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The Banner
St. Mark's Episcopal Church
September 2008
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Why, God?

Have you ever asked this question? Perhaps you have asked it secretly, but were afraid to voice it out loud. Perhaps the faith tradition you grew up in filled you with uncertainty and even fear of asking such a question.

Why do evil things happen? Or, at least, why do evil things happen to the innocent? If God is a God who loves us, and who can create and recreate good things in our world with such power, then how do we come to terms with the seeming randomness and injustice of evil in the world?

For some of us, this question is at times an "academic" or "philosophical" one, and we are simply curious about this question as an intellectual exercise. On the other hand, there are those times in life when we come face to face with human pain and suffering so out of proportion with any "reason" we can imagine, that the question rises again with intense urgency. Why, God?

Our Church is perhaps unusual in a very important way when it comes to this and other difficult spiritual questions: far from prohibiting such questions, we actually encourage them. In our tradition, we believe that there is no question that comes from the human heart which is inappropriate for our faith.

Why can we believe this? Because of the Bible! Or, more specifically, those people in the Bible whose stories include breathtaking questioning and expressions of anger and frustration at God Himself.

We at St. Mark's have taken care of one another in times of great illness and loss. And yet, the people of God also need, as part of that pastoral care, to help one another in dealing with that question, Why, God?

St. Mark's invites you, and anyone you think might be in need of this pastoral care, to a series of classes on Wednesday nights at 6:30, beginning September 3rd. The teacher will be the Rev. Dr. Lee Humphreys, author, Episcopal priest, and former professor of Old Testament at the University of Tennessee at Knoxville.

The course is entitled, What would you ask God? and it includes a look at the stories and experiences of Joseph, Job, and the author of Ecclesiastes, and a look at the "Wisdom Tradition" of Israel.

Supper will be served at 6:00, and the children and youth programs and choirs will be held at 6:30. Meals are $6 for adults and $2 for children's hot dog meal ($3 for children who eat adult meal).

**No reservations are required for the Sept.3rd meal. Menu: "Farewell to summer vegetables" plate: fresh corn, green beans, zucchini/squash casserole, sliced tomatoes, slaw, corn bread, apple pie.

Sunday Mornings
Third Way: Did Jesus Really Mean What He Said?


Do not resist one who is evil. But if anyone strikes on the right cheek, turn to him the other, also; and if any one would sue you and take your coat, let him have your cloak as well; and if any one forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles. (Matt 5:39-41)

These and other puzzling words of Jesus have perplexed and fascinated both believers and unbelievers for centuries. Does Jesus advocate complete "giving in" to the evil in our world? Is this advice to be taken literally, for these specific situations? Are they simply to be taken as "pie-in-the- sky" ideals, and not related to the "real world?"

Or, could these and other mysterious sayings of Jesus actually be a foundation of a new way of living life, a revolutionary "third way" of being a human being that is not dominated (as we hear of the stock market), by fear and greed? What have these sayings to do with the issue of violence in our world, and the Christian call both to pursue peace and to fight for justice? How do Christians do both?

Join the Rev. Dean Taylor and Jim Sneary, director of RESOLV, a program of training in non-violence for convicted violent offenders, in this exploration of the words of Jesus. Classes meet Sunday mornings, beginning September 7, at 9:30 in the Parish Hall.

Young Adults: Nooma

The Young Adults class will continue the Nooma DVD series, which uses contemporary music, art, and dramatic situations to explore life themes. Class meets in the Library beginning September 7, at 9:30
Newcomers Dinner

All St. Mark's newcomers from the past year are invited to the home of our Rector, Dean Taylor, on Thursday evening, October 2nd, at 6:30 p.m. The home is located at 1600 Southmont Dr. (directions below). Any St. Mark's parishioners who would like to contribute food to the supper, please call the Church office at 278-8857.

**Directions: from corner of Walnut and Dug Gap/Tibbs Rd. Go south on Dug Gap for .7 mile; turn left at light on Southmont. 1600 is at very end of cul-de-sac.
The Middle School youth continue to meet every Wednesday evening from 6:30-7:30 p.m. We will have a pool party at the Alderman home on Sunday, Sept. 7 at 4:00 p.m..

The High School youth will hold a House Eucharist on Sunday, Sept. 14 at 5:00 p.m. at the Sneary home. Bring your bathing suit.

Both Middle and High School Youth will visit the Haunted Caverns at Ruby Falls on Saturday, Sept. 27. We will depart from the church at 6:30 p.m.



Join us for 2nd Sunday Potluck - Sept. 14th following the 10:30 service.

This is your last chance to be included in the St. Mark's Pictorial Directory! Directory pictures will continue to be taken on Friday, Sept. 5 from 3:00 - 9:30, and Saturday, Sept. 6 from 10:00 - 5:00.

If you haven't already signed up, you may do so by calling Patsy Pressley at 423.476.6265. Every household photographed will receive a free 8x10 photograph and a directory, so please make plans to be in our new directory.

Additionally, we welcome digital submissions of any church-related photographs (VBS, youth activities, Sunday school, quilting, DEO, blessing of the animals, whatever!) for inclusion in the "activities" photo pages. Every household photographed will receive a free 8x10 photograph and a directory. Please come and be included in the new St Mark's directory!
DEO CLINIC: Our DEO Clinic clients have requested small or travel sizes of deodorant, shaving cream, small containers of foot powder/baby powder, razors, insect repellent, men's size medium underwear, white athletic-type socks and over the counter cough and cold medicine, tylenol, benadryl, ibuprofen and aspirin. Please place donated items in the DEO bin near the church office. Thank you!

FOOD PANTRY: Are you trying to think of a gift to give someone who's having a birthday or anniversary, or would you like to honor or remember a special person? Why not donate to the Food Pantry in that person's honor? We will let the recipient know of your gift (though not the amount), and that gift will be a tangible help to those who are having trouble providing food for their families in these tough economic times. It's a great gift-giving idea for people who don't need more "things" to store or maintain. If you have questions, call the church office at 706-278- 8857.

FAMILY PROMISE: The next community-wide Family Promise meeting will be Monday, September 8th at 6:00 p.m. in St. Mark's parish hall. Our network is making progress towards the official start-up date of January 1, 2009. We now have: 1) a van which was donated by Varnell United Methodist Church; 2) nine congregations committed to participate with two more close to making a decision; and 3) our official 501(c)3 (non-profit) certification. Come to this meeting to learn how you can help make this ministry to homeless families a reality in Whitfield County. First-timers are always welcome!

CARTER HOPE DINNERS: It's time to start Carter Hope Suppers again! Gather friends and family to cook, serve, and share Tuesday night supper with Carter Hope residents. A sign-up sheet is located in the church office area. Questions? Call Woody Mader at 1-706-866-6982 or Mary Squires at 706-217-1891.
St. Mark's Book Study will resume on Monday, September 8th at 5:00 in the library. For information, contact June Sparks at 706-278-3969 or the church secretary at 706-278-8857.
The Daughters of the King meet on the first Wednesday of each month. The next meeting will be at 4:30 p.m. in the Library on Sept 3. All ladies are invited to attend.
St. Mark's youth enjoyed an exciting summer mission trip to Washington, D.C. July 20-27. Besides serving the hungry and offering educational opportunities to poor children, we toured the National Cathedral, the White House, and visited the Episcopal Policy Network, the Episcopal Church's presence on Capitol Hill.

Actions do speak louder than words, and now is a great time for all of us to make a little more noise. With Sunday school in full swing, the switch to our fall schedule and the return of Wednesday night suppers, all depend upon and anticipate our income from pledge and plate matching budget. Through July we were less than budget by $29,544. It is incumbent upon each of us to keep Saint Mark's financially sound and spiritually healthy. With your help and support I know fiscal 2008 will be a model for our financial plan moving forward.

Sincerely,
Bob Haverland, Finance and Stewardship
BIRTH
Andrew Bennett Hyde (Ben), son of Abbie and Stephan Hyde and grandson of Marianna and Walt Arms, was born on August 14 in Charlotte, NC.

DEATHS
Robert Bennett, brother of Georgia Bennett, died Tuesday, August 12th in Georgetown, Georgia.

Pearl Douglas, Ty Gay's great aunt, died on August 17.

Glenda Smith, sister of Norma Palmer, died August 25th in Texas.

Gertha Fowler, mother of Linda Massey, died August 26th in Dalton.

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:
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 17 - SUNDAY, OCTOBER 19 - Parish Retreat at Amicalola Falls.
March 6-8, 2009 - Women's Retreat at St. Mary's Retreat Center
PRAYER LIST

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

Geneva and Marion Albertson, Alicia Alderman, Mike Andersen Family, Robb Andersen Family, Joan & Paul Anderson, Ruth Baker, David Blackburn, Idawee Bowen, Charlotte Bryant, Betty Carlson, Carey Craig, Melba Greene, Jane Harrell, Bud Hawkins, John and Cathy Houser, Yvonne Howalt, Nick Hull, Janet Johnson, Tanc and Joan Lidderdale, Celia Looper, Rick Martin, Alicia Kemp McCormick, Troy Moses, Alice Oosterhoudt, Ann Powell, Patsy Rains, Cindie Robinson, Doris Shoemaker, Glenn Smail, Kathryn Smith, Lo Veasey, Suzanne Ward, 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 contact the church office at 706.278.8857. For after-hours needs, please contact one of the people listed below (contact in the order listed): Dean Taylor, Rector (706-226- 2345 home, 706-264- 2345 cell); Elizabeth Roles, Assistant to the Rector (cell: 706.537.8908), Chris Stearns, Senior Warden (home: 706.278.4837), Cindy Sarratt, Vestry-Pastoral Care (home: 706.278.6097).

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).
SEPTEMBER BIRTHDAYS

1. Richard Cunningham, Jacob Johnson
2. Marilyn Hutcheson, Betty Garmany
3. Don Hayes Sr., Erin Ward
4. Chelsea Christiansen
5. Don Hoffmeyer
6. Clay Miller
7. George Woodward Sr., William Adkins
8. Tanc Lidderdale, Joan Anderson, Carol Taylor
9. Kim Miller, Gina Christiansen
11. Dick Geraci, Cathy Houser, Sam Martin
13. Emma Phinney
14. Juli Hayes, Joe Massey, Allen Hall
15. John Knight II, Hunter Myers
17. Dan Dawson
18. Patsy Gordon, Rick Powell
19. Jennifer Phinney, Roger Bagley
20. Gary Keeble
21. Gayle Hayes
22. Roger Williams, Tammy Rice-Rodriguez
23. Matt Smith
24. Jeanne Burr
26. Betty Carlson, Elizabeth Burchfield
28. George Spence
29. Mike Renfroe, John Sportiello
30. Ellen Andersen, James Holyer, David Adams
SEPTEMBER ANNIVERSARIES

10. Tommy & Bee Maybank
13. George & Connie Woodward
14. Kim & Jan Littell
18. David & Anne Blaylock, Steve & Mary Black
30. Walter & Marianna Arms, Theirry & Marianne Urbain

We hope you enjoyed the September 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