November 11, 2022

I pray that all of you are safe from Hurricane Nicole. I went to San Antonio early to attend the National Association of Episcopal Schools Biennial Convention. I am excited by how many people attended last weekend’s Family First Saturday, we had people from church and school, and it was an incredible event.

I look forward to Advent and the Christmas season, and we will, again, have the Monday Beach Morning Prayer this year, beginning November 28th. We will have two services on Christmas Eve a 4:00 pm family service with a paper bag pageant and a Solemn High Mass (with incense) at 7:00 pm. Christmas Day will have one service at 10:00 AM. Please invite your friends to any or all of the many upcoming events.

Yours in Christ,

Father Grant +

Due to the inclement weather, it has been decided to cancel our Fall Wednesday Night D9inner. Thank you to all who were able to attend the previous dinners. Plans are in the work to hold additional dinners beginning in January 2023!

This Sunday is also the church and school’s Thanksgiving Food Drive. Donated food items will be delivered to the Pantry of Broward on Monday, November 14th. Our school student council members will take the food collected to the Food Pantry via the school bus. Let’s see if we can repeat last Sunday’s collection. Thank you for supporting this effort!

This Sunday we will celebrate the Eucharist with a baptism. Following the service the parents of Benjamin will be having a reception, during the coffee hour, in the Parish Hall. They have requested for everyone to join them for cake and coffee, along with a meet and greet. Please join us to welcome them!

The Guild will meet at noon in the Parish Hall for prayers, a pot luck lunch and a speaker.

This month’s programming will feature support for those living alone, community resources and choosing a new living situation. Please bring a picnic item and join us. Lynne Coughlin

954-741-65466.

“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from Him.” Psalm 127:3

Saint Mark’s would like to announce the Nursery is open! After a long hiatus, our Sunday morning Nursery is available for little ones ages 4 and under. Located on the north side of the Beitha Mendez Parish Hall, it will operate during the 8 am and 10:30 am services. We are also looking for more smiling nursery attendants and if you or someone you know is interested in applying, please contact Human Resources at 954-563-5155.

(Giselle Dorsett)

Sunday; Our Music Department (11/6)

The choir sang a powerful rendition of Make Them Hear You, composed by Stephen Flaherty from the musical “Ragtime” at the 10:30 am service on November 6th in honor of election day. CLICK HERE TO LISTEN.

The Christmas Angel Tree will be up in the Narthex. Please take an angel and return the angel with a gift for a child infected or affected with HIV/AIDS.

Advent Beach Morning Prayer will take place on the beach, east of A1A and the Commercial Blvd. Pier, in Lauderdale by the Sea.

Family First Saturday; Christmas Caroling on the Middle River starting from the school’s Sea Lab dock. Join us for this fun event, If you want sing along the river, or want to just enjoy the fellowship along the seawall. Bring your lawn chairs, blankets, and drinks. Paddle boards and kayaks available for your use, as well. If you have a boat bring it to the dock, and join us. Dinner to follow.

The last day to bring your angel gift to the church.

Episcopal Church Women next meeting will take place at 10:00 am in the Parish Hall. The group will decorate the Parish Hall for the Church Christmas Potluck luncheon that will happen on December 11th following the combined 8:00 and 10:30 service which will commence at 10:00 am. Watch for more details. Please contact Becky Fogleson at 954-646-5122 or by email: oldfogey2@att.net. If you are interested in purchasing an ECW handbook, please contact Gracia Curlee-Gordon at 954-258-8933 or by email garciagordon69@gmail.com to place an order.

A representative from the Children’s Diagnostic and Treatment Center will be attending our 10:00 am service to collect the gifts for distribution to the children. After the service a Christmas Potluck luncheon will take place in the Parish Hall.

4:00 pm; Family Paper Bag Pageant: Discover your role when you pull an assignment from the paper bag. 

7:00 pm; Solemn High Mass (with incense)

10:00 am; Holy Eucharist

On January 22, 2023 we will hold our next Annual Meeting. There are five (5) members of the Vestry whose present terms will conclude with this meeting and we will also select delegates (2) and alternates (2) for next year’s Diocesan Convention. If you feel that God is placing on your heart a willingness to represent the best interests of your fellow congregants in either of these roles, please share your desire with Father Grant, or a member of the Vestry, so that your name might be placed in nomination at our Parish Annual Meeting. (Harry Richardson, Junior Warden)

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.

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/