 August 23, 2020
Greetings to all members and friends of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in Mesa, I am writing to update everyone with the progress of our reopening for in person worship with respect to COVID-19. Update to the guidelines for gathering. What’s next? By the grace of God and with Bishop Jennifer Reddall’s guidance, an incredible Task Force, which I am honored to be a part of, was formed to create the guidelines we are to follow in the coming months. Myself and your church leaders participated in a webinar with the Diocesan Task Force key members. The webinar was an in-depth look at the document “Gathering for Abundant Life: Arizona Church and Worship in the time of COVID 19” – which can also be currently viewed on our Facebook page and website. Please take the time to read the guidelines in the document. Our current situation: Clearly, we still find ourselves in Phase 1 (page 2 of the “Gathering for Abundant Life” document). This limits gatherings to ten or less and requires masks and distancing. Despite this, the staff and volunteers required to record services leaves little room for additional people to attend. The office is open on a limited basis and by appointment only. Masks and hand sanitizing are required while on Church property. Online, we continue to offer Tuesday Noon Day Prayer at 12 pm, Wednesday Healing service at 10 am, Thursday Order of Compline at 7 pm, Saturday Spanish Service at 7 pm, and Sunday English Service at 10 am via our Facebook page, website, and YouTube channel. Steps towards regathering: The Bishop’s Committee reviewed the Task Force Document and compiled a plan for our reopening which has since been approved by the Bishop. We must receive the approval from the Diocese to return to various stages of in-person worship, as well as proceeding to Phase II or III. Masks and distancing are necessary and a host of specific guidelines pertaining to sanitizing and cleaning are to be followed. Much preparation and procurement of sanitizing supplies and masks has already been done. Hopefully we will be able to meet soon by having outdoor services in small groups. It is important to note that there still can be no coffee hour or shared meals or events involving food. To this end, it is also worth noting that the Task Force Document is a work in process and will be amended as time goes on and as necessary. We are a congregation with vulnerable members. The Task Force states the intent of their work is to help us gather safely, caring for every person. It is also important to remember that there is no way to absolutely ensure the safety of those who gather. The data the Task Force Document refers to when granting churches permission moving from Phase I to Phase II is from Arizona Department of Health Services. That data and how it is being applied will be what matters as we move forward. We all need to respect that there are a variety of opinions about our situation. Some will believe we should all get out and get going and have things open again. Others will be cautious and follow the CDC order to stay at home. We will continue to learn together no matter where this journey takes us. I look forward to seeing as many of you as possible soon. We are one body in Christ. Please stay safe and healthy. God’s peace and blessings to you all. Faithfully in Christ, Fr. Gerardo  Jesus Returning the Keys to St. Peter by Jean Auguste Dominique Ingres [Public domain] Each Sunday we are streaming our English service at 10:00 AM on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to watch- just click the "Join online services" button on the right!). You can also watch the service on YouTube!
Invest In Hope: Simon Peter answered, "You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God." Matthew 16:16 His response to Jesus’ “Who am I?” question foreshadows Peter’s lifelong commitment to follow Jesus. We are invited to make our answer too, in words and in our lifelong actions. UPDATE: COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) CLOSURE: As previously promised, the St. Mark's Task Force has been working diligently for the past few months to compose appropriate guidelines for returning to in -person worship, assuring that we are in compliance with CDC, federal, state, local and Diocesan requirements. The plan for re-opening for St Mark's has been approved by our bishop. Once Bishop Reddall has determined that Maricopa County has reached the point of declining infection rate, we will be notified that the church can move forward with the implementation of Phase II. We look forward to seeing everyone very soon. In the meantime, we will continue to provide services online on St. Mark’s Episcopal Church’s Facebook page. The Church office is closed to walk-in traffic at this time in order to limit exposure. In addition, clergy and staff will work remotely as much as possible. For Pastoral Emergencies, please call Fr. Gerardo Brambila at 602-405-4588. If you have additional questions, you may also call Parish Administrator, Gloria McManus at 480-560-9505. August Tithing: St. Mark’s is still present and desperately needs your support. If you normally bring an envelope with a check to church, you can instead mail that envelope to the church office, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 322 N Horne St, Mesa, AZ 85203. If you usually give loose cash to the church, you can instead write a check and mail, or you can donate via the PayPal button on the right or here through FaithStreet - on the "Choose a Fund" drop down menus, scroll to choose "St. Mark's, Mesa". You can also do online payments through your bank, through the Bill Pay option. You could even set up a recurring payment through your bank if you wish, so you will not forget. God Bless and Stay Safe, Dianne Nunez, Stewardship/Finance Chair Invest in Hope Matching Capital Campaign: We have a family in our parish that is willing to move their bequest forward from their deaths into 2020, where it will be sorely needed. But they would also like to have other parishioners participate. So they invite and challenge us to give to the campaign, and they will match our donations dollar for dollar, up to $50,000 on their part. Write "Match" in the memo line of your check to identify your contribution or if giving cash, place in an envelope and write your name and “match” on the front. You can mail your donations or pledges to St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 322 N. Horne St., Mesa, AZ 85203, or using either PayPal or through the Diocese of Arizona using FaithStreet. PayPal sends your donation directly to St. Mark's. For FaithStreet, please select "St. Mark's Mesa" from the drop down menu under "select a fund."". Upcoming Ministry Meetings: NONE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE Mark Your Calendars: Our Food Pantry will continue to operate by outside, drive-through food distributions on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month until further notice. CURRENT ONLINE SERVICES:
Full announcements and prayer list (pdf)  The Woman of Canaan at the Feet of Christ by Jean Germain Drouais [Public domain] Each Sunday we are streaming our English service at 10:00 AM on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to watch- just click the "Join online services" button on the right!). You can also watch the service on YouTube!
Invest In Hope: Then Jesus answered her, "Woman, great is your faith! Let it be done for you as you wish." And her daughter was healed instantly. Matthew 15:28 This passage from Matthew shows Jesus being persuaded to heal a child through the pleas of the mother. Let us be open to growing in our sense of compassion. UPDATE: COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) CLOSURE: As previously promised, the St. Mark's Task Force has been working diligently for the past few months to compose appropriate guidelines for returning to in -person worship, assuring that we are in compliance with CDC, federal, state, local and Diocesan requirements. The plan for re-opening for St Mark's has been approved by our bishop. Once Bishop Reddall has determined that Maricopa County has reached the point of declining infection rate, we will be notified that the church can move forward with the implementation of Phase II. We look forward to seeing everyone very soon. In the meantime, we will continue to provide services online on St. Mark’s Episcopal Church’s Facebook page. The Church office is closed to walk-in traffic at this time in order to limit exposure. In addition, clergy and staff will work remotely as much as possible. For Pastoral Emergencies, please call Fr. Gerardo Brambila at 602-405-4588. If you have additional questions, you may also call Parish Administrator, Gloria McManus at 480-560-9505. August Tithing: St. Mark’s is still present and desperately needs your support. If you normally bring an envelope with a check to church, you can instead mail that envelope to the church office, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 322 N Horne St, Mesa, AZ 85203. If you usually give loose cash to the church, you can instead write a check and mail, or you can donate via the PayPal button on the right or here through FaithStreet - on the "Choose a Fund" drop down menus, scroll to choose "St. Mark's, Mesa". You can also do online payments through your bank, through the Bill Pay option. You could even set up a recurring payment through your bank if you wish, so you will not forget. God Bless and Stay Safe, Dianne Nunez, Stewardship/Finance Chair Invest in Hope Matching Capital Campaign: We have a family in our parish that is willing to move their bequest forward from their deaths into 2020, where it will be sorely needed. But they would also like to have other parishioners participate. So they invite and challenge us to give to the campaign, and they will match our donations dollar for dollar, up to $50,000 on their part. Write "Match" in the memo line of your check to identify your contribution or if giving cash, place in an envelope and write your name and “match” on the front. You can mail your donations or pledges to St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 322 N. Horne St., Mesa, AZ 85203, or using either PayPal or through the Diocese of Arizona using FaithStreet. PayPal sends your donation directly to St. Mark's. For FaithStreet, please select "St. Mark's Mesa" from the drop down menu under "select a fund."". Upcoming Ministry Meetings: NONE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE Mark Your Calendars: Our Food Pantry will continue to operate by outside, drive-through food distributions on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month until further notice. CURRENT ONLINE SERVICES:
Full announcements and prayer list (pdf)  Christ marchant sur la mer by Amédée Varin [Public domain] Each Sunday we are streaming our English service at 10:00 AM on our Facebook page. (You don't need a Facebook account to watch- just click the "Join online services" button on the right!). As of this week we are also on YouTube!
Invest In Hope: “Lord, if it’s you,” Peter said, “tell me to come to you on the water.” “Come,” Jesus said. Matthew 14:28-29 It took Jesus’ assurance for Peter to step out of the boat. We’re the same way, and we receive the same encouragement. “Come, follow me,” Jesus tells us. How will we respond? UPDATE: COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) CLOSURE: As previously promised, the St. Mark's Task Force has been working diligently for the past few months to compose appropriate guidelines for returning to in -person worship, assuring that we are in compliance with CDC, federal, state, local and Diocesan requirements. The plan for re-opening for St Mark's has been approved by our bishop. Once Bishop Reddall has determined that Maricopa County has reached the point of declining infection rate, we will be notified that the church can move forward with the implementation of Phase II. We look forward to seeing everyone very soon. In the meantime, we will continue to provide services online on St. Mark’s Episcopal Church’s Facebook page. The Church office is closed to walk-in traffic at this time in order to limit exposure. In addition, clergy and staff will work remotely as much as possible. For Pastoral Emergencies, please call Fr. Gerardo Brambila at 602-405-4588. If you have additional questions, you may also call Parish Administrator, Gloria McManus at 480-560-9505. August Tithing: St. Mark’s is still present and desperately needs your support. If you normally bring an envelope with a check to church, you can instead mail that envelope to the church office, at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 322 N Horne St, Mesa, AZ 85203. If you usually give loose cash to the church, you can instead write a check and mail, or you can donate via the PayPal button on the right or here through FaithStreet - on the "Choose a Fund" drop down menus, scroll to choose "St. Mark's, Mesa". You can also do online payments through your bank, through the Bill Pay option. You could even set up a recurring payment through your bank if you wish, so you will not forget. God Bless and Stay Safe, Dianne Nunez, Stewardship/Finance Chair Invest in Hope Matching Capital Campaign: We have a family in our parish that is willing to move their bequest forward from their deaths into 2020, where it will be sorely needed. But they would also like to have other parishioners participate. So they invite and challenge us to give to the campaign, and they will match our donations dollar for dollar, up to $50,000 on their part. Write "Match" in the memo line of your check to identify your contribution or if giving cash, place in an envelope and write your name and “match” on the front. You can mail your donations or pledges to St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 322 N. Horne St., Mesa, AZ 85203, or using either PayPal or through the Diocese of Arizona using FaithStreet. PayPal sends your donation directly to St. Mark's. For FaithStreet, please select "St. Mark's Mesa" from the drop down menu under "select a fund."". Upcoming Ministry Meetings: NONE UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE Mark Your Calendars: Our Food Pantry will continue to operate by outside, drive-through food distributions on the 2nd and 4th Tuesday of every month until further notice. CURRENT ONLINE SERVICES:
Full announcements and prayer list (pdf) |
 We appreciate your secure online donation to St. Mark's, using either PayPal or through the Diocese of Arizona using FaithStreet. PayPal sends your donation directly to St. Mark's. For FaithStreet, please select "St. Mark's Mesa" from the drop down menu under "select a fund."
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We appreciate your secure online donation to St. Mark's, set up by the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona through FaithStreet. To direct your gift to St. Mark's, please select "St. Mark's Mesa" from the drop down menu under "select a fund."
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