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The Gospel According to St. Mark's
** Corrected version**
From Peter Sherer, Senior Warden


 

Next Steps after the Shrine Mont Survey


 

Thanks to the many people who took the time to respond to the Shrine Mont survey which asked our preferences about going back to Shrine Mont, finding an alternative location or simply having our annual parish planning session at the church like we did this year.


 

Our collective answer was that we wanted to go away together every other year to a place that was closer, cheaper and nicer.


 

So I asked the Bishop Mariann's staff to identify the most popular place with other churches and they said it was the Claggett Conference Center near Frederick Maryland, about an hour and a half from the Hill. About an hour from Northwest DC.  I called Claggett and then I sent some preliminary information to several parish leaders for their advice. Josie Jordan said she had gone with National Cathedral groups and thought it was a very good choice. She wrote:


 

 
 "The food is "conference center food" with multiple options and always a salad bar. Very serviceable and the view from the dining porches is beautiful...rocking chairs and all.  There is a PRECIOUS chapel made out of an old corn silo.  A beautiful place for morning prayer and compline...can fit 25 adults max...not to be missed.  If we do this, I volunteer to lead compline and/or Morning Prayer. There is a lovely swimming pool, which is very refreshing. The stars are great out there. There is also a ropes course...not something St. Mark's ordinarily does...but a few team-building tasks might be worked into the weekend. They offer to set a great campfire, which I've done with smores.  A big hit with all ages."


 

Based on Josie's review I got the details for what it would cost for a weekend starting at 10 am Saturday morning next June 11th through lunch on Sunday June 12th, 2016.


 

There are three options.  Two options for staying Saturday night and a final option for people who just want to come up for the activities on Saturday.


 

Option I. The New Conference Center


 

A new Conference Center, which only houses adults, has 80 single and double rooms with ensuite bathrooms. A single person would pay $146.50 for the room and 4 meals inclusive. (Saturday lunch and dinner. Sunday breakfast and lunch).


 

A couple or two unrelated people sharing a room would pay $238 for the room and 4 meals.


 


 

Option II. Staying in one of the Cottages


 

They have several older but perfectly comfortable large Cottages  that house adults and children in any combination for $121 per person for Saturday night and 4 meals. Children 5 years old and under are free.


 

Option III Staying only for the day on Saturday


 

The last option is for people to drive up to Claggett in time for the sessions on Saturday but choose not to spend the night. In that case people could either buy lunch on Saturday or bring their own food for a picnic.


 

However, we need to make a decision very soon.


 

This is the tricky part. In order to reserve the June 11, 12 weekend we will have to sign a contract soon that says that we guarantee to book 55 rooms in the Conference Center.


 

If you want to go next June, are you willing to make a $100 transferrable but non- refundable deposit now if you are a couple? If you are making a single reservation would you make a $50 deposit now?


 

Please let me know very soon because we are going to be asked to sign a contract to reserve the weekend and I don't want to recommend this idea to the Vestry without substantial tangible commitment from the parish.


 

Just send me an email at  peter@expmatters.com with "Yes I/we will make the deposit or "No I/we won't make a deposit".


 

Many thanks and hugs.


 

Peter


 

 


 

Schedule of Services 
Sunday, July 5, 2015
Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
 

10:00 am Holy Eucharist + Laying on of Hands

The Reverend Michele H. Morgan, Presider

The Reverend R. Justice Schunior, Co-Presider

N.B., The Nursery is closed Sunday, July 5. 

     

5:00 pm Contemplative Eucharist

The Reverend Michelle H. Morgan, Presider and Homilist  

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