The Lion's Roar
September 2020
Weekly Offerings in Sept
Monday Morning Prayer, on Facebook and YouTube (beginning 9/14)
Tuesday 7pm Devotion, on Instagram (beginning 9/8)
Wednesday 9am Holy Eucharist Rite II in the Sanctuary, and on FB & YT
Thursday 12noon Midday Mindfulness on FB
Thursday 12noon Midday Mindfulness on FB
Saturday 5pm Holy Eucharist Rite II (beginning 9/26)
Sunday 10am Holy Eucharist Rite II (& on FB and YT)
Sunday 8am Holy Eucharist Rite I (beginning 9/27)
Visit our website, stmarksbr.org for links and schedules to all upcoming services, music offerings, signups, and more.
SIGNUP IS REQUIRED FOR ALL IN PERSON GATHERINGS
All LIVE broadcast services can be seen directly from the front page of our website
Please make yourself familiar with our current protocols for participating in in-person gatherings at St. Mark's
Laughter in the Pews
Sept Birthdays
9/1 Melissa Fletcher
9/2 Jeffrey Hooper
9/4 Rachel Post
9/5 Lauren Walker
9/6 Yeta Eweka
Andrew Walker
9/7 Doriann Sanchez
9/8 Marliese Knill
Doug Marston
Mike McCormick
9/9 Teri Passarello
9/10 Larena Lettow
9/14 Glenn West
Spenser Thoma
9/18 Linda Aul
9/20 Martha Heiner
Anju Ittycheria
Caroline Mooney
9/21 Jason Denechaud
Joe Layton
Brenda Mandeen
9/23 Stuart Pasquale
9/24 Laurie McManus
Jonathan Lupo
9/25 Janet Vaughan
9/26 Weston Rand
9/27 Patricia Lanese
9/28 Lea O’Shea
Bridget Nishimura
9/29 Matthew McDonnell
Sept Anniversaries
9/1 Rob & Nancy Brangaccio
9/7 Ken & Jennifer Solon
9/8 Martin & Louise Hale
9/15 Noyoze & Yeta Eweka
9/16 Tim & Lisa Keenan
9/17 Bill & Annabelle Wilmer
9/18 Jim & Michelle Martucci
9/22 Gerald & Lesley McDonnell
9/26 Jim & Therese Nishimura
Sunday School News
For those of you who viewed the Sunday School page on Sunday August 23 you may have seen the short video of Mr. Lyga and his bees, not just the buzzing kind but also the “Color a Smile” coloring page bees. All Sunday School children and their families are encouraged to color a page of their choice and either bring it by the church for us to mail in bulk or just send it to the address on the website https://colorasmile.org/. These pages are sent out all across the state, country and world for people in need of a little extra love in their heart.
You should also be on the lookout for a short Sunday School questionnaire during September. We would like to start up a virtual Sunday School starting in October and are looking for your input and suggestions. If you want to share your ideas now just send an email to jwlyga@gmail.com.
Buildings
It has been a quiet month for buildings with no major work going on. Upgrades to the rectory heating system are scheduled for September which should be the last major project this year. We have a growing list of smaller projects such as small painting or repair projects. If you can spare a few hours or a few days please send an email to jwlyga@gmail.com and I will add your name to our Building Repair Sign up Genius. If you notice anything around the Buildings or Grounds that needs repairs please bring them to our attention and we will add to the list.
Finance Report - through July 2020
Operating Income is $230K, -$11K (or -5%) below budget. Full and partial year pledge income received earlier in the year and higher donations have been offset by lost income from the cancellation of the March Rummage Sale (due to COVID-19 social distancing), reduced Building Use Donations (due to COVID-19 and generally reduced utilization), and reduced plate income (due to no in-person worship services from COVID-19).
Operating Expenses is $210K, $7K (or 3%) below budget, driven by Buildings and Grounds favorability (snow removal savings, insurance), reduced worship expenses (no in-person worship services), and timing of expenses. July expenses included the partial costs of installing a chimney liner and upgrading steam piping for the furnace in the rectory.
Operating Net Income is $20K, $-4K (or -17%) below budget, driven by COVID-19 induced shortfalls and lower building use donations.
Above financials exclude the favorable impact of the Paycheck Protection Program. As communicated previously, St. Marks received a loan of $35,900 via the US Cares Act Paycheck Protection Program (PPP). PPP enables small businesses (including non-profits and faith-based organizations like St. Marks) to access federal funding via forgivable grants and loans and loan deferrals to alleviate the adverse financial impact and uncertainties caused by COVID-19. St. Marks believes the full loan amount will be forgivable; effectively eliminating any potential liability.
Stewardship
Thank you for your commitment and investment in St. Mark's during these trying times. We are so grateful that you have mailed in your pledge checks or set up automatic bill pay through your bank. Thank you!
Outreach News
Saturdays in Somerville
Much has changed for volunteering during this COVID pandemic and distributing food in September is no different. This month on each Saturday, we’ll be distributing pre-packaged bags for the food bank from vans outside. If you’re interested in helping out any of the Saturdays in September, dress appropriately and email leaoshea4@gmail.com for details. Thank you in advance!!
Habitat for Humanity
Habitat is now organizing builds in one of their two current projects:
- Montgomery Township: They are building a home with partner/homeowner Cicely Caldwell and her family. Volunteer groups of up to 10 people will be scheduled every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday beginning Friday, October 2nd until mid-June, 2021.
- Bedminster: They are renovating the historic Burd Home to accommodate for the new Raritan Valley Habitat for Humanity office! Volunteer groups of up to 10 people will be scheduled every Tuesday, Friday and Saturday beginning Tuesday, September 15th until November 2020.
In July, our own Megan Taylor participated in a Habitat for Humanity Youth build.
Vestry members:
Rector: The Rev. Richard M.C. Morley
Senior Warden: Joan Graff
Junior Warden: Jeff West
Grounds: Pete Kochek
Buildings: John Lyga
Outreach: Lea O’Shea
Finance: Matt Seitz
Stewardship: Gerald Mcdonnell
Christian Ed. Laura Mooney
Comm. / Evangelism: Eileen Barna
Fellowship: Sandy Gogerty
Membership: Marcie Hanhart
Non-Vestry Positions:
Warden Emeritus: Jim Lunny
Treasurer: Teri Passarello
Recording Treasurer: Doug Post
Assistant Treasurer: Bruce Walker
Sunday School Director: John Lyga
J2A Coordinator: Chip Rubendall
Music Director: Mike McCormick