Greetings, St. Mark’s family.  There sure is a lot going on, so this seems like a great time to send an update.

First off, Irene Kratz has lost her sight due to macular degeneration. She is living at home, and is receiving support from a gracious neighbor (as well as, of course, Kathy Q), but Irene can really use some prayers…and our help.  We are presently researching what can be done to help Irene, and thanks to both Barbara and Al for being willing to start looking into what we might be able to do. We will be reaching out to you once we learn a little bit more, so for now we are asking you to prepare to pitch in however you can.  Something as simple as bringing by some bananas (she loves ‘em!) can go a long way toward letting her know that she is not alone…and that means everything right now. Bert has graciously agreed to be the central coordinator of our efforts, so that we can try to work together as a team – so please keep him posted (text works best) on what you are doing, or want to do, to help.

Second, Chuck is out of the hospital and feeling better, but Karen was admitted on Wednesday with some pretty serious anemia, and what they believe is internal bleeding. They have not yet found the source of bleeding, but that’s what they’re looking for — so they can fix it. She is in room 342 at Sentara CarePlex if you are able to visit.  Please keep her in your prayers as well.

Deacon Dana and the Wardens met with Bishop Susan and Canon Roy Hoffman on Tuesday.  The meeting went well. Two main takeaways from the meeting were that one, St. Mark’s will again consider joining the Peninsula Ministry Partnership with St. Augustine’s and St. George’s. The previously-called priest, who had been serving both parishes, had to step down from the position, and these churches (with help from the Diocese) intend to call a new priest. St. Mark’s is open to joining this effort, especially if it means a more permanent clergy presence among us! This process is moving quickly, and we will keep you posted as it develops.

The second big take away from our meeting is that the Diocese has apparently set aside over $600,000 from the sale of our property for St. Mark’s future mission and ministry. How it can/will be used is still subject to discussion, but the fact that it exists provides us welcome clarity as to what we have to work with. We will keep you posted on this as well.

In some fun news, tomorrow night will be Game Night, in person at First UCC at 6:30 PM. There’s one objective, and that’s to have fun with one another – so please come out and bring a friend. Plus, there will be food!

Finally, a reminder that our next monthly “Hands and Feet” ministry meeting will be held via Zoom on Tuesday, May 14th, at 6:30p. This is an ongoing series of meetings, where we’re simply praying and discerning where God is leading us, and then doing our best to take bold steps in that direction. (Bishop Susan said we’re doing a “phenomenal” job with outreach…so let’s see where God continues to take us!). We want this to be a whole-church effort, so put on your bunny slippers, roll up your sleeves, and tune in on Tuesday.

The love of St. Mark’s is apparent to all who visit – please continue to help us be all that God would have us be. See ya soon!

Love,

Your Friends at St. Mark’s