Click here for the last two weeks' newsletters.
Volume 3, Issue 50 January 20, 2012 |
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Dear Fellow St. Markers,
I can hardly believe that it has been two years since the debut of the Prodigal Cafe. It seems just like yesterday when at the weekly staff meeting Fr. Mark initiated the idea of a renewed coffee hour. You could just feel a spark catching fire, as ideas were tossed around and the name Prodigal Café . . . "come back" to the fellowship hall . . . was chosen!
The Prodigal Cafe Ministry includes twenty-seven families that volunteer to serve in the cafe on Sunday mornings, thirty bakers that make the delicious goodies that are served, and eight supervisors that oversee the details of the cafe. At present approximately sixty-five St. Markers contribute to the success of the cafe. Amazing!! Praise God!
One question that comes up every so often is, "So, what does the cafe do with the money that it brings in?" Well, first and foremost, the cafe is a self-sustaining ministry. Since the beginning, the Prodigal Cafe has paid for itself! Last year the Cafe was able to also provide the following:
- Sponsorship of the Mission Commission dinner in January, 2011
- Sponsorship of the Leadership Conference dinner in March, 2011
- Sponsorship of the Appreciation Brunch for Patti Mangis in May, 2011
- Contribution to the Fourth of July Songfest
- Contribution to the Children's Ministry Open House and Year End Celebration
- Contribution to the Women's Luncheon in December
- General supplies for the kitchen
As we look to the new year 2012, we welcome your prayers as the Prodigal Cafe's goals will include the continued commitment in providing delicious treats and beverages on Sunday mornings in an environment where St. Markers, as well as visitors, can experience Christian fellowship before and after worship.
On a personal note, I would like to thank everyone who has supported the cafe, whether as volunteers or patrons - without you there is no Prodigal Cafe. Our truly amazing God has so blessed this ministry from the very start, answering prayers of guidance and assurance every step of the way. The Prodigal Cafe Ministry will continue to serve and glorify God through our commitment to Christian fellowship at St. Mark's.
If you have a passion for baking, or would like to volunteer one or two Sundays per year, please contact me.
Together in His love,
Linda Palmer
dvmpalm@aol.com
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Missionfest is This Weekend
Sign up in the narthex to see how God is at work among the people groups of the world to advance His kingdom.
Events include:
- Saturday, January 28, 9:15 - 11 am, men's breakfast, The Heart of a Longing Man. Our missionary in Czech Republic, Mike Bowden, leads as we explore what men really long for and what it means to care for our own souls. We often feel over-stretched and over-committed and yet battle feelings for emptiness, loneliness, and longing for purpose.
- Saturday, January 28, 6:00 pm international dinner with Tim Morgan (Asst. Managing Editor, Christianity Today) speaking.
- Sunday, January 29 Tim Morgan will be preaching at the worship services. The children will have a special missionary presentation at 9:00 am.
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The Week Ahead
Saturday, Jan 28
Salvation Army
ingathering
Missionfest
Jr. High Youth
retreat
8:00 am
Rector's Bible study
Men's Lectionary
study
9:15 am
Men's Breakfast
Fellowship hall
5:00 pm
Uncommon Worship
(Chapel)
6:00 pm
International Dinner
(Fellowship hall)
7:00 pm
AA
Sunday, Jan 29
Salvation Army
ingathering
Missionfest
Jr. High Youth
retreat
8:00 am
Holy Eucharist,
Rite I
(chapel)
Adult choir rehearsal
8:45 am
Sunday school/
youth programs
Prodigal Cafe
9:00 am
Holy Eucharist,
Rite II
(nave)
Nursery
10:30 am
Holy Eucharist,
Rite II
(nave)
Nursery
Monday, Jan 30
6:45 am
AA
9:00 am
Exercise
Noon
Bulletin deadline
AA
7:00 pm
Al Anon
(3rd grade room)
7:30 pm
AA
Tuesday, Jan 31
Noon
Newsletter deadline
AA
Wednesday, Feb 1
7:30 am
Healing Eucharist
(chapel)
9:00 am
Navigating
Friendships
(fellowship hall)
Noon
Clergy prayer
meeting
5:30 pm
Women's Bible study
7:00 pm
St. Mark's choir
rehearsal
AA
OA (5th grade room)
Thursday, Feb 2
Noon
AA
5:00 pm
AA
6:30 pm
Confirm not Conform
Friday, Feb 3
6:00 am
Men's Bible Study
(Caribou Coffee)
6:00 pm
Movie night |
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The Lifetouch company will make a donation in the amount of the cost of four meals for each family or individual that is photographed for the new directory. The money will be donated to St. Mark's Outreach.
Signups for the photograph sessions for the new directory will be at the church on Sundays and online Monday through Saturday. You can access the website by going to St. Mark's home page and clicking on the link to Lifetouch. If you have any questions, contact Cynthia at 630.262.0506 or cinhub@gmail.com or Michelle at 630.945.3733 or mlp3.14@gmail.com.
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Local Outreach
Salvation Army Food Pantry
The next ingathering will take place on January 28 and 29. Please bring canned vegetables such as beans, corn, peas, and tomatoes. Bins will be located at all entrances.
Lazarus House Ministry
St. Markers are needed to donate food and serve dinner on Saturday, January 28 at Lazarus House. Please check the signup sheet in the narthex for needed food items or to serve the evening meal. Please contact Mike Zimmer at 630.234.2288 with questions.
Hesed House
The large homeless shelter in Aurora serves around two-hundred guests per night. Our turn to provide food and serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner is Monday, February 13 and Tuesday, February 14. Please sign up in the narthex if you can provide food or would like to volunteer. Contact Deacon Steve or Lela Lowe for more information: 630.208.7150.
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Coming Up . . .
Pledge envelopes are in the parlor for those who indicated their request on their pledge cards. There is a sign-up sheet for others who would like envelopes.
Candid shots needed Please send wonderful, touching, funny, and inspiring candid photos of St. Markers doing what we do. We would like to include candid shots from St. Mark's events in our new photo directory. Scanned or digital photos may be e-mailed to Megan at white2100@sbcglobal.net. Prints may be dropped off in the office, but e-mail delivery is best.
UnCommon Worship is back! Saturday, January 21, 5:00 pm. Our theme: God's voice. Hear Him speak!
A healing prayer service will be held Sunday, February 5 at 5:00 pm at Geneva United Methodist Church. Please come if you desire healing prayers for yourself or to be an intercessor for others.
It's movie time again! Friday, February 3, 6:00-8:00 pm, in the fellowship hall. Popcorn provided. Bring friends, family, sleeping bags, pillows, and come for the fun.
SAMS missionaries to visit On the weekend of February 11-12 we welcome back Russ and Heidi Smith, our missionaries serving in Chile with SAMS. The Smiths are currently on a brief home assignment. Please plan on joining us on Saturday morning, February 11 in the fellowship hall from 9:15-10:30 am for a special report by the Smiths on the amazing things God is doing in Chile, and lessons we can learn.
Coming to a phone near you! Happy Valentine's Day Songs from the St. Mark's Choir. It is that time of year where you 1) pick a tune, 2) give us a phone number where your valentine can be reached, 3) tell us when to call. More to come.
A Group of St. Markers will travel in the footsteps of Paul in October 2012. Consider joining us. Pick up a brochure in the church office.
Please send all bulletin announcements to: bulletin@stmarks-geneva.org or put in Bulletin mailbox by noon on Monday.
Subscribe to our weekly e-mail newsletter, the St. Marker, by signing-up in the Narthex. Send Articles by Tues noon to newsletter@stmarks-geneva.org.
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