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Today Isaiah prophesies that a young woman will bear a son and name him Emmanuel. The gospel is Matthew’s account of the annunciation and birth of the one named Emmanuel, God-with-us. During these final days of Advent we pray, “O come, O come, Emmanuel,” a beloved hymn based on the O Antiphons, ancient prayers appointed for the seven days preceding Christmas. On this final Sunday of Advent we prepare to celebrate the birth of the one born to save us from the power of sin and death. (from Sunday and Seasons).
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ADVENT 4
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
At its November meeting, the Congregational Council decided it would be prudent for St. Mark's to align with the advice of the medical community by strongly recommending the wearing of masks while inside the building.. To be clear, mask wearing is still optional, not mandated. A box of masks can be found on the information table in the Parish Hall for those who arrive without and wish to wear one.
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Those to Remember in Our Prayers
Adeline Adams, Brenda Adelman, 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), Rev. Bruce Gelhorn, 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), 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, and the family and friends of Dave Pohl (Robin Nelson's brother-in-law).
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The tradition continues! The fourth Sunday in Advent is upon us so it's time to dust off your most festive Christmas sweater and wear it to church this Sunday morning.
It's also Christmas Pageant Sunday. Come and worship and enjoy the Christmas story as told by the children of our Sunday School.
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Coffee Time Volunteer help needed
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There is now a sign-up sheet for tending to coffee time located on the bulletin board by the east side entrance to the parish hall.
Two months' worth of worship services are listed. Please sign up to prepare and clean up coffee (and maybe bring a dainty) to support the after-worship fellowship of St Marks.
If you would like to volunteer but are unsure of what is involved, contact the church office and they will put you in touch with someone who can show you the ropes.
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"What are We Waiting For?"
Reflections for the 3rd Week of Advent
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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".
In this third of four installments, the discussion revolves around steps taken toward greater inclusion of 2SLGBTQI+ people in all four of the participating churches.
Click the link below to watch / listen to the discussion.
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Potluck Lunch - December 18
The December post-service potluck will take place on Sunday, December 18. Contributions should be easy to eat / finger foods such as open-faced sandwiches and buns, cut fruit, veggies and dip, sweets, etc.
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New Year's Day Service - Sunday, January 1
A Service of Lessons & Carols Simplified.
The reality at St Mark's is that we need a whole bunch of people to support the kind of worship we want to participate in and offer. We are lucky to have a small and mighty group of people who have worked very hard this year. To honour the offering of volunteer hours, and in right stewardship of people's offering of time, space sometimes needs to be made for proper rest. With this in mind, and in the Spirit of Christmas, Pastor Zsofi, Melissa, and the Worship Committee have simplified the worship service on New Year's Day. It will be an in-person only gathering of the assembly without communion. We encourage everyone to make space in the season of Christmas to be present to God living among us.
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Church Office Hours over Christmas
The church office will be closed beginning December 25th and will be open for regular hours beginning January 3rd. Pastor Zsofi will be available for pastoral emergency needs, and you can connect with her by cellphone at (431) 374-8562.
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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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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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A Christmas Blog by Norm Fullerton
"When I was seven we lived on a farm without electricity. On the day before Christmas, darkness deepened as my parents and I began our journey home from a trip into town. The nativity scene in a front yard was flooded by light. Mary, Joseph, the baby, shepherds, some animals, and the wise men were all there. The size of the tableau and the electric lighting impressed this scene into my memory, I can still see it vividly 75 years later." READ MORE.
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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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Financially speaking . . .
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First, thank you to all those who participated in the special congregational meeting last Sunday. Members approved the 2023 budget proposed by the congregational council. If you were not able to attend, please take time to read the report presented by the Finance Committee.
2022 Update and Giving Target
We are projecting an operating deficit this year of approximately $5,000. An assumption underlying this projection is that December offerings this year will be around $47,000. Offerings of this amount would match what we have averaged over the past five years for December giving.
General offerings received as of December 15 are $26,822 which puts us over the halfway point to our goal.
Special Christmas Offering
In addition to your regular December offering, please prayerfully consider making a special Christmas offering. Options are:
1. E-transfer to office@stmarkslutheran.ca
2. Offering plate donation by cheque or cash
3. Mail cheque to church (600 Cambridge Street, Winnipeg, MB R3M 3G9)
In all cases, please indicate that your donation is for general offering.
Deadline for 2022 Tax Receipt Eligible Donations
To ensure your year-end donation is eligible for a 2022 Income Tax Receipt, please note the following deadlines.
E-Transfers - completed by midnight, Friday, December 30
By Canada Post mail - must be postmarked no later than December 31, 2022
Dropped off at church - no later than noon, Friday, December 29.
Please note: For church drop offs, the office will be closed the week between Christmas and New Years. The external mailbox will be checked during the week for mail. For security reasons, we advise against leaving envelopes with cash in the mailbox.
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Office Hours
Tuesday-Thursday 9AM - 4PM
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