Upcoming dates for your calendar:

• Saturdays: Calming the Waters - @ 10 AM
• Sundays: Worship - @ 9 AM and 11 AM
• Wednesdays - Seeing and Believing Study @ 10 AM , Healing Service @ 12 PM

UPDATED SAFETY POLICY

Now that we have chairs in the nave, we’ve updated our emergency exit policy to meet fire code. Starting November 1, aisles and exits must stay clear during worship. Anyone using a walker, wheelchair, or other mobility aid is asked to sit in the designated accessible seating across from the choir where chairs can be removed to accommodate mobility devices. Everyone is still welcome to use their devices to come forward for communion, or it can be brought to you by the clergy and Eucharistic ministers. This keeps all of us safe! Scan the QR code for the full policy.

FOOD COLLECTION SUNDAY

We'll be collecting food this TODAY for HELP of Beaufort. Jack N. who volunteers at HELP reports their shelves are quite empty! They are in need of canned meat (tuna, chicken, Spam, etc.), soups and hearty soups that can serve as a meal, canned fruit, healthy snacks and other canned vegetables. They however do NOT need any type of bean. Jack also shared that they are very low on fresh and frozen meat. We are not equipped to collect and deliver such items but if you desire to donate fresh or frozen meat, they will be happy to accept them during their daily open hours (9:30-12:30 M-F). Thank you for giving!

ONE POTATO, TWO POTATO...200 POTATOES OR MORE!

A friendly reminder that we are partnering with HELP of Beaufort (their Giving Project), United Way, The Salvation Army and several other area churches and organizations to provide 600+ meals this Thanksgiving to area families in need. We have committed to provide 200 bags or boxes of instant potatoes. Can we, our small parish, do this? YES, we can! But we need your support! Please bring your bags and boxes of instant potatoes to church on Sundays or to the Center during business hours. Please separate the instant potatoes from your regular food donations, Our collection deadline is November 8th. The Outreach and Missions Committee will then deliver the items to HELP on Monday, November 9th. Thank you for your unending support of our Lowcountry neighbors.

CRAFT SALE FOR A CAUSE

Join Jack and Chris Nietert at St. Mark’s on Sunday, November 1, for a special craft sale! Browse a variety of handmade crafts perfect for Christmas gifts, or find something unique to enhance your home. Even better, 100% of all sales will benefit the Zariki School in Tanzania, making this a wonderful opportunity to support a meaningful cause while shopping locally. The sale will take place after the 9 a.m. service and before and after the 11 a.m. service. Stop by, explore the beautiful creations, and help make a difference in the lives of students in Tanzania. Your purchases will bring a little extra joy to your holiday season while supporting a worthy ministry!

I HAVEN'T PLEDGED BEFORE.

WHERE DO I START?

During the annual giving campaign, We Believe, a pledge of any amount is important. Remember the widow’s mite and how valuable it was in Jesus’ parable (Mark 12:41-44, Luke 21:1-4)? Those who can give more might adopt the spiritual discipline of tithing. The Bible defines a tithe as 10% (of pre- or post-tax income – that’s up to you). Perhaps you’re somewhere in between. That’s good too. Each year you might challenge yourself to work your way toward the Biblical tithe. Giving can be a spiritual discipline of remembering that all that is, is God’s anyway, no matter how hard we might work for it. Together our gifts enable us to take on God’s mission in ways no individual could. As of this week, 46 families have pledged $193,000 toward the $470,000 pledge goal. If you need a pledge card, there are extras at the doors of the church and on the nametag table on Sundays. You can also stop by or call the office. The campaign ends Nov. 8.

FOCUS GROUPS

You’re invited to our Fall Focus Groups! We are excited to have you join the journey as we discern God’s calling for St. Mark’s together. This is your chance to share your voice, listen to neighbors, and feast on food and friendship while we explore what God is calling us to become.

Save These Dates! All gatherings are at 11 a.m. at St. Mark’s, following the weekly yoga class.

Nov. 21: What Is St. Mark’s Calling? How does Christ’s mission inspire our unique purpose here in Beaufort?

Dec. 5: Dreaming Forward Together. We’ll synthesize our insights to draft a mission statement that captures our shared spirit before Christmas break.

NEWCOMER'S RECEPTION

St. Mark’s annual NEWCOMER’S RECEPTION will be hosted by our vestry and parish staff on Sunday, Nov. 8 from 3 – 5 pm. This is an invitation to those who have visited or attended our services for the first time over the past year. It will be a wonderful opportunity to meet the church leaders, connect with other members and learn more about life at St. Mark’s.

All newcomers that have filled out their contact information will be receiving an email with more specifics from Jane Abrams (843-441-1879). If you would like to attend and have not given us your contact information, please fill out a card available on the greeters table and we will be in touch. We look forward to extending the hand of faith and community with each of you.

PRIDE SERVICE

On Saturday, November 14, St. Mark’s will join the Lowcountry Pride Festival in Port Royal for a day of celebrating the dignity, beauty, and belovedness of our LGBTQ+ siblings. We’ll host a booth at the festival from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., followed by a special Pride service at St. Mark’s at 5:30 p.m., with a reception afterward.

Why are we doing this? Because our faith calls us to it. As Episcopalians, we believe that all people are made in the image of God, beloved by God, and welcome in God’s house. In our baptismal covenant, we promise to respect the dignity of every human being. At St. Mark’s, we take that promise seriously—not simply as words we say in worship, but as a way of living our faith in the world.

We want our LGBTQ+ neighbors to know that they are loved, valued, and celebrated—not merely tolerated. We want them to know that St. Mark’s is a safe and welcoming community where they can bring their whole selves and encounter the love of God. Participating in Pride is one way we put our baptismal promises into action and make that welcome visible.

Come be part of this joyful witness! We need volunteers to help staff our festival booth, set up and take down, assist with the reception, and serve in various lector roles during the service. Whether you can offer an hour or help throughout the day, your presence matters.

To volunteer, please contact Carter Hoyt at choyt@stmarksportroyal.org.

Let’s show our community what it looks like when the love of Christ is lived boldly, joyfully, and without exception!

THE REV. DEACON KEN KRAFT IS RETIRING!

Through consultation with Bishop Ruth, Deacon Ken will be retiring from parish ministry. His last Sunday with us will be November 22. We will have a reception for him between the services and the loose offering that Sunday will go to support the KAIROS prison ministry with which he has and will faithfully continue to work. Ken has been with St. Mark’s since the very early days and our communal life has certainly been enriched through his faithful service. Come help us celebrate his ministry on November 22!!

THANKSGIVING SERVICE AT ST. MARK’S



Join us at St. Mark’s on Wednesday, November 25, at 4:00 p.m. for a special Thanksgiving service. As we gather with grateful hearts, we will give thanks for God’s many blessings, the gift of community, and the love we share as a church family. All are welcome to join us for this time of worship, reflection, and thanksgiving as we begin the holiday together.

JOIN ST. MARK’S CHOIR FOR ADVENT

Share your voice and the joy of the season by joining the St. Mark’s Choir for Advent and Christmas! Choir practice is held on Wednesdays at 2:00 p.m. The choir will sing each Sunday during Advent and participate in a special Christmas Eve service. Whether you have sung with us before or are new to the choir, we welcome you! No matter your experience, your voice is a gift to our church family. Ready to join us? Sign up to sing with the St. Mark’s Choir this Advent season! Come share the joy of music as we prepare our hearts for Christmas.

PILGRIMAGE 2027

What if the journey you're longing for isn't about seeing something new, but learning to see everything differently?

For thousands of years, people have walked in search of something: healing, clarity, connection, gratitude, or a deeper understanding of themselves and the world.

The Camino de Santiago is one of the world's most enduring invitations to do just that. But pilgrimage is about more than reaching a destination. It's about awakening to the journey itself.

The crunch of gravel beneath your feet. The salt air on your skin. The taste of a meal shared with friends. The sound of wind moving through the eucalyptus forest. The extraordinary beauty of an ordinary moment, suddenly seen with fresh eyes.

What happens when we slow down, engage our senses, and make room for wonder?

We might discover that the sacred was never as far away as we imagined.

This April, Little Coracles invites you to walk the Portuguese Coastal Way to Santiago de Compostela—not simply to see the world, but to experience it anew.

We will walk. We will notice. We will wonder.

Come walk with us. Come wonder with us.

April 15–27, 2027

Discover the journey by clicking the link in the comments.

GIVING STATEMENTS

Quarterly giving statements were emailed on October 10, 2026 to all contributors with an email address on file.

If you did not receive one and want to be certain you receive one for the end of the year, please contact treasurer@stmarksportroyal.org with updated contact information.

THANK YOU SAINT MARK'S FAMILY

Thank You, People of St. Mark’s! Thank you for your generous special offering to the Zariki School in Tanzania. Your gifts totaled $1,000! U.S. dollars go a long way in that part of the world, and we are deeply grateful for your generosity and support.

With sincere appreciation,

Jack and Chris

NOVEMBER BIRTHDAYS



St. Mark's would like to wish a very happy birthday to Cassandra Knoppel (3), Linda Chappell (4), Aidan Wilson (4), Jim Berry (6), Harriette Gause (6), John Olson (6), Louis Bruce (7), Margie Gallina (8), Jim Rowe (8), Howard Brosseau (9), Mark Kube (11), Barbara Kaines (12), Toni Pennington (12), Duffy Duffy (13), Barney Forsythe (13), Blaine Phillips (14), Wendy Moore (16), Eliza Phillips (16), Tom Perkins (19), Carol Whitworth (19), Jason Wilson (19), Barbara Gephart (21), Anne Errington (23), Lynn Strange (23), Patsy Taylor (23), Bill Krebs (24), Ginni Reynolds (24), Roy Tripp (24), Cindy Baysden (25), Jeanne Mull (25), Mike Macloskie (26), Larry White (28), T.C. Carter (29), Tom Baumfalk (30), Liz Devoir (30), Mary Sondag (30), Ed Thayer (30).

May God bless each of you on your special day and throughout the year ahead. We pray that your birthday is filled with joy, love, peace, and the many blessings of God's grace. Thank you for being such an important part of the St. Mark's family. Happy Birthday

WE ASK YOUR PRAYERS FOR: Mary Bryan, Bonnie Connolly, Molly Wolford, Linda Jones, Duane Twenge, Mike Domby, Jim Sweeney, Hollis, Ann Frias, Amy Christian, Patty Crower, Clydette McDaniel, Catherine Guerrero, Steven Sonders, Gary MacNew, Molly Ferguson, Nicolas Nehf, Bill Crower, Palmer Jones, Glenda Jones, Caroline

Bambard, Lori Pinkham, Carol Whitworth, Valeria Emmett, Rick Kroncke, Patrick Numair, Diana Domby Howell, Anne Errington, Jeff Fahrner and Wendy Moore.

PLEASE PRAY ALSO for friends of St. Mark’s parishioners: Rhonda Adams, Nadija Peterson and Selia Fields (our two St. Mark’s scholarship recipients), Adam, Barbara Atkins, Tom Tull, Gary Mc Graw, Rev Brian Pearson, Will Guerrero and Jesus Ramirez.

REIMBURSEMENTS AND CHECK REQUESTS

We are grateful to the many faithful volunteers who make expenditures or engage services on behalf of St. Mark’s and you deserve a process that makes it easy for you know what information is needed and to submit requests for checks and reimbursement utilizing either electronic or traditional methods as you prefer. Please see the details of reimbursement and check requests BELOW.

ONLINE GIVING - NEW LINK

It's easy and convenient to keep up with your pledge online.

Just click the red box below and follow the prompts.

Sunday Worship

Holy Communion at 9 a.m and 11 a.m.

(Livestream available at www.stmarksportroyal.org)

Children’s Sunday School and nursery care (for ages 3 and under) are offered in the St. Mark’s Center during the 11:00 a.m. service.

Midweek Worship

Join us for a Hope and Healing Service each Wednesday at noon.

Click the icons below to follow us on Facebook, Instagram or get to our website!

Parish Office

phone: 843 379-1020 email: office@stmarksportroyal.org

Office Hours

Tues., Wed., Thurs. 9 a.m.- 2 p.m.

Mailing address:

PO Box 761

Port Royal, SC 29935