The Online Lion from St. Mark's for March 20, 2011

St. Mark's Episcopal Church March 20, 2011

New Canaan, CT Second Lent

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We welcome you and your family to St. Mark's
If you are seeking a church home, we would be honored to have you as a member of our parish family. Please speak to one of the clergy, or be in touch with us during the week to find out more about us (contact information below). lenten altar

This Sunday's schedule:
   8:00 a.m.     Holy Eucharist Rite I - chapel
   9:00 a.m.     Year of the Story
   9:50 a.m. Church School (PK3-5th in library)
10:00 a.m.     Holy Eucharist Rite II
11:30 a.m.     Jr. High Youth Group and Confirmation
   4:00 p.m.     Sr. High Youth Group
   5:00 p.m.     Holy Eucharist Rite II

Nursery care is available for children under 3-years old from 9:00-11:45am in the nursery wing.

If you are interested in joining or finding out more about St. Mark's, please contact us or call the
church office: 203.966.4515. Visit our website to learn more: www.stmarksnewcanaan.org. Click here to read/hear recent sermons and for the current newsletter, The Lion's Roar If you have a pastoral concern, please contact Mother Anne Richards or Father Peter Walsh.

Saturday Morning Reminders

Prayer 101: An Informal Conversation

We all want to pray, but may not know how. On Saturday March 19 in the library, Fr. Peter leads a brief conversation about developing ways to pray that are satisfying to your soul. Refreshments at 9 a.m., conversation from 9:30-11:00 a.m. All are welcome!

Funeral Service for Barbara Morrisson: 10am in the church; interment at Lakeview Cemetery; reception in our library following interment.

Sunday at St. Mark's

The Year of the Story continues Sunday in Morrill Hall from 9:00-9:45am as we take a year-long mountain-top tour of the Bible! Each Sunday we discuss a major Bible story, beginning with Genesis and ending with Revelation. This Sunday, Bishop Grein discusses the Ascension and Pentecost.

Click here for the syllabus.

Navigating Later Life Challenges with Grace is a 3-part series, 11:15-12:15 on Sundays and open to the community, sponsored by the St. Mark's Planned Giving Committee. Guest speakers will address the challenges we face as we and our loved ones age. Sunday morning Fr. Peter leads a conversation about planning a funeral. Childcare provided.

March 20:      Fr. Peter A Lively Discussion about Funeral Planning
March 27:      Robert Sweet         Creative Ways of Giving
    April 3:          Sam Starks            Navigating the Elder Care Maze

The Lion's Den wishes one and all "Happy Spring" and to celebrate we offer fabulous books and gift items at spring clearance prices. Stop by to peruse Lenten prayer books and pick up tickets for our Joan Chittister event on April 14th. See you soon!

Thank You to all those who have already committed to the 2011 Annual Campaign.To date over 309 pledges have been made totaling 1,285,363. If you haven't already done so, please submit your pledge card asap. Click to Pledge/Click to Pay

Please keep these people in your prayers Tyler Everett Austin, Capt. Samuel Booth, Patty Bozzella, Loretta Chappell, Talbot Clarke, Matthew Evans, Eugene Foley, Joanie Johnson, Bill Laemmel, The Loonie Family, Lynn, Laura Minchella, Romana Quiñones, Ruthann Saphier, Alex Stolar, and Tommy. We pray for the people of Japan and the Middle East. We rejoice with Pamela and David Shea in the renewal of their marriage vows. We pray for those who have died, especially Barbara Morrisson.

Events & Announcements

The Spiritual Life at St. Mark's: A Creative Conversation Fr. Peter reviews the process of spiritual transformation and talk about creative ways that St. Mark's can help people live a deeper life in Christ. From this we will create a commission to help oversee the ministry of spiritual development at St. Mark's. Join us on Saturday, March 26, 9:30-11:30 in the library.

Lenten Choral Concert on Sunday, March 27 at 5:00pm in lieu of the 5pm Holy Eucharist. The BP Thomas

St. Mark's Choir performs a Lenten Choral Concert under the direction of Brian-Paul Thomas. On the program are two less frequently performed works for choir and organ. Mendelssohn's Christus, also known as the unfinished oratorio, is a musically dramatic presentation of the Passion of Christ. Vierne's Solemn Mass is replete with the engaging harmonic language of late nineteenth /early twentieth century Paris, and is reminiscent of the luxurious harmonies of Debussy. Both works will be accompanied by gifted organist Mark Swicewood.

Chanticleer returns to St. Mark's on Monday, April 11 at 7:30 p.m. Come experience the "world's foremost men's accopella choir." Tickets ($40, Visa or MasterCard accepted) and are available at the Lion's Den Bookstore or on their website. Join the choir at the reception after the concert. For more information, visit chanticleer.org or contact parishioner Dudley Roski at dudley.roski@gmail.com.

The Lion's Den Book & Gift Store is honored to welcome back Joan Chittister on Thursday, April 14th at 7pm. A Benedictine Sister of Erie, Sister Joan is a best-selling author and well-known international lecturer on topics of justice, peace, human rights, women's issues, and contemporary spirituality in the Church and in society. Watch for more information in The Lion's Roar.

Easter Flowers and Music add beauty to our most glorious day of the year. Gifts in memory or thanksgiving for loved ones can by made by contacting Thea McGee (tmcgee@stmarksnewcanaan.org or 966-4515) in our parish office. Dedications must be made by April 18 for inclusion in the Easter bulletins.

Pysanky Easter Egg Making Workshop on Maundy Thursday, April 21, 9:15-noon in the Undercroft. Learn the meditative and ancient art of "Pysanky" - create your own ornamental Ukrainian Easter Egg. Nadia Cwiach, our financial secretary leads a hands-on class. Space is limited to 14 so please reserve a spot now (participants must be 14 years and older). A fee ($25) covers the cost of supplies and a donation to the Ukrainian National Women's League of America.   Learn more on the website: www.stmarksnewcanaan.org/pysanky.asp Reserve a spot now: 203.966.4515x111 / tmcgee@stmarksnewcanaan.org

Every Sunday Morning is a Party! Our Coffee Hour is brimming with newcomers and friends these days and the Coffee Hour Guild could use your help in several ways (contact the church office for more info):

~ On Sunday morning, please bring in a platter of finger foods - sign up for a date outside of Morrill Hall

~ Consider co-hosting Coffee Hour on a Sunday or several Sundays

~ Join the Coffee Hour Guild and bring your fresh ideas to the table

Sunday Morning Greeters Needed. Sign-up sheets are outside the library or contact Judy Webb with your availability, and she will sign you up.   We need 2 sets of 2 greeters each week.

Musical Instrument Drive by Lauren Tiefenthaler (granddaughter of Carlyn) is collecting school band instruments - wind instruments and percussion, please no strings - to donate to the Bridgeport Public School Music Fund. Help give kids who are unable to supply their own instruments. Instruments will be fixed if necessary; condition does not matter. Please bring your donation to the church office by March 30.

Used Bunk Beds for a needy family with space issues...if you have some you can donate, please contact Mother Anne.

Simple Solutions for Families in the Fast Lane    March 28th 7-9pm at the New Canaan Outback Teen Center. Tickets $20 at the door. This town-wide event is a family-building workshop for parents with broad sponsorship from many churches and faith-based organizations in New Canaan, including St. Mark's. Pre-register to simplesolutionsworkshop@gmail.com.

Bereavement Group You are invited to walk with others in an eight week program. The group begins on Monday, March 21 at the First Presbyterian Church, 178 Oenoke Ridge Road, from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. This ecumenical program, with the combined caring concern of the Congregational, Episcopal, Lutheran and Methodist Churches, is based on the "New Day Journal." The program presents tools to promote an understanding of the grieving process, and establishes a strong sense of community with other members of the group. Please call 1st Presbyterian at (203) 966-0002, for more information. Anyone who is bearing the loss of a loved one is welcome.

The Food Pantry is running low on supplies while the demands are increasing. Please help us restock our shelves. Donations should be brought to the Undercroft, down the ramp by the lower parking lot; food can be put on tables along far left wall of room.   Financial gifts should be made to Human Services of New Canaan with Food Pantry in the memo line.

Bottled Juice/Juice Boxes Coffee and Tea (regular or decaf)

Mayonnaise/Ketchup/Mustard Canned Pasta/ Pasta Sauce

Cooking Oil/ Salad Dressings Large Snacks (pretzels, etc)

Hash/ Stew / Chili Kids snacks (individually packaged for lunch)

Canned chicken (no tuna) Toiletries - Hair Care, Dental Products

Children and Family Ministries Registration

In the Episcopal Church, all baptized children are invited to receive

the bread and wine of Holy Communion.

Nursery Care is available every Sunday in the education wing from 8:45-11:45am for children up to 36 months.

Church School begins at 9:50, and children rejoin their families for Holy Communion at The Peace. In the Episcopal Church, all baptized children are invited to receive the bread and wine of Holy Communion. If you have questions about Children's programs, contact Joshua A. Hill, Director of Children's and Youth Ministries.

Sunday in Children's Ministries:
Godly Play (PK3-2nd): "Jesus and the Children"
Weaving God's Promises (3-5th): "The Book of Common Prayer"

Youth Ministries Registration

*Jr. High (6-7th) Total Chaos in the Name of the Lord Amen meets in the undercroft today after church until 1pm.

*Confirmation (8th &up) Meets in the library after church until 1pm.

*Sr. High (9-12th) The Maranatha Film Festival, our 6-week Lenten series, continues Sunday with The Shawshank Redemption. We meet at 5pm for church and will walk to Josh's house for dinner and a movie. Back to church by 8:30pm.

St. Mark's Episcopal Youth Community

Adult Education & Worship

Foundations for Discipleship Class This is a class intended for newcomers and adults preparing for baptism or confirmation but open to everyone. The clergy leads 12 sessions spanning the program year from 11:15-noon in the Education Center and covering the basics of the faith including Jesus, the Bible, prayer, the sacraments, and church music. The next class is Sunday, March 20. Mother Anne will discuss liturgy and the sacraments. Child care provided.

New Monday Class begins on March 28. (Note that we will take a one-week break before the start of this new class.) Along with Mother Anne, we will read David C. Olsen's book, "The Spiritual Work of Marriage." Sample chapter titles: The Longing to be Known; The Idolatry of Attempting to Change Your Partner; The Sins of the Fathers and the Longing for Redemption; Intimacy and Forgiveness. All are welcome (married, formerly married, never married) - men and women, young, old, and in between. Copies of the book will be in the Lions' Den soon. This class will run through May 23. Mondays in the library, 9:15-10:30am. Childcare provided.

Wednesday Morning Bible Study concludes the introduction to the Book of Matthew. Bishop Grein begins a new class on March 30 based on the weekly lectionary readings. It will be helpful to read the selections ahead of time; readings can be found starting on page 892 of the Book of Common Prayer or on the following website: www.io.com/~kellywp/ All are welcome.

Meditation Group meets Thursday mornings from 9-9:30am in the Parlor in the Parish House. All levels of experience are welcome.

Bible Marathon Continues! Here is an opportunity to read through the Bible cover to cover (that's right, every word) in six months (October-April). Mother Anne holds a time for discussion twice a month on Thursdays. We have finished the Old Testament and are beginning the New Testament, so this is a good time to join. Next discussion group is this Thursday, March 31 from National Poetry Month 10-11am in the Education Center. Read the gospel of Matthew for this class. The reading schedule may be found online: www.stmarksnewcanaan.org/adulteducation.asp

Poetry Group....It's that time of year again. April is National Poetry Month and Mother Anne will convene an informal gathering of people who love poetry or who are curious about it. We will meet every Thursday in April from 4-5pm in the Library, beginning April 8. Bring a favorite poem to the first meeting.

May Fair 2011 Bulletin Board

A Star for Toy Story (May Fair version) What could be more fun than chairing the Toy Tent? In between watching little kids' eyes light up, you get to play with the toys yourself! You'll have a slew of young-at-heart volunteers, 2 tents, and tons of fun. Get your BFF to co-chair with you. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Jill Ernst today (203-972-0320 or jrvernst@gmail.com)

A real grown-up Ticket Tsar We're not kidding around. We need a really buttoned-up, hands-on, energetic manager to supervise the selling of tickets and collecting revenue from games and rides. It's serious adult work and is critical for one of our most profitable activities. Plus, you'll get a big assist from last year's chair. Contact Volunteer Coordinator Jill Ernst today (203-972-0320 or jrvernst@gmail.com)

Photo Gallery

*March 13, 1st Lent