The Grapevine St. Mark's Episcopal Church

St. Mark's Episcopal Church 335 Locust Street

Johnstown, PA 15901 814-535-6797

Email: stmarks@atlanticbbn.net Web site

www.stmarksjohnstown.com

Our Staff: Priest: Rev. Nancy L. Threadgill Verger: Cindy Leap Organist: Dolly Lopresti Treasurer: Pam Hysong Secretary: Joanne McKinley Sexton: Nikki Forsythe

The Vestry:

Senior Warden: Lisa Bell-Loncella Junior Warden:

2021 Lisa Bell-Loncella Donovan Pendell Douglas Zawiskie

2022

Richard Burkert Bonnie Murray

2023

Colleen Curry Louise Mead Erin Pavic

Michael Teore

Please remember St. Mark’s Church in your will.

A Note from Nancy – October 2020 Congratulations to our newest Vestry members: Colleen Curry, Louise Mead, Erin Pavic and Mike Teore. Thank you for your willingness to take on this very important ministry. A huge thank you to our current vestry members who have contin-ued to work diligently during this crazy year: Lisa Bell-Loncella, Doug Zawiski, Donald Pendell, Richard Burkert, Bonnie Muray, Adam Sprankle, Kitty Batrus, Heidi Buchon and Penn Whitlow. Please say a special thank you to Adam, Kitty, Heidi and Penn for their service to St. Mark’s during their time on the vestry.

This year our general election is a very important one for millions of reasons. The following prayer comes from the 1979 BCP p.822:

Almighty God, to whom we must account for all our powers and privileges: Guide the people of the United States in the election of officials and representatives; that, by faithful administration and wise laws, the rights of all may be protected and our nation be enabled to ful-fill your purposes; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

This will be said every Sunday during October. Regardless of your party affiliation, the important thing is to get out and vote and encourage your family, friends, and neighbors to do the same.

On October 10th, we will be having a Blessing of the Animals and an “Apple Festival and Bake Sale in our courtyard from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm. Bring your pet and favorite apple or Fall goodies to sell. Please wear a mask, keep your distance and have your pet on a leash or in a carrier. It will be a fun time for all.

Peace, In Christ, Mother Nancy

October 2020

From the Senior Warden

Fall is Here! The nights are cooler, the days crisper, the shadows longer, the days shorter and the leaves are turn-ing signs – fall is here. Fall is my favorite time of the year. When I lived in South Carolina it signaled the end of the oppressive summer heat. When I moved north (first Minnesota then Johnstown) I fell in love with the colors of fall! Fall is a time of new beginnings and we are trying some new begin-nings at St. Mark’s.

Upcoming events this month … and beyond

We will be celebrating the Feast of St. Francis with a Blessing of the Animals next Saturday, October 10 from 10 AM to 1 PM in the Courtyard. At the same time we’ll be offering apple products and as-sorted baked goods for sale. The proceeds will go toward St. Mark’s Digital Ministries. See else-where in the Grapevine

We’re hoping to repeat the wonderful halupki dinner for our November fundraiser. Stay tuned for more details.

The Year in Review …

Looking back, last fall seems like a very long time. God has been good to us at St. Mark’s. Before COVID hit, we had three very successful fundraisers: a Spaghetti dinner in October, a Flea Market and Bake sale in early November and a very popular halupki dinner in late November. Thanks to the wonderful work of our Stewardship Committee, the stewardship drive was very successful . More people pledged and we received more in pledges than previous years. While COVID put our plans for the spring on hold, we were blessed to receive and PPP Grant and also a Digital Ministries Grant from the Diocese. We started in-person church in September. It was wonderful to see so many dear friends show up. The next three months hold many possibilities - with God’s help we will continue to grow and thrive.

Digital Ministry Grant and Technology Upgrades: We received the Parish Mission Grant for Digital Ministry Initiatives. Work is in progress running wires and installing access points so that the WiFi will reach the church. Our request also included funds for equipment (camera and tripod) and digital services (upgrade the Zoom account). We have plans to start a Virtual Bible Study soon. The computers in the office also need an upgrade; we’re seeking anonymous angels to help fund these purchase.

Welcome new Vestry members:

At our Annual Meeting, traditionally held on Sunday, September 27 we elected Colleen Curry, Louise Mead, Erin Pavic and Michael Teore to the Vestry. Many thanks to Kitty Batrus, Heidi Buch-an, Adam Sprankle, and Penn Whitlow for their service the past three years!

Thank you all at St. Mark’s for your many gifts and talents!

Blessings,

Lisa Sharing Christ’s love unconditionally through transformational

worship and service.

All Things Apple Baked Goods Needed

We are planning to have a bake sale the day of the Blessing of the Animals, Saturday, October 10, 2020 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM. We are calling it our Apple Festival Bake Sale with a theme of all things apples. We are asking all members of the parish to support this fundraiser with any items that they can supply. We are suggesting canned apples, applesauce/apple butter for those who can. We would also welcome baked goods with apples – cakes, pies, breads, muffins etc. Candied or caramel apples would be great! Actually, we would welcome any item for the bake sale! Consideration should be given to preparation and packaging so that our customers will feel safe in purchasing things. Please bring your apple goodies to the church between 9:30 and 10:00 on Saturday, October 10. Thank you for all that you do for St. Mark’s, Kitty Batrus ECW

Volunteers Needed As we have begun holding Sunday Services we are in need of lay minis-ters to serve as greeters, readers and on the Altar Guild. • Readers and Greeters – needed for Sunday, October 11, October 18

and October 25. Please let Joanne know. • Altar Guild - is seeking new members. Please let Amy Whitlow or

Mother Nancy know if you would like to participate in this ministry.

SATURDAY’S KITCHEN Christmas Wish List: Once again, Saturday’s Kitchen is asking us for help in providing items for their families in need: They have asked for the following: 75 Bottles of Shampoo Used or New Gift Bags (12x18) Cookies (Not needed until December) We will be accepting the shampoo and gift bags beginning October 1st. As always “Thank you” for helping those less fortunate. Kitty Batrus & The ECW Ladies

Cynthia Greig (our Director) and Bonnie Murray, our cherished volunteers at the Pet Food Ministry, will be taking a much needed break from the Pantry over the winter Months.

Cynthia will continue to be our spokesperson for the pantry in upcoming months when monetary as well as food donations will be needed to continue the Pantry.

Both of you deserve a much-needed break. Take care, and we will see you in the Spring.

With Love, The Pet Pantry Volunteers

IT’S TIME FOR A WINTER RESPITE

Christmas Stocking Stuffer Project 2020

For many years we have joined with parishioners from more than 20 local churches to provide stuffed Christmas stockings to the patients of Torrance State Hospital. These patients are persons who require long-term in-hospital care for behavioral health disorders (mental illness). For many patients, this is the only gift they receive and is the highlight of their holiday season. This year has been particularly hard for these patients due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions for persons living in facilities that have been in force since last March. The patients are restricted to their floors, have had no real programing, and are not allowed visitors, not even family members. This has taken a toll on their already fragile mental health. So our gifts to them are more important than ever.

This year we have been asked to provide stuffed stockings for 12 men. The list of suggested donation items and the donation deadline are different this year because of COVID-19 precautions. Please select items from the list below for your donations. A box for your donations is located in the Parish Hall. Please make your donations on or before Sunday, November 22,

2020.

Suggested donation items

Candy bars (individually wrapped)-big or snack size

Small bags of chips/corn curls M & M’s—small bags Individual snack cakes Packs of crackers or cookies Individual sugar-free drink powder packs Chap Stick Body wash Deodorant (no spray cans) Lotion (no pumps)

Shampoo Cross Word Puzzle books Word Search books Sudoku books Playing cards Card games, such as Uno, Skip-bo, Phase 10

or even card games for children Coloring books (adult and child) Paperback books (No romance) (Note: books do not have to be new) Blank Greeting Cards

In order to protect the residents, please do not send glass or breakable items, aerosol cans,

alcohol-based products, sharp objects, or notebooks with wire bindings. No batteries. No items

with staples. Due to choking and swallowing issues, please do not donate nuts, hard candy or

gum.

Thank you for your generosity. Louise Mead

2020 Weekly Altar Flowers & Monthly Altar Candles

Donation price is $30 a Sunday for flowers and $8 a month for candles. Please contact Joanne in the Parish Office with your requests.

We have openings for the following dates:

10/4 (1), 10/11 (1), 10/18 (1), 10/25 (2), 11/1 (2), 11/8 (1), 11/22 (1), 11/29 (2) 12/6 (1), 12/13 (1), 12/22 (2),12/29 (2)

Remember Today In Your Prayers:

Cindy Leap, Doris Horner, Vince & Irene Joyce, Karen Kleinosky, Carol Adams, Daniel Wertz, Jr., The Balamuta, Owens, & Horner Families, John & Louise Mead, Stacey Moskal, Lillie Nesbit, Susan Martin, Connie Cross, Rick McKinley, David Wertz & Rebecca Church, Dawn Knipple, Rev. William Marchl, Dr.& Mrs. William Marchl, and Agatha Chero.

Family and Friends Serving our Country:Justin Erdley, Michael Custer, Dan Kell, Gary Hogman, Jason Ross, Casey Gos-sard, Josh Whitney, Brian Walker, Stephen Ingram, Jonathan Onufro.

Continue to Remember In Your Personal Prayers: Deacon Ann Staples, Ruth Corle, Richard Burkert, Don Bender, Bonnie Murray, Carol Fyock, Doug & Cynthia Greig, Boyd Shultz, Regina Hoover, Agnes Swar-ney, Andrew Wilcox, Jack Russell, Mark Pavic, Simeon Martinus, Guy Geary, Martha Stavas, Jim Russell, Shawn & Tyler McKinley, Connie Bokros, Dorthy Veale, Jackie Mundwiler, Walter Bond, Joan Cashwell, Patty Horvath, Lou Hoffer, Betty Van Sickle, Donna Lovrich.

Happy October Anniversary!

Magnus & Judith Bader-Rogers

October 19, 2016

Amy & Penn Whitlow

October 6, 1981

Name Date Name Date

Maggi Lazzari 1 Josh Balamuta 18

Kim Pasko 4 Johan Rogers 19

Colleen Curry 8 Zachery Rager 26

Donovan Pendell 11 Connie Bokros 28

Abigail Shawley 12 Craig Campbell 29

Matthew Ryan Shawley 15 Richard Burkert 29

Lisa Bell-Loncella 16

Happy October Birthday

CONGRATULATIONS

TO THE NEW VESTRY MEMBERS

Colleen Curry Louise Mead

Erin Pavic Michael Teore

In busy times such as these, you have come forward and taken an important role in helping to make decisions that matter to our Church.

************************************** Our sincere gratitude to the retiring Vestry who have worked so hard these past years:

Kitty Batrus Heidi Buchan Adam Sprankle Penn Whitlow

All of you truly exemplify what it means to be a member of St. Mark’s.

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

335 Locust Street Johnstown, Pa. 15901

814-535-6797

ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL

The Cat and Kitten population has been exploding for the past two months. But with the continued generosity of Marion Gaydos, Valerie Kasper Wilson, Joan Cesare, Theresa Kosaber, Mr. & Mrs. Delbert Hess, Sandy, Heather, & Amy Stoykovich, Ron Poncheck, Am-Slo Club, Marjorie Mackinnon Pod, Patricia Tay-lor, Annett Kristofco, Joy Power, Helping Hearts & Healing Tails, The Humane Society of Cambria County, Nick Bocher & Susan Kalcik, June Farougi, Judith Zubal, Gretchen Burkhart, and Joy Power, we are able to keep the Pantry open.

The Pet Food Pantry was open 3 days during the month of September. We helped 103 pet owners of with 7 emergency visits.

We were able to help feed 114 Dogs, 5 Puppies and 476 Cats, 43 Kittens. People are not only taking care of their own cats but also feeding strays that have been abandoned and show up on their doorsteps.

We gave out the following: Dogs: Dry food 1080 lbs 56 Cans Cats: Dry food 825 lbs 98 (12 packs pouches) donated

Due to the High Cost of canned pet food, and limited funds thru donations, we are unable to purchase them. Total amount of food given out from January through September:

Dry Food Dog 13,066 lbs Cat 9,113 lbs Our Pet Food Pantry will be open on October 6th, 7th, and 8th. Many thanks to our volunteers for their continued support. Cynthia Greig and Joanne McKinley

Rwandan Orphan

All families of the church are encour-aged to donate $1.00 on the third Sunday of each month (Oct. 18th) for Josian, our Rwandan orphan. Please be sure to mark your dona-tion for her separately.

Pastoral Care

All families of the church are encour-aged to donate one dollar on the fourth Sunday of each month (Oct. 25th) for our Pastoral Care. Please be sure to mark your donation sepa-rately for Pastoral Care.

Animal Welfare Ministry The extra collection for the First Sunday of the Month is for the needs of our Animal Welfare Ministry.

BUILDING RENOVATION CAMPAIGN

We still have many renovation projects at St. Mark’s and we need your financial help. The extra collection for the 2nd Sunday of each month will be taken up for this purpose.

Vestry Meeting

Sunday, October 13th

1 PM Via Zoom

St. Mark’s Episcopal Church

335 Locust Street

downtown Johnstown PA 15901

(814) 535-6797 Email: stmarks@atlanticbbn.net

www.saintmarksjohnstown.com

Apple products and assorted baked goods will be

available for purchase. Proceeds benefit St. Mark’s

Digital Ministries.

Bring your pet for a special blessing. Please keep

dogs on leashes and other species gently restrained.

Please wear a mask and socially distance.

Apple Festival Bake Sale

Saturday, October 10, 2020

10:00 A.M.—1:00 P.M.

In the Church Courtyard

& Blessing of the

Animals

SUNDAY MONDAY TUESDAY WEDNESDAY THURSDAY FRIDAY SATURDAY

Sunday Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Satruday

1 2 3

October

ma

4 5 6 7 8 9 10

10:00 am 9:30 -12:30 Pet Food 9:30 -12:30 Pet Food 9:30 -12:30 Pet Food

Blessing of Animals

Morning Prayer Apple Festival

Church & Zoom

10:00 am to 1:00pm

11 12 13 14 15 16 17

10:00 am

Morning Prayer

Church & Zoom

18 19 20 21 22 23 24

10:00 am

Morning Prayer

Church & Zoom

VESTRY MEETING

25 26 27 28 29 30 31

10:00 am

Morning Prayer

Church & Zoom HAPPY HALLOWEEN

10/10 BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS

APPLE FESTIVAL IN THE COURTYARD

10:00 AM TO 1:00 PM