From the Reverend Michele H. Morgan, Priest in Charge
In the last week there have been some questions and discussion about the wording of a rubric we have been using in our bulletin. A rubric contains the words that help direct the action during portions of our liturgy. For example: The people sit (simple) or Laying on of Hands is available in the chapel, (more complicated). About a month ago I chose to remove the complicated rubric describing in length how we do communion here. I changed it to simpler, and what I believe is a more expansive, language, which said, "All who seek God and a deeper life in Christ are welcome to receive Holy Communion." There was a question about the change during sermon seminar last Sunday and I responded. That led to a longer conversation on the Yahoo E-group in which more questions and some solutions were put forward.
The energy of that conversation led me to understand that many felt that the language of a deeper life in Christ was shutting the door to them around receiving at our dusty rose octagon. That was never the intent. I believe we need to have a deeper conversation about this matter. and we will later this summer. On Sunday, July 31st, during the sermon seminar time, we will have a "pop-up discussion." I would love to have it earlier, but I will be in Minnesota dealing with my household there and then moving to DC. I will be out of town Sunday the 26th of June through July 7th. That, together with other scheduled events, means that July 31st is the first available date for a wider discussion.
Until then the language has been removed. I will gently remind folks of something else that is new in the bulletin. On the last page right above the source notes is this: "At St. Mark's, we frequently change the liturgy (the language we use during our worship service). Our goal is to use language that reflects our common effort to put into words our relationship with God. In order to keep the liturgy truly alive and life giving, we need your input. Please feel free to contact the clergy at any time to discuss the liturgy and how the words we say affect you." I remind everyone of this because I would have loved to have heard from people personally about your hurt and your anger. Please know that you can come to either Justi or me with whatever is troubling you, especially if is something we have done.
Be well,
Michele
From Peter Sherer, Senior Warden
Dear Ones,
A few words on photography at church
The Vestry has been wrestling with a policy on when to allow photographs at St Mark's. It is an issue between personal privacy and wanting to communicate visual images of church life to potential new members. The role of posting images on the internet and on social media has made policy making more complex. One the one hand we want to insure privacy, especially during worship, and on the other hand we want to appear attractive and vibrant to a generation that lives on Twitter and Instagram.
We are not set on the final language of the policy but we have decided that for the moment no photographs should be taken during worship services. That means leave your cameras at home and refrain from using your smart phone camera during church services.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding.
From Doris Burton, Junior Warden
Around the House...
Mea Culpa! One of the problems with listing names in a thank-you is---you inevitably leave someone out....as I did in last week's kudos for those maintaining the garden...So my apology to Ben Schaibly, our former garden chair who has been a superb support for me thru the garden efforts. I am forever in his debt for his assistance with all our work...And..we're adding another volunteer to our list: Maureen Shea has already stepped in numerous times so welcome to the St. Fiacre Society!
Leaks No, not the kind in vichyssoise... one in Baxter Hall that continues to mystify. It appears during downpours but we're not sure of the source. Annoying for sure.
SignageAfter hearing numerous stories of people being interrupted in the main floor restrooms, we've added signs: they are sliders that show 'occupied' or 'available'. Just slide as you go in-LOCK THE DOOR!-and slide back when you leave. A nice bit of courtesy for fellow parishioners.
Coffee While not under the JWs job description, I've been managing this for some years. So-once again, I offer an invitation to those who might be willing to join either team: 9 for set-up and 11:15 for clean up. The current members have been at it for a full year and it would be nice to share the workload. It takes about 20 minutes prior to the 9 to get things going (then, you are responsible for making additional pots as needed...tough job: takes about 5 minutes per pot) and about 30 minutes to clean up. If you're enjoying the coffee, it would be appropriate to volunteer. Each member takes one Sunday and the more volunteers, the less frequently you're on duty. Contact me if you're willing to join the group (Did you know St. Drogo is the patron of coffee and coffeehouses? He got the title for being able to multitask....)
From the Director of Music
Dear St. Mark's,
For those planning to attend the 9:00 a.m. service on Sunday, consider joining us for the Summer Choir! We'll warm up and rehearse an easy anthem and some hymns starting at 8:20 in the nave. The next summer choir opportunity won't be until July 10th at the 11:15 a.m. service.
Also, please note we have a trio of lovely early music concerts at St. Mark's this weekend! Resident's Own, a new, player-led string orchestra, will perform Friday night. Ensemble Gaudior and The Friends of Fasch will play on Saturday evening. Sunday night's concert will feature the string ensemble Arco Voce with guest Rosa Lamoreaux, soprano. All concerts start at p.m. and have a general admission price of $25; $20 for students & seniors. I hope you'll join us!
Looking a little further ahead, we have yet another trio of early music concerts at St. Mark's (musicians love performing in our space!) on July 1, 8, and 10. These concerts, which comprise the Capitol Hill Chamber Music Festival, feature several fabulous performers on flute, strings, and various baroque guitars. Concerts starts at 7:30 p.m. Free-will offering.
Peace,
JEFF
From the Church Office
Friends,
We usually send out a separate pastoral news e-gospel when we learn of a death in our community. But time is short and I wanted you all to have this information. Warren O'Hearn, for many years our bookkeeper, who also worked with several other parishes in the Diocese, died suddenly, on June 7.
A graveside service for Warren with Navy Honors, will be on Monday, June 27, 2016 at Quantico National Cemetery at 1:00 PM.
Prelude Liebster Jesu, wir sind hier, BWV 731, J.S. Bach (1685-1750)
Opening Hymn
525 The Church's one foundation, Tune: Aurelia
First Reading
2 Kings 2:1-2, 6-14
Sequence Hymn
359 God of the prophets, bless the prophets' heirs! Tune:Toulon
Gospel
Luke 9:51-62
Offertory Music
(9:00) Come down, O Love divine, Hilary Tadman-Robins - Summer Choir
(11:15) Hymn 459 And have the bright immensities, Tune: Halifax
Presentation Hymn
655 O Jesus, I have promised, Tune: Nyland
Sanctus & Fraction Anthem Peter Crisafulli
Music During Communion
Inspiration, Words & Music by William Flanders
WLP 806 If you believe and I believe, Traditional Zimbabwe
Closing Hymn
550 Jesus calls us; o'er the tumult, Tune: Restoration
Postlude
"Little" Prelude & Fugue in G Major, BWV 557, J.S. Bach
Schedule of Services
June 26, 2016
The Sixth Sunday after Pentecost
9:00 am Holy Eucharist
The Reverend Rebecca Justice Schunior, Presider
9:00 am Children's Chapel
Ms. Caroline McReynolds-Adams, Leader
10:00 am Sermon Seminar
The Reverend Rebecca Justice Schunior, Preacher
11:15 am Holy Eucharist
The Reverend Rebecca Justice Schunior, Presider & Preacher
5:00 pm Contemplative Eucharist
The Reverend Rebecca Justice Schunior, Presider & Homilist
About the Gospel
St. Mark's uses a third-party vendor to send emails to parishioners, friends, and neighbors who have signed up to receive the weekly Gospel newsletter. You are receiving this email because you expressed an interest in St. Mark's by completing a Newcomer's Card at a service, attending an event, or asking to subscribe.
If you no longer wish to receive this weekly newsletter and other email updates from St. Mark's, please click "SafeUnsubscribe" at the bottom of this message. Your web browser will open and a page on our vendor's website, Constant Contact, and will ask you to verify the address you want removed from this list. Type in your email address, press the yellow button that says, "Yes, Unsubscribe Me," and our mailing list vendor will automatically remove your email address.
If you do want to receive this weekly email, but want it to be sent to a different email address, please click "SafeUnsubscribe" below, and then go to the St. Mark's Gospel webpage to enter the email address at which you'd prefer to receive the Gospel.
