Holy Eucharist, Rite II Welcome to Saint Mark’s Episcopal Church.
Guests Whether you are a guest for the first time or a member of many years, we are glad you are here this morning.
Guests are cordially invited to sign the guest book located by the front door, or fill out a communication card found in the pews to help us welcome you. Please gather after the 10:30 a.m. service in the Parish Hall (directly in back of our worship space) for refreshments. Saint Mark’s is fully accessible, with an elevator located near the bell tower.
Worship This order of service is designed as a guide to today’s liturgy. The Hymnal is the blue book in the pew racks; the
red book is the Book of Common Prayer (BCP). A hearing assistance device and large print prayer book are available from the ushers. Large print hymns and service music for today’s worship also are available from the ushers. This bulletin is also available for download and viewing on portable electronic devices. Access via QR codes posted throughout the Narthex or on the Saint Mark’s website at: saintmarkscolumbus.org/bulletin.
Children Young people are invited to participate in Godly Play (age 3 - Kindergarten) or Children’s Chapel (grades 1-5),
which happen during the first portion of the 10:30 a.m. service and are held in the Education Wing. After experiencing the liturgy in an age appropriate fashion up through the reading of the Gospel, children in Children’s Chapel will break into two groups to respond to God's Word. There is a staffed nursery beginning at 9:15 a.m. for children age 3 and under. First Sundays are special! Children are encouraged to worship with their parents and experience the children’s homily and the singing of the Canterbury Choir.
Reflections on the Sunday Readings On this Advent Sunday, the liturgy is centered on the second Advent of Christ, when he will return as judge and establish
the Kingdom of God. In today’s Gospel reading Jesus tells his followers that his return will be sudden and with no warning.
Therefore, we are to live at all times as though his return is imminent.
In the first reading, the prophet Isaiah foresees that Kingdom as God’s reign over a united and peaceful humanity. All
people will know themselves to be the children of God and brothers and sisters to all other people.
The second reading from Romans exhorts us to live as though we were in the last days. We are to live as though the
Kingdom has come; shunning darkness and living in the light of God’s presence.
The Advent theme that points to Jesus’ first coming in his birth becomes the sign for us of the Advent yet to come. As we
gather in the Eucharist, we find in our liturgical action a foretaste of the unity and peace of God’s Kingdom. We recognize
that in this in-between time (between Jesus’ first coming and his second) we ourselves are caught up in the Eucharist into
We gather quietly for a period of meditation and reflection.
Kindly silence all mobile devices.
VOLUNTARY
Fantasy 5: Veni Emmanuel Kenneth Leighton (1929–1988)
The congregation stands as the bell tolls. A verger leads a procession to the Advent wreath during the Introit. INTROIT (Saint Mark’s Choir) Veni, veni, Emmanuel
Plainsong, Mode 1 (15th century)
Text: Latin, ca. 9th century
THE LIGHTING OF THE ADVENT WREATH
Officiant Come and save us, O Lord God of hosts. People Come and save us, O Lord God of hosts. Officiant Show us the light of your countenance, and we shall be saved: People O Lord God of hosts. Officiant Glory to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit. People Come and save us, O Lord God of hosts.
The Advent candle is now lit.
Celebrant Show us your mercy, O Lord: Response And grant us your salvation.
PROCESSIONAL HYMN 58 (standing, sung by all) St. Thomas
“Lo! he comes, with clouds descending” melody att. John Francis Wade (1711–1786)
The Word of God
Celebrant Blessed be God: Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. BCP (Book of Common Prayer), p. 355 People And blessed be God’s kingdom, now and forever. Amen. COLLECT FOR PURITY
Celebrant Almighty God, to you all hearts are open, all desires known, and from you no secrets are hid: Cleanse the thoughts of our hearts by the inspiration of your Holy Spirit, that we may perfectly love you, and worthily magnify your holy Name, through Christ our Lord. People Amen.
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O come, O come, Emmanuel, and ransom captive Israel, that mourns in lonely exile here until the Son of God appear. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
O come, thou Wisdom from on high, who orderest all things mightily; to us the path of knowledge show, and teach us in her ways to go. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel!
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KYRIE (HYMNAL S-91) (standing, sung by all) Healey Willan (1880–1968)
THE COLLECT OF THE DAY
Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Celebrant Let us pray.
Almighty God, give us grace to cast away the works of darkness, and put on the armor of light, now in the time of this mortal life in which your Son Jesus Christ came to visit us in great humility; that in the last day, when he shall come again in his glorious majesty to judge both the living and the dead, we may rise to the life immortal; through him who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever.
People Amen. THE FIRST LESSON: ISAIAH 2:1–5 (seated) Reader The Spirit is speaking. People God’s people are listening. Reader A reading from the Book of Isaiah.
The word that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah and Jerusalem. In days to come the
mountain of the Lord’s house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised
above the hills; all the nations shall stream to it. Many peoples shall come and say, “Come, let us go
up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and
that we may walk in his paths.” For out of Zion shall go forth instruction, and the word of the Lord
from Jerusalem. He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate for many peoples; they shall
beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up
sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more. O house of Jacob, come, let us walk in
the light of the Lord!
Reader The Word of the Lord. People Thanks be to God.
The antiphon is sung first by the cantor, then repeated by all, and then sung by all after verses 2, 5, 7, and 9.
1 I was glad when they said to me,
“Let us go to the house of the LORD.”
2 Now our feet are standing
within your gates, O Jerusalem. ANTIPHON
3 Jerusalem is built as a city
that is at unity with itself;
4 To which the tribes go up,
the tribes of the LORD,
the assembly of Israel,
to praise the Name of the LORD.
5 For there are the thrones of judgment,
the thrones of the house of David. ANTIPHON
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem:
“May they prosper who love you.
7 Peace be within your walls
and quietness within your towers. ANTIPHON
8 For my brethren and companions’ sake,
I pray for your prosperity.
9 Because of the house of the LORD our God,
I will seek to do you good.” ANTIPHON
THE SECOND LESSON: ROMANS 13:11–14 (seated) Reader A reading from the Letter of Paul to the Romans.
You know what time it is, how it is now the moment for you to wake from sleep. For salvation is
nearer to us now than when we became believers; the night is far gone, the day is near. Let us then
lay aside the works of darkness and put on the armor of light; let us live honorably as in the day, not
in reveling and drunkenness, not in debauchery and licentiousness, not in quarreling and jealousy.
Instead, put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh, to gratify its desires.
Reader Hear what the Spirit is saying to God’s people. People Thanks be to God.
GRADUAL HYMN 64 (standing, sung by all) O Heiland, reiss
“O heavenly Word, eternal Light” melody from Rheinfelsisches Deutsches Catholisches Gesangbuch (1666)
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THE GOSPEL: MATTHEW 24:36–44 (standing)
Gospeller The Holy Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ according to Matthew. People Glory to you, Lord Christ.
Jesus said to his disciples, “About that day and hour no one knows, neither the angels of heaven, nor
the Son, but only the Father. For as the days of Noah were, so will be the coming of the Son of Man.
For as in those days before the flood they were eating and drinking, marrying and giving in marriage,
until the day Noah entered the ark, and they knew nothing until the flood came and swept them all
away, so too will be the coming of the Son of Man. Then two will be in the field; one will be taken
and one will be left. Two women will be grinding meal together; one will be taken and one will be
left. Keep awake therefore, for you do not know on what day your Lord is coming. But understand
this: if the owner of the house had known in what part of the night the thief was coming, he would
have stayed awake and would not have let his house be broken into. Therefore you also must be
ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an unexpected hour.”
Gospeller The Gospel of the Lord. People Praise to you, Lord Christ. SERMON (seated) Christopher C. Richardson
THE NICENE CREED (standing, said by all) BCP, p. 358
We believe in one God, the Father, the Almighty, maker of heaven and earth, of all that is, seen and unseen. We believe in one Lord, Jesus Christ, the only Son of God, eternally begotten of the Father, God from God, Light from Light, true God from true God, begotten, not made, of one Being with the Father. Through him all things were made. For us and for our salvation he came down from heaven: by the power of the Holy Spirit he became incarnate from the Virgin Mary, and was made man. For our sake he was crucified under Pontius Pilate; he suffered death and was buried. On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures; he ascended into heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. We believe in the Holy Spirit, the Lord, the giver of life, who proceeds from the Father and the Son. With the Father and the Son he is worshiped and glorified. He has spoken through the Prophets. We believe in one holy catholic and apostolic Church. We acknowledge one baptism for the forgiveness of sins. We look for the resurrection of the dead, and the life of the world to come. Amen.
THE PRAYERS OF THE PEOPLE, FORM VI (standing or kneeling) BCP, p. 392
Leader In peace, we pray to you, Lord God. Silence Leader For all people in their daily life and work; People For our families, friends, and neighbors, and for those who are alone. Leader For this community, the nation, and the world; People For all who work for justice, freedom, and peace. Leader For the just and proper use of your creation; People For the victims of hunger, fear, injustice, and oppression. Leader For all who are in danger, sorrow, or any kind of trouble; People For those who minister to the sick, the friendless, and the needy. Leader For the peace and unity of the Church of God; People For all who proclaim the Gospel, and all who seek the Truth.
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Leader For Michael our Presiding Bishop; for Tom, our own bishop; for Paul, Christopher, Mary Lynn, Michael, and Joan our clergy; for all bishops and other ministers;
People For all who serve God in his Church. Leader For the special needs and concerns of this congregation…
(Additional petitions for those who work for justice and peace may be added here)
(Additional petitions for Anglican, diocesan and parish cycles of prayer may be added here)
(Additional petitions for parish prayer list may be added here)
Silence
The People may add their own petitions
Leader Hear us, Lord; People For your mercy is great. Leader We thank you, Lord, for all the blessings of this life.
(Additional petitions of thanksgiving may be added here)
Silence The People may add their own thanksgivings
Leader We will exalt you, O God our King; People And praise your Name for ever and ever. Leader We pray for all who have died, that they may have a place in your eternal kingdom. We pray
especially for [ ], and those the congregation may wish to name… Silence
The People may add their own petitions
Leader Lord, let your loving-kindness be upon them; People Who put their trust in you. Silence (The Celebrant may add a concluding Collect)
THE CONFESSION OF SIN (standing or kneeling) BCP, p. 360
Deacon or Celebrant Let us confess our sins against God and our neighbor. Silence may be kept People Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word,
and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.
THE ABSOLUTION BCP, p. 360
Celebrant Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you all your sins through our Lord Jesus Christ, strengthen you in all goodness, and by the power of the Holy Spirit keep you in eternal life.
People Amen.
THE PEACE (standing)
Celebrant The peace of the Lord be always with you. People And also with you.
We greet one another in the name of the Lord.
ANNOUNCEMENTS
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The Holy Communion OFFERINGS (seated)
We present the offerings of our life and labor to the Lord. Offerings can be placed either directly in the plate, or, if your prefer
to give online please visit http://saintmarkscolumbus.org/online-offering (or scan the code to the right using your mobile device).
An “alternate giving card” is available to place in the plate if you choose to give electronically.
OFFERTORY ANTHEM (Saint Mark’s Choir) I Was Glad
David Hurd (b. 1950) Text: Psalm 122
The People stand as a Verger leads a procession of the offering to the altar, which is then prepared for Holy Eucharist.
THE GREAT THANKSGIVING—PRAYER D (standing) BCP, p. 372
Celebrant The Lord be with you. People And also with you. Celebrant Lift up your hearts. People We lift them to the Lord. Celebrant Let us give thanks to the Lord our God. People It is right to give God thanks and praise.
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I was glad when they said to me, “Let us go to the house of the Lord.” Now our feet are standing within your gates, O Jerusalem. Jerusalem is built as a city that is at unity with itself; To which the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, the assembly of Israel, to praise the Name of the Lord. For there are the thrones of judgment, the thrones of the house of David. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: “May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls and quietness within your towers. For my brethren and companions’ sake, I pray for your prosperity. Because of the house of the Lord our God, I will seek to do you good.”
Then, facing the Holy Table, the Celebrant proceeds
Celebrant It is truly right to glorify you, Father, and to give you thanks; for you alone are God, living and true, dwelling in light inaccessible from before time and for ever. Fountain of life and source of all goodness, you made all things and fill them with your blessing; you created them to rejoice in the splendor of your radiance. Countless throngs of angels stand before you to serve you night and day; and, beholding the glory of your presence, they offer you unceasing praise. Joining with them, and giving voice to every creature under heaven, we acclaim you, and glorify your Name, as we sing,
SANCTUS (HYMNAL S-114) (standing, sung by all) Healey Willan
The Celebrant continues; the People may stand or kneel.
Celebrant We acclaim you, holy Lord, glorious in power. Your mighty works reveal your wisdom and love. You formed us in your own image, giving the whole world into our care, so that, in obedience to you, our Creator, we might rule and serve all your creatures. When our disobedience took us far from you, you did not abandon us to the power of death. In your mercy you came to our help, so that in seeking you we might find you. Again and again you called us into covenant with you, and through the prophets you taught us to hope for salvation. Father, you loved the world so much that in the fullness of time you sent your only Son to be our Savior. Incarnate by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, he lived as one of us, yet without sin. To the poor he proclaimed the good news of salvation; to prisoners, freedom; to the sorrowful, joy. To fulfill your purpose he gave himself up to death; and, rising from the grave, destroyed death, and made the whole creation new.
And, that we might live no longer for ourselves, but for him who died and rose for us, he sent the Holy Spirit, his own first gift for those who believe, to complete his work in the world, and to bring to fulfillment the sanctification of all. When the hour had come for him to be glorified by you, his heavenly Father, having loved his own who were in the world, he loved them to the end; at supper with them he took bread, and when he had given thanks to you, he broke it, and gave it to his disciples, and said, “Take, eat: This is my Body, which is given for you. Do this for the remembrance of me.”
After supper he took the cup of wine; and when he had given thanks, he gave it to them, and said, “Drink this, all of you. This is my Blood of the new Covenant, which is shed for you and for many for the forgiveness of sins. Whenever you drink it, do this for the remembrance of me.”
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Father, we now celebrate this memorial of our redemption. Recalling Christ’s death and his descent among the dead, proclaiming his resurrection and ascension to your right hand, awaiting his coming in glory; and offering to you, from the gifts you have given us, this bread and this cup, we praise you and we bless you.
People We praise you, we bless you, we give thanks to you, and we pray to you, Lord our God. Celebrant Lord, we pray that in your goodness and mercy your Holy Spirit may descend upon us, and
upon these gifts, sanctifying them and showing them to be holy gifts for your holy people, the bread of life and the cup of salvation, the Body and Blood of your Son Jesus Christ. Grant that all who share this bread and cup may become one body and one spirit, a living sacrifice in Christ, to the praise of your Name. Remember, Lord, your one holy catholic and apostolic Church, redeemed by the blood of your Christ. Reveal its unity, guard its faith, and preserve it in peace. Grant that we may find our inheritance with the Blessed Virgin Mary, with patriarchs, prophets, apostles, and martyrs, with Mark, our patron, and all the saints who have found favor with you in ages past. We praise you in union with them and give you glory through your Son Jesus Christ our Lord. Through Christ, and with Christ, and in Christ, all honor and glory are yours, Almighty God and Father, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, for ever and ever.
People AMEN.
THE LORD’S PRAYER BCP, p. 364
Celebrant And now, as our Savior Christ has taught us, we are bold to say, People Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be thy Name, thy kingdom come, thy will be
done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever and ever. Amen.
THE BREAKING OF THE BREAD BCP, p. 364
Celebrant Alleluia. Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us; People Therefore let us keep the feast. Alleluia.
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AGNUS DEI (HYMNAL S-158) (standing or kneeling, sung by all) Healey Willan
Celebrant The Gifts of God for the People of God. Take them in remembrance that Christ died for you,
and feed on him in your hearts by faith, with thanksgiving.
Everyone who seeks a closer relationship with God through Christ is invited to receive communion. The ushers will guide you as you come
forward. If you are not able to come to the altar, please motion to an usher and communion will be brought to you.
COMMUNION ANTHEM (Saint Mark’s Choir) Selections from Cantata No. 140
Johann Sebastian Bach (1685–1750)
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Zion hört die Wächter singen, das Herz tut ihr vor Freude springen, sie wacht und stehet eilend auf. Ihr Freund kommt vom Himmel prächtig, von Gnaden stark, von Wahrheit mächtig, ihr Licht wird hell, ihr Stern geht auf. Nun komm, du werte Kron, Herr Jesu, Gottes Sohn! Hosianna! Wir folgen all zum Freudensaal und halten mit das Abendmahl.
Zion hears the watchmen singing, and all her heart springs with joy, she wakes and rises hastily. Her friend comes from heaven with splendor strong in mercy, mighty in truth, her light becomes bright, her star rises. Now come, dear Prince, Lord Jesus, God’s Son! Hosanna! We all follow to the banquet hall and keep the Holy Communion.
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Text: Philipp Nicolai (1556–1608)
COMMUNION HYMN 73 (seated, sung by all) St. Stephen
“The King shall come when morning dawns” William Jones (1726–1800)
POSTCOMMUNION PRAYER (standing or kneeling) BCP, p. 366
Celebrant Let us pray. People Almighty and everliving God, we thank you for feeding us with the spiritual food of the
most precious Body and Blood of your Son our Savior Jesus Christ; and for assuring us in these holy mysteries that we are living members of the Body of your Son, and heirs of your eternal kingdom. And now, Father, send us out to do the work you have given us to do, to love and serve you as faithful witnesses of Christ our Lord. To him, to you, and to the Holy Spirit, be honor and glory, now and for ever. Amen.
AN ADVENT BLESSING
Celebrant May the Sun of Righteousness shine upon you and scatter the darkness from before your path; and the blessing of God Almighty, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, be among you, and remain with you always.
People Amen.
POSTCOMMUNION HYMN 68 (standing, sung by all) Llangloffan
“Rejoice! rejoice, believers” melody from Hymnau a Thonau er Gwasanaeth yr Eglwys yng Nghymru (1865) The Choir will remain in the chancel for the singing of the hymn.
THE DISMISSAL A deacon or priest dismisses the congregation.
People Thanks be to God. From the First Sunday of Advent to the Day of Pentecost, the chancel party will process out during the playing of the voluntary.
Following the dismissal, the congregation is invited either to depart for fellowship or to sit and listen to the organ voluntary.
Gloria sei dir gesungen mit Menschen- und englischen Zungen, mit Harfen und mit Zimbeln schön. Von zwölf Perlen sind die Pforten an deiner Stadt, wir sind Konsorten der Engel hoch um deinen Thron. Kein Aug hat je gespürt, kein Ohr hat je gehört solche Freude. Das sind wir froh, io, io, ewig in dulci jubilo.
Glory to you be sung with mortal and angelic tongues, with beautiful harp and cymbal. The gates are of twelve pearls in your city, we are gathered, the angel is high around your throne. No eye has ever seen, no ear has ever heard such joy. We are glad to sing io, io, forever in sweet jubilation.
t h e W E E K L Y E P I S T L E
November 27, 2016
Today’s News: Prayer List has been Reset
As of the today, the First Sunday in Advent, we have reset the prayer list in accordance with the church calendar year. If you wish to have your name, your family member or friend’s name remain on the prayer list, please contact the Parish
Thank you for participating in the Living Generously Campaign this year! To date, more than one hundred individuals and families have helped Saint Mark’s launch the 2017 pledge ingathering to
indicate their financial support for the church for the coming year. Sixty-five so far have been able to increase their pledge. To these families, we deeply appreciate your early leadership and support. It serves as a strong foundation as pledges
continue to be received into November. If you haven’t done so already, please take the time to fill out and return your pledge card for 2017. Additional cards can be found on the table in the Narthex and pews, or donate online at http://
saintmarkscolumbus.org/online-contributions/. Our shared mission is to be the hands, heart and voice of Christ in the world. It takes place individually in our prayers, words, actions, and collectively through the work made possible by Saint
Mark’s place in our lives and community. In an often divisive and broken world, we uplift God’s abundance of grace and generosity. It is our joy to be part of this celebration with you. Thank you.
Adult Formation Adult formation will begin each Sunday at 9:30 a.m. This fall the group continues discussion of the podcast “On Being.” For
more information, visit http://saintmarkscolumbus.org/adult-formation/
Children’s Formation Children’s formation begins Sundays at 10:30 a.m. with Godly Play (ages 3-Kindergarten) and Children’s Chapel (grades
1-5) in the Education Wing. The children in Children’s Chapel then break into two groups for age appropriate lessons. You can view the complete Sunday Formation Schedule at: http://saintmarkscolumbus.org/fall-2015-sunday-morning-schedule/
and register your child for Godly Play, Church School, or Youth Group at: saintmarkscolumbus.org/church-school-registration-form/. Come to any event and be sure to fill out a registration form!
Youth Group and J2A
This fall, Youth Group and J2A will be meeting on Sundays from 12:00 p.m. - 1:30 p.m. Some meetings will be run like a typical J2A session, and others will be more focused on fellowship activities. For more information, visit:
saintmarkscolumbus.org/teen/ This Week:
Christopher’s “Out of Office” Office Hours
Christopher Richardson will have "out of office" office hours at the Crimson Cup on Lane Ave. most Wednesday evenings from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Please feel free to stop by and chat!
Gentle Worship December 4 Everyone is cordially invited to Saint Mark’s Gentle Worship service on Sunday, December 4, at 9:00 a.m. in the choir area
behind the main altar. The Gentle Worship service takes into consideration the presence of people with a “special need” - such as a person who falls along the Autism Spectrum Disorder - or a form of dementia such as Alzheimer’s Disease. These
liturgies tend to be shorter, simpler, have softer music and more easily designed communications. All are welcome!
Noonday Eucharist—Wednesday, November 30, Saint Andrew the Apostle Every Wednesday at 12 noon in the Church, the Holy Eucharist is celebrated with the
laying on of hands for ministry of healing. The service often includes the special
commemoration of a person or an occasion from the Episcopal Church’s new resource:
Holy Women, Holy Men. “Blessed feasts of blessed martyrs, holy women, holy men, with affection’s recollections greet we your re-
turn again. Worthy deeds they wrought, and wonders, worthy of the Name they bore; we, with meetest
praise and sweetest, honor them for evermore.” Twelfth century Latin text, translated John Mason Neale #238, The Hymnal 1982
Adult Formation Topic for Next Sunday, December 4
On Being: Einstein’s God continued - Christopher C. Richardson
The Canterbury Cafe is Open—Enjoy a Cup of Friendship Soup Today!
The Canterbury Choir will be serving generous samples of Friendship Soup during fellowship hour in the parish hall after 10:30 services on Sundays from November 20 through December 11. Soup mixes, handmade by the choristers, will be
available for sale at that time. The mixes are a great way to make an easy dinner on a busy schedule! They also make excellent holiday gifts for friends and family, as well as great appreciation gifts for teachers, students, babysitters, etc. Cost
for the mixes is $7 for a pint size or $10 for a quart. Proceeds benefit the Canterbury Choir Fund, which supports the training and enrichment of the choir, including its annual spring outings. Do good work. Eat good food!
Supper Group begins Saturday December 3rd with a Christmas Dinner
Please sign up to bring an appetizer, salad, side dish or dessert of you choice. The sign up sheet will be in the Parish Hall. All are welcome, couples or singles. It is a great way to get to know others.
Festival of Advent Lessons and Carols on December 4
Please save the date of Sunday, December 4, at 4 p.m. for our annual Festival of Advent Lessons Carols. A beloved parish favorite, the service includes music by both the Saint Mark's Choir and the Canterbury Choir. Admission is free. Donations
will be accepted in support of the Special Music Fund. A reception will follow. Please join us, and be sure to invite some friends!
Upcoming/Continuing Christmas Pageant News
Youth of ALL ages are invited to participate in the annual Christmas Pageant. Rehearsal- December 18th after the 10:30 service; Dress Rehearsal- Dec. 24th 4:00 p.m.; Pageant- Dec. 24th at 5:00 p.m. Volunteers are needed. Please contact the
office 614-486-9452.
A Place to ask 21st Century Questions… VIA MEDIA has come to Saint Mark’s! What is “Via Media”? “Via Media” is a designed to proclaim the Good News of God in
Christ Jesus and to present the Episcopal Church in a contemporary context. It celebrates who we are as American Anglicans and invites others to "taste and see," offering seekers both the content and the context for conversations about
Christian faith from an unabashedly Anglican perspective. “Via Media” is grounded in the traditional Anglican perspective balancing Scripture, Traditions and Reason. It is rooted in Trinitarian theology and offers a diverse, compelling witness to
the unique way of being Christian that is our Anglican heritage. It invites those seeking spiritual community to explore Anglican Christianity through a non-threatening eight-week course of study, prayer and conversation surrounded by radical
hospitality. This is an eight week course; each ninety minute session includes a meal, presentation, and discussion. Seven participants and a facilitator comprise each group—and groups will continue to form throughout the year until every
person has had a chance to participate. The next session will begin January 4, 2017.
Outreach:
For more information about the Outreach programs listed below and others, please visit http://saintmarkscolumbus.org/outreach St. John’s Town Street
A big thank you to the following who graciously gave of their time to prepare, serve and clean up last Wednesday, November 16: Barb Keyes, Linda & Bill Ryan, David Boop, Bruce Johnson, Sara Turner, Jud Turner, Drew Johnston, Maggie
Grosso, Stacy McIntire, Marilyn Smith, the Smith Family (Greg, Mara, Leah, Lillian & Simon), and Cullie Rechner. We had a lot of new good workers and I know we are truly appreciated! Please mark your calendars for March 30, May 18, October 19 and November 16 for future dinners. Happy Thanksgiving Day to all! Sally & Cullie
Cookie Walk
It's not too early to be thinking of Christmas cookies! Our annual cookie walk will be held on Sunday December 11 following the 10:30 service. We will need lots of bakers to bring yummy cookies, candy or other sweet treats to the church
on Saturday, December 10 or before the service on the 11th, and lots of hungry buyers on the 11th! Profits from the walk go to support this years outreach designee, NNEMAP.
The Giving Tree
Our Giving Tree will have ornaments on it which will describe an item The Homeless Families Foundation has requested on behalf of the families to receive as Christmas gifts.
There are also ornaments which request basic needs of cleaning supplies and bedding. We are asking members of our parish to take as many ornaments as you wish, purchase the items
and return them to the tree (unwrapped) with the original ornament attached. All gifts must be put under the tree no later than the 3rd Sunday of Advent, December 11.
Saint Mark’s celebrates Holy Eucharist on Sundays at 8 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. and Wednesdays at 12 noon.
Mission Statement:
Saint Mark’s seeks to be a Christ-centered congregation where people can come to understand and strengthen their relationships with God. We want everyone to feel included, to be nurtured spiritually and for our worship together to be a bond for Christian education and fellowship. As a caring community we strive to be faithful stewards of God’s gifts, ministering to one another both within and beyond the parish.
Part of the Diocese of Southern Ohio, Saint Mark’s held its first worship service in 1951 in a converted Methodist church in Grandview. Ground was broken in 1953 for the Parish Hall (now the Education Building) where services were held until the current Nave and Sanctuary was completed in 1958. Office space in an adjacent building was purchased in 1989. Major renovations of the entire facility occurred in 2004 and 2008 creating a campus today that empowers Christ’s ministry within and beyond our parish. Saint Mark’s is a member of the Episcopal Church in the United States – a community of 2.4 million members in 114 dioceses in the Americas and abroad. Episcopal means a church with bishops. Bishops are the leaders of the church and spiritual descendents of the apostles of Jesus Christ. We are also part of the worldwide Anglican Communion consisting of 82 million members in more than 160 countries. Anglican are those churches who trace their history to the Church of England.
Who We Are:
Staff:
The Rev. Paul St. Germain, Rector The Rev. Christopher C. Richardson, Assistant Rector
The Rev. Dr. Mary Lynn Dell, Priest Associate The Rev. Michael Ellis, Affiliate Priest
The Rev. Joan Maynard, Deacon Dr. Matthew Bester, Director of Music
Tyler W. Robertson, Organist &Assistant Director of Music Gary L. Garber, Organist-Choirmaster Emeritus
Dr. Michael Murray, Organist Emeritus Bill Silliman, Head Verger Bill Ryan, Campus Manager
Melanie Jacobs, Office Manager
Ministers:
The Entire Saint Mark’s Family
Whoever you are, and wherever you may be on the journey of the Spirit,
The Episcopal Church welcomes you.
Vestry Members:
Craig Zimpher, Senior Warden Jill Hinton, Junior Warden Mary D., Youth Warden
Dwight Anstaett, Onboarding/Welcoming John Olmstead, Onboarding/Welcoming
