April 16, 2020

Dear Members and Friends of St. Mark’s,

            Alleluia! Christ is risen!  Alleluia, the Lord is risen indeed!

            We are in the Easter Season – a time of rejoicing and praise.  A time to enjoy the Spring flowers (although maybe not the Spring snow.) “Jesus Christ is risen today” is now the hymn I sing when I wash my hands.  (Got to get all those missing “alleluia’s” in.)  It is still a crazy and unsettling time but the other side of the tunnel may be starting to be seen.  S-l-o-w-l-y.

            Here at St. Mark’s we did open the pet food pantry to give out food to our regular customers and those that are out of work, etc.  It went well.  We held it outside in the courtyard and most people came with masks on and maintained social distancing. We were able to deliver the food without touching anyone and we remained as safe as we could be.  I thank our workers, Joanne, Marnie, Mike, Vern (Boy Scout leader), and Pam for all their help in being able to continue this ministry at this time.

                If you are downtown, please note the red tulips in front of the church and the big cross in the courtyard.  I thank Penn Whitlow for putting the cross in its usual place and Amy for decorating it so beautifully. Remember, we have a labyrinth that you can walk for a spiritual exercise outside.

            Please be aware that even though there are no church services, the church is still functioning.  (We have turned off the heat to save money.)  The bills still need to be paid.  Many of you have sent in your pledges by mail and I thank you for that.  If you are able, please continue to pay your pledges during this time. St. Mark’s also has a pay pal account if you prefer to pay online.  We have applied for the forgivable loans available via the federal government so that we can continue to pay our 4 employees for the next few months.

            Also, please let me know if you are using the service bulletins that we are sending out by mail or email. (They are also on our Facebook page and our website.)  Your comments, good or bad, would help me immensely.  If you have some suggestions, I would like to know those too.  My email is:

 revnancy-stmarks@atlanticbbn.net.  Thank you.

Alleluia! Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed!  Alleluia!

Love,  In Christ,

Mother Nancy

April 9, 2020

Dear Members and Friends of St. Mark’s,

            Not only has this been a very strange Lent but it has also been a strange Holy Week.  I’m used to having two services each day of this week and then seeing you all on Easter dressed in your best, the church adorned with flowers and alleluias ringing out with joy.  That last part does not have to be different.  Let the alleluias ring! 

            Christ is risen! The Lord is risen indeed.!

            I pray that you all continue to be healthy and continue to follow the CDC guidelines.  I talked to one couple yesterday and was told that they “ have not killed each other yet” while being on lockdown so I will take that as a good sign.  J

            I was hoping to be able to broadcast the Easter service but I haven’t had the time to learn all the details yet so I will try to do that next week.  Watch the service at the National Cathedral or another church and use the bulletin I have prepared for you.  I will continue to prepare Morning Prayer for the Sunday services.  I prefer not to do a Eucharist until we can all be together again in community and I can share Christ’s body and blood with you personally.  By saying Morning Prayer we are saying it together with Episcopalians and Anglicans around the world.  Through our common worship we celebrate Christ’s Resurrection as the one body of Christ, the church.

            We will be having our pet food pantry this coming week. Please pray for the safety of our volunteers and clients as we do this very needed ministry.

            I continue to pray daily for you all.  Joanne and I thank you for your prayers for us.

Love,  In Christ,

Mother Nancy

Dear Members and Friends of St. Mark’s,

     I pray that all of you are safe, staying at home and following all the CDC guidelines.  Joanne and I are coming in to the office on opposite days to limit our exposure to each other and keeping Mark and Maggie entertained.

     I hope that you are using the liturgies I have either sent or emailed to you the last three weeks.  I am working on sending you something for each day of Holy Week so that you can travel with Jesus on his journey to Jerusalem.  We now have a Zoom account and my learning curve will be high next week as I learn how to use it.  I would like to be able to do a special service on Easter Day and we can experience a Spiritual Communion together.

     Please let me know if there is something that you are missing liturgically and , if I can, I will help you.  This is the perfect time to know that we need God’s help through all the changes to our routines, all the concern about our own and each other’s health and well-being, and the anxiety we are all feeling. Rely on God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit in whatever way is comfortable for you.  Know that you are surrounded by their love no matter where you are or what you are doing.

Love,  In Christ,

Mother Nancy

March 25, 2020

Dear Members and Friends of St. Mark’s,

It has been a week since my first letter to you during this unsettling time. I pray that you are doing well, staying at home, washing your hands and just being as careful as possible. During a zoom meeting with the bishop and the other clergy of the diocese this morning, it was mentioned that so far, Pennsylvania has been “flattening the curve”. Let us do all we can to make that continue so that our medical facilities are not overwhelmed, and fewer people get sick.

I received a call from Bill Horner today which certainly brightened my day. He and Doris are on their way home from Florida. So far, they have made it to S. Carolina and expect to be in Johnstown by Saturday afternoon. Doris is doing much better although she will continue to need assistance walking until she gets stronger. She is moving everything and talking. Bill and Doris are both very appreciative of all the prayers and good wishes that have been sent their way.

I will be sending out the Morning Prayer booklet for this Sunday. Some of you will receive it by snail mail and some by email. Along with it, I am sending out the Great Litany which we usually do during Lent but hadn’t done yet. If you want to use your BCP, it is on p. 148. At the end of the Great Litany is a section called The Supplication. I had forgotten about it until today. It is suggested that it be used during a time of great national anxiety. I think now is one of those times.

I continue to pray for each and every one of you. Put your faith in Christ and stay strong.

Love, In Christ,
Mother Nancy

March 19, 2020
Dear Members and Friends of St. Mark’s,
What a crazy Lent this has turned out to be! Bishop Curry and Bishop McConnell have asked all Episcopalians around the country, including the Diocese of Pittsburgh, to cancel church services through Easter (April 12th) and, possibly, beyond. This is in response to the risks presented by Covid-19 world- wide. This whole situation is mind boggling. When I talked about fasting on Ash Wednesday, I never imagined fasting from church, much less fasting from community altogether. But that is what we must do to keep ourselves and our neighbors safe.
All church activities are hereby cancelled. The rest of the Lenten Lunches have been postponed. Bible Study and Book Study are also postponed until the risk of Covid-19 has abated.
The church office will be open Tuesday through Friday 10am – 2pm. Joanne and I will be taking turns being here in order to limit our exposure. (We will also be caring for Mark and Maggie.) The Pet Food pantry is not scheduled until April 14-16. We will evaluate how we will handle that when we get closer to that time. Unfortunately, it will be needed then more than ever.
I urge all of you to wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, avoid touching your face, stay away from crowds, stay 6 feet from other people and limit your excursions from home.
Please contact me at any time for prayer and/or assistance either here at the church, by email (revnancy-stmarks@atlanticbbn.net) , or by cell phone (251-422-2689). I will be praying for each and every one of you every day as I usually do.)
I will be preparing a booklet each week to send to those who do not have access to computers to assist them in worshipping at home. It will also be sent out by email. To those on our email list or those with access to the internet there will be information on our web page and on Facebook page on where to find church services from the diocese and from the National Cathedral so that you may worship digitally at home.
During this stressful time, please look after your neighbors, family and friends who are living alone. Check in on them frequently and help them if they need assistance. Also, please continue to support the church as you are able.
You may be asking: “Where is God in all of this?” My answer is: “Right here, right now, every second of the day and night.” The scientist in me believes that God is working things out at the cellular level; always under our radar. The priest in me believes that God is assisting all of us to cope, giving us wisdom and faith to see us through the complicated days ahead. The Christian that I am believes that Christ gave us eternal life when he was resurrected after that awful Good Friday. That is the Easter promise that we will celebrate with great joy and thanksgiving our first Sunday back together.
Yours, In Christ,

Mother Nancy

Pet Food Pantry	Tuesday – Thursday March 10 -12, 2020 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.	We provide free pet food for dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits, and birds in order to help low-income pet owners care for their pets.
Coffee Shop Bible Study	Every Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m.	We meet at The Mill House Café  at the corner of Diamond Blvd. and Luzerne Street in Old Westmont for study and fellowship. All are welcome.
Lenten Learning Series	Every Tuesday evening during Lent 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.	We are studying Beloved by Toni Morrison. We meet in the Church Conference Room. Everyone is welcome.
Ham Loaf Sale	Deadline for ordering is Wednesday, March 4. Call (814) 535-6797 or email stmarks@atlanticbbn.net to order.	A 2-lb loaf is $14.00. A 1-lb loaf is $7.00. Loaves are sold frozen with glazing sauce and baking instructions. Pre-ordered loaves can be picked up after March 17 in the Church Office Tuesday through Friday 10:00a.m. – 2:00pm.
Community Common Prayer	This event has been postponed due to the Covid 19 pandemic.	The theme of this month’s service is “Celtic Prayer.” Everyone is welcome.
Lenten Lunch	Wednesday March 18 from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Parish Hall. Take-out Only	The meal consists of chicken and biscuits, mashed potatoes, vegetable, beverage, salad, and dessert. Price per meal is $9.00. Call (814) 535-6797 or email stmarks@atlanticbbn.net to order.

Pet Food Pantry	Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday February 4 – 6, 2020	We provide free pet food for dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits, and birds in order to help low-income pet owners care for their pets.
Coffee Shop Bible Study	Every Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m.	We meet at The Mill House Café  at the corner of Diamond Blvd. and Luzerne Street in Old Westmont for study and fellowship.
Book Study	Every other Tuesday evening 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. Check the Calendar for dates.	We are studying The Time is Now: A Call to Uncommon Courage by Joan Chittister.
Ham Loaf Sale	Order now through March 4, 2020. Pickup after March 17.	A 2 lb loaf is $14; a 1lb loaf is $7. Sold frozen with glazing sauce and baking instructions.
Community Common Prayer	Sunday, February 16, 2020 6:30 p.m.	This month’s service is a Taize Service.
Ash Wednesday	Wednesday, February 26, 2020 Ashes to Go 7:30 – 9:30a.m. & 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. Worship services 12 noon & 6:00pm.	Ashes to Go will be available in Central Park, downtown Johnstown. Worship services will be held in St. Mark’s Lady Chapel.
Lenten Quiet Day	Saturday, February 29, 2020 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.	The topic of this year’s Lenten Quiet Day is “What is Jesus’ recipe for love?”

Pet Food Pantry	Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday January 7, 8, & 9, 2020 9:30 a.m. -12:30p.m.	We provide free pet food for dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits, and birds in order to help low-income pet owners care for their pets.
Coffee Shop Bible Study	Every Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m.	We meet at The Mill House Café  at the corner of Diamond Blvd. and Luzerne Street in Old Westmont for  study and fellowship.
Book Study	Every other Tuesday evening from 6:30 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. Check the Calendar of Events for exact dates.	We are studying The Time is Now: A Call to Uncommon Courage by Joan Chittister currently.
Community Common Prayer (CCP)	Sunday, January 19, 2020 at 6:30 p.m.	The theme of this month’s CCP is “New Zealand Night Prayer.”
Special Parish Meeting	Sunday, January 26, 2020 following the 10:00 a.m. service	We will review and vote on the proposed 2020 parish budget, congregational approval to balance the budget, and congregational approval of revised by-laws. We also will elect Deputies to Diocesan Convention. All parish members are encouraged to attend this short meeting.

	Pet Food Pantry	Monday, Tuesday & Wednesday, December 2 – 4, 2019 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.		We provide free pet food for dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits, and birds in order to help low-income pet owners care for their pets.
	Coffee Shop Bible Study	Every Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m.		We meet at The Mill House Café  at the corner of Diamond Blvd. and Luzerne Street in Old Westmont for  study and fellowship.
	Book Study	Every other Tuesday evening 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. in the church conference room. Check our Calendar of Events for specific dates.		We are studying The Time is Now: A Call to Uncommon Courage by Joan Chittister currently.
	Advent Quiet Day	Saturday, December 7, 2019 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.		The theme of this year’s Advent Quiet Day is “A Celtic Advent.”
	Community Common Prayer Service (CCP)	Sunday, December 15, 2019 6:30 p.m.		The theme of this month’s CCP service is “Blue Christmas.”
	Greening of the Church & Potluck Luncheon	Sunday, December 22, 2019 following the 10:00 a.m. service		Join us as we decorate the church for the holiday season and enjoy good food and fellowship at our potluck luncheon.
	Christmas Eve Services	Tuesday, December 24, 2019 6:00 p.m. and 10:45 p.m.		The 6:00 p.m. service is a Holy Eucharist with instrumental music. At 10:45 p.m a musical prelude is followed by an 11:00 p.m. Choral Holy Eucharist.
	Celebration Johnstown	Tuesday, December 31, 2019 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m.		We will host the following entertainers In the Sanctuary: Tom Katz from 6 to 7 p.m.; Josh Dunmeyer from 7 to 8 p.m.; and Bo Moore & Brothers from 8:15 to 9:15 p.m. In the Parish Hall: The Master’s Puppets will entertain from 6 to 6:30 p.m.; Hard Rok, KoKo & Joe from 6:30 to 8 p.m.; Brian Harshberger from 8:15 to 9:15 p.m. Refreshments will be available for sale in the Parish Hall

Flea Market & Bake Sale		Saturday, November 2, 2019 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.	Homemade baked good, jewelry, vases, attic treasures, vintage glassware & linens, holiday decorations, books, clothing, household items, & more. Proceeds benefit St. Mark’s Music Ministry
Coffee Shop Bible Study		Every Tuesday morning at 10:00 a.m.	We meet at The Mill House Café  at the corner of Diamond Blvd. and Luzerne Street in Old Westmont for  study and fellowship.
Book Study		Every other Tuesday evening 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. in the church conference room. Check our Calendar of Events for specific dates.	We are studying The Time is Now: A Call to Uncommon Courage by Joan Chittister currently.
Pet Food Pantry		Tuesday, Wednesday & Thursday November 5 – 7, 2019 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m.	We provide free pet food for dogs, cats, puppies, kittens, hamsters, gerbils, guinea pigs, rabbits, and birds in order to help low-income pet owners care for their pets.
Stone Soup Workshop		Saturday, November 9, 2019 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.	We will be making soup from a “stone” (small contributions of ingredients from all participants). While the soup cooks, we will have a discussion of what stewardship means, and how we can express our faith through our gifts of time, talent, and treasure.
Community Common Prayer		Sunday, November 17, 2019 6:30 – 8:30 p.m.	This month’s service is a “Service of Thanksgiving.” Join us as we pray with gratitude
St. Mark’s Halupki Harvest Stuffed Cabbage Dinner		Friday, November 22, 2019 4:30 – 6:30 p.m.	Dinner consists of 1 Halupki, 2 Pierogies, a serving of Halushki, 2 cookies, & coffee, tea or water. Plate price: $8.00 A la carte available: $3.00—1 Halupki, $2.00—2 Pierogies, $2.00—1 Halushki, $1.00—2 cookies Dine in or Take out
Thanksgiving Day Worship Service		Thursday, November 28, 2019 9:00 a.m.	Holy Eucharist Rite II. All are welcome.