Parish Information Guide 2

OUTREACH

THRIFT SHOP

The St. Mark's Thrift Shop is open six days a week from 10AM to 3PM. Your donations serve two purposes. They are sold to the community at reasonable prices and the income generated is used to help support church programs. Vouchers are also available to those in need enabling them to shop without cost. Volunteering two (2) hours of your time a week affords parishioners the opportunity to be good stewards. Contact us if you are interested in joining this ministry.

CONTACTS: Church Office (631) 581-4950

Thrift Shop Advisory Committee

Louise Tedesco, Chairperson

HOLIDAY FOOD BASKETS and more

A ministry of providing food baskets for Thanksgiving and supplying donations to the pantries of God’s Provisions has been ongoing for years. Food baskets are offered to brighten up the lives of fellow parishioners or people in the community to let them know they are loved. At Christmas, toys for children 12 and under, and/or food baskets are prayerfully supplied to those in need. At Easter, small children receive candy filled baskets. We help support the Women’s Coalition, supply backpacks for back-to-school, and warm mittens, hats, etc. for children and adults here in Suffolk County. Please join this ministry of many facets.

CONTACTS: Patricia Weickart

or Church Office (631) 581-4950

SENIOR MINISTRY

An annual Senior Ladies’ High Tea is held in the beginning of May at Emmanuel Church, Great River, bringing together all the ladies 60 years young or older from Emmanuel and St. Mark’s.

CASSEROLE/CONSOLATION MINISTRY

During a time of crisis for any member of our church family, we provide a break from cooking.

CONTACT: Carol Buinno

MUSIC

Our Choirs which bring additional beauty to our services always welcome new members. The Senior Choir rehearsal is on Wednesday evenings at 7:30PM. The Church School Choir meets during Church School Hours. Rehearsals are held in the Choir Room and/or the Church. The Choir is an opportunity for you to exercise your Stewardship. If you can play an instrument, we would also love to include your skills in our Sunday worship.

CONTACTS:

Marie Blair - Organist and Choir Director

Robert Mac Fadden - Assistant Organist

Church Office (631) 581-4950

ST. MARK'S CHURCH ALTAR GUILD

A group of dedicated ladies appointed by the Rector are responsible for the altar and sanctuary. This includes the vessels, elements, and linens for the services held in the church and chapel. Polished silver and spotless linens are included in the maintenance of the vestments. They take care of the altar flowers and plan and carry out the decorations in the church for Christmas, Easter and other special occasions.

CONTACT: Elizabeth Atwood

SACRAMENTS

The Sacraments are the "outward and visible signs" of "inward and spiritual graces" given to us by God; they unite and invigorate us. Baptism and Holy Eucharist are the foremost sacraments. Baptism initiates us into the Body of Christ, and the Eucharist nourishes us with His Body and Blood. Together, they assure us of God's favor and continual help, and enable us to do the work of ministry and enjoy God's graces.

CONTACT: Fr. Rick (631) 581-4950

SCHEDULE OF SERVICES

Thursday 9:00 am - Prayers and Healing— Chapel

9:30 am - Holy Eucharist— Chapel

Saturday 5:00 pm - Holy Eucharist

Sunday 8:00 am - Holy Eucharist

9:15 am - Holy Eucharist, Church

School, and Coffee Hour

SACRAMENTAL LAY MINISTRIES

Lay Readers read the Scriptures of the Old and New Testaments at services and also offer the Prayers of the People.

Chalice Administrators and Lay Eucharistic Ministers assist the clergy in the administration of the Blessed Sacrament at public services of the Holy Eucharist. Lay Eucharistic Ministers also administer the Sacraments in private visitations of the homebound or hospitalized. The course for Lay Readers also qualifies people for this ministry.

CONTACT: The Very Rev. Richard E. Simpson, Rector (631) 581-4950

BROTHERHOOD OF ST. ANDREW

This is a men’s organization within the International Anglican Church responsible for prayer and understanding, inter- pretation of the scriptures, and the spread of the Holy Word of God, through the Gospel. This Chapter has always included many of our “South Shore” Churches, We meet on the 4th Monday in All Souls’ Chapel.

In September they will host a Men’s BBQ and in November the will host our St. Mark’s Community Thanksgiving Eve Meal.

CONTACT: Ricki Abade

COMMUNICATIONS

“THE SUNDAY BULLETIN”

The weekly bulletin given out by the ushers as you enter the church each week, includes:

· the program for the services

· events of the following week

· list of people needing our prayers

· other items of interest to the congregation.

The deadline for entries for the weekly bulletin is Wednesday of the preceding weekend.

“THE MESSAGE”

A monthly mailing, The Message includes:

· articles written by the Clergy

· upcoming events

· Parish Exchange with ads for a nominal fee

· Parish Register listing the marriages, baptisms and deaths during the previous month

· Announcements of Parish Family News, i.e. births, college awards.

The deadline for items for the Message is the 16th of the preceding month.

CONTACT: Lorraine Bunde – Parish Secretary

WEB PAGES: Fr Rick

Fr. Rick: RickTSSF@optonline.net

Parish E-mail: stmrks@optonline.net

Recently available: Online, the CAP part of SHE/CAP (required for most parishioners involved in church activities) Marjorie Cooper is Parish Administrator through Mercer. Contact the church office to arrange to take this course.

COFFEE HOUR

The Coffee Hour follows the 9:15AM service every Sunday from September through June. Volunteers are always welcome to act as hosts and set up for that Sunday between 8:00 and 8:15AM. This is a great service to the church and you will enjoy meeting new friends.

CONTACT: James Turner

ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION

· Adult enquirer sessions are scheduled during the Lenten Season.

· A weekly homily is given during Thursday morning Eucharist

· Bible study for parishioners includes discussion on the books of the Bible.

· Deacon Gail Holds a Book Reading Group on Friday Mornings

CONTACT: Father Richard E. Simpson, Rector (631) 581-4950

PARISH INFORMATION GUIDE –2