6jul22

On July 14th at 7:00 pm clergy from around our diocese will converge on Saint Mark’s to help us celebrate the beginning of a new chapter in the life of Saint Mark’s. It is a time when the parish stands as a united community before the Bishop to request that Fr. Grant Wiseman, who has been called and chosen by God, to be installed as our next Rector. This is a service whose liturgy is equal to that of Christmas and Easter; beautiful music, the presentation of symbolic gifts, the commitment to God and to one another in prayer and written instrument, and the traditional acts by both the new Rector and the people pledging to uphold the ministry of word and sacrament, and to fulfill Christ’s charge to make disciples, be witnesses and to grow leaders.

 

We pray that all of Saint Mark’s parish will take part in this evening of welcome, thanksgiving and renewal. Renewal within Fr. Wiseman and within each one of us, of the Spirit of Christ’s love, that through us can transform the world for the glory of God.

(Harry Richardson, Jr. Warden)

Thank you Interim Choir Director; Gordon Roberts, Choir and Soloists Aaron Venable, and Sam Venable

On Sunday, July 3rd during the 10:30 service there was a special song, “What is America to Me?” with soloist and choir member Aaron Venable accompanied by his daughter Sam on the Trombone and the Interim Choir Director Gordon Roberts on piano. It was a beautiful musical service.

“Who is my neighbor?” asked the lawyer in Sunday’s gospel. Jesus then told the revolutionary tale of the Good Samaritan. The Judeans and Samaritans hated each other on racial grounds. Sound familiar? The Samaritans broke the impasse by caring wholeheartedly for their Jewish brother. He even offered to spend whatever it took, while the priest and scribe had passed by. Notice: the Samaritan never asked about the Jew’s sexual preference, religion, or economics. His commitment to a human brother overpowered all that. Today, as a nation, we don’t seem to accept Jesus’ message. However, as his disciples, we of Saint Mark’s surely recognize our solemn privilege to live his life as a good Samaritan. (Norm Carroll)

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. 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.

Two long-time parishioners, Harry and Karen Richardson . . . are also long-time “mates”. This picture was taken the day before the first service held at Saint Mark’s on July 5th, 1953, in Birch State Park. Karen’s father was the first Senior Warden, and Karen’s mother was the first Directress of the Altar Guild. Harry and Karen are beautifully carrying on their legacy . . . they are ‘the bookends’ in this photo from almost 70 years ago. (to be continued).

‘And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord:’ We say this at Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church in Fort Lauderdale every week after we take Communion and before we are dismissed. We know what God wants us to do but it isn’t always easy to do. The Interfaith Group Stand with Ukraine (scan code above) offers one way to do what God wants us to do, even if you don’t have much. I have an empty nest with college-age children having flown the coop successfully. I offered to host Jemma, Sasha, Milana, and Regina in my home. They stayed about a month before realizing that America requires a good bit of time and paperwork to get any services. They also realized how hard it was to watch devastating 24/7 news from their beloved country and stay away, from the other side of the world. (Sarah Ransdell) (to be continued).

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/