Wishing All a Blessed Thanksgiving!

We are most grateful for each of you.

Your contributions to the Downtown Food Pantry were delivered this week to help bless others. Thank you for your generosity and hospitality, through the food pantry ingathering and all we do together as a Family in Faith throughout the year. It is a pleasure to be in community with you.

~St. Mark's Clergy & Staff

The church will be closed Thursday and Friday; we look forward to Sunday together.

Looking Forward to Advent



Advent Calendar, Family Activity Guide and Daily Devotionals

Browse the Advent materials on the table between the two doors to the Sanctuary for Advent. Help yourself to any items that will enhance your experience of this season of waiting.

We are especially pleased to offer this year's ecumenical community devotional. Thank you to Deacon Jan for this year's Foreword and to our prayer contributors: Aleta, Carol (F.), Doug, Hugh, Jan, Jim and Judith!

New Adult Formation on the Liturgical Calendar, Sundays, 9:15 a.m.:

Join Father Dave in December for a four-week course discussing the seasons, assigned readings, feast days, holy days and commemorations.



Did you know the Church year begins this Sunday, on the First Sunday of Advent? When did blue become the color of Advent (not purple)? What is an epiphany? How many principal feasts are in the Church year? Why does the date for Easter change every year? Why do the colors change on the altar, lectern and pulpit? Come learn about the Church.

Shopping for a Cause and Service Project, This Sunday

Stop by the Social Hall between or after Services. Global Gifts (fair trade non-profit) and Open Door Bakery (program of Degage Ministries) will have fun gift items for purchase. We also have ~200 ‘finals snack bags’ to fill for our college student lunch.

Mitten Tree in the Sanctuary 

Dec. 1 - 22



Ready for donations of mittens, gloves, hats, socks to distribute at Breakfast Cafe

Community Advent Service

Dec. 2, 6:30 p.m. at the Catholic Information Center

Blue Christmas, December 11, 6:00 p.m. in St. Mary's Chapel followed by a simple soup supper.

This season is not a time for joy for everyone. “Blue” Christmas is a time when we can, with others, reflect on the pain, the loneliness, and the sadness you may feel and offer it to God for healing and transformation. We pray you will find hope and comfort knowing that you are loved and not alone.

December 15

Cookie Walk, after the 10:30 a.m. Service

Caroling and Lighting of the Christmas Tree, 4:30 p.m. with cocoa!

Sacred Sounds at St. Mark's Presents

Lessons and Carols, 5:00 p.m.

Seasonal Calendar View

December 1      

Advent I, Shopping for a Cause with Open Door Bakery and Global Gifts

December 2      

Evening in December, Catholic Information Center, 6:30 p.m.

December 8      

St. Nicholas Day, Annual Civic Theater Outing

Sandy Hook Remembrance with Moms Demand Action, 4:30 p.m.

Compassionate Friends Service 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. in Social Hall

December 11    

Blue Christmas Service, 6:00 p.m. in Chapel

December 15    

Cookie Walk Children’s and Youth Ministry Fundraiser

Caroling and Lighting of the Christmas Tree, 4:30 p.m.

Sacred Sounds at St. Mark's Presents Lessons and Carols, 5:00 p.m.

December 22    

Advent IV

Tuesday, December 24      

Christmas Eve Services, 5:00 (Pageant) and 10:00 p.m.

The church office is closed November 28 and 29, December 24 and 25, January 1

St. Mark's Episcopal Church

134 N. Division Avenue

Grand Rapids, MI 49503

616-456-1684