Holy Week and Easter at St. Mark's

April 13 - April 20, 2014

From early times Christians have observed the week before Easter as a time of special devotion. These services provide a liturgical experience of the last days of Jesus' earthly life, as well as the time and events leading up to his resurrection. The Book of Common Prayer provides special liturgies for each of these days. The three holy days, or Triduum, of Maundy Thursday, Good Friday, and Holy Saturday are at the heart of the Holy Week observance. In many Episcopal parishes, the liturgical color for Holy Week from Palm Sunday through Maundy Thursday is red. Holy Week ends at sundown on the Saturday before Easter, or with the celebration of the Easter Vigil. St. Mark's is offering the following Holy Week and Easter services, and all are urged to join us in worship:

• Palm Sunday - April 13: 9:00, and 11:00 am
  Celebrating Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem


• Maundy Thursday - April 17: 6:30 pm Potluck Dinner, 7:30 pm Eucharist
  Commemoration of the Last Supper; please contact Margot Fisher at mefisher at optonline dot net if you would like to contribute to the Potluck Dinner


• Watch at the Altar of Repose
  Following the Maundy Thursday liturgy until Noon on Good Friday. J2A youth and adult chaperones will participate in an overnight vigil.


• Good Friday - April 18: 12:00 noon and 7:30 pm
  Jesus' crucifixion and suffering upon the cross


• Easter Vigil - April 19: 5:00 pm Children's Easter Vigil and 7:30 pm Easter Vigil
  The Church School children will be holding a children's version of the Easter vigil at 5:00 pm on April 19. This short service is part of the Catechesis of the Good Shepherd church school curriculum.
  
  Our second Easter Vigil Service will start at 7:30 pm. Please gather at the church entrance for the lighting of the Paschal Fire.


• Easter Sunday - April 20: 9:00 and 11:00 am Holy Eucharist
  Festive Celebration of Christ's Resurrection - there will be no 8:00 am or 6:30 pm service on Easter Sunday


• Easter Egg Hunt - April 20: 10:15 am
  For the children on the church lawn

Update on Stewardship - Giving Thanks for God's Gifts, Supporting Our Ministries

Many thanks also to all who have pledged to support the ministries of St. Mark's in 2014! Currently we have 70 pledges representing a total of $159,402. We invite everyone to help support our parish and we ask that you prayerfully consider your commitment of time, talent, and treasure for the year. The Finance Committee and the Vestry monitor the parish budget throughout the year, seeking to support our ministries to the best of our ability and keeping in mind that our budget should be an expression of our ministerial priorities. Pledge cards and envelopes can be found on the Mission and Ministry table outside the parish hall.

Looking for a Great Ministry? Consider Hosting Sunday Coffee Hour!

Each Sunday Following the 10:00 am Service

Coffee hour is an important part of worship and fellowship, a weekly opportunity to relax and share in building a "beloved community" at St. Mark's. To make this happen, we need coffee hour volunteers. Coffee hour can be as simple as bagels and coffee (preferably), or something more elaborate, according to your preference. Given the economic times, we strongly suggest that simplicity be your guide. What is most important about coffee hour is the time it provides for fellowship and togetherness as we share in the many gifts of the Spirit, so please consider being a coffee hour host. There is a sign-up sheet on the table near the entrance to Carroll Hall. Thanks!

Family Promise 2014 Hike or Bike ("Bike Bergen") is Sunday, May 4th - All Are Invited to Join "Team Adam"

Sunday, May 4th; Registration opens at 11:30 am, Event begins at 1:00 pm

On Sunday, May 4, Family Promise of Bergen County will be hosting its annual Hike or Bike event to raise funds for homeless families in Ridgewood. St. Mark's, a long time supporter of this event, will be participating under the St. Mark's Team Adam banner in memory of Adam Rosignolo. This year we will also have St. Mark's Team Adam T-Shirts available for purchase in advance of the event. For more information, please contact Charelle Hanley.

Fundraising Committee Now Accepting Donations for St. Mark's Tricky Tray Event Coming Up on May 17

Donations Being Accepted Now - Tricky Tray on May 17

The St. Mark's Tricky Tray fundraiser event is scheduled for May 17, and the fundraising committee is seeking donations to ensure the event is a success. There are several ways you can donate:

• Regift a gift or gift card
• Use credit card points to procure a gift
• Make a donation toward the purchase of a grand prize
• Donate a gift or gift card

Help Needed for the WIC Play Group on Mondays

First Three Mondays Each Month, 9:00 am - 12:00 noon

The WIC Play Group Team needs additional volunteers. We supervise an informal play group for young children (ages 1 - 6) in the child care room when WIC clients are served at St. Mark's. WIC operates from 9:00 am-2:30 pm the first three Mondays of every month. Play Group volunteers usually provide 2-3 hours of service between 9:00 am and Noon (the busiest time) once a month. WIC parents and caregivers are most appreciative and generally help out a lot. A Read Now volunteer also comes in to read to the children regularly and distribute free books. If you would like to be a part of this ministry or know someone who might, please call Jeanette Adams at 201-836-5078.