Putting muscle in the message!

Runners at the start of the Lutheran Community Services Walk-Run Fundraiser

More than 160 people showed up at Lutheran Church of the Good Shepherd on Saturday, Sept. 21, to participate in Lutheran Community Services’ 2019 Walk/Run to end Hunger and Family Fun Day. In all, they raised $52,300 to benefit LCS’ food pantries in New Castle County.

St. Mark’s had another strong showing with 31 members registered and a fundraising total of $15,300!

In addition to the 5-kilometer walk/run, there were fun and games for children, including a bounce house, face painting and a chance to explore a fire truck from Talleyville Volunteer Fire Company. There was plenty of food, including hot dogs, brisket, watermelon, chips, cookies and drinks.

Musicians, including St. Mark’s own “Souls on Fire,” showcased their talents.

Many thanks to all those who helped with planning, including Barbara Breisch, Fred Melton, Margie Dodson, Brian Schmidt and Kyle Schuldt. Thanks also to Gwen Wisniewski and her mother, Kathleen, for cooking and Brian Schmidt for providing the smoked brisket. Finally, many thanks go to the hosts at Good Shepherd and their chairperson Linda Ulmanis for all of her vision, planning, and leadership.

— Kyle Schuldt

Worship and a picnic!

The grillmaster at work during the 2018 picnic.

You could call it our kind of block party! Once a year we join our neighbors at Presbyterian Church of the Covenant to worship our God and enjoy each other’s company.

We start with worship at 10 a.m. — just one service that Sunday — and then gather under the shady trees on PCOC’s lawn for a big ol’ picnic.

Expert grillmasters deliver sizzling burgers and hot dogs and everyone brings a dish or dessert to share.

Dwight Novotny, coordinator for St. Mark’s, says there will be Irish music this year, by the two-man band known as the King Brothers. Does it get any better?

Hope to see you there!

Shot of 2018 picnic
There is always great food at the annual St. Mark’s-PCOC picnic, but the best part is getting together and getting to know each other!

ROAR: The Mane Event!

Vacation Bible School lion logo

ROAR is an epic African adventure that engages the whole herd!

At ROAR, kids explore God’s goodness and celebrate a ferocious faith that powers them through this wild life.

All children, ages 4 through 11, are welcome. They must be registered by an adult.

The five-evening event goes from 5:15 to 8:30 p.m. from Sunday, July 21 through Thursday, July 25. Our host is Presbyterian Church of the Covenant, 503 Duncan Road, our next-door neighbor.

Teens and adults are needed to make this year’s Vacation Bible School another success!

Please contact Elaine Murphy (semurphy@comcast.net) if you can help in any way.

Community VBS planning meeting

Vacation Bible School lion logo

It’s time to ROAR about our love for God and plan for another exciting summer Community Vacation Bible School.

An organizational meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m., Wednesday, May 1 at Presbyterian Church of the Covenant at 503 Duncan Road, right across the street from St. Mark’s.

We need many volunteers to help share God’s love with children of our community. Please plan to attend and learn more about ROAR!

Family Night

Supper table illustration

The Family Night event planned for Friday, Feb. 1 at Calvary Episcopal Church has been CANCELLED. But we are hosting the next one on Friday, March 15.

These events are sponsored by the Brandywine Collaborative Ministries Group, which St. Mark’s is part of. The Brandywine Collaborative is a group of area churches linked to strengthen the community of faith in our area.

The Collaborative’s Family Nights are typically held on Friday nights and are meant to bring kids and adults together for supper, a brief worship service, activities for the kids and a time of discussion for parents. Families are the focus of these gatherings, but singles and all ages are welcome to participate.

There is no cost to attend. The evening typically goes from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

In addition to St. Mark’s, the collaborative includes Calvary Episcopal Church at 304 Lore Ave., Grace Episcopal Church at 4900 Concord Pike and Episcopal Church of the Ascension at 3717 Philadelphia Pike.

Connecting with EDGE for Tomorrow

Ginny Jones

Ginny Jones, executive director of EDGE For Tomorrow will be with us during the Adult Forum hour to bring us up to date on that ministry of our neighbors at Presbyterian Church of the Covenant.

Founded in 2009, EDGE For Tomorrow provides services, support and advocacy for social justice, education and empowerment for those living below the poverty level in our local communities.

The EDGE After-School program is almost 8 years old and now provides free after-school care for about 30 children four days each week. It touches the lives of more than 100 families with programs that address illiteracy, poverty, parent education, family assistance and early childhood education.

Join us Sunday to learn more about this ministry and see how you might be involved.

Twelfth Night Concert

Wilmington Handbell Ensemble

Our friends and neighbors at Presbyterian Church of the Covenant are hosting the Wilmington Handbell Ensemble for a “Twelfth Night” concert.

According to WHE’s website, the ensemble is celebrating its 19th season. It has performed at Longwood Gardens, First Night Wilmington, Christmas in Old New Castle, Christmas Open Houses in Salem and Woodstown, N.J., Brandywine River Museum and the Delaware Art Museum. The ensemble also has been featured with the Newark Symphony, the Rainbow Chorale of Delaware and the Wilmington Madrigal Singers.

All are welcome. A $15 donation is suggested.

PCOC is at 503 Duncan Road, just across Villa Place from St. Mark’s.

Special combined service

As 2018 draws to a close, we will worship together in one combined 10 a.m. service Sunday, Dec. 30.

The congregation of the Presbyterian Church of the Covenant will join us for a service of lessons and carols, worship and Holy Communion.

All are welcome to join in as we worship our Lord, giving thanks for his provision and looking to the new year with hope and confidence in him.

Family Fun Night – Advent

Advent family

Did you know St. Mark’s is part of the Brandywine Collaborative Ministries Group? It is a group of area churches who have linked up to strengthen the community of faith in our area.

Specifically, this group gathers for monthly activities — Family Fun Nights. These events, typically on Friday nights, bring kids and adults together for dinner, followed by a brief worship service, crafts for the kids and a time of discussion for parents. Families are the focus of these gatherings, but singles and all ages are welcome to participate.

This month’s Family Fun Night will have an Advent theme and will be held at Calvary Hillcrest Episcopal Church at 304 Lore Ave. in Hillcrest, near Penny Hill.

There is no cost to attend. The evening typically goes from 6 to 7:30 p.m.

In addition to St. Mark’s and Calvary Episcopal, the collaborative includes Grace Episcopal Church, 4900 Concord Pike, and Episcopal Church of the Ascension, 3717 Philadelphia Pike.

The Longest Night Service

For many, the holiday season holds sorrow, loss and grief. A loved one who has died is mourned. Losses and other unwanted changes can make normal holiday celebrations too painful for many.

The “Longest Night Service” is meant for all — families, individuals, friends — who have suffered loss. It is a time of reflection and contemplative respite. Its name refers to the time it usually is scheduled — on or near the longest night of the year.

The service will be held at Chester Bethel United Methodist Church, located at 2619 Foulk Rd. in Brandywine Hundred, north of Wilmington. All are welcome.