the saint mark messenger

the newsletter of Saint Mark Presbyterian Church December 2014

Worship 9:30 and 11:00 AM Church School for all ages 9:30 AM www.saintmarkpresby.org

Saying Grace…. from Roy Recently I read an essay about the science of generosity that contends that generosity is correlated with happiness, purpose and personal contentment. The research comes from the University of Notre Dame Science of Generosity program. http://generosityresearch.nd.edu/other-resources/survey-data-sets/ For the purposes of this project, the researchers define generosity as the virtue of giving good things to others freely and abundantly. Generosity also involves giving to others not simply anything in abundance but rather giving those things that are good for others. Generosity always intends to enhance the true well being of those to whom it gives. Among other things, the research shows that giving 10 percent of one's income is a good marker associated with enjoying better health, happiness, and purpose in life. Viewed this way, according to the data the vast majority of Americans (97 percent) are forfeiting the chance to enhance their well-being by practicing real generosity with their money. Most Americans, about six out of seven, do not give away even two percent of their income. And there is consistent data that suggest they are less happy, less content and more riddled with anxiety and fear about the future. But we are not only Americans, we are also Christians who live with the parables of Jesus that challenge us to a new way of living. So it could be quite valuable spiritually to focus on the subject of money and what you are willing to risk for the sake of others to the glory of God. (And if this survey is correct, your own sense of happiness will increase by your generosity.) http://www.vox.com/2014/11/3/6078101/giving-money-away-makes-us-happy

One of the purposes of the church is to deepen ones love for God that flows over into love for neighbors. Such love is also a form of generosity that results in a sense of meaning and personal contentment that the Apostle Paul describes as the peace of Christ that passes all understanding. (Philippians 4:4-7) During the season of Advent and Christmas it is common to experience an increased level of stress and anxiety. How ironic! We grow more stressful and anxious as we anticipate the celebration of the Prince of Peace. This year try doing those things that bring a deeper sense of peace and meaning through generous sharing of your love and your resources. I also invite you to participate in the Advent vespers we will offer during the season including a service of healing on

Worship Schedule November 30 – January 4

November 30: One service at 11:00 AM with holy communion

December 7: One service at 9:30 AM

with holy communion

December 14: One service at 11:00 AM with baptism

December 21: Christmas Pageant;

One service at 11:00 AM with Youth Group Cookie Walk!

December 24: Christmas Eve services

5:00 PM, 7:30 PM and 10:00 PM

December 28: One service at 11:00 AM with holy communion

January 4: One service at 9:30 AM

with holy communion

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(Roy, con’t) the Longest Night. For those of you who experience depression during this season, we are partnering with Hospice of Montgomery County to offer a seminar on December 11 for those suffering the blues.

My hope is that you will experience the peace of Christ that passes all understanding and so be strengthened with faith and courage for living in the world that is so in need of peace.

Christian Formation

Christmas Pageant The annual Saint Mark Christmas Pageant will take place on December 21, at 11:00 AM in the Fellowship Hall. Come and experience the

wonder and joy of the Christmas story! Carey Stipe will be our esteemed theater director and Lee Hinkle will lead the children's choir. Anyone interested in participating should plan to come to the rehearsal from 10:30-12:00 on Saturday, December 20 and be at the church at 9:30 AM on Sunday, December 21.

Confirmation Confirmation is an affirmation/reaffirmation of baptismal vows, an act of covenant commitment and a public profession of faith. Youth in 9th grade (and above if you have recently come to Saint Mark) are invited to participate. During our time together in confirmation we will explore faith traditions, worship, sabbath, baptism and communion, stewardship and faith in current culture. We'll gather briefly after worship on December 14 for an introductory informational meeting. Classes will begin in January.

Special opportunity for parents:

On November 30 and December 14, Pastors Shelby and Roy will host a conversation in the fellowship hall on faith and parenting. Come with your questions about raising children of faith and meet other parents who are doing the same!

Cookie Walk

Plan to join the Saint Mark youth group for our annual cookie sale on December 21! All the proceeds go toward our summer missions. Fill up on delicious cookies, get gifts for your friends and family, and support the Saint Mark youth group as we prepare to serve in West Virginia and Philadelphia, and encounter God in Montreat, NC.

Worship and Lectionary for December

*December 7: 2nd Sunday in Advent One Service with Holy Communion

at 9:30 AM Spirit and Service Sunday

Isa. 40:1-11; Ps. 85:1-2,8-13; 2 Peter 3:8-15a; Mark 1:1-8

December 14: 3rd Sunday in Advent One Service with Baptism at 11:00 AM

Isa. 61:1-4,8-11; Ps. 126 or Luke 1:46-55; I Thess. 5:16-24; John 1:6-8, 19-28

December 21: 4th Sunday in Advent

One Service Christmas Pageant at 11:00 AM 2 Sam. 7:1-11.16; Luke 1:46-55 or

Ps. 89:1-4,19; Rom. 16:25-27; Luke 1:26:26-38

December 24: Christmas Eve

Three Services at 5:00, 7:30 and 10:00 PM

*December 28: One service at 11:00 AM Isa. 61:10-62:3; Ps. 148: Gal. 4:4-7;

* January 4: One Service with Holy

Communion at 9:30 AM Jer. 31:7-14; Ps. 147:12-20; Eph. 1:3-14;

John 1:(1-9)10-18

* No Sunday School

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G.R.O.W (formerly known as adult education)

What do we want to do in Christian Formation? GROW. How do we do that? By gathering together, relating to one another and to the word of God, offering ourselves (our time, our gifts, our leadership) and wondering together what God is calling us to do and be in the world.

January Class: During the month of January GROW will explore end of life issues and death with dignity. Dr. William May, retired professor of medical ethics and Saint Mark member will lead the discussion with the help of the health and wellness ministry team. Plan to attend and learn about these issues (they affect all of us!) in the context of faith and scripture.

“What does it mean to die with dignity?” Another session in the ongoing conversation on death and dying. Dr. William F. May, Saint Mark member and retired professor of Medical Ethics, will be our guest speaker. December 4 from 1:30 to 3:30 PM.

Health and Wellness Ministry

Do the holidays get you down? Saint Mark will host the Montgomery Hospice program “Winter Blues: Balancing Sorrow and Celebration While Grieving,” on Thursday, December 11, 2014, from 1:30 to 3:00 PM.

This free program, open to any county resident, is offered by Hospice’s Bereavement Care Team, a group of counselors who work with families of Hospice clients. The program is sponsored by Saint Mark’s Health and Wellness Ministry and will be held in Rooms 105 and 106 at the church. For more information, please contact Jean Muir at djmuirrn@aol.com. To register for this session, call the church office (301-530-0600),

Local Mission

Aim Campaign for Affordable Housing

Fifty Five Saint Markers have signed an AIM postcard asking County Executive Leggett to keep his pledge to dedicate 2.5% of the property tax to affordable housing and budget $70 million in FY ’16. The postcards are the first of three actions AIM plans to show Mr. Leggett the broad support for affordable housing in the faith community. Five thousand postcards will be signed by members of AIM member congregations, then taken by wheel barrow to Mr. Leggett’s office in December. The other two actions are 500 phone calls to Mr. Leggett’s office over several days and caroling at his office on December 12 by volunteers who will sing Christmas carols with new lyrics depicting aspects of the need for affordable housing. If you would like to join in one or more of these actions, please contact Greg Carr or Dick Pavlin. carrgv@gmail.com and pav9@verizon.net

Planned Giving When you review your finances at the end of the year, and look to the future, include Saint Mark in your plans. Besides including the church in your will, you can think about making Saint Mark a beneficiary of a life insurance policy or of an individual retirement account (IRA). Other possibilities, which may offer significant tax benefits, include a charitable gift annuity, which can provide you with an assured stream of income, with the residual value going to the church. There are other techniques available, such as a donor-advised fund, as well as donating appreciated securities, also offering tax benefits. You should consult a lawyer to assist you in drafting your will and estate plan, as well as your financial and tax advisors. Our Session and Pastors enthusiastically support planned giving to our church. Contact a member of the Planned Giving Committee or the Pastors for more information.

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Financial Update

Through October 31st, we have received $415,070 (or 80%) of the amounts pledged for 2014. That is on target with the straight line monthly plan. Please continue to fulfill your 2014 pledges. The Finance Ministry Team would also like to remind members of our request to help offset the cost of the per capita payment we make each year to National Capital Presbytery. The cost is $35.35 per member. The Session appreciates your giving amount in addition to your regular pledge.

Legacy Campaign Report

CAMPAIGN 1 Pledged $751,794.83 Received $701,061.76

% 93%

CAMPAIGN 2 Pledged $585,511.05 Received $ 95,144.81

% 17%

Piano Concert on December 13 On Saturday, December 13, 12:00 PM, students of Dmitri Nazarenko will be performing a concert of piano solos, and concertos by Bach, Mendelssohn, and Peskanov. Dr. Nazarenko's students have won international competitions, and have performed at the Kennedy Center and Carnegie Hall. The concertos will be accompanied on the organ by our own Jeff Doenges. The concert will be held in the sanctuary on our fine Schimmel grand, and is free and open to the public. "You won't want to miss this recital showcasing the outstanding talent of these youngsters and their teacher. One sits spellbound while these children play difficult music with the ease of professionals. A rare treat in our own sanctuary! Truly a listening privilege." -- Carol Wood, Saint Mark member

Christmas Memorial

Red poinsettias to decorate the worship space for Christmas may be ordered, or Christmas Memorial Landscaping Fund contributions may be made, by completing the order form and putting it in the collection plate with your check. Checks should be made payable to Saint Mark Presbyterian Church and marked "Christmas Memorial." Forms are available in the narthex or atrium, or on the church's website. Orders may also be sent in to the office (box #50). Please indicate in whose memory, or in whose honor, you wish the flowers or contribution to be dedicated, and whether you wish the flowers to be given to a shut-in, or left in church for you to pick up after the 10:00 PM service on Christmas Eve.

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Youth News

The Youth Group would like to extend an enormous thank you to the congregation for attending and giving so generously at the 2014 Chili Cook-off. Your generosity means so much to us and we are touched by your support. We’d also like to congratulate the winners: 1st Place, Nancy Shea, 2nd Place, Odonna Simpson, 3rd Place, Yvette (a visitor), and honorable mentions going to Sarah Glenner, Dave Karakashian, and Teddy Ferguson. Thanks, again, to everyone to participated and attended.

Chili Cook Off 2014

December 7: Cook meal for Crossway after worship (HS & MS together)

December 14: Confirmand meeting after 11:00 AM worship. December 14: Christmas party at the Shoemaker/Bower home, time TBA

December 20: 8:30 AM-noon – Baking cookies for Cookie Walk December 20: Christmas pageant rehearsal 10-11:30 AM

December 21: Cookie Walk Fundraiser Christmas Pageant at 11:00 Practice on Saturday, TBA

December 28: No youth group

2014 Cookie Walk You know the holidays are coming when you start hearing the Youth Group talk about cookies. Back by popular demand, this year's walk will take place after the Christmas Pageant on December 21. Follow the delicious aroma to the Atrium and use the opportunity to put together a gift for someone on your list, stock up for visitors, or fill a container and keep it all to yourself. Donations are gratefully accepted and will be used to fund summer mission trips.

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Book Lovers Book Lovers is the Saint Mark Book Discussion Group which meets the 2nd Monday of the month at 7:00 PM in the

parlor. The entire reading list can be found on our website. Everyone is welcome!

January 12: The Sandcastle Girls by Chris Bohjalian A novel about the Armenian Genocide in the early 20th century, Jane Kerakeshian will join us with her personal commentary.

February 9: Abide with Me by Elizabeth Strout

March 9: The Daughters of Mars, by Thomas Keneally

We Get Letters….. Dear Saint Mark Friends, The Seidell family has been overwhelmed by your kindness and thoughtfulness both upon our recent loss of Richard and the sudden illness of our Elizabeth. Your cards, notes, calls, food and visits have given us strength and comfort. We especially thank you for your prayers, they have sustained and encouraged us and we are most grateful. Thank you,

The Seidells

Here you can find a home for your heart and an opportunity

to serve Regardless of race, class, marital status, sexual orientation, ability

or disability.

Saint Mark Presbyterian Church

10701 Old Georgetown Road, Rockville , MD 20852 301-530-0600 office

saintmarkpresby.org

The Rev. Dr. Roy W. Howard, Pastor pastor@saintmarkpresby.org;

301-530-8141

The Rev. Shelby Etheridge, Associate Pastor associate@saintmarkpresby.org

301-530-8143

Office Administrator, Christina Stefanelli office@saintmarkpresby.org

301-530-8142

Jeffrey J. Doenges, Director of Music, jjdoenges@aol.com

Ellie Hagner, Editor and Webminder ellie@hagner.org