaton presiding. Followed by a “meet and greet” gathering in the Beitha Mendez Parish Hall.

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.

Our nursery is coming back! Would you like to help us get it underway by donating to this ministry? We are looking for nursing 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)

We are looking for women of Saint Mark’s who are interested in restarting ECW at Saint Mark’s. At Saint Martin’s, Becky Fogleson served as president of the Episcopal Church Women’s group and was also a former (and now current) member of Saint Mark’s. Becky will have a sign-up sheet in the back of the church on Sunday, July 3rd. Please sign up with your name and phone number. Hopefully, a meeting for the fall will be planned to regroup and reorganize. If you feel that the group should organize sooner, please note that on the sign-up sheet. Or you may contact Becky Fogleson at 954-646-5122.

Last Sunday there was an insert in the bulletin about Sarah Ransdell’s beautiful experience hosting an Ukrainian family. Sarah is a member of Saint Mark’s Church and of the choir. Since many people are away in the summer, and this is most worthwhile reading, I will share her inspiring story starting with the next newsletter. Please contact st.nicholas.refugees.ua@gmail.com to see how you can 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.

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/