December 2018
St. Mark’s News Volume 22/Issue 11
From the Rector God is working here right now I want to say a huge and resounding thank you to those of you who submitted a pledge for 2019. I am deeply humbled and inspired by your generous commitments to this place. Pledges are, of course, not the only measure of one’s commitment or generosity, but, they are certainly on the list. Where we put our money tells a story about what we value in this world, and I’m left with the impression that you value this place very much. In fact, to date, our pledges indicate to me that God is right now doing something special in the hearts of the people of St. Mark’s. Consider the In this Issue spiritual significance of this: Over half of you who submitted pledges this year decided to increase your pledge from the From the Rector .........................1 previous year. Advent Schedule ........................2 Parish Life ..................................2
We pledge across a wide range—from the double to the Day School News .......................4 quintuple digits—but I’m not so interested in the amounts on Outreach ....................................5 the pledge cards. I’m interested—no, that’s the wrong word— Family Ministry ...........................6 I’m awestruck by the number of you that have increased your Music Notes ...............................8 Parishioner Highlights ................9 commitments to this place. Is it possible that this represents a Celebrations .............................10 holy risk for you and your family? Is it possible that this means ROTA .......................................11 you will expect more from St. Mark’s—more from God?—this year than you did last year? Is it possible that your eyes will be pried more-widely open this year than last to see what God is up to? To see what God is going to transform your money into and then offer back to the world as a beautiful gift? Is it possible that this next year will be the most important—the most transformational—year of your life? What a thought! This is only one of the many indications to me that God is up to something special right now at St. Mark’s. Of course there’s many more. Maybe it’s just baby-Rector nerve, but this feels like a big one right now. I thank God that I get to be part of this journey with you, and I’m grateful to be on the path with such brave and courageous brothers and sisters as you. Pray for me. I’m praying for you. Zac+
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