Category Archives: Church Life

September 2010 Parish Update

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I used to think summer was a time of rest, when the church refreshed itself for the balance of the year.  I now think that while the number of ministry activities is reduced,  the ones that take their place require equal effort in the Lord.

Take VBS for example (see the photo albums).  We had 18 formal team members who came together and delivered an outstanding message to the kids.  But just underneath those 18 were another cadre who cooked taco meat, brought extra items, and let’s not forget the ever present Jr. Warden’s posse among others.  VBS was a little different this year in that the food, art, music, teaching, and activities were formed around the Parable of the Sower.  The program was wonderful.  We had our own VBS-aged kids plus some of their friends and by any account, they enjoyed the program.  This was a huge effort by our parish for our kids – thank you!

Now that summer is waning, the ministries that take a siesta are gearing back up.  The Tuesday night Bible Study is returning along with a full semester of Sunday school.  The choir will resume practice just after the Labor Day break, and the First Sunday EYC meeting starts up just after service.

We have a lot going on in the parish right now so there is a ministry opportunity for every person.  As God continues to lead His people deeper into His service, consider speaking with any of the ministry heads about how to participate.

May God bless you and keep you,

Fr. Greg

Adventure Team Visits the Museum of Biblical Arts

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Tuesday, August 24th, Saint Mark’s Adventure Team gathered for lunch at the Blue Mesa Grill before visiting the Museum of Biblical Arts in Dallas.

From the Museum’s Website: “We serve all backgrounds and denominations—particularly those interested in art history, because an understanding of Biblical themes is critical to both an understanding of the humanities and Western Culture. The Museum is a cultural crossroads utilizing art for tolerance and understanding—reflected in our various archeological exhibits and decorative art from Israel and the Holy Land.

Learn more about the Museum of Biblical Arts and the museum’s collections here.


The Saint Mark's Adventure Team enjoying lunch at The Blue Mesa Grill.

Tuesday Evening Bible Study Resumes September 7th

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The Teachers and Learners Bible Study group will meet Tuesday, September 7th, to resume our lessons based on the Revised Common Lectionary.

At our meetings we’ll be studying the readings and psalms for the coming Sunday, using workbooks published by Paraclete Press. Last spring we found these studies were meaningful and strengthening, and gave us greater understanding for our Sunday worship. Study guide booklets are available for home-schoolers who follow along with us but can’t make it on Tuesday evenings.

All are welcome, men and women, Tuesdays 7:00-8:00. Please come and join us.

Our prayer for Christian education, from which we took the name of our group, can be found in Proper 23, BCP. We call ourselves Teachers and Learners because through our study, prayers, and discussion we teach and learn from each other.

23. For Education
Almighty God, the fountain of all wisdom: Enlighten by your
Holy Spirit those who teach and those who learn, that,
rejoicing in the knowledge of your truth, they may worship
you and serve you from generation to generation; through
Jesus Christ our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the
Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

St. Mark’s Volunteers Help Students Return To Class Equipped To Learn

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A whopping twenty-three volunteers represented Saint Mark’s this past Saturday at the Captain Hope’s Kids Tools for School Drive.

The Saint Mark’s crew helped stuff over 250 backpacks with school supplies – notebooks, rulers, folders, pens and pencils, crayons, markers, and more!

The backpacks will be distributed to children receiving aid from the different agencies that Captain Hope’s supports. These agencies service homeless families in the Dallas area including domestic violence shelters, homeless shelters, and others.

In addition to Saint Mark’s volunteers, youth groups from several other area churches also participated – all working together to benefit this worthy cause.

Attention Captain Hope Volunteers – Tools for School Drive

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If you signed up to volunteer for Captain Hope’s Kids, there has been a slight change.

We will meet this Saturday, August 14, at 10:00 AM, at the Captain Hope’s Admin Office, at 10555 Newkirk, Ste. 580, Dallas, TX 75220. This is close to the Sam’s Club on Northwest Highway. We will be helping them put together backpacks of school supplies from 10-12AM. There will be A/C and they will even have snacks for us! There is lots to do, so all are welcome! Anytime you can give is greatly appreciated.

From St. Mark’s, take O’Connor all the way to Northwest Highway, turn right. Turn Left on Newkirk. There is a group of office buildings on the left. Turn left (2nd turn), at building 10555. Go all the way to the end. Captain Hope is on the left side at the very end of the building. Park anywhere in the front and ring the bell to be let in.

If coming from I-35, exit Northwest Highway, go west. Turn Right on Newkirk.

If you would like to share rides or follow, we will meet at the church at 9:15AM. Note that we will leave no later for Captain Hope’s by 9:40AM, so we will be there on time. You are welcome to meet us there, or come whenever you can. Click here to view a map. We will also have extra copies on Saturday morning.

Please have a look at their wish list of supplies, if you want to contribute anything to the cause! Thank you in advance, and if you have any questions, please contact Wende B.

The Forbidden Fruit

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The Forbidden Fruit, c. 1832

“The Forbidden Fruit” as published in The Self Interpreting Bible with an Evangelical Commentary By the Late Revd. John Brown, Minister of the Gospel at Haddington, 1832.

Saint Mark’s Brings God’s Love To The Austin Street Shelter

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The last Saturday of each month, Saint Mark’s volunteers gather at 8:30am to individually wrap 460 sweet rolls for Sunday breakfast at Dallas’ Austin Street Shelter. This Shelter accommodates over 400 homeless people from the streets of Dallas every night.

While the volunteers are separating and wrapping sweet rolls, one of our volunteers goes to Kroger to purchase 20 gallons of whole milk. Shown in the slide show below are some of the volunteers at work.

Saint Mark’s Austin Street Ministry began soon after Father Rowland arrived in 1974 and has continued each month since. Today’s average cost per month is $200.

The need is great. The Shelter employees, volunteers, and temporary residents are grateful for our ministry. If you would like to become a volunteer, please contact Bettye B. or the Church Office. Training is not necessary, and the fellowship is great.

Funds for this ministry are budgeted, but the cost has increased greatly over time. Cash donations help to offset the cost. If you are unable to volunteer and would rather contribute monetarily, please contact us or talk to Father Greg.

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Viginia R’s Beef Brisket

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INGREDIENTS

1 large trimmed beef brisket
1 can beer
1 can cream of mushroom soup
1 package Lipton onion soup mix

DIRECTIONS

Place brisket in roaster pan or 9×13 inch oven-safe casserole dish. Pour 1 can of beer over meat and cover with foil. Marinate in the fridge overnight.

Next day, discard marinade. Sprinkle brisket with garlic powder.

Pour 1 can cream of mushroom soup over meat, then sprinkle 1 package of Lipton onion soup mix over the meat and mushroom soup topping.

Cover pan/dish with foil and cook in 300 degree F oven for approximately 3 hours or until fork tender.

Recipe adapted from Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church Women’s Cookbook, 1996.
Contributed by Virginia R..

Do you have a favorite recipe from one of the Saint Mark’s cookbooks? Tell us about it! Leave a comment…