We have had a busy spring and beginning of summer at St. Mark’s. After our Easter celebration, we had a rapid succession of fellowship events including our Mother’s Day invitational and two weeks later our All Church Family Picnic that honored the hard work of our Sunday School teachers.
In June, we held our Vacation Bible School and it was fantastic. Two days of intensive fun centering on our understanding of the Holy Spirit and His coming on the day of Pentecost. Both teachers and kids had a wonderful time identifying ways the Holy Spirit presents Himself in the lives of believers.
July brought the introduction of our new Curate, Deacon Ashley Classen. He will be with us for some time as he works his way toward ordination to the priesthood. In the mean time, Deacon Ashley will be busy with his ministry to us through our teaching and preaching rota as well as his presence among us on Sundays. Last Sunday, on July 24, Deacon Ash began a several session program with the Adult Forum that meets at 8:30am on Sunday mornings. He is leading a discussion of the book “Radical, Taking Back Your Faith From the American Dream”. This is a fantastic study on how to reclaim a full and lively faith in a culture that exalts the individual. I hope you will join us.
On July 17 we had a baptism where we welcomed the son of members Christopher and Sara into the family of God. We had a wonderful turnout and for those present, you had the opportunity to reaffirm our Baptismal vows to the Most High.
As for Outreach, our parish has been busy. St. Mark’s has had a number of opportunities to serve others outside of our walls. The annual Diaper Drive was a complete success and we fielded a team of parishioners on the 15th who gathered to sort and store items for Captain Hope. Look for at least two more opportunities in August to serve. Thanks to Wende and Kathy W. for keeping us focused on the service projects that have the most impact in our part of the world.
Bylaws. The Vestry has just ratified a new set of Bylaws for our parish. There were just a few changes and updates that needed to be made. They will be up on this website soon but in the mean time, hard copies are available on the half-round table in the parish hall.
Last Sunday, on the 24th, you heard about the plans for our worship space. A few months ago, the Vestry began to move forward on some much needed maintenance of our worship space as well as add a few architectural touches. Phase I will include wall repair, painting, electrical work, and some wood work. I am very excited about the project and please take some time to look at the concept drawings in the parish hall.