St. Mark’s Church

701 S. Wolcott

Casper, WY 82601

St. Mark’s Church~ Joyfully & Unconditionally Welcoming All People

January 2017

Office Hours

Monday - Thursday

9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.

Office Phone #: (307) 234 - 0831

Email address: stmarkscasper@aol.com

Website: stmarkscasper.com

What’s Inside?

Journey to Emmaus

So this is Christmas from Fr. Jim

Pictorial Directory

Diaper Day 4

Christmas Eve Services

Christmas Caroling

Dave Ramsey Financial Class

SO THIS IS CHRISTMAS! Christmas is about God partnering with humanity in order to save humanity. God saves all of us through a manger and the cross. God partners with us in the manger and from the cross. God partners with us through the fabric of creation In the hardwood of the cross and from wood fashioned into a manger.

God has partnered with us from the beginning. “In the beginning” God gave us responsibility for all creation. God brought the animals to Adam to see what he would name them. God had Noah build the ark to save humanity and creation. God called Moses out of the burning bush to deliver God’s people. God called prophets to call God’s people back to God each time we strayed.

Yet we continued to stray away from God. We continued to disrupt peace on earth and disrupt good will toward all. We continued the rhythm of the Children of Israel in the wilderness,

whining to God one moment and praising God in the next.

Finally, and as a new beginning and in the fullness of time In the reign of Caesar Augustus and Quirinius. God was born for us and to us and with us. God was born of Mary and Joseph. God was born in a barn, laid in wood fashioned into a manger. God was visited by the shepherds, the lower class to give us all class.

God did not do this alone. God partnered with us then and partners with us now. God offered Mary a part in salvation. God offered Joseph a part in salivation. God offed the innkeeper a part in salvation. God offered the shepherds a part in salvation.

GOD OFFERS US A PART IN SALVATION. God is born into our hearts. God calls us just as God called the shepherds to spread the word. God calls us to tell the world that God reigns here on earth From lumber fashioned into a manger and the hardwood of the cross

GOD CALLS US TO PARTNER WITH GOD TO BRING PEACE ON EARTH AND GOOD WILL TOWARD ALL. MAY IT BE SO! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! Fr. Jim+ (Excerpt from Fr. Jim’s Christmas Eve sermon)

Pledge and Giving Update

The total number of families/people that have given a pledge for 2017 or have signed a “Giving as able” commitment, is 62. Please get your pledge or “commitment to give” into the church as soon as possible before the annual meeting on January 29th. We hope to make 100% pledges for the year 2017.

Upcoming Events:

January 2nd Worship leader meeting @ 6:30 pm

January 7th Choir Retreat from 1:30 - 4:30 pm

Send off for Soren Engstron @ Charlie T’s 7-9pm

January 29th Parish Hall/Ministry Fair - 10:30 am

Parish Annual Meeting plus

Ministry fair The annual meeting for St. Mark's will be January 29. We will be choosing 4 people to serve on the vestry. The terms of service are 3 year terms. Serving on the vestry requires a commitment to meeting once a month and contributing financially to St. Mark’s and attending church regular-ly. If you feel called to serve on the vestry, please contact one of the vestry members or Father Jim. "Like good stewards of the manifold grace of God, serve one another with whatever gift each of you has received." 1Peter 4:10

Gong Show Feedback Question from the fellowship committee… “Should we hold a gong

show this year?” Please let us know your vote on this fellowship event by contacting

Ted Gilbert, Kurt Gilbert, Claudia Wilson, Lyn George, or Kathy Mortimer with a Yes or No.

January Schedules

LESSONS

Numbers 6:22-27

Galatians 4:4-7

Luke 2:15-21

Psalm 8

Isaiah 42:1-9

Acts 10:34-43

Matthew 3:13-17

Psalm 29

Isaiah 49:1-7

1 Corinthians 1:1-9

John 1:29-42

Psalm 40:1-12

Isaiah 9:1-4

1 Corinthians 1:10-18

Matthew 4:12-23

Psalm 27:1, 5-13

Micah 6:1-8

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Matthew 5:1-12

Psalm 15

MINISTRY SCHEDULES

January 1, 2017

Acolytes: Altar Guild: Gary Hrnicek & Kim McAtee Coffee: Kathy Mortimer Goodies: Sandi Aeilts & Kathy Mortimer Tellers: Clint Hernandez & Audrey Cotherman Ushers: Sandi Aeilts & Freind Healing Prayer: Barb Milligan Worship Leaders: Nancy Engstron

January 8th, 2017 Acolytes: Altar Guild: Claudia Wilson & Pat Hrnicek Coffee: Hrnicek’s Goodies: Hrnicek’s & Claudia Wilson Tellers: Mike Bon & Mark McAtee Ushers: Gary & Lyn George Healing Prayer: Donna Mathern Worship Leaders: Steve Johnson, Meganne Acres & Lara Gilbert

January 15th 2017

Acolytes: Altar Guild: Cheryl Nickerson & Elaine Hough Coffee: Fellowship Goodies: Sandi Aeilts & Traute Gilbert Tellers: Cheryl Nickerson & Jim Cunningham Ushers: Jackie Holte & David Blair Healing Prayer: Lara Gilbert Worship Leaders: Dick Lindsey, Pat Patton & Nancy Johnson

January 22nd, 2017

Acolytes: Altar Guild: Sandi Aeilts & Gary Hrnicek Coffee: Tanners Goodies: Jane Tanner & Edie Bennett Tellers: Kathy Nickerson & Kathy Morton Ushers: Bobby Kittinger & Friend Healing Prayer: Nancy Johnson Worship Leaders: Susan Massey, John Kerns & Clint Hernandez

January 29th, 2017 Acolytes: Altar Guild: Kim McAtee & Claudia Wilson Coffee: Cecelia & Dick Lindsey Goodies: Harper Park & Sandi Aeilts Tellers: Mark McAtee & Jim Cunningham Ushers: Bill & Kathy Mortimer Healing Prayer: Steve Johnson Worship Leaders: Bob Tanner, Laurie Reese & Nancy Engstrom

On February 17 and 18, Life Touch will be taking photos for our new

photo directory.

In the meantime, photos will be taken from 2:00-9:00 on Friday, Feb. 17

and from 10:00 -5:00 on Saturday, Feb. 18.

New Pictorial Directory Coming soon to a Church near

(very near) you!

CHANGING THE WORLD – DIAPER DAY 4 January 15th, 2017

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

Thank you once again to everyone who made Diaper Day such a success. This time we had 23 families in spite of the terrible weather. Among them was Deana Frey the director of Seton House. She thanked us for the work we are doing and sent us the following story.

“It was my privilege to accompany a young single mom from Seton House this morning to participate in the diaper ministry. On the way to the church I asked if she had been there before. With a look of fright in her eyes, she said hesitantly "No". She asked if I would go in with her and when I told her I would she relaxed a little. When we walked into the room she and her 1 year old were immediately greeted in a warm and caring manner. There was no judgement, only kindness. We were also picking up diapers for a friend of hers from Seton House who had a baby boy 10 days ago. She noticed there was some formula on the table and asked if we could get some for her friend's baby. She was handed one can of formula and then the woman helping her

said why don't you take this other can too. Wow, what a gift.”

“As I was driving her back to her apartment I asked her what she thought. She responded quickly with a huge smile, "They were all so nice". You need to know that this mom has limited English and she is hesitant to speak to anyone. But she was comfortable with you and even sat down and had a cookie with her son, while I talked

with you.”

“It is so difficult for our residents to go places where they know no one and don't know what the expectations might be. Thank you for making this an environment of

acceptance and not judgement. You are a blessing to these families.”

After meeting together our committee decided to continue offering diaper day in January. We will not need more diapers for January but we could use your help in two different ways. First we found that offering cookies seemed to invite our guests to stick around and talk a bit so it would be great if we could do this once again. Second we are seeking to change our overall name from the “hands on outreach committee” to something that will not be confused with the outreach committee. Toward this goal, Meagan Acres will be holding a name the committee contest and all of you are invited to join in on the fun. And….if you want to have a truly “feel good” experience drop by for diaper day 4 next month.

In Christ, Kathy Robinson

Thank you to all that shopped The Sign of the Lion during 2016. We appreciate your patronage and interest in supporting the shop. Each time you spend a $1 in the store .10 cents goes to Christian Formation. Doesn't sound like much but in 2016 we were able to donate over

$ 1500.00. We hope to serve you...you are our outreach! Thank you!

The shop will be closed the first three Sundays in January. I will be out of town. Sorry for the inconvenience...unless anyone wants to volunteer?

Happy New Year

Prayer

Prayer is not magic incantation. Prayer is focused incarnation – the focused incarnation of godliness that resides in me. Prayer is what I use to grow up. Prayer breaks indifference. Prayer is sitting and sifting the layers of who and

what I am as I find the Authentic. Prayer is where, as Howard Thurman wrote, “I center down. Where I sit quietly and see myself pass by.” Prayer is listening and breathing. Prayer is for big questions: what am I doing with my life? What

do I want? What am I willing to give to achieve it? Who is God?

Synthesis Today Quote for December 8, 2016

There are three comings of our Lord: the first in the flesh; the second in the soul; the third at the judgment. ... The first coming was humble and hidden; the second is mysterious and full of love; the third will be majestic and terrible. .... In the first a Lamb; in his last a Lion; in the one in between the two, the tenderest of friends. —Peter of Blois (12th c.).

St. Mark’s Pre-school

St. Mark's Preschool students spent the month of December learning about the birth of Jesus and why we celebrate Christmas. The older classes reenacted the Mexican Christmas tradition of La Posada. The children lined up and pretended to be Mary and Joseph walking through Bethlehem looking for a room. After the birth of Jesus, we celebrated with a piñata!

Baby Jesus is Born

No room at the Inn

2017 Into Christ JanuarySun Mon Tue Wed

1

9:00 am Sunday services with

Children’s Chapel

Baptisms

2

12:00 Al-Anon

6:15 Godly Play &

Book Study

@ St. Stephens Church

6:30 Worship Leaders meeting

3

9:30 Bible Study

12:00 Soul Knitters

5:00 Boy Scouts

4–6:30 CCC

4

7:30 am Eucharist

6:15 pm EFM

6:00 pm Youth

7:45 pm Compline

8

9:00 am Sunday services with

Children’s Chapel

9

12:00 Al-Anon

6:15 Godly Play &

Book Study

@ St. Stephens Church

6:30 Fellowship

7:00 Building Committee

10

9:30 Bible Study

12:00 Soul Knitters

5:00 Boy Scouts

4–6:30 CCC

11

7:30 am Eucharist

6:15 pm EFM

6:00 pm Youth

7:45 pm Compline

15

9:00 am Sunday Services with

Children’s Chapel

10:30 am - Diaper Day 4

16

12:00 Al-Anon

6:15 Godly Play &

Book Study

@ St. Stephens Church

6:30 Vestry Meeting

17

9:30 Bible Study

12:00 Soul Knitters

5:00 Boy Scouts

4-5:30 CCC

6:00 Diocesan meeting

18

7:30 am Eucharist

6:15 pm EFM

6:00 pm Youth

7:45 pm Compline

22

9:00 am Sunday Services with

Children’s Chapel

23

12:00 Al-Anon

5:30 Communications

6:15 Godly Play &

Book Study

@ St. Stephens Church

24

9:30 Bible Study

12:00 Soul Knitters

4-5:30 CCC

25

7:30 am Eucharist

6:15 pm EFM

6:00 pm Youth

7:45 pm Compline

29

9:00 am Sunday Services with

Children’s Chapel

10:30 am Parish meeting/

ministry fair

30

12:00 Al-Anon

6:15 Godly Play &

Book Study

@ St. Stephens Church

7:00 pm Foundations meeting

31

9:30 Bible Study

12:00 Soul Knitters

5:00 Boy Scouts

4-5:30 CCC

7:30 am Eucharist

6:00 pm Youth

6:15 pm EFM

7:45 pm Compline

2017 Out to Serve January Wed Thu Fri Sat

7:30 am Eucharist

6:15 pm EFM

6:00 pm Youth

7:45 pm Compline

5

6:30 Choir

7:30 Barbershop

6

7

7:30 am Brotherhood

of St. Andrews

1:30-4:30 Choir retreat

7:00 pm Soren’s send off party

@ Charlie T’s Pizzaria

7:30 am Eucharist

6:15 pm EFM

6:00 pm Youth

7:45 pm Compline

12

6:30 Choir

7:30 Barbershop

13

14

7:30 am Brotherhood of

St. Andrews

7:30 am Eucharist

6:15 pm EFM

6:00 pm Youth

7:45 pm Compline

19

6:30 Choir

5-6:30 CCC

7:30 Barbershop

20

21

7:30 am Brotherhood of

St. Andrews

7:30 am Eucharist

6:15 pm EFM

6:00 pm Youth

7:45 pm Compline

26

6:30 Choir

5-6:30 CCC

7:30 Barbershop

27

28

7:30 Brotherhood of

St. Andrews

7:30 am Eucharist

6:00 pm Youth

6:15 pm EFM

7:45 pm Compline

We also had a visit from Santa! Ted Gilbert has been coming to our preschool for many years to give our students the chance to visit with Santa. The kids are always very excited! We would like to say a big THANK YOU to Ted for taking the time to give our students this fun experience.

Thank you for your donations to Toys for Tots and for your support of the preschool this past year.

We wish you all a Happy New Year! Mandy McFee

Visit from Santa

Patriot Guard Riders stand flag line for John Winter’s funeral ceremony.

Patriot Guard Riders stand flag line for the fallen Veterans in Wyoming. We do many services and would proudly stand at a service for a loved one or someone you know who has passed away and was in the military. We had the honor of standing for John Winter’s funeral services at Memorial Gardens Cemetery.

Tri Parish Churches

St. Stephen’s worship - 10:30 am on Sunday mornings Christ Church Glenrock worship - 9:30 am Sunday mornings

Our New Nursery Associate Mandy will be assisting in the church nursery regularly. We are thankful for her service directing the pre-school and now here in the nursery. Fr. Jim+

************* Hi! My name is Mandy McFee. I have worked at St. Mark's Preschool since 2007 and I have been the preschool director since 2014. I have an Associates degree in Early Childhood Education and many years of experience working with children in different settings. My husband and I grew up in Casper for most of our childhood. We have 3 children, ages 16, 14, and 11. I will be working in the nursery on Sundays and during the week when needed. I look forward to meeting the children and the families at St. Mark's Church.

Episcopalian Book study

Monday Evenings for Adults and Children Begins January 9th 6:15 –7:30 at St Stephen's.

Thanks to all the volunteers that help with meals for the youth group. They appreciate it all. And so do I. Pamela.

November 18th Baptism for Sylas

Such an exciting

moment for Sylas to

share with Friends and

Family

To be serious or not to be serious.

You decide?

Christmas Eve Services Pictures

Such a

Beautiful

Service

Sing Choir

Sing

Christmas Caroling to make everyone smile

Char Baskett

Donna Kerr Kathy Nickerson Virginia Lathrop

Nick Messer

Blue Christmas Services

Jr. Warden living at the

church!!!!

We need some more Sexton’s.

Please if anyone is willing to

help let Gary George know.

He might turn into a snowman

before the season is over.

Enjoying a

Hockey

Game with

John

Fire side Chat

about the

Parish Hall

renovations

planning with

Jane, Jane &

Gary

St. Mark’s Church Episcopal Church

The Ministers: The Entire Congregation! The Staff: Interim Rector Fr. Shumard Office Manager Elisa Jones Minister of Music Beverly McAmis Reese Treasurer Kim McAtee Bookkeeper Patricia Doane Cleaning Service Betty McCurdy Nursery Pamela Wolfskill

St. Mark’s Vestry Serving through 2017: Mike Bon, Gary George (Jr. Warden), Pat Hrnicek (Sr. Warden) Serving through 2018:Clint Hernandez, Kathy Nickerson, Cheryl Nickerson, Mark McAtee Serving through 2019:

Bible study Group

The 930 morning Bible study group use the synthesis to study the upcoming scriptures for Sunday. Currently it's mostly women but anyone and everyone is invited. Come join these wonderful women

Dave Ramsey Financial Peace Class coming soon. Starting in February at St. Mark’s. Please watch for further information.

Christmas Ornaments being made and

games to be played

2017

Into Christ 2017 Out to Serve January Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat

1

9:00 am Sunday services with

Children’s Chapel

Baptisms

2

12:00 Al-Anon

6:15 Godly Play &

Book Study

@ St. Stephens Church

6:30 Worship Leaders meeting

3

9:30 Bible Study

12:00 Soul Knitters

5:00 Boy Scouts

4–6:30 CCC

4

7:30 am Eucharist

6:15 pm EFM

6:00 pm Youth

7:45 pm Compline

5

6:30 Choir

7:30 Barbershop

6

7

7:30 am Brotherhood

of St. Andrews

1:30-4:30 Choir retreat

7:00 pm Soren’s send off

party @ Charlie T’s Pizzaria

8

9:00 am Sunday services with

Children’s Chapel

9

12:00 Al-Anon

6:15 Godly Play &

Book Study

@ St. Stephens Church

6:30 Fellowship

7:00 Building Committee

10

9:30 Bible Study

12:00 Soul Knitters

5:00 Boy Scouts

4–6:30 CCC

11

7:30 am Eucharist

6:15 pm EFM

6:00 pm Youth

7:45 pm Compline

12

6:30 Choir

7:30 Barbershop

13

14

7:30 am Brotherhood of

St. Andrews

15

9:00 am Sunday Services with

Children’s Chapel

10:30 am - Diaper Day 4

16

12:00 Al-Anon

6:15 Godly Play &

Book Study

@ St. Stephens Church

6:30 Vestry Meeting

17

9:30 Bible Study

12:00 Soul Knitters

5:00 Boy Scouts

4-5:30 CCC

6:00 Diocesan meeting

18

7:30 am Eucharist

6:15 pm EFM

6:00 pm Youth

7:45 pm Compline

19

6:30 Choir

5-6:30 CCC

7:30 Barbershop

20

21

7:30 am Brotherhood of

St. Andrews

22

9:00 am Sunday Services with

Children’s Chapel

23

12:00 Al-Anon

5:30 Communications

6:15 Godly Play &

Book Study

@ St. Stephens Church

24

9:30 Bible Study

12:00 Soul Knitters

4-5:30 CCC

25

7:30 am Eucharist

6:15 pm EFM

6:00 pm Youth

7:45 pm Compline

26

6:30 Choir

5-6:30 CCC

7:30 Barbershop

27

28

7:30 Brotherhood of

St. Andrews

29

9:00 am Sunday Services with

Children’s Chapel

10:30 am Parish meeting/

ministry fair

30

12:00 Al-Anon

6:15 Godly Play &

Book Study

@ St. Stephens Church

7:00 pm Foundations meeting

31

9:30 Bible Study

12:00 Soul Knitters

5:00 Boy Scouts

4-5:30 CCC

7:30 am Eucharist

6:00 pm Youth

6:15 pm EFM

7:45 pm Compline

January Schedules

MINISTRY SCHEDULES

January 1, 2017 Acolytes: Altar Guild: Gary Hrnicek & Kim McAtee Coffee: Kathy Mortimer Goodies: Sandi Aeilts & Kathy Mortimer Tellers: Clint Hernandez & Audrey Cotherman Ushers: Sandi Aeilts & Freind Healing Prayer: Barb Milligan Worship Leaders: Nancy Engstron

January 8th, 2017

Acolytes: Altar Guild: Claudia Wilson & Pat Hrnicek Coffee: Hrnicek’s Goodies: Hrnicek’s & Claudia Wilson Tellers: Mike Bon & Mark McAtee Ushers: Gary & Lyn George Healing Prayer: Donna Mathern Worship Leaders: Steve Johnson, Meganne Acres & Lara Gilbert

January 15th 2017 Acolytes: Altar Guild: Cheryl Nickerson & Elaine Hough Coffee: Fellowship Goodies: Sandi Aeilts & Traute Gilbert Tellers: Cheryl Nickerson & Jim Cunningham Ushers: Jackie Holte & David Blair Healing Prayer: Lara Gilbert Worship Leaders:Dick Lindsey, Pat Patton & Nancy Johnson

January 22nd, 2017 Acolytes: Altar Guild: Sandi Aeilts & Gary Hrnicek Coffee: Tanners Goodies: Jane Tanner & Edie Bennett Tellers: Kathy Nickerson & Kathy Morton Ushers: Bobby Kittinger & Friend Healing Prayer: Nancy Johnson Worship Leaders:Susan Massey, John Kerns & Clint Hernandez

January 29th, 2017 Acolytes: Altar Guild: Kim McAtee & Claudia Wilson Coffee: Cecelia & Dick Lindsey Goodies: Harper Park & Sandi Aeilts Tellers: Mark McAtee & Jim Cunningham Ushers: Bill & Kathy Mortimer Healing Prayer: Steve Johnson Worship Leaders: Bob Tanner, Laurie Reese & Nancy Engstrom

LESSONS

Numbers 6:22-27

Galatians 4:4-7

Luke 2:15-21

Psalm 8

Isaiah 42:1-9

Acts 10:34-43

Matthew 3:13-17

Psalm 29

Isaiah 49:1-7

1 Corinthians 1:1-9

John 1:29-42

Psalm 40:1-12

Isaiah 9:1-4

1 Corinthians 1:10-18

Matthew 4:12-23

Psalm 27:1, 5-13

Micah 6:1-8

1 Corinthians 1:18-31

Matthew 5:1-12

Psalm 15