BISHOP KETLEN SOLAK’S ANNUAL VISIT Sunday October 8 at 10:00AM In-person and via Zoom

Join us for a special Holy Eucharist Rite II followed by a reception honoring Bishop Ketlen. The Bishop will be the Principal Celebrant at the Lord’s Table and preach the Gospel. All are welcome.

The worship service bulletin is available here and under Worship.

If you are not feeling well, please participate via Zoom. To join us via Zoom, please contact The Reverend Nancy Threadgill (revnancy-stmarks@atlanticbbn.net) or (814) 535-6797 in advance of the service to obtain the login information. Sign-in will begin 15 minutes prior to the beginning of the event. Please be patient as it may take a few minutes to admit everyone.

BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS AND BAKE SALE Saturday October 7 10:00AM-1:00PM

In honor of the Feast of St. Francis, St. Mark’s is holding its annual Blessing of the Animals and Bake Sale on Saturday October 7, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. in the church courtyard. Rain or shine. Everyone is invited to bring their beloved pet of any species for a special personalized blessing by St. Mark’s priest The Reverend Nancy L. Threadgill. Please keep dogs on leashes and other pets gently restrained as appropriate for their species.

Assorted baked goods and other edible items will be available for sale.

 A Prayer for Animals and Those Who Care for Them

Dear God, You have given us care over all living things; protect and bless the animals who give us companionship and delight and make us their true friends and worthy companions.  Amen.

COMPLINE AT THE RECTORY  Wednesday, October 11 7:00PM In-person and via Zoom The Rectory 102 Leila St. – in Southmont 

We will be gathering monthly at the Rectory for the service of Compline, the “goodnight prayer of the church.” The dates will vary each month. Our next gathering will be Wednesday October 11, 2023. Service bulletins will be provided. Please bring a chair if you would like to sit. (There is no furniture at the rectory) Wine, cheese and crackers will be available Please come join us for prayer and fellowship. If you would like to join us by zoom, please send an email or call the church by noon Wednesday (10/11).

ST. MARK’S DISCERNMENT PROCESS

Our Priest-in-Charge, The Reverend Nancy L. Threadgill will be retiring soon. We and St. Francis-in-the-Fields in Somerset, PA will share a new priest. We have begun the discernment process that ultimately will lead to our calling our new priest. Monthly updates on our progress are available in our newsletter, The Grapevine, found under the main menu tab “About.” Now and throughout the process, we ask that you join us in praying the following prayer for guidance.

Gracious and loving God, you know us better than we know ourselves. Guide the Discernment Committees, Vestries, and people of St. Francis-in-the Fields and St. Mark’s through this time of transition and discernment. We pray that your Holy Spirit continues to open our hearts and minds to new opportunities and ideas; so that we may follow where you lead — knowing that Jesus Christ walks with us each step of the way.

Empower each and every member of the Discernment Committees to use their gifts for ministry to the fullest; to share their thoughts openly and honestly; to respect the opinions of others; and to encourage humility, patience, and joy.

Finally, instill in all the people of St. Mark’s and St. Francis in-the-Fields a glorious vision of the future; that, guided by your Holy Spirit, we may be united in love — with warm hearts, enlightened minds and open arms — so that we may gladly accomplish the mission to which you are calling us; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

Adapted from Rector Search Committee Prayer, Christ Church, Winnetka, IL