WE SEEK TO UNITE ALL PEOPLE WITH GOD AND EACH OTHER IN CHRIST THROUGH WORSHIP, FELLOWSHIP, EDUCATION, AND SERVICE | |
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Rector's Ramblings
In her book Just Hospitality: God’s Welcome in a World of Difference, Letty Russell wrote, “We need to strive to meet others as they are, not as objects of our charity, but persons in their own right, capable of making choices about their destiny.”
In my proposal for my D. Min. project and dissertation, I mentioned the hygiene kits that the Sunday School has been putting together for Hope Outreach Ministry. One of the committee members made the comment, “This shows your privilege. Where are they going to get water to use them?” I failed to mention that it was the community that asked for the kits. It was not our idea. In fact, I never would have thought of the hygiene kits on my own. The comment actually revealed the committee member’s unfounded assumption that homeless people have no access to running water. The misunderstanding was quickly resolved with a phone call to the chair of the D. Min. program explaining that Hope Outreach had requested the hygiene kits, and had given up specific instructions about what to include.
When I lived in Florida, I met a handful of homeless people who had more than enough money to afford to rent a modest apartment. However, the thought of living indoors was unappealing to them. They did not want what our culture told them they should want.
When Jesus encountered Bartimaeus on his way into Jericho, Jesus asked, “What do you want me to do for you?” Bartimaeus was blind. Those looking on might have thought, “That’s a silly question. It should be obvious that he wants to see.” However, Jesus asked first. He allowed Bartimaeus to express his choice regarding his destiny. Before we endeavor to help someone, we need to make sure that we first understand what they want. We need to allow them to express their hopes and desires rather than imposing our hopes and desires on them. In other words, true charity begins with listening.
Fr. RJ+
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70th Anniversary Apparel!
Apparel to celebrate St. Mark's 70th Anniversary is being sold through March 2. T-shirts and sweatshirts will be available for purchase in the Narthex on Sunday mornings.
Need to mail an order form? Find it here.
St. Mark’s 70th Anniversary
May 18, 2025
History Quiz - July 25, 1954 - Two members of St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Canton, Ohio met with Bishop Burroughs to discuss starting a mission in the suburbs north of Canton… what happened next? Do you remember?
A celebration luncheon is being planned and contributions are being welcomed to support this special event. If you are interested in donating to the 70th celebration, checks may be made out to St. Mark’s with 70th Anniversary in the memo line and dropped in the offering plate or the office.
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The Great Chili Cook-off!
Spicy - Mild - Texas style - Gramma’s recipe - Vegan!
Bring it on!
Bring your best crockpot Chili for tasting and
see who wins THE GRAND PRIZE!
DATE: SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 23, 2025
WHEN: AFTER THE 10:00 SERVICE
Sign-up now in the Narthex!
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Beth Julian will guide you through slow, relaxing yoga stretches, breathwork. and guided muscle relaxation.
Tuesdays, 6:30-7:30 PM in the undercroft.
Cost is $10 per session.
Cash, check, Venmo or PayPal accepted
Reserve your spot by texting 330-705-4359 or emailing yogabeth63@gmail.com
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Book Club Updates
February 10 - The Personal Librarian by Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray
March 10 - Mr. Einstein’s Secretary by Matthew Reilly
April 14 - The Reading List by Sara Nisha Adams
May 12 - The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek by Kim Michele Richardson
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Newsletter Additions
If you are adding something to the Lion's Pause, please submit it here by the Monday prior to Friday publication.
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February Anniversaries
6 Bill and Beck Rand
18 Ashley and Jess Hostetter
23 Brad and Sandi Kaustinen
February Birthdays
4 Rick Werren
5 Caroline Willoughby, Lesley Kiesling
7 Tom Turner
11 Peggy Peretzky
15 Ron Brookes
22 Lauren Hoot
23 MaryAnn Kiesling
*Please note: Your birthday/anniversary will only show up if you've completed your profile on Instant Church Directory.
Need to log in? Go here.
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Notable with Bob Morrison
I was appointed parish musician at Canton OH's downtown Methodist Church in the Fall of 1951 and lived at the nearby YMCA - very convenient.
I dined at Mergus Restaurant right across the street from my church. Frank Mergus worked as a chef at Bender's Tavern ("Canton's Oldest and Finest, 1902" and still going strong) and then opened up his own emporium in 1943. After organ lessons with nurse Kathleen Sanders, we often dined there. I remember, on occasion, we'd splurge for a shrimp cocktail - $1.95 - nearly broke the bank.
To save expenses, after a few years, I moved into an apartment with Wilbur Robert Meloy, a publicist for the Cancer Society. I made this move because I was told Wilbur was the chef for his college fraternity, and I envisioned lots of fine dining. (I would like to see a picture of Wilbur's frat brothers.)
Wilbur was an amiable partner but highly opinionated. His chief bone of contention was my name "W. Robert Morrison" which he called "affected" and frequently teased me about it. My dad was William Edward (called "Will") and I was called "Robert." (Kathleen and I inflicted this on our son Robert Scott who now goes by R. Scott.)
I would phone him from church after a lesson with Kathleen and inquire when dinner would be available. "I am not your servant" was Wilbur's reply, but he set out a barely passable menu.
Wilbur then got an offer from the YMCA in Toledo, so I lost my opinionated partner. Once he got settled there, I received the surprise of my life.
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Prayer Concerns
Have compassion on: Ten Gall, Vonda Temelkoff, Jim Weaver, Jane Schutrum, Ron Brooks, and all those who suffer from any grief or trouble.
For those who have died: Earl Hoot and Craig Kerner
Family & Friends: Katheleen Philippsborn (sister of Tom Turner) + Machelle Wells (friend of Jaime Heinzman) + The Willoughby Family + Baby Ulysses (MaryAnn Kiesling’s 2nd cousin’s grandson) + Linda Young (Marcia Kiesling’s mother) + Kimberly Nugent (daughter of the Thorps) + Grosschmidt family (friends of the Nadels) + Father Jon Conventry (Trinity Episcopal Church - Alliance) + Jimmy Little (son of Sue Little) + Patti & Jack Freeder and Kim Milinkovich (former members of St. Marks) + Alison (friend of the Willoughbys) + Jane McBride (mother of Beth Crowl) + Tom (brother-in-law of AnJane McConville) + Gail and Judy Shumway (friend, sister-in-law, & co-worker friend of the Rand’s daughter) + Dr. Mallamaci (acquaintance of Bobbi Zollinger) + Jolonda Mull & Pam Lagodich (sister-in-law & friend of the Mulls) + Scott Jones, Val Hiner-Donlon, Rick Ciminelli, & Harold Freedman (cousin & friend of the Gordons) + Larry Aclaska & Judy Heisser-Turner (acquaintance & sister of Bert Heisser) + Lee, Theresa, & Chuck Boone (friends & cousin of the Hixons) + Lucas Anderson & family and Clarice Lough (friends of the Watters) + Melanie & Trish (friends of Paulette Frech) + Pat Walter & family (friend of Barb Whitehouse) + Alycia Geis (Karen Violand’s friend’s daughter) + Don Siegfried and Janet Sheatzley-Morgan (husband and sister of Barb Siegfried) + Allison Cornell-Hood & Anne Higgins (daughter & friend of Diane Cornell) + Finnigan Savage (friend of Pam McCarthy) + Tony Donahue (friend of the Boyds) + David (acquaintance of the Nadels) + Those in the Armed Forces.
PRAYER CHAIN:
St. Mark's has a group of prayer warriors who pray for the specific needs of those on the prayer chain. If you would like to place yourself or a loved one on the prayer chain, please contact Bobbi Gordon at ggordon24@sbcglobal.net
Prayer requests may be placed on the private Prayer Chain or on the Prayer Concerns list appearing in The Lion's Pause and Sunday bulletin or in both places. Please let Bobbi know your preference. Unless otherwise instructed, names will be listed as we receive them. Please update Bobbi or Katie on the status of your friends or family members as to when they may be removed from the prayer lists.
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515 48TH ST. NW CANTON, OH 44709
330.499.2662 | OFFICE@STMARKS-CANTON.ORG
WWW.STMARKS-CANTON.ORG
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We seek to unite all people with God and each other in Christ through worship, fellowship, education, and service. | | | | |
