The Missive. A Message from Fr. Joshua. 531 West College Avenue, Jonesboro, AR March Greetings everyone,

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The Missive 531 West College Avenue, Jonesboro, AR 72401 March 2019 Greetings everyone, A Message from Fr. Joshua My role in this church is pastor, teacher, priest.

1 The Missive 531 West College Avenue, Jonesboro, AR March 2019 Greetings everyone, A Message from Fr. Joshua My role in this church is pastor, teacher, priest. Each of these positions overlap quite a bit with the others, but one way I understand the pastor role is that a primary vocation of mine is reconciliation. If anyone is in Christ [they] are a new creation, the old has passed away, behold the new has come. All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:17-18; Book of Common Prayer, p. 106). This means, for me, to not unduly incite agitation and to always look for ways of peacebuilding. When speaking from the pulpit or on social media or in the Missive I try not to get into hot button issues. Sometimes the need to speak prophetically compels me risk offending because the call for truth and justice cannot be mitigated; otherwise, though, I find in-person, small-groups (like Adult Formation on Sunday mornings) to be the best way to raise difficult, challenging issues. With that said, though, the recent vote by our brothers and sisters in the United Methodist Church, needs to be addressed. As I understand it, this week the UMC denomination voted to close the door on the ordination of LGBT priests and any kind of same-sex weddings. The Episcopal Church in general and St. Mark s in particular knows how difficult these times are for everyone involved, but as a church that has decided that our call to recognize the dignity of all people means full inclusion for the LGBT community, we pray especially for those children of God who may feel that they have lost a religious community. The Spirit moves in each person differently. The road to full inclusion in the Episcopal Church was long and complicated. Several years ago while a chaplain at the University of Arkansas a UMC student asked if I thought he should join the Episcopal Church. I told him to listen to the Spirit. We would always welcome him, but also, I encouraged him, know that your church needs your witness. Each person must wear their faith in fear and trembling. Every week we pray for the one, holy catholic and Church. The God we worship is bigger than any single denomination and, I believe, well served when worshiped in many different forms, in many different places. But also our church is and will always remain open to anyone interested in worshipping with us and joining us in our journey with Christ. If any one inquirers over the next few weeks about what our church is like and what it would mean to join, please let them know they are welcome at St. Mark s, and that I am eager to hear and listen to their story. Also our confirmation class starts this month and is a great place to get lots of information without having to commit to joining the church. Peace to you all, Father Joshua

College Ave, Jonesboro AR There is no charge, but

March 5, 2019 (Fat Tuesday) If you would like to

church kitchen by 5:00pm Dinner starts at 6:00pm

2 Chili Cook off At St. Mark s Episcopal Church 531 W. College Ave, Jonesboro AR There is no charge, but all donations are welcomed. Tuesday. March 5, 2019 (Fat Tuesday) If you would like to have your Chili judged, it needs to be in the church kitchen by 5:00pm Dinner starts at 6:00pm Entertainment provided by Phillip Wells There is a sign up sheet on the table in the Narthex for clean-up please sign up!

Christian Ed Lent is a time of prayer, penance, and sacrifice, a time for the entire family to be more attentive to the words of Jesus and to each other.

3 Christian Ed Lent is a time of prayer, penance, and sacrifice, a time for the entire family to be more attentive to the words of Jesus and to each other. It is a time to try harder to put Christ s teachings into practice. The Church gives us Lent as a time to change, to become a better version of ourselves, and to become more like Jesus. The ashes we receive on Ash Wednesday remind us of our call to repent and believe in the Gospel. Families in our Christian Education program will receive Lent calendars with daily suggestion that kids and parents can do together as they prepare to celebrate Easter. Throughout the Lenten season, our Christian Ed students will be discussing the disciples of Lent prayer, fasting and almsgivng (giving). To celebrate St. Valentine s Day we had a special get together. We began the festivities by watching a video about St. Valentine. Afterwards, the kids exchanged Valentine cards and we celebrated with yummy cupcakes provided by Kelly Welch. The origins of Valentine s Day are not clear but many sources believe that it stems from the story of St. Valentine, a Roman priest who was martyred. Today, Valentine s Day focuses on love, appreciation and friendship. To help students understand the richness of our liturgy, Fr. Joshua has invited Christian Ed students and the teens in EYC to participate in the Healing Eucharist services on the third Wednesday of each month. The kids have the opportunity to proclaim scripture and to help with the prayers of the people. Parents and our parishioners are encouraged to come celebrate with us. All children in grades first through sixth grade are encouraged to attend St. Mark s Christian Education program. We gather on Wednesday evenings from 6:00 to 7:30pm. We also encourage children to participate in Liturgy of the Word with Children which takes place during our Sunday 10:00am service. It is there children have the opportunity to hear the Gospel message in words and terms understandable for their age level. More and more children are participating in Liturgy of the Word with Children and we are delighted. Please note! No Christian Ed on March 6 Children are encouraged to attend Ash Wednesday Service with their families at 7:00pm. Also, during the week of Spring Break we will not have Liturgy of the Word with Children on Sunday, March 17 nor will there be Christian Ed sessions on Wednesday, March 20. We hope our families have a safe and blessed Spring Break. We appreciate and are thankful for the generosity shown to our ministries for children. But what we are in need of are folks (parents and parishioners) to volunteer in our programs which deal with children. Do pray and consider what role you should have in the formation of your children. Contact Fr. Joshua or Rose Mary (rosemarylatanich@gmail.com or ) for more information. Remember, what we do for ourselves dies with us, and what we do for others lives forever.

Liturgy of the Word for Children We encourage children to participate in Liturgy of the Word with Children which takes place during our Sunday 10:00am service.

More and more children are participating in Liturgy of the Word with Children and we are delighted.

We appreciate and are thankful for the generosity shown to our ministries for children.

4 Liturgy of the Word for Children We encourage children to participate in Liturgy of the Word with Children which takes place during our Sunday 10:00am service. It is there children have the opportunity to hear the Gospel message in words and terms understandable for their age level. More and more children are participating in Liturgy of the Word with Children and we are delighted. During the week of Spring Break we will not have Liturgy of the Word with Children on Sunday, March 17. We hope our families have a safe and blessed Spring Break. We appreciate and are thankful for the generosity shown to our ministries for children. But what we are in need of are folks (parents and parishioners) to volunteer in our programs which deal with children. Do pray and consider what role you should have in the formation of your children. Contact Fr. Joshua or Rose Mary (rosemarylatanich@gmail.com or ) for more information. Remember, what we do for ourselves dies with us, and what we do for others lives forever. EYC Winterstar 2019 Winterstar, the diocese s annual spring retreat for youth in the 6th 12th grades, will be held Friday, March 8 Sunday, March 10 at Camp Mithcell. The weekend begins with registration on Friday at 7 p.m. and ends Sunday at 11 a.m. There will be games, music, worship services, hiking, sports, hammocking and even more camp goodness. Register now on the EYC page. March 13 No EYC March 20 No EYC/ Spring Break

Fried Catfish, French fries, hush puppies, and coleslaw are included, along with tea and water for beverages, although you are encouraged to bring a beverage of your choice if you so choose-

5 Lenten Fish Fry During the long period of penitence and deprivation, your St. Mark s Men s Club is offering a light on enjoyment! We will have a fish fry for the Parish on Friday, March 22 starting at 6:00pm. Fried Catfish, French fries, hush puppies, and coleslaw are included, along with tea and water for beverages, although you are encouraged to bring a beverage of your choice if you so choose- corkscrews will be available. This is not a fundraiser, it is simple a way for us to come together as Parish during Lent and celebrate each other and have good fellowship. In an effort to offset our cost, adult prices are $7.00, children under 10 will be $5.00. A sign-up sheet will be placed in the Narthex, so if you are planning on attending, please put your name on the sign up,so we can know how many to prepare for. We will not open this to the public, but if you want to invite a friend, just make sure and sign them up so we can have numbers. Men s Club St. Mark s Men s Club has had a busy couple of months and has lots of plans for the year. Our 53 rd Annual Pancake Day in January was our most successful in recent memory, maybe ever. We estimate that 816 tickets were sold, although we didn t serve that many it was a non-stop busy day. Thanks to Steve Thompson and Al Poston who organize this event and to all the Men s Club volunteers who worked almost all day to feed hundreds of hungry people and also Donna Gilbert s Two Saints Kitchen Team who came in to help clean up. March has FIVE Sundays, so that means Fifth Sunday Breakfast on March 31, which Men s Club will serve between the 8:00 and 10:00am services. Stop in to the Parish Hall and have a tasty breakfast! Donations are accepted and appreciated. We are also excited to host a new and special event for Lent this year on Friday, March 22! See the announcement above! Respectfully submitted, Perry Moses 2019 Men s Club President

5th Sunday Breakfast Fifth Sunday Breakfast on March 31, which Men s Club will serve between the 8:00 and 10:00am services. Stop in to the Parish Hall and have a tasty breakfast!

We will meet for lunch at US PIZZA, at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday March 9 th. We have the meeting room reserved. If possible, let Becky Carr, or Donna Gilbert know if you can make it.

6 5th Sunday Breakfast Fifth Sunday Breakfast on March 31, which Men s Club will serve between the 8:00 and 10:00am services. Stop in to the Parish Hall and have a tasty breakfast! Donations are accepted and appreciated. ECW ECW, Episcopal Church Women, a.k.a Women s Club, would like to invite all women of St Mark s to our next meeting. We will meet for lunch at US PIZZA, at 11:00 a.m., on Saturday March 9 th. We have the meeting room reserved. If possible, let Becky Carr, or Donna Gilbert know if you can make it. After the meeting and lunch, those women that want to will visit some of our St. Mark s shutin parishioners. Please join us for a meal, a meeting and an opportunity to get to know some of our St Mark s family. ECW March Meet-up will be Friday evening, March 15 th at 6:00 p.m., in Fellowship Hall. Please join us for snacks, wine and a card-making workshop. Sandy Risi of Stampin Crew will lead us in making beautiful homemade Easter Cards. There will be a small fee to cover the cost of materials. If you don t want to do the card workshop, just come and hangout! ECW Welcomes all women of St Mark s. We hope to see you!

7 Diocesan News Camp Mitchell Applications are being accepted for Session Directors, Counselors and CIT's, Summer camp registration is live at Sign up now so you don't miss out. Also, Join us for the volunteer workday the second Saturday of every month. Spring Break Camp at Camp Mitchell Spring Break Camp, a new offering from Camp Mitchell, is designed for 4th 8th grade students and will take place March Campers will explore the natural beauty at camp, create nature crafts, cook a meal over campfire coals, learn new outdoor games, make new friends, and celebrate the beauty of God s creation. It will begin with registration at 3 p.m. on Sunday, March 17, and will conclude at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, March 20. Vicar of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, London, to Speak in Little Rock Pulaski Heights United Methodist Church will present its 2019 Raney Lecture Series on March 1 3 featuring the Rev. Dr. Sam Wells, vicar of St. Martin-in-the-Fields, London. The schedule of events can be found at phumc.com/raney. Sewanee Choir to Perform at Trinity Cathedral On Wednesday, March 20, at 7:30 p.m., the University Choir from Sewanee, Tenn., will perform at Trinity Episcopal Cathedral in Little Rock. The performance is free and open to the public. Third Annual Men s Weekend The annual Men s Weekend will be held April 5 7 at Camp Mitchell. The topic of the guest speaker, the Rev. Dr. Stuart Hoke, will be Our Shelter From The Stormy Blast. Hoke, formerly a priest at Trinity Church Wall Street, will give his eyewitness account of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks and the recovery efforts that followed. To register, call Becoming Wholehearted Half-Day Retreat This retreat based on The Spiritual Exercises of Ignatius of Loyola will be held Saturday, March 9, 9 a.m. 1 p.m., at St. Mark s in Little Rock and will be led by author Tom Elliott. Register online at lovesaintmarks.eventbrite.com. Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys to Perform at Christ Church Long-time director of the Saint Thomas Choir of Men and Boys, Daniel Hyde, will make his final tour with the choir in March and will perform at Christ Church in Little Rock on Thursday, March 21 at 7 p.m.tickets are $25 ($10 for students) and are available Monday Thursday in the Christ Church office.

8 Christian Ed Valentine s Day Party Two Saints Kitchen March Schedule March 2 - Team 4 March 9 - Team 5 March 16 - Team 6 March 23 - Team 7 March 30 - Team 8

March Birthdays 03/02 Kollin Vaughn 3/03 Ken Brewer 03/03 Sonia Westburg 3/05 Chase Jenkins 3/10

Connor White 3/19 Hope Smith 3/21 Amelia Haynes 3/25 Tiffany Troutt 3/27 Jennifer Engleken 3/27

In February, the children participated in a fundraiser for the Make A Wish Foundation.

00 for a school wide pizza party. All money went to Make A Wish. The children raised $875.

9 March Birthdays 03/02 Kollin Vaughn 3/03 Ken Brewer 03/03 Sonia Westburg 3/05 Chase Jenkins 3/10 Nathan Lowe 3/10 Wes Westenrieder 3/10 Caitlin White 3/11 Phillip Wells 3/12 Hillary Creech 3/12 Connor White 3/19 Hope Smith 3/21 Amelia Haynes 3/25 Tiffany Troutt 3/27 Jennifer Engleken 3/27 Dana Moses 3/28 Elizabeth Boyd 3/28 Jessica Odom 3/29 Celeste Robinette March Anniversaries 3/17 Robert and Hillary Creech St. Mark s Day School It's hard to believe how quickly the school year is passing! In February, the children participated in a fundraiser for the Make A Wish Foundation. They became "Super Hero's" and wore capes to school! Each child paid $5.00 for a school wide pizza party. All money went to Make A Wish. The children raised $ for Make A Wish. St. Mark's will be closed for Spring Break March 18th through 22nd. Enrollment for the "In School" children and children of Episcopal church families will begin soon. Be on the lookout for further notice! Thanks, Peggy

10 St. Mark s Contact Information Priest Father Joshua Daniel josua.daniel@stmarksjonesboro.org Choir Director Rhonda Dauer music@stmarksjonesboro.org Church Administrator Dana Moses secretary@stmarksjonesboro.org Bookkeeper Rhonda Dauer bookkeeper@stmarksjonesboro.org Children s Ed. Director Rose Mary Latanich rosemarylatanich@gmail.com EYC Director Stephanie Matthews sepmatthews@gmail.com Nursery Attendance Betty Donnell, Stephanie Matthews, and Keisha Dunavin Men s Club President Perry Moses ECW Co-Chairs Becky Carr and Donna Gilbert Head of Two Saints Kitchen Marya Langford mlangford@ricetec.com

March 15 ECW Card making workshop March 17 No Liturgy of the Word for Children March 18 7:00pm Vestry Meeting March 20 No Christian Ed or EYC/ Spring Break March 21 - Men s Club March 22 Lenten Fish

11 Upcoming Events... March 2019 March 5 - Chili Cookoff (see announcement) March 6 Ash Wednesday (see service schedule) No Christian Ed March 8-10 WinterStar March 9 - ECW March 13 No EYC Spring Break is March March 15 ECW Card making workshop March 17 No Liturgy of the Word for Children March 18 7:00pm Vestry Meeting March 20 No Christian Ed or EYC/ Spring Break March 21 - Men s Club March 22 Lenten Fish Fry March 31 Daughters of the King Financial Update February Year to Date Pledges and Offerings Received $ 13,265 $ 28,658 Needed to meet budget 23,180 $ 46,360 Budget Surplus (Shortfall) $ (9,915) ($ 17,702) Actual Expenses Paid $ 28,658 $ 53,240 Actual (Shortfall) $(15,792) $(24,582) In February, we received $13,265 in donations and spent $28,658. So far this year, we have received $28,658 in income and have spent $53,240.

The Missive. A Message from Father Joshua. 531 West College Avenue, Jonesboro, AR February Greetings everyone,

The Missive. A Message from Father Joshua. 531 West College Avenue, Jonesboro, AR February Greetings everyone, The Missive 531 West College Avenue, Jonesboro, AR 72401 February 2019 Priest Father Joshua Daniel josua.daniel@stmarksjonesboro.org Choir Director Rhonda Dauer music@stmarksjonesboro.org Church Administrator