"This is the last time we will be in Paul’s letter to the Galatians for a while and he does not disappoint in this final volley to a church in trouble. Paul is reducing the several themes of this letter to a very ‘thick syrup’ of what it means to be a Community in Christ – that New Creation he speaks of so often. How does he do this?" — Listen here, or download the MP3!
Stars, Stripes, and Saint Mark’s
Saint Mark’s participated in Irving’s Independence Day Parade which was held on Saturday, July 3rd this year. Floats were decorated to represent events in American history.
The float for Saint Mark’s featured posters depicting rights accorded to each citizen, aspirations of some of America’s great leaders, and the contributions of immigrants in enriching the fabric of America.
The children on the float reflected a “rainbow” of ethnic groups which make up America’s melting pot.
Despite the rain, the parade and the day were a huge success!
Check out these photos of the day:
Mother’s Day Diaper Drive: It Was A Dusey!
A big thank you to everyone who contributed diapers and wipes, as well as money to buy diapers and wipes, to the Mother’s Day Diaper Drive.
We collected an AMAZING 2,435 diapers and over 8,000 wipes, weighing well over 300 pounds! To put this in perspective, the average baby will use about 4,700 diapers in the first two years, so your generosity provided almost the equivalent amount. WOW!
The donation was divided equally between Irving Cares and Brighter Tomorrows, who kept asking if their allotment was really all for them! Your gifts will make a huge impact on an untold number of families who use the services of these two organization. Thank you again for your continued support of the Body Building Committee. We could not do this ministry without the active, ongoing support of this parish!
Children’s Chapel Service – An Introduction To Our Liturgy
“Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 19:14
A few short words on the Children’s Chapel Service that is such an integral part of the early childhood Christian Education curriculum at Saint Mark’s.
Here, the children experience the same Liturgy of the Word, albeit shortened, as we have in the church proper. In general, we open with a collect, read several lines of the day’s psalm, read the Gospel story, have a question/discussion-based homily, create a “prayer card,” discuss the cards, and confess our sins. When there is extra time we practice our formal prayers or sing songs related to the day’s lesson.
We will continue to keep you informed. Please feel free to ask questions and provide feedback. We encourage you to visit with us at Chapel this summer!
2010 Vacation Bible School Registration Is Open!
Are your kids ready to grow in faith, have fun, and change the world?
Please join us for Saint Mark’s Children’s Ministry VBS this summer. This year’s program is ReNew-The Green VBS — an environmentally-focused vacation bible school that will inspire both kids and adults to grow in faith, have fun, and change the world as they practice stewardship of God’s creation. It’s gonna be a great “green” summer!
Children can participate in three age groups: Preschool, Lower Elementary, and Upper Elementary.
Preschoolers will have their own activity site where they will learn the Parable of the Sower and explore creation through free play and activities oriented around the self and the community.
Lower and Upper Elementary will alternate between various activities highlighting what each person can do to grow in faith and care for creation. Planned activities enable participants to encounter the part of creation we call community and recognize God at work in our relationships with one another.
ReNew is about hope, opportunity, and service. Kids and congregations lead the way as stewards of the earth.
A light supper will be provided before classes.
Register your children and grandchildren for the 2010 ReNew Vacation Bible School at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church today! All children between the ages of 3 and 14 are invited to grow in faith as they play, learn, sing, and work to RENEW our congregation and community.
DATES: Mon., August 9 – Fri., August 13
TIME: 5:30pm – 8:30pm
VBS Registration Form Download
| Download and fill out a registration form for each child who wishes to attend. Return completed forms to the Parish Office, attention Noralyn Pickens/Anne Cordel or to Noralyn/Anne directly: 2010 ReNew Vacation Bible School at Saint Mark’s |
Checks and Balances in the Christian Life
"Well, the last few Sundays we have been moving through Paul’s letter to the Galatian churches, and we continue today in that letter. Joyfully, we come to the portion to which the writer has been leading us toward. There are many, many rich passages and phrases in this particular portion of scripture that we have heard today, but especially this one where Paul writes to the Galatians, ‘Live by the Spirit, but do not gratify the desires of the flesh, for the Spirit and the flesh are opposed to each other to prevent you from doing what you want…’" — Listen here, or download the MP3!
Jesus Fulfills the Law of Moses
“We continue this week with Paul’s letter to the Galatians. Paul is drawing conclusions about the law and a strong faith in the redemptive power of Jesus on the cross. Now we know the law is that portion of the first five books of our Old Testament that provide the do’s and the don’ts to God’s chosen people…” — Listen here, or download the MP3!