Quite a long time ago, we heard from Marie Scannell at the Somerset County Food Bank that the children of her families did not always get much for Christmas. And, even worse, that many times, they did not have warm clothes for the winter.  From that observation has developed a cherished tradition for St Marks.  We decided to bring presents of clothing for these children......outfits, sweaters, coats......something new and warm to wear in the winter months to school. 

 

We wrap and label them Boy/size Large or Teenage Girl/size 6, etc.  and we bring them up to the altar during the Creche service. Some of us tuck in a candy cane or matchbox car - feel free to include a toy.  But, all of us feel the joy of sharing with others.

 

Please join us during the Creche Service with your present to the children at the Food Bank.  

 

Thank you!

The Christmas Season is upon us!

Please remember to place your weekly flower memorials & Christmas flower offerings with the church office - deadline is 12/20

Our coffers are light & we will be filling our church with fresh wreaths, beautiful decorations, live poinsettia's, Christmas trees & other supplies.

Please call Ann in the church office to make your offering.

A huge thank you to the 90 families who have pledged so far!  The vestry are planning the budget for next year, if you’d still like to pledge please let us know as soon as possible, so that we can plan accordingly.  We’re up $285,000 in pledge for 2018. We still have a way to go to get to 2017’s level, that was $296K and we have goals of:

Increase to 2017 pledge:

3% increase: $305K

5% increase: $312K

10% increase: $325K.

 

When we all join together we can achieve great things. Your generosity truly makes a difference to St. Mark’s and it’s our opportunity to thank God for all the blessings that we have.

Thank you!

As December 31 is a Sunday, there may be some confusion about year end donations. According to IRS regulations, as long as we receive your donation on or before December 31, or if it is mailed and postmarked on or before December 31, the donation will be credited to 2017 for tax purposes.

And for tracking pledge vs. holiday contributions during the Christmas season, the rule of thumb is: pledge payments made in a pledge envelope, or checks (or cash) specifically marked 'pledge' will be so credited. Donations made in Christmas envelopes, whether from the envelope system or included in Christmas mailings, or available in the narthex, will be treated as holiday donations and will not count as a pledge payment.

Questions as always can be directed to me at dougpost140@gmail.com .

For many years, members of our parish have visited elderly parishioners who are no longer able to get out on their own. We would like to formalize this activity: Would you like to help out? Do you know of an elderly parishioner who you feel might benefit from visits? If so, please talk with Nancy Brangaccio or Jan Williams.

Come and join us for painting or other arts and crafts on a Tuesday in the Arts Studio downstairs.  We usually arrive at around noon and finish by 4:00pm.  Come for as long as you like.  We work on our own paintings, have a great time together and help each other out.  For more info contact Jenny Phillips 908-451-9638.