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ST. MARK’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
CALLED TO BE CHRIST CENTERED
Touching Lives + Transforming Hearts + Teaching God’s Word
On July 13, 1877, the first service
The Summer of Service
of record for what was later to become St. Mark’s Parish was conducted by the Rev. William
Robards Wetmore, who pedaled
his bicycle from Lincolnton to be
here.
Early services were held in the old
Academy on the north side, as well
as at City Hall and the old YMCA
on Main Avenue and South Street.
A church building was erected on
West Long Avenue and consecrated November 20, 1903, by the Rt.
Rev. Junius M Horner. St. Mark’s
officially became a parish in 1915
with 74 communicants.
The present location of St. Mark’s
was acquired and converted in
1948 and the Parish Hall added in
1955. Upgrades with additional
meeting space were done in 2005
and our playground was added in
2012.
St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
258 W. Franklin Blvd.
Gastonia, NC 28052
704-864-4531
fax 704-865-3367
www.stmarksgastonia.org
office@stmarksgastonia.org
The Rev. Shawn Griffith, Rector
Mrs. Julia Bozarth, Dir. of Music
Ms. Dionne Browning, Bus. Admin
& Youth Advisor
Mrs. Jean Eaddy, Office Admin
Mrs. Polly Redd, Dir. of Christian
Formation & Communication
Be doers of the word, and not merely hearers who
deceive themselves. For if any are hearers of the
word and not doers, they are like those who look
at themselves in a mirror; for they look at themselves and, on going away, immediately forget
what they were like. But those who look into the
perfect law, the law of liberty, and persevere, being not hearers who forget but doers who act—
they will be blessed in their doing. James 1:22-25
One
afternoon, Kristin Major and I were talking about the
many things that happen here at St. Mark’s and we got onto
the subject of Vacation Bible School. Kristin mentioned the fact
that a number of our children have aged out of the typical Vacation Bible School where they sit around and do crafts, yet
they are still too young to go on a week-long mission trip to
some other state. Kristin suggested maybe this year we could
offer something where children are involved in a combination
of local service projects and fun activities, possibly finishing
with a lock-in at the church. When we approached Polly with the
idea, things started to come together.
Looking at the Belize mission trip for adults and youth 16 and
above, the youth mission trip to WV, and now considering a
mini service week, the idea of “The Summer of Service” was
born. Regardless of your age, this summer you have the opportunity to serve the greater community. I have always been
taught that we are called to reach out to others on three different levels - locally, nationally, and globally. This summer will be
the first time St. Mark’s has taken on that challenge. Even if
you are not able to physically participate on one of the trips,
there will be ways that everyone can support this ministry by
giving to help others do the work.
Belize Trip (July 5 – 12)
Our Belize trip includes a week of working at Holy Angels Anglican School (details of our work project will be discussed later) and then allows us to travel back to the mainland where we
will visit some ancient Mayan ruins and other Central American
places. The trip will cost approximately $2,000 per person and
as of this point we have 10-12 St. Mark’s people seriously interested, at least one person from All Saints wanting to go, and
another 12 people from the Episcopal Church in Sparta, for a
total of 25 people. You must be 16 to go on the Belize trip.
Fund raisers are being planned to help with (cont. on page 2)
St. Mark’s Newsletter - March 2015
page 1
Worship Services
Regular Service Schedule
Saturdays 5:00 pm Mark’s
Place Contemporary Eucharist in Belmont
Sundays (nursery 9:15ff)
8:00 am Eucharist Rite I
9:00 Breakfast followed by
Sunday School for all ages
10:30 am Eucharist Rite II
with Children’s Chapel
Weekdays
8:15 - 8:50 am Monday Thursday, Morning Prayer w/
Eucharist on Wednesdays
3:30 pm 1st Wednesday,
Monthly HE at Covenant
4:30 pm Wednesdays Bible
Study w/ 6 pm Eucharist @
Covenant Village
7:00 pm Thursdays HE w/
Healing, Order of St. Luke
Holy Baptism is the main
way to join the Episcopal
Church and is done at Sunday
worship 4 times a year: All
Saints Sunday in Nov, Epiphany in Jan, the Saturday of
Easter weekend, and the
Feast of Pentecost, or as
needed. Schedule baptism by
contacting the clergy or
church office. Confirmation is
an adult affirmation of faith
that occurs when our Bishop
visits. Speak to the clergy
about becoming a member of
St. Mark’s by baptism, confirmation or having your letter
transferred from another
church.
(cont. from page 1) expenses and there are many ways to support
this exciting trip. If you are planning on going, you need to start
working on your passport and make sure your name in on our list.
A planning meeting will be held March 15th after church to provide
information to those interested in the Belize trip.
Youth West Virginia Mission Trip (August 2-8)
Our mission trip last year to West Virginia was a huge success. It
cost us around $3,500 for 4 adults and 7 youth to go and serve
and our Youth are already talking about going back. Last year we
repaired a family’s bedroom floor and replaced a roof. They know
what we can do and expect great things from us this year. We have
money in this year’s budget and some left from previous years to
help us with the expenses for the trip for as many youth and chaperones who want to go. This trip is for those rising 6th grade and
older. Adults are welcome. Dates are set, more details later.
A Local Week of Service (June 22-25)
Our local service week will be for our children in 2nd through 6th
grades (these are flexible ages) and will have no cost. Our plan is
to find places such as Crisis Assistance Ministry and other agencies where children can do hands-on work to help others. We will
do one day with our ARC friends who are here at St. Mark’s. We
will have both Gospel based conversations and social activities
such as swimming and bowling to build community. We probably
will include a lock-in type sleep over to end the week.
I have never been so excited about ministry in my life. I truly believe this will not only impact the lives of the people we serve, but
transform our parish in a new and deeper way as we live out the
Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Peace, Shawn +
St. Mark’s Current Vestry & Parish Leadership
Meetings are the third Sunday of the month and are
open to everyone. Please pray for your Leadership.
Class of 2015
Susan Carson - Parish Life/Newcomers
Vicki Caudill - Pastoral Care
Kristin Major (Senior Warden) - Stewardship/Outreach
Liz Willett (to fill unexpired term) - Worship
Class of 2016
Steve Campbell - Finance
Chris Christy (Junior Warden) - Communications
Christi Jolley - Youth/Formation
David Summers - Long Range Planning
Class of 2017
Gary Brewbaker - Finance
Jane Cauthen - Pastoral Care
Jackie Quinley - Parish Life/Newcomers
Blaine Rudisill - Evangelism
Building and Grounds will operate through the office staff.
St. Mark’s Newsletter - March 2015
page 2
Family Promise guests will be with us the week of March 15-22. Through this ministry we
provide shelter, food, comfort, and our own unique fellowship to several homeless families
who are working on successfully moving into more permanent housing. The families are
with us for one week, twice a year. Each day of their week here at St. Mark’s, volunteers
are asked to provide dinner from 5:30 to 8:00 (our meals are covered this week) or to
serve as overnight hosts (sleeping here from 8:00 pm to 7:00 am). We also need help with
the set-up of the spaces on March 15 after church and pack up on March 22 before Sunday
School and someone to provide the families with lunch on Sunday after church. (That Sunday we will have an intergenerational Sunday morning activity in the Parish Hall to give our
families the time they need to move out.) People are needed to help with laundry and restocking after they leave. There are also other times when support is needed. For more information about the week, speak to our coordinator, Kenna Watts (704-842-0065 or kennawatts@aol.com). To volunteer, type the website link that is at the bottom of this article
into your browser or sign up on the chart near the front door. Help us show the famous St.
Mark’s hospitality to these our neighbors.
http://stmarksgastonia.bringit.bz/public/ff422d
Donations Needed
Bags of Wrapped Easter Candy
Plastic Easter Eggs
For the Annual Easter Egg Hunt
held on Easter Day, April 5th
Leave your donations in the
Palm Saturday Event
Saturday, March 28
10:00 - 11:30 am
Come make Palm Crosses
for our Palm Sunday
Services.
box near Polly’s office
SPRING
FORWARD
Daylight Saving Time begins on
Sunday, March 8 at 2 am.
Remember to turn your clocks
forward one hour or you could
miss church completely.
St. Mark’s Newsletter - March 2015
Bring a dozen hard-boiled
eggs and dye them for
the Egg Hunt
Come do other activities
related to Holy Week and
Easter
A Fun Day for Children and Adults
page 3
Office Hours: The office is open MondayThursday from 9 to 4 and closed on Fridays.
Dionne Browning, our Parish Administrator,
works all 4 days; Jean Eaddy, the Parish Secretary, works Wednesdays & Thursdays. If you
have a pastoral emergency, call the office or
Shawn’s cell @ 704-718-7034.
Bible Studies: St. Mark’s has several Bible study groups meeting
at various times. The Wednesday
morning group meets at 10 am at
the church each week and is doing basic beginning scripture. The Wednesday afternoon
group meets at Covenant Village at 4:30 pm
and is currently studying Matthew’s Gospel.
Eucharist follows at 6 pm. The Belmont
Group meets once a month at 6:30 pm at
Blaine and Cookie Rudisills’ house. Their next
meeting is March 4 or you can speak to Cookie or Fr. Shawn. There are also two opportunities for women to study the Bible in their circle groups noted in the ECW news.
Our Faith & Health Ministries
checks blood pressure the 4th Sunday of each month and provides other health information via handouts
and bulletin board displays. Our Parish Nurse Coordinator Reba Childers oversees
our Health Ministries with the support of several other nurse-professionals in the congregation who work to keep us all healthier.
St. Mark’s Aikido Club meets Tuesday & Thursday evenings from 7:009:30 pm for both young people and
adults. Children ages 8 and up can
learn this traditional Japanese martial
art. Classes are free and tailored to individual
ability levels. Currently no children participate, but Dan Gilbert can easily adjust to your
needs. Contact him at d.gilbert@yahoo.com
to answer questions, or stop by one evening.
Remember We Collect Campbell labels for
Thompson’s and Boxtops for Sherwood and
Gardner Park. Keep this in mind as you travel.
Containers are on the elevator sideboard.
St. Mark’s Newsletter - March 2015
There are two different Women’s
groups that meet each month.
The Covenant Circle meets the first
Monday each month at 10:30 and is
studying Psalms. Troy Merritt heads
up this group.
The Tuesday Evening Circle meets the first Tuesday at 7 pm and is using the book The Scarlet
Cord which looks at 12 Biblical women from a 1st
person point of view. In March they will talk about
Deborah, the Old Testament Judge.
Cursillo is a weekend retreat in
which people learn about God’s overwhelming love for us and how to
strengthen our personal relationship
with God. It is a profoundly life
changing experience to which anyone
Decolores! who has gone to a Cursillo weekend
can attest. The next weekend is
scheduled for April 23-26 and Fr. Shawn will be
serving on team as spiritual director, along with
David Burns. If you are interested in learning more
about this weekend experience, speak to David or
Vicky Burns or any of those wearing the colored
crosses. The weekends are held at Christmount
Assembly in Black Mountain.
The Cursillo Community meets every other Saturday at 9:00 am in Balthis for their 4th Day
Group Reunion where they focus on their on-going
ministry of prayer, study and action. Check the
newsletter calendar for their schedule and join
them on any Saturday meeting. You can also learn
more about the Cursillo weekend from them.
Our Prayer Shawl Group meets
the 4th Monday of the month @ 10
at Caravan Coffee in Belmont. The
next meeting is March 23. This
group knits or crochets, adding
prayers while they do it, to wrap
you in prayer. If you need a shawl for yourself or
another, they are at the church door. Fr. Shawn
will bless a shawl at any time. Contact Nancy Brewbaker (704-868-4493) for more information about
this ministry.
There are many open dates to give
Altar Flowers in honor or thanksgiving for someone or thing or in
memory of someone. The sign-up
book is on the sideboard by the main
door.
page 4
CAMP HENRY INFORMATION
It is time to begin making your summer plans. Hopefully they include sending children to Camp Henry. Located at Lake Logan in
the western part of the state, Camp Henry is run by the Diocese.
Camp Session dates are listed below and registration is open. When
you register online you will be asked to pay a $150 registration fee. St. Mark’s,
through the Brotherhood and an Endowment Fund dedicated to camp scholarships,
works to ensure any child who wishes to attend camp is able. Rates are between
$335 for Mini Camp to 535 for regular sessions. Please let the office know if you
register a child for camp so we can make the proper arrangements.
Sessions:
Parents & 1st Timers (K-3)
June 18-20
Senior High
June 21-27
3rd-5th Grade
6th-8th Grade
June 28-July 4
July 5-11
Mini Camp (grades 2-3)
4th-6th Grade
7th-9th Grade
July 15-18
July 19-25
July 26-August 1
There are also LAMP sessions (Leadership, Adventure, & Mission Program) which
replaces the former CIT program, and CHOS which is the Camp Henry Outdoor
School. These sessions are more expensive and last longer.
Many of our young people have attended Camp Henry and can tell you about their
experiences. For more information or to register, go to www.camphenry.net or pick
up a flyer on the sideboard located beside the main church door.
Youth News
Club 45 and EYC has exciting things planned for March.
On March 1st they will learn about Lent and walk the Stations of the Cross in the church.
March 8 the EYC will leave after breakfast that Sunday to go skiing. Greg Dills will be driving the group up and back with the church van. Children will need $75 to cover costs and
“sponsorships” are available to assist.
On March 15 they will have a program during the Lenten Supper time.
March 22 and 29 are possible service projects with lunch for the Family Promise guests
and help with the Easter Egg Hunt. Plus lots of basketball in the parking lot.
If you would like to donate to help feed the group at any time, we have a parent who is
willing to cook for them. Donations can be made to the “Feed the Youth” fund.
St. Mark’s Newsletter– March 2015
page 5
A Summer of Service: 3 Different Mission Opportunities
June 22-25 - A Local Gaston Mission “Trip” in place of VBS
A week of local service and fun for those in elementary and middle
school instead of our traditional summer Bible School. We will sort food
at CAM, help a parishioner with summer projects, work with the ARC
Kamp program at St. Mark’s, plus swim, bowl, play at the park and have
a lock-in one night. Be watching for details and registration.
July 5-12 - A Mission Trip to Belize
Work on projects at Holy Cross Anglican School
in Ambergris Caye, plus Mayan ruins, the rain forest and the
beach. This trip is for those 16 and older. 1st meeting March 15th.
August 2-8 - West Virginia Youth Mission Trip
We are heading back to Highland Education Project in Welch, WV to work
with them on more projects. Open to all in grades 6-12 and their trusty
adult “chaperones”, the people at Highland know how we work, so they
are planning great things for us to do this year.
Be watching for the details for all these Mission/Service opportunities.
There will be lots that everyone can do to support the service involved,
with funds, prayers, and actions.
Don’t miss out on the fun, learning, and helping others.
“Who Is My Neighbor?
A look at those beyond our church walls”
A Lenten Study Series
Sunday Evenings, March 8, 15, and 22
from 5:00 - 7:00 pm
A Simple Supper of Soup and Sandwiches
with a program based on The Good Samaritan
that looks at Our Neighbors here at St. Mark’s, Gastonia
Come be part of the conversations.
St. Mark’s Newsletter - March 2015
page 6
Parish Transitions
Birth Correction: Natalie & Sarah Rogeau, Ann & Dale Ward’s grandchildren
were born January 15, not the 14 as stated in the February newsletter.
Confirmations (all done on Sunday, February 22 by Bishop Taylor) :
Kyle Anthony Bond
Ryan Michael Bond
Abigail Elaine Dills
Thomas Alan Jolley
Sophi Linda Jolley
David John Major
Lynnsey Morgan Price
William Blaine Rudisill, Jr
Allison Jane Sherrill
Gwendolyn Anastasia Walker
Jacob Dylan Walker
Sophia Therese Varriale
Received: Travis Arthur Johnson
Zachary Mackenzie Martin
James Caleb Callaham
Dana Colby Caudill
Heather Hatcher Griffin
Logan Chas Lovelace
Lacretia Ann (Krissy) Miura
Pierre Anthony Miura
Melodie Sellers Walker
Robert Brenton Walker
Sara Caldwell “Cathy” Wesson
Corey Rachel Lovelace
Tiffany Jean Solod
Reaffirmed: Mary Susan Stragand
Transferred In: Cathy Croxton, from All Saints, Gastonia
Easter Memorials and Honorariums
Your donations provide the beauty of Easter lilies to decorate God’s house as
we prepare to celebrate the glorious Resurrection of our Savior Jesus Christ.
Your generosity is greatly appreciated.
Place this form along with your check or cash donation
in the alms basins on Sundays or mail it to the church office.
Deadline: Palm Sunday, March 29, 2015
Please provide the following printed information:
Given in memory of:
Given in honor of:
Your name:
Phone number:
St. Mark’s Newsletter - March 2015
page 7
7pm Tuesday Evening Circle Meeting
6pm EfM,
7pm Aikido
10am Prayer Shawl
Group, Caravan Coffee, Belmont
7am @ Panera
29Palm Sunday 30MP in Lent:
5-7pm Lenten
Supper w/program
EYC
31
24
yrinth & Stations
5pm Mark’s Place
4th Day Reunion
10 am Make Palm
Crosses & Easter
Activities for all
279am-noon Lab- 289am Cursillo
Place, Belmont
215pm Mark’s
7am @ Panera
1st Day of
Spring!
20
23MP in Lent:
26
19
4th Day Reunion
5pm Mark’s Place,
Belmont
sure Checks after
church
25
18
yrinth & Stations
139am-noon Lab- 149am Cursillo
Place, Belmont
noon Labyrinth &
Stations of Cross
available
22Blood Pres-
Day
17St. Patrick’s
12
75pm Mark’s
Sat
6Fridays: 9am-
Fri
9am-12
Labyrinth &
Stations
7am @ Panera
church/1st Belize
Meeting IHN week
begins
11
3:30pmCovenantHE
10am Bible 101
7pm Aikido
4:30 Covenant Bible 7pm OSL: HE w/
w/ H E @ 6pm
Healing
6:30/7pm Choirs
5Thursdays:
Thu
5-7pm Lenten
Supper w/program
16MP in Lent:
15Vestry after
5-7pm Lenten
Supper & program
Time Begins-Spring @ Panera Bread
Forward
EYC skiing /DOK
after church
8Daylight Savings 9MP in Lent: 7am 10
10:30 Covenant
Circle Meeting
MP in Lent:7am @
Panera Bread
8:15; HE on Weds.
4Wednesdays:
1Sundays: 8amHEI 2Mon-Thurs: MP@ 3Tuesdays:
9am Breakfast/SS
10:30 am HEII;4pm
EfM I ;5-7pm Pancake Supper w/
program EYC
Wed
Mon
Tue
Sun
March 2015
SCHEDULE FOR LAY LEADERSHIP – MARCH 2015
Lay
Readers
March 1
March 8
March 15
March 22
March 29
Lent II
Lent III
Lent IV
Lent V
Palm Sunday
Jeff Bozarth
Eden Isbell
Liz Willett
Jeff Bozarth
Ed Hoerning
Liz Willett
Judy JacksonMalina
Pat Townsend
Judith Maloney
Brenda Gilbert
8:00 am
Lay
Readers
Alex Williamson Chad Barker
Wendela Correia David Burns
Sharon
Chris Christy
McElveen
Paul Johnstone Dale Ward
Walter Lassiter Richard
Mike Janik
Martinez
Rachel Varriale
Pat and Don
Miller
Mike Stanley
Alan Jolley
Mary Carter &
Jim Butt
Chuck and Edna Steve Campbell
Forbes
Gary Brewbaker
Blaine and
Cookie Rudisill
Jean Eaddy
Jane Cauthen
Susan
Stragand
Paul Johnstone
Wayne Willis
Greg and Pam
Dills
Sophia &
Anthony
Varriale, Ethan
Barker, Blaine &
Catherine
Rudisill
Chad Barker
Thomas Jolley
Sophi Jolley
Savannah &
Connor Smith
Emma Grey
Taylor
Alan Jolley
Stewart Butt
Ethan & Emmy
Thrower
Gwen & Jake
Walker
Alex Campbell
Allison, Jack &
Apple Sherrill
Clay Williamson
Alex Williamson
Austin Biles
Abigail & Eli
Dills
Kyle Bond
Maggie Griffin
Tripp Griffin
Donna Taylor
Krissy Miura
Sophia Varriale Heather &
Brenda Gilbert Tripp Griffin
Sophi Jolley
Andrew &
Terri Williamson Jackie Quinley
Coffee
Hour
Pat Smith
Judy Hobbs
Tina Queen
Mary Carter
Butt
Breakfast
Jeremy
McCarey
Pam & Greg
Dills
Jim Redd
Don & Pat Miller Continental
Breakfast
Eli Dills
Nancy Lynn
Hargis
Emmy and
Marcia
Thrower
David John and Maggie Griffin
Emma Grey
Kristin Major
Carol Carothers Taylor, Terri
Williamson
Steve Campbell
Steve
Campbell
Steve
Campbell
10:30 am
Ushers
Greeters
Acolytes
(Adult in
Italics)
Nursery
Chapel
Leaders
Vestry
Lock-up
St. Mark’s Newsletter - March 2015
Steve Campbell
Jay Barnes
Liz Domenico
Sharon
McElveen
Marcia Thrower
Steve Campbell
page B
ST. MARK’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH
258 WEST FRANKLIN BLVD.
GASTONIA, NORTH CAROLINA 28052
Mark’s Place
The reading of the Daily
is a time honored
Contemporary Worship - Belmont Office
tradition in the Church.
Morning Prayers are said
Saturday Evenings at 5pm
around the world in a
6509-B W. Wilkinson Blvd
constant voice of prayer
Belmont Village Shopping Center and praise. If you would
like to be part of this
between Bi-Lo & Papa John’s
“unceasing prayer”, come
St.
Mark’s offers a contemporary worship service at
5:00 pm each Saturday in Belmont. This relaxed,
come-as-you-are service is perfect for those who
cannot worship on Sunday mornings or for anyone
looking for a more contemporary option for worship
expression. The group sings mostly praise music,
celebrates Eucharist in a Rite III style, and discusses
the readings together as an interactive sermon.
Want to know more? Speak to Fr. Shawn, check out
the Mark’s Place Belmont facebook page or web site,
or just show up on a Saturday evening and see
what’s happening.
All are welcome!
St. Mark’s Newsletter - March 2015
to Morning
Prayer any day Monday through
Thursday. It begins with silence at
8:15 followed by the office at 8:30.
On Wednesdays the group celebrates
Eucharist.
If a simple Daily Devotion at home
works better for you, there is one that
includes a psalm, short Scripture reading and collect on page 137 of The
Book of Common Prayer. Forward Day
By Day offers an excellent daily devotion and our Facebook page
has a daily meditation or prayer taken from various sources
posted each morning.
page 8