The Monthly Parish Newsletter of SAINT MARK’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH From the Rector… In a week we con- growing up has made a terrific and structed an Alpha spirited start. Our Youth Center is Latrine that will sporting handmade posters from change the life of a the recent youth kick-off. We single mom and her should start to see new handrails two small children. and exterior lighting around our In a local school we campus in the weeks to come. We d i s t r i b u t e d are hearing news of the new ant-parasite medica- Stephen Ministry program. tion to over 800 children, and on a Yes, things are in full swing; then rural mountaintop again, perhaps by the grace of God 57 patients who they never really stopped. Take a otherwise would moment to say a prayer for our not have been able parish family—and think about to be treated were the new ways God may be asking seen by a doctor. all of us to take part. Bill (center) & Linda (left) Ryan join Angel (right) and a local tenant (foreground) working on an Coming up in No- Loving and gracious God, who has filled the world with beauty: open our eyes to behold UNHO Alpha Latrine in La Labor this August. vember, Saint Mark’s your gracious hand in all your works; that Friends of La Labor rejoicing in your whole creation, we may t seems hard to believe that will host a lunch after the 10 learn to serve you with gladness; and two years have passed since a.m. service to celebrate the spread your gracious will to the ends of the coming to Saint Mark’s to be 2009 Mission Trip, show pic- earth; for the sake of him through whom your rector. And yet, think- tures and hear from the travelers all things were made, your Son Jesus Christ I our Lord. Amen. ing on the many people I have how the Millennium Develop- met, services conducted, mission ment Goals are being addressed trips made and changes to our at the most basic level. We will Paul + physical plant, it is very clear that also learn about a new Saint Mark’s is a place where grassroots educational things happen—and can happen program for children fast! emphasizing care for our environment and Well, fast for a church that is. It stewardship of our is a tribute to the congregation planet. and lay leadership in the parish that we have been able to ac- Plan to save Sunday, complish so very much. Nov. 8, 2009 for a Issue 131 October 2009 October 131 Issue report and celebration. Despite a difficult economy and cutbacks in Saint Mark’s 2009 Meanwhile, life at operating budget, our Generation Saint Mark’s moves to Generation campaign has forward with an continued the transformation of ambitious program our Education Wing. This past year. Our music staff the EPISTLE Sunday saw 37 smiling faces has just published looking at the beautiful new what promises to be a sanctuary monitor. marvelous year for Saint Mark’s Music This September also saw the Series. An enormous return of the Guatemala Mission bake sale raised funds Foreground: The proud new owner of an Trip travelers fresh from their for hungry children. Alpha Latrine. When asked what he will be work in La Labor. Saint Mark’s The new Rite 13 doing in his new building he laughed and said: made an impact on a small hill- program to shepherd “What EVERYBODY does in the bathroom!” side in what seemed a world our middle schoolers Background: Tono, native and long-time director of the Environmental Project keeps a away. through the maze of watchful eye. :: LEARN MORE @ www.health-care-project-guatemala.org & www.ecotono-global.org :: Photos by the rector the EPISTLE October 2009 PAGE 2 BRUCE’S COLUMN SAINT MARK’S ASSOCIATE RECTOR Decisions, Decisions… My Giving for 2010 Dear friends in Christ, more than 2009 or it could be less. most obvious example of propor- Whatever happens with my income, tionate giving, is the biblical standard I’ve been thinking and praying about the percentage of that income that I of giving. Most of us, however, do my financial offering to God for next give to God will not change, even if not tithe, for many reasons But, by year through the ministry of Saint my income does. adopting the practice of proportion- Mark’s. January 1st seems a long way ate giving, we can begin moving away, but it isn’t really: only three I need to be realistic about my giving, toward the tithe in our personal months! too. It would not be good steward- giving. That is what I began doing ship to pledge more than I think I’ll almost 20 years ago, and I have been While most of the congregation will be able to pay. Nor, is it good able to tithe for the last few years. I be asked to make their financial offer- stewardship for me to give less than I am planning on doing so again in ings in church on Sunday, Nov. 8, am able to give. 2010. clergy and Vestry members will be offering our pledges for 2010 at our Looks like I’ve got a lot of praying I share with you some reasons to October Vestry meeting. I’m not and thinking and number crunching consider tithing that I have found going to be at that meeting; I don’t to do between now and mid-October! helpful in my life and ministry: get back from the week long CREDO conference in Richmond, VA until We’ll all be hearing more about our 5 REASONS TO TITHE later that evening. So, I’m going to giving for 2010 in the weeks ahead as turn my pledge card in before the our fall Stewardship program unfolds, ANCIENT MODEL: October Vestry meeting so that it can but in the rest of this column I will (Genesis 28:10-22) and Episcopal Norm be offered with the rest of the clergy share with you some my personal (General Convention resolutions since and vestry commitments. beliefs about Christian stewardship 1982) and how those beliefs guide my giving So, what to do? What is God calling to God through the ministry of Saint TRUST IN GOD: me to do? How much should I give Mark’s Episcopal Church. As an act of thanks, tithing strengthens next year? We’re in a tough economy. faith and builds trust in God. Will I get a salary raise for 2010? I “All things come of thee, O don’t know. I do know that whatever LORD, and of thine own have FINANCIAL WISDOM: amount I put down on that pledge we given thee. Amen.” Tithing discourages debt and encourages card will be a good faith Estimate of 1 Chronicles 29:14 disciplined financial management Giving. Chances are that Estimate of Giving will turn out be reality; so far I For me, my pledge is a way giving MINISTRY SUPPORT: have never had to reduce my pledge back to God a portion of that which Tithing provides adequate financial support after I’ve made it. Sometimes, I’ve came from God in the first place; a for the work God calls us to do. been able to give more during the portion of the blessings God has year. bestowed on me. There are many CONGREGATIONAL STRENGTH: ways I can offer my thanks to God, Tithing strengthens the ministry, health, I also know that my pledge for 2010 and the giving from my financial re- and community of congregations. will be a set percentage of my total sources through the ministry of the annual income, not just my salary people of Saint Mark’s Church is an Faithfully yours in Christ, from Saint Mark’s. I’ll probably base important, effective and practical my pledge for 2010 on a percentage means of expressing my thanks and of my total income for 2009; at least I praise to God. have some solid numbers there. But, The Rev. Bruce Smith let’s face it, I have no idea what my The church has long taught that the Associate Rector total income for 2010 will be; it could “tithe” (10% of our income), the the EPISTLE October 2009 PAGE 3 Remember, Renew, Rejoice! Sunday, October 25, 2009 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the Church Stewardship of your Estate With John S. Jones, Private Practice Lawyer Simple Wills, Planned Giving, Trusts, Powers of Attorney, Living Will, Health Care Powers of Attorney Planning a Celebration of Life The Pastoral & Music Staff of Saint Mark’s The service as an Easter Liturgy, Scripture Readings, Hymns, the Eucharist, Casket or “Cremains,” the Saint Mark’s Memorial Garden No one likes to think about issues surrounding the end of this life, but faithful planning can make a tremendous difference—not only for ourselves, but for loved ones and future generations as well. This unique program brings legal issues, memorial arrangements and faith questions together in one 90-minute presentation. People will be given the opportunity to ask questions and given information to take away and make their own prayerful, personal decisions. People will be invited to return portions of these documents to be filed at Saint Mark’s for use at a future date. We will learn, listen, pray and sing together—as we remember responsibilities, renew plans, and rejoice in God’s promise of eternal life.