Rooted in

baptism,

Growing in

faith.

Branching

out into the

world.

POSTMARK

Our Lady of Guadalupe

Thursday, December 11

6:00 p.m. - Process with the Virgin around the Block. Children are invited to dress in white and be part of the procession. 6:30 p.m. - We will gather to prayer with the Holy Rosary, a biblical prayer, as a community that prays at all times and in all places. 7:00 p.m. – The Holy Eucharist will have children performing a traditional dance from indigenous communities from Mexico. 8:30 p.m. – Our “Convivio” will feature traditional Mexican food and a Mariachi Band. All are invited to join this important event for the whole St. Mark’s family!

Accessing Advent: Your Way

For families with "just a minute to read the poster on the refrigerator". We have Advent posters with quick thoughts and activities.

Have some quite time to read and reflect? Devotional books are available in Spanish and English.

Online all the time? Digital Advent Devotinal can be delivered daily to your inbox. Subscribe anytime at www.SSJE.org/advent. www.stmarksglenellyn.org or our Facebook page for links.

Advent Lessons and Carols

An Advent service of Lessons & Carols will be at 7:30 p.m., December 14, at St. Mark's.

The tradition of this service goes back to King's College, Cambridge, in the 1800s. It traces the story of the relationship between God and humans from Adam and Eve to the Annunciation, with readings from scripture, anthems, carols, and hymns.

The Adult choir of St. Mark's, directed by choirmaster and organist Charles Snider, will be joined by the Madrigal Singers of Glenbard East High School, directed by Brandon Catt. 630 858-1020 or www.stmarksglenellyn.org.

December 2 Men's Group breakfast 3-11 Our Lady of Guadalupe Novenas 3 Prayer Group High School Group 5 Sounds of Advent recital 6 Pageant casting 7 St. Nicholas Lunch Youth Bridge Group 7-8 PADS service 10 Middle School Christmas Party 11 Cathedral Truck loading St. Mark's Preschool prospective parents Our Lady of Guadalupe 12 Sounds of Advent concert 13 Pageant rehearsal Men's Group 14 Lessons and Carols 15 Daughters of the King meeting 16-23 Posadas de Navidad 16 Vestry meeting 17 High School Christmas Party 19 Sounds of Advent recital 21 Christmas Pageant Decorate sanctuary 24 Christmas Eve 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Eucharist with Children’s Message 8 p.m. bilingual Eucharist 10:00 p.m. Musical Prelude 10:30 p.m. Christmas Eucharist 25 Christmas Day 11 a.m. bilingual Eucharist 28 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. Eucharist January 2 Drama Camp 4-5 PADS service 6 Men's group Breakfast 7 Prayer Group High School Group 10 Men's Group 14 Middle School Group 16 Middle School Outing 17-19 Youth MIQRA Diocesan Retreat 19 Daughters of the King meeting 20 Vestry meeting 21 High School Group 24 Men's group PRC service day 25 Annual meeting and cake auction Reading the New Testament Together

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Rev. George Smith rector@stmarksglenellyn.org

At Last, A Really Good and Worthwhile New Year’s Resolution In a few weeks, people will be talking about New Year’s resolutions. The New Year is a natural time to commit to something worthwhile, but for most people, these resolutions, although well-intended, are quickly abandoned. They are too ambitious and, most problematically without accountability. How about making a resolution that you can actually keep and be glad you did? Here is the resolution: reading the New Testament, cover to cover, in 8 weeks. Beginning on Sunday, January 25, you are invited to be part of a church-wide resolution to read the entire New Testament in just 40 days. We’re calling it “Reading the New Testament Together” and to make it a resolution you can commit to and keep, the program includes, at no cost:

a paperback copy of the New Testament (New International Version) to every

participant (English and Spanish versions)

available eBook version

available MP3 audio version

daily e-mails with a link to the day’s reading

daily informational video

Another piece of Reading the New Testament Together is being part of a small group that meets once a week for an hour. By meeting in a small group, you will have a chance to get to know other people from St. Mark’s and to discuss what you have read the previous week. Everyone’s participation will be encouraged. The small group is not a Bible lecture but a conversation involving each person. Groups will meet at different times and places during the week, including Sundays, and you can sign up for one that works best for you beginning later in December. Reading the New Testament Together will give everyone a chance to see the big picture of the New Testament. As much as I appreciate our Episcopal Church Sunday lectionary that parses out the New Testament and portions of the Old Testament over a three-year cycle, it is difficult to get the big overview that gives orientation and perspective, critical elements to enjoying and benefitting from the Scriptures. With Reading the New Testament Together, you will read about 12 pages per day, Monday through Friday. Each daily reading has a logical stopping point, and over a given week, you will read one or several books of the New Testament. The 8-week schedule is this: week 1: Luke; week 2: Acts and Letters of Paul; week 3: Letters of Paul; week 4: Letters of Paul; week 5: Matthew; week 6: Hebrews, James and Mark; week 7 1 & 2 Peter, Jude and James; week 8: 1-3 John and Revelation. Yes, you even get to read the Book of Revelation! So get ready to read the New Testament. At last, here is a resolution that you can keep and use to grow in faith and understanding for years to come. Yours in Christ, George+

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November 23 Pageant casting 11:45 a.m., Undercroft

November 30 Advent wreath-making 11:30 a.m., Mahon Hall

December 3-10 Our Lady of Guadalupe novena 7-8 p.m., off site

December 5 Advent Organ Recital Series Cathryn Wilkinson 12:15 - 1:00 p.m., Sanctuary

December 6 Pageant casting 9-10:30 a.m., Undercroft

December 7 St. Nicholas Lunch 11:45 a.m., Mahon Hall

December 10 Middle School Christmas Party 6:00 p.m., Mahon Hall

December 11 Christmas Gift truck loading 9:00 a.m., Library

Our Lady of Guadalupe Festival starts at 6:00 p.m. 7:00 p.m., Eucharist

December 12 Advent Organ Recital Series 12:15 - 1:00 p.m., Sanctuary December 12-13 Glenbard West Madrigal Concert. Mahon Hall

December 13 Pageant rehearsal 9:00 a.m.-noon, Sanctuary

December 14 Pageant speaking parts rehearsal 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m., Undercroft

Lessons and Carols 7:30 p.m., Sanctuary

December 16-23 Posadas de Navidad 6:30 p.m., Chapel

December 17 High School Christmas Party 6:00 p.m., Mahon Hall

December 19 Advent Organ Recital Series 12:15 - 1:00 p.m., Sanctuary

December 20 Pageant rehearsal 9:00 a.m.-noon, Sanctuary

December 21 Christmas Pageant 10:30 a.m. Worship

Decorate sanctuary with the Daughters of the King 3:30 p.m., Sanctuary

December 24 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Eucharist, Children’s Message

8 p.m. Bilingual Eucharist

10:00 p.m. Musical Prelude 10:30 p.m. Christmas Eucharist

December 25 Christmas Day Eucharist 11 a.m. Bilingual

December 28 10:00 a.m., 1:00 p.m. Rite II,. Holy Eucharist services

Advent 2014

Turning Pumpkins into $ for PADS

This year our Pumpkin Patch total sales were $22,421.50. To put this in perspective we typically have sold around $17K a season with a prior high of $19,757 and a low of $15,331. This results in us receiving more of the "pumpkin pie" (35% rather than 33.3%) and after paying for expenses already incurred and reserving $200 for a new tent and new signs for next year, we have written a check for $7,216.24 to PADS. Thank You!

Reading the New Testament Together!

What would happen if we actually read the Bible? Not a verse here or there, but the whole New Testament? When it comes to Spiritual growth, nothing has more impact than the Bible. But we all need help getting started. St. Mark’s is offering a new model for experiencing the New Testament that will take us beyond fragmented readings and traditional Bible study methods, and bring us deeper into an experience that will place our lives directly into God’s grand narrative! Let’s experience the New Testament as it was meant to be read. Whole books. In community.

Starting December 14th you will be able to sign up in the Narthex for small groups that will meet once a week. During the week, using The Books of the Bible: New Testament, you’ll cover an average of 12 pages a day. That’s about 20 minutes’ worth of reading. No time to read? No problem! This program is offered in easy downloadable MP3 audio format for easy listening on your way to work or while you run errands. This is a family affair at St. Mark’s and we will be providing an audio version for children too! We will formally launch this adventure on January 25th and continue through March 29th. In just 8 weeks we will have read the whole New Testament together! And one of the perks to this adventure is it’s FREE!!

If you’d like more info contact Mo Elliott, seminary intern. Cell (630) 290-8691, call or text. Via email mofuerta@gmail.com.

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Spanish Language Ministry Para obtener más información Póngase en contacto con el P. Victor H. Conrado llamando al 630-858-1020 Ext. 226

o enviando un correo electrónico aassociatespanish@stmarksglenellyn.org

Adviento y Navidad Tiempo hermoso lleno de colores, alegría y familia.

Hemos comenzado nuestro tiempo de Adviento en la iglesia. Nos disponemos a preparar la venida de nuestro salvador al mundo. Nuestro año litúrgico comienza mostrándonos nuevos colores en el altar y en nuestras vidas. Púrpura y azul serán nuestros colores litúrgicos de esta temporada. Verde el color que queremos guardar en nuestros corazones como recuerdo que este tiempo pasara. La naturaleza se duerme para dar nueva vida. Celebramos la encarnación de nuestro Señor que nos ha enseñado que tenemos un Dios que quiere estar con nosotros. No le gusta estar lejano a nuestras vidas. Quiere estar aquí junto a nosotros en las situaciones en las que estamos inmersos. Nosotros también estamos invitados en este tiempo a volver con todo nuestro corazón, fuerzas y con todas nuestra mente a el. Este regreso nos vuelve a ensenar que no estamos lejos de la vida de otras personas. En San Marcos queremos celebrar este tiempo con cada uno de ustedes, por eso hemos decidido tener los siguientes momentos con sus familias y con nuestra gran familia parroquial. Estos son los eventos importantes del mes de diciembre:

Te Invitamos a la Celebración de Nuestra Sra. de Guadalupe

El día jueves 11 de diciembre desde las 7:00 PM te invitamos a que te unas y celebremos el cumpleaños de Nuestra Sra. de Guadalupe. Esta es una celebración que queremos compartir con toda nuestra parroquia de San Marcos y con toda la comunidad hispana/latina

en general. Esperamos que invites a tus familiares y amigos. Todos y todas son bienvenidos. El programa para este día es el siguiente: Visita de la St. Virgen a todos los hogares – Desde el día martes 3 de diciembre, la virgen de Guadalupe estará visitando nuestros hogares. Nos reuniremos a las 7:00 PM en diferentes familias por 8 días. Estaremos presentando una lista de las familias que van a recibirla en su casa. Únete a este momento de oración en familia. Celebración del día jueves 11 de diciembre. 6:00 PM – Caminemos juntos con la Morenita. Tendremos una precesión a los alrededores de la iglesia para congregar a todos y todas. Invitamos a todos los niños y niñas a que vengan vestidos de Juan Diegos o con una prenda blanca. 6:30 PM – Oremos todos juntos por las intenciones de nuestra parroquia. Te invitamos a que oremos juntos con el Santo Rosario, una oración bíblica por excelencia, y contemplemos los misterios gozosos en la vida de nuestro Señor. 7:00 PM – Te invitamos a que partamos juntos el Pan de la Palabra y de la Eucaristía. La Santa Misa nos ayudará a recordar que el

regalo de nuestra Señora ha transformado al mundo entero. Tendremos una danza tradicional preparada por un grupo de niños y niñas de la parroquia. 8:30 PM – Cantémosle las mañanitas a la Virgencita. Todos y todas son bienvenidos al Convivio que se ofrecerá después de la misa. Mientras compartimos de una rica comida escucharemos las Mañanitas cantadas por un grupo de Mariachis que vienen de Chicago. Recuerden que esta nuestra celebración en honor a nuestra Sra. de Guadalupe. Invita a tus familiares y amigos a que participen en todos estos eventos. Esta es de verdad una celebración de familia.

Posadas Desde el 16 al 23 de diciembre de 6:30 PM a 8:00 PM en la capilla y el sótano de la parroquia. Ven y comparte en familia esta hermosa tradición y esperemos juntos el nacimiento de nuestro salvador. Eucaristías en la Víspera de Navidad. Les invitamos a que celebremos la eucaristía en la Víspera de Navidad en día 24 de diciembre de la siguiente manera: A las 3:00 PM y 6:00 PM tendremos misas especiales para los niños y niñas. Habrá servicio de guardería disponible para todos. A las 8:00 PM Eucaristía Bilingüe y las 10:00 PM nuestra Eucaristía Mayor. Eucaristía de Navidad El día 25 de diciembre celebraremos juntos el nacimiento de nuestro Salvador Jesucristo. Tendremos la Santa Eucaristía, que será bilingüe, a las 11:00 AM. Te esperamos para que contemplemos al bebe una vez más encarnado en nuestras vidas.

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La Fiesta de la Epifanía - El 24 de Diciembre celebramos LA NAVIDAD, es decir, el nacimiento de Jesús. - Después de la Navidad, la Iglesia celebra, el 6 de Enero, la FIESTA DE LA EPIFANÍA que nos recuerda la visita de los Reyes Magos al Niño Jesús para adorarlo. Esto nos representa la Manifestación del Hijo de Dios a todos las naciones del mundo. La diversidad de todas las personas es celebrada y nos recuerda que todas y todos son bienvenidos. Epifanía significa "manifestación". Jesús se da a conocer. Aunque Jesús se dio a conocer en diferentes momentos a diferentes personas, la Iglesia celebra como epifanías tres eventos:

Su Epifanía ante los Reyes Magos (Mt 2, 1-12) Su Epifanía a San Juan Bautista en el Jordán Su Epifanía a sus discípulos y comienzo de Su vida pública con el milagro en Caná.

La Epifanía que más celebramos en la Navidad es la primera. La fiesta de la Epifanía tiene su origen en la Iglesia de Oriente. A diferencia de Europa, el 6 de enero tanto en Egipto como en Arabia se celebraba el solsticio, festejando al sol victorioso con evocaciones míticas muy antiguas. Epifanio explica que los paganos celebraban el solsticio invernal y el aumento de la luz a los trece días de haberse dado este cambio; nos dice además que los paganos hacían una fiesta significativa y suntuosa en el templo de Coré. Cosme de Jerusalén cuenta que los paganos celebraban una fiesta mucho antes que los cristianos con ritos nocturnos en los que gritaban: "la virgen ha dado a luz, la luz crece". En San Marcos celebramos esta fiesta con alegría porque nos muestra quien somos nosotros como iglesia. Somos de verdad una comunidad que da la bienvenida a todos y todas y damos a conocer esta buena noticia de forma abierta a todas las perso-nas también. Esperamos te unas a nuestra celebración y nos ayudes a comunicar esta buena noticia a otras personas.

Significado y origen de la Rosca de Reyes Algunos puntos importantes a tener en cuenta en esta hermosa tradición de la rosca de Re-yes que estaremos celebrando el día 5 de enero en honor a la Fiesta de la Epifanía o de los Reyes Magos. La Rosca de Reyes representa una corona, la cual se adorna con frutos se-cos y cristalizados de colores simulando las joyas que estaban incrustadas en las coronas de los Santos Reyes que significan Paz, Amor y Felicidad. El niño que se esconde recuerda el momento cuando José y María escondieron al niño Jesús para salvarlo de Herodes. El

hecho de comerse el pan se relaciona a la comunión con lo sagrado del personaje recién nacido. Para los cristianos, la forma circular de la rosca simboliza el amor eterno de Dios, que no tiene principio ni fin. Los dulces o frutos cristalizados son las distracciones del mundo que nos impiden encontrar a Jesús. El muñeco escondido dentro de la rosca simboliza al Niño Jesús que los reyes no encontraban porque la estrella desaparecía. La tradición dicta que quien encuentre al niño en el pedazo de rosca, será quien lo cuide hasta el 2 de febrero, lo vestirá y lo presentará al templo, como lo presentó la Virgen María. Diver-sas investigaciones aseguran que el origen de la Rosca de Reyes viene de Francia, donde se creó una gran rosca donde adentro se escondía un haba. En la actualidad, en Francia el pan que se come lleva el nombre de galette des Rois o torta de Reyes, tiene una forma plana y es de pasta de hojaldre. En España se llama Roscón de Reyes, se hace con agua de azahar y va decorado con frutos secos, muy similar a la rosca mexicana. Según el tamaño de la rosca, es la cantidad de muñecos que se introducen en la misma y se parte el día 6 de enero por la tarde o noche en compañía de la familia. Se considera que esta costumbre sirve para celebrar la última reunión de las festividades de Navidad y en muchos países se acostumbra inter-cambiar regalos para recordar los obsequios que dieron al Niño Dios, los Tres Reyes Magos.

Fechas Importantes Domingo, 4 de enero - Fiesta de la Epifanía o de los Reyes Magos. Esperamos tu participación para que celebremos juntos la tradición de la Rosca de Reyes. Comienzan nuevamente las clases de catequesis a las 12:00 PM. Comienzo de las clases de preparación para las clases de Primera Comunión todos los domingos de 11:30 AM. Necesitamos la presencia de los padres y padrinos durante la Formación de Adultos todos los domingos a las 11:45 AM.

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Eucharist on Wednesdays at noon in the Chapel.

Update...

In an update to last months’ “Where to donate / recycle unwanted items” article, Dick Mylander writes, “ReStore on Route 53 north of North Avenue, which benefits Habitat for Humanity. They have "everything" for the house - appliances, stoves and refrigerators, dishwashers, microwaves, all bathroom items, doors, windows, lights, tools, furniture, wood trim and mouldings, seasonal - especially right now a selection of Christmas lights, ornaments, and trees. ALL AT LOW PRICES! And they will pick up your donation by calling 630-517-2080! St. Mark’s has availed itself of their low prices to buy an assortment of needed items for the church such as poster boards, foldable portable tables, office chairs , and one time all the exit light bulbs to list a few.” Dick Mylander works there three days a week. He adds, “ReStore is open Wednesdays through Saturdays, 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. Inventories of all items change quickly as ReStore has been having sales of over $20,000 a week. So if you don't find it one time go back again and find it.”

Preschool Registration begins January 2015

St. Mark's Preschool registration will begin on January 1, 2015. Returning St. Mark’s Preschool families, St. Mark’s parishioners, and families currently enrolled in our PDO program will receive priority registration up until January 15. We invite all other families to register from January 16 to January 31, 2015. All registrations will be on a first come, first serve basis.

To register, please fill out an application located on our website http://www.stmarksglenellyn.org/preschool/ and mail in the application along with a $75 application fee to St. Mark's Preschool.

Learn about the Reggio Emilia philosophy, tour classrooms and meet the teachers at St. Mark's Prospective Parent Information Night from 7 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, December 11. For families unable to attend the Parent Information Night, we will be hosting a Drop-In Open House from 9:30 to 10 a.m. on Wednesday, December 10.

For further information, please contact us by phone at (630) 858-1020 x234 or email at preschool@stmarksglenellyn.org.

Welcome to 14 new Acolytes!

Pastor Robin will hold one more instruction/refresher session for 3 grade up on December 14 at 11:30. Please indicate your intention to come to Pastor Robin at revdoc04@sbcglobal.net.

A Better Way to De-Ice this Winter!

Jan Langford writes: Helping to create and sustain a greener church and community is an act of faith, love, and praise. This winter, members of St. Mark's can help the environment by using eco-friendly de-icing products at residences and businesses.

Products that contain rock salt (sodium chloride), are extremely harmful to children, pets, and lawns, trees, and shrubs. Safer de-icing products contain potassium chloride, calcium chloride, and/or magnesium chloride. The best products for the environment are sand, gravel, or volcanic materials that provide traction to prevent slips and falls; however, these products do not melt ice and snow.

Local hardware stores (including Soukup's on Main Street just north of St. Mark's), WalMart, Home Depot, and Petco, sell ice melting products such as Safe Step and Safe Paw that are not harmful to the environment. These products are more expensive than rock salt; but purchasing large bags and filling smaller shaker containers as needed reduces waste and is cost-

An Invitation for all Children and Youth

An Invitation for all Children and Youth - Now is the time to join the Chorister Choir (K-3rd grades) and Treble Choir (4th grade through senior high). We are beginning to rehearse music for Advent and Christmas and we need as many singers as possible! All are welcome to join us! Choristers meet on Wednesdays, 4:15 - 5:00 p.m. and Treble Choir meets on Sundays, 11:15 - 11:45 a.m. We will offer anthems for the Christmas Pageant (12/21, 10:30) as well as the 3:00 Christmas Eve service. Contact Marsha Webster, 630-858-1020 or musicassociate@stmarksglenellyn.org.

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St. Nicholas Luncheon Sunday, December 7 11:45 in Mahon Hall

This family event includes a festive lunch, Christmas carols, and a visit from St. Nicholas himself telling his story and providing special treats for the children. Reservations are required to ensure that adequate food is prepared. This event tends to fill up so please sign up early in the narthex or at the front office.

A suggested donation of $8/adult and $4/child ($25 maximum per family) will help to cover the cost of the luncheon. Reservations can be paid for in advance in the front office.

To volunteer with the planning, or for any questions please call Kristin Margaglione at (630) 881-1262.

Are your Children or Grandchildren ready for Christmas?

Christmas Eve worship at 3 p.m. or 5 p.m. on December 24 is particularly suited for children. Everyone will take an active part in assembling a living, wiggling, loud nativity as Pastor Robin tells the familiar story. Sing favorite Christmas hymns and receive Holy Communion together. This year invite a neighbor family!

A ONE-DAY Performing Arts Clinic

All are welcome! Please feel free to bring a friend. This one day camp is offered over the Christmas Break on Friday, January 2. Ages 4-6 are from 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m. Ages 7 and up are from 12:30 p.m.-3:30. We will meet in the undercroft and offer an introduction to singing, dancing and showcase areas of performing arts, as well as play games. Instructor: Gina Corrado. $20 fee. See Fr. George Smith if scholarship needed. Register at the church office or email Kristin419@sbcglobal.net

St. Mark's Annual Christmas Pageant

Amber Lemar will be directing our pageant this year. The script was written by parishioner Robert Lundin.

December 6 - Casting auditions for speaking roles 9:00 in the Undercroft.

December 13 - Rehearsal 9:00-12:00 December 14 - Rehearsal for speaking roles only 11:45-

12:45 December 20 - Full cast rehearsal 9:00-12:00 December 21 - Costumes 9:30am /Pageant 10:30 am

Speaking roles: Mary, Joseph, Narrator, 3 wise men, 6 shepherds, innkeeper & innkeeper wife, Caesar Augustus, 2 rabbits, 2 birds, 2 sheep dogs, donkey, cow. Non-speaking roles: sheep (ages 3-4 yr), shepherds (ages 5-9) and angels (ages 5-9). TO SIGN UP please email amberlemar03@gmail.com or contact Kristin Margaglione, Director of Children's Ministries at childrensministry@stmarksglenellyn.org.

Children’s Ministry Kristin Margaglione childrensministry@stmarksglenellyn.org 630-779-6866

Mark Your (ADVENT) Calendar!

The season of Advent is upon us. It is especially wonderful through the eyes of our children. See what the season and beyond has in store for your children.

Dec 6 Pageant casting Dec 7 St. Nicholas Luncheon 11:45 a.m. Dec 13 Pageant rehearsal Dec 14 Speaking parts rehearsal Dec 20 Pageant rehearal Dec 21 Christmas Pageant 10:30 a.m. (No Sunday School or JAM) Christmas Eve 3:00 and 5:00 p.m. children’s message 8:00 and 10:30 p.m. Christmas Day 11 a.m. worship Dec 28 Worship as a family 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Jan.4 Sunday School resumes

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What’s going on in December: don’t forget to check out the

Christmas Parties!

For Middle Schoolers: 2ndWed@StMarks Dec. 10 (6:00 to 8:00 p.m.) – It’s the Wednesday Night Middle School Group’s Christmas Dinner Celebration! All St. Mark’s 6th, 7th, & 8th graders are invited. We’ll be in Mahon Hall.

For High Schoolers: 1st&3rdWed@StMarks -- Wednesday Night Youth Group for high schoolers. Bring a friend! We’re in the St. Mark’s library. · Dec. 3 – 7:30 to 9:00 p.m. Study Night with snacks! · Dec. 17 – 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. ST. MARK’S HIGH SCHOOL POTLUCK CHRISTMAS DINNER!

Youth@StMarks Contact Kim Reed, Youth Ministry Coordinator Kimreed178@gmail.com or (630) 660-3611

Introducing St. Mark’s Youth Vestry Representatives for 2015:

My name is Jocelyn Briones and I am 19 years old. I have been a member of St. Mark's for almost 17 years. Currently I am attending College of DuPage and plan on becoming a bilingual/special needs early childhood education teacher. I will be the youth representative for the Spanish service. I am also the middle school group leader

alongside three others, which meets every 2nd Wednesday of each month. I currently am the nursery supervisor at St. Barnabas Episcopal Church. I also help my mom, Norma, in the nursery when I can throughout the week. St. Mark's has been like a second home for me.

My name is Will Delany, and I have been part of the St. Mark’s Community for as long as I can remember. I was confirmed in 2012, and I have served as an acolyte, and I now serve as a subdeacon. I play football, wrestle, and run track at Glenbard West High School, and I am also involved in Fellowship of

Christian Athletes, as well as the Ultimate Frisbee Club and the Glenbard West Orchestra. Outside of school, I am an Eagle Scout in Troop 41, and still active in Scouting.

St. Mark’s Youth at the November Diocesan Convention: Two St. Mark’s youth were at this year’s convention: Nathan Littlefield and Caroline Arlasky! Thank you for representing St. Mark’s and Diocesan Youth!

For All Youth:

Join us for Youth “Bridge” Group! All 6th through 12th graders are invited to this 1st Sunday of the month gathering on Dec. 7, 11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m. in the St. Mark’s library. We’ll make PADS lunches, and then we have a guest artist visit. There’ll be pizza! This is a great opportunity for ALL youth to get to know each other.

Help serve the PADS dinner on Sunday, Dec. 7 and Sunday, Jan. 4, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Contact Emily Sexauer if interested: easexauer@comcast.net.

Virgin of Guadalupe Celebration is Thursday, Dec. 11! All are welcome

And for January:

No Youth Bridge Group in January Jan. 7 & 21 – 1st&3rdWed@StMarks High School Youth Group from 7:30 to 9:00 p.m.

Jan. 14 – 2ndWed@StMarks Middle School Youth Group from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m.

Jan. 16—Friday Night Middle School Event at St. Pet’s! More information to come!

Jan. 17—19 Diocesan Youth “Miqra” Retreat for 6th through 12th graders at Grace Episcopal Church in Oak Park. We will take turns reading the entire Bible in 72 hours! Contact me or register online at http://www.episcopalchicago.org/at-work-in-the-church/youth-ministry/miqra/. This is a great way to get inspired for St. Mark’s challenge of reading the entire New Testament!

Sleep out Saturday (thanks to the Boys Scouts for tent assembly!) and Youth Retreat.

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Men’s Group Monthly Breakfast meetings – Tuesday, December 2 at the Glen Oak Restaurant at 6:30 a.m. The Men’s Group also meets on the 2nd and 4th Saturdays of each month. The next meeting is December 13 in the St. Mark’s Library. Coffee at 7:30 a.m. and then a DVD series on the Old Testament (part 4: Abraham, Sarah and Hagar) at 8 a.m. followed by discussion. For additional information, please contact Leo Lanzillo at Lanzillo@gmail.com.

Christmas Baskets!

Our pick-up date this year is Thursday, December 11th. Detailed info on family members and shopping / packing how-to's are included in the family info packet, including when to bring the completed boxes to church in the days before our pick-up date. Contact Ginnie Judd at 708-837-2815 or ginniejudd@gmail.com with questions. Thank you so much!

Wholehearted Living

All are invited to celebrate the launch of Wholehearted Living, a new daybook for women by parishioner Jennifer Grant. Jennifer will have a book event on Thursday, December 4th at 6:30 pm at Prairie Path Books in Wheaton. The bookstore is at 303 E. Front Street - enter the main doors of the Toms-Price building. The publisher, Loyola Press, writes: "Wholehearted Living addresses the authentic concerns, fears, and joys that women experience as they strive against the imperfect “have it all” mentality. Every month presents its own practice relating to reflection, risk, or rest, and each page echoes the needs of modern moms. Wholehearted Living doesn’t try to change who you are, it helps you thrive where you are." Questions? Email Jen at jen@jennifergrant.com or visit her website for more details about the book at jennifergrant.com.

Advent Blue The Rev. Catharine Phillips

The Advent season often brings with it a wide range of emotion. For some the prospect of gathered family brings joy and excitement. For others it is time when the world turns to darkness, not just in the literal shorter day, longer night sense. For some it is a time when grief and loss loom larger, particularly in the celebratory light of Christmas coming.

As priest and therapist I encourage those who experience this season as difficult or particularly dark to take care of yourselves, but also allow others to take care of you. If it is difficult to attend the 9:15, 10:30 or 1:00 Sunday services, consider the smaller gathering at 8:00. Think about attending the Wednesday noon service, another gathering of the faithful. If you need to sit in the back of the church, sit there. If you need to slip out at any point in the service, do that. Permission granted. Ask for prayer. Put yourself on the prayer list (even by a first name, or initials... Of course God knows each one of us).

I offer this gem of a prayer, hidden in the Book of Common Prayer on page 461. I have often found it a comfort:

This is another day, O Lord. I know not what it will bring forth, but make me ready, Lord, for whatever it may be. If I am to stand up, help me to stand bravely. If I am to sit still, help me to sit quietly. If I am to lie low, help me to do it patiently. And if I am to do nothing, let me do gallantly. Make these words more than words, and give me the Spirit of Jesus. Amen.

A number of churches have established a Blue Christmas service, for healing and comfort, often on the Sunday before Christmas. The church I served before coming to St. Mark’s, St. Benedict in Bolingbrook, has such a service this year on Sunday, December 21, at 5 P.M.

Daughters of the King

If you are looking for other women to share your spiritual journey or just want to get to know women of the church better, plan to attend the next meeting of the Daughters Of

the King. We are an Order of the Episcopal Church here at St. Mark's and our next meeting is Monday, December 16 at 7:30 in the church library. There will be prayer, study, and business as well as coffee, cookies, laughter and conversation. All women in the parish are welcome. If you are interested in learning more about the Daughters, please contact Karen Evans, President, (708) 642-2601 or karen.evans@menta.com.

We need volunteers for the People’s Resource Center Food Pantry, Saturday morning,

Jan. 24, from 8:45 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

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On the Liturgy… David Fletcher, david.b.fletcher@wheaton.edu

1. Joy to the world, the Lord is come! The celebration of The Nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ, or Christmas, has been observed in the Church annually since ancient times, at least from the 300s AD. Yet surprisingly there have been times and places where some Christians refused to celebrate this holiday, such as during the brief reign of the Commonwealth in England, 1649-1660, as well as in Puritan New England, when it was a crime to celebrate Christmas at all! This was due to Christmas festivities that offended the straight-laced Puritans. Although the date of Christ’s birth is not recorded in the Gospels, December 25 was selected for the celebration of the Nativity, on the date of the Roman festival of the Birth of the Unconquerable Sun and the winter solstice, which now was given new meaning by the fact of the birth of God’s only Son.

The word “Christmas” was used in the twelfth century, as a contraction of “Christ’s Mass.” This feast has always been a favorite of Anglicans as well as other Christians because it celebrates the great doctrine of the Incarnation, the coming of the eternal Son of God into our humanity. This season of Christmas, also called Christmastide, continues until Epiphany, January 6.

2. The Church Year celebrates seven Feasts of our Lord, special Holy Days commemorating principal events in Christ's earthly life, such as his Presentation in the Temple and his Transfiguration (see the Book of Common Prayer, p. 16). The first of these is January 1, the Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus.

The Feast of the Holy Name of Jesus falls on the eighth day after the Nativity; this would be the day that Mary's baby was taken to receive circumcision, the sign of the Jewish covenant, and was given his name. Unlike many parents, Mary and Joseph did not have to puzzle to come up with an appropriate name for their new baby, since the Angel had already told Joseph that the baby would be named Jesus (Hebrew: Yeshua, which means Savior or Deliverer) because he would "save his people from their sins" (Matthew 1:21).

Early Christian preaching proclaimed that this name is packed with meaning; it shows that while he was the Son of God, Jesus was also a flesh-and-blood human being who died a human death, and whom God raised to be our Savior (Acts 2:32, 4:12). With those who have preceded us in the faith of the Church, let us rejoice in the Savior at whose Name "every knee shall bow."

Touchingly, the Church Year surrounds the infant Jesus with his first martyrs. December 28, celebrates the Holy Innocents, the male children less than two years of age in Bethlehem that Herod ordered to be murdered in a futile attempt to eliminate the threat of a newborn King. The Church has always honored these young martyrs, whom St. Augustine called “buds, killed by the frost of persecution the moment they showed themselves.”

3. Epiphany begins January 6 and will last until Ash Wednesday and the beginning of Lent. The name comes from the Greek word epiphaneia, meaning "manifestation." The theme of Epiphany is the manifestation of Christ. Pivotal events in this manifestation are in his appearance to his first Gentile believers (the Wise Men, or Magi) and the revelation of his Divinity in his baptism in the river Jordan and his first miracle at Cana. Epiphany originated in the Eastern (Orthodox) Church and later in our Western church. Along with Christmas and Easter, it is one of the three most important and most ancient festival days of the Church.

Who were the Magi? They were scholars and pilgrims who came from the East who followed a star to visit the young King of the Jews. In Eastern churches it is believed that there were twelve Magi, while in the West the number is set at three, corresponding to the three gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh (Matt. 2:11). Tradition has held that they were kings, in fulfillment of Ps. 72:11, "May all kings fall down before him." They are known as Balthasar, Melchior, and Gaspar; the kings of Arabia, Persia, and India, respectively. Relics supposed to be of these kings were transferred from Constantinople, to Milan, and then to Cologne in the twelfth century.

Never Stop Growing in Faith!

Adult Formation—Join us in the Library at 9:30 Sundays for a variety of discussions and speakers. Never the same twice - don't miss out! (JAM for ages 3-7 begins at 9:15. Nursery is available all morning.)

FROM YOUR MAILBOX TO ST. MARK’S!

An envelope containing materials for the 2015 Giving Campaign has arrived in your mail. Please bring your pledge card to worship, mail it in, or drop it off at the office.

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Vestry meetings are open. The next meeting is December 16 at 7:30 p.m. in the Library.

2015 Giving Campaign Progress Report

Thank you to everyone who has turned in a pledge card. If you haven’t turned in your pledge please do so as soon as possible. A blank pledge card is printed in this bulletin.

Visit the St. Mark's Web Site for Resources on Giving

Under the "Give" tab on the top right of the front page, a drop-down menu offers:

· What is a pledge? · Guidance on making a pledge · The proposed budget for 2015 · Print a pledge card (mail or bring to St. Mark's) · Make your pledge on-line, electronic pledge form · Contribute on-line with a check or credit card

Calling All BFFs!

Have a project that needs doing? Want some company for motivation and sharing? Seeking to learn something new or solve a conundrum? Need a flexible time commitment? Why not join other BFFs to start, continue, or finish that project?

BUSY FRIENDLY FOLKs will be meeting weekly on Wednesdays in the library from 9 to 11:30 AM, starting January 14, 2015. Bring yourself and a friend: any and all are welcome. Bring your portable project: whatever you desire or need to do knit, sew, needlepoint, menu and grocery plan, read and respond to email, organize the social calendar, write snail mail, scrapbook, draw, paint by number just sit and relax, talk, share, listen. Future group projects may be considered if participants so desire. Coffee will be served. No food necessary. A follow up of noon Eucharist or a group lunch out are always possibilities. Contact Cheryl Olsen for info at 360-790-3741 or bobchero@gmail.com.

PADS Volunteers for Dec 7-8

Volunteers and food donors are needed to help with the St. Mark's PADS ministry serving

the homeless in our community. The next time that St. Mark's serves at PADS is Sunday, Dec 7 through Monday, Dec 8 To volunteer or for more information contact David Dornblaser dornblaser@me.com 630.474.9706 or Don Sutherland drsmps@sbcglobal.net 630.469.8284.

Warming Shelter Volunteers

Winter is here and the weather is turning colder. St. Mark’s has volunteered to staff the Glen Ellyn Welcome and Warming Center for the Homeless. Our shift is every third

Sunday of the month, from 4:00 PM to 6:45 PM. The Center is located at 424 Forest Ave. @ the First Methodist Church in Glen Ellyn. There is a sign-up sheet in the hall outside the Library, and we need at least five volunteers for each of our assigned Sundays. Share some of your energy and the warmth of your smile with someone who will always appreciate them. Questions? Please call Ben Maxson (630) 715 - 5913.

Pray!

St. Mark's Prayer Providers Wednesday, December 3 at 11:00 a.m. in the Library. To join, please contact May Anstee (630) 889-0933 or m-anstee@comcast.net. To submit prayer requests please contact Deacon Judy Jackson at dblj@mac.com.

Batters Up!

The Annual Meeting and Mexico Trip Cake Auction and Bake Sale is Sunday, January 25 between the 10:30 a.m. and the 1:00 p.m. services. Anyone is welcome to donate cakes or baked goods. Please bring them to Mahon Hall before the meeting.

It's not how much we give but how much love we put

into givinga -Mother Teresa

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Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage

PAID Glen Ellyn,

Illinois

Permit No. 18

Printed on recycled paper.

Christmas Flowers & Music

Your Name: _____________________________________________

For: Christmas Greens Christmas Brass

In Memory of:______________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

In Thanksgiving for:_________________________________________

_________________________________________________________

Place this form in the offering plate with your cash/check or bring it to the church

office. All submissions received by Wednesday, December 17th

will be listed in the Christmas Eve bulletins. Poinsettias are $20 each.