Weekly Announcements

Week of February 7, 2010

Announcements

1. Announcements: Please limit announcements to 65 to 70 words and submit them by close of business on Tuesday to Caitlin Jacobs at caitlin.jacobs@stmarks.net. Longer items will be edited.
   
   

Christian Education

2. What's Next with Race & Reconcilliation: Everyone is invited to a "First Gathering" supper meeting hosted by Paul, Kenn, Jack, Peter and Penny Wednesday, February 10, at 6:00 PM. in the Parish Hall.  Race & Reconciliation contractors JaNay Queen and Mark Brimhall will discuss with us our racial climate, and invite us to sign up for the 3-session mini course, "One World", that they will lead during February and March. Details on the course will be posted soon.
   
   
3. Women in the New Millennium: Join us for an online journey to explore what it means to claim our roles as powerful women. The course will have two session at St. Marks; 7 February 1:00 - 4:00 PM. and 20 March 9:00 AM. to 4:00 PM. There will be on-line work between the in-person sessions; the cost is $75 (lunch included on 20th). Contact Martha Conner-Donnelly at 202/271-1542 or mac64@hotmail.com or Jackie Boddie at 202/592-8328 or jlb3135@gmail.com.
   
   
4. “What’s an Episcopalian?” This class, open to all and especially encouraged for those who desire to be presented for Confirmation, will explore some of the theoria and praxis, the theology and practice of the Episcopal/Anglican Church. When: Sundays of February 7, 14, 21, & 28, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Where: Adams Room (except 2/21 – in the library). Facilitator: Paul. To sign up, please email Paul at paul.abernathy@stmarks.net.
   
   
5. The Decalogue: Short Films about Ancient Laws and Modern Quandries: Each class begins with a one-hour film from the series called The Decalogue made by Krystof Kieslowski in 1980s Poland. The film will be followed by an hour of discussion. How much of what happens is due to our choices? How much is due to fate, pure chance or choices made by others? Six Wednesday evenings in Lent beginning Febriaru 24 in the Parish Hall at 7:30 PM. Led by Linda Ewald and Sara Rau. Please sign up on the bulletin board in the hall.
   
   
6. St. Mark's Reading Group: On March 1 at 7:30 PM. in the Penniman Room at Baxter House we will be discussing Still Alice by Lisa Genova. The book for April 5 will be Emma by Jane Austen.  For more info, contact Linda Ewald.
   
   
7. Save the Date: Jesus Seminar on the Road will be at St. Mark's on Friday, March 12 and Saturday, March 13. The topic of the seminar this year is “Rediscovering Paul”. Westar Scholars Art Dewey and Roy Hoover have just completed work on a new translation of the authentic letters of Paul that puts him in a very new light. More information and registration info is at www.westarinstitute.org/Events/JSORs/dc2010.html or contact Raiford Gaffney at rgaffneydc@gmail.com or 202/543-8930.
   
   
8. Greece Pilgrimage: Only a few places left for the “Following the Footsteps of Paul - Greece Pilgrimage.” May 6-15, 2010! The deadline for the trip deposit is March 6th. If interested please contact Susan Pinkerton at susan.pinkerton@stmarks.net or call 202/543-0053 X302 without delay!
   
   

Outreach

9. Casseroles for the Soup Kitchen: Today, please pick up a casserole recipe and pan from the table near the High Altar. Your casserole(s) will be taken next Sunday, February 14 to feed the needy at the Church of the Brethren (COB). Our montly goal is 20 casseroles. Questions? Contact Jack Richards, Mary Lee Watts or Jim Shelar.
   
   
10. Other Soup Kitchen Activities: Next Sunday, February 14 from 5:00 - 6:00 PM., we will chop vegetables for soup at the Church of the Brethren, located at 4th Street and North Carolina Ave, SE. We always need 5-6 volunteers to help us finish on time! Please plan to join us in support of those in need of nourishment. Thank you!
    
    
11. Capitol Hill Group Ministry Congregation-Based Shelter Project Family Night: Family Night for the Capitol Hill Group Ministry Congregation-Based Shelter Project was cancelled due to snow in December but has been rescheduled for Monday, February 22 at 6:00 PM. in the Parish Hall. We will serve dinner and share a craft activity and books and stories with 10 mothers and their children. Volunteers are welcome to bring food and visit with our friends from the Shelter Project. For more information or to volunteer, call Stephanie Deutsch at 202/547-8624 or Elizabeth Becker at 202/547-0530 or see the signup sheet in the Foyer.
    
    
12. Rag Dolls 2 Love Sewing Project: 1:00 - 3:00 PM. on Sunday, March 7 in the Adams Room. If you would like to volunteer to make dolls for displaced and traumatized children please sign up on the bulletin board. Donations of lightweight patterned cotton/blends can be put in the box in the Parish Hall. Contact: Barbara Caceres at earthmom61@yahoo.com.
    
    
13. Outreach Presents the Lenten Mite Box Project: The Lenten Mite Box Project serves both as a guide through Lent and as a way to help two worthy causes. Booklets and containers are available at the Nave doors before and during Lent with collection to occur after Easter. The money collected will be split between The Bishop Walker School and the Grameen Foundation. If you have any questions, contact Grace O’Neill at ge_oneill@yahoo.com.
    
    
14. Help Us Furnish an Apartment for a Homeless Family: In early March, the Outreach Board provide the furnishings and furniture necessary to allow a family now living on the streets to move in to an otherwise unfurnished apartment at Partner Arms II. Any useable furniture (except mattresses and box springs) that you can donate will be put to good use.  We'll provide details in mid-February.  For further information contact Jack Burton at jburton39@gmail.com.
    
    

Parish Life

15. Pub Lunch: Thanks again to Mary Neznik, who bought ingredients on Friday before the snow, schlepped everything to church by herself, and did all the cooking. She and I appreciate the volunteers who helped her once she arrived! Walter and Susan Witek, Jeffrey Hunter, and Jim Steed are hosts for today's lunch.
    
    
16. Commercial Kitchen Expertise: Linda Huntington would like ad hoc advice on improving the kitchen.  Please call 301/279-2248 or e-mail linda_huntington@yahoo.com.
    
    
17. Second Attempt to Skate at the Sculpture Garden: Women to Women has rescheduled the skating afternoon for Sunday, February 7th from 1:00 - 3:00. We'll meet at the Sculpture Garden on the mall at 12:30 to get tickets. Prices are $7 to skate ($6 for seniors and children under 12) and $3 for rentals. Come skate or sit and chat with a cup of cocoa or glass of wine in the cafe. See Jennifer Dalzell for details or contact her at either dalzells4@msn.com or 202/543-3642.
    
    
18. New Leadership Opportunities: With the retirement of Elizabeth Long from the post, we are seeking a Co-Chair for the Parish Life Pillar, and also a new Chair of the Shrine Mont Comfort Team. Both offer great opportunities to hone management skills, build new connections and lead critically important areas of the parish. For more information, see the position descriptions posted on www.stmarks.net and/or contact Kenn Allen, Senior Warden.
    
    
19. Mardi Gras Dance/Party: The Mardi Gras Dance/Party is February 13 starting at 6:30. Tickets will be on sale this weekend at $25 for adults along with an appetizer, $10 for children. A few things to look forward to: Cheek to Cheek will perform, appetizers, drinks, babysitting is included, children will be entertained, and costumes!  Questions or willing to volunteer (would love some help with cleanup duty)?  Email Kristi Kubista-Hovis at Kristi_kubista@yahoo.com.
    
    
20. Februay 19 Film Club: Please join us for director Anthony Minghella's first feature, 1991's "Truly, Madly, Deeply," starring Juliet Stevenson and Alan Rickman. Friday, February 19, 7:30 PM., 1321 Geranium Street, N.W., Washington, DC.  Bring beverages and desserts or snacks to share. For further information, contact Alicia Ruble at 202/420-9256 or e-mail blurbologist@hotmail.com.
    
    
21. Women of St. Mark's, Save this Date: Friday, March 5 from 6:30 - 9:30 PM. for a two-hour class followed by an hour of networking wine and cheese. The class is entitled: Finding Time for God in an Already Crowded Calendar and will be taught by our own Susan Flanders and Marilu Sherer. This event is in honor of International Women's Day and there will be no charge. More information to come!
    
    
22. Annual Meeting for 2010: Saturday, March 6, 2010. 5:00 PM.: Chili supper begins (BYOB and desserts); 5:30 PM.: bake-off entries due; 6pm: activities for older children; 6:20 PM.: child care available. Please sign up in the hallway if you plan to attend and for the bake-off, dessert contributions, and child-care.
    
    
23. Calling All Bakers: Calling all bakers for the 1st Annual Winged Lion Dessert Bake-Off! Here's your opportunity to shine! See the hallway for information re: rules for the bake off and entry forms. Questions? Contact Doris Burton at dmburton21@gmail.com.
    
    
24. Save the Date! For Tomorrow on Saturday, March 27, 2010 at 8:00 PM. Join us in the Nave for a 90-minute program about the life of Hilda Stern Cohen, a holocaust survivor. In a program that is part theater, storytelling, music, prayers and poetry, Cohen’s biographer provides a series of vignettes of Cohen’s courageous life. For Tomorrow will start at 8pm followed by a wine and hors d’oeuvres reception. Tickets are $20 for adults and $15 for middle and high school youth and may be purchased at www.stmarksplayers.org. 
    
    
25. Looking to Get More Involved but not Overcommitted? Try hosting the coffee hour! It’s as easy as 1-2-3: 1. Sign up on the bulletin board. 2. Bring food for after Sermon Seminar. 3. (optional) Seek reimbursement (up to $50). Questions? Contact Greg Smith at 202/460-3381 or gsmith@triallawyerdc.com.
    
    

Worship & Meditation

26. Gospel Choir: We’re forming a Gospel Choir to celebrate Black History month on February 14.  All are invited – no experience is necessary!  Participants must attend one hour-long rehearsal before that Sunday – either on Wednesday, February 10 at 7:30pm (Nave) or Saturday, February 13 at 11:00 AM. in the Nave.  You may commit to one or both of the services (9:00 AM. and 11:15 AM.) on February 14 with pre-service rehearsals 45 minutes in advance.
    
    
27. Contemplative Eucharist at 5:00 PM.: Please join us in the Nave at 5:00 PM. this Sunday for our contemplative Eucharist service. Feel free to bring a beverage and/or snack to share during the social hour that follows our service.  Contact Susan Pinkerton at susan.pinkerton@stmarks.net or at 202/543-0053 x302 for information. 
    
    
28. Consider Yourself Invited: Become a part of the “2010” Worship Team! Among the ways to contribute: read lessons & prayers, acolyte, lay serve, sound tech, beadle (Olde English term for “usher”), verger, bread maker, planning team member, communications facilitator. It’s a tremendous opportunity to add your gifts to our Liturgy - the work of the people. Contact Loretta Veney (lwveney@aol.com) & Jan Lipscomb (deljan26@cox.net) to join.
    
    
29. 9:00 AM. Layservers: We are currently recruiting people interested in serving as layservers at the 9 am service. If you are interested in providing this service to the St. Mark’s community, please contact Suanna Bruinooge at suanna.bruinooge@asco.org. Training is provided.
    
    
30. Weekday Services:
    
    
    • Mondays, 7:30 to 9:00 PM. Buddhist Meditation in the Nave
    • Thursdays, 7:00 to 8:00 AM. Buddhist Meditation group in Adams Room
    • Thursdays, Noon to 12:45 PM. Holy Eucharist in the Chapel
    
    

Youth and Family Ministry

31. Youth and Worship: Actively seeking ways to provide opportunities for our children to participate more fully in our liturgy. Our next Family Service will be on February 14th. In addition to the Children’s Reflections, our youth will share in the roles of acolytes, beadles (greeters at the door and ushers), readers of the Prayers of the People and lay servers during this monthly service. If your child is interested in participating in one of these roles in next month’s service and has not already signed up with the coordinator, please send Megan an e-mail.
    
    
32. Mardi Gras Dance Youth Activities: Pizza and children’s games, crafts, and festive activities will be available in the Adams Room for youth attending. Nursery care will also be available from 7:00 to 10:30 PM. We are in need of a few adults (in one-hour shifts) to help with children’s activities during the dance; if you’d like to help oversee parts of the youth events please sign up on the bulletin board or send Megan an e-mail. Looking forward to a fun evening!!
    
    
33. Dates for the 2010 Honduras Youth Trip are Set! Will you join us? The dates for the 2010 Honduras Youth Trip have been set!  We depart June 24 and return July 8.  All rising 8th graders through graduating high schoolers are eligible to participate in this St. Mark’s 20-year tradition.  Our young people, accompanied by 4 intrepid St. Mark’s adults, will work with Sustainable Harvest International in Honduras on reforestation and other sustainable development projects.  Now is the time to decide if your teen would like to participate! If you have not been in touch with Julie Murphy, Jane Sherman or Megan Courtney, please e-mail one of them today! (juliemurphy1@verizon.net; brucejane@rcn.com; megan.courtney@stmarks.net).
    
    
34. Annual Meeting: In need of adult helpers. During the Annual meeting, March 6, children’s games and activities will be available in the Adams Room from 6:30 through the end of the meeting. (Dinner is to be served from 5 to 6:30.) To ensure that a maximum number of adults can be present in the meeting, we are in need of 10 adults to help downstairs in 30 minute shifts; please sign up on the bulletin board if you’re able to help. Thanks!
    
    
35. Middle School Annual Lock-in: All middle school youth are invited to participate in a winter lock-in! This evening will provide a chance for the middle school group to spend time together, completing a scavenger hunt, playing games, and spending the night at St. Mark’s! The lock-in will be on March 13. If you would like to attend please let Megan know.
    
    

Other Announcements

36. Five Winter Evenings of Prayer: Winter is a time when nature is silent and resting, yet quiet growth is taking place out of sight.  If you desire time for prayer that is still and quiet, come to this series on contemplative prayer.  Each evening we will listen to a teaching, practice a contemplative prayer form, and review the prayer.  Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:30 PM., Church of the Epiphany, 1317 G St, NW (Metro Center). January 13 – February 10. To attend any or all sessions, email swalker@epiphanydc.org or call 202/347-2635, ext. 20.  There is no charge, but reservations are requested. 
    
    
37. Yoga for Midlife Meaning with Swami Vidyananda: Mondays, March 1, 8, 15, 22, 2010 - Yoga for Midlife Meaning with Swami Vidyananda. This 4-part course presented by a Yoga master will teach the mental and emotional practices of Yoga philosophy.  Explore creative living, finding peace within, and how to simplify everything.  6:30 - 8:30 PM. in the Parish Hall. $108 ($95 if paid by 2/22/2010)  For more information or to register, call 202/544-6356.
    
    
38. Emergency Maintenance Cell Number: Ed Green’s cell phone number is still the same (240/447-0027). On Sundays, when only his staff is available, contact them by calling the Ed Green Maintenance Company Master Cell Phone Number, 240/619-0634. Please do so only for maintenance emergencies. Otherwise contact the Manciple, Jack Richards or the Jr. Warden.
    
    

Administration

39. Contribution Statements: Contribution Statements are in the mail to everyone who made a donation to St. Mark’s in 2009.  Please read your statement upon receipt, so errors can be corrected sooner rather than later.   If you have questions or corrections – or if you have not received a statement by mid-February – please contact Susan Block, Parish Administrator for Finance and Membership at 202/543-0053 ext.305 or susan.block@stmarks.net. 
    
    
40. For More Information about What's Happening at St. Mark's: Visit the parish web site, www.stmarks.net, or subscribe to the Rector’s weekly email newsletter, This Week at St. Mark’s (aka “TWASM”).  It previews the coming Sunday Service, future activities, events and classes, provides parish news of interest to all, and includes messages from Kenn Allen, the Senior Warden, and Megan Courtney, the Director of Youth Ministries.
    
    To subscribe or Unsubscribe, contact Susan Block, the Parish Administrator, at susan.block@stmarks.net. Subscribe to St. Mark’s YahooGroups listserv.  It provides even more announcements of upcoming events and activities and also provides a discussion forum, where all subscribers can have their say about issues that concern the parish community. To subscribe, send a blank email to StMarks-subscribe@yahoogroups.com; to UNsubscribe, send a blank email to StMarks-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com.
    
    
41. Moving? Whenever you change your address, phone number, or email address, please advise Susan Block, the Parish Administrator, so she can update the parish database. Please send changes to susan.block@stmarks.net or to St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 118 3rd St., SE, Washington, DC 20003, or call Susan at 202/543-0053, ext. 305. Thanks.