19apr23

A Message from our Rector,

Father Grant Wiseman

Dear Parish Family,

It was a glorious first Holy Week together, and I look forward to many more. We had increased attendance from previous years, and there was a spirit in the air that was palpable. I am grateful for all the hard work that was done by the worship and music ministries that helped make it run very smoothly. All of the music was fantastic. We have much for which to be thankful.

Our vestry will be on retreat this weekend, and I ask that all of you pray for us as we look at the many opportunities that are before us as a church. We hope to set some goals and priorities for the next fiscal year that will encourage us to continue to grow as we have over the past few months.

I want to remind everyone about the Family First Saturday on May 6. That will be a Sies de Mayo. We’re asking the families to bring ten tacos to share or five if you are a single person from your favorite Mexican place. We intend to have other snacks, drinks, and a family-friendly movie in the Parish Hall. It will be from 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm on May 6, 2023. As always, please invite friends to join us.

These next few weeks until school is out, will fly by, and we have a lot going on in the summer for both the church and the school.

Yours in Christ,

Father Grant +

Gospel: Luke 24:13-35; Your Lifetime Journey – 4/23

All of us have journeyed whether vacation, business or moving our home. This Sunday’s Gospel speaks of two disciples on route to Emmaus, but actually their journey is far more arduous: it’s the trip of a lifetime from unknowing to wisdom, depression to joy, life through death. Yes, in God’s word and Eucharist, these two have discovered that Jesus and we live through death. This changes everything! Wisdom, joy, and eternal life become our destiny, and growing in these three gifts shape our journey. (Norm Carroll)

Saint Mark’s Guild Meeting – 4/20

Tomorrow, the Guild will host Ann Bellissimo who will be speaking about Marjory Rawlings, the famous Floridian who wrote The Yearling. The Guild meets in the Ministry Center on the third Thursday of the month at 12:30 for prayers, potluck lunch and a program. If you have not previously joined us and would like only to hear the presentation, come at 1:15 pm. Afterwards, we will fill food bags for the homeless.

Saint Mark’s Book Club – 4/27

The Book Club will meet in the South Chapel of the church at 11:30 am for lunch, followed by our featured book discussion. The group will discuss 1984, by George Orwell. It was written over 70 years ago, yet still very applicable to today. It was nominated as one of America’s best-loved novels by PBS’s The Great American Read. Please join us!

(Dorothy Seibert dorothyseibert@comcast.net)

The Pantry of Broward

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.

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Saint Mark’s Lent, Holy Week and Easter Seasons!

Thank You, Father Grant, Gordon Roberts, Kelly Harris, and the Maintenance Staff. We thank the Altar Guild, the Pew Guild, the Choir, the Lectors and Intercessors,the Vestry, and the Acolytes, all of who serve on the altar. Our Weekly hosts of the Lenten Soup/Salad Suppers and the many others who worked behind the scenes. It was a profoundly meaningful Lent and a most joyous Easter. The Lord has risen indeed. Alleluia, Alleluia!

Important Links to our Activities Calendar and Sign-Up to Receive Our Weekly Email Newsletter

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.

Let Us All Pray Together Daily

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.

Face Mask in Church – Optional

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.

Pastoral Care at Saint Mark’s

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.