Easter Tidings from St. Mark’s

Mar 31

As I write this Easter Sunday is still three weeks away, but it feels as if it were just around the corner. Bulbs are proudly showing themselves in our yard, and some Winter clothes have been confidently put away for another year! And I am very excited that we’ll be moving our worship back into the church sanctuary this coming Sunday, April 6th - 9:30am.

REMINDER - On Wednesday, April 9th, St. Mark’s will join with All Saints to provide the soup and sandwiches for the HACA Lenten Lunch - Noon at First Baptist Church.

In this issue of our newsletter you will find:

Holy Week and Easter Services schedule
A lovely personal story from Debbie Myers
A few looks at an 1891 “Historical Sketch” of St. Mark’s that we recently came across.
A quick look at the HACA 2024 Annual Report
Holy Week and Easter Schedule

April 13 - Palm Sunday - 9:30 am - St. Mark’s - Holy Eucharist with Palms, sermon and music

April 17 - Maundy Thursday - 7:00 pm - All Saints, Hoosick - Holy Eucharist and stripping of the altar

April 18 - Good Friday - 7:00 pm - All Saints, Hoosick - Solemn Liturgy and Meditation - Fr. Pierson officiating

April 20 - Easter - 9:00 am - St. Mark’s - Festival Eucharist with sermon and music (note earlier time - Fr. Pierson to All Saints for 11 am service there)

April 27 - Easter I - 9:30 am - St. Mark’s - Holy Eucharist with sermon and music

My Story - as told by Debbie Myers

It was the Fall of 1964. Ding Teuling, now 90 years old - still painting and preaching - came to Hillcrest Baptist to paint a picture on the baptistry walls.

In addition to this painting he preached in the evening and did a chalk drawing using an “invisible light” that brought these pictures to life.

One night his message was on Nicodemus, who came to Jesus by night, as recorded in the Gospel of John. Nicodemus knew who Jesus was and called him Rabbi. Nicodemus knew that Jesus came from God because of the miracles he had performed.

Jesus told Nicodemus that he must be born again. Nicodemus did not understand this, and answered Jesus, “How can a man be born again? Can he enter a second time into his mother’s womb to be born?”

Jesus answered him, “Unless one is born of water and the Spirit he cannot enter the Kingdom of God.”

Having read that passage Pastor Teuling went on to say, “Jesus did not say you must go to church, Sunday School, youth group, sing in the choir, go to Pioneer Girls and earn badges, and obey all the commandments!” He said, “You must be born again!”

With that being said I realized I had never really done the “Sinners Prayer” and meant it. I went forward and went with Mrs. “T” into the study…and asked Jesus to come into my heart and forgive all of my sins.

Yes, over the years I have backslid, but the Holy Spirit pokes at my heart till I repent and once again grab ahold of the corner of Jesus’ garment, ask forgiveness and walk beside Him.

Here is one of my favorite hymns!

The Lord my shepherd is, Hymn by Isaac Watts - 1717

The Lord my shepherd is,
I shall be well supplied;
since he is mine and I am his,
what can I want beside?

He leads me to the place
where heavenly pasture grows,
where living waters gently pass,
and full salvation flows.

If e’er I go astray,
he will my soul reclaim,
and guide me in his own right way
for his most holy Name.

In sight of all my foes
you will a table spread:
my cup with blessings overflows,
and joy exalts my head.

The bounties of your love
shall crown my following days;
nor from your house will I remove,
nor cease to speak your praise!

1891 Historical Sketch of St. Mark’s

This wonderful and well preserved old pamphlet came from the office of E. Irving Stevens. Many of you have undoubtedly seen this at some point in the past. It is a poignant reminder of the rich history St. Mark’s can attest to.

The work here was compiled by the Rector Emeritus, George Huntington Nicholls. It traces the history of St. Mark’s from the early days of Hoosick Falls, the church’s establishment in 1834, the building of the present church in 1860, and finally to the call of the Reverend George D. Stillman to be Rector in 1881. It is a delightful and inspiring story to read.

CLICK ON THIS LINK to view some of the first few pages of this booklet: