The Weekly Roar

We are on the brink of Holy Week where we journey with Jesus to the Upper Room, to the Cross on Calvary, and to the empty tomb. For nearly two-thousand years Christians have marked this week with great solemnity and observance, and I want to invite you to do the same.

On Thursday evening we will be worshipping around a dinner table—just like the disciples gathered with Jesus around a table that night. We’ll break bread, we’ll wash feet, and we will remember the call to love one another as Jesus loves us.

On Friday we’ll be observing the most important moment in the life of our faith: Jesus’ death on the cross for us and for our salvation. On the first Good Friday it was just a few of his disciples who gathered around the cross.

On Saturday night we will observe the Great Vigil of Easter, which begins in darkness and which ends in the light and joy of the resurrection.

All three of these services are packed with meaning. In these services we will see, touch, taste, hear, and smell the Good News. These really are moments for the whole family, and we’re crafting the liturgies to be just that.

We all know that come Easter Sunday morning the church will be packed—but consider taking the journey that brings us to that empty tomb.

We will once again be collecting hams for distribution at the Food Bank for Easter. You may deliver your ham to the office during the week or on Sunday mornings to the kitchen refrigerator.

If you would prefer, you may make a monetary donation and we will do the shopping.

Thank you! 

On Maundy Thursday we will be gathering in the Parish Hall of St Mark’s in Basking Ridge to remember the Last Supper, the washing of the disciples feet, and the agony in the garden. Worship will be in the “Dinner+Church” format—meaning that the service takes place in the context of a full meal. As such, we ask that people RSVP so that we know about how much food to prepare. St Mark’s will be providing lamb, fish, bread, and water/tea/coffee. We’re asking for some people to sign up to provide a salad, a side, or wine. (You can find links to both signups above)

Greetings,

During the Lenten season, preparing for Easter is a time to reflect on our spiritual journey. As Holy Week starts in a couple of days and Easter approaches, we walk the path toward having our feet washed, reliving the Crucifixion of Jesus and His Resurrection. But then, sometimes, the journey is not what we had planned or expected.

Yesterday was a gray and damp day, not just for the weather but for our family; we lost one of the family's matriarchs, Aunt Gloria. She loved and accepted all of God's children as Jesus asked us to. Her passing has significantly impacted my journey this season. I want to share an excerpt from Bishop Curry that exemplifies her life as it should ours.

"Christ has no body but yours, no hands, no feet on earth but yours; Yours are the eyes with which he looks [with] Compassion on this world. Yours are the feet with which he walks to do good; yours are the hands with which he blesses all the world. Discipleship is about focusing on Jesus, following in the footsteps of Jesus, becoming his hands and feet in the world. Discipleship is about loving as Jesus loves, giving as Jesus gives, forgiving as Jesus forgives, welcoming and including as Jesus welcomes and includes, doing justice and loving mercy, and walking humbly with God, like Jesus. Matthew's gospel concludes with Jesus telling the disciples to "go therefore" and make disciples who make a difference in the world. "Go, therefore," and be my hands, be my feet, be my face, be my voice, and change the world! (Matthew 28:19–20)."

― Michael Curry, Crazy Christians: A Call to Follow Jesus

We have so many people that do so much for our church and community, many of whom never seek recognition – they simply serve. Words will never express my amazement for the multitude of humble servants that makes St. Mark's so special and so full of love.

As we continue our journey in life, we must always remind ourselves that Jesus Christ proclaims the good news through his life, death, and rising again; light has overcome darkness.

May you all have a Blessed Holy Week and a Wonderful Easter!

Chuck Knill, Jr. Warden 

In an effort to continue highlighting the good works of ECS-NJ, here is another recipient of a Fall 2022 grant.  

St. Mary’s, Pleasantville

To support: Community Development and Outreach 

Grant Amount : $15,000

In pre-covid times, St Mary’s Pleasantville operated successful English as a Second Language and Homework Help programs. Under a larger umbrella of community development and at the request of the families, grant funds will be used to reboot those programs and to add a new component that helps Pleasantville’s newest residents navigate job applications, government assistance, drivers’ license exams, and other kinds of practical concerns.

Grant funds will allow St. Mary’s to move forward with the goal of creating a family of learners which become a community of learners. Their ultimate goal is to create a pathway for non-English speaking residents to, through language, become full, active members of the community.

The next Women's Group will be on April 27^th at 6:30 in the Parish Hall.  Jeanne Wyatt will for our host. Please use this link to RSVP and let us know what food you plan to bring to share.  

Contact Dawn Knill with questions, dkknill@hotmail.com or 908-303-7351.  If you need a ride to attend, please contact Jody Hough at 978-290-1262.

Coffee hour is a great time for food and fellowship, so whether you have volunteered 100 times or never before, I strongly encourage you to sign up and help out with coffee and refreshments following the Sunday 10am service. 

Please click here to sign up.  If you have any questions about set up, please don’t hesitate to reach out at any time! 

Emma Lanese (908) 625-2953

As many of you know, here at St Mark's we stream our 10AM Sunday services each week. We are looking for anyone interested in being a part of the group to assist in running the live stream. We will create a schedule ahead of time similar to the reading schedule. You can volunteer to do this as frequently as you like. There is no prior advanced technology experience required as the software is very user friendly. A tutorial will be provided for those interested. If you are interested in more information and being a part of the group please respond to this email or email Marliese Knill at knillmarliese@gmail.com

Intuitive Eating is a psychoeducational group meeting next at St. Mark's in the Heritage Room on Tuesdays, April 11th, 18th and 25th. 

People talk about "healthy eating" and weight control but many still feel confused and down about addressing these issues. This non-diet approach helps people gain understanding, peace, joy and freedom, regarding their food, weight, and body image. Lindy Judd, LCSW, has been counseling and teaching on this subject for over 30 years. If interested or if you have questions, contact Lindy at 

908-202-9466. For St. Mark's members, $15/session. (This class/support group will meet three times monthly and our first three sessions will be March, 14, 21, 28, at 7:15 pm.)

The Membership Team has been busy updating the online directory with new photos and updated contact information.  It is a great tool to have the St. Mark's families easily accessible on your phone or computer. Please take a look at your entry and let us know if you would like any edits made.  And remember - YOU can make any changes yourself whether it's changing out a photo or updating member information. Below are links with instructions for anyone who is not yet set up.