St. Mark’s RemarksSt. Mark’s RemarksSt. Mark’s RemarksSt. Mark’s Remarks

JULY/AUGUST 2016 Seek God Serve Others Transform LivesSeek God Serve Others Transform LivesSeek God Serve Others Transform LivesSeek God Serve Others Transform Lives

St. Mark’s Episcopal ChurchSt. Mark’s Episcopal ChurchSt. Mark’s Episcopal ChurchSt. Mark’s Episcopal Church

322 North Horne Street, Mesa, AZ 85203

Office Hours: Tues —Fri: 9 am-1 pm

(480) 964-5820

E-Mail: office@stmarksmesa.org

Web Site: www.stmarksmesa.org

Parish Directory

The Rev. Gerardo Brambila Vicar

The Rev. Steven Ford Assistant Priest

Chris Perry Director of Music

Gloria McManus Parish Administrator

Deb Cannon Licensed in Children’s Ministries

Donald Henney Sr. Senior Warden

Carl Burgess Junior Warden

Al Rausch Treasurer

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Bishop’s Committee Members

Mayra Alvarado John Ddamba

Elizabeth Hernandez Dudley Jans

Patrick Mack Jim Poulos

Paige Stalcup

Delegates to the Annual Diocesan

Convention Mayra Alvarado Caleb Collins

Gloria McManus Jim McManus

Julia Coleman, Terry Gordon and Samuel Mungai will serve as

first, second and third alternates respectively.

Ministry Leaders

Acolytes Paige Stalcup

Altar Guild Terry Gordon

Choir and Praise Ensemble Chris Perry

Christian Formation for Youth Deb Cannon

Dianne Nunez

Communications Kathy Cheatham/

ML Burgess

Cursillo Monica Larsen

Daughters of the King Marge Fountain

ECW (Women’s Ministry) Jeanette Rogers

Food Pantry Penny Place

Greeters Judy Hossack

Hispanic Ministry Fr. Brambila

Liturgical Arrangements Viviana Brambila

Office Angels Gloria McManus

Pastoral Care Elaine Austin

PRIDE (Men’s Fellowship) Glenn Gordon

Scriptorium Deb Cannon

Sunday Lay Ministries Fr. Brambila/

Gloria McManus

Tai Chi Dee Greiner

Thrift Store Sally Worthington

Ushers Kathy Smith/

Bob Cheatham

Visit us on the Web: www.stmarksmesa.org and join us on Facebook at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church-Mesa, AZ

Join us at www.stmarksmesa.org for updates and more news!

Services: 7 am-Spanish Service . . 8:30 am-Praise Service . . 9:45 am-Children’s Chapel . . 11 am-Choral Holy Eucharist Rite II . . Wed. 10 am-Healing Service

Heavenly Father . . .

We thank you for the great resources of this nation.

They make us rich, though we often exploit them.

Forgive us.

We thank you for the men and women who have

made this country strong. They are models for us,

though we often fall short of them.

Inspire us.

We thank you for the torch of liberty which has been

lit in this land. It has drawn people from every na-

tion, though we have often hidden from its light.

Enlighten us.

We thank you for the faith we have inherited in all its

rich variety. It sustains our life, though we have been

faithless again and again.

Renew us.

Help us, O Lord, to finish the good work here begun.

Strengthen our efforts to blot out ignorance and prej-

udice, and to abolish poverty and crime. And hasten

the day when all our people, with many voices in one

united chorus, will glorify your holy Name. Amen.

(bcp)

Let Us Pray . . . Let Us Pray . . . Let Us Pray . . . Let Us Pray . . . It’s Summertime . . . It’s Summertime . . . It’s Summertime . . . It’s Summertime . . . And it is getting nice and toasty here in the

desert. For those of you who have traveled ‘up

North’ for the summer months, we miss you

and hope you are having a good summer.

Despite the ‘hot’ temperatures, St. Mark’s

continues a full schedule of services and events in order to offer

more support and access to those who remain in this heat. The

change in service time for the Spanish Service to 7:00 am on Sun-

days has been very well received and has attracted more congre-

gants. We continue to have a very good turnout of parishioners

for the 8:30 and 11:00 am services — so come and worship with

us in the cool confines of the Church and Knight Hall. Everyone

is welcome.

For those who take vacations during the summer months and

cannot be with us for a few weeks, remember that the Church

continues while you are away — so plan ahead. It is easy to for-

get your commitments when you are out there in the cool weath-

er, having fun and enjoying the freedoms of vacation.

More importantly — take care of yourselves this summer. Re-

member that our heat is a dry heat . . . similar to a convection

oven. Stay out of the heat as much as you can, drink plenty of

water, use the sunscreen and BE CAREFUL. Remember that it

is a COOL thing to keep in touch with your friends to make sure

they are safe and well. Enjoy your summer.

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Cave Quest: Following Jesus The Light of the WorldCave Quest: Following Jesus The Light of the WorldCave Quest: Following Jesus The Light of the WorldCave Quest: Following Jesus The Light of the World

T he Parish Hall was dark — eerie really. You could hear the sounds of the

bats and varmints . . . the drip, drip of the moisture on the rocks . . . and the

stank smell of the algae. We searched and finally found our flashlight — but we

couldn’t see much . . . Still too dark and scary. Which way should we go (or should we

even go at all?) . . . Let’s use our compass . . . Sure, but we didn’t bring our compass . . . Now

what? Do you hear voices? Are those images up ahead? (We were having a very difficult time bring-

ing those images into focus) — and then before our very eyes, there stood Dianne Nunez, Kathy Smith and

Deb Cannon with warm smiles and outstretched arms welcoming us into their cave to learn about Jesus-The

Light of the World on June 20th. For five days we learned that “Jesus sheds light on how to live”, “Prophets

foretell the Light of the World”, “Jesus and Peter walk on water”, “Jesus dies and comes back to life” and

“Jesus ascends and empowers his followers”. We had an exciting and wonderful time because for each lesson

we heard Bible stories, sang songs, worked on experiments, played games and made all sorts of craft items

like bats, bugs and slimy stuff. We were even given yummy snacks that corresponded with the lesson of the

day. On the last day, a lady whose name was Mary Twentyman, entered the cave with bunches and bunch-

es of books, and she let us choose 5 books to take home. There were lotz of people helping us throughout the

week — serving as crew leaders, snack crew, craft

helpers, and there was this young, handsome teen-

age boy whose name was Michael Clark and was

“johnny on the spot” whenever asked to help. I re-

member some of the names of those who helped us

this week . . .Viviana, Penny, Barbara, Diane, Joy,

Susan, Deb’s brother, Mary Lou, and several friends

who gave of their time and talent — each one made

every day “special” for me. There were lotz of kids

who joined us — the highest number was 19 because

not everyone could come every day. There were

many new faces too — some of the kids were from

the surrounding neighborhood. Kids from the Church of Transfiguration and Resurrection were invited to

spend the week with us and Joy, one of our kitchen helpers, came from the Resurrection Church. I’ll never

forget this week at Vacation Bible School — even when I get to be 70+ years old — because I learned that Je-

sus gives us Light, Direction, Courage, Hope and Love. It’s the story that never gets old.

Although this was a special week with an unforgettable story for the youngsters, all of us at St. Mark’s recog-

nize and give heartfelt thanks to Kevin and Dianne Nunez, Russ and Kathy Smith and Rick and Deb

Cannon for all of their time, energy and creative talents in making the Vacation Bible School a memorable

and re-markable event — along with the many volunteers and donors. Be sure and check out the bulletin

board for more pictures.

Kid’s Korner . . . Kid’s Korner . . . Kid’s Korner . . . Kid’s Korner . . .

Back to School Back to School Back to School Back to School St. Mark’s Food

Pantry will be initiating its campaign for

school supplies soon — yes, its that time of

year already. Look for the donation box in

the Narthex. Supply donations and dona-

tions for supplies are always needed and

very much appreciated. See Penny Place for more infor-

mation . . . or call the office with questions.

Youth Christian Formation and Children’s Chapel

will resume in September — stay tuned.

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Ministries . . . Ministries . . . Ministries . . . Ministries . . . ECW (Episcopal Church Women)

Jeanette Rogers, Leader

PRIDE (Men’s Ministry) Glenn Gordon, Leader

Easter Sunday Altar

Easter Sunday Easter Egg Hunt

All Episcopalian women are the ECW. The ECW comprises women of all ages, ethnic

origins and socioeconomic backgrounds in the Episcopal Church – working mothers,

homemakers, career women, ordained, lay, single, married, widowed, divorced. Episco-

pal Church Women are active in all nine provinces of the Episcopal Church in North and Central America.

All are welcome!

WHY WOMEN ONLY? An important ‘why’—women simply enjoy getting together with other women –

whether it is for fellowship, Bible study, or working on a project. Another important aspect is the oppor-

tunity for women to grow into the life of the Church through women’s ministries. Many of the women in

leadership roles in the larger body of the Church began their involvement/ministry with the Episcopal

Church Women. Episcopal Church Women groups most importantly offer an environment for spiritual

growth and opportunities for ministry. Participation in these groups also promotes an understanding of

the structure and functionality of the Church.

From our beginning as Women’s Auxiliary, and following through many changes in purpose and activities,

the Episcopal Church Women have played a significant role in the work of the Episcopal Church. Cher-

ished memories of the contributions of resources - ranging from financial to missionary to training to spir-

ituality - which women have made throughout our history, are a source of satisfaction and pride for all of

us. Our vision as Episcopal Church Women, are to be keepers and proclaimers of the Christian faith,

bearing the light and hope of Jesus Christ to all. Witnessing for Christ, worshiping together and celebrat-

ing our diversity, we build and strengthen community. We minister to become faithful stewards of God’s

creation. Our purpose: “The Episcopal Church Women (ECW) is a ministry of St. Mark’s that supports

the mission of the parish through promotion of ongoing programs focused on children and family endeavors

within the parish and its neighbors”. Our goals: Listen to the concerns of women throughout the church

in order to respond creatively to their needs; become leaders in response to our Baptismal Covenant; build

an accepting atmosphere where every woman is welcomed and valued for her individual ministry; work

toward mutual respect and equity of service throughout the church as we continue to monitor women’s full

participation in the church; develop effective communication linking parish, diocesan, provincial and na-

tional Episcopal Church Women and all women of the Anglican Communion; and join and support our sis-

ters ecumenically throughout the world.

WHY PARTICIPATE?•Spiritual growth; •Focus on mission;•Fellowship, •Education, •Leadership train-

ing, •Ecumenical environment and Social Action and advocacy.

As Episcopal Church Women, we are keepers and proclaimers of the Christian

faith, bearing the light and hope of Jesus Christ to all. Witnessing for Christ,

worshiping together and celebrating our diversity, we build and strengthen com-

munity. We minister to become faithful stewards of God’s creation. Please join

us after the 11 am service in the Conference Room on the 2nd Sunday of every

month.

St. Mark’s Men’s Ministry is stepping up its campaign to increase its membership

and is asking that all of the men join them on Wednesday, July 20th at 6:00 pm in

the Parish Hall for a re-reorganization meeting. Glenn Gordon has graciously taken

the leadership torch from Jim McManus who retired in May — leaving the Ministry with an enviable

space to re-think and re-organize its mission and schedule. Every male member at St. Mark’s — and friends of these

members — has something to contribute to this Ministry so this will be an excellent time for everyone to share their

thoughts and ideas. In the past the Ministry has met once a month in the evening for supper and fellowship. The

men have volunteered to be the “Chief” Cooks for several Church events and have hosted wonderful Mother’s Day

brunches — they have also been very supportive in helping the ECW with its events. But — unfortunately over the

months — membership in the Ministry has declined. The July 20th meeting will offer an opportunity for ALL of the

St. Mark’s men to articulate their ideas and help formulate a “purpose” statement for the Ministry; and to further

lend their voice to the type of meetings, meeting times, etc. that will foster growth in the Ministry.

Please mark this date on your calendar and plan to attend this very important meeting — bring a friend

and your thoughts. If you cannot attend, e-mail Father

Brambila at frgerardo@stmarksmesa.org with your

ideas and thoughts. For our winter parishioners who

are enjoying much cooler weather at the moment,

please share your thoughts and ideas too. Let us know

what the Men’s Ministries are doing in your “summer”

home — and when you return, we’ll see you at one of

our PRIDE meetings.

Thank you Jim McManus for your leadership the last 2

years . . . and “thank you” Gloria for all of your delicious

food — you went above and beyond. Thank you both.

St. Mark’s On the Web . . . St. Mark’s On the Web . . . St. Mark’s On the Web . . . St. Mark’s On the Web . . . Calling those with computers, tablets and smart Calling those with computers, tablets and smart Calling those with computers, tablets and smart Calling those with computers, tablets and smart phones . . . phones . . . phones . . . phones . . . Have you looked at St. Mark’s Web Site Lately? www.stmarksmesa.org — Anali Perry has

been re-designing the web site for several months and it

is AWESOME! Very user friendly and packed with loads

of information. Did you know you can find the current

prayer list, schedules, calendar of events, photos, etc. —

right at your finger tips? Try it . . . You will love it!

Thank you, Anali. Super job!

The ECW welcomes donations

to its Ministry — Memorial

donations have recently been

received in memory of Dot

Johnson and Susan Harris.

4

United Thank Offering . . .United Thank Offering . . .United Thank Offering . . .United Thank Offering . . .

Upcoming Events . . .Upcoming Events . . .Upcoming Events . . .Upcoming Events . . . July 10 — ECW Meeting — Following the 11 am service in the Conference

Room

July 13 — Daughters of the King — Conference Room 11:00 am

July 16 — Altar Guild — 10 am

July 16 — Summer Classical Music Recital — 3 pm in the Church hosted

by Jeff Norman

July 20 — PRIDE Meeting — 6:00 pm in Knight Hall

July 24 — Celebration of Fr. Knights 104th birthday — Lion’s Den

between Services

July 26 — Bishop’s Committee Meeting — 6:30 pm in Conference Room

Youth Christian Formation and Children’s Chapel will resume in

September

ECW and Bishop’s Committee will not meet in August

Bible Study and Confirmation Class — Every Wednesday in Knight Hall

following the 10 am Healing Service

Scriptorium — Every Wednesday in Knight Hall — 6 pm in Conference

Room — All are welcome

Tai Chi — Every Saturday Morning — 10 am in Knight Hall — All are

welcome

Night at the Ball Park . . . Night at the Ball Park . . . Night at the Ball Park . . . Night at the Ball Park . . . Don't forget Episcopal Night

on August 26th (Friday) at

Chase Field to see the Dia-

mondbacks! More fireworks!

Your ticket will help send

water filters to South Su-

dan. The fun starts at 6:40

in section 134 ($28) or sec-

tion 319 ($15). Pick up a

flyer in the Narthex or con-

tact the church office! Tick-

et order deadline is August

19th. Limited seating —

tickets can be ordered on

line at http://azdiocese.org/

baseball.html

Daughters of the King . . . Daughters of the King . . . Daughters of the King . . . Daughters of the King . . .

Installation of New Members . . . Shown left to right:

Teresa Gordon, Marjorie Fountain, Ministry Leader,

Karen Ddamba, Sally Worthington, The Rev. Steve

Ford, Assistant Priest, The Rev. Gerardo Brambila,

Rector, Julie Poulos, Pam Vespie, Deb Larkins, Bob-

bie Degnon

Congratulations Karen and Sally — New Members

Father’s Day . . . Father’s Day . . . Father’s Day . . . Father’s Day . . .

In November on All Saints Day, the ECW will

be distributing the all familiar UTO boxes for

parishioners to take home and fill with daily

offerings of monetary coins throughout the

Fall and Spring. On Ascension day in the

Spring, the boxes will be gathered up and the content

will be forwarded to the Dioceses. The United Thank

Offering (UTO) is a ministry of The Episcopal Church

for the mission of the whole church. Through UTO,

men, women and children nurture the habit of giving

daily thanks to God. These prayers of thanksgiving

start when we recognize and name our many daily bless-

ings. Those who participate in UTO discover that

thankfulness leads to generosity. UTO is entrusted to

promote thank offerings, to receive the offerings and to

distribute the UTO monies to support mission and

mnistry throughout The Episcopal Church and in invit-

ed Provinces of the Anglican Communion in the develop-

ing world.

Zumba Anyone?Zumba Anyone?Zumba Anyone?Zumba Anyone?

Father’s Day festivities with Fr. Steve presiding —

wearing his new vestments bought in République

Togolaise — sermon delivered by John Caleb Col-

lins, our ‘priest in training’ — and a modified

brunch hosted by the ECW. T’was a perfect day!

Knight Hall was rockin’ the morn-

ing of June 11th with a room full

of enthusiastic, and may I say

very energetic, zumba folks . . .

Everyone had a terrific time and

the supply of food for the food

bank grew. Thanks everyone.