THE WEEKLY NEWS - St. Mark's Episcopal Church

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St. Mark’s Neighborhood Autism Athletic Program A new ministry, St. Mark’s Neighborhood Autism Athletic Program (SNAAP), is being launched at St. Mark’s this fall. This athletic program is for boys and girls, ages 5‐18, that have been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). "We looked around and saw that there were no recreational programs dedicated specifically for children on the autism spectrum. With the high rate of ASD diagnosis, and the lack of opportunities to get these kids together to learn social skills while participating in athletics, we thought it was the perfect time to use the great new gymnasium at St. Mark's to expand our reach in the community and give these kids an opportunity to play in a safe and nurturing environment," said Mark Tourangeau, St. Mark’s parishioner who is actively involved in starting this new mission. The program begins Sunday, October 16, and runs through Sunday, December 11. There will not be a session on Sunday, November 27. The children will meet each Sunday, noon to 2:00 p.m., to learn the fundamental skills of basketball, kickball, and soccer. The program also provides support for the families of these children. A group of volunteers from St. Mark’s church and school are preparing for their mission of working with the children “to reach every age and ability level.” If you have a passion for working with children, the program is in need of coaches, older children and adults to shadow the athletes, along with people to help with program planning and administration. Volunteers must attend Safeguarding God’s Children (see page 2). For details, contact: Mark Tourangeau, 277.9703, Brent Carpenter 746.2452, or email snaappbg@gmail.com. Volunteer Training Saturday, October 1 3:00‐4:00 p.m. Saturday, October 8 3:00‐4:00 p.m. Orientation Sunday, October 9 12:00‐2:00 p.m. Safeguarding God’s Children Training Sunday, October 2 12:30‐3:30 p.m. Band Room SNAAP (St. Mark’s Neighborhood Autism Athletic Program) “SNAAPPBG” Family Promise helping homeless families Ninety members of the St. Mark’s community have responded to the mission of Family Promise: people of faith working together, responding to the needs of our homeless neighbors, offering the necessary support services to enable them to achieve their independence. Family Promise cites that in Palm Beach County there are over 2,000 reported homeless children in the school district. On any given night, those children may have nowhere to sleep. Families now make up 40% of the homeless population. With these staggering statistics, St. Mark’s has taken the lead in becoming a host congregation within the Family Promise Interfaith Hospitality Network. Our parish provides overnight lodging, meals and fellowship for three to five families (up to 14 individuals) from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. on a weekly, rotating basis with ten other community churches and eight support congregations. Over fifty parish members volunteered their time and/or resources during the week of September 18‐25, in support of three families hosted at St. Mark’s: three adults, one teen, and six young children. Volunteers participated in a variety of committees ‐‐ with an overall focus of not only providing food and shelter, but towards reaching out to families in need to offer support, respect, dignity and love. “One of our Family Promise guests expressed that she was overcome with gratitude for the warm and supportive environment that our church provided her. She felt so welcomed, so relaxed… that she is planning to return for worship services and childcare training,” shares Marsha Perkins, St. Mark’s parishioner. “As we plan our next week of service in December to love and care for families as avenues for God’s grace, join me in prayer for these families and the ministry.“ If you would like to volunteer your time or make a financial contribution to Family Promise, contact Marsha Perkins, 626.2462 or mperkins403@comcast.net.
St. Mark’s School “We Will! Make a Difference!” Make a Difference Students, faculty and staff of St. Mark’s School are excited about their 2011‐2012 school year challenge : WE WILL! Make a Difference! “Through their efforts, the students demonstrate the values that make our community strong," said the Rev. Dr. Lisa Barrowclough, school chaplain. "It is gratifying to know that so many students go above and beyond to help others through their good works." Here are some of the ways that students learn and give back to the community: Dimes for Disney: Lower School students are encouraged to help out at home in order to earn “Dimes for Disney.” These gifts are presented during weekly chapel, and the funds are given to Hope Rural School (Indiantown) for an annual trip to an Orlando theme park. Our children made a difference by raising up to $1,261! OXFAM: To realize the personal impact that is felt by people who experience hunger in our local community and around the globe, middle school students participate in an Oxfam Hunger Banquet. This program is part of a nationwide service learning event that raises awareness about hunger and poverty through a luncheon simulation. Students are randomly assigned to a high‐, middle‐, or lowincome tier based on the latest statistics about the number of people living in poverty. Only a select few students enjoy a full lunch, while remaining students receive beans and rice or, in the case of the sizable majority, only a small bowl of rice while seated on the floor. Well‐researched statistics are taught, but the greatest impact comes from the empathy the students express towards the cause. NJHS Drives: Each year the National Junior Honor Society collects food, toys, and other items to provide to those in need. In response to a need expressed by the Rev. Michael McManus, Priest in Charge, St. George’s Church, on behalf of St. George’s feeding program, students collected a full, van‐load of paper kitchen products. Last year’s drive honored the late Mr. Art Masterson, the much beloved history teacher, whose passion for outreach “in our own backyard” had inspired students for years. St. Mark’s students develop a sense of responsibility to their community through active participation in service related activities. Students adopt skills and leadership abilities through their efforts, and they foster a sense of compassion as they give of themselves for the betterment of others and the glory of God. Oxfam Hunger Banquet raises student awareness about hunger and poverty. Students collected over 3,435 non‐perishable items for “Food for Families.” Students collected “Coins for Kenya” to provide funds to send African children to boarding school. ‘Heart warming and joyous’:Friends of the Groom Friends of the Groom’s visit to St. Mark’s was a wonderful surprise unfolding as we had no idea that the weekend would offer such spiritual growth! We were very blessed to be a part of the experience. It was heart warming and joyous to see teenagers having fun and receiving some amazing grace! — Sally Fattori, St. Mark’s member Friends of the Groom workshop participants give ‘Christian drama’ a try! Professional Christian theatre company Friends of the Groom provided thought provoking, humorous messages and entertainment September 23‐25 at St. Mark’s! Tom Long, Jocelyn Sluka and Susan Jung, FOG’s performers, provided Friday performances and inspired an overnight youth retreat including teenagers from churches throughout north Palm Beach County. With over 75 in attendance, Saturday’s fun, ‘hands on learning’ workshop was a huge success followed by rave reviews of Friends of the Groom at all weekend worship services. Special thanks to Charlie Erkman, Patty Erkman, Jodi Gooding and Fred LaCrone for their assistance throughout this powerful, God‐filled weekend!
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THE WEEKLY NEWS - St. Mark's Episcopal Church

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