VBS Registration is Still Open: We have advertised our “Jesus is the Best Gift” in the local newspaper, emailed past VBS students to remind them of this year’s program and have registered many of St. Mark’s own youth. In total, we have 30 children registered who are age 3 (potty-trained) through entering 5th grade. But we have room for so many more! Please remember that a personal invitation is the best way to reach families in our community. There is no cost to attendees for this week of Bible lessons, games, crafts and activities centered around the Christmas story. Children of all faith denominations are welcome. Register at https://tinyurl.com/BestGiftEver2026 or scan the QR code.
VBS Final Decorations: On Sunday, July 19 we will be doing our final decorating and set–up for Vacation Bible School immediately following the late service. We started this process at the VBS Prep Party, working in the narthex and closed door areas. Now we need to decorate the narthex, set up the registration area and make all of the finishing touches. Many hands make light work! Please plan to stay after church to help, if you can. If you have any questions, please contact Linda Bencic or Debbie Turk.
St. Mark’s Book Club: For our August meeting, we will be discussing John Grisham’s Skipping Christmas as part of our summertime Christmas celebration. We will be meeting at 1 p.m. on August 12th in the small dining room off of St. Mark’s Fellowship Hall to discuss this “modern day Christmas classic” about the year the Krank family decided to not celebrate Christmas. For our September meeting, we will discuss books that have creatures in them. Read ANY book that has an animal, insect, monster, or even Bigfoot in it and we will share what we think of our selections. We will be meeting at 1 p.m. on September 9th in the small dining room off of St. Mark’s Fellowship Hall. Due to changes at the Fairport Harbor Public Library, book club titles will no longer be available to borrow from Sue. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Please contact Sue Matzke with any questions about either month. All are welcome. Bring a friend or two!
It’s a great time to declutter your home: Beginning on Thursday, July 9th we will begin accepting gently used household items, tools, toys, and more for our September “This & That” Sale. Sorry no clothes, dvds/vhs/cds or large furniture, please. If you would like to donate jewelry or jewelry boxes, please put them in the small dining room off the Fellowship Hall in the box labelled “Ellen”. The first work session to sort and price items will be held on Thursday, July 9th from 9am-noon. Many hands would be appreciated – it is a great opportunity for teens to get volunteer hours. Please see/call Briana McCrudden 440-667-7633 with any questions.
Rummage Sale Sorting Sessions: The This ‘N That rummage sale shed parties have begun! Each year the women’s league hosts the rummage sale to raise funds for the many grants we receive. Please consider joining us on Thursday mornings from 9 am-12pm to help sort and price the donations received for the sale. We hope to see you there!
FOOD for VETERANS – In conjunction with our celebration of America’s 250th birthday, Fellowship is working with the Geauga Co. Veterans Food Pantry to help those who have given so much for our country. Your boxes & cans of food will go a long way to help families who are in need. Look for the marked bins in the narthex to donate boxes & cans of future-dated food. A list of much-needed items will also be available on the table. We will be collecting from now until next Sunday July 19. Thank you for your generosity!
The next meeting of New Life, a group for women who have lost their spouses is Thursday, July 30th at 11am. Please bring a bag lunch, Beverages will be provided. Come join us for prayers, a devotion, and a lively discussion. Questions? Contact Jamie Nicoletti.
Update from the Communications Team – We have received 56 preference forms back and an overwhelming majority would like text messages. As a team, we are reviewing solutions that might work for St. Mark. We will continue to update as we move closer to being able to start texting. Until then, all communications will stay the same.
Vendors Needed: The Women’s League is in search of vendors for the Gift of the Magi Christmas Boutique. The boutique will be held this year on November 13th & November 14th. We are a juried vendor show, so we ask that all goods be handmade. If you or someone you know may be interested in participating in our show, please contact Briana McCrudden thru email bri_alicia1589@yahoo.com or call @ 440-667-7633. There are vendor applications on the Women’s League table next to the fellowship hall.