News from the Pews: January 8, 2010
Matt Finnegan's recent surgery went well. He is home recuperating. According to his mom, Barb: "Matthew's surgery went very well and although the tumor had grown a bit larger, more was removed this time. . On an 'up note', we have the best neuro surgeon in Madison. The surgery took 1/2 the time it did before, and we are home a week sooner than last time! Matthew will have to have radiation this time for 5 weeks, 5 days a week in Madison. For now we do weekly blood draws in Waupaca and have many scheduled follow-up appts. to come I can't begin to thank everyone for their prayers as I believe that is what got us all through it. Matt wanted to go to church this past Sunday but I was hesitant of possible germs etc. Again, Thank you for all the prayers. We have a long road of recovery ahead of us but Matt is up and about and back to himself. Thank you again, and we plan to see everyone soon." Barb Finnegan.
Meredyth's surgery went well but she is still in the hospital. She appreciates short phone calls. Her Cell is 262-309-3880.
Thanks to those who helped undecorated the church on Wednesday evening. It was fun to see everyone pitch in. Yesterday morning I delivered the socks that were under the tree to the Waupaca Area Red Cross. Thanks to all who donated the socks. Wayne Sparks is prepping the fellowship Hall for a face lift. During the Epiphany Season St. Mark's has traditionally collected "baby items" for the Waupaca Pregnancy Center. Epiphany is an ideal time to "bring gifts to the baby." A cradle will be placed near the font for your gifts.
This Sunday, January 10 is known as "The Baptism of our Lord." As part of the liturgy we will have the opportunity to renew our own Baptismal Promises. Do you know when you were Baptized? The date? Do you know where? Who was there? If you don't know, it might be fun to do a little research. If you have your Baptismal Certificate, and if you aren't afraid to show it -- bring it along on Sunday. We can look at certificates during the coffee hour. As far as that goes, if you can lay your hands on the baptismal gown -- bring that along too. We'll have show and tell.
This Sunday's coffee hour is a bakery pot luck. Bring your favorites (also a good opportunity to get rid of those left over Christmas cookies.)
Bishop Jacobus will make his annual visitation next week, Sunday, January 17.
Annual Meeting is Sunday, January 24.
Our January Mission of the Month is Bread Basket. St. Mark's serves three times a year. Each time we serve it costs a little over $300.
The Annual meeting of Bethany Home is also on Sunday, January 24. Joyce Woldt will be St. Mark's delegate.
On Wednesday Fr. Nigel, our Wardens and I met with the Bishop and his staff at the Waupaca Ale House. St. Mark's will play host to the Diocese for the 2010 Convention on October 22 and 23.
Serving at Worship: Chalice Bearers: Dan Kennedy and Bruce McCallum; Lectors, Karen McCallum and Jim Johnson; Prayer Leader, Louise Austin; Ushers, Thom & Beth Bray; Coffee Hour, Bakery Pot Luck/Joyce Woldt; Offering Counters, Karen McCallum and Darlene Roubal. Organist, Deb Anderson, Altar Guild, Karen McCallum.
Birthday: John S. Morgan (13).
See you in church. Choir 8:30AM. Eucharist and Sunday School 9:30AM. Bakery Pot Luck. Baptism show and tell.
Dick Bidwell
Parish Administrator
"Our lives are God's gift to us. What we do with them is our gift to God."