Dear Friends:

Happy Valentine's Day!  As you celebrate love, may the chocolate be tempting, the roses ever so fragrant and the champagne pink and bubbly!  

Here is the news of the week:

• Needed:  An intercessor for 10am this Sunday.  Please let the office know your availability.  
• Parish Meeting on March 3—Amended By-Laws
  The Vestry approved changes to the description of the Treasurer duties. Of note, the wording was amended to eliminate certain inaccurate wording and add other important responsibilities of this position. There will be a special meeting held after the 10:00am service to officially vote to adopt the changes. Should you have any questions about these changes, please contact Steve Paasch.
• Episcopal Questions and Episcopal Answers
  Lent begins on Ash Wednesday, March 6, with two services offering imposition of ashes, one at 12 noon and the other at 7pm.  As part of the Lenten offerings, there will be Wednesday evening soup and bread suppers and discussion of “Episcopal Questions, Episcopal Answers.”   Dates are March 20, 27 and April 3 from 6-7:30pm.  The book is available on Amazon Smile which returns a percentage of purchase price to St. Mark’s. Hosts are needed for the soup and bread suppers.  Please RSVP to the office.
• Last Sunday Offering for February
  This month’s Last Sunday Offering,  collected next week, is designated to go to the No Freeze Shelter in Willimantic which supports the homeless population by providing a warm bed, showers and laundry facilities.  Envelopes for donations can be found in the pews.  Thank you for your generosity.
• Rev. Brian on Vacation
  Rev. Brian will be on vacation until February 25  Please notify the Warden with any concerns.  Ben Brockman will be available for pastoral emergencies.  Pastor Sara Anderson will be leading worship this Sunday. 
  Thank you, Sara.  And thanks also to Justin He who is covering for Charlie Houmard this Sunday. 

Best wishes, Linda

Audio for St. Mark’s Chapel’s 10 am service for Feb. 10,2019, the 5th Sunday after the Epiphany. Sermon by the Rev. Aaron Geddis of the Apostolic Fellowship Church in Bloomfield
Recorded tracks:

1. Welcoming remarks and highlighting of announcements by Rev. Brian Blayer
2. 1st Reading: Isaiah 6:1-8 (Mark Healey)
3. 2nd Reading:  1 Corinthians 15:1-11 (Mark Healey
4.  Gospel: Luke 5:1-11 (Rev. Brian Blayer)
5. Sermon (Rev. Aaron Geddis)

Dear Friends:

Here is the news of the week:

• This Sunday:  Clergy and lay parish delegates at ECCT’s 2018 Annual Convention voted to enter a season of Racial Healing, Justice and Reconciliation of at least two years and named the second Sunday in February as a day to start a conversation in parishes.  To begin this conversation here at St. Mark’s, Rev. Brian has invited the Rev. Aaron Geddis from the Apostolic Fellowship Church in Bloomfield as our guest preacher on Sunday!  Welcome Rev. Geddis!
• Do you know about the Last Green Valley?  You’re in it! It was designated a National Heritage Corridor in 1994.  Its web site (http://www.thelastgreenvalley.org) states:  The Last Green Valley is not a traditional park. Instead, citizens, businesses, nonprofit cultural and environmental organizations, local and state governments, and the National Park Service work together to preserve and celebrate the region’s cultural, historical and natural heritage.  Maggie Breen, the North East Regional Missionary invites everyone to attend a gathering on Thursday, February 28  at Christ Church, Norwich at 6:30PM to learn about The Last Green Valley.  Maggie, along with Rev. Rachel Thomas, SE Region Missionary, are hosting this meeting to facilitate conversation between LGV and anyone who is interested in eco-justice, conservation, nature, etc.  Please do come! 
• The 2019 6th Annual Interfaith Film Series is presented in collaboration with the Connecticut Council for Inter-religious Understanding,  the National Conference for Community and Justice,  the Hartford Seminary, and the Wadsworth Atheneum of Art and  takes place the first three Sundays in March.  Dates are March 3, 10 and 17 and films will be shown at the Wadsworth Atheneum.  More information is available in your Sunday bulletin or from Bruce Steinway.  
• Rev. Brian will be on vacation from February 14-25.  For pastoral emergencies, please contact the warden. 

Best wishes, Linda

Audio for our 10 am service for 01-27-2019, Family Service for the 3rd Sunday after the Epiphany
Recorded tracks:
1) Welcoming remarks and highlighting of announcements by Rev. Brian Blayer
2) 1st Reading: Nehemiah 8:1-3, 5-6, 8-10 (Lydia Wilderman)
3) Psalm: Psalm 19 (Ethan Hanzlik)
4) 2nd Reading: 1 Corinthians 12:21-31a (Lydia Wilderman)
5) Gospel: Luke 4:14-21 (Rev. Brian Blayer) 
6) Sermon (Rev. Brian Blayer)

Dear Friends:

It has been an exciting week―not good but exciting.  Yesterday afternoon a sprinkler head/pipe burst in the storage closet by the nursery.  Water from a 2-inch pipe flowed rapidly down the hall into all three rooms in the back hall.  The church office was awash as was the kitchen and parts of Goodwin Hall.  Fire Department arrived to shut off main water value and P and J Sprinkler had a quick response.  As of this morning, the only power in the offices are the ceiling lights (read no heat) and the carpeting is squishy with water. ServPro was here yesterday to do an assessment and is now working on cleaning up the mess. Large fans are being set up throughout the lower level. Power cannot be restored until some of the water has been pulled out of carpets. The insurance adjuster will be here on Monday.

In other news:

• This Sunday is the Annual Meeting following the 10am service.  Your Vestry will serve brunch.  Please join the conversation about plans for 2019 and review of the budget.
• The third in the series of organ concerts celebrating the restoration of the Brombaugh, Opus 21 is on Wednesday, February 6 at 7PM.  The artist, David von Behren comes from Yale and is a masters candidate in Organ Performance.  He will play music by Bach and Mendelssohn. Suggested donation of $20 or $3 for students goes to support the organ maintenance fund.
• Souper Bowl of Caring Sunday, February 3―​all youth of the parish and their parents are invited to watch the game at the home of Madison and Bob Day.  Come at 6:30 and stay until half time.  

Dear Friends:

It appears winter is about to make an appearance.  Rev. Brian does not plan to cancel church on Sunday.  If it is safe to drive, put on those  warm boots and go forth.

Here is the news of the week and, for January in the Quiet Corner, it is anything but.

• Christology – Wednesday, January 23 at 7pm.  The early church had a lot to say about who Jesus Christ is, not just what he’s done. Some of what they have to say is perplexing, especially the writings from the Council of Chalcedon. For instance, Chalcedon says that Christ is visible and invisible, mutable and immutable, etc. How can all of that be true? In this talk, Jared Henderson will present a version of a paper he has recently had accepted for publication on Chalcedonian Christology. We will discuss what the early church said about Christ, why they said it, and what this means for us today. 
• Souper Bowl of Caring:   Youth of the parish and their parents are invited on Super Bowl Sunday, February 3 to watch the game at the home of Madison and Bob Day.  Come at 6:30 and stay until half time.  Bring a non-perishable food item for Covenant Soup Kitchen and a snack or beverage to share. 
• College Retreat at Camp Washington: Six UConn Students will be joining Rev. Brian on February 1-2 at Camp Washington for a retreat to learn about the practice of discernment.  This event is co-sponsored by Yale University and Trinity College.  If you wish to help underwrite the $100 cost of the weekend for students, please speak with Rev. Brian.
• Plunge  For Hunger:  Eastern Connecticut Rugby is sponsoring a plunge to benefit the Covenant Soup Kitchen on Saturday, February 2 at 12 noon in Lauter Park, Willimantic.  The plunge has a carnival-like electric atmosphere with outrageous costumes, crazy teams and amazing energy.  More information and how to pledge is available even if you do not plunge at:  covenantsoupkitchen.org  And the Ossen Family Foundation will match every dollar donated. 
• Gender Roles in Judaism, Islam and Christianity:  Three speakers will share scriptural readings and other insights from their respective faiths and discuss how women’s roles are—and traditionally have been—viewed with their religion. This program will be held at Temple Bnai Israel on Thursday, January 24 at 7pm.
• WAIM Flea Market –February 16 9am-12noon:  WAIM is looking for donations for a Flea Market and for abled bodied volunteers to help carry donations up and down stairs and to cars. Good opportunity for teens who need service hours and adults looking to help the WAIM community.  Please call Kathy Callahan for more information.  860-456-7270.
• I Am Not Your Negro:  Written by James Baldwin, the Willimantic/Windham branch of the NAACP will show this film on Saturday, January 26 at 2pm. The venue is the West Avenue Community Center, 645 Valley Street.  A discussion will follow the free showing.
• Thinking about piano lessons?  Organist Charlie Houmard is available for lessons here.  For more information, choumard@icloud.com

Stay safe with the coming weather challenges, please.

Best wishes, Linda
  

Audio for St. Mark’s Chapel’s 10 am service for 01-13-2019, the 1st Sunday after the Epiphany
Recorded tracks:

1. Welcoming remarks and highlighting of announcements by Rev. Brian Blayer
2. 1st Reading: Isaiah 43:1-7 (Amanda Hanzlik)
3. 2nd Reading:  Acts 8:14-17 (Amanda Hanzlik)
4. Gospel: Luke 3:15-17, 21-22 (Rev. Brian Blayer)
5. Sermon (Rev. Brian Blayer)
   

Dear Friends:

Here is the news of the week:

• Christology ― Wednesday, January 23 at 7pm
  The early church had a lot to say about who Jesus Christ is, not just what he’s done. Some of what they have to say is perplexing, especially the writings from the Council of Chalcedon. For instance, Chalcedon says that Christ is visible and invisible, mutable and immutable, etc. How can all of that be true? In this talk, Jared Henderson will present a version of a paper he has recently had accepted for publication on Chalcedonian Christology. We will discuss what the early church said about Christ, why they said it, and what this means for us today.
• The Annual Meeting ― Sunday, January 27 following the 10am service
  Join us for a light brunch and discussion of the plans for 2019, discussion of the budget and election of the new vestry class. 
• The next Brombaugh Organ Concert Series event ― WEDNESDAY, February 6 at 7pm 
  Organist David von Behren,  a master's degree student in organ performance at Yale will perform works by Bach and Mendelssohn.  David is also on the staff at Trinity on the Green, New Haven, where he works with boy and girl choristers.  Please bring a friend.
• UConn celebrates Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. ― January 24th from 3:30-5pm at the Jorgensen
  Martin Luther King’s legacy is celebrated annually at UConn and this year the event will be held on January 24th from 3:30-5pm at the Jorgensen.  The keynote speaker is Connecticut Chief Justice Richard Robinson.  It is free and open to the public.
• Are you involved with a new activity, receiving professional accolades, published a book?  Please let us share that information with the parish.  Harry and Sudie are again trodding the boards with the Opera House Players who are performing "A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum."  Performances will be in Enfield from February 8-24.  For more information. please visit:  www.operahouseplayers.org 
• Students in the Sunday School will be making care kits for the homeless on January 20.  They are requesting donations from our parishioners. Items can be brought in this Sunday or on the 20th.
  Items needed include:
  travel sized toothpaste tubes
  toothbrushes
  granola bars
  tiny (8 oz.) water bottles
  hand warmers
  chapsticks
  band aids
  socks
  travel pack of baby wipes or handi-wipes
  mints
• The Church Office will be closed from this afternoon until Wednesday morning.
  ​Rev. Brian is available for pastoral emergencies.  
  
  

Best wishes, Linda

Audio for St. Mark’s Chapel’s 10 am service for 01-06-2019,The Epiphany of Our Lord.
Recorded tracks:
Welcoming remarks and highlighting of announcements by Rev. Brian Blayer
1st Reading: Isaiah 60:1-6 (Acey Neel)
2nd Reading:  Ephesians 3:1-12 (Acey Neel)
Gospel: Matthew 2:1-12 (Rev. Brian Blayer)
Sermon (Rev. Brian Blayer)                                

Audio for St. Mark’s Chapel’s 10 am service for the 1st Sunday after Christmas Day.  Parishioner and retired Lutheran priest Bruce Steinway celebrated the service for Rev. Brian Blayer, who is on vacation.
Recorded tracks:

1. Welcoming remarks and highlighting of announcements by Rev. Bruce Steinway
   
2. 1st Reading: Isaiah 61:10-62:3 (Madison Day)
3. 2nd Reading:  Galatians 3:23-25; 4:4-7 (Madison Day)
4. Gospel:  John 1:1-18 (Rev. Bruce Steinway)
5. Sermon (Rev. Bruce Steinway)

Dear Friends:

I hope you had a wonderful Christmas with friends and family with festive foods and celebrations.  And are anticipating even more merry making as we welcome 2019.  

Here is the news of the week:

• Due to changes in the Sunday Minister/Children's Service schedule, we are in need of most Sunday Ministers this week at 10am.  Please let the office know if you are available to usher, chalice, serve as the intercessor, read the lessons or set up coffee hour.  Bruce Steinway is the celebrant this week and he needs your assistance. Please let the office know your availability.  
• Next Friday, January 4 is the inaugural First Friday Organ Concert at noon.  Charlie Houmard invites you to bring a sandwich and a friend.
• Are you crafty (but not sneaky) and have a use for some beeswax candles?  The Altar Guild has donated several used altar candles that are now too short for the brass candlesticks on the altar.  Most are about 8 inches high and 2 inches in diameter.  If you can use them, please stop by the office.  Yours for the taking. 
• Weekly Offering envelopes are now available for pick up.  Please see the ushers on Sunday.  If you did not request envelopes but would like them, please feel free to take a box.
• The Last Sunday Offering for December, to be collected this Sunday, will go to the Mansfield Human Services Special Needs Fund to help families in Town needing assistance to warm their homes, feed their families or other supports.  Thank you for your generosity.
• A huge thank you to those who made the Christmas celebrations at St. Mark's very welcoming and meaningful to so many.  The Altar Guild had the church aglow, the Pageant participants told the old, old story so well, the musicians enhanced worship for all, coffee hour was festive and to all the Sunday Ministers and anyone who stepped in to help, please know that is all so appreciated.  More than 250 people came home for Christmas.  
• And if you have any pictures of any part of these celebrations, I hope you will share them with the office to use on bulletin boards and in the annual report. 

All best wishes for happy and healthy New Year!  Cheers!

Linda

Sorry, there's no sermon recording this week due to recording problems.

Dear Friends:

It is almost Christmas!  Are you ready?  St. Mark's is almost ready--music prepared and practiced, bulletins are done (the copier is weary) and soon the Altar Guild will work its magic and make the chapel look, oh, so festive.  So many opportunities  to celebrate the birth of Jesus
 

• Christmas Pageant with Mary and Joseph, angels and magi, shepherds and baby Jesus.  The old, old story will be told once again this Sunday at the 10am service.  
• Celebrations of the Nativity of Jesus will be celebrated on Christmas Eve at 4pm and 10pm. Bring your enthusiastic and joyous voices to sing the familiar carols announcing the birth of the baby in the manger who was wrapped in swaddling clothes. 
• Christmas morning will be another celebration and more singing. Holy Communion and carols at 9am.  

In other news:

• Congratulations!!  Many thanks to everyone who made Friday’s readings and carols program a spectacular success.  Charlie Houmard’s leadership made for a lovely presentation of the Christmas story with readings and carols.  So many made the evening a success from choosing reading selections, to beautiful décor and a fabulous reception following the glorious organ and brass music.  A stellar event.  Check out the pictures on the bulletin board in the lower hallway.
• The Last Sunday Offering for December, to be collected next Sunday, will go to Mansfield Human Services Special Needs Fund to help families in Town needing assistance to warm their homes, feed their families or other supports.  Thank you for your generosity.
• First Friday Organ Recitals:  Beginning on Friday, January 4, there will be an organ recital on the first Friday of each month. Charlie Houmard invites you to bring a sandwich and a friend.
• News from the Episcopal Church in Connecticut:  On Sunday, May 19 at 3PM, ECCT will hold a Golden Wedding Anniversary Celebration for couples married fifty years or more.  The event will be held at Christ Church Cathedral in Hartford.  Also, the celebration will recognize those same sex couples who have been together 50 years and are now married.  The liturgy will include the renewal of marriage vows and presentation of commemorative certificates to couples.  If you wish to receive an invitation, please let the office know.   
• End of Year Giving:   All monetary contributions to the church to be recorded for 2018 must be received in the office or postmarked by December 31st.  And it is never to late to return your pledge card.

I am sure Santa will leave something wonderful for all of you under your tree!

Best wishes, Linda

There is a significant correction to yesterday's St. Mark's newsletter:
The Christmas Pageant is on December 23 at 10am NOT this Sunday. Thanks to so many who let me know and I hope no one started to hyperventilate! Apologies.
And remember the concert tonight is the perfect way to kick off celebrating the season!

Dear Friends:

It is beginning to feel a lot like Christmas in this third week of Advent--holiday concerts, students studying for exams, lights everywhere, snow showers, and the hustle and bustle in the stores is increasing.  It is the most wonderful time of the year.

Here is the news of the week:

• Tomorrow, Friday, December 14 at 7pm is the second concert in the Brombaugh Recital Series.  It will be magical with glorious music for organ and brass,  new or favorite Christmas readings, congregational caroling followed by a reception with cookies and cocoa.   Parishioners, UConn's Chordials,  Extreme Measures and Brass Ensemble will offer a joyous evening that is not to be missed.  Many thanks to Louis Hanzlik, Charlie Houmard, Mary Jo Tryba and Anne Flammang for creating a very special and heart warming program.  Donations at the door will go to support the organ maintenance fund.
• More music in the weeks to come:  The Christmas Pageant will be presented on Sunday, December 16 at the 10am service.  Come hear the Sunday School tell the story of Jesus' birth.  There will be angels, shepherds, magi and, of course, Mary and Joseph plus more congregational caroling.
• Two services on Christmas Eve will be joyous with familiar carols.  Family Christmas Service will be at 4pm with a "midnight" Christmas Eve service   at 10pm.
• And if you still want to sing more, it will continue on Christmas Day at 9am.  
• And there will be even more musical offerings in the New Year--Charlie Houmard will play a noon organ recital on the First Friday of each month.  January 4 at 12 noon is the first date.  Bring a sandwich and a friend.  

There is other news:

• Christmas Flowers make the church look festive at the celebrations of the Nativity of Our Lord.  If you would like to make a donation to the Flower Fund in memory of loved ones or in Thanksgiving for the blessings of this life, please fill out and return the green form found  in your Sunday bulletin.  Forms should be in the office by Monday, December 17.
• The Last Sunday Offering for December will be collected on December 30 will go to Town of Mansfield Social Services as part of the Adopt-a-Family program.  Funds will go to Mansfield Human Services' "Special Needs Fund".  Monies would be used to help families pay bills and provide support.
• Homosexuality and the Bible:  What does scripture really say? How does this inform what we believe? Join the rescheduled conversation on Wednesday, December 19 at 7pm. 
• Please remember a non perishable food item for Covenant Soup Kitchen or a donation of dog or cat food for collection by the Girl Scouts.  

 Best wishes, Linda
​