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Interested in Classes in Scripture, Theology, or Church Ministries?

    Now in its 40th year, the Ecumenical Institute of Theology of St. Mary’s Seminary and University offers accredited master’s-level theological education (courses, certificates, degrees) to women and men of all denominations. Auditors with at least two years of college are welcome. Pastors should consider our post-master’s Certificate of Advanced Studies. August 15 is the application deadline for the fall term, which runs from September 2 through December 11. For more information please contact Patty Rath at 410/864-4200 or prath@stmarys.edu, or visit the website at www.stmarys/ei.

Traveling this Summer?

    Even while away, please remember to support the ministry of St Marks. You may send your check to:
    St Mark's Episcopal Church
    12701 Hall Shop Rd
    Highland, MD 20777
     
    You may also choose to contribute online with major credit cards. At the St Mark's website, simply click on "Contribute Online"

Deepen your experience of Connection at St Marks

    We would like for you to feel really part of the community, to become more personally connected to others at St Marks. St Marks is full of friendly people, but friendly can take you only so far. Attending weekly worship among friendly people is a great thing, but becoming really connected into community requires something more. We offer two experiences that can help:
    "Disciples of Christ in Community is well-designed to deepen the spiritual experience of the participants -- all the more because it not only creates community, but helps teach the skills we need to deepen and expand our experience of spiritual community throughout our other programs, small groups, and relationships in the church.
     
    If your entire group (house group, Bible study, task force, standing commitee, ministry team, choral group etc.) were to participate together in a cycle of DoCC, we believe it would greatly enhance each participant's experience in that group, and would enhance the community experience of the group or team as a whole. Since there is a limit to the number of participants we can accept for the second cycle, we encourage you to register early -- especially if your group wishes to go through this cycle together.
     
    For more information go to DoCC at St Marks or DoCC at the National Cathedral. Download a registration form for our next cycle from here.     If you have specific questions about participating in DoCC, contact Rick+.

Pianist, guitarists, percussionists needed for "GODSPELL"

    St. Mark's youth production of Godspell is looking for some adult musicians to lend a hand. We need a pianist and a couple of guitarists, maybe a drummer/percussion to accompany our cast. Please see Melanie+ if you can help out or know someone who can.

Vestry Election Process begins in July!

    Any Voting member may run for the vestry. Those interested submit an Application to the Elections Committee no later than Sept 1.

    Any Voting member may nominate any other Voting member for vestry. Nominators submit a Nomination to the Elections Committee no later than Sept 1.

    July - Sept : Election Committee receives and completes the vetting of applications/nominations

    July - Sept : Applicants and nominees become familiar with the following Vestry Documents, which are used throughout the term of service on Vestry. They also meet with clergy and current Vestry to discuss the nature and expectations of this crucial leadership role.

    October: Voting members elect their Vestry.

    October - December: Transition/learning phase. Vestry-elect (1) participate in the Fall Vestry Retreat (Oct 10-11), (2) attend Vestry meetings, (3) participate in their assigned Standing Committee.

    January 1: Vestry-elect take office Vestry and are commissioned at the Feast of the Holy Name.

St Marks in the World

    Do you have family members deployed in our Armed Forces or other services?

      Send the names of family members deployed (with their units and apo addresses) to Madeleine+ so we can send care packages and cards!

    Partnership with the Church of the Guardian Angel

      St Marks is expanding its mission by partnering with the Church of the Guardian Angel to provide food and clothing for the homeless population in Baltimore Our food basket will be taken there. They need canned tuna, peanut better, spaghetti sauce, canned meats, and cold cereal and used, but clean, men's underwear and socks. Please do not bring clothing in packages or other food stuffs.

      Guardian Angel has also requested 3 basketball nets with backboards for the alley behind the church. Outreach will purchase the nets and 6 basketballs. If you are interested in helping to put up the nets on July 26th or particpating in other ways in this ministry, see Beth Trollinger.

    Some Contemporary Perspectives on Slavery

      A few years ago there was a shocking article in National Geographic, documenting and photographing contemporary slavery in the world. What was most disturbing to some of us were the images and data of contemporary slavery in the United States, particularly in Florida, Texas, and California if related to agricultural industries and in or near many major cities if related to sex industries. The article was not about poorly paid workers, but those literally and forcibly held, often shipped here against their wills in shipping containers, lodged behind chain link fences topped with barbed wire, and guarded by armed men.
       
      For another perspective for post Civil War slavery in American, one might look at Douglas Blackmon's book, Slavery by Another Name. For a preview see the Newsweek slideshow narrated by the author at here. Sometimes people ask, "Why does the Episocpal Church have and encourage diocesan reparations committees. These photos may be part of the answer.

    DreamBuilders' Mission Photos

      Check out the photos from the DreamBuilders' trip to Alburquerque on our website, either through our Photo Gallery page or through our DreamBuilders section (click on photos) .

SCRIPTURE READINGS -- Prepare for Worship by Reading Sunday's Scriptures

Select from below, or go to the Online Lectionary Calendar and click on "RCL" ("Revised Common Lectionary") for any listed date to read Sunday's Scriptures. (Note: The RCL often offers a "two track" system, with two sets of readings and Psalms. We have been using the second track since Advent 2007, and will continue until we complete the current 3-year cycle. We plan to use the first track again in Advent 2010.) Lector Preparation Notes   |   Index for Pronouncing Biblical Words   |   Lector's Customary
Lector Rota:   |   Clergy Rota
Announcements updated on July 23, 2008

 
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How Can I Get an Announcement Made?

  • Parish Message Board: Post your own message online on the St Marks Message Board anytime
  • Refrigerator Sheet: Submit request by email to Nancy no later than Tuesday evening.
  • Weekly E-News: Submit request by email to Rick no later than Thursday evening.
  • Sunday morning announcements at Worship: Submit request by email to Rick no later than Thursday evening.

NOTE: All requests are subject to approval and/or editing.

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St Marks Episcopal Church is located in Highland MD, convenient to Columbia MD, Clarksville MD, Fulton MD, Burtonsville MD, Dayton MD, and Laurel MD, in Howard County, Maryland, halfway between Baltimore and Washington D.C.