corner and folks having extra costs in their daily lives, the need for help is really urgent.

In October we assisted 155 families and every month the total gets larger. Since our fund drive last year and from Jan 2023 through October 2023 we have given out dry dog food 9,744 lbs. and dry cat food 10,740 lbs. This does not include kitten food which is also in the hundreds of lbs. plus puppy food. Afraid treats are no longer available due to increased costs of all animal food.

So once again we ask all  the kind folks who every year come forward and help us with the funds and allow us to carry on helping the needy pets in our area. Donations can be made via our Donate tab or sent to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 335 Locust St. Johnstown PA 15901 and donations of food can be dropped off at the church. If you have any questions please call the Church at 814-535-6797. Thank you and God Bless, Mrs. Cynthia Greig, St. Mark’s Pet Food Ministry

Halupki Harvest: Stuffed Cabbage Take-out Dinner Saturday November 18, 2023 11:00AM-1:00PM

Holy Eucharist Sundays at 10:00AM In-person and via Zoom

Join us on Sunday Mornings at 10:00AM for Holy Eucharist in-person or via Zoom. We offer Rite I on the fourth Sunday of each month. We offer Rite II on the other weeks. Masks are optional. Coffee hour follows the service. All are welcome.

Compline at The Rectory Wednesday November 8 at 7:00PM

We will be gathering at The Rectory, 102 Leila St, Johnstown, PA 15905 for the
service of Compline, the “goodnight prayer of the church.” 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 (11/08).

Thanksgiving Day Holy Eucharist Rite II Thursday November 23 at 10:00 AM In-person and via Zoom

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