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At the heart of our Advent preparation stands John the Baptist, who calls us to repent and make a new beginning. As the darkness increases we turn toward the approaching light of Christ. For Christians he is the root of Jesse, the righteous judge who welcomes all, especially the poor and meek of the earth. We wait with hope for that day when the wolf will dwell with the lamb, and there will be no more hurt or destruction. From the Lord’s table we are sent in the spirit of John the Baptist to proclaim that in Christ the kingdom of God has come near. (from Sunday and Seasons).
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ADVENT 2
Worship with Us In-Person
Service of Holy Communion
10 AM for Worship Service.
Coffee and conversation following the service in the Parish Hall.
Worship with us Online
Not able to attend in-person or still not comfortable in larger group settings? Join us for worship online by watching the livestream of the service on YouTube. Just click the button below to watch. Note that the service is recorded and can be watched at time more convenient to you. Again, just click the button below.
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Worship Resources
The Online Worship page on our website has links to the following worship resources:
Click below for links to the following worship resources:
- Appointed scripture readings
- Prayers of the People
- Children's bulletin
St Mark’s Council discussed mask wearing at its last meeting and agreed that we should align with the advice that the medical community is proclaiming; that mask wearing in group gatherings is strongly recommended. To be clear it is still optional. While we do encourage their use inside the church, it is not a mandate. There will be a box of masks by the door for people who arrive without and want one.
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Those to Remember in Our Prayers
Adeline Adams, Geraldine Adelman (Brenda's mother), Jose & Gloria Ayala (Ludvigs & Andrea Ayala's parents), Mel Berg, Shannon Braun St.Clair (Roxanne Duguay's friend), Renee Brickner (Chris Lewis’ friend), Martha Corzo (Daniel Corzo's mother), Rob Dojack, Roxanna Duguay, Michelle Emond (daughter of Iris Daniels-Rowe), Tim Fennell (Kate Fennell's husband), Randy Fiks (Brenda Adelman's brother-in-law), Larry Fuhl (brother of Darlene Trindall and Eileen Burt), James Golas, Terry Hercus, Dwight Hermiston (friend of Wade Quehe), Chris Hlady, Alfred Hoas, Emil Hoas, Evelyn Hoas, Eleanor Janke, James Juce (Esther Juce's brother), Bill Palmer, Dorothy Penner (Rudy Roman’s sister-in-law), Diane Pero (Alma Juttner's daughter), Dave Pohl (Rob Nelson's brother in law), Sylvia Reagh, Don Ross (Kris Wegert's friend), Brian Rowe, Victor Santa (Lori Nelson's father), Harold Slippert, Earl Skundberg (Inga Skundberg's brother), Christina Taylor, Gerald Toupin, Joanne Yager.
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A New Look for Advent
In case you were not able to worship with us last Sunday, our sanctuary has taken on a new look for the Advent season. Pictured to the left is a galaxy of Moravian stars that float against a rich blue fabric background. Shown below are newly created paraments that grace our altar.
Many thanks those that worked on this project (Kurt Simonsen, Rob Nelson, Wendy Kublik, Laurel Ann Parsons, Rhonda Lorch, Sarah Harrington, Pastor Zsofi, Monica Bailey, and Lynda Yager
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Christmas Hamper Campaign Update
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THANK YOU TO THOSE who have already contributed to the 2022 Christmas Hamper campaign. To date, we have received $2,760 towards our goal of $3,000.
It's not too late to help us get over the top of our target. You can donate by placing an envelope in the offering plate on Sunday, by mailing a cheque to the church office or by sending an e-transfer using the email address office@stmarkslutheran.ca
When donating, please remember to indicate on your envelope or in the message box of the e-transfer that your gift is for the Hamper Campaign.
HAVE SOME SPARE TIME?
We still need two families / people to shop for the hamper contents and three people / families to deliver hampers. Please contact Rhonda Lorch at rlorch@shaw.ca if you can help with either of these tasks or if you would like further information about what is involved.
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Angel Tree Project to support kids at "The Urban"
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A HUGE WORD OF THANKS to all those who removed cards from the Angel Tree. After the service last Sunday, all of the cards were taken.
A friendly reminder to bring your wrapped gift to church this Sunday and place it under the tree. All of the gifts will be delivered to The Urban next week.
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Congregational Meeting - December 11
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There will be a special congregational meeting following the service on Sunday, December 11 for the purpose of approving a congregational budget for 2023.
We hope as many as possible can attend in person. For those not able to be at the church, there will be an option to participate via Zoom.
A limited number of hard copies of the budget document are available from the information table in the Parish Hall. Electronic copies will be emailed to everyone on our email list this coming Tuesday. The email will also include the ZOOM link if you plan to participate online.
For those ZOOMING IN, we would appreciate it if you could phone or email the church office to let them know your plans.
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"Voices Raised" practices resume
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Yet another sign of a return to normal times? Melissa has started up rehearsals again for our Voices Raised junior choir. Some older members and news ones were at the church recently to prepare for a piece to be sung at this coming Sunday's worship service.
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Offerings recorded in November were directed as follows:
| General Offerings |
$24,229 |
| Facility Rental Income |
$835 |
| Memorial Fund |
$50 |
| Christmas Hampers |
$2,760 |
| Lutheran Urban Ministry |
$130 |
| Urban Meals program |
$25 |
Offerings received this year continue to trail those received in 2021. Last November, general offerings were just over $31,000. To reach our year-end target for general giving that supports our operating expenses (e.g., salaries, building maintenance and utilities, administration costs, and mission partner support), our December giving target is $47,0000. We ask that you prayerfully consider the support you can give to help us reach that goal.
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More special music this Sunday
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Melissa (suspiciously hidden here) puts the tenor and bass sections through their paces rehearsing last evening for this Sunday's service. "An Invitation to Advent" is the title of the piece. It's an arrangement of the familiar hymn "O Come, O Come Emmanuel". Come and enjoy!
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"What are We Waiting For?"
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The Rev. Susan Johnson, our ELCIC National Bishop along with the leaders of the Anglican, United and Presbyterian churches in Canada are coming together each week in the Advent season to reflect on the theme "What are We Waiting For". This week's discussion focusses on "Signs of the Times" and how hope can be found even when there is so much despair in everyday current events and in our personal lives. There is also some interesting commentary on why the church today will never look like it did a decade or two ago or even what it was like pre-COVID.
Click the link below to watch / listen to the discussion.
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Advent Devotions - Luther Seminary
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FLING WIDE THE DOOR is the title of a daily devotional series produced for the Season of Advent by Luther Seminary, St. Paul. MN.
For each day in Advent, the resource offers a short reflection and prayer based on lyrics from the hymn "Fling Wide the Door".
You can download the resource by clicking HERE.
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Last call for items needed by "The Urban"
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We received a note from Rhonda Gorham, manager of The Urban, that they are gearing up for the distribution of Christmas gift bags. They have a need for the following:
- New or gently used stuffed toys and/or hand puppets. There are 35 kids on the Christmas list under the age of 10
- Adult mitts and/or gloves
- New or used Men's zippered winter jackets (especially sizes L and XL)
- New or used Men's winter boots
- New men's socks
Items can be dropped off at St. Mark's. Look for the designated collection area in the Parish Hall. Deadline for donations is Sunday, December 4.
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Tuesday morning bible study with Pastor Zsofi continues this week. We meet at the church at 10:30 to look at how the scripture readings for the coming Sunday vary across Bible translations. You're invited to bring your favourite Bible and join in the conversation and enjoy a cup of coffee.
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Poinsettia Sale - Order by December 3
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Again this holiday season, our Youth Group is participating in the Fundraiser with Shelmerdine. Please consider purchasing a beautiful Poinsettia, Door Swags or a gift card for someone special. Gift cards can be purchased for $25, $50 or $100 value. The Poinsettias come in red, white, pink, peppermint or jingle bell (dark pink with white spots) are are only $20, Door Swags are $35.
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Please order here: https://www.shelmerdine.com/winter-fundraisers/
This fundraiser will only run for 8 days- November 25th to December 3rd so get your orders in!
Merchandise will be available for pick up on December 10th at the church - more information to follow closer to the day.
You can also choose to purchase a Poinsettias or Door Swag voucher. Purchasing a voucher allows you to support our fundraiser but pick up the item yourself at Shelmerdine's while you shop for other items in store.
Any questions, please reach out to Judy Grossman at jgrossman2004@yahoo.ca or 204 223 2107.
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Brian Lorch has temporarily assumed the role of E-News editor. Please send items for inclusion in the E-News to him no later than 2 PM on Thursdays. Brian can be reached by telephone (204-489-1054) or email (bjlorch@shaw.ca).
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Ways to support St. Mark's financially
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We are grateful for the support the St. Mark's community continues to provide as we transition out of pandemic protocols. Giving throught the Pre-Authorized Debit (PAD) program remains the largest source of financial support. About two-thirds of our financial receipts come from PAD gifts. PAD commitments along with other offerings make it possible for St. Mark's to fulfil its mission and ministry goals.
More information about the PAD option for giving is available here.
Other ways to give include:
1. Place a gift in the offering plate on Sunday morning.
2. E-transfer funds using office@stmarkslutheran.ca as the email addresses.
3. Mail a cheque made payable to St. Mark's Lutheran Church.
4. Drop off a cheque or cash during our regular office hours (T-Th 9AM - 2 PM).
Please note that unless otherwise indicated, all offerings are allocated to our general fund which is used to cover regular budgetary expenditures.
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You can find out what's happening at St. Mark's in the coming weeks by viewing our online calendar.
CLICK HERE to view the calendar.
To have something added to the calendar, contact Lori in the church office.
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Got an idea you'd like to share for possible inclusion in our Lighter Side feature? Send images or hyperlinks to videos to bjlorch@shaw.ca.
Thanks.
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Office Hours
Tuesday-Thursday 9AM - 4PM
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