St. Mark's Episcopal Church
A Community of Grace
We spread God's word,
love like Jesus,
enjoy worshipping together,
and help our neighbors.
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Sunday, February 9, 2025, Holy Eucharist Service at 8 & 10 AM
The service can be viewed live or on demand via the church's website, Facebook page, and YouTube channel.
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Long-Term Renter at St. Mark's
I am happy to announce that we have acquired a long-term renter in Home Core Athletics. Their business provides physical education classes for school-age children who are being home-schooled. They will be using the Drew Soccer Field and the south end of our lower parking lot for a few hours each week. If you happen to drive through the parking lot on a weekday and see children playing, wave to them and make them feel welcome.
Carol Morgan, Venue Rental Coordinator
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Collecting Palms for Ashes
Palm fronds and woven crosses from past years’ Palm Sundays will be collected during Epiphany. They will be burned and the ashes used for the “Imposition of Ashes,” when the sign of the cross is made on a person’s forehead during the Ash Wednesday services.
Inquiry, Membership, Confirmation Class, Sundays at 9 AM in the Conference Room
Bring your questions and join the conversation about the church and the denomination. We gather during on Sundays at 9 AM in the rector’s office – enter the front/north offices through the door on the right near the altar. We will be using the book Walk in Love: Episcopal Beliefs & Practices by Scott Gunn and Melody Wilson Shobe. This class is open to those who have questions, want a refresher course, open to meeting new people, and interested in a safe space to share their spiritual journey. This is also preparation for the rites of Confirmation, Reception, and Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows by the Bishop on December 14.
Welcome and Thanks to New Junior Warden and Clerk of the Vestry
Welcome and thanks to the newest clerk of the Vestry Carol Morgan, and Junior Warden Lisa Drew.
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Free Blood Pressure Readings, February 9
Parish medical personnel will be in the Wellness Room (aka Guild Room) to take blood pressure readings following the ten o’clock service, always on the Second Sunday of the month. This will continue throughout the year. Health concerns or questions will be answered or directed to the appropriate source. Let’s make 2025 a healthy year.
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Men's Breakfast, Feb 8
The next Men's Breakfast will be on Saturday, February 8. Will meet in the parish hall at 8am. We'll do another potluck. Bring your favorite dish.
Look for a signup sheet in the parish hall or contact Dale Biggs.
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On Weddings and Memorials
It takes many people in a variety of ministries to put together special pastoral services, namely weddings and memorial services. Traditionally, these services are coordinated by one person e.g. the memorial or wedding coordinator who takes on the responsibility of both planning with the family before the event and the implementation on the day of the event from beginning to end. We are looking to expand the team so that the roles of planning and implementation can be divided among more people. So that one person does not need to be the sole coordinator for all the services. If you can help or have questions, please contact Rev. Keith, Cheryl Hunley, or Myrna Dole.
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Lectio Divina: In Person Bible Study, Tuesday Mornings
Join us for an in-person Lectio Divina Bible study, in Room 16 from 9:00
to 10:30AM. Lectio is a contemplative method of reading the Bible. We will listen to
an upcoming Sunday gospel lesson three times from different versions of the Bible
and respond to a reflection question after each reading. Our time includes
introductions, check-in, a break, and open discussion.
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St. Mark's Book Club, Feb 15
St. Mark's Book Club met in Rosemary Wesley's home for a rich, multi-level and sometimes painful discussion of "The River Between," a novel that thoughtfully and movingly deals with Colonization, religious conversion, loyalty, leadership and the push-pull between tradition and the new.
Our next meeting, on February 15th, will be held in Maggie Vizio's home when we will consider "All the Beauty in the World" by Patrick Bringley. The Washington Post calls it "A beautifull tale about beauty. It is also a tale about grief, balancing solitude and comradeship, and finding joy in both the exalted and the mundane." NPR praises it as "rich in moving insights as The Met is in treasures" and "reminds us of the importance of learning not 'about art, but from it'."
Please contact Maggie Vizio at: bookclub@stmarks-upland.org
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"How We Learn to Be Brave" by Bishop Budde, Feb 25
Join us on Tuesday, February 25, 2025, from 9 to 10:30 AM in Room 16
We will use the method of Lectio Divina to guide our book discussion. Our process includes listening to the text, one another, and God in a three-stage conversation prompted by questions that bring us to a deeper and deeper revelation where text intersects with our own experiences. And consider joining us every Tuesday, from 9-10:30 AM, as we use Lectio Divina to explore the upcoming gospel text for Sunday. Read More Here.
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Coloring the Alleluias for Epiphany
Add color to an Alleluia during Epiphany. Please color an alleluia as a mediative practice during the service, hospitality hour, in the car, or at home. Our goal is 490! The wonderful number of times Jesus told Peter to forgive those who sinned against him, 70 times 7. Then bring your Alleluia back to church before Sunday, March 2, the last Sunday before the beginning of Lent. The Sunday School will lead the liturgy of the Burying of the Alleluias to mark the practice of refraining from Alleluias during Lent. Then at Easter, they will bring them back with a burst of joy.
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New Member Classes
Interested in becoming a church member? What to find out how to get connected? Do you have questions about Episcopal spirituality? Join the conversation on the second and fourth Sundays at 9AM: Feb 9 & 23, Mar 9 & 23.
We meet at 9am in the back conference room aka the Mason Webber Library located in the north office building through the doors by the presider chairs. All are welcome.
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Attention Knitters and Crocheters
If you wish to be of service to St. Mark's and the wider community, the Fiber Arts Guild makes prayer shawls and men's lap robes for those who are sick or facing difficult situations. We also make baby blankets for those celebrating an addition to their family. For More Information...
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Men's Coffee Fellowship - Wednesdays, 10:30AM
Meet at Starbucks located at the Colonies Crossroads, 1943 N Campus Ave, Unit D, Upland, 91784. For info, contact John Flasher.
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Children & Youth Ministries | |
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Children's Chapel
Children from the ages 3-10 are welcome to attend the children’s chapel at the fount of the church on the south side. We begin at 9:50 AM with sign-in, and lessons begin at 10 AM. Your child will join you for communion.
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Youth Group News
Saint Mark’s youth group is open to all young people in 6th grade and up and meets every first and third Sunday of the month in Room 18 after the 10:00 AM service. We are reflecting on various aspects of Christ’s teaching and working on our skit to explain how best to use the trash, recycling, and composting receptacles during the coffee hours and special events. Please join us.
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Saint Mark's Souper Bowl, February 9
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Red Cross blood drive stats from January 17th
We had 29 donor's signups to donate blood. Out of those 29 there were 8 first time donors. We collected 26 units of blood, which made for a successful blood drive. With those 26 donations that helped save 55 lives.
Thank you to all the donors and the volunteers that help make our blood drive a success.
The next blood drive at St. Mark's will be March 20, Thursday from 1-7pm.
Signup at redcrossblood.org
Dale Biggs
Program Leader
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Helping Hands Hot Meal Ministry
Can you provide a meal for a parish member? You don't need to be a gourmet chef - just a person with compassion. You can cook or call UberEATS. Please contact Jennifer Stone at helpinghands@stmarks-upland.org
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Enumerating the gifts you’ve received creates a sense of abundance, the knowing that you already have what you need. Recognizing “enoughness” is a radical act in an economy that is always urging us to consume more. Data tell the story that there are “enough” food calories on the planet for all 8 billion of us to be nourished. And yet people are starving. Imagine the outcome if we each took only enough, rather than far more than our share. The wealth and security we seem to crave could be met by sharing what we have. Ecopsychologists have shown that the practice of gratitude puts brakes on hyperconsumption. The relationships nurtured by gift thinking diminish our sense of scarcity and want. In that climate of sufficiency, our hunger for more abates and we take only what we need, in respect for the generosity of the giver. Climate catastrophe and biodiversity loss are the consequences of unrestrained taking by humans. Might cultivation of gratitude be part of the solution?
Robin Wall Kimmerer
From: The Serviceberry, Abundance and Reciprocity in the Natural World
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Sustainable Communion Cups: Epiphany Experiment
This Epiphany we will be experimenting with sustainable communion cups for the Eucharistic wine. These will still be personal cups of wine that will be distributed via the communion cup trays held by the Eucharistic ministers at the altar. However, these cups are made of food-grade quality stainless steel and are lead and BPA free instead of plastic and can be reused. Please be aware of lipstick when drinking from the reusable communion cup.
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They Cast Their Nets in Galilee | |
Gracious Spirit, Swell with Me | |
Tu has Venido a la Orilla | |
Rejoice, Ye Pure in Heart | |
Deanery 6, Diocese and Beyond | |
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Creation Justice Ministries Beyond Plastics Toolkit Launch
Join the ecumenical organization Creation Justice Ministries for the release of the Beyond Plastics' Toolkit for Houses of Worship Wednesday, Feb. 12 at 7 p.m. on Zoom. This important resource offers practical strategies to reduce plastic use within your congregation and advocate for impactful policy changes. Join Creation Justice Ministries for an inspiring conversation about how people of faith can care for God's creation, slow climate change, and protect the health of God's planet and people. Register here.
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Pastoral Letters and Resources from the Episcopal Church
Bishop John Harvey Taylor "Here am I; Send me!"
The Rt. Rev. John Harvey Taylor, Seventh Bishop of Los Angeles, addresses the fires and our times in his January 21, 2025, pastoral letter “Here am I; send me!” It is available here and printed copies at church. Pastoral letters are commended to all members.
Click here.
The Episcopal Church on the Executive Orders on Immigration
The Most Rev. Sean Rowe, Presiding Bishop, and Julia Ayala Harris, the President of the House of Deputies, address the presidential Executive Orders on Immigration.
Click here.
Sermon by Bishop Budde: Unity and Mercy
The Rt. Rev. Mariann Edgar Budde, Bishop Diocesan of Washington, preaches at the Service of Prayer for the Nation at the Washington National Cathedral - the foundations of unity and a plea for mercy. "In the name of our God have mercy on the people in our country who are scared now."
Click here for video or here for text.
Resources for Immigrant Families Curated by Episcopal Migration Ministries
EMM has gathered a collection of resources to help individuals and families take steps toward ensuring stability and peace of mind. Click here.
A Curated Children's Book List
A resource to build power, not panic for those who raise or teach children and for those who support and love them. Click here.
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Intergenerational Learning
The Napier Initiative offers seniors the opportunity to experience intergenerational classes at the Claremont Colleges at no expense. In addition to learning from assigned readings, class “Elders” participate fully in class discussions and projects. My class last spring introduced me to exciting new ideas and critical thinking on important issues while I shared my relevant life experiences with the class. I experienced firsthand the talent and inspiring personal values my younger classmates brought to the classroom. The following courses are offered this spring:
(1) “People & Power: The History and Practice of Community Organizing”; (2) “Political Economy of Food”; (3) “Feminism and Science” and (4) “Human-Centered Design”.
If you would like further information about the classes and/or how to apply for admission to them please contact Paul Turner or call the office, (909)920-5565.
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2025 Estimate of Giving aka Pledge: Counting Blessings
Many thanks to the 63 individuals and households who registered their pledges for 2025. We have about 140 individuals and households on record. Please prayerfully consider how God has blessed your life and complete a 2025 pledge card. Your gracious contribution helps us as a community fund people like the rector, office administrator, bookkeeper, and music directors. They also keep the church buildings and grounds maintained and operational. It is not too late to make your pledge; and you may adjust your estimate of giving when circumstances change. Your 2025 pledge is greatly appreciated. Thank you.
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Donating from IRA Accounts
Required minimum distributions (RMD) are the least amounts of money you must withdraw from your traditional IRA account each year, once you reach a certain age. If you make a qualified charitable contribution directly to St. Mark's for some or all of the RMD, that amount will not be taxed. Your financial advisor or IRA customer service can provide additional details on how to make this type of donation to St. Mark's.
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Thank you for your generous gift.
No matter how, how much, or how often you give,
you make a difference. Your contribution is appreciated.
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St. Mark's Episcopal Church
A Community of Grace
330 East 16th Street, Upland, CA 91784
(909) 920-5565
stmarks-upland.org
For Venue Rental contact Carol at venuerental@stmarks-upland.org
Office Hours: Monday–Thursday 10 AM to 3 PM (closed12:30-1 PM); Friday Closed
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PLEASE NOTE:
The deadline for article submissions is every Tuesday and must be emailed to
parishadmin@stmarks-upland.org.
Please make sure to include “Good News" in the subject line.
Do not submit article requests via Constant Contact.
Good News articles will be published every Thursday afternoon
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