The Long Journey to a New St. Mark's Website by Michael Townsend
St. Mark's has proudly unveiled its new website. While the address hasn't changed -- we plan to retain www.stmarks.net until the end of time -- the site has been entirely redesigned.
Overhauling the website has been on everyone's mind for a long time, but it became a top priority after the parish retreat, "Shrine Mont on the Hill," in June 2015. The discussion at that event identified a number of communications challenges facing St. Mark's, and our outdated website topped the list.
Senior Warden Peter Sherer formed the Communications Working Group last summer, asking the group to take a more focused look at those communications issues. The website was always at the center of our discussions. By last fall, we were ready to begin the process. A subgroup, consisting of Thia Hamilton, Martha Huizenga, Doug Jackson, Associate Rector Justi Schunior, Christina White and me got to work.
Time for Something New
The one thing everyone agreed on from the start was that our website was in desperate need of an overhaul. Information was out of date, frustratingly hard to update, and wordy and difficult to navigate. Over the last few years, numerous important activities at St. Mark's -- including Vision 2020, the Discernment and Search Committee, and Outreach -- simply set up their own websites because it was easier than trying to use the St. Mark's site. It was clear something needed to be done.
One of the first steps when building a website involves understanding the audience you are trying to reach. It was clear from the start that our project had two distinct audiences. First, we needed to present a vibrant "face" to the outside world, a welcoming online presence for newcomers, church-shoppers and visitors. We needed to make the most basic information about St. Mark's easy to find: where we are located, what times we hold services, where to park, whether we provide nursery care, and what our Sunday School program is like.
At the same time, there is a second, very different audience -- current St. Mark's members, who use the site for all kinds of reasons. They use the calendar to find out where their meeting is taking place, and to listen to recent sermons. They submit online pledge forms, pay their pledges via our online payment tool, sign up for yoga classes, find the contact person for various activities, read the Vestry minutes, and share information in a hundred other ways. We had to find a balance between these two different but very important audiences.
We designed a "request for proposals," shared it with a number of vendors, and received several interesting responses. By late November, we had selected a wonderful local vendor, Openbox9, to help us with the project. Openbox focuses its work on non-profit organizations, and had experience with designing church websites. With a generous grant from the St. Mark's Endowment to pay for the work ahead, we were ready to go.
The Road to Launch
Designing a website for an organization like St. Mark's can be very challenging. Everyone has an opinion, and everyone has priorities, which sometimes are in competition. Every font choice and color choice that speaks to one person repels someone else. And too many cooks in the kitchen can make consensus difficult to reach.
That's why we tried to gather as much information as possible on the front end of the design process. We looked at other church websites, noting what we liked and, just as important, what we didn't like. We talked to the staff, Vestry and leaders of parish groups, trying to understand what was most important to them. We shared information as often as we could, but we resisted the temptation to have too many involved in the multitude of decisions along the way. We are deeply gratified by the faith and trust everyone in the community placed in us.
Openbox was a terrific partner. Early on, they helped us design a cleaner, simpler logo that recalls our tradition but works better on the web and on social media sites. They also recommended that we radically change how we organized information. Our old site was divided into segments that roughly matched our Pillars -- Worship, Christian Education, Outreach, the Arts and Parish Life. But those distinctions were meaningless to church-shoppers, who wanted the most basic information in one place.
We finally settled on the main sections you see on the new site: About, Visit, Connect, Grow and Get Involved. We liked these because they were flexible but active, reflecting the busy nature of life at St. Mark's. Of course, we struggled with fitting everything under these categories. Is Christian Education about Connecting or Growing or Getting Involved, or all three?
In the end, we made the best decisions we could, knowing that it would take the community some time to get used to finding things on the new site. The About section, for example, is home to some of the basic facts about St. Mark's: a statement of our vision, biographies of our clergy and staff, information about parish leadership, a short history, and details about our historic building.
The Visit section is a critical source of information for newcomers, visitors and church shoppers. It contains information about service times and descriptions of our different services, as well as details about where we are located, how to get to St. Mark's and parking. Recent Sunday bulletins are also housed in this section. We also include information about our Sunday School program and the Nursery, which is key for families looking for a church.
The Connect section focuses on ways to build connections within the community. It includes announcements, information on upcoming events, and descriptions of the many groups and activities at St. Mark's. It also emphasizes our close connection with the arts, including music, the Dance Studio, St. Mark's Players, visual arts, and Yoga Studio.
In the Grow section, we feature some of the ways to get more deeply involved in the St. Mark's community. This section houses recent sermons, details on our Christian Education program, and information about the Youth and Family Ministry programs.
Finally, the Get Involved section is home to information about our Outreach efforts, as well as volunteer opportunities within the community. There are also explanations of how to become a member of St. Mark's, information on pledging and finances, and answers to questions about baptisms, weddings and funerals.
The Path Forward
The new site isn't perfect. As with all websites, it's a living organism and endless work-in-progress. We're still working out some glitches, updating the site, tinkering with the wording on various pages, and gathering input from groups and activities that aren't yet represented on the site. We are working to expand our use of photos and to rotate photos more frequently so that they stay fresh and current. We urge everyone to take some time this summer to explore the site. We welcome your feedback. If you see something missing, would like to add information about a group that isn't represented, or just want to make editorial comments, please do so by submitting a feedback form.
Thanks to the entire community for your patience and support. We hope you feel, as we do, that the new site is an enormous improvement in the way we present ourselves to the outside world.
On Fantastical Welcoming by Stewart Andrews
What's working? Well, we have a Priest-In-Charge and a newly renovated space. What's not working? Sometimes, us. In order for us to survive as a parish, we need to relearn what it means to be welcoming. We can't just up the hospitality a notch or two and wait by the door. We need to find the master reset button and begin again. The largest link to the solution is listening -- purposeful, heartfelt listening. Like the phrase, "screaming at the top of our lungs," we need to practice "listening at the top of our hearts."We will get newcomers and curious visitors. Some will stay a Sunday, some a decade. What is certain is that all new faces have a story to tell and they are eager to share it with us. Our job, our mission in our survival is to listen and reflect. Yes, we have beautiful stained-glass and interesting traditions. We will
have plenty of time to share all of that.
Step one is to engage the newcomers where they are and learn their story. Listen not to reply, but to learn. Only then will the feelings of trust and belonging begin to grow. Step two is to genuinely thank that individual for their story, for their history. If that individual has trusted us with something so precious and personal, it is on us to honor that gift. Steps three through 500 are to gently fold their lives and stories into ours, to channel our welcome to a focused point. Rector Jim Adams would walk new and visiting families home. Invite them back personally. Certainly, we can ask Priest-in-Charge Michele Morgan and Associate Rector Justi Schunior to follow suit. Wouldn't it be more rich and successful if we could all find a family to walk home? What would a mentoring program look like? Long ago, my wife and I were taken under the wings of a long-term couple, who nurtured us, coaxed us to grow, took us to task and remain our "winged-lion Godparents." I'd love to take on the role of Godparent to a young couple. Along with robust listening, our church-home must be inviting. The hard-to-swallow truth is that we're known for slipping out of our comfortable place and getting grumpy and unreasonable. The joke around the diocese is, "I used to go to St. Mark's, but I got better." Bear in mind, I'm not at all criticizing those of us with genuine issues. We are one church body and I am proud of our diversity. What is paramount is that we all must be the best we can be and welcome, while treating ourselves with the same love, acceptance and kindness we would a stranger off the street. We must not lose one another while trying to gain a third. I welcome a conversation that takes these ideas further. I challenge us to step out of our comfort zones and Welcome Fantastically. As an introvert, that isn't easy for me. I'm used to staying around those closest to me -- my posse. Yet I know that won't sustain us as a parish. We must grow and keep growing.
New Story Leadership at St. Mark's by Hank Donnelly
[Co-editor's Note: The St. Mark's Middle East Working Group recently held an event in Baxter Hall featuring speakers from New Story Leadership, a program that brings young people from Israel and Palestine to the U.S. to explore ways to bring peace and justice to that troubled region. Following are edited excerpts from remarks given by four participants.]
Anna Garbar
When I was in elementary school, I was the only Russian girl in my class who knew Hebrew perfectly, and Russian as well. Every time a Russian kid came to our class from the latest wave of immigration, I was automatically seated next to him or her. Each time that happened, I learned the struggles of the new kids. No one mocked my accent, because I didn't have one. But I also made my friends stop laughing at the accents of others, because it could have been me. I learned that being on the stronger side makes me work harder, and also gives me the opportunity to change someone's life for the better. I learned that when I am in a position of power, I must do everything I can to fight for a day when both sides are equal.
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has shaped my life in a profound way. The moment I realized that I am a part of a nation that is doing something wrong to another group of people, I could not accept it. Something has to be done, by me, my family and friends.
Tonight, I need your help, to be the voice that recognizes the great injustice that has been happening for many years. As the most powerful nation on earth, you have the opportunity to make changes in the reality of two suffering peoples.
Tonight you will hear the stories of people from that conflict. But this conflict is not just the personal story of those here, but of so many others. I have had enough of this conflict, and of so many unnecessary tragedies. I invite you to take part in helping us to change this story from one of the powerful and powerless to a new story of equals.
Karam Swidan I am a nurse at a Gaza Strip hospital, which is one of the most meaningful things I could do. When I am helping patients, it brings peace and joy to my heart.
My project for change is called Breathe Easy Gaza. It aims to provide free medical care to at least 50 children with asthma. It came out of harrowing experiences in the hospital. During one night shift, a woman came in with her child, whose face was blue and was barely breathing. After he received treatment, I was curious about what happened to him, so I went to see his mother. She answered with pain and fear in her voice, saying that the child has had to struggle to breathe ever since he was born. She couldn't leave him alone, she said, in case he suffocated. Then she started to cry. I asked her if he received any medicine, and she said he requires two medications weekly to maintain his breathing system. But the medications are too expensive for the family to afford. How can he have a normal life, she asked, if he can't play football or go to the beach?
A few weeks later, I met a six-month-old baby, who had been diagnosed with asthma. His mother told me that he had already been rushed to the hospital five times, because he couldn't breathe. Like many other families, she said she couldn't afford a baby inhaler, which would help the child breathe more easily at home. To see that infant fighting to get enough air into his lungs was heartbreaking.
Twenty percent of child deaths in Gaza are attributable to asthma and other lung diseases. Treatment for many of these diseases is simple in America, but not in Gaza. You can get an inhaler for a few dollars here, but they are too expensive in Gaza. They are unaffordable and inaccessible.
If you know about Gaza, you know about wars and the siege. But what I want you to know about tonight is the children. I am here because it would be so simple to help, since $25 can help save a life. I am dedicated to making this project happen. We will be able to save 50 children -- imagine them playing football or swimming, and their mothers able to sleep at night.
That baby sums up the experience of my people in Gaza. As hard as it is, we will never give up the struggle to breathe the air of freedom. This project is for children, but it has a larger message, which is that we have a right to life, and the world must hear us.
Hala Aterah I am from Nablus, in the northern West Bank. It is the home of the largest higher education institution in Palestine, where I teach banking and finance.
When you come to New Story Leadership, you are asked to develop a project that shows leadership for change. I want to tell you a story about how I selected my project, which has to do with the human rights of children.
During the First Intifada, the son of one of our neighbors was coming home from school. He was 16, and he used to work in the shop of my father, who treated him as a son. One day he was coming home from school, and saw a group of children going to a protest. He was scared about what would happen, but he decided that the safest thing would be to walk among them, and so not stand out to the troops. Soon the Israeli forces arrived, attacking with bullets and tear gas, arresting and beating children. The neighbor boy was shot and killed. The news broke my father's heart, so deep was his grief.
Ever since, I have understood how parents feel when their children are being shot and arrested. It made me realize how important it is to bring attention to this issue. It is not only destroying the lives of children, but it also damages families for generations.
The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child is an international treaty that recognizes the human rights of children. It protects children under age 18, reflecting the worldwide recognition that children must be given the chance to grow up in a world of peace and freedom. But this does not stop the Israeli authorities, which define a child as anyone under the age of 12. Anyone over that age can be tried in a military court, and anyone over 16 can be tried as an adult. Every year, 500 to 700 children are arrested and imprisoned by the Israeli army. Not only are they imprisoned, but also they are subject to fines worth about $250 to $1,500. Moreover, parents are not allowed to attend the trials or visit the children. Children are subjected to harsh conditions of imprisonment, negligence, isolation, beating and harassment.
My project is to select five to six cases of the most disgraceful attacks on children's rights, and to educate the world that a society that portrays itself as democratic, is in fact committing a regime of torture. The right of children is so fundamental for all of us. If you treat children like that, where will it end? For people who have suffered so much, I want to ask how you can sleep if a child is weeping, dying or being intimidated. If the status of children does not move us, where has our humanity gone? We must speak the truth for those who have no power.
Daniel Gal My grandmother spent her childhood in Krakow, Poland, and lived through World War II and the Holocaust by being hidden by a kind Christian family. Her family were secular Jews who were well integrated into Polish society. The demonization and persecution of her family as Jews shaped her ideology into one that called for no compromise. No one anywhere can be treated as unequal. Enemies exist, but they are also human. People may want to argue, but you have to avoid harming others when it can be avoided. With her, I went through numerous demonstrations pursuing the idea of peace. We must assure that no suffering occurs to other people, let alone under our roof, by us.
Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the Six Day War and the beginning of the occupation. I have grown up enjoying the privileges of a democracy. But at what price, and at whose expense?
I have served my country, and understand that some of our wars have been just, in the name of defense. But the one discussed here is far from it. The notions of equality and freedom must not be seen as a privilege. Our region, Israel and Palestine, which could be a little slice of heaven in the Middle East, now has a lack of hope and more often than not, pessimism about changing course from the path we have been walking on for too long.
An issue that I can't shake off is people's addiction to short term solutions. The ideas of fighting the occupier and crushing the terrorists have ruled the discourse of both the Palestinians and Israelis for decades. It has pushed away the idea of having a calm, forward-looking debate, and made Israelis addicted to the idea of quiet and calm. The polarization fueled by this debate grows greater each day. My people are paying the price we have demanded of others. For our own sakes, we must realize that our resources and values are better invested in promoting the future for our children and their children -- not in fighting an endless war.
I want to walk on the path my grandmother made, and to follow her ideas of equality and rights for all. I want to continue her vision of rising from one of history's ugliest periods, and light the torch for everyone.
Photos by Edgar Romero, New Story Leadership.
Liturgy of Departure: Scilla Adams
I have been a member of St. Mark's for 43 years. My faith journey began in earnest when I first entered the doors of this church. I was brought to St. Mark's by my late husband, Taylor Adams. It was on an Easter Sunday, and I was not prepared for what I would find or experience when I first walked through these doors. The altar was in the center of the nave and the chairs, instead of pews, were placed in four quadrants so that people actually faced each other. There were balloons rising up from the Baptismal Font. As the service got underway, I was curious about St. Mark's and its traditions. When the champagne corks were popped at the altar for Communion, I reminded myself of the old expression, "Keep calm and carry on!." When we were asked to pass the Peace, people went everywhere to share the Peace. There was slight chaos. I wanted to hide behind one of these pillars as I knew no one. But again I reassured myself and focused on keeping calm and carrying on. So I survived my first service. When it was over people were very gracious, but kept asking me if I was going to take the Confirmation Class. Quite a few approached me on this first Sunday and asked if I was going to take this class, and told me that it would change my life. In the ensuing days I kept thinking about this Confirmation Class, and my curiosity was piqued. I decided to make an appointment to talk with Rector Jim Adams. Jim was great, asking me how I liked St. Mark's and laughing when I responded that I was "taking it under advisement until further notice." I continued with my concern and shared with him that I felt a great deal of pressure to take the Confirmation Class. I also pointed out that I had already been confirmed and I really didn't need to do this all over again. He was amused, acknowledging that people could be rather pushy about that, and assuring me that I did not need to take the class if I didn't want to. I thanked him and went on my way-and signed up for the next class a few weeks later. Confirmation Class did change my life. It opened up portions of my life that had been dormant for many years, and helped me understand some of the hurts and challenges that I had kept to myself. But what I found most fascinating was the process. I was invited to share my life story, and the process and class leaders helped me to connect that life story with the history and traditions of the church. I was hooked, completing the class and jumping into the life of St. Mark's. I taught children, youth and adults, and became a co-director of the Christian Education program. Those were exciting and challenging years. The next part of my journey at St. Mark's occurred when Susan, our daughter, became a teenager. There was some tension in the house: Susan was becoming quite independent and had her own ideas about life, and I had other ideas. I, of course, wanted her to do things my way. When I mentioned the situation to a friend, the friend's response was this: "You need to get a job doing something that interests you, and let Susan be a teenager." Through some resourcing and following my interests, I was offered a job in the Christian Education program at a United Methodist Church in Washington. The contract specified that I was required to be present on Sundays and some weeknights for classes and meetings. That meant that I could not be at St. Mark's, which brought with it more anxiety. As I was pondering this dilemma, I shared it with former Rector Bill Baxter, who responded by asking how long I had been at St. Mark's. When I replied about 12 years, Bill said this: "Leave St. Mark's, take this job and find out what the larger church can teach YOU. And don't get romantic about St. Mark's." I did just that, but was not prepared for what my work in this church would present to me. People spoke a different language when they described their faith, talking about being "born again" and "accepting Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior." My immediate reaction was one of fear. I didn't understand what they meant. Having been in the St. Mark's community, with its long tradition of skepticism, I thought I am going to have to change their way of sharing their faith. Then I remembered Bill's advice -- find out what the larger church can teach YOU. So I decided to sit down with these good people and explore with them how their faith speaks to them and ask them to help me understand their faith journey in their own words. It was very humbling. I will remain eternally grateful for what I learned during my years with them, and I will always be grateful to Bill. The next part of my journey happened when Taylor suffered a very, very serious stroke. I learned that he would never be 100 percent again. It was a stark reminder of the fragility of life. I knew my life would change on that day and in the ensuing years for both of us. I retired from my work and came home to St. Mark's. I remember at the time that I made a decision that I would care and give Taylor the best that I had in me for however long it took, and that I would not lose myself in the process. This journey took 13 years. I did not always give Taylor my best, but he never lost his courage. There were days when I would ask myself, "How long will this go on?" People would say, "How do you do this?" I couldn't. It was during those moments and through those 13 years that I would find myself reflecting on all that I had learned at St. Mark's, through the preaching, the teaching, the classes I took and taught, and the annual parish retreat's at the Shrinemont conference center. There were friends who walked with me during this time and gave us support, and support also came from members that we did not know well. Upon all of these reflections I would remind myself that Taylor and I would face into this together. One does not jump ship just because life has dealt a significant blow. Through all these reflections I realized that we were, indeed, on solid ground. We would not jump into the abyss, but we would carry on. Thank you, St. Mark's. You will always have a place in my heart. Thank you. And now I will tell you the reason I am leaving. Life has many unexpected surprises. The reason for my leaving is sitting right over there, and his name is Wes Moore. We share a deep common bond. He has brought laughter, sunshine and joy into my life, and, more importantly, given me the chance to love and to be loved again. I want to leave you with a Blessing that means a great deal to me, which I first heard some years ago when my friend, Rev. Susan Flanders, gave it after a worship service. "Life is short. And we do not have much time to gladden the hearts of those who travel the way with us. So be swift to love. And make haste to be kind." Amen.
Growing Up at St. Mark's by Molly Ellison
[Co-Editor's Note: This essay about St. Mark's was one of six that Molly wrote for her application to Princeton in Asia. She was asked to write about: "What's the best community you've ever been part of?" She's on her way to Viet Nam right now.]
When I was growing up, my parents would shuttle me and my sister, Grace, to St. Mark's Episcopal Church for the 9 a.m. service nearly every Sunday. Most of my friends' families were reform Jews or non-observant Christians, and attending services at any place of worship was uncommon in my progressive town. Although I was embarrassed growing up, I now realize that my church showed me what a sincere, tolerant community looks like.
St. Mark's is a colossal red brick building sandwiched among turn-of-the-century row houses on a tree-lined city street. My parents found the church in their late 20s. I was baptized at St. Mark's, went on countless Easter Egg Hunts in its courtyard and sang in the children's choir. Much of my personal development took place among those walls.
St. Mark's attitude defines religious tolerance. In Sunday School, we held a Passover Seder. A Buddhist monk once delivered a sermon. Every year, we host an "Earth Mass" that includes music sung by our choir that's accompanied by pre-recorded whale and wolf sounds. We host an annual Mardi Gras dance. We even have an official church beer that's brewed by parishioners and served after Sunday services.
We haven't totally gone rogue, though. We read the Gospel every Sunday. Our diocese's bishop visits occasionally. We memorize the Lord's Prayer in Sunday School. We have a Christmas pageant, complete with Mary, Joseph and Baby Jesus.
St. Mark's unique brand of Christianity has taught me what it truly means to be tolerant. I'm 21 and have yet to subscribe to a theology, but St. Mark's is a community that puts no barriers up on entry. For this, I'm blessed.
My family's Christmas Eve tradition is simple and one of my favorite rituals: We have a nice dinner in the city and attend a late-night church service. This past Christmas Eve was different, though.
Until I walked through St. Mark's doors on December 24, 2014, I had forgotten our church had been renovated. Elegant cherry-wood panels covered walls that had once been adorned by peeling white paint. Hardwood floors replaced aging gray carpet. The homey, albeit dingy, church that built me had gotten a facelift. I didn't even know where the bathrooms were.
There was something else unsettling about Christmas Eve 2014. Our pastor of 15 years, Rev. Paul Abernathy, was retiring, and this would be his last Christmas Eve at St. Mark's. A remarkable person leads every great community, and Paul is no exception. It was difficult to sit through his sermon and realize it would be his last Yuletide with St. Mark's.
It's been more than a year since Paul left my church. St. Mark's still sits at 3rd and A Streets, S.E., in Washington, D.C., and congregants still attend services every Sunday. Even without Paul, St. Mark's has preserved its spunk and commitment to acceptance. Despite my undecided faith and childhood embarrassment, I cannot imagine my 21 years of life without St. Mark's every Sunday.
A Distinctive Community by Randy Marks
If St. Mark's has a sin, it begins with "We all believe..." Indeed, there are very few things we all agree on, except perhaps openness (open communion, open to each others ideas) and community. Openness is perhaps becoming less common, but certainly communities abound. But faith communities are becoming less powerful, particularly non-dogmatic ones. Like other denominations, we Episcopalians are losing members. I think that's because we have not explained why belonging to a faith community is important. Based on the June 12 sermon seminar discussion that focused on community, I believe faith communities in general, and St. Mark's in particular, have four distinctive characteristics. Certainly other communities have some of these characteristics, but where else can you find all four? A Transcendent Vision: One definition of transcendence is "going beyond ordinary limits." I think that, unlike other communities, faith communities offer a broader vision of the world they are trying to create. For me, the Kingdom of God exists here and now when I and others live as though love is the most powerful force in the universe. Others will have their own visions, but I think in general they will not be limited to curbing pollution or housing the homeless, laudable as these goals are. A Spiritual Focus: For me, spirituality includes a sense of connection to something bigger than myself, as well as a search for meaning in life. Regardless of definition, spirituality is uniquely related to faith communities. Indeed, few other institutions have any connection to spirituality. An Intergenerational Membership: Few groups try to include everyone as members from cradle to grave. Schools include young and old, but they are divided into staff and students. To be sure, faith communities seek to educate youth, but they also seek to educate adults, so the boundaries between young and old are blurred. And that's an excellent thing, for I can learn from youth. I was in training to teach Catechesis when I realized that God had called me to the task so that I -- who grew up as an atheist -- could experience God through the eyes of my students. A Powerful Identity: There is a subtle difference between faith communities and other institutions in the respect they command. Faith communities are flawed institutions, yet society in general tends to downplay those flaws and give greater respect to them than other institutions. Think of your reaction to a church pronouncement on gun violence compared to those of organizations whose purpose is to control guns. The civil rights movement gained power from the support of faith communities. Indeed, every cause would love to have faith communities supporting them. I think that could be our greatest selling point for younger people of conscience who see no need to be in a church. We could say to them: You can fight for your cause through a "do-gooder" organization that looks self-interested, or you can fight for it through a faith community and have a far bigger impact. On Passover, our Jewish sisters and brothers sanctify the holiday by asking: "What makes this night different from all other nights?" I hope we start asking and answering the question, "What makes St. Mark's different from other organizations?" When we have a collective answer that most of us can live with, we need to start proclaiming it. For it is our distinctiveness that will attract people on Sundays.
About the Winged Lion Review
Most submissions, especially those focused on parish life, will be published.
Submissions can be of any length, but as a general rule should be no more than 750 words. Submit submissions to: harhath@gmail.com, karen@karenfalk.net.
Editing - Submissions will be edited for grammar, punctuation, editorial style and readability, but significant changes will be made only in consultation with the author. Most submissions, especially in the first two categories, will be published. A standard of kindness will be strictly enforced, and good taste is encouraged!
Deadlines - Materials are due the 15th of the month before the beginning of the issue month (which is currently bimonthly--September/ October, November/December, etc.) Submissions after the deadline will appear in the next issue.
What's working? Well, we have a Priest-In-Charge and a newly renovated space. What's not working? Sometimes, us.
When I was in elementary school, I was the only Russian girl in my class who knew Hebrew perfectly, and Russian as well. Every time a Russian kid came to our class from the latest wave of immigration, I was automatically seated next to him or her. Each time that happened, I learned the struggles of the new kids. No one mocked my accent, because I didn't have one. But I also made my friends stop laughing at the accents of others, because it could have been me. I learned that being on the stronger side makes me work harder, and also gives me the opportunity to change someone's life for the better. I learned that when I am in a position of power, I must do everything I can to fight for a day when both sides are equal. 
I am a nurse at a Gaza Strip hospital, which is one of the most meaningful things I could do. When I am helping patients, it brings peace and joy to my heart. 
I am from Nablus, in the northern West Bank. It is the home of the largest higher education institution in Palestine, where I teach banking and finance.
My grandmother spent her childhood in Krakow, Poland, and lived through World War II and the Holocaust by being hidden by a kind Christian family. Her family were secular Jews who were well integrated into Polish society. The demonization and persecution of her family as Jews shaped her ideology into one that called for no compromise. No one anywhere can be treated as unequal. Enemies exist, but they are also human. People may want to argue, but you have to avoid harming others when it can be avoided. With her, I went through numerous demonstrations pursuing the idea of peace. We must assure that no suffering occurs to other people, let alone under our roof, by us. 
I have been a member of St. Mark's for 43 years. My faith journey began in earnest when I first entered the doors of this church.
When I was growing up, my parents would shuttle me and my sister, Grace, to St. Mark's Episcopal Church for the 9 a.m. service nearly every Sunday. Most of my friends' families were reform Jews or non-observant Christians, and attending services at any place of worship was uncommon in my progressive town. Although I was embarrassed growing up, I now realize that my church showed me what a sincere, tolerant community looks like. 
If St. Mark's has a sin, it begins with "We all believe..." Indeed, there are very few things we all agree on, except perhaps openness (open communion, open to each others ideas) and community. Openness is perhaps becoming less common, but certainly communities abound. But faith communities are becoming less powerful, particularly non-dogmatic ones. Like other denominations, we Episcopalians are losing members. I think that's because we have not explained why belonging to a faith community is important. 