Novermber 23, 2022

As we prepare for the onslaught of the holiday season, I pray that joy and wonder abound and stress and anxiety take a back seat. This is a busy time for the church and we have so much going on. We will begin our Monday morning prayer (November 28th) at the beach (next to the pier at Lauderdale by the Sea) at 8:30 am for Advent. The greening of the church as we begin Advent and the Family First Saturday event is coming quickly. Please join us for as many of those events as you can. 

Our family will be in town for the Thanksgiving holiday, and Heather and I are moving into our new home at the same time, so no stress there. We have been blessed by the welcome we have received over the past five (5) months we have been with you at Saint Mark’s and look forward to our first Christmas season with you all. 

Yours in Christ,

Father Grant +

The First Sunday of Advent is November 27th. In preparation for a beautiful Advent season, the annual Greening of the Church will occur at 10:00 am, Saturday, November 26th. All the decorations, trees, wreaths, and garlands will be in place ready for our transformation into the Advent Season. We will break at noon to share pizza. Come, bring the family. It is a joyful event. For questions, contact Mike Mullins at mmullins10@aol.com.

“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 (11/13)

The choir sang “This is the Day the Lord Has Made”, which is Psalm 118, arranged by Mark Hayes. Quite a lovely tune! (Robin Dreyfuss) 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 near 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. For your safety, Wilton Manors Marine Patrol will be on-hand to support this event. 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

The Coffee Hours, which follows our Sunday Services have been a real success. The attendance continues to grow with many visitors joining our parish. Please sign up to host, with two or three people for each service. The sign up sheet is on the wall in the Parish Hall, next to the kitchen entrance. The church provides the set up which includes coffee urns, sugar, creamer, paper products, and lemonade mix. Our hosts provide snack items and make the lemonade. It takes about 15 minutes to prepare. Thank you for your support. (Mike Mullins)

We are increasing our Usher Corps, the first point of contact for our visitors. There is a sign up sheet on the table in the narthex for all who are interested in joining our Ushers’ team. Once we have a number of people who have volunteered Father Grant will lead the training session. (Mike Mullins)

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/