May 2008 Calendar   St. Mark's Episcopal Church Mystic, Connecticut

Don't miss the pictures from Pentecost & Mothers' Day and Youth Sunday!

Most events are held at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 15 Pearl Street, Mystic, CT 06355. Events held at other locations are emphasized by this font. Holy days and most secular holidays are noted this way. 7 Easter, for example, means the seventh Sunday after Easter.

Daily or weekly events, such as Morning Prayer, the Holy Eucharist at StoneRidge, are described in detail on the Description & Schedule Page, along with some monthly events such as the Healing Service.

Lemonade on the Lawn returns on May 25^th! Warm weather and green grass are here!

Church School to Mystic Manor - Saturdays May 3 and June 7 at 10:00 AM

For the past six years, on the first Saturday of each month a group of St. Mark's Church School teachers, their children and grandchildren, and many of the children from the Church School and their parents visit the residents of Mystic Manor.

We do a seasonal craft, which usually consists of a drawing that we color and decorate with flowers, stickers, etc. Two or three times a year we have a party at Mystic Manor, to which we bring cookies and cupcakes. Mark Wydler plays his guitar and leads us all in song. Fr. Mark Santucci gives much comfort and cheer to all.

Back to May 3       Back to top of May 2008 calendar

Pentecost & Mothers' Day - Sunday, May 11

This year Pentecost and Mothers' Day coincided. It was a grand day at Saint Mark's as we celebrated the Feast of Pentecost, baptized two baby girls, and honored our mothers.

Saint Mark's Youth made corsages that were handed out to mothers at the 10 AM service. Miranda and Marianne give out the Mothers' Day presents.

We also celebrated the Baptism of Hanna, granddaughter of Bob and Lora, and Ella, granddaughter of Greg and Jackie.

Back to May 11       Back to top of May 2008 calendar       Back to top of Page

Youth Sunday (Cupcake Sunday) - Sunday, May 18

Each year the youth of St. Mark's take over a service, from being greeters and ushers to presenting the homily. The first photo shows a parishioner being welcomed and given a service bulletin.

The cover of the bulletin being displayed by an usher shows the symbol of Trinity Sunday.

Each young person takes a turn ringing the bell to call people to the service.

Some people get a helping hand ringing the bell.

Sweet voices sing during the collection.

David Vandal, son of Bruce and Grace Vandal, was the preacher at both services. He inspired us by telling us about his experience encountering adversity and gaining insight because of it.

Following the 10 AM Eucharist there was a cupcake reception (that's where the name "Cupcake Sunday" comes from) in the Undercroft. We enjoyed the ministry of our children and youth, and everybody enjoyed the cupcakes.

Back to May 18       Back to top of May 2008 calendar       Back to top of Page

Lemonade on the Lawn returns! - Sunday, May 25

From Memorial Day Weekend through Labor Day Weekend, instead of gathering after each Sunday service for Coffee Hour in the Undercroft, we gather for lemonade on the lawn in front of the church. The Adult Forum, usually held between the 8:00 AM and 10:00 AM services, takes a summer vacation. The combination of warm weather, informality, and open space often means that we get to know one another better.

Don't like lemonade? There's always an alternative: Fruit juice, punch, or bottled water. There are cookies, brownies, et cetera, too.

As with Coffee Hour, volunteer hosts are always needed. It is a fine way to meet your fellow parishioners!

Back to May 25       Back to top of May 2008 calendar

Theology Sandwiched In - Tuesday, May 27 at 12:30 PM

Please note that Theology Sandwiched In has been moved to later in the month than it was previously.

The book for May is Verna Dozier's The Dream of God: A Call to Return.

Sure to bring about lively discussion at St. Mark's (and in most other churches), Dozier's The Dream of God calls Christians to follow Christ's examples in the real world, not simply worship Him. Verna Dozier is a biblical scholar and a theologian; her views may be most shared by lay people and may be most questioned by the ordained. How will you react?

Remember to ask for your reading group discount at Bank Square Books (external Site). Our discussion will be on Tuesday, May 27 at 12:30 PM.

Back to May 27       Back to top of May 2008 calendar

Seabury Deanery Meeting - Tuesday, May 27 at 7:00 PM

May's meeting will be at Christ Episcopal Church in Norwich (external Site).

Seabury Deanery is an affiliation of Episcopal Churches in Southeastern Connecticut. Member churches include St. Mark's Church in Mystic, Calvary Church in Stonington (external Site), St. James Church in New London (external Site), St. John's Church in Niantic (external Site), St. James Church in Poquetanuck (external Site), St. David's Church in Gales Ferry (external Site), Grace Church in Yantic (external Site), and Christ Episcopal Church in Norwich (external Site).

"The Diocese [of Connecticut] is divided into 14 geographic units called deaneries, each with an elected dean, sub-dean, secretary and treasurer. These were established decades ago as a way to improve communication and encourage collaborative ministry, and replaced an older model of archdeaconries."

"The diocesan bishop views the deanery system as a helpful way to gather clergy and parishes regionally. Confirmations are held on a deanery basis, and bishops meet with each deanery's clergy on a regular basis. Elected lay delegates to convention serve as delegates to their deanery as well."

(The two quoted paragraphs are from the Episcopal Diocese of Connecticut Web Site (external Site).

Back to May 27       Back to top of May 2008 calendar

Parish Picnic - Sunday, June 1 at 12:00 Noon

After the 10:00 AM service on June 1^st we will gather at Sutton Park in Groton for good food and fellowship, for games and fun. Hot dogs and hamburgers will be provided. Please bring your own drinks and to sign up to bring a side dish to share.

Directions will be available after each service.

The picnic will be held rain or shine.

Back to June 1       Back to top of May 2008 calendar       June 2008 Calendar

Version 1.2 F 18 May 2008

St. Mark's Episcopal Church 15 Pearl Street Mystic, CT 06355 (860) 572-9549