UTO Ingathering this Sunday

Bring your box of offerings to church with you Sunday. You will be directed where to place them inside the hollow wooden cross. You will also be invited to help adorn with loose stem flowers, showing the way our gifts 'blossom' outward when we combine them. The United Thanks Offering (UTO) supports innovative ministries throughout the world, as well as being an opportunity to practice gratitude.

Survey and Focus Groups

What supports spiritual and discipleship growth 
and parish vitality?

Diocesan staff have been engaged in conversations about the relationship of spiritual practices and a focus on discipleship to congregational health and growth. They'd love for you to be part of this short research project, to help them in their role equipping local leaders and parishes to engage in the vital work of forming disciples. Here are two ways:

1. The survey takes about 15 minutes and asks about the spiritual practices that matter most to you, what drew you to your parish and keeps you there, and what your parish's life together feels like. There are no right answers. We want your honest experience. Your responses are completely anonymous. The survey does not collect your name or email address. The survey will be open through May 31. Enter to win a swag prize pack of hat, pride item and more.

2. We are also hosting a small number of focus group conversations in May and are looking for participants. Each group will meet once on Zoom for about 60–75 minutes, facilitated by two members of the diocesan staff. Groups will have 6–8 participants. All focus group participants willing to share their name will receive a swag item of choice.

Announcements and Celebrations

Inviting all Newcomers to an event just for you! If you are new to St. Mark’s within the past year, we’d love to host you for springtime snacks and conversation on Sunday, May 17 from 2-4pm in the Canterbury Room (just off the fellowship hall). For any questions or to RSVP with number of attendees and any dietary considerations, contact Kate in the church office, officeadmin@stmarksgr.org or 616-456-1684.

Expanded Sanctuary Loop Audio System! We are delighted to hear about the loop’s positive impact on multiple folks’ worship experience. It covers both sides of the center aisle – and now the North Transept! We’d hoped to add the South Transept but are limited by crawl space access below. Anyone with a telecoil hearing aid or cochlear implant can connect by switching on the telecoil “T” mode. Anyone else can borrow a loop receiver with headset. 

Meal Train for Peter and Laurie Braswell, who are about to add a baby to their family: link!

Graduate & Formation Volunteer Recognition, May 31:

We are pleased to recognize our children's and youth formation volunteers, as well as those celebrating educational milestones. Please send Jeff and Kate your graduate’s information-name, grade they will be entering, and the name of the school-by Wednesday, May 20. We'd love to recognize those heading to middle school, high school, college, and those graduating with advanced degrees. Thanks, Jeff

Annual Diaper Drive Begins on May 10: Any diapers, especially size 3+, and wipes will be gratefully received by a local pantry and families in need of them. Bring them with you to the Sanctuary during May. Thank you! ~ Outreach Ministry

West Michigan Bike MS Breakaway, June 6-7. From our member Erik: The Multiple Sclerosis Society holds many events to raise awareness and money to help end MS. If anyone is interested in joining our biking team, ride options are 30, 50, 75 or 100 miles on Saturday and (optional) 30 or 50 miles on Sunday. Riders are required to raise at least $250 each. Register for $60 before May 6, a small fee considering what you get for it: 3 meals each day, snacks and support along the ride. To join the team, volunteer, or donate, go to events.nationalmssociety.org/2520. Direct questions to Erik by text or e.bloomquist70@gmail.com.

Supporting Our Member Dr. Nicolas Fletcher:

Thank you to everyone who has written to the Prosecutor on behalf of the Fletchers or helped them raise almost $13,000 toward trial preparation, legal fees, lost income, and mental health services. How to help:

• Donate: GoFundMe link (https://gofund.me/6696577a1)
• Share this [letter] with those closest to you.
• Stay connected for updates.

Thank you for your support and for believing in what is just.

Respectfully, Nicolas K. Fletcher"

From the Life of the Church

Any photos you'd like shared with the congregation can be emailed to Kate (or send her a Google Photos shared album invite or Drive link).

Feeding America Food Truck, May 7, at our partner Gerald Ford Academic Center. Could you or someone you know use free food items? All are welcome. Volunteers needed 4-6 pm: contact Scot, s.gugle@comcast.net. 

What is Broad Based Organizing? Thursday, May 7, 6:30-8 pm Together West Michigan (TWM) will be offering training on its structure, goals, and methods. It’s very informative! Register here. Pilgrims Rest Baptist   RSVP here

Kent Philharmonic Orchestra Presents Elliot Wuu, Gilmore Festival Piano Artist

Concert, May 8 at St. Cecilia's Royce Auditorium at 7:30 pm

Adults $16, Seniors/Military/Children $10 Students with a valid ID and Children under 10 FREE, online at kentphilgr.org/tickets 

Elliot Wuu has performed at the United Nations Headquarters, Carnegie Hall, the Ravinia Festival, the Aspen Music Festival, and other major venues. He received a Salon de Virtuosi Career Grant in 2021, and was most recently one of five finalists of the 2025 American Piano Awards in Indianapolis. He returns to Michigan to perform Grieg’s Piano Concerto with the Kent Philharmonic Orchestra led by Libor Ondras, a work instantly recognizable from its dramatic opening chords. Also on the program is Brahm's Academic Overture and Dvorak's Slavonic Dances.

Blessing of the Fields at Plainsong Farm! May 17 at 4:30. They also welcome Monday morning volunteers and subscriptions to their CSA!

Pentecost, Baptisms and Welcoming Our New Music Director, May 24th!

Pentecost falls on Memorial Day weekend this year, but we hope you can join us for this special day in our church life - this year in particular!

All Staff and All Ministries Meeting, May 27, 3-5 pm: Ministry leads, please save this date for an in person meeting to plan the upcoming program year, interweave ministry activities, and coordinate calendars.

Building Project Update: As you can see, we are making steady progress on the new north entrance and elevator. We anticipate completing this step of construction in late May or early June. Please watch for an announcement and plan to attend the dedication, which will make our church accessible and welcoming in a tangible way.

To talk with a campaign cabinet volunteer, contact: Bob C., Nancy D., Kate D., Judy Freeman, Gloria L., Jim L., Jackie T., Marc V. 

Thank you to the Michigan Arts and Culture Council

We are so pleased to announce that St. Mark's has received a grant for $9,000 for this year to support two wonderful arts programs for the community. This money was awarded to support the beautiful vocal and instrumental art that is provided by Sacred Sounds. It will also allow us to provide enhanced performances for our Breakfast Cafe neighbors by the Grand Rapids Symphony musicians. St. Mark's has a long history of providing art to the greater community, and this partnership with the Michigan Arts and Culture Council will assist us this year and possibly in the future as well. ~ Grants Ministry

Spring cleaning? Please consider donating your gently used clothing for use by our Breakfast Cafe guests. Jeans, t-shirts, socks, tennis shoes, and back packs are the most frequently requested items. We welcome newly purchased items such as underwear and toiletries. Volunteers are always welcome (and appreciated!) to help hand out clothing. Visit the Welcome Desk where you can sign up to help monthly or as an occasional substitute.  Thank you. ~Outreach Ministry

Together West Michigan Updates

TWM has been working hard!

One focus of TWM, as you know, is Immigrant Support. St. Mark’s has been wonderfully supportive by providing groceries, transportation, legal help, and money to help families whose dads have been detained, and, in some instances, deported. These families, including many children, are desperately trying to make ends meet without their wage-earner, and many are scared to even go out in public.

Ways you can help:

-Donate money. Contact me for Venmo information. 

-Sign up to bring groceries (link here). I will email you early in the week you are scheduled.

-Attend an Immigrant Support Team meeting    -Attend a St. Mark’s Core Team meeting

-If you are a notary public or a lawyer, you can help provide important documents.

May God bless us all and keep us strong to do God's work. Let justice roll down!

  ~ Nancy Mulder, TWM

Safety and Security Ministry Monthly Topic

Spring brings unpredictable weather hazards, so preparation, 

awareness, and emergency planning are essential for safety.  

Please click to read important tips that will help keep you and yours safe.  

Children & Youth Offerings

Make a Joyful Noise with Mr. Alex is at 9:15–9:35 a.m. in the Choir Room. Sunday School for ages 5 and up is 9:35-10:15 a.m. on the 3rd level. Nursery ages are invited to the Sanctuary soft space. For grades 6-12, Grand Rapids Episcopal Youth (G.R.E.Y.) is a joint youth ministry between St. Mark’s and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Churches. We meet on afternoons for formation gatherings, service opportunities and social activities. 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 Kate or 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 May are pasta sauce and pasta.

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 or Kate, 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