 Diocesan Mission Trips
The Episcopal Church believes its mission includes reaching out to the poor, sick and marginalized people in our midst. St. Mark’s parishioners regularly participate in the mission trips organized by The Diocese of Western Michigan. The Diocese covers the cost of registration, gas directly to and from the mission via car pool, motels up to $80 per night to and from the mission location, as well as housing and meals while on a mission trip. St. Mark’s parishioners have recently participated in missions to South Dakota, Appalachia, and New Orleans. The Diocese of Western Michigan also sponsors summer reading camps in our part of Michigan.
Find more information here: http://edwm.org/domestic_missions.html
 United Thank Offering (UTO)
The United Thank Offering starts on the local level encouraging individuals and families to begin each day with prayers and gifts of thanksgiving. These gifts of thanksgiving from individuals and families are combined with others at parish and diocesan levels and finally with all others in The Episcopal Church. The program works for people in two distinct ways. It provides money for the mission and ministry of the Episcopal Church, and it also works to expand our gratitude for all we have - broadening the circle of thankful people. UTO offerings total nearly $3 million each year. The money is then given away in the form of grants to support and strengthen the mission and ministry of the Church throughout the world. Every penny of the yearly UTO collected is allocated for granting.
Find more information about UTO here: www.episcopalchurch.org/page/united-thank-offering
 Relay for Life
In May 1985, Dr. Gordy Klatt walked and ran for 24 hours around a track in Tacoma, Washington, ultimately raising $27,000 to help the American Cancer Society fight the nation’s biggest health concern. A year later, 340 supporters joined the overnight event. Since those first steps, the Relay for Life movement has grown into a worldwide phenomenon, raising nearly $5 billion to fight cancer. Members of St Mark’s began their Relay for Life journey more than 10 years ago.
St. Mark’s participants raise funds to help the American Cancer Society make progress toward a world where cancer will no longer threaten loved ones or rob anyone of another birthday.
Find more information about Relay for Life here: Relay for Life |
