At the request of several parishioners, Jeff G’s comments regarding Fr. Greg’s resignation are being posted here for those who may not have been in attendance on Sunday, 9/25.

Well… it’s been a big week here at St. Mark’s.

In case you didn’t get the message from Fr. Greg’s sermon this morning, or you didn’t receive the letter he mailed on Wednesday, Greg tendered his resignation to both me and Bill M. this past Monday.

I must tell you I was not expecting to hear what Fr. Greg had to say on Monday. There are some who have told me they weren’t surprised by the news, but I submit to you that I hadn’t anticipated this at all. I was totally surprised – blindsided, even.

My surprise was followed by dismay – “Now what? We have so many terrific things happening at St. Mark’s – what’s going to happen to this endeavor, and how will that project continue?” Most of you here are veterans when it comes to clergy moving into and out of the parish, but I managed to miss out on all of that, so I think you can understand my concerns.

Well, along about Wednesday, my surprise and dismay had been replaced by gratitude and encouragement.

I was reminded that people make the church. And I’m so grateful that God saw fit to bring Fr. Greg and his family to this group of people five years ago to help us grow as a church family. I’m so grateful we were given the opportunity to share St. Mark’s with the Pickens family and I’m grateful they chose to make St. Mark’s their church home for a brief time.

I’m also grateful God saw fit to bring us a spiritual leader with such commitment and generosity of spirit. It has been an honor to serve on the vestry as the “vicar’s warden,” and I think I speak for everyone when I say we are going to miss the Pickens family something awful.

But I’m also encouraged by what we have accomplished here at St. Mark’s during Fr. Greg’s tenure. We are a self-sustaining entity. As mentioned in his letter, the parish is financially sound, rich in ministry, and blessed with an active and committed vestry who love St. Mark’s and have a vision for the future of the parish. We as a parish family, with God’s help, have made this happen. There is a great deal of positive momentum already at work in what God has called us to carry out here at St. Mark’s. I know in my heart we will continue to support and encourage each other as well as whomever God delivers to us as our new rector as we continue our work here.

I spoke with Canon Neal Michell on Friday. Canon Michell is the Canon of the Ordinary for the diocese and is in charge of placement of clergy. I am happy to report the bishop already has someone in mind for us as an interim priest – a young priest from the Dallas area with a family (two young children!).

Greg’s last Sunday is October 30th. Canon Michell and Canon Heard will trade off Sundays for the first few weeks after Fr. Greg’s departure, and it is highly likely we’ll have an interim past that point. I will, of course, keep you posted.

I’m happy to report that Deacon Ashley will continue on with us. Additionally, all of our ministries will continue, as will the upgrades to the worship space.

Again, I will do my best to keep you all up to date regarding new developments.

Today is the Pot Luck Supper. I encourage everyone to come back and join us for a meal. Fr. Greg will be there to answer any questions you may have.

God bless Fr. Greg, Noralyn, and Annie. And God bless St. Mark’s.

Jeff Gardner
Senior Warden

Fr. Robert Young, husband of Liz Young, recently completed his tour of duty as Force Chaplain with the Combined Joint Task Force-Horn of Africa. CJTF-HOA is a multinational Task Force which trains and assists the armed forces of East African nations and conducts social, political and economic programs to strengthen them and their ties with the United States in a region the size of the Continental united States. Chaplain Young has also been deployed to Iraq, and Afghanistan during the War on Terrorism.

As a tribute to mothers of sons who are currently serving or have served in the military, and wives whose husbands are currently serving, the chaplain will offer a first-hand account of his experience in dealing with the diplomatic, military, and religious communities (Christian and Muslim) in east Africa.

The event will take place Sunday, May 8, beginning with the Holy Eucharist service at 9:30am. Brunch will be served following the service, prepared by Liz, as her way of thanking the members of St. Mark’s for being here for her during her husband’s deployment.

Please join us for this special event to celebrate and give thanks for our mothers on Mother’s Day!

On Saturday, March 26th, St. Mark’s parishioners participated in the 2011 Community Fest event at Senter Park in Irving, TX.

This year, the St. Mark’s booth featured a free raffle. Prizes included five $50 Kroger Gift Cards and an XBOX 360 video game console.

Over 250 raffle entries were received and approximately 125 invitations to visit St. Mark’s were extended to event attendees.