What's Happening February 2020

What’s happening at St. Mark’s .  .  .   .   .

Winter & Pine Acres -  We all like warm weather, green grass and leaves on trees when we visit Pine Acres, but our park is still there in the winter months.  Maybe you like the winter outdoors.  There are activities which can be planned for Pine Acres during the cold months.  Talk with Kathy, Chuck, or Jeff for information on how you can enjoy Pine Acres in the winter.

Wood for Sale - If you are one who would rather sit by an open fire and enjoy the warmth of the season and dream of spring rather than trudge through the snow, Pine Acres has something for you as well.  There is firewood for the purchase from the woods of our park.  When trees have to be taken down, they are processed into firewood.  You can purchase whatever you like.  Thus you are adding to your warmth while supporting the financing of the park.  Again, talk to Kathy, Chuck, Jeff, or a member of the Pine Acres team for information on how you can get wood.

How did we end the year financially? - There is both good news and bad news.  We started 2019 with a negative $7,521.93 balance.  Not a good way to start the year.  We ended 2019 with a negative balance of $4,071.15.  So we did make progress, but we are starting 2020 with a negative balance again.  As we start a new year, each of us must ask ourselves if we can afford to offer more for the support of our church and the work of the Lord.  You may be doing your share now, but if we are to do continue this congregation, we will all have to do just a little bit more.

Ash Wednesday - Start the Lenten season with us at St. John’s on February 28th beginning at 7 p.m.  It will be a combined service.  Now there are two commitments you must make.  First, set aside this Wednesday evening to begin the march to the cross and Easter.  What else can be more important in your life in Christ.  The second step is just as important:  You will have to cross the bridge and go to St. John’s.  Get out of your comfort zone, and meet with us at St. John’s; believe it or not, the Lord will be waiting for you there!

Lebanon County Christian Ministries’ Annual Lenten Breakfast - Is scheduled for Saturday, March 28, 2020.  The event begins at 8 a.m. and will be held at the Cedar Crest Middle School cafetorium.  The guest speaker will be Steve Sabol, community pastor at LifeWay Church.  Providing the special music is the Celebrate Recovery Praise Team from Church of the Good Shepherd.  The breakfast buffet is catered by Country Home Catering and will be scrambled egg casserole, pancakes, bacon sausage, fruit, pastries, juice and coffee.  The price of each ticket is $15.  They are on sale in the office from Gayle.  Please make sure you make your purchase by March 18th.  Space is limited so don’t delay in making your reservation.

Organ Fund - Some months ago I informed you that our organ is going to need extensive restoration in the next several years.  The estimated cost for this work is over $100,000.  Whether we tackle this restoration or whether we take another road with an electronic organ, we are going to need substantial funds.  To start preparing for this project, an organ fund has been established.  If you would like to contribute to this fund or make a memorial donation, just make your wishes know.  Let’s start now to build this fund so we are ready when the need comes!

Lenten Services -  As we begin our march to the cross, you will want to add the dates of these services to your calendars.  As a Christian you should want to participate in these spiritual steps in preparation for Easter.  Come walk with us along this sacred path.

   February 26th   Ash Wednesday        7 p.m.                                             at St. John’s

   March 4th.      Lenten Service            meal at 6 p.m., service at 6:30        at Grace UCC

   March 11th.    Lenten Service            meal at 6 p.m., service at 6:30          at St. Mark’s

   March 18th     Lenten Service       meal at 6 p.m., service at 6:30          at Moravian                                                                                                                                                 Church

   March 25th     Lenten Service            meal at 6 p.m., service at 6:30          at St. John’s

   April 1st          Lenten Service            meal at 6 p.m., service at 6:30          at Grace UCC

   April 9th         Maundy Thursday     7 p.m. reception, communion at 7:30 p.m.   St. Mark’s

   April 10th       Good Friday                7:30 p.m.                                           at St. John’s

   April 12th       Easter Sunrise            6:30 a.m. (no communion)                   at St. John’s

   April 12th       Easter Service            9 a.m. communion                             at St. Mark’s 

          (Note: The Lenten Services are short in time, usually 30 minutes.)

Thanks - To everyone who stayed and participated in our Annual Meeting on January 26th.  Both items on the paper ballot, the 2020 Budget and the use of Endowment Funds, were approved by a wide majority.  Let’s make this year another productive one!

                                                                                                         Jim