 "through the eye of a needle" by Sean Tiernan is licensed under CC BY 2.0 Invest In Hope: When the man heard (what Jesus said), he was shocked and went away grieving, for he had many possessions. Mark 10:22
Jesus suggested that the man give away everything he had… no wonder he was shocked, no wonder he went away, grieving. Jesus’ suggestion to each of us, though it may be very different from this man’s, may be equally shocking. What is that suggestion, and how do we feel about it? Church School: The second One Room School House will be on Sunday, October 24, 2021. We will meet in the Courtyard at 9:10AM. A Stewardship Parable: Once there was a church that had a curious circumstance. There was a man in this church who pondered this circumstance deeply. You see, the giving in support of the church had very high peaks and equally low valleys. They occurred every year. After careful observation, the man observed that the descent into the valleys began shortly after the Sunday school ended for the year. He also observed that the ascent from the valley began every fall when Sunday School resumed. One year, in the midst of a low valley cycle, he sat there on Sunday morning preparing to write his weekly check to his church. He knew what he had promised to give each week and as he looked at his bank balance, he thought, “I can do better”. And so he wrote his check for a small amount more than his promise. He continued writing checks for the increased amount even as the ascent started the following fall. When the time came for him to renew his promise of financial support, he promised the higher amount. This went on for many years and the man went from being an average contributor to a tither. Can you honestly look at your own checkbook balance, or credit card statement, every Sunday and not find a way to give a little more? Mask Update: Following NEW updates from the CDC and the Diocesan Office, the St. Mark’s Bishop’s Committee has decided to update the Mask Mandate. Going forward, individuals who have been vaccinated may now attend worship services without masks if they choose. Mask wearing continues to be mandatory for people who are not fully vaccinated. We do ask that you still observe social distancing. If you feel that you are vulnerable, please continue to wear your mask. If you are sick, please stay home. All services will continue to be broadcast online. Food Pantry: Our Food Pantry will continue to operate by out-side, drive thru distribution on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month. The Arizona National Guard has been assisting us with this ministry however, their mission to assist us is concluding on September second. We hope to carry on, but we need help from volunteers who are physically able to push carts loaded with food to families cars. Our distributions in September will be September 14th (7am to 11am) and September 28th (7am to 11am). Our set up day s are the Monday prior from 8am to 10am. We would like and appreciate help from volunteers all four days, but any time you can spare would be most appreciated! Food Pantry Volunteers are all vaccinated and clients are asked to wear masks and stay in their cars. We welcome you to join our mission to feed the hungry in Mesa! At the November 23rd distribution, Food Pantry volunteers will be giving out $10 Walmart gift cards. Families will be able to purchase a meat of their choice for Thanksgiving. If you would like to help a family celebrate Thanksgiving you may give a donation at the table outside the Narthex. Volunteers will be collecting before each Sunday service leading up to Thanksgiving. October 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. MarkDowns Thrift Store: The thrift store will be OPEN on Friday and Saturday from 9AM till 1PM. Mark Your Calendars:
CURRENT SERVICES: You can join us for services live at the following times, or watch the recording any time at your convenience:
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 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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