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 Quick Look Ahead
May 1:             Nursery is Open

                       9am Children's Chapel

                       10am Sunday School

                       11am Boys and Girls Choir                                               Rehearsal

                       11am Family Fellowship Picnic

May 8:             Nursery Open

                       9am Family Eucharist

                       10am Sunday School

                       10am Summer Parents Meeting
May 15:            Nursery Open

                        9am Children's Chapel

                       10am Sunday School

                       1pm High School Service Trip                                          Meeting
THIS WEEK!
11:30am: Family Fellowship Potluck Picnic in Garfield Park!



We are excited to have another Family Fellowship event THIS SUNDAY from 11:30am-1pm at Garfield Park (145 F St. SE, just a few blocks south of the church)! Everyone bring a picnic lunch item to share (there will be room in the church kitchen fridge to store food Sunday morning) and let's enjoy the spring weather, some outdoor games, and fellowship with one another. Drinks and paper serving ware will be provided. See you there!
Worship this Week: Children's Chapel





We are back in Children's Chapel this week with Caroline! Meet us in the Nave for the 9am service and we will all be dismissed to head up to the dance studio for a special time of creative worship, prayer, and fellowship. Don't forget to bring some spare change for the offering!
COMING UP
May 8: Family Eucharist Volunteers Needed- Mother's Day Edition!



Our special monthly 9am Family Eucharist service falls on Mother's Day this year, so we are inviting children to serve as greeters, lay servers, and readers with their Mothers. Email Caroline to sign up or to hear more about this special opportunity! 


June 11-12: All Parish Retreat!







Mark your calendars for the All Parish Retreat at Claggett Center in Adamstown, MD! This is a well-loved St. Mark's tradition and is a wonderful opportunity to connect to our community in a deep and meaningful way. And, of course, there will be tons of fun planned for youth and children! Stay tuned for more information about trip reservations, but, for now, click here for more information about the beautiful retreat Center!  


May 8: Parish Retreat Interest Meeting for Youth and Children!


In preparation for the retreat, all youth and children are encouraged to gather in the Library after Sunday School on May 8 for donuts and lively discussion about what they hope to do at Claggett this year. We want to hear from everyone, so come with some ideas about what you have loved most about parish retreats of the past, and let's all work together to make this the best weekend yet!
FOR PARENTS 
May 8: Summer Parents Meeting!


Calling all parents of St. Mark's Sunday-School-aged children and youth! We had a great turnout at the Spring Parents meeting in January, and I am hoping all of you will join us Sunday, May 8 during the 10am hour to receive important information about Summer programming in 2016, including Summer Sunday School, Service Trips, Parish Retreat, and more. This will be a great time to meet other St. Mark's parents, and get in-the-know with all things Youth and Family Ministries. Hope to see you there!
Volunteers Needed for Summer Programming!



We have a lot of exciting programming for youth this summer, but none of it will be possible without volunteers! See volunteer opportunities below and consider lending a helping hand:


Event: All Parish Retreat, Youth Activities Planning Team
Need: 2 parishioners to assist Director and Parish Life Liaison with planning children's activities for Parish Retreat
Requirements: Attend planning meeting in May (time/date TBD); assist with set up/organization at retreat; serve as supervisor for events during retreat.


Event: Summer Sunday School Volunteer
Need: 6-8 parishioners to assist with planning and leading Summer Sunday School (June 19-August 28)
Requirements: Attend teacher meeting (early June); sign up in groups of 3+ to lead at least 3 Summer Sunday School sessions (very teacher-friendly curriculum!)


Event: High School Service Trip Chaperons
Need: 3-4 parishioners to join us in NYC June 26-July 2
Requirements: Attend trip training times as able; be present for youth on trip; help Director with travel/itinerary logistics


Event: Middle School Service Trip Chaperons
Need: 3-4 Parishioners to join us at FLOC's Outdoor Education Center July 14-17.
Requirements: Attend trip training times as able; be present for youth on trip; help Director with travel/itinerary logistics


All volunteers must be up to date on Safeguarding God's Children training. Click here for more information or to sign up for one of the training dates below:


 - April 16: St. Thomas, D.C. 12pm-3pm
 - April 30: St. John's, Beltsville, 9:30am-12:30pm
 - May 7- Ascension, Gaithersburg, 9:30am-12:30pm
 - June 4- Christ Church, La Plata, 9:30am-12:30pm
May 14 + June 25: Parenting Younger Children Group Gatherings!



Thanks to everyone who joined us for the first Parents Group Gathering for parents of younger children! There was great conversation and fellowship , but don't worry if you missed out! The fun will continue on Saturday, May 14 from 5:30-7:30pm in the Elders Room and again on Saturday, June 25 in Baxter Hall. Childcare is provided, so come enjoy an evening of fellowship and support with fellow St. Mark's parents. Contact Caroline or Kate McFadden for more information.
SAVE THE DATES!


May 1: Family Fellowship Picnic
June 11-12: Claggett Parish Retreat
June 24-July 1: Senior High Service Trip

July 14-17: Middle School Service Trip

July 24-29: Junior Camp EDOW
August 2-7: Middle Camp EDOW
Caroline McReynolds-Adams | Youth and Family Ministries | 202.543.0053, ext. 320 | caroline.mcreynoldsadams@stmarks.net | www.stmarks.net


St. Marks Episcopal Church-Capitol Hill | 301 A Street SE | Washington | DC | 20003