Announcements and Celebrations

At the 10:30 Service:

We welcome Oliver Eliot Braswell as the newest baptized member of the St. Mark's family of faith. If you haven't met his parents Peter and Laurie, and his sister Lucia, this would be a great week to do so!

Newsletter and Bulletin Deadline Reminder

Don't miss the deadline! Got something to share? We want to hear it! Please submit all announcements, articles, and information for the e-news and bulletin by Wednesdays at Noon. This helps us make sure everything is included and ready to go for Friday. Thank you for helping us keep our communications running smoothly!

Stewardship

There is plenty good room at God's table, and each of us has a part in making that welcome possible. Through our time, talents and financial gifts, we help create a church where everyone belongs, and God's love is shared. As we consider our pledge for 2027, we invite each of you to prayerfully consider your giving. Let's give with grateful hearts, knowing that together, we can make room for us all! “Let us not grow weary in doing what is right, for we will reap at harvest time,if we do not give up.” — Galatians 6:9 Link to Father Jed's Letter.

Thanksgiving is coming and so is our annual Ingathering of food for the Downtown Food Pantry! We traditionally collect food on the Sunday before Thanksgiving - this year it will be on November 22! On Sunday, November 15, bags with a suggested list of needed items will be distributed to parishioners as they leave the worship services. Let’s fill our sanctuary with good things for our neighbors in need! If you’d like to help load these goods and help us deliver them to Westminster, please see Sue Poll or email her at suepoll@gmail.com. Thanks so much!

Partners In Ministry

Partners in Ministry, of which St. Mark’s is a member, is open for the second year serving our neighbors. The Center offers a place to get warm in the winter, have a meal at noon, and find help with finding housing, healthcare and other social services, enjoy a shower, and socialize with friends. 

St. Mark’s is committed to providing some volunteers to help serve snacks, meals, play games, just talking to people, listening to their stories, helping with the art area or offering a gift you would like to share. You can sign up for the days and times you are available. 

The training is prerequisite to the first volunteer shift. There are 5 mid-day times to choose from (Nov 6, 10, 13, 18, 25). The volunteer training will be held at LaGrave, and then we will migrate over to Westminster for the tour portion. The training includes an introduction to the center, how to enroll as a volunteer, information about de-escalation and how to engage others through a trauma-informed lens, and how to sign up for specific volunteer shifts using Mel Trotter's portal.

The direct link to the sign up for training/tour is Here. Those who took the training last year do not need to attend again, although they are most welcome to come for a refresher.  On the sign-up, there is also an option to only come to the tour, for those who may be interested in learning about the center but not volunteering.

For more information or to join our St. Mark’s team talk to Deacon Jan or Tom Woudstra. 

Together West Michigan (TWM)

Have you ever wondered how Together West Michigan actually works, and how it’s organized? On Tuesday, November 11, there will be a Broad-Based Organization training at Oakdale Park Church, 961 Temple St. SE, Grand Rapids, 6:30-8:30pm. You will find this very engaging, and you’ll meet a lot of wonderful people! Everybody is welcome. Register HERE.

One of TWM’s main focuses is Immigrant Family Support, helping mostly mothers

whose husbands have been taken from them. Our church has been fantastic helping

one large household with groceries every other week. If you’d like to help, you can

sign up here!

The other main projects TWM is currently working on are

Traffic Safety: Deb Van Duinen Deb VanDuinen

Policing: Saxony Matousek Saxony Matousek

Public Transportation: Dan Miller Dan Miller

Public Accountability and Transparency: Dan Van Meurs Dan Van Muers

Affordable Housing: Virginia La Grand Virginia La Grand

Childcare and Education: Laurel Schantz Laurel Shantz

Contact any of these folks if you feel drawn to work on one of these issues.

The next TWM Leadership meeting will be held Thursday, November 19th at 6:30pm at Westminster Presbyterian Church, 47 Jefferson Ave SE. Everybody is more than welcome to come. Look for me or Val Ambrose or Jan Gockerman there.

Downtown Food Pantry

St. Mark’s partners with the Downtown Food Pantry to help supply needed food to neighbors in the downtown area. For the month of November, canned meat and stews would be much appreciated, although all gifts will be gratefully received. Each item you donate makes somebody’s life a little easier.

Announcements from Director of Faith Formation, Jeff Brown

Sunday Youth Group Meetups (6th-12th)

All Youth Group meetups this fall will be on the 1st and 3rd Sundays from 4-6 pm at St. Mark’s. See you on November 15, and December 6 and 20. 

Diocesan Virtual Youth Group-3rd Wednesdays (6th-12th) 

Virtual Youth Group first launched during the pandemic when we could not meet in person. We are pleased to announce it will return this fall, as a way to keep our youth from around this diocese, and beyond, connected throughout the year. These meetups will take place via Zoom on the third Wednesday of the month from 6 to 8 p.m., from October through May. Participation is open to 6th-12th grade students and their mentors in the current school year.

During our time together, we will explore Storymakers NYC’s Relationships: Teen Zine

Vol. 4, which invites teens to explore the diversity of relationships—with God, themselves, family, besties, neighbors, or strangers across the globe. Teens will walk through the Ten Commandments, exploring how these rules apply to our relationships with God and other people, showing humans the best way to love one another, because relationships are where true meaning is found.

There will also be time for sharing, devotions, games, and Compline. We hope you can join us!

Disciples & Dragons-1st Wednesdays (3rd-12th) 

Disciples & Dragons will return on the 1st Wednesday of the month, beginning in November, and will run from 6:30 - 8:30 pm on Zoom.



Save the Date:

Dinner & Movie Night: December 18 (6th-12th)

Capital Campaign/Construction Update

To date, we have raised nearly $5,200,000 towards our planning for the future at St. Mark's. Our original goal for the campaign as we started this effort was $5,800,000. We can feel great about what we all have done to meet those goals. As you can imagine, due to rising labor and materials costs, tariffs and the lack of capacity for construction at the present time, the costs

have risen by at least another million

dollars.

Our construction team is meeting with vendors and talking about lowering their bids for us in order to proceed. With that in mind, they will put the bids for Phase Two out early in 2027. It is at that point that we will learn the latest cost figures for completion.

In the meantime, we are experiencing delays in the procurement of necessary materials for the completion of Phase One as well. One example of this is that the dividers for the new restroom stalls are back ordered and should be delivered in about eight weeks. We were expecting the opening of the elevator and new bathrooms in November and now it is projected to be in January. We will celebrate every next step and feel blessed to have such great professionals guiding this work for us. We also feel blessed to have such amazing support from our congregation. Together we can indeed foster greater belonging for our future.

You can donate here at the link below.

From the Life of the Church

Any photos you'd like shared can be sent to Pam Stevenson or Jeff Brown

Tutoring at Gerald R Ford Academy

When you walk into Gerald R Ford Academy located at 851 Madison Ave SE, you are

greeted with smiles, energy and hope. It is a wonderful place to spend an hour a week

getting to know one or more students, helping them learn. Sign up to be a tutor at the

welcome desk. Come learn more at a tutor orientation on Oct 21 at 10 AM. You can pick

the dates that work for your schedule. The teachers give guidance. A background

check is required. I am happy to answer any questions you may have. Please contact

Betty Taylor

Music Ministry Update

Dr. Gary Gordon, Director of Music

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

November 8th at 5:00 PM - Evensong Honoring Bishop Anne

This Evensong is provided as a Diocesan event as we mark the end of Bishop Anne’s service with us. Please note this service will include light incense.  


Make a Joyful Noise 9:15-9:35 - Choir Room

All Children/Youth are invited for a time to learn music we can share in our services, learn more about the Liturgical calendar, and learn how hymns support our faith. 


Instrumental Music - Calling All Players

If you are learning an instrument in school, taking private lessons, or have been playing for many years, I cordially invite you to share your talents in our services. Please speak with me after any service or send an email to garyg@stmarksgr.org and let me know more about your instrument and level of skill. 

Hand Bells – Wednesdays, 6:15-7:15 PM (bi-weekly)

We’d love to welcome you to our ensemble. Playing experience isn’t required but some familiarity with the musical staff and sight-reading ability will be helpful. This ensemble meets bi-weekly and performs occasionally throughout the year. For more info contact garyg@stmarksgr.org.


Michigan Arts and Culture Council

We are grateful for generous financial support from MACC which supports our Sacred Sounds Series and makes occasional performances by the Grand Rapids Symphony at our Breakfast Cafe possible.

Grand Rapids Choir of Men & Boys

The boys rehearse each Tuesday evening and the full choir rehearses each Thursday evening in the Parish Hall.

Episcopal 101

An Inquirer's Journey is offered yearly for adults especially those seeking Confirmation Reception into the Episcopal Church or to Reaffirm one's faith. Sign up at the Welcome Desk to join the next class. It will meet at 12:30 p.m. in the Chapel, starting October 18th. This is a great way to deepen your faith and friendships here at St. Mark's.

Contemplative Prayer Group

Our next meeting will be December 3rd. All are welcome whether this is your first time trying contemplative prayer or you have been engaging in contemplative prayer for years. If you are interested in joining, please email Christina DeKoekKoek so we can get a rough head count.

Adult Formation: The Shape of the Liturgy

Discussion 9:30 am in the Parish Hall 

Fr. Jed will be leading a class from October 18th to November 22nd explaining the modern Eucharistic liturgy in the Episcopal Church. The class will address historical precedents and modern theological and practical consideration that have created and innervate our worship on Sunday morning.

Advent Sunday Morning Adult Faith Formation

Fr. Jed’s exploration of the Shape of the Liturgy at 9:30 am on Sunday morning

concludes on November 22. Sunday Morning Adult Faith Formation will resume on

December 2, the Second Sunday of Advent. Rev. Steve Manskar will lead discussion of

the Old Testament Lessons appointed for the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Sundays of Advent: Isaiah

40:1-11; Isaiah 61:1-4, 8-11; and 2 Samuel 7:1-11, 16. All are invited to come and join

this time of reflection and discussion in the Parish Hall, 9:30 am – 10:15 am.

Wednesday Evening Adult Faith Formation in Advent

Advent will be here soon! Advent marks the beginning of a new liturgical year. It is a

season of waiting and preparation. Christians wait and prepare for the future coming

again of the risen Christ. This preparation is informed by looking to the past and

celebrating Christ’s birth and the season of Christmas. You are invited to gather in the parish hall on Wednesdays in Advent, December 2, 9, & 16, for a simple meal and time of reflection, discussion, and prayer centered in the meanings of the season found in the Psalms for the Sundays of Advent (Psalm 80:1-7,16-18; Psalm 85:1-2, 8-13; Luke 1:46-55).

The Wednesday program begins at 5:30 pm with a simple meal. Reflection and

discussion begins at 6:00 pm and concludes at 6:45 pm. We will conclude the evening

with praying compline. Dismissal and blessing will be at 7:00 pm.

To help us know how much food to prepare for the meal, please sign up on the sign-up

sheet found at the Welcome Desk. We look forward to seeing you there!

Children & Youth Offerings

Sunday School

9:35 a.m.-10:15 a.m.: Classes remain in the upper level of the Parish House as construction continues. Also, as Sunday School will run concurrent with Adult Formation at 9:30 each week, students may start gathering upstairs as early as 9:20 am.

K-2nd Grade: These ages will explore Whirl, a lectionary-based curriculum from Sparkhouse, which includes take home leaflets and a video. This curriculum is designed to teach kids how the Bible is relevant to their lives 

3rd-5th Grade:These ages will spend time with Spark, a lectionary-based curriculum also from Sparkhouse, with lessons that connect kids with Bible stories heard in worship.

6th-12th: We will explore Mini Revolutions, a lectionary-based curriculum from Illustrated Ministry with discussion, reflection, and activities that allow them to connect more deeply with scripture and see how it can be lived out in their lives. Youth classes will transition to a confirmation-focused curriculum in the new year, with the option for those in grades 8th and above to be confirmed in a May confirmation service. 

Celebrate Jesus

After the Gospel reading, children of all ages are invited to join us for Celebrate Jesus, a lesson and activity time in St. Mary's Chapel during the 10:30 service. We'll return to the sanctuary during The Peace.

Sign up here for Formation registration!

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.

The two restrooms on the main floor are in the process of being renovated. However, we have a beautiful new restroom where the cloakroom used to be!



For now, this is a single occupancy, All Gender Restroom without a lock, requiring that you knock loudly before entering. Additional restrooms are located down the stairs next to the front desk.

Please stay behind the yellow construction tape and accompany children when using these facilites.

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