Eventful Activities!

Last Sunday was a day of blessings and celebration! We gathered to bless our students and teachers and their backpacks as they begin a new school year. We also celebrated the joy of Baptism for Wylie. What a wonderful turnout for our Blessings of the Backpacks and the Baptism.

Blessing of the Backpacks

Thanks to all who joined us at St. Andrew's on Thursday evening for the screening of Mary Oliver: Saved by the Beauty of the World.

Announcements and Celebrations

Kate Assarian Leave Notice

Our Administrative Associate Kate is on temporary medical leave, effective August 24, so she can participate in cardiac rehab and rebuild strength from the onset of autoimmune disorders (POTS, HEDS). She sends her best wishes and hopes to return before Advent.

In her absence, please contact our Finance Manager, Pam Stevenson or by calling her direct at 616-404-4592 Monday - Thursday 9am to 5pm.

Fall Calendar Dates!

Homecoming Sunday and Parish Picnic, September 13 after the 10:30 Service: Enjoy an onsite potluck, with grilled meat and vegan options provided. Please sign up at the Welcome Desk to bring a salad or dessert. We are also seeking 1-2 grillers.

All Ages Faith Formation Resumes and All Ministry Fair, September 20!

WMEAC's Mayors' Grand River Cleanup

As part of our upcoming observance of the Season of Creation, join us for Mayors’ Grand River Cleanup on Saturday, September 19, from 8:30a-12:00p at Sixth Street Park. This is an all ages event and we hope you can make it. We will plan to meet by the registration table in the park beginning as early as 8:30; look for Jeff Brown. All participants must register separately, and all those under 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Head to this link for more information and registration. Please send Jeff a note if you are joining us: Jeff 616-304-7604. If you can't join us, head to this link to make a donation to WMEAC if you are able.

Save the Date: Anniversary Dinner, at Kent Country Club on the early evening of October 11!

Two Sacred Sounds at St. Mark's Events This Fall

Sunday, September 27 at 4 PM

Organ Recital by Dr. Hentus van Rooyen, from Portland, Maine.

Saturday, October 17 at 7 PM

Vox GR Concert Legacy: from Tradition into Modernity 

Legacy pairs choral gems from historical times with music by emerging composers to highlight the rich heritage of choral singing. The concert is also a collaboration with Fruitport High School and Grandville High School. Each high school choir will sing a set of their own music and perform side-by-side with the pros for a rousing closer.

Capital Campaign Updates and new Matching Gift!



We are happy to report that we are nearly one-third of the way towards matching our gift by Kate Pew Wolters. We have raised about $80,000.00 in new gifts from individuals to be used towards our match. This match must come from individuals and not from agency or foundations  We are so grateful to all new pledges or increases to existing pledges that will allow us to meet this goal. It's so good to know that your gift will be doubled!

We have this opportunity to steward our beloved church and live out our faith. When future generations look at the campaign sign and see your name, they will know how much you believed in this church and its role in our community.

In addition we have a new gift of $30,000 from Feeding America to be used for new kitchen equipment. We expect that this current phase of construction, which includes our elevator and bathrooms, will be completed by the end of October and we can celebrate this next milestone together. 

Bishop Candidate Update

With continued gratitude and hope, the Standing Committee of the Episcopal Diocese of the Great Lakes announces the addition of a fourth candidate to stand for election as the first bishop diocesan of the Episcopal Diocese of the Great Lakes, finalizing the slate. 

The Rev. Cn. Nurya Love Parish, Director for Mission & Community Engagement for our diocese, has been added to our slate as a candidate via the petition process outlined in our Constitution and Canons. She joins the Rev. Cn. Terri Bays, the Rev. Zachary Nyein, and the Rev. Holly Rankin Zaher to compose our final slate of four candidates. The Meet the Candidates page of our website has been updated to reflect this addition. On that page, you’ll find a photo, bio, and short video for each of our four candidates. We encourage you to read, watch, and, above all, pray.

Our Bishop Transition Committee has developed a full schedule of 11 Meet and Greets with our four candidates to take place from Sept. 21 through Sept 25. The Meet and Greets span the state and are offered at different times of day; eight Meet and Greets are onsite, three online. Every person in the diocese - not just clergy and voting delegates - is encouraged to engage in the Meet and Greets, either by attending live onsite or online, tuning into the livestreams, or watching the recordings. Find all the Meet and Greet details and registration links on this page. 

Bishop Candidate Meet and Greets

Each meet and greet session will last about 90 minutes and feature moderated questions selected by the Transition Committee based on community input. Click the button below to submit a question by Monday, August 31. All questions must be submitted by email only. No questions from the floor. Submit a question to the diocese.

Coming This Fall! Sacred Ground 

Exceptional opportunity for:

Learning…

Spiritual Growth

Building Community…

What: SACRED GROUND: A Film-Based Dialogue Series on Race and Faith

The Episcopal Church has developed an exceptional curriculum to deepen our understanding of the sin of racism and racial injustice. For each session you’ll view documentaries, read articles and book chapters, and learn how the histories of Black, Latino, Indigenous, and Asian/Pacific peoples intersect with European American histories. You’ll be touched. You’ll be moved. You’ll be challenged!

When: The curriculum involves 11 sessions of 1.5-2 hours each. The group can decide when to meet and whether to meet in person or by Zoom. Between sessions you’d be watching videos and reading at home.

Who: Anyone who wishes to grow into a community of reconcilers, justicemakers, and healers—-what we call The Beloved Community

To learn more visit: Sacred Ground

Sign up at the desk in the foyer or contact: Julie Connors 616-915-6643

Collecting Old Cell Phones and charging cords so that people released from the North Lake Detention Center can communicate with volunteers and their families as they travel home. Please wipe your data with a factory reset if you know how. You can leave phones and chargers in the “TWM” mailbox in the front lobby with a note so we can be sure they are being donated, not just left behind.

From the Life of the Church

Any photos you'd like shared can be sent to pams@stmarksgr.org.

20s & 30s Gathering: On Sunday, August 30, join fellow 20 and 30-something local Episcopalians for fellowship and conversation at Greyline Brewing Co. at 1727 Alpine Ave NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49504 at 4 pm. If you plan on joining just let Jake know by sending him a note at jake.solomon546@gmail.com.

Bike Fundraiser to help West Michigan people with ALS. Sun., September 13.

Proceeds go toward amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), also known as Lou Gehrig’s Disease. The current registration cost is $75. Unlike the recent Multiple Sclerosis ride, there is no fundraising minimum.

Here are the links to register or donate to the cause. Or you can contact Erik Bloomquist.

Music Ministry Update

Dr. Gary Gordon, Director of Music

garyg@stmarksgr.org – cell: 214-629-8926

It has been a very busy Summer as we prepare for the 2026-2027 season of worship and relaunch our Sacred Sounds concert series. I’m very grateful for how welcome everyone has made me feel at St. Mark’s and for the many introductions to folks here in Michigan. Thank you!

See last week's eNews, or the bulletin, for info on the following:

ADULT CHOIR AUDITIONS

Make an appointment with me for a brief audition (singing a few notes, reading an unknown hymn) and conversation. All voice parts are welcome to join. However, we especially need Tenors! Prior choir experience and music reading skills are preferred but not required; only a willingness to sing in a group and share a positive attitude.

HAND BELL AUDITIONS

We want to grow our hand bell ensemble this coming year, and I invite anyone interested to contact me. This ensemble typically rehearses bi-weekly and performs seasonally.

CHILDREN/YOUTH MUSIC

Do you know a child that loves to sing and play instruments? Make a Joyful Noise will resume this September with Dr. Gary. Sundays from 9:15-9:35 If your child sings in a school choir, plays an instrument in band, or taking private lessons, I want to provide performance opportunities during our worship services. A big reason why I’m a music teacher today is because of the mentoring and opportunities I received at church. So, please take advantage of this great opportunity to grow musically as we grow in faith.

Education for Ministry Class Enrolling Soon! If you are looking to deepen your faith and understanding of the Bible and the church, you are invited to enroll in this year's EfM class (beginning August 30th). Curriculum is provided through the Episcopal Seminary of the South (Sewanee). The group meets every week on Sunday afternoons from 12:15-2 pm. There is a cost to enroll and you will need the group's specific registration link. Please contact the group's mentor: Laura Kozminski (laurakozminski@gmail.com) if you have questions or would like to join. 

Signs and Grace: Adult Formation discussion

beginning September 20 at 9:30 am in the Parish Hall

We come to worship every Sunday. Every Sunday after the Scripture lessons, sermon, the creed, and prayers, all are invited to the Lord’s table. On some days, the Easter Vigil, Pentecost, and All Saints we celebrate baptism.

Beginning on Sunday, September 20 at 9:30 am, and the following three Sundays, we will explore why the church practices the rituals called Baptism and Eucharist. “Signs and Grace: An Introduction to the Sacraments” is a video-based resource produced by the Episcopal Church. Each session begins with a 20-minute video presentation followed by 20 minutes of discussion.

If you are a life-long Episcopalian or new to the church, “Signs and Grace” is for you. Come and join the conversation about the Sacraments, the acts that bring us together and closer to God. 

Safety and Security Ministry Monthly Topic

Do you know how to spot a stroke?

Children & Youth Offerings

Make a Joyful Noise with Mr. Alex, Sunday School, the Celebrate Jesus children's message, and Youth group gatherings other than special events are on sabbath for the summer and will return in September. There is a children's bulletin available as you enter the Sanctuary, and the soft space with toys across from the Sanctuary entrance is open to children and families of all ages. To connect with our programs, contact Jeff Brown, Director of Faith Formation, jeffb@stmarksgr.org.

All staff, Vestry and volunteers in contact with vulnerable youth or adults must re-certify with Safe Church every 3 years. For the online, self-directed platform, reach out to Jeff for instructions.

Zoom opportunities for this training are forthcoming from the diocese.

St. Mark's partners with Westminster's Downtown Food Pantry. Items needed for August are personal care items - toothbrushes, deodorant, razors, etc.

St. Mark's Volunteers:

St. Mark’s relies upon a significant volunteer effort to fulfill its mission – within the congregation and in the community. There is an online form to see volunteer opportunities you can fill out to alert staff and ministry leads. If you prefer a more personal option, do not hesitate to reach out to Mike 616-456-1684. Thanks to all our ongoing volunteers!

Sunday Services at 8:00 a.m. and at 10:30 a.m. (recorded live)

Healing Prayer during Holy Communion, near the piano in the South Transept

Mid-week Eucharist at noon on Wednesdays from September-May

St. Mark's Episcopal Church is a growing, welcoming, and affirming community of faith in a vibrant urban community. In our worship and in our service to the community, we proclaim that all people are worthy of God's love. We celebrate and uphold the dignity of all people whose ethnicity, cultural heritage, and denominational traditions are examples and celebrations of God's love. We welcome visitors and parishioners from all social, political, and educational backgrounds, and all abilities, sexual orientations, and gender identities. We affirm all people and celebrate diversity, as we work to fulfill God's love for all people as a community of faith.  

Parking and Restrooms on Sundays

Please respect the handicap parking spaces at St. Mark’s, especially on Sundays. These are needed by many parishioners.

Sunday parking options are free metered parking on Pearl, Ionia, Lyon, Fountain and other streets near the church, the Kendall Lot across Division Ave, the upper levels of the GRCC ramp off Fountain Street (only until 2 p.m.), and (with validation from ushers) the Ellis lot just west of Lyon at 210 Ionia. On weekdays, staff will park offsite and have some validation slips day-of for GRCC lots.

Main floor restrooms are limited. The lower level has a men's restroom. Upper level restrooms are not available while Sunday School happens above.

Weather policy reminder- if the church will be closed for Sunday services, the decision will be made by 7 am and posted shortly thereafter on Wood TV8, WZZM 13, our Facebook and the website. Please prioritize your wellbeing, especially if you're one of our faith families in the harder-hit lakeshore areas, who drives a significant distance to attend, or who has limited mobility even when it isn't icy. You can always livestream a service or pray from home, and even the once-a-year Annual Meeting isn't worth truly risking your safety.

St. Mark's Episcopal Church

134 N. Division Avenue

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

616-456-1684

https://www.stmarksgr.org

https://www.facebook.com/stmarksgr/

officeadmin@stmarksgr.org