St. Mark’s Message
The First Sunday After Epiphany
January 11, 2015
THE LION’S PAUSE
REFLECTIONS
OF
ALLISON PENICK,
VESTRY CLERK
No matter how hard I try, the Christmas
season always catches me by surprise. I make and
gather gifts all year, but I still get caught in the
crazy hustle and bustle and angst that I won’t be
prepared in time. (Confession: One gift was
finished on New Year’s Day!) Nevertheless, I
arrived at St. Mark’s for the early Christmas Eve
service in time to enjoy the musical prelude and
children’s nativity tableau. It was magical. My
heart sang with joy and amazement at the talent
of the young piano players and bell choir.
Christmas Day dawned in bright sunshine and
The Hartford Courant had a front page article
about our Bishop Ian Douglas and our new
Episcopal headquarters, The Commons, in
Meriden. Just as the birth of Jesus brought new
hope and love to the world, our Episcopal Church
is embracing change to remain vital. We have a
new name, the Episcopal Church in Connecticut
(formerly the Diocese of Connecticut). We have a
new logo. We are participating in God’s mission
(not the church’s mission). We are all God’s
people working to spread His Word and Love.
St. Mark’s has updated its mission statement as
well: “Open to God’s Love-Serving Our
Neighbor”.
As I enjoyed the familiar Christmas hymns and
liturgy which brought comfort and renewal to my
soul, I wondered, “Are we really changing?” Yes,
we want to keep our traditions and core beliefs.
But, we can’t remain church-centric, focused on
our buildings and hoping newcomers will flock to
our doors. God’s mission is lunch and prayer in
Bushnell Park. God’s mission is our children
caroling at Walnut Hill Nursing Home. I realized
that I have to follow Jesus into the world. Just as
the three kings followed the star to the East with
faith that they would behold something magical, I
have to join others in our community working in
God’s mission.
Peace and good will to all.
XCI, No. 46
Stewardship
Offering Envelopes are now available
in the back of the church.
If you still have your pledge card please return
it to the parish office as soon as possible. If
you did not receive a pledge card or if you
would like pledge envelopes, please call or
email the parish office at 860-225-7634 or
saintmarksnb@juno.com.
ANNUAL REPORTS DUE SOON!
It’s that time of year again!! Reports
by all committees, guilds and groups
are due in the parish office by
January 9, 2015.
Use photos and words to briefly reflect the
past year’s activity.
Please email your report to the parish office.
St. Mark’s Annual Parish Meeting
will be held on:
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Beginning at 9:00 a.m.
[Blizzard date: February 8, 2015]
The annual meeting is called for
Election of Officers and Vestry
and any other business as
designated by the Vestry.
St. Mark’s Vestry
Participation on the Vestry is an act of stewardship, and
a rewarding experience. Not only can you bring your
skills, ideas and visions to the Vestry, you will also
learn more about what it takes to keep the parish
operating.
The Nominating Committee for our Vestry is currently
seeking candidates to fill open positions. If you are
interested in occupying one of these positions or would
like further information, please contact a member of
the Vestry (see below) or the church office.
Our St. Mark’s Vestry Members:
Allison Penick
Adult Forum – Sundays at 9:00 a.m.
in the Auditorium
All are welcome. Grab a cup of coffee and join us
Patricia Anderson, Bruce Brown, Barbara Campbell,
Brenda Dlugoleski, Duane Hinkson, Norm Holland,
Susan Holland, Debra Karambay, Bob Kissel, Carol
Pearson, Allison Penick, David Tompkins, and Dena
Tompkins.
Sunday, January 11, 2015
 The First Sunday After Epiphany 
First Reading:
Epistle
Gospel:
Genesis 1:1-5
Acts 19:1-7
Mark 1:4-11
Prayers for our Parish families: Raymond and Linda
Sanford and family, Robert Sargis, Susan Savage
and Thomas and Jackie Schenck and family.
PRAYER CHAIN: to activate the chain call Barbara
Campbell 860-673-7607, Campbellba@Earthlink.NET.
NOONDAY PRAYER with intercessions is said each
Thursday at noon in the Chapel. All welcome.
If you or someone you know is hospitalized, please
inform the clergy or call the office 860-225-7634.
Stewardship Update
As of January 6th we have received 75 pledges
for a total of $141,895.
If you have returned your pledge card, thank
you so much. If you still have your pledge
card, please return it as soon as possible.
HIGHLIGHTS
Sunday, January 11th – We return to our
regular service schedule.
Annual reports due!
Offering Envelopes are ready to be
picked up in the back of the church.
St. Mark’s Vestry
Sunday, February 1st – 9:00 a.m.
Annual Meeting
ST. MARK’S MESSAGE
Postage Paid
ST. MARK’S PARISH SCHEDULE
Sunday, January 11
7:45 a.m.
*8:30 – 10:15 a.m.
*8:30 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
*11:15 a.m.
*11:30 a.m.
*12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
*6:00 p.m.
*7:00 p.m.
*7:00 p.m.
Monday, January 12
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
Tuesday, January 13
9:30 a.m.
2:15 p.m.
3:30 p.m.
5:00 p.m.
6:30 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
Wednesday, January 14
10:00 a.m.
5:00 p.m.
6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
Thursday, January 15
6:30 a.m.
7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.
9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m.
12:00 p.m.
5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
7:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m.
Friday, January 16
5:00 p.m. – 6:30 p.m.
6:30 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
7:00 p.m.
Saturday, January 17
5:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 18
7:45 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
10:00 a.m.
1:30 p.m.
The First Sunday After Epiphany
HOLY EUCHARIST – Church
Sunday Morning N.A. – Gym
Adult Choir Warm-up – Choir Room
Adult Forum – Auditorium
Church School – Classrooms
HOLY EUCHARIST with
BAPTISM – Church
LA SANTA EUCARISTIA - Salon
Coffee Hour and Fellowship – Aud.
Bell Choir – Choir Room
New Life Church – Gym/Aud.
Yoga – Gym
A.A. Regular Meeting – Gym
A.A. Meeting – Library
Food Pantry Open
Light Hearted A.A. Group – Lib.
Staff Meeting
Holy Eucharist – Jerome Home
Friends of Bill W. AA – Library
Women’s AA Meeting – Library
Vestry Meeting – Library
Manos Unidas – Auditorium
Alanon Family Group Meeting – Lib
Getting Better AA Group – Lib.
New Life Church – Auditorium
Al-anon/Alateen – Library
Morning Mingle Set-up
Morning Mingle – Aud.
Food Pantry Open
Tag Sale – DMR Room
Noon Prayer – Chapel
CCARC Prayer Service – Parlor
Champion Youth Hip Hop Class –Aud
Adult Choir – Choir Room
St. Mark’s Thursday Night Group –
Library
Young Peoples AA Meeting – Gym
Friday Night Dinner – Auditorium
New Life Church – Auditorium
A.A. Group – Saunders Library
Private Party – Auditorium
The Second Sunday after Epiphany
HOLY EUCHARIST – Church
HOLY EUCHARIST – Church
LA SANTA EUCARISTIA – Salon
Holy Eucharist – Hospital for
Special Care
The Rev. Patricia M. Hames, Rector
The Rev. Armando Gonzalez, Hispanic Missioner
The Rev. Dr. Douglas Engwall, Deacon Emeritus
Parish Office: 860-225-7634 Fax: 860-832-8803
NOTE: *Regularly scheduled events to be repeated
St. Mark’s Message (USPS 476-700) is published weekly from
September to June by St. Mark’s Church, 147 West Main St.
New Britain, CT 06052. Periodicals postage paid at
New Britain, CT 06052. Subscription price $10 per year.
Postmaster: Send address changes to St. Mark’s Message
147 West Main St., New Britain, CT 06052.
E-Mail Address - saintmarksnb@juno.com
Web Site - www.stmarksnewbritain.org
in our Christmastide Services. Thank you to the
Choirs – both voice and bell; to the Acolytes,
Lectors and Ministers of Communion; Usher and
Greeters; and Altar Guild members.
Check the web site for news and pictures of
St. Mark’s! Scan this QR Code for quick access
to our website!
Go to our page and ‘like us’:
www.facebook.com/saintmarksnb
on the following Sunday.
KUDOS: Thank you to everyone who participated
Celebración de La Santa Eucarístia
Padre Armando Gonzalez
Cell: 203-819-0206
Domingos
9:00 a.m. – Estudio Para Todas las Edades
10:00 a.m. – La Santa Eucaristia – Salón