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, March 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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Into Eternal Life: Kenneth (Ken) Wood, brother of Kathy Walker
It is with great care that we inform you of the passing of Ken Wood, 78, brother of Kathy Walker, on Wednesday, Feb 26, 2025. He lived in Meridian, ID. Please keep Kathy and loved ones in your prayers
Into your hands, O merciful Savior, we commend your servant, Ken. Acknowledge, we humbly beseech you, a sheep of your own fold, a lamb of your own flock, a beloved child of your own redeeming. Receive him into the arms of your mercy, into the blessed rest of everlasting peace, and into the glorious company of the saints in light. Amen
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Men's Breakfast Potluck, Mar 8
The Men's potluck breakfast will be March 8 in the Parish Hall at 8AM. Bring your favorite dish. Not required to attend. A sign-up sheet can be located in the Parish Hall or see Dale Biggs.
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Don't Forget! Mar 9
Spring Forward this Sunday, March 9. The Least Favorite Daylight Savings Time Change. Rotate Clocks and Cans. Remember to set clocks forward one hour. Also, a good time to rotate canned goods and bring them to church for the Foothill Family Shelter and TOUCH ministry.
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Insurance Inventory: Video and Commentary: A Practice for Lent
Ministry leaders, for Lent, please consider helping us make a video inventory of the church for insurance purposes. For phase one, we invite church ministries to make a video of their ministry spaces. Please walk around with a video camera to record all your ministry items. Please open cupboards and drawers and any storage space if applicable. As you add commentary, please note if any items are on loan from members. Please keep in a safe place.
As a gentle reminder, donations of supplies for ministries are always welcome. Donations of new equipment should be reviewed in advance of purchase by your respective ministries. Recommendations should then be forwarded to Building & Grounds and Finance to review compatibility with our space, maintenance and utility needs, and insurance implications.
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Love Your Neighbor: EMM Apparel Opportunity
Let your shirt be a reminder that together we can build a world where everyone is valued and welcome. This shirt says "love your neighbor" on the front and Matthew 25:35 on the back. It might even lead to meaningful conversations when you're in line at the grocery store, at the mall, or at tea.
EMM Fundraiser: Wear Your Support!
Episcopal Migration Ministries (EMM) is focused on welcoming our new neighbors, educating communities, and advocating for the rights and protections of all migrants.
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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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New Member and Confirmation 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: 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. Confirmations & Bishop's visit will be Dec 14, 2025.
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St. Mark's Book Club, Mar 15
St. Mark's Book Club's next selection is Ta-Nahisi Coates' "The Water Dancer." We will meet in Sharon Muehlbacher's home on March 15th.
Coates is best known as a writer of essays and non-fiction books while also a contributor to The Black Panther comic series. Here, he ventures into speculative fiction that merges the genres of slave narrative, fantasy tale and quest adventure.
One reviewer writes that, "In prose that sings and imagination that soars," Coates tackles "one of America's oldest and darkest periods with grace and inventiveness."
Please contact Maggie Vizio at: bookclub@stmarks-upland.org
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Easter Vigil Readers Rehearsal, Mar 16
Join the team to present one of the Easter Vigil Readings in a dramatic style on Saturday, April 19, at St. Ambrose Claremont. Come to the meeting/rehearsal on Sunday, March 16, at St. Mark’s.
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Moving Pews, Sunday, Apr 6
Help us make room for guests for Palm Sunday and Easter by moving pews after the 10AM service.
Make a Sign to Wave for the Palm Sunday Procession, Sunday, Apr 6
In addition to waving palms, we will wave signs. Make a sign the Sunday before with a message of love.
Good News Articles, Monday Apr 7
Articles for the Easter Edition of the Good News due Monday, April 7. Our intention is to keep announcements at a minimum. Thank you for your cooperation.
Easter Dedications Due Sunday, Apr 13.
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A Celebration of Life for Chris Watson, Apr 26, 2025
Your prayers and presence are appreciated for the memorial service for Chris Watson on Saturday, April 26, at 2:30PM, at St. Mark's Upland. We welcome home to St. Mark's Blane Abernathy, Rev Nathan Biornstad, and Barbara Harris. Please keep Tim, Christopher, Helen, Joanna, and Joan in your prayers.
Rest eternal grant to Chris, O Lord; and let light perpetual shine upon him. May his soul, and the souls of all the departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
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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 | |
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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Blood Drive, Mar 20
Thursday, March 20, 1-7PM, Parish Hall. The Red Cross will be testing potential blood donors' A1c. Please visit RedCrossBlood.org to schedule an appointment.
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Haiti Partnership Update
Thanks to your support of the Haiti Partnership, especially at the end of 2024, we were able to send a second check this year for $3000 to our partners at St. Andre, Trianon, for teacher salaries. Our last check covered the end of the salaries in arrears for last school year and this check will cover payroll for approximately the first three months of the current school year, September, October, November 2024. We owe much gratitude to the teachers who have continued to teach despite the back pay that is owed to them, and we commit to trying help our partners get up-to-date after a long five years of never quite catching up! It is your generosity that has made this possible. The school families at St. Andre are, as you know, primarily subsistence farmers, and they are still unable to get their crops to what used to be the large central markets in Port-au-Prince, so money is in very short supply in Trianon. This is the story all over rural Haiti -- schools are open and children are learning because of dedicated teachers, partners who support to the best of their ability, and a lot of prayers.
Photos of teachers from 2023:
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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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Forty Days and Forty Nights | |
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Spread, O Spread, Thou Mighty Word | |
Deanery 6, Diocese and Beyond | |
Lenten Nature Walk Claremont, Sunday, Mar 15
A morning walk at the California Botanic Garden in Claremont. This is a leisurely walk through a large California native plants garden.
Please join us at St. Ambrose (830 W Bonita Ave, Claremont, CA 91711) at 9:30 AM, then to carpool to the Garden's parking area to purchase tickets and get started by 10:00 AM. Garden tickets may also be purchased in advance online at the Garden's website (suggested).
This walk is informal, and we are usually through by lunch time. Prices range from $5 for children 3 and older to $11 for seniors, $15 for adults. Restrooms and water are available, but no pets or food are allowed.
Please contact Craig Gillette at LentenWalks@stmarks-upland.org or the St. Mark’s office at 909.920.5565 if you have additional questions.
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A Day in the Wilderness, Joshua Tree, Saturday, Mar 22
Day trip to Joshua Tree to experience desert wilderness and spirituality in the season of Lent. BYO Lunch, and time to explore and enjoy the area. 10:00 AM to ??
Carpools from St. Mark's (330 E 16th St, Upland, CA 91784) lower parking lot, meeting at 7:30 AM, Saturday, March 22, departing by 8:00 AM. Attendees are welcome to drive separately, too. Plan for arrival by 10:00 AM.
Folding chairs and reusable lunch ware would be appreciated. There is no cost for this trip. Donations to defray utilities or fuel expenses would be gratefully accepted. Families, carpools, etc., can plan on returning on their own schedule as needed.
Contact point Craig Gillette through the St. Mark’s office at 909.920.5565 or LentenWalks@stmarks-upland.org
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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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