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Postings for Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018

9/30/2018

St. Mark’s Chapel audio for Sept. 30, 2018 10 am Sunday Family Service.
With the exception of altar guild, the Sunday Service ministries, including the
1st and 2nd readings were done by the Sunday School students.

Welcoming remarks and highlighting of announcements by Rev. Brian Blayer
1st Reading: Numbers 11:4-6,10-16,24-29 (Lucas Anderson)
Psalm: Psalm 19:7-14 (Anne Flamming, cantor)
2nd Reading: James 5:13-20 (Ethan Hanzlik)
Gospel: Mark 9:38-50 (Rev. Brian Blayer)
Sermon (Rev. Brian Blayer)

09-30-2018 Announcements Family Service.pdf
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Here is the latest news from St. Mark's:

Have you RSVP'd to your invitation to lunch/dinners on October 19 and 20? The Stewardship Committee is planning delicious dinners and would love to have you join the conversation. Please let the office know if you wish to attend.
Mark your calendar for the Brombaugh Organ Rededication Series inaugural concert on Friday, October 12 at 7pm. Ezequiel Menendez, organ and Louis Hanzlik, trumpet are the artists. The series is supported in full by the Hartford Chapter AGO--American Guild of Organists. A suggested donation of $20 will support the preservation of the organ, Brombaugh Opus 21. Reception to follow.
Next weekend is Parent's Weekend at UConn and St. Mark's is sponsoring at Voter Registration Drive. Those who register get ice cream! Volunteers are needed to host the signup table on both Friday and Saturday from 11-1. Volunteers are also needed to pick up ice cream and cones/cups. Let the office know if you want to be a scooper.
Also next weekend is the Blessing of the Animals--Saturday, October 6 at 10am. All well-mannered animals are welcome to receive a blessing. There will be treats for four-legged and two-legged friends.
The Last Sunday Offering for September will go to the No Freeze Shelter in Willimantic to help our neighbors who live on the street throughout the year. The Shelter provides a haven for rest and warmth, hot showers, clean laundry and a safe bed. Thank you for your generosity.
Thank you to all who made last Sunday's visit with Bishop Ahrens such a wonderful success. The brunch was lavish and enjoyed by all.
Did you see the story on the Mansfield Patch about a former UConn student who sang in choir? Genevieve Nuttall, is now a Bird Conservation Program Associate at the Audubon CT. She wrote of seeing a pink Rosate Spoonbill at Stratford Point. This bird previously had not been seen this far north but changing climate and habitats may bring more birds north. To see a picture of the magnificent creature go the Mansfield Patch for September 20.

Information for Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018

9/23/2018

St. Mark’s Chapel audio for Sept. 23, 2018, 10 am Sunday service.
Welcoming remarks and highlighting of announcements by Rev. Brian Blayer
1st Reading: Jeremiah 11:18-20 (Acey Neel
2nd Reading: James 3:13-4:3, 7-8a (Acey Neel)
Gospel: Mark 9:30-37 (Rev. Brian Blayer)
Sermon (Bishop Laura Ahrens)

Announcements for 09-23-2018
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News of the Week

Here is the news of the week:

This Saturday from 9-11 is the Eucharistic Ministers Training with Rev. Brian. If you are a Eucharistic Ministers--on Sundays or a visiting minister, please make time to attend this training session.
And this Sunday, Bishop Laura Ahrens will be leading the worship at 10am followed by a brunch. Kathy Pepin is asking people to bring a food dish to share--quiche, bagels, muffins, or fruit. Please let Kathy know how you can help. 860-458-0106. Bishop Ahrens will also be meeting with the Vestry on Sunday.
Safe Church reminder: If you participate in ministry by teaching Sunday School, Eucharistic visitors, are on the vestry Safe Church Training is required by the Episcopal Church in CT. The last nearby session to be offered this fall is at Christ Church Norwich on Saturday, September 29 from 9-4pm. The office can register you.
The Brombaugh Recital Series is about to be a reality!! Friday, October 12 at 7pm is the date for the Organ Rededication Concert featuring Ezequiel Menendez, organ, and Louis Hanzlik, trumpet. The Brombaugh Concert Series is supported in full by the Marjorie Jolidan Fund of the Great Hartford Chapter-American Guild of Organists.
Last Sunday Offering for September to be collected next Sunday is designated to support the No Freeze Shelter in Willimantic to help our neighbors who live on the streets throughout the year. The Shelter provides a haven for rest and warmth, hot showers, clean laundry, and a safe bed. Thank you for your generosity.
Did you know that the nursery room is open on Sundays for parents who wish to use it? It is located on the main parking level.
The Loose Offering this Sunday will go to the Bishop’s Discretionary Fund for support of emergencies and non-budgeted ministries that arise in the course of the year.
In an effort to keep the prayers up-to-date, if you would like to add someone’s name to the intercessions each week, please let the office know by Wednesday so that they can be listed in the Sunday bulletin.
Youth Group News: Watch this space for more information about apple picking in October!
Dates to remember:
- September 26--Healing Service at 7pm
- October 6--Blessing of the Animals at 10am October 12--Organ and Trumpet Concert at 7pm

Best wishes, Linda

Postings for Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018

9/14/2018

09-16-2018 Announcements.pdf
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09-14-2018
Here is the latest news from St. Mark's Chapel.

It is always a joy to spend time with good friends--old and new. Please don’t forget to mark your calendars to attend one of the Stewardship dinners on 10/19 or 10/20, or lunch on 10/19. Please RSVP to the church office. admin@stmarkschapel.org
More food news: Your Vestry is planning a brunch following the 10am service next Sunday, September 23, so we can break bread together with Bishop Ahrens who will be here to lead worship at the 10 am service and learn more about all the wonderful events happening at St. Mark's.
The weekly sermon recordings and the announcements can be found on the church's website located here: www.stmarkschapel.org/this-week-at-st-marks Many thanks to Dave Doiron for posting these recordings each week.
Needed: a coffee preparer for this Sunday's coffee hour. Goodies to be provided. Can you make the coffee? Please let the office know.
In an effort to keep the Prayers of the People up-to-date, if you would like to add someone’s name to the intercessions each week, please let the office know by Wednesday so that they can be listed in the Sunday bulletin.
Parishioners participating certain ministries of St. Mark’s should register for Safe Church Training. If you are teaching Sunday School, are on the Vestry, serve as a Eucharistic Minister, are bringing home communion to parishioners, or are a paid staff person, the Episcopal Church in CT requires attendance at a Safe Church Training course. The office can help you register for an upcoming session.
Save the date!! The Organ Rededication Concert will be on Friday, October 12 at 7pm. The guest artists will be Ezequiel Menendez, organist at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford and St. Mark's and UConn's own Louis Hanzlik on trumpet. The entire parish made the organ restoration possible and this evening of majestic music will be a wonderful way to initiate the Brombaugh Recital Series with 7 concerts in the next 15 months. The series is supported in full by the Marjorie Jolidon Fund of the Greater Hartford Chapter of the American Guild of Organists.
On Wednesday, September 19 at 7pm, Rev, Brian will lead a discussion of Diana Butler Bass’ book, "Christianity after Religion." Most Americans are aware that recent decades have been a time of change in religious belief, behaving, and belonging. Few people understand the complex concepts of these changes. This three part book explores these trends. Part 1, “The End of Religion,” considers the changes within the framework of decline of traditional measures, primarily focusing on the last decade. Part 2, “A New Vision,” captures the many and varied efforts to reshape Christianity for the future. Part 3, “Awakening,” moves from possibility to practice by arguing that the current experiences are a Fourth Great Awakening.
A Service of Healing and Communion—Wednesday, September 26. This service seeks to enable people to acknowledge God's presence and to draw strength and encouragement as we share his healing power with one another. Please bring a friend.
It is time to Bless the Animals so important to our lives! Saturday, October 6 at 10am on the front lawn. Bring your dogs, cats, birds, guinea pigs, chickens, lizards and all other pets most welcome as we celebrate St. Francis of Assisi. Treats for all!
Please remember a donation of non-perishable food for the Covenant Soup Kitchen.

The Week of Sept. 9 - Sept. 16, 2018

9/8/2018

09-09-2018 Announcements 16th Sunday After Pentecost.pdf
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Links to the tapes of St. Mark's Chapel's Sept. 9, 2018 10 AM service:

Welcoming remarks and highlighting of announcements by Rev. Bria
Gospel reading: Mark 7:1-8, 14-15, 21-23 (Rev. Brian)
Sermon by Rev. Brian

The microphone wasn't turned on for the readings. Here are the references with links to the online Lectionary Page:

Photo of the Gospel procession with parishioner Will Hooper carrying the gospel book.

The Week of Sept. 2 - Sept. 8, 2018

9/1/2018

The audio for the Sept. 2, 2018 10 am Sunday service. Although there’s no tape of the readings, I’ve included links to the txts in the Lectionary because Rev. Brian referenced all of them during his sermon.:

Welcoming remarks and highlighting of announcements by R ev. Brian Blayer
Links to the text of the 2 Readings and Psalm:
Gospel: Mark 7:1-8 & 14-15 & 21-23 (Rev. Brian Blayer)
Sermon (Rev. Brian Blayer)

Announcements for Sept. 2, 2018
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The Week of Aug. 26-Sept. 1

8/27/2018

The audio for the Aug. 26, 2018 10 am Sunday service:

Welcoming remarks and highlighting of announcements by Rev. Brian Blayer
2 Readings: Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18, Ephesians 6:10-20 ( )
Gospel: John 6:51-58 (Rev. Brian Blayer)
Sermon (Rev. Brian Blayer)

08-26-2018 Announcements.pdf
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The Week Aug. 13 - Aug. 19

8/17/2018

The announcements for Sunday, Aug. 19, 2018
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News of the Week
Here is the news of the week--you can tell by all the activity both here and on campus that students return very soon.

There is hope!! North Eagleville Road is being paved and our driveway is open!
The Campus Ministry Committee has exciting plans for the fall. Many thanks to Janet Belval, Jared Henderson, Matt Ouellette and Rev. Brian. The first new venture will be a Sunday evening Eucharist at 5PM on the Sundays when UConn is in session. August 26 is the first Sunday for campus communion, followed by a BBQ on the front lawn. This service is open to all and is a good way for students to come together in prayer. Janet is scheduling the dinners for Sundays—simple and welcoming to all. This is a wonderful way to get involved in campus ministry. Coming soon is a calendar of events. Please reach out to Janet for more information about the Sunday evening dinners. jbelval108@comcast.net
The first day of Sunday School will be September 9. All students will meet at 10am for assembly in Goodwin Hall, where the morning begins with songs of praise, a children’s collection and prayer. Younger students then go to the Godly Play classroom. Older students follow the lectionary and engage in age-appropriate activities and discussions with lessons from our curriculum, Feasting on the Word.
St.Mark’s Youth Group begins in September! Our youth group will participate in the following monthly outings: September 14-15: overnight camping trip at Gay City State Park, in October the group will go apple picking (date TBD) and November 9-10: Nightwatch at St. John the Divine in New York City, and December 21 Christmas Caroling. Please save the dates for your middle school or high school student. Stay tuned for more details.
Bishop Laura Ahrens will be here on Sunday, September 23 to lead the worship services, meet with the Vestry and to have conversation with parishioners during coffee hour. Do plan to attend.
Inviting People to Visit St. Mark's: As the school year approaches, people will be moving to the area and church shopping. Please encourage anyone you meet to try on St. Mark’s. There is something for everyone—community service, youth group, social justice programs, Progressive Christian Fellowship and many other opportunities to serve as part of a community dedicated to helping others and the world.
Calling all current Eucharistic Ministers and those wishing to be licensed to participate in this meaningful ministry are asked to attend a training/refresher session with Rev. Brian on Saturday, September 22 at 9am.
Congratulations to Renie and Bruce Steinway on the birth of their first grandchild, Josephine Heron Gibbs on August 7.
Many thanks to the Covenant Soup Kitchen Lunch Crew for August: Barbara Depray. Jamie and Linda Spillane, Mark and Sondra Boyer and Joan Doiron. Next sandwich making date is Sunday, September 9. All welcome!
All men of the parish are invited to the Men's Breakfasts on the second Thursday of each month. The men meet at 8am at the River and Rail diner in West Willington.
The Mansfield Senior Center Chorus is getting ready to start up their Fall singing season, and cordially invites anyone who loves to sing and is over the age of 55 to join our group which travels around to local nursing homes, rehabilitation centers and senior centers. On August 27th at 1:00 there is a “Meet & Greet” at the Mansfield Senior Center where people can find out about the program and sign up. The first practice is September 10th. Contact Joan Doiron for more information. jtdbeech@charter.net
In September, the Progressive Christian Fellowship (PCF) will begin meeting on Tuesday evenings. Activities for the PCF will include attending the Human Rights March in Hartford on September 8, participating in the Crop Walk, a discussion group on social justice, a trivia night.
The Human Rights March is designed as a kick-off for a statewide effort to mark the 70th anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and to mark the various struggles for justice currently happening in CT. The March will take place at the State Capitol from 1-3pm. and is being organized by Glenn Mitoma, Director of UConn's Thomas J. Dodd Research Center and Assistant Professor Human Rights and Education.

News of the Week (and this week's announcements)

8/10/2018

Here is the news of the week:

This Sunday is Vacation Bible School Sunday! Our 10am service will be held at Storrs Congregational Church as children from both parishes will tell the story of water and baptism in Bible. Children have been working all week on stories and songs to tell, making fantastic creations representing Bible stories and children grades 5 and up have been going to the Click Kitchen in Willimantic where they helped in the kitchen, veggie garden and orchard.
The 8am service will be held at St. Mark's as usual.
This is also Covenant Soup Kitchen Sunday. If you are interested in helping to prepare bag lunches, please reach out to Joan Doiron or Sondra Boyer for more information.
Next Saturday is WAIM's Steeple Chase Bike Tour. If you are interested in participating here is the link to sign up: steeplechasebiketour.org
On Sunday, September 23, Bishop Ahrens will lead the worship at services. If you wish to be baptized, confirmed or received during the service, please let Rev. Brian know. He will be offering two preparatory classes: Sunday, September 16 from 12-1:30pm or Wednesday, September 19 at 7pm.
All current Eucharistic Ministers and those wishing to be licensed to participate in this meaningful ministry are asked to attend a training/refresher session with Rev. Brian on Saturday, September 22 at 9am.
A new campus ministry will start when UConn resumes--there will be a Sunday night Campus Communion and Dinner every Sunday that UConn is in session, starting on Sunday, August 28. Janet Belval is coordinating the dinners and welcomes help from those interested in campus ministry. The first dinner will be a BBQ outside at the front of the church.
Another new campus ministry this fall is the initial gathering of the Progressive Christian Fellowship which will meet on Tuesday evenings at St. Mark's. Coming soon will be a calendar of events that the Campus Ministry Committee is putting together. Much of the focus will be on social justice. Many thanks to Janet Belval, Matt Ouellette, Jared Henderson and Rev. Brian for all their efforts to make this group a reality.
Rev. Brian will be away next week as the Chaplain in Residence at Camp Washington. He will be available for pastoral emergencies.

There is still no update on the opening of the driveway. Please continue to use the driveway by St. Thomas.

Week of July 30 thru Aug. 5

8/5/2018

The audio for the Aug. 5, 2018 10 am Sunday service:

Welcoming remarks and highlighting of announcements by Rev. Sara J. Anderson
2 Readings: Exodus 16:2-4,9-15, Ephesians 4:1-16 (Amanda Hanzlik)
Gospel: John 6:24-35 (Rev. Sara J. Anderson)
Sermon (Rev. Sara J. Anderson)

The printer-ready version of the announcements for Aug. 5, 2018
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Aug. 2, 2018
Here is the news of the week:

There is still time to sign up for Vacation Bible School which is next week from 9-12:30pm at Storrs Congregational Church. Please use this link to register tinyurl.com/2018StorrsVBS.
And on Sunday, August 12 the 10am service will be a joint service with Storrs Congregational and the VBS kids at Storrs Congregational. There will be at 8am service here at St. Mark's.
Who is the weeding angel? Thank you to whoever weeded the back patio. After last week's rain, it was so necessary.
The Organ Rededication Concert announced for September 28 has been postponed due to a scheduling conflicts for the organist. A new date will be announced soon.
It is time to make a new schedule for Sunday Ministers--readers, intercessors, chalice bearers, ushers, readers, coffee hour hosts and flowers. If you would like to participate in one of these ministries, please let the office know.
WAIM's benefit concert at the new Shaboo Stage is on Saturday, August 4. Tickets can be purchased with this link:

https://tickets.beerfests.com/event/shabooreunions

A new campus ministry will start when UConn resumes--there will be a Sunday night Campus Communion and Dinner every Sunday that UConn is in session, starting on Sunday, August 28. Janet Belval is coordinating the dinners and welcomes help from those interested in campus ministry. The first dinner will be a BBQ outside at the front of the church.
Another new campus ministry this fall is the initial gathering of the Progressive Christian Fellowship which will meet on Tuesday evenings at St. Mark's. Coming soon will be a calendar of events that the Campus Ministry Committee is putting together. Much of the focus will be on social justice. Many thanks to Janet Belval, Matt Ouellette, Jared Henderson and Rev. Brian for all their efforts to make this group a reality.
The office received word this week of the death of Philip Issacson, who served as organist of both St Mark's and St. Thomas concurrently in the 1990's. A talented church musician since his early teens, he died in Vermont and is survived by his wife, two children and three grandchildren.
Rev. Brian is on vacation until August 8. Many thanks to Rev. Sara Anderson who will preside at both services this Sunday. Ben Brockman will be available for pastoral emergencies while Rev. Brian is away.
Monday Meditations is cancelled for Monday, August 6.
There will be a memorial service for Kendall Rhee at St. Mark's on Sunday, August 12 at 3pm. Rev. Ron Kolanowski will preside.

Best wishes, Linda

Week 07-23-2018 thru 07-29-2018

7/29/2018

The Announcements, Gospel & Sermon - July 29, 2018, The 10th Sunday After Pentecost

Welcoming remarks and highlighting of announcements by Rev. Brian Blayer
Gospel: Mark 6:1-13 (Rev. Brian Blayer)
Sermon (Rev. Brian Blayer)

2018-07-29_announcements_10thpentecost.pdf
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File Type:	pdf

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Dear Friends:

The summer lull continues but there is progress on the construction on North Eagleville. While the driveway remains closed, many areas of the road have seen the cessation of construction and temporary pavement is in place. Some of the fencing has been removed.

Here are some updates:

Due to vacation schedules, this Sunday's 10 am service will not be a Children's Service. It will be a regular Rite ll service but a few Sunday Ministers were not scheduled. At the 10am service both a chalice and a reader are needed. Please let the office know if you can serve.
The Last Sunday Offering for July collected on Sunday will go to support WAIM's Steeplechase Bike Race to support Perception Programs--for those suffering from addiction and mental health challenges.
On Sunday, August 12, the 10am service will be held at Storrs Congregational Church as part of the celebration of Vacation Bible School. Please come to support the children and youth of the parish as they lead worship that Sunday. The 8am service will take place at St. Mark's as regularly scheduled.
It is not too late to register children for VBS: tinyurl/2018StorrsVBS.
The Shaboo Stage in Willimantic is almost ready for its first concerts. WAIM is hosting a Led Zeppelin tribute band on Saturday, August 4.. Proceeds benefit the WAIM, the No Freeze Shelter and Covenant Soup Kitchen. Tickets and information is available at: https://tickets.beerfests.com/event/shabooreunion
Looking towards the fall, organist Charlie Houmard has received a grant from the American Guild of Organists to initiate an organ concert series. The first event has been scheduled for Friday, September 28. This will be a organ rededication concert and reception. Ezequiel Menéndez, Director of Music at the Cathedral of St. Joseph in Hartford and Louis Hanzlik, trumpet,will be the guest artists. More concerts are planned through the academic year. Details and more information will be available soon. Please mark your calendars!

Best wishes, Linda

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Postings for Sunday, Sept. 30, 2018

Information for Sunday, Sept. 23, 2018

News of the Week

Postings for Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018

The Week of Sept. 9 - Sept. 16, 2018

The Week of Sept. 2 - Sept. 8, 2018

The Week of Aug. 26-Sept. 1

The Week Aug. 13 - Aug. 19

News of the Week (and this week's announcements)

Week of July 30 thru Aug. 5

Week 07-23-2018 thru 07-29-2018

The Announcements, Gospel & Sermon - July 29, 2018, The 10th Sunday After Pentecost

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