Advent & Christmas Schedule 

Dec 4th   7:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I  10:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Dec 10th   10:00 am to 2:00 pm Quiet Day

Dec 11th   7:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I  10:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite II and Vestry Meeting

Dec 18th   7:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I  10:00 am Lessons and Carols, Greening of the Church and Potluck Luncheon

Dec 19th   6:00 pm Blue Christmas

Dec 24th   6:00 pm Christmas Eve Service Holy Eucharist Rite I  11:00 pm Midnight Service Holy Eucharist Rite II (No incense at either service!) Refreshments in Church Hall after the service.

Dec 25th   7:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite II 10:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite I

Dec 31st   5:00 pm to 10:00 pm, “Celebrate Johnstown”

Jan 1st   7:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I   8:45 am Lecctio Divina  10:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Advent of Christmas Concert

7:00 pm, Saturday, December 17 at the St. John Gaulbert Cathedral

Featuring the Greater Johnstown Diocesan Festival Choir & Youth Corale accompanied by the Hilltop Chamber Music Ensemble. Admission is free but donations are gratefully accepted.

Advent Teaching Series

Pausing on the Road to Bethlehem: A Spiritual Journey Through Advent

Tuesday Evenings from 6:30 pm to 8:00 pm

12/6    The “”O” Antiphons, Centering Prayer

12/13    Guided Meditation, Praying the Hours

12/20   The Road Map of Faith, Praying the Psalms

12/27   The Labyrinth, Praying the Bible

Lenten Lunches

11:00 AM to 1:00 PM   Eat-In or Take-Out   Price $8.00

March 9 – Swiss Steak, Mashed Potatoes, salad, rolls, dessert, and beverage.

March 16 -Ham loaf, scalloped potatoes, salad, rolls, dessert, and beverage. You can also order “Ham Loafs”, 2lb loaf for $14.00 and 1lb loaf for $7.00.

Holy Week Schedule

Palm Sunday

March 20th       7:30 AM   Rite 1 Service  10:00 AM Rite 1 Service

Holy Week

Monday March 21st    12:00 Noon and 6:00 PM  Forgiveness and Reconciliation of a Penitent,  Rite 2

Tuesday March 22nd    6:00 PM Healing Service,  Rite 2

Wednesday March 23rd    12:00 Noon Healing Service, Rite 2    6:00 PM  Bring  a Friend Parish Potluck Dinner. Bring your favorite casserole, salad, vegetable dish, or dessert to share.  Followed by Holy Week Tasize Service.

Maundy Thursday

Thursday March 24th    12:00 Noon  Rite 2 Service, Foot Washing,  6:00 PM  Rite 2 Service  Foot Washing and Stripping of the Altar,  7:00 PM to 10:00 PM Vigil in the Garden of Repose.

Good Friday

Friday March 26th    12:00 Noon  Good Friday Liturgy  Stations of the Cross,  6:00 PM  Good Friday Liturgy  Stations of the Cross.

Holy Saturday

Saturday March 26th    9:30 AM to 11:30 AM  Holy Saturday Liturgy

Easter Sunday

Sunday March 27th    7:30 AM  Rite 1 Service,  10:00 AM Rite 2 Service.

Soup and Study & Bible Study

Soup and Study will meet on Monday’s during March instead of Tuesday because of Lenten Lunches and Holy Week observances. The time is still 6-8 PM at St. Mark’s Meeting Room. For the same reason, Tuesday Morning Bible Study is moved to Monday Mornings for March. The time is still 10:00 AM at the Mill House Café and Coffee House.

Happy March Anniversary

Happy 65th Wedding Anniversary to Elizabeth and Don Hysong, March 26, 1951.

March Birthdays

3-4  Allison Kelly,  3-9  Liam Shaffer,  3-13  Blanche Brant,  3-16  Trevor Buchan,  3-17  Lauren Burkert Lazzari,  3-17  St. Patrick,  3-22  Vincent Joyce,  3-24  Todd Wagner,  3-26  Don Bender,  3-28  Doris Horner.

Vestry Meeting

February Vestry Meeting will be held on Sunday the 21st after the 10:00 service.

Lenten Lunches

The first Lenten Lunch will be held on Wednesday March 2nd and the menu will feature our famous Chicken & Biscuit.

Lenten Season

Ash Wednesday was on February 10th this year. Lent will run till Good Friday, March 25th. Schedule for Holy Week observances will be posted soon.

Pastoral Care

We will be collecting blankets in February for those who need a little extra warmth. As always, donations are needed for the Food Pantry.

February Birthdays

Greg Lilly 2-4, Heidi Wyant 2-4, Greg Lilly 2-6,  Joseph Astleford 2-8, Scott Lilly 2-12, Steve hoover 2-15, Mother Nancy 2-23, and Dorthy Veale 2-23.

Christmas Season Schedule

Dec. 6th:  7:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I,  10:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Dec. 10th:  10:00 am to 6:00 pm Vintage Jewelry Sale

Dec. 11th:  10:00 am to 6:00 pm Vintage Jewelry Sale

Dec. 13th:  7:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I,  10:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite II, Vestry Meeting

Dec. 20th: 7:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I,  10:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite II, 11:00 am Greening of the Church followed by Potluck Luncheon

Dec. 24th:  Christmas Eve – 6:00 pm Children’s Service, 10:45 pm Choir Musical Prelude, 11:00 pm Midnight Service,  No Incense at either service!, Refreshments in Parish Hall after service.

Dec. 25th:  Christmas Day – No Service.

Dec. 27th:  7:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I,  10:00 am Holy Eucharist Rite II

Dec. 31st: 5:00 pm to 10:00pm “Celebrate Johnstown”

Jan. 3rd:  7:30 am Holy Eucharist Rite I,  10:00 am Christmas Lessons and Carols

Vintage & Collectable Jewelry Sale

Friday, December 11, 2015 and Saturday, December 12, 2015

10:00 am to 6:00 pm, both days

All jewelry is CLEAN with some pristine items available. Simple gifts bags will be provided. An official NFL Registered Steelers Pendant Necklace and Earrings set is being chanced off. This will also be the last chance to purchase tickets for the eternal Basket Party before the drawing is finally held after 10:00 am Service on December 12th. Chances are 10 for $3.00 or 20 for $5.00.

Saturday’s Kitchen

Still looking for donation of two dozen cookies for their Christmas Party. Also still need twenty bottles of shampoo and medium and large gift bags. Box for donations is still in the parish hall. Deadline is December 12.

Remembering our Homebound Parishioners

A list of names and addresses of some of our St. Marks family who are unable to attend church because of health concerns is printed in the Decmber issue of The Grapevine. Please consider taking time to send them a card or note during this hoiday season to let them know they are still in our thoughts and prayers.

Greening of the Church and Potluck Luncheon

Sunday, December 2oth after 10:00 am Service

This is the time when we get together and help to decorate the church for the Christmas Season.  There will be a sign up sheet in the hall to let us know what you are bringing for the Potluck. You can also call Joanne at the office.

Pastoral Care

Donations of food for the St. Marks Food Pantry are always needed especially during the holiday season. We were able to provide ten families with turkey dinners for Thanksgiving. We are hoping to deliver a holiday basket to families in need for Christmas, We will also sponsor a family with a meal and gifts for the children. We are also  still collecting winter gloves, hats, scarves and blankets. For more information, please contact Amy Whitlow.

Meetings

Finance Committee Meeting, Wednesday, December 9th at 1:00 pm.  Vestry meeting, Sunday, December 13th after 10:00 am Service.

Christmas Memorial Flowers

Order by Sunday December 20, 2015 with payment due by December 23rd. The cost is ten dollars per every two names but twenty-five dollars will cover an unlimited amount of names. Order form is in the December issue of The Grapevine. Contact Joanne at the office or Doris Horner.

Happy December Anniversaries

Bob and Sharon Howarth,  December 2, 2006;  Doan and Rhonda Lowry, December 8, 2012;  Doug and Cynthia Greig, December 2, 1977.

Happy December Birthdays

Penn Whitlow Sr. 12-1, Jim Russell 12-2, Lucie Whittle 12-2, Connor Rager 12-5, Rachelmae Pulliman 12-7, Shawn Rager 12-8, Irene Joyce 12-10, Katy Shaffer miller 12-13, Bill Pulliman 12-13, Amy Whitlow 12-14, Brian Gunnlaugson 12-16, Regina Hoover 12-17, John Mead 12-19, Andrew Rudnik 12-22, Jesus 12-25, Hannah Joyce Lilly 12-26, Penn Whitlow Jr. 12-28, and Sam Buchan 12-31.

Saint Marks First Spaghetti Dinner

On Saturday November 7th from 3:00 pm to 7:00 pm we will be serving a Spaghetti Dinner in the Parish Hall. The price is $7.00 for adults, $4.00 for children under 12, and kids under 5 eat for free. The meal will include spaghetti with meatballs or spaghetti with a meat free sauce, salad, bread, beverage, and desert. Take out meals will be available! All funds raised will benefit the capital fund. Join us for food, fun and fellowship.

Reverend Nancy’s First Year Anniversary 

We are celebrating Reverend Nancy’s first year here with us at St. Marks. It has been a great start and we are looking forward to many more together. A special cake was served with mimosas after the 10:00 service on November 1st to commemorate the occasion. Thank you to all who contributed to the gift basket.

Thanksgiving Service

There will be a 9:00 AM service held on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday November 26th. Please take time from your holiday celebration to join us in worship.

Pastoral Care Winter Collection

There is a collection box in the parish hall for the collection of winter hats and gloves for adults and children. We are also looking for blankets, coats and jackets in any sizes in new or good condition. Thank you for your generosity.

Stocking Stuffer Time!

Church Women United is seeking gifts to be donated for 12 male residents of the Torrance State Hospital for Christmas 2015. There is a box in the parish hall where your unwrapped donations can be deposited. They are needed by Sunday November 29, 2015. A complete list of wanted items and proscribed items can be found in this month’s Grapevine.

Saturday’s Kitchen Christmas Party

Saturday’s Kitchen is asking for help with the Christmas gift bags that they will be passing out at their annual party. They are looking for 100 small bottles of shampoo as well as some small or medium sized gift bags. There will be a box in the parish hall for your donations. We would also like to give them an assortment of cookies for the party and are looking for someone to bake a least two dozen. The deadline is December 12th.

Help Wanted!!!

The Altar Guild needs a few good women or men to help set up the altar before services. It is not hard and takes only about and hour and half of your time. We also need someone with sewing skills to help mend and modify some of our Altar Linens. Please contact Doris Horner or Amy Whitlow if interested.

Finance Meeting Wednesday November 11th at 1:00PM 

Vestry Meeting Sunday November 15th After the 10:00 AM Service

Pampered Chef Party

There will be a Pampered Chef Party held after the 10:00 Service on November 22nd in the Parish Hall. This will also be a fund raiser for the church.

Coming In December

A Vintage and Collectible Jewelry Show and Sale will be held as a fund raiser. More details in the December News to come.

2016 Calendars 

You can now order your 2016 Episcopal Calendar for only $4.00. Use the sign up sheet in the Parish Hall or call the office to place your order by November 20th.

November Anniversaries

John and Louise Mead, November 1, 1991 and Susan and Craig Campbell, November 28, 1982.

November Birthdays

Olivia Bragdon 11-6, Cynthia Greig 11-7, Grant Kelly 11-8, Carly Campbell 11-9, Kim Balamuta 11-11, Susan Kelly Martin 11-12, Janice Lilly 11-13, Molli Lazzari 11-13, Donald Batrus 11-18, Hazel Gunnlaugson 11-24, Tres Kelly 11-25, and Randy Whittle III 11-26.

New Vestry Members elected.

Congratulations to our four newly elected vestry members, Angie Herbein, Vincent Joyce, Lousie Mead, and Amy Whitlow. Many thanks to retiring vestry members, Kitty Batrus, Sam Buchan, Bob Howarth, and Cathy Lilly.

Pastoral Care Ministry needs your help.

Our pantry is low on the following items pasta sauces, sugar, boxed potatoes, peanut butter, juices, gravies, jelly, Hamburger Helper, and canned vegetables. Donations are always needed and welcome.

Ham Loaf Sale

The ladies of the ECW will be making and selling their famous Ham Loafs again this October. You can place your order until October 7th. Price for each two pound loaf in fourteen dollars. Call the office to order at 535-6797 or contact any of the ECW ladies directly.

Finance Committee Meeting 

The Finance Committee will meet on Tuesday October, 13 at 12:00 Noon.

Vestry Meeting

The Vestry will meet on Sunday October 18 after the 10:00 AM Service.

October Anniversaries

Amy & Penn Whitlow, October 6, 1981.   Patrick & Olivia Bragdon, October 18, 2003.   Jack & Angie Herbein, October 29, 1983.

October Birthdays

Maggi Lazzari, Oct. 1; Carroll Green Oct. 3; Kim Pasko, Oct. 4; James Russel,l Oct. 5; Abigail Shawley, Oct. 12; Elizabeth Hysong, Oct. 14; Matthew Ryan Shawley, Oct. 15; Lisa Bell-Loncella, Oct. 16; Mildred Russell, Oct. 16; Josh Balamuta, Oct. 18; Johan Rogers, Oct. 19; Joy Brehm, Oct. 26; Zachery Rager, Oct. 26; Connie Bokros, Oct. 28; Angie Herbein, Oct. 29; Craig Campbell, Oct. 29; Richard Burkert, Oct. 29; and Danny Thompson, Oct. 31.

Stocking Stuffer Time!

Church Women United is seeking gifts to be donated for 12 male residents of the Torrance State Hospital for Christmas 2015. There is a box in the parish hall where your unwrapped donations can be deposited. They are needed by Sunday November 29, 2015. A complete list of wanted items and proscribed items can be found in this month’s Grapevine.

New Calendar Feature

A calendar page has be added to the website. Please contact the webmaster if you need any events added to it. The schedules for Lay Minsters, Acolytes, Altar Guild, Ushers, and Coffee Hour are available on the calendar. Just click on the Sunday service you are interested in and the schedule will appear.

Jump Into Fall

We will have a potluck lunch on Sunday September 13th after the 10:00 AM service. Meat will be supplied but we will need deserts and sides. Please use the sign up sheet in the Parish Hall. The summer months were very busy any many of you were unable to attend church, so we are hoping to see you at this event. Please join us for food and fellowship.

ECW Meeting

Breakfast/brunch meeting on Saturday September 19th at 10:00 AM. We will elect new officers and make plans for Fall and Winter.

Vestry Meeting

Our regular monthly Vestry meeting will be held on Sunday September 20th after the 10:00 AM Service.

Saturday’s Kitchen

We are now scheduled for Saturday September 26th. We need a least six people to volunteer from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. Please use the sign-up sheet in the parish hall.

Annual Parish Meeting

We will have our annual Parish Meeting on Sunday September 27th after the 10:00 am Service in the Parish Hall. The main order of business will be election of four new Vestry members.

Happy September Anniversary

Shawn and Lisa Rager, September 21, 1991

Happy September Birthday

Cathy Lilly September 2nd, Bill Horner September 9th, Lida Thompson September 9th, Jan Wolfe September 10th, Patrick Bragdon September 20th, and Frances Garman September 24th.