Virtual St. Mark's - 26 April 2020

"Jesus und der Gang nach Emmaus" by Gebhard Fugel [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!) If you miss the service, you can always watch it later!

Today's Readings: Isaiah 52:7-10; Ephesians 4:7-8,11-16; Psalm 2; Mark 1:1-15

Invest In Hope: On that same day two of them were going to a village called Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. Luke 24- 13-14

This Emmaus story of the appearance of the risen Jesus is a wonderful metaphor of our Christian life. As we go on our journey of life in this community of faith, we wonder in our hearts and talk with others about ‘all these things.’ We share our challenges and opportunities, how the Lord has appeared to us and what he asks of us, and we grow is wisdom and understanding as we respond to Jesus and one another.

COVID-19 (CORONAVIRUS) CLOSURE: At the direction of the Episcopal Diocese of Arizona, St. Mark’s is cancelling all IN-PERSON worship services, classes, meetings, and events until at least May 25, 2020. 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

April Tithing: Brothers and Sisters in Christ, this is a friendly reminder that even though you cannot sit in the pew at a service, enjoy a cup of coffee with your friends, break a smile as the kids play their musical instruments on the way to Children’s Chapel, or marvel at God’s Blessings in our place, 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 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

Hebrews 9-10: Even though we speak like this, dear friends, we are convinced of better things in your case—the things that have to do with salvation. God is not unjust; he will not forget your work and the love you have shown him as you have helped his people and continue to help them.

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 securely give online through Faith Street (https://www.faithstreet.com/church/the-episcopal-diocese-ofarizona-phoenix-az/giving)." On the "Choose a Fund" drop down menus, scroll to choose "St. Mark's, Mesa".

Upcoming Ministry Meetings: Bishop's Committee, Tuesday April 28, 6:30 pm via Zoom

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.  Changes made in distribution include clients entering the church campus located at 322 North Street at the south entrance via 3rd St. They remain in their cars and are asked to fill out a short information sheet which asks for their name, birthday, address, and number of family members. From that information, Food Pantry volunteers load each family’s vehicle with a variety of canned and boxed foods, frozen meat, dairy products, fresh fruit, and bread. Guests then leave via 3rd St.  There is signage and volunteers guiding the clients through this process. Families are encouraged to wear masks and stay in their vehicle and provide easily accessible space in their car (trunk) for the food.

This Food Pantry outreach program serves all Mesa residents and food distribution is held every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. The next distribution will be April 28th. Hours for the drive-through have been changed to 8am to 11:30am.
Full Announcements and prayer list (pdf)

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