ON LION - St. Mark`s Episcopal Church

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
Connecting Spirits
Engaging Minds
ON LION
Welcoming All
August 2016
from your St. Mark’s Vestry
Your Vestry remains very busy with a good deal of work as we prepare for the Fall and
beyond at St. Mark’s. Please take some time to visit and review the St. Mark’s website and
check out the St. Mark’s Profile as we continue the process of preparation for the calling for
a new Rector. A very special thank you goes out to the Search Committee, co-chaired by
Judy Freeman-Walker and Baldwin Ogden for all the work that went into the Parish
Survey and the preparation of the Parish Profile. You will find this information extremely
valuable.
The Audit Firm has been at St. Mark’s, and we expect an excellent report from the Auditor
at our September meeting. The Endowment is also audited at the same time, and the
Endowment Committee shares in the cost of the overall audit, which is extremely helpful.
The 2017 Budget is in the process of being prepared. The Vestry is reviewing the 2005
Strategic Plan, and will be in the process of strategic planning throughout the next few
months. Your input will be vital as we move forward. We all know that the Church is in
need of an elevator(s), and a Facilities sub-group met recently, and will be making a report
soon to the Vestry. While the Vestry normally does not meet in July, there is a great deal to
be accomplished, so we will be meeting on July 27. A Human Resources Committee is
reviewing all position descriptions and has finalized a new Employee Personnel Manual
which was very much needed at St. Mark’s. Stewardship truly is year-round, and please
remember how important your pledges and your opportunity to engage with and for St.
Mark’s is vital. You are always welcome to attend a Vestry meeting and learn more about
the way the Vestry works for St. Mark’s.
There’s so much to be proud of at St. Mark’s – so please keep the Church in your prayers as
we continue to move through our transition time. Also, please be sure to share your
appreciation for Father Brent and his ability to guide and support us through this time of
change.
Jackie Taylor
Senior Warden
The Right Rev. Whayne M. Hougland
9th Bishop of Western Michigan
Clergy
The Rev. Brenton H. Carey, Interim Rector
The Rev. Susan York, Associate for Pastoral Care
The Rev. Dr. Hugh Dickinson, Priest Associate
Ministry Support Team
Dr. Gregory Crowell, Music Director
Brandon Hollins, Organ Scholar
Lauren Davidson, Children’s Choir Director
Mary Heintzelman, Office Manager
Jane Stidolph, Dir. of Christian Formation
Jeff Brown, Dir. of Youth Ministries
Pam Stevenson, Finance Manager
David Hawley, Facilities Manager
Julian Medrano, Facilities Assistant
Officers and Vestry Members
Dr. Jackie Taylor, Sr. Warden
Vijay Dillet, Jr. Warden
Sharon Buursma, Ex-officio, Treasurer
Cathy Capogna, Secretary
Through 2016: Chuck Bocskey, Catherine Frerichs,
and David Kidd
Through 2017: Vijay Dillet, Dan McDonald,
Dr. Jackie Taylor, and Debbie Weinrick
Through 2018: Cathy Capogna, Nicolas Fletcher,
Bruce Johnson, and John Slagter
St. Mark’s Ministries
Fellowship Ministry - Judy Fetterhoff
Communications Ministry - Leigh Eicke
Formation Ministry
Children - Jane Stidolph
Youth - Jeff Brown
Adult - Fr. Brent Carey
Library - Charles Brown
Healing Racism - Wendy Wenner
Health Ministry - Mthr Sue York
Radical Welcome Ministry - Catherine Frerichs
Worship - Fr. Brent Carey
Altar Guild - Margaret Stretton
Ushers - Tom Burr
Stewardship Ministry
Finance & Facilities - Sharon Buursma
Endowment Board - Wendy Stock
Stewardship Committee - Roger York
Outreach Ministry
Outreach/Christian Justice - John Bosserman
Breakfast Café - Jennifer Julius
Connecting Spirits Engaging Minds Welcoming All
On Lion is published eight times a year by
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
134 North Division Avenue
Grand Rapids, MI 49503-3103
(616) 456-1684
www.stmarksgr.org
https://www.facebook.com/stmarksgr
from Fr. Brent
“But when you are invited (to a wedding banquet), go and sit down at the
lowest place, so that when your host comes, he may say to you, ‘Friend,
move up higher’; then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at
the table with you. For all who exalt themselves will be humbled, and those
who humble themselves will be exalted.”
Luke 14: 10-11
I’m not much of a fan of formal dinners. As I said in a sermon a couple
months ago, I get confused by all the silverware. I try to remember that
you work from the outside in. And I know that, if you follow the lead of
your host, you can’t go too far wrong.
The sorts of formal dinners I’ve attended over the years have usually
been fund raising affairs. Either the exorbitant cost of the ticket to the
event is your contribution or having your checkbook at the ready takes
care of your donation. I worked for a number of years for a non-profit arts
festival in West Palm Beach, Florida. Many of our donors lived across the
Intracoastal Waterway in Palm Beach. In Palm Beach, the joke is that a
tired woman drags herself to yet another fund raising dinner and asks a
person at her table, “What disease are we celebrating tonight – leukemia
or cystic fibrosis?” During the winter, there can be as many as 5 such
events each week.
The advice that Jesus offers in the 14th chapter of Luke’s Gospel is
disarmingly simple. Unless there are place cards at the table, find the
least desirable seat and sit down. Don’t complain about having to sit near
the swinging kitchen door. Don’t make fun of the people occupying the
head table. Don’t presume a level of self-importance that doesn’t match
your host’s opinion of you. Drop all pretenses and be guided by your host.
If he or she finds you sitting by the kitchen door and insists that you join
them at the head table, calmly and graciously accept the invitation. Don’t
blurt out that “the head table is where you should have been in the first
place.” Be humble and follow the lead of your host.
Jesus counsels humbleness and humility in one’s approach to social
settings, specifically, and in life, generally. We live in a time where
braggadocio is common currency. Politicians, athletes, and business
people feel the need to pump themselves up and put others down
simultaneously. Crudeness and crassness have become socially
acceptable. Jesus lets us know in no uncertain terms that humility is an
essential quality of those who choose to follow him. Rather than building
ourselves up to the point of arrogance, let God take the lead and let us
brag about how good God has been to us. That’ll work in any setting.
Father Brent+
616-456-1684 (Office)
[email protected]
from Mother Sue
This is my August garden report. The radishes have been outstanding. The tomatoes are ripening right on
schedule, and the peppers have been lagging behind. This is the first year that we have grown potatoes , so we
are very curious to see what they look like. I love serving onions and squash grown in our own garden. Delicious!
Even though this summer has seen violence and unrest here and around the world, we still need to have those
places where we can rest and sit, and get our hands into the earth . We need to stay “grounded” --literally.
The garden reminds me that when we plant and water and nurture, we see growth and strength and produce
results that feed and nurture us. We also need to weed as we go along. It is good to know what is a weed and
what is a vegetable.
Sometimes we need to get the weeds out of the way, so that the plants can be stronger and have good yield.
In the garden of your life, I ask, “What have you planted and what needs to be weeded out?”
As we slide into the fall season, it is a good time to think about where we will focus our gifts and energy.
I would like to suggest two new programs beginning at St. Marks: SCOOP and APPLE.
SCOOP is Supportive Care of our Parishioners. This group will provide structure for receptions and meals for
the parish after funerals or concerts and other occasions. Meals at home for those in need of support will also be
coordinated through this ministry. Jennifer Julius and Holly Green provide the leadership. They may be
contacting you to participate, and you can contact them to tell them of your interest.
APPLE is Adults Pleasantly Pursuing Leisure Enthusiastically. We hope to provide a monthly program and
luncheon for those in our parish who would like to gather for conversation and some education , but also for
lunch and fellowship. We plan for monthly gatherings that would include an educational program. Barbara
Williams is providing leadership and would love to hear from others who would like to help her facilitate this
ministry. We also are exploring transportation options for those who have need in order to participate.
There is much that is happening in our parish as we prepare for an active program year. There is a place for
everyone to participate and serve. As we prepare to call our next rector, an exciting next step in the evolving
future of our parish, bring your gifts, your talents, your desire to learn and to serve, which calls you to action.
Blessings,
Sue
SAVE THE DATE
The Annual St. Francis Day
Blessing of the Animals
Sunday, October 2nd
@ 9:15
On the Patio
(if the weather’s lousy, we’ll be inside)
Plan on bringing your dog, cat, rabbit, snake, or tarantula
for a blessing!
We’ll sing a bit, hear scripture read, & bless the creatures
who help make our houses into real homes!
Oct. 2015
Children’s Formation
Christmas Pageant
At St. Mark’s our goal is to guide our children in knowing
God’s love and relating our faith journey to everyday life.
Our program is based on the principles of respect,
responsibility, and community. Through exploration and
discovery, we explore the meaning of God’s word in a
supportive and enriching environment.
Make note in your calendars now that this year our
Christmas Pageant (Epiphany Play) will take place on
Sunday, January 8 during the 10:30am service. (Dress
rehearsal will be Saturday, January 7.)
New Class Offering in September
Starting September 18, we will offer a youth (8th grade
and above) formation class at 9:15 in the 3rd floor
upstairs Youth Room. Adults will be welcome to come and
join us! This fall we’ll focus on how to relate our theology
to modern literature.
Formation Work Party
Come help us prepare for fall! Join us Saturday, Sept. 3rd
from 10-12n for a Children’s formation work party. We’ll
be moving furniture and organizing formation supplies,
readying our formation spaces for a new school year.
Summer Formation Continues
We’ll be concluding our summer formation programming
September 4. This summer we have been utilizing a
curriculum called Animal Crackers: A Global Education
from Heifer International. This educational resource for
children and congregations is designed to help us see
ourselves as part of the global family and gain a deeper
appreciation of the ways we live in harmony as God’s
good creation. Each week we’ve explored a different
animal or resource that Heifer International works.
New Fall Youth Formation at 9:15
This class is specifically geared towards our youth in 8th
grade and up. Beginning September 18 Children’s
Formation will begin a 5-week study of the novel The Boy
in Striped Pajamas by John Boyne. We’ll read/listen to
chapters each week, leaving time to discuss our thoughts
and feelings as we read. Once we finish reading, we’ll
gather to watch the 2008 film based on the novel.
Children’s Choir
We’re excited to announce that Lauren Davidson returns
to us this fall as our Children’s Choir Director. Children’s
Choir is open to friends in 2nd grade-8th grade.
Rehearsals begin September 18 at 9:30am in the upper
level classrooms.
Fall Series: Old Testament Stories
September 18th we will officially begin our “school year”
of faith formation. This fall we will focus on core stories
from the Old Testament:
September 18 - Creation
September 25 - The Flood and the Ark
Episcopal Youth Camp
The Episcopal Youth Camp in the Diocese of Western
Michigan strives to continue to be a pivotal part of the
formation of the young people in our Diocese. We work
together to form a Christian Community as we play and
pray, sing and share, and we look outside ourselves with
our yearly outreach project. We invite young people into
a deeper relationship with each other and with God. Our
adult counselors serve as mentors for the young people,
as well model friendships with each other.
Middle Camp (for those entering grades 6-8)/
Counselors in Training
August 7-13
Junior Camp (for those entering grades 3-5)/Leaders
in Training
August 14-20
Grand Rapids Episcopal Youth (G.R.E.Y.)
Grand Rapids Episcopal Youth is a joint youth program
between St. Mark’s and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Churches
for 6th-12th grade youth, which also welcomes youth
from other Episcopal Churches in the Greater Grand
Rapids area. Please contact Jeff Brown, Director of Youth
Mnistries, to receive more information on our G.R.E.Y.
activities: [email protected]
In Community,
Jane Leacock Stidolph
Director of Christian Formation
Grand Rapids Episcopal Youth (G.R.E.Y.) is joint ministry between St. Mark’s and St. Andrew’s
Episcopal Churches. We hold formation, social, and service events throughout the year and often
collaborate with and participate in our local diocesan and national youth events.
The Big G.R.E.Y. Summer Mini-Camp!
All G.R.E.Y. members (Grand Rapids Episcopal Youth) who will be attending 6th-12th grades this fall are
cordially invited to our August trip to Cran-Hill Ranch in Rodney, Michigan, East of Big Rapids from August
19-21. We'll leave early-afternoon from St. Andrew's on Friday the 19th and return on Sunday the 21st in the
early-afternoon. It will be a weekend of learning, worship, formation, service, and fun. There will be no cost
for participation in this event this year. All interested campers should have their completed permission forms
to Jeff Brown, Director of Youth Ministries, no later than August 3 to reserve their spot. Contact Jeff for more
information at [email protected] or 616-304-7604.
Oasis
Our weekly youth group formation gathering for the school year is on Wednesday nights at St. Andrew’s
Episcopal Church on 3 Mile between Plainfield and Fuller. Dinner is from 5:45-6:30, with separate
programming for middle and high school from 6:30-7:30. There is programming for all ages, including
nursery care, so Oasis is great for the whole family. Our first Oasis will be October 5. Curriculum for the
middle schoolers and high schoolers will be New Testament Ancestors and Animate respectively, both from
Sparkhouse.
Looking Ahead:
2016
The Big G.R.E.Y. Summer Mini-Camp-Friday, August 19 (early-afternoon)-Sunday, August 21 (earlyafternoon) at Cran-Hill Ranch (middle and high school)
Art Prize Parking Lot Fundraiser-September 23-25 and September 30-October 2 at St. Mark’s
First Oasis Wednesday-October 5-5:45-7:30 pm at St. Andrew’s
Diocesan High School Event-October 15-16 (Tentative)
Cedar Point Trip-Saturday-October 28-30 (Tentative)
Diocesan Middle School Event-November 12-13 (Tentative)
Movie Night , Rogue One: A Star Wars Story-Sunday, December 18
2017
HIgh School Lenten Retreat-March 4-5 at St. Andrew’s (Tentative)
Episcopal Youth Event (EYE)-July 10-14 at University of Central Oklahoma, Oklahoma City (For those
attending high school in the 2017-18 school year.)
Jeff Brown
Coming This Fall
to St. Mark’s Parish Hall
“The Great Stories of the Old
Testament”
Creation & God
Creation & Us
The Fall
The Flood
Abraham’s Covenant with God
Joseph
Moses & the Plagues
The 10 Commandments
Rise of the Kings of Israel
David & Goliath
Beginning on September 18th.
EVERY SUNDAY at 9:30 in the
Parish Hall.
These are our foundational stories.
Come & hear them anew!
Summer Reading Recommendations
about Racism and Social Justice:
America’s Original Sin: Racism, White Privilege, and the
Bridge to a New America by Jim Wallis, Brazos Press
(Grand Rapids, MI), 2016.
The New Jim Crow: Mass Incarceration in the Age of
Colorblindness by Michelle Alexander, The New Press
(New York, NY), 2016.
Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption by Bryan
Stevenson, Spiegel and Grau (New York, NY), 2015.
Blindspot: Hidden Biases of Good People by Mahzarin R.
Banaji and Anthony G. Greenwald, Delacorte Press
(New York, NY), 2013.
Uncommon Decency: Christian Civility in an Uncivil
World by Richard J. Mouw, IVP Books (Downers Grove,
IL), 1992.
The Healing Racism Ministry encourages you to attend
Fr. Brent’s discussion of Jim Wallis’ America’s Original
Sin on Thursday, September 22nd in the evening. The
book is available at Schuler Books on 28th Street SE,
Barnes and Noble at the Woodland Mall, and on
Amazon.com. Jim Wallis is the Founder and President of
Sojourners based in Washington, D.C. He is amongst the
nation’s leading public theologians, which means that he
approaches public policy from a theological or spiritual
perspective.
Education for Ministry
A note from Margaret Stretton
invites people into small, mentored groups that help us
understand our lives and shape our actions as we deepen
our Christian faith. We believe a gracious God calls us into
relationship to serve the world. Through study, prayer and
theological reflection, EfM enables us to discover and
exercise our gifts for ministry where we live and work.
Saint Mark’s is currently enrolling EFM groups and
welcomes any person interested.
Why Join an EfM class?
Here at Saint Mark's, we currently have two EFM groups,
one evening and one daytime beginning in September. If
you are interested in learning more about joining an EFM
group, please contact Marissa Lee, Margaret Stretton or
Judith Claytor.
Marissa Lee
EfM Coordinator, EDWM
[email protected]
-- Every baptized person is called to ministry -- What does
that mean?
--It’s a 4 year program -- you don’t have to learn
everything at once.
--EfM teaches us ways to express our faith in day-to-day
events.
There is a cost to help cover the materials (textbook,
resource guide and 2 additional books) -- it works out to
approximately $10 per class -- a bargain. We meetin once
a week for 36 weeks. Registration forms are due August 31
- Don’t delay.
Tuition payment is due at time of registration. Talk with
Marissa Lee, Diocesan Coordinator, Fr Brent, or Mthr Sue
if cost is an issue. There is some limited financial
assistance available. It’s also possible to make
arrangements to payments over time (August, September,
October). Payments should be made by cash, check, or
credit card.
from the Diocese
Saint Mark's Ministry Day,
sponsored by the Outreach/Christian Justice
Ministry, will be held September 25. Ministry Day
will feature numerous areas of ministry and
opportunities for fellowship. All of our ministry is
devoted to sharing Christ with others and finding
Christ in them. Please drop by the Parish Hall after
the 10:30 mass on September 25. If you have any
questions, please contact Marissa Lee at
[email protected] or John Bosserman at
[email protected]
Bishop Hougland has designated Sunday,
September 18th as The Great Parish Swap – a
day when a group of volunteers from our
congregation will travel to St. Paul’s Episcopal
Church, Muskegon, to explore ways in which our
congregations might continue to foster and
grow diocesan relationships. Meanwhile, we will
be receiving and providing hospitality to
members of Grace Episcopal Church, Holland.
Please talk to either Father Brent or Mother Sue
for more information or see the sign-up sheets at
the Welcome Desk if you would like to volunteer
to visit St. Paul’s, Muskegon. All congregations in
the Diocese of Western Michigan will be
participating on September 18th.
Income as of June 30, 2016
August Birthdays
Samuel Krueger, Carol Faber,
Fr. Brent Carey, Margarett Tanase,
Jack Lensink, Lawrence Nidefski,
Dorothy Newman, Shari Takus, Lydia
Dykema, John Savara, Kevin Lutley,
Jeff Dupilka, Chris Idema, Barbara
Balser, Catherine Frerichs, Alex
Calbraith, Marc VanderVelde, and
Bruce Johnson.
August Anniversaries
Mike & Nancy Dodge,
Dave & Cara Cassard,
Joel Breedveld & Karen DeMattia,
Paul Murphy & Leigh Eicke,
Dr. Robert & Phyllis Rood,
Tim & Leah Haithcox,
Fred & Carey Idema,
Chuck & Becky Bocskey,
Matt & Allison Sevensma.
Category
Sunday Breakfast
Prior Year Pledges
Current Year Pledges
Offerings Not Pledged
Easter/Christmas Offerings
Parking Lot Rents
Bequests
Misc. Income
Endowment Allocation For Operations
Actual
5,500.00
6,399.00
152,864.00
21,046.00
3,584.00
24,760.00
42,494.00
7,449.00
28,900.00
292,996.00
Budget
7,500.00
5,000.00
165,000.00
29,372.00
4,500.00
24,500.00
12,500.00
-6,084.00
17,951.02
260,239.02
Expenses as of June 30, 2016
Category
Pastoral
Facilities
Administration
Diocesan Giving
Christian Education
Music
Outreach
Actual
Budget
69,067.00
67,385.00
53,778.00
55,616.00
64,772.00
70,966.00
28,260.00
28,259.00
11,050.00
20,657.00
27,230.00
29,568.00
6,094.00
8,467.00
260,251.00
280,918.00
Mission: We are an inclusive community of faith, reflecting Christ's love, ministering to all who hunger in body,
mind, and spirit.
Vision: Our strength as a faith community depends on our inner vitality, inclusive welcome, and outward action.
Grounded in these values, we continue our strong tradition of liturgical worship and education for all ages. We
affirm diversity, recognizing that genuine openness may require us to change. We advocate for justice, serving those
in need.
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
134 Division Ave N
Grand Rapids MI 49503-3173
Ph (616) 456-1684
Fax (616) 456-7506
www.stmarksgr.org
https://www.facebook.com/stmarksgr
ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED
September Highlights
9/3
The deadline for
the September
newsletter is
5pm Monday,
August 15th.
Formation Work Party - 10-12n
9/18 Homecoming Sunday:
- Formation programming & children’s choir rehearsals begin;
- the adult choir returns to sing at the 10:30 service;
- EDWM Great Parish Swap;
- Homecoming picnic, hosted by Fellowship Ministry,
following the 10:30 service.
9/25 Ministry Fair following the 10:30 service