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The Banner
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
January 2008
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Epiphany: "Comfort and Joy"


I don't know why, exactly, that I enjoy taking ornaments off of the tree after Christmas. I do love Christmas, with all its excesses, and for me, of course, that means, specifically, chocolate. But there is something almost comforting about taking down each ornament, remembering this one from a child's second grade project, that one a gift from friends last year, and placing them safely into the plastic container to go under the stairs for next year.

The comfort comes from knowing that Christmas will come again. Yet the joy of these transition times comes from the freshness of a new year, and the possibilities that God will be offering to us in the coming year.

At St. Mark's, this means the excitement of a new Vestry, the new Kerygma program, a new staff position for the Spring funded by the Lilly Endowment Grant (see article below), and of course, my own excitement in my sabbatical study ahead. As the events of the world show every day, I don't know of many more important areas that need work and study than the conversation between the three "Children of Abraham," Jewish, Christian, and Muslim.

I'll have more to share about what that journey entails in the next newsletter. But for now, as we begin this New Year, new Vestry, and new season of Epiphany, I pray that the "comfort and joy" of this past season remain with us throughout the year-the comfort of the cycle of the seasons, as well as the joy of God's new possibilities in the holy time ahead.

DT+

The following opportunities are available on Sunday Mornings at 10 a.m.:

Church Stories - January 7th- 20th, Dr. John Hutcheson and the Rector, Dean Taylor, will lead this class on the origins of the Episcopal Church. Informative and interesting, this class is great for both 'old-timers' and 'newcomers' alike and serves as preparation for Adult Confirmation on Sunday, January 27. This class meets in the Parish Hall

God Talk - This ongoing class is led by Ty Ross and Jim Halverson. It is an informal discussion group for young adults and uses the Nooma Video Series to prompt discussion on Biblical and spiritual themes. Class meets in the Library.
Wednesday nights are back on January 9th:

5:45 pm
Supper - No sign-ups necessary
Cost: $6 for adult plate, $3 for child's plate, $2 for hot dog plate.

6:30 pm
Children's Choir and Middle School Youth
Beginning Bible with Dr. Lee Humpreys

7:30 pm
Adult Choir
Bishop Carol Gallager will confirm both adults and youth at the 11:00 service on Sunday morning, January 27th. Adults who are interested in confirmation, reception, or the affirmation of confirmation vows made at an earlier time in your life, please contact the rector, Dean Taylor, at 706-278- 8857. Adults to be confirmed are asked to attend two Sunday morning classes in the Parish Hall at 10:00, this Sunday, January 13, and Sunday, January 20th, as well as the "Beginning Bible" Wednesday night classes beginning January 9.
Welcome Wes!
Welcome to Wes Phinney who will serve as our Children and Youth Minister from January - May 2008. In this position, paid for by the Lily Endowment, Wes will support Elizabeth in her ministerial duties with children and youth while Dean is on Sabbatical (February 21 through June 18). Wes is a familiar face around Saint Mark's from his many years in ministry amongst us as vestry member, Sunday School teacher, and as "Jesus" during Vacation Bible School skits. He has taught children, middle, and high school Sunday School, so the youngest members of Saint Mark's already know and love him. We are so grateful to Wes for sharing his faith, creativity and scholarship with us.

As Children and Youth Minister, Wes will lead Wednesday night Middle School programs, the Senior High monthly House Eucharist, and youth mission projects. Wes will lead community-building events throughout the month for all ages, as well as, coordinate the children and youth Sunday School schedules. Next time you see Wes, whether he is dressed as Jesus, Saint Nicholas, or a college professor, let him know how much we appreciate his ministry at Saint Mark's.

High School Youth
The High School Confirmation class will resume on January 6th at 6:30 p.m. in the High School Youth room. The confirmation retreat will be held on January 25-26 at Sewanee, TN. The 8th grade Sunday School class will throw a Confirmation Dinner Celebration on Jan. 26th for the confirmands and their parents. The confirmation service with Bishop Gallagher is at the 11 a.m. service on Sunday, January 27.

Middle School Youth
Middle School Youth returns on Wednesday nights beginning January 9 at 6:30 p.m. Join us as we welcome Wes Phinney to his new role as Children and Youth Minister.

Middle and Senior High Youth Mission!
In January, the St. Mark's youth will have a winter mini- mission trip to Holy Comforter Mission in Atlanta on January 12-13. We will help serve a meal to parishioners of Holy Comforter and join with them in their Saturday Night Live program. We will spend the night at their church and join them for worship and lunch the next morning. We will leave from St. Mark's at noon on Saturday, January 12 and return in mid- afternoon on January 13. Please let Elizabeth know if you plan to join us. Parents and other adult chaperones are welcome!
January 6
Godly Play (3 yr olds - 1st grade)
Lesson : Play Day
Teachers: Susan Jaconetti and Nancy Nelson

Fantastic Journey (2nd grade - 5th grade)
Theme: Stations of the Light
Workshop: Art
Teachers: Heather Adams and Kathi Reisz

January 13
Godly Play
Lesson: Holy Baptism
Teachers: Brenda Hoffmeyer and Sarah Holyer

Fantastic Journey
Theme: Stations of the Light
Workshop: Art
Teachers: Heather Adams and Kathi Reisz

January 20
Godly Play
Lesson: The Ark and the Temple
Teachers:Janet Johnson and Meredith Andersen

Fantastic Journey
Theme: Let there be Light
Workshop: Drama/Games
Teachers: Paul Alderman and Brooke Halverson

January 27
Godly Play
Lesson: The Exile and Return
Teachers: Brenda Hoffmeyer and Jon Burchfield

Fantastic Journey
Theme: Let there be Light
Workshop: Cooking
Teachers: Richie and Jennifer Morrison

There will be no 2nd Sunday Potluck in January. Potlucks will resume in February.
The St. Mark's Women's Retreat will be March 28 - 30, 2008 at St. Mary's Retreat Center near Sewanee. For more information, pick up a brochure in the church office. Registrations must be turned in to Amy in the church office by January 30, 2008.
This small-group, Bible study will explore the Gospel of Matthew. Kerygma invites you to experience the adventure of learning and the joy of growth as we delve into scripture and get to know one another. You will not only have the opportunity to learn more about the Bible, you will connect with fellow parish members in an inviting small-group setting.

The class begins Wednesday, February 13th at 6:30 p.m. and meets on Wednesdays through Lent and the season of Easter. To register for this class, please contact the church office.

More from Kerygma.com:
The Gospel of Matthew: GOD WITH US
With all we have to unite us, we still find ways to create division. It is an age-old question: do we focus on what sets us apart, or what holds us together?

The First Evangelist and the new Christian community saw themselves first as part of Judaism, not separate from it. This community, like the Gospel writer who addresses it-was the most "Jewish" among the gospel communities.

A distinguishing feature of the Gospel according to Matthew is its use of the Greek term ekklesia, which means an assembly of ones who are "called out" and it conveys nothing of the static conception of the word "church" held by many today. Matthew is the only gospel to use this term and both times it comes from the lips of Jesus. The Church is so important to Matthew that he describes the nature and purpose of the Messiah's new community throughout the gospel and two full chapters are devoted to teachings of Jesus that are specifically aimed at guiding the community of faith in its life and service.

...What is it that binds us together? Jesus - God With Us.
The Clinic is now serving a meal during clinic hours (5:00 - 6:30 pm) on Thursdays. If you would like to supply a simple meal (sandwiches, hearty soup or stew, or casserole) for about 20 clients on the first or second Thursday of the month, please contact Phyllis Jordan at 706.275.0634. The meal must be cooked at home and brought ready to serve. Food purchases for preparing the meal are reimbursable up to $25 per week or can be considered a donation to the Clinic. Staying to serve the meal is not required, but you are welcome to do so if you wish.
As of 1-7-08 there have been 127 pledges for a total amount of $322,825.00 for 2008.
The following dates are available for those wishing to donate altar flowers. This is a great way to honor or remember loved ones, or just add to the worship experience. Please contact the church office to sign up.

January 13
April 6, 13, 20
May 18
June 1, 22
August 3
September 14, 21, 28
October 26
November 2
The St. Mark's "Quilting for Others" ladies supplied beautiful quilts for needy families this Christmas. The group meets each Monday morning in the Parish Hall, beginning January 7th. Anyone is welcome to join!
Paul and I want to express our heartfelt thanks for all your prayers, love, concern, and thoughts which I have indeed felt throughout this unexpected illness. The love of so many people, my church, and our caring clergy and staff have sustained me. I love you all and will be happy when I can once again be strong enough to join you. God has indeed been good to me!! Have a Blessed Christmas and a joyous, healthy New year!

Joan Anderson
Tom Deaton at Dalton State College, with the help of the middle school class at the International Academy at Blue Ridge, is putting together a picture book of Dalton. They have asked for help in getting pictures that illustrate life in Dalton - as it is now or how it was in the past. If you have pictures you would like to contribute, or for more information, contact Dr. Thomas Deaton at 706.272.2673.
DEATHS
Jim Greer died on Monday, December 31st in Dalton.

Virginia Elizabeth Woolls, Jennifer Ross's grandmother, died on Friday, January 3rd in Alexandria, VA.


Rest eternal grant to them, O Lord:
And let light perpetual shine upon them.
May their souls, and the souls of all the departed,
through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.
Please click HERE to view the church calendar.

Mark your Calendars now with these upcoming dates:

Laissez Les Bons Temps Rouler!
Let the Good Times Roll!!

St. Mark's 6th Annual Mardi Gras Service

Featuring Jazz, Gospel, Spirituals, and a whole lotta fun!

February 5, 2008 - 6:00 p.m. with Pancake Supper to follow.
PRAYER LIST

Members of St. Mark's Community Who Need Your Prayers:

Rosemary Adams, Geneva and Marion Albertson, Alicia Alderman, Peter Andersen and family, Robb Andersen Family, Joan & Paul Anderson, Stan Applegate, Ruth Baker, David Blackburn, Idawee Bowen, Charlotte Bryant, Betty Carlson, Alma Casper, Carey Craig, Bill Dawkins, Marie Dodd, Melba Greene, Jane Harrell, Bud Hawkins, Cathy Houser, Yvonne Howalt, Janet Johnson, Phyllis Jordan and family, Tanc and Joan Lidderdale, Celia Looper, Alicia Kemp McCormick, Troy Moses, Alice Oosterhoudt, Patsy Rains, Cindie Robinson, Caroline Ryman, Doris Shoemaker, Glenn Smail, Carol Taylor, Lo Veasey, Virginia Weaver, Connie Woodward.

PASTORAL CARE

The St. Mark's Pastoral Care Committee would appreciate your assistance with updating the church staff of any pastoral needs among our congregation. During regular business hours, please call Amy Parks in the church office (706-278-8857) if there is a need. For after hours needs, please contact one of the people listed below (call in the order listed): Dean Taylor, Rector (706-226-2345 home, 706-264- 2345 cell); Elizabeth Roles, Asst. Rector (706-537-8908); Amy Parks, Parish Administrator (706-847- 4799).

PRAYER CHAIN

The St. Mark's Prayer Chain continues to actively serve the prayer needs of our parish community. If you have a prayer request, contact the prayer chain leader, Barbara Yarbrough (226-4147).
JANUARY BIRTHDAYS

1. Jan Littell, Kellie Evans
2. Kaelyn Hawkins
3. Debbie Ashworth
6. Neil Houston, Ron Arnold
7. Will Creswell, Grant Halverson
8. Lane Ashworth, Sally Huggins
10. Geneva Albertson
11. Frank Robertson
12. Allyson Faulk, Bob Manly
13. Owen Potts
14. Barbara McCoy, Austin Gallman, Sophie Morrison, Spencer Hayes
15. Jackie Phillips
16. Gina Barron, Mallory Jordan
17. Ruth Baker
20. Sydney Holloway
23. Jack Smith
24. Barbara Yarbrough, Carrie Andersen
26. Mike Gallman, Lily Halverson
27. Ann Powell, Nancy Nelson
29. Matt Blackburn
30. Bill Barron, Walker Gallman
31. Susan Fleming, Roy Barrett

JANUARY ANNIVERSARIES

4. Kent & Leslie Harrelson
28. John & Cathy Houser
29. George & Rhenda Spence, Earl & Sue Boyd

We hope you enjoyed the January edition of The Banner. Feel free to contact the church office if you're having trouble with this email newsletter.

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St. Mark's Episcopal Church