November 13, 2015 
In This Issue
From the Associate Rector
Worship Update
Service Notes & Music
From the Church Office
Sunday Service Schedule
About the Gospel
Quick Links
The Gospel According to St. Mark's
From Caroline McReynolds-Adams, Director of Youth & Family Ministries
 
Dear friends,

This past Sunday, I had the pleasure of joining Nora Howell, Brock Hanson, Elizabeth Townsend, and all of the wonderful children of Catechesis II in Sunday School! It was a beautiful fall day-- perfect for heading outside to tackle the cosmic "History of the Kingdom of God" lesson. In this lesson, the children used an incredibly long ribbon that stretched from Independence Ave. nearly to the front door of St. Mark's to represent the massive scope of the history of creation. 

What was most moving in Sunday's exercise was seeing the tiny portion of ribbon that represented the history of human life. It was very humbling to consider the seemingly insignificant span of human life in comparison to the enormity of the universe and even more humbling to think of the tiny, invisible amount of ribbon that represents my own life on that continuum. 

As the children worked on unraveling the ribbon and locating significant moments along this huge history of creation, they also found time to notice the hundreds of acorns that were scattered at their feet on the sidewalk. They couldn't resist picking up every acorn they could, showing off the 'coolest shaped' ones to their friends, tossing them down the sidewalk, or just holding them in their hands. Here we were learning about the wonder and mystery of the infinite Kingdom of God and these children were easily finding that same wonder and mystery in a tiny acorn.  To simultaneously acknowledge the massive, mysterious universe and to be present to the beautiful simplicity of an acorn is hard work, but these children have got it pretty down pat and continuously inspire me to work to do the same. 

I challenge you this week to take a lesson from the children in Catechesis II and spend some time in both of those worlds-- the world in which we practice humble gratitude for being a part of something infinitely bigger than ourselves and the world in which we practice being present to the mystery that lies in life's tiny details. 

And here's to hoping you find the coolest shaped acorns along the way. 

Peace,

Caroline

From the Reverend R. Justice Schunior, Associate Rector

A Special Invitation to the Sunday, November 22 Services
 
We are very pleased, on behalf of the Archives and Parish History Committee, to invite you to join us on Sunday, November 22 for a celebration of the life and work of those in our parish who were at St. Mark's in 1966 or before - not necessarily those with unbroken attendance but who were here then and are here now.
 
Here is what is planned for that day:
  • Recognition at each of the three services of our attending honorees in a brief liturgy in the first part of the service;

  • A "mission moment" presentation about the importance of preserving our parish history and particularly about our 8th rector, the Reverend Robert Plumb who served from 1940-1954, & at the 11:15 service, introduction of Polly DeButts and Priscilla Lawson, Reverend Plumb's daughters, and several of his grandchildren;

  • Launch of the committee's first two exhibits - one on Reverend Plumb and the other on the progression of our physical plant from founding through today;

  • A special coffee hour after Sermon Seminar;

  • A special pub lunch with food inspired by the glorious 1960s;

  • A HUGE announcement about the work of the Archives Committee and your basement that you won't want to miss!
Also, there will be a special 50th anniversary celebration of a different sort following the 5:00 pm service.
 
Please be sure to come to one, two or all three of the services on Sunday, November 22!

Peace,
Justi

Worship Update -- Thanksgiving Service & Meal

On Thursday, November 26, Christ Church and St. Mark's join together again for a Thanksgiving service followed by a festive meal together at Christ Church (620 G St. SE). The turkeys are supplied by the Christ Church parish, and everyone is asked to bring a side dish, salad, or dessert to share. Last year we had a great time, fueled by gratitude and a whole lot of desserts. Holy Eucharist begins at 11:00 am, dinner follows. No need to RSVP - we'll have a place for you ready!
 
Prelude
Benedictus: Chromhorne en Taille, Francois Couperin (1668-1733)
 
Opening Hymn
51 We the Lord's people, heart and voice uniting, Tune: Decatur Place
 
Sequence Hymn
607 O God of every nation, Tune: Llangloffan
 
Offertory Anthem
My God Is a Rock, African American Spiritual, arr. Alice Parker & Robert Shaw
   - Chancel Choir; Lou Bayard, soloist
 
Presentation Hymn
424 For the fruit of all creation, v. 1, Tune: East Acklam

Sanctus & Fraction Anthem
Susan Calvin Fletcher 
 
Music During Communion
As We Gather at Your Table, Beach Spring, arr. Bill Ingram - Handbell Choir
LEVAS 103 Steal Away, African American Spiritual, arr. Edward C. Deas
LEVAS 54 Nearer, My God, to Thee, Words by Sarah F. Adams, Music by Lowell Mason
 
Closing Hymn
665 All my hope on God is founded, Tune: Michael

Postlude
Grand Jeu, Pierre du Mage (1674-1751)
From the Church Office

The Reverend Michele H. Morgan will be on leave from Sunday, November 15 through Sunday, November 22. Please contact the Associate Rector for pastoral requests and the Parish Administrator for Programs and Facilities for office requests in Michele's absence.    
Schedule of Services 
Sunday, November 15, 2015
Twenty-Fifth Sunday after Pentecost
 
9:00 am Holy Eucharist + Laying on of Hands
The Reverend R. Justice Schunior, Presider

9:00 am Children's Chapel
Ms. Caroline McReynolds-Adams, Leader

10:00 am Sermon Seminar
The Reverend R. Justice Schunior, Preacher 
 
11:15 am Holy Eucharist + Laying on of Hands
The Reverend R. Justice Schunior, Presider and Preacher 
 
5:00 pm Contemplative Eucharist
The Reverend R. Justice Schunior, Presider and Homilist 
About the Gospel
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