Re“Mark”able News - December 4

Together in Faith: “A voice of one calling in the wilderness: ‘Prepare the way for the Lord, make straight paths for him.’” Matthew 3:3

Jesus continues to come into our world, and we are the ones who continue to prepare his way. Advent invites us to search for our own unique opportunities to do just that!

Liturgical Decorations: The flowers on the Altar are sponsored today by Becky Ford in thanksgiving for the 36th anniversary of Fr. Steve’s ordination to the priesthood.

Christmas Compassion: This year St. Mark’s will sponsor five low income families with children at Christmas. We would like the families to enjoy a full beautiful Christmas with a tree, decorations, dinner, and gifts of clothes and toys. We will gather donations and purchase gift cards for groceries, gas, and department stores. This will facilitate the purchase of clothes and toys, to avoid sizes and gender lists. Pre-owned, good condition Christmas trees and decorations will be appreciated. Anyone willing to help with this project, please contact Fr. Gerardo Brambila or Gloria McManus in the office.

Christmas Flowers: Remember a loved one or offer thanks in our Christmas Eve service bulletins. Please fill out a Christmas Flowers form found in the pew pocket or Narthex and enclose it with your payment in the envelope provided. Forms and money are due no later than Wednesday, December 16th.

Calling Bishop’s Committee Candidates: Will you consider running? As a candidate, you will need to be a member in good standing, committed to growing spiritually, and supportive of both the mission and ministries of our church. If you meet these expectations and would like to explore serving on the Bishop’s Committee, please contact Fr. Gerardo at 480-964-5820 no later that December, 16th.

Thrift Store Holiday Hours: MarkDowns Thrift Store will close on December 22nd and reopen on January 10th. It will be open on December 27th from 9 am to Noon during the Food Pantry operation. Thank you so much for being our customers. We appreciate all of those that donate to us and those that buy. From, Sally Worthington (Ministry Leader) and Volunteer Staff

Upcoming Ministry Meetings:

• Property Cleanup: Saturday, December 17th, 7 am
• ECW: December 11th, 12:30 pm, Garcia’s Restaurant, 1940 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ 85203 ——**RSVP to 1kathysmith@cox.net
• The Pride Men’s Club: December 11th, 12:30 pm, Garcia’s Restaurant, 1940 E University Dr, Mesa, AZ 85203—**RSVP tohy 1katsmith@cox.net
• Daughters of the King: December 14th, 11 am
• Bishop’s Committee: Tuesday, December 20th, 7 pm, Conference Room

Mark Your Calendars:

• Youth Christian Formation and Children’s Chapel each Sunday at 9:45 am (excluding certain holidays)
• Our Lady of Guadalupe, Sunday, December 11th, 1 pm
• Los Posadas, Friday, December 16th, 6 pm, Trinity Cathedral
• Los Posadas, Saturday, December 17th, 6 pm, Iglesia Sao Paulo
• Christmas Eve Services:
  • 5:30 pm Praise service w/Children’s Christmas Pageant (with music prelude at 5 pm)
  • 7:30 pm Spanish Service
  • 10:30 pm Traditional Choral (music prelude at 10 pm)
• Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25th, One English service, 10 am
• New Year’s Day, Sunday, January 1st, One English service, 10 am
• Annual Meeting, January 22nd, One bilingual service, 10 am 

Full Announcements (pdf)