Category Archives: Latest News

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.

Bodybuilding Committee Meets August 22nd

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The Bodybuilding Committee will be meeting in the Meeting Room (Education Wing) on Sunday, August 22nd, right after the 9:30 am service.

Anyone is welcome to attend. We will be planning for and working on the details for the Fall Festival (October). If you are interested in participating, please let Wende B., Patricia S., or Rachel H. know.

All adult volunteers must have completed “Safe Church” training in order to participate.

Please grab your coffee after the service Sunday and head straight for the Meeting Room so we can get started! There is much to do and October will be here before we know it!

A New Year of Sunday School at Saint Mark’s

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We just completed a great Vacation Bible School program and are actively planning for the new year of Sunday School and Chapel. We have a few updates for you and your children as part of the Children’s Ministries at St. Mark’s Church.

Children’s Chapel

  • Children’s Chapel will be available the last Sunday of every month for ages 4 through 12
  • We continue to follow much of the same Liturgy of the Word as in the main church by reading the psalm, Gospel, and reflecting on the readings. Our prayer cards continue to be a way for the children to share their thoughts with Jesus through the offering plate in church. Time allowing, we confess our sins, practice our formal prayers, or sing songs related to the day’s lesson.
  • Chapel will be led by Anne Cordell and Noralyn Pickens.

Sunday School

  • We return to Sunday School on Sunday September 12th.
  • We have a wonderful curriculum with a focus on the Seasons of the Church Year and Catechism. “Most Certainly True: Living the Catechism” will focus on Bible stories related to the Commandments, the Creed, the Lord’s Prayer, the Holy Spirit, and God’s grace. “Circle of the Seasons: Living the Church Year” helps the children fully experience the church seasons of Advent, Christmas and Epiphany, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost. The two programs are interwoven throughout the year to help the children seamlessly move from church season and catechism. The lesson units are covered for two-three weeks to allow the children to learn in depth. The programs are built around a broad variety of learning opportunities – from art to music to movement to nature.
  • We have two age groups: K – 2nd grade taught by Kathy Whitgrove and Rachel Harris
    and 3rd – 6th grade taught by Wende Burton and Jenifer Jones.

Children’s Ministries leaders:

  • Directors: Anne Cordell and Noralyn Pickens
  • Teachers: Wende Burton, Rachel Harris, Jenifer Jones, Kathy Whitgrove
  • All of our leaders have completed the Safe Church requirements in order to work with children. All who work with children are required to complete the Safe Church program every three years. This includes learning modules and background check.

 

Thank you for bringing your children to Sunday School and Chapel. We are blessed to have them in our program. Please feel free to ask questions and provide feedback.

Help Keep the Pantry Full at Irving Cares!

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Fr. Greg’s birthday is August 22nd. Our annual food drive for Irving Cares in his honor is being held now through the end of August.

Your support helps keep the pantry full! Canned foods are desperately needed, so please do what you can to help. Contributions of canned food items can be left in the Parish Hall near the Outreach bulletin board.

Irving Cares provides assistance to Irving residents experiencing a temporary crisis and relies on the generosity of the community for contributions.

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.