The audio cuts for St. Mark's Chapel's 10 am Trinity Sunday family service on 06-16-19. This was our monthly family service at which nearly every laity ministry was performed by the Sunday School students

Recorded tracks:

Greeting, Announcements (Rev. Brian Blayer)

1st Reading:  Proverbs 8:1-4, 22-31 (Laura Day)

Psalm Response:  Psalm 8 (Laura Day)

2nd Reading:  Romans 5:1-5(Laura Day)

Gospel: John 16:12-45 (Rev. Brian Blayer)  

Sermon (Rev. Brian Blayer)

News of the Week - June 14, 2019

Will You Step Up?
St. Mark's Episcopal Chapel is looking for someone to gather a team to walk in the WAIM Steeple Chase. The Steeple Chase Ride/Walk is a 5 mile walk and 20-100 mile Bike Tour through the scenic Northeast Connecticut's "Quiet Corner".  100% of the proceeds go to support: Perception Programs, Inc **Windham Area interfaith Ministry** Windham No Freeze project.   Follow the link below for more information on this exhilarating event!
​
https://www.bikereg.com/steeple-chase-bike-tour

NE Region Liaison - St. Marks
We are looking for a parishioner to act as a liaison to the NE Region. This role would play two key responsibilities:

1) Communicate and announce things going on with the churches in our region,
2) Inform the NE Region team about things happening at St Marks.

Please contact Steve Paasch for more information or if interested.

The Anglican Vision
June 26 and July 3rd, 6:30pm-8pm, join Rev. Brian for food and conversation as we explore The Anglican Vision, by James E. Griffiths.  If you’re new to the Episcopal Church or just want to have a deeper experience of our faith practice, The Anglican Vision is a short book which looks at the history, mission, and identity of the Anglican Church around the world. Please RSVP at the office and let us know if you will be contributing to the meal.

Camp Washington
Is your child looking for excitement this summer? At Camp Washington your child will be part of a creative and fun God filled community!  Click below to register today!

https://www.campwashington.org/summercamp

Vacation Bible School
“The Child of God” Vacation Bible School will be held at Storrs Congregational Church, July 29 - August 2, 9-12:30.  Although we are all children of God, they are specifically focusing on stories involving children. Registration details coming soon. Volunteers are needed to help with arts and crafts, snacks, and just being another set of hands. Please let the church office know if you can help out.

Youth @ Convention 2019
At the diocesan convention on October 26 and 27th there is a special youth presence session on Saturday, October 26 including an overnight at a parish in Hartford. If you have any interest in being a youth delegate let Rev. Brian know.

The audio cuts for St. Mark's Chapel's 10 am Pentecost service on 06-09-19.

Recorded tracks:

• Greeting, Announcements (Rev. Brian Blayer)
  
• Gospel: John 14:8-17 (25-27) (Rev. Brian Blayer)  
  
• Sermon (Rev. Brian Blayer)
  

Scripture references:

1. The First Lesson - Acts 2:1-21
   
2. Psalm Response - Psalm 104:25-35, 37
3. The New Testament - Romans 8:14-17
   
4. Gospel - John 14:8-17 (25-27)
   

Updated for 2 last-minute additions:

•  Vacation Bible School
  Vacation Bible School will be held at Storrs Congregational Church, July 29 - August 2, 9-12:30, with a celebratory worship service in their Meetinghouse on August 4. They accept ages 4-12, with special programming for ages 10-12. Lunch will not be provided but they offer 2 hearty snacks. One when the children arrive at 9:00 and another around 12:00 before they leave at 12:30. 
  
  The theme this year is “Child of God”. Although we are all children of God, they are specifically focusing on stories involving children.
• NE Region Liaison - St Marks
  We are looking for a parishioner to act as a liaison to the NE Region. This role would play two key responsibilities: 1) communicate and announce things going on with the churches in our region, 2) inform the NE Region team about things happening at St Marks.
  Please contact Steve Paasch for more information or if interested.

The audio cuts for St. Mark's Chapel's 10 am Ascension Day service on June 2, 2019. 

Recorded tracks:

Greeting, Announcements (Rev. Brian Blayer)

1st Reading:  Acts 1:1-11 (Acey Neel)

2nd Reading:  Ephesians 1:15-23(Acey Neel)

Gospel: Luke 24:44-53(Rev. Brian Blayer)  

Sermon (Rev. Brian Blayer)

The one announcement for St. Mark's Chapel for June 2, 2019, Ascension Day. Yes, there's no PDF copy - just this one announcement. 
Your editor's note: This was the final week for our parish administrator, Linda Austin-Small. However, she was pretty much absent all week with health issues, so I missed my opportunity to personally tell her my heartfelt thanks for her help over the years enabling me to provide online weekly parish announcements and other online documents for the parish.
>> Readers needed for Pentecost on June 9
The tradition is for the reading from Acts to be done in several languages. If you are interested in reading a part in a language other than English for this service, please let Rev. Brian know.

The audio cuts for St. Mark's Chapel's 6th Sunday of Easter 10 am family service on 05-26-19. This was our monthly family service at which nearly every laity ministry was performed by the Sunday School students. 
One of the visitors in the pews was Bishop A. Robert Herschfeld and his wife. Bob is a former rector of St. Mark’s who was visiting some long-time parishioners. He was consecrated bishop of the diocese of New Hampshire in 2012.

Recorded tracks:

>>  Greeting, Announcements (Rev. Brian Blayer)

>>  1st Reading:  Acts 16:9-15 (Lucas Anderson)

>>  Psalm Response:  Psalm 67 (Ethan Hanzlik)

>>  2nd Reading:  Revelation 21:10, 22-22:5(Lucas Anderson)

>>  Gospel: John 14:23-29 (Rev. Brian Blayer)

>>  Sermon (Rev. Brian Blayer)

Dear Friends:

Here is the news of the week:

• Hear ye, hear ye:  All are invited for wonderful morning of prayer, conversation, food, and fun as we share ideas about who we are as a congregation and where God is calling us.  This Saturday,  9am-12 noon. Breakfast will be served at 8:30am.  
• United Thank Offering/Last Sunday Offering for May to be collected this Sunday.  Please remember your blue and white boxes.
• A Message from Maggie Breen, North East Regional Missionary
  The North East Region Leadership Team is seeking to fill 4 spots—three lay people and 1 clergy representing 4 different parishes. The Leadership Team meets once a month on a date/time/place that works best for the group.  As a member of the leadership team, you would be expected to help plan Convocations each year and help with planning the annual convention as needed. Currently parishes represented on the leadership team are:  St. Georges, Bolton, St. Peter’s, South Windsor, Trinity Brooklyn, Christ Church, Pomfret, and St. John’s, Vernon.
• Did you miss the opportunity to sign up for serving on the Altar Guild?  There is still time.  Sue DeWolf and Gale Morrow will do the training this Sunday following the 10am service. Please consider serving St. Mark’s this way.
• Vacation Bible School    July 29-August 2    9am-12:30pm
  Once again, St. Mark’s is partnering with Storrs Congregational Church to offer kids an opportunity to engage with the Bible through music, song, and imagination. Vacation Bible School is free, and open to the first 50 children, ages 4-11  from our congregations who register.  Registration details coming soon.
  
  

Best wishes, Linda

The audio cuts for St. Mark's Chapel's 10 am 5th Sunday of Easter service on 05-19-19. An interesting thing happened during the sermon. Rev. Brian asked for a show of hands of those in the congregation who came from other faiths. All of the 30 or so raised their hands! Rev. Brian was the only one who was raised an Episcopalian.

Recorded tracks:

Greeting, Announcements (Rev. Brian Blayer)

1st Reading:  Acts 11:1-18 (Laurie Gypson)

2nd Reading:  Revelation 21:1-6(Laurie Gypson)

Gospel: John 13:31-35 (Rev. Brian Blayer)

Sermon (Rev. Brian Blayer)

The audio cuts for St. Mark's Chapel's 10 am 4th Sunday of Easter service on 05-12-19. Today was Mothers Day, and Rev. Brian managed to blend this holiday with the Gospel message of Jesus as the shepherd.
My apologies for the delay. I was dealing with several technical problems that decided to rear their ugly heads.

Recorded tracks:

Greeting, Announcements (Rev. Brian Blayer)

1st Reading:  Acts 9:36-43 (Anne Flamming)

2nd Reading:  Revelation 7:9-17(Anne Flamming)

Gospel: John 10:22-30 (Rev. Brian Blayer)

Sermon (Rev. Brian Blayer)

Dear Friends:

Here is the news of the week:

• Hear ye, hear ye:  All are invited for wonderful morning of prayer, conversation, food, and fun as we share ideas about who we are as a congregation and where God is calling us.  Saturday, May 25 9am-12 noon. Breakfast will be served at 8:30am.  
• Did you get a UTO box last Sunday?  Extras are available on the table in Goodwin Hall.  Through the United Thank Offering, men, women and children nurture the habit of giving daily thanks to God.  These prayers of thanksgiving start when we recognize and name our many daily blessings.  Those who participate in the UTO have discovered that thankfulness leads to generosity.  UTO combines these generous offerings to fund significant projects that make a real difference in the work of the Episcopal Church and the Anglican Communion and a real difference in people’s lives.  Boxes will be collected on May 26 and are the Last Sunday Offering for May. 
• Prayers of the People—It is a wonderful practice in the Episcopal Church to pray each week for those we love or may have died.  Thank you to those who have let us know your prayer requests.  Please continue to update the list with the office on a weekly basis.
• Did you notice how lovely and refreshed the church landscaping looks?  Many thanks to Sue Gagnon for bringing in a crew to do spring cleanup, weed and mulch the beds around the building. 
• Thank you to everyone who made the St. Mark's Day Picnic and Ministry Fair a big success!  And thank you to those who signed up to participate in the various ministries.  Delighted to have so many new volunteers!
• Oh boy, Oh boy!  It is a boy for Wei Zhang and John Bovay. Welcome to baby Matthew!
• UConn graduation is this Sunday!  Congratulations to all graduates and their families.  It is a day to celebrate.  However, it may impact getting to St. Mark's.  Please plan accordingly.Happy Mother's Day to all the mothers, grandmothers, godmothers, aunts and  and important women in your life.  It takes a village. 

Best wishes, Linda

The audio cuts for St. Mark's Chapel's 10 am Feast of St. Mark service on 05-05-19. 

Recorded tracks:

Greeting, Announcements (Rev. Brian Blayer)

1st Reading:  Isaiah 52:7-10 (Mark Healey)

2nd Reading:  Ephesians 4:7-8,11-16 (Mark Healey)

Gospel: Mark 1:1-15 (Rev. Brian Blayer)  

Sermon (Rev. Brian Blayer)

Dear Friends:

Here is the news of the week:

• Last night's Organ Concert was delightful and many thanks to  everyone who made it a memorable evening--especially to Kathy and David Pepin who housed Clara one evening and Sue and Bill Cook who hosted the reception.  And cheers to Charlie Houmard for guiding the Organ Concert Series.  The next concert will be on September 20 with Christa Rakich from St. John's West Hartford, performing.
• Love organ music?  Tomorrow is the day. The First Friday Recital for May is “Bach or Not” Eight Preludes and Fugues,  formerly attributed to J. S. Bach. Enjoy this lively collection of pieces that are favorites amongst organists and audiences.  Whether or not they were composed by Bach does not negate their charm. Bring your lunch and a friend, come and go as you please.  Please note that this will be the last First Friday recital until September 6.
• It is Party Time!  Even if the weather does not cooperate for a BBQ this Sunday.  Please bring a food item to share.  And check out the tables at the Ministry Fair to learn more about the many ministries at St. Mark's.  All this excitement follows the 10am service.
• In the Sunday bulletin this week, you will find a United Thank Offering (UTO) box to collect coins for the blessings of daily living.  Those who participate in the UTO find that thankfulness leads to generosity.  Boxes will be collected on Sunday, May 26.  UTO is the Last Sunday Offering for May.
• Hear ye, hear ye:  All are invited for wonderful morning of prayer, conversation, food, and fun as we share ideas about who we are as a congregation and where God is calling us.  Saturday, May 25 9am-12 noon. Breakfast will be served at 8:30am.  
• Congratulations and best wishes to Mengyu Hu and Jared Henderson as they celebrate their wedding this Saturday.  
• Future Dates:   Vacation Bible School  dates have been announced--July 29-August 2 from 9-12:30 at Storrs Congregational Church.  Registration information will be available soon.   Calling all cyclists:  the 2019 WAIM Steeplechase Bike Tour will be on Saturday, August 17.  For more information: steeplechasebiketour.org

Best wishes, Linda

The audio cuts for St. Mark's Chapel's 10 am 2nd Sunday of Easter service on 04-28-19. Today’s service was our monthly family service for which the Sunday School pupils exercise many of the ministerial roles.

Recorded tracks:

Greeting, Announcements (Rev. Brian Blayer)

1st Reading:  Acts 5:27-32 (Lydia Wilderman)
Psalm:  Psalm 150 (Lydia Wilderman)
2nd Reading:  Acts 10:34-43 (Lucas Anderson)

Gospel: John 20:19-31 (Rev. Brian Blayer)

Sermon (Rev. Brian Blayer)

Dear Friends:

Here is the news of the week:

• Mark your calendars--Wednesday, May 1 is the next Brombaugh Organ Restoration Series concert, featuring Clara Gerdes, a soon to be graduate of the Curtis Institute in Philadelphia.  Clara will perform works by Bruhns, Bach, Prokovfiev and Peeters.  A wine and cheese reception will follow.  Please join us!
• More organ music news--The First Friday Recital for May is “Bach or Not”
  Eight Preludes and Fugues, formerly attributed to J. S. Bach. Enjoy this lively collection of pieces that are favorites amongst organists and audiences. Whether or not they were composed by Bach does not negate their charm.Bring your lunch and a friend, come and go as you please.  Please note that this will be the last First Friday recital until September 6.
• The Last Sunday Offering for April will go to Heifer International. Heifer works with communities to end world hunger and poverty and care for the Earth. They believe that the collective power of economic development, food security and nutrition, and environmental sustainability can empower small-scale farmers on the path to living incomes. Thank you for your generosity.
• It is time to celebrate!  St. Mark's Day will be on May 5 at 10am.  Liturgy on the lawn, BBQ, Ministry Fair and games.  Have you used the link to signup genius to let your Vestry know what you plan to bring or if you have a grill to lend?  Please sign up today! And we will be celebrating all grads!  
                       https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0D4FAAA82DA57-stmarks1
• One more celebration in the St. Mark's family--the wedding of Jared Henderson and Mengyu Hu here on Saturday, May 4. All best wishes to both Jared and Mengyu as they begin a life long journey together. 
• This Sunday is a Family Service.  In May, Sunday School students will be learning about Social Justice and will be off site for the first two Sundays.  On May 5, they will go to the Dodd Center for a conversation on Human Rights around the world followed by a tour of the US Geological Survey offices, hosted by Fred Day-Lewis, on May 12.  
• Join the Conversation!  On Saturday, May 25 from 9-12 noon, you are invited to participate in a workshop to envision the future mission and goals of St. Mark's and how to invite people into this wonderfully warm and welcoming community.  The workshop will be lead by the Revs. Tanya Wallace and Jane Hale, warden Madison Day and Rev. Brian. 
• Many thanks to so many Sunday Ministers for all they did to make Holy Week and Easter so meaningful and celebratory.   The Altar Guild and their helpers worked tirelessly to meet the requirements of so many services. Readers read a lot of Bible verses, intercessors led prayers, ushers welcomed parishioners and visitors, the Eucharistic Ministers served, Charlie and the musicians brought joy and Melissa folded a lot of bulletins.  And so many made donations to the Easter flowers.  Thank you all!! 

Best wishes, Linda

The audio cuts for St. Mark's Chapel's 10 am Easter Sunday.service on 04-21-19, 

Recorded tracks:

Greeting, Announcements (Rev. Brian Blayer)
​
1st Reading:  Isaiah 65:17-25 (Anne Flamming)

2nd Reading:  Acts 10:34-43 (Anne Flamming)

Gospel: John 20:1-18 (Rev. Brian Blayer)  

Sermon (Rev. Brian Blayer)

Communion Anthem: The Morning Trumpet (Robert Wetzler)

Dear Friends:

Happy Holy Week!  It is busy!

• Maundy Thursday commemorates the Last Supper when Jesus shared the Passover meal    with his disciples on the night before he was crucified.  Tonight's service begins at 7pm.
• Tomorrow is Good Friday and there will be services at both 12 noon and 7pm.  Readers are  needed for both services.   Please let the office know today if you can read.
• On Saturday the Altar Guild will be decorating the church for Easter with flowers galore.  You are invited to Morning Prayer at 9am.  The Great Vigil of Easter will be at 7pm Saturday evening.  Readers are still needed for this service.  Again please let the office know if you wish to read.
•  Easter Sunday services will be at 8am and 10am. A joyful day it will be.  
•  Wednesday, May 1 is the next concert in the Brombaugh Reatoration Concert Series (and the last one until autumn).  Clara Gerdes will play works by Bach, Bruhn, Brahms, Prokofiev and Peeters.  Wine and cheese reception to follow.  Please invite a friend.  Donation at the door of $20 and $3 for students helps support the organ maintenance fund at St. Mark's.
• Celebrating St. Mark’s Day--Sunday, May 5
  Save the date!  Exciting plans are evolving for a celebration of St. Mark and St. Mark’s. Following the 10am service, there will be a Ministry Fair and BBQ on the front lawn (weather permitting).  Food, fun, fellowship—your Vestry is planning a fun event for all. Your help is needed to make it happen.  Please let them know how you can help—food (Madison Day), set up/clean up (Bill Cook), games  (Steve Paasch), and Ministry Fair (Madison Day).  You can sign up using this link:        
   https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0D4FAAA82DA57-stmarks1 
• Quarterly statements will be available for pick up in the Narthex on Sunday.

Best wishes, Linda

Dear Friends:

Tomorrow evening, Wednesday, April 17,  there will be a Liturgy of Healing and Reconciliation at St. Mark's beginning at 6PM. 

From the three Episcopal Questions, Episcopal Answers evening discussions, came the idea for the Healing and Reconciliation service.  As food was shared on those occasions, we invite people to bring a dish to share during the first part of the service where people can share their stories and allow others to be heard as well. Then  the evening will continue with a Eucharist in the Chapel.  

If you plan to attend, please RSVP to the office.

Thank you. 

Linda
Linda Austin-Small
Parish Administrator
St. Mark's Episcopal Chapel
42 N. Eagleville Rd.
Storrs, CT 06268
W: 860-429-2647
admin@stmarkschapel.org