Rev Mark All Saints Day Reflections

http://youtu.be/sNwj2zTpjTE


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The Rev Mark C. McKone-Sweet

Please excuse any spelling and odd short hand ... Sent from my iPhone.

Fwd: St. Bartholomew's Calls New Rector

It's official ... Mixed emotions today. Joy and excitement - sad to leave St Dunstans and a heart full of gratitude. 

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From: "St. Bart's" <llawson@stbartschurch.org>
Date: August 2, 2014 at 12:01:02 PM 
Subject: St. Bartholomew's Calls New 

St. Bartholomew's Calls New Rector Next Rector of St. Bartholomew's - Father Mark McKone-Sweet    Father Mark McKone-Sweet has accepted the call to serve as the next rector of St. Bart's. He comes to us from St. Dunstan's Episcopal Church in Dover, Massachusetts where he has served as rector for five years. St. Dunstan's is a church which has grown from family size parish to a larger pastoral size parish--approximately 100 households--in the past four years with Fr. Mark's leadership and guidance. Prior to this he spent five years at St. Paul's Episcopal Church in Natick, Massachusetts where he was seminarian and later promoted to the Assistant Rector. During this time, St. Paul's went from a pastoral sized parish to a program sized church--about 240 households. Fr. Mark is a lifelong Episcopalian. His family includes wife Kate and children Maya and Marcos. He will begin new ministry with St. Bart's parish on Oct. 4, 2014, the feast day of St. Francis. Educational and Business Background Father Mark's educational background includes a BA from Wheaton College (Norton, Massachusetts) in 1992 where he majored in International Relations (minors in Economics and Music) and an MBA in 2002 from Northeastern University (Boston) where he graduated in the top 10 percent of his class. He received his Master's degree in divinity from the Episcopal Divinity School (concentration in Liturgics) in Cambridge, MA in May, 2007. Prior to following his call to ordained ministry, Fr. Mark worked twelve years in the business field for Equal Exchange--a fair-trade gourmet coffee, tea, and chocolate company. At Equal Exchange he served as Director of Sales (grew sales from $1 million to $14 million), and a member of both the Senior Management team and the Board of Directors. Of particular note, during Mark's time at Equal Exchange, he co-led two organizational strategic planning processes, designed and implemented the new product development process, hired and managed a team of 40 people in three offices, initiated cultural exchange programs to visit coffee farmers, and developed partnerships with church denominations. Additionally (while working at Equal Exchange), Mark served three years as the Youth Minister at his home church and then later served two years as the youth minister for a four parish collaborative. Diocesan Work Father Mark plays an active role in the diocese of Massachusetts. He is currently vice president of the Diocesan Standing Committee that just led the diocese through the discernment process and the election of a new Bishop. Father Mark also successfully stepped in to lead management of a $425,000 budget process. He was co-president of the Diocese of Massachusetts Clergy Association, representing over 600 clergy. In this role, Mark helped develop collaborative learning programs for clergy and lay leaders, including workshops with author, Phyllis Tickle and Ray Suarez of the PBS network. Fr. Mark is on the board of directors of the Protestant chaplaincy of the Newton-Wellesley Hospital. Youth and Mission Work "Youth are the future leaders of our country, and we have all made a covenant with God to help deepen their lives. If we see our mission as forming a child for 16 years, into their adulthood, then we can weave together critical milestones, curriculums, worship styles, and outreach to develop each youth to become a spiritual leader by their word and through their example. Shall our goal be to send each youth off to college, military service or whatever with a full spiritual toolbox in hand? I say yes!"...From Father Mark's answers to the supplemental questions from the Calling Committee April 2014. Fr. Mark has been the chaplain for the Massachusetts Diocesan youth retreats and camps for the past five years. He is a leadership council member of the Episcopal Divinity School. Mark volunteers one day per week as a teacher and chaplain (organizing the weekly Eucharist) at the Epiphany School for at-risk middle school students in inner-city Boston. He has annually participated in and led US and international mission trips with youth for the past twenty years. From Father Mark's blog, June 24, 2014..."These fine youth go forth as representatives with the blessings of our parish and diocese. Follow along here as we seek Christ while we serve others, and, God willing, discover Christ within ourselves too." "I have been a leader of annual cultural exchange groups, mission trips, and delegations for over 20 years. I develop, lead by example, train new leadership and get out of the way. I do it because it is critical for people to work together, face to face in ministry. The groups have life changing experiences with Christ... powerful to experience and powerful to witness."...From an email on July 7 to the Calling Committee who were seeking information on Father Mark's mission work. Current Rector Position-St. Dunston's Episcopal Church, Dover, MA At St. Dunstan's, Father Mark led the parish in adopting a five-year ministry strategic plan including a Christian Education "think tank." He grew the annual pledging participation from 56 to 93 family pledging units, and stewardship income from $180,000 to $280,000. He added a new education hour between Sunday services. He expanded outreach ministry to include annual mission trips for adults and youth. He is currently developing a men's group and a women's group. He holds annual retreats for vestry and Sunday school teachers. He re-started the Dover-Sherborn clergy association where he led or organized community discussions on 9/11 memorial services, youth safety, drug use, and gun control. Prior Position-St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Natick, MA Father Mark was called to be seminarian and was later promoted to Assistant Rector at St. Paul's by the rector, Father Jon Strand, as St. Paul's was undergoing considerable growth. Mark was selected because of his business experience in growth management. He led growth in the children and youth programs to better serve over 220 participants. He co-developed a renewed stewardship team with new lay leadership, increasing pledging by 50% over a two-year period. He provided management support for the rector to make improvements in staff development, parish annual planning processes, and management systems needed for continued parish growth. He supported lay-led initiatives to incorporate new members in church activities. Faith Through Technology "Today we held snow church." ...From Father Mark's Reflection on YouTube for those who were unable to leave their homes because of weather. February 16, 2014. Father Mark uses modern technology to reach beyond the walls of the church. This year, his YouTube videos are aimed at parishioners who were unable to make a service and to the community at large. They range from "snow church"--too much snow and sleet for members to get out--to the meaning of Ash Wednesday and a Memorial Day tribute. He uses social media (Facebook, Blogging, and Twitter) to stay in contact with parish members and to let others know the "happenings" at St. Dunstan's. He has participated as a panelist on a local cable station in a multi-faith forum that included four TV shows. Family Father Mark McKone-Sweet brings a wonderful family with him to St. Bart's. His wife, Kathleen (Kate) McKone-Sweet is currently a professor at Babson College where she is the chair of the division of Technology, Operations, and Information Management. Kate and Mark have two children, Maya, who is 10 and Marcos, who is 7. Father Mark is the coach for both children's teams (softball and baseball). "My liturgical style is grounded in tradition and incorporates my deep passion to bring together the full community of God's people: welcoming all, engaging all members of the parish family and lifting everyone for the ministry that awaits as we pass though the narthex doors...this takes work, in addition to prayer. With a shared interest in God's work, companionship emerges. Incorporating is more than creating a feeling of welcome: it is embracing together the opportunity for transformation in shared ministry."...From Father Mark's Ministry Portfolio with application to St. Bart's.

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Day 4 blog post

 Offered by Andrew ...

Today, the confirmation class went white water rafting in Ohiopyle, Pennsylvania. The specific route that we went on was described by town locals as "impressive", "ambitious", and "petrifying". As soon as Blake heard those words, he started shaking with fear, unable to walk or get out of the car- we were all a little worried. But luckily, Hannah came to the rescue with her comforting words and reassured Blake that everything was going to be fine. With that, we went into the boat.

The start was a little rocky for some of us. Hannah, Charlotte, Zack, Blake, and Cam were all in one boat and from the first moment there was high tension. What's wrong with you?Charlotte asked Zack when he improperly spun the boat out of the proper course. Zack was clearly shaken by Charlotte's harsh response. But as they glided and spun down the river, they slowly started working together. Charlotte was more vocal with Zack, and both of them ended up laughing and smiling together while splashing each other with water.  

The other group, on the other hand, went off fabulously. Linda, Marie, Mark, Kerry, Alexandra, and I floated along the water with the greatest of ease- for the most part. When we ran 

into a group of challenging rapids, Kerry and I were obviously flustered and unwilling to listen to instruction from Mark. As time went on and we gradually got more accustomed to the water, we listened more to each other. Kerry couldn't help but remark how great a team we were, exclaiming I love you guys! when we left the boat. 

As we entered the restaurant, Longhorn Steakhouse- a personal favorite of Charlotte's, our group was not only more solidified but also happier. When a cake was brought in for Zack's upcoming birthday, the whole restaurant joined in and started swaying to the sound of our combined voices. As Zack blushed and Hannah wiped away a sentimental tear, our day came to a close.

 

Please excuse any spelling and odd short hand ... Sent from my iPhone. 

Day 3, part II

Continued ... 

Cameron and Blake worked on the holes in the ground dutifully all day. When we came in contact with a large rock that no one could move, they were on it. The whole confirmation class started cheering for them, and suddenly we were all wrapped up in the excitement of the holes. When the rock was finally uncovered, we found that it was an ancient fossil. I can identify that! Charlotte yelled, a paleontology fanatic, and we all joyfully looked at our new discovery.

The (almost) finished products

With a lack of professional guidance, Mark helped us all day with our tasks. Even when Hannah was on her last wit, ready to throw down the drill and stop off back to Massachusetts, Mark came and, with a calm voice, helped her figure out her problem. When we posed for the last photo, Zack beamed with the pride of a hard day of work. This is all I need he said as the sun set. Kerry put her arm around him and sighed, and they walked back to the cars and went home. 

Please excuse any spelling and odd short hand ... Sent from my iPhone. 

Day 3 - part I

Written by Andrew and Kerry

Our neighbor, Bertha

With one day of work behind them, the confirmation class tiredly arrived at the worksite running on a lack of sleep. As Hannah walked in, she couldn't help but remark on the amount of work that needed to be done. Can we really do this? she asked. With a strong and courageous voice, Cam responded Yes, yes we can. Hannah was inspired by his courage and sense of conviction. Cam went on to explain that we are servants to our neighbor, Bertha, who joked with Cam all day long and lightened the mood immensely. 

Kerry really got to work today. Her level of empowerment was off the charts and everyone could notice. The moment that she started working, the sun shined a little brighter and everyone smiled a little bigger. Not only did she have a positive attitude, but she put in the highest level of energy possible and completed a large amount of work. After stopping work to take a water break, she looked up to the sky and as the clouds slowly moved, so did the love in her heart. 

Please excuse any spelling and odd short hand ... Sent from my iPhone. 

Day 2: the work begins

Written by Hannah and Andrew

The start of our moving and wonderful journey.

With the confirmation class exhausted from a day of travel and worship, we were looking forward to finally meeting our neighbors and starting the project that we had travelled so long to complete. As we entered the trailer park where we would be spending our day, we felt happy to help those who needed our help. Hannah and Andrew, the star students, started digging fantastic holes that would later support the beams of the ramp. I wish I could dig holes like Andrew and HannahCharlotte thought from the sidelines as the sun beamed down on her face.

After a solid day of work, Zack began to show signs of intensive labor. He and Cameron were cutting wood all morning and began to lose track of the time and their appearances. We were lucky to have Blake's knowledge of construction because he lead us much like a boss leads his employees. We though that we would have a more experienced builder to guide us along, but with a sudden change of plans we had to work together and learn to build the ramp as a group. 

As the day came to an end, we wiped the sweat from our brows, picked up our tools, and sighed with confidence as we looked over the progress we made all because of teamwork. That's what it's all about guys, teamworkCam said while sitting on the ground. When we were all packed into the cars, Marie Nagode suggested that we stop for Dairy Queen blizzards. We all shouted with glee and sang harmoniously while driving to the ice cream shop. Filled with ice cream, the confirmation class returned home for a delicious mac and cheese dinner. We look forward to a good night's sleep after a hard days work. By- Andrew with Hannah

XOXO GG

Mark+

The Rev Mark C. McKone-Sweet

Please excuse any spelling and odd short hand ... Sent from my iPhone. 

Day 1: a full day

Content by Andrew ...

We departed from Boston in the morning and arrived in a foreign land called Pittsburg around one-o'clock. We were scared to say the least. What is this place? we thought as we walked through the airport, unsure of what we will be combatting as the day goes on. The future was unknown, even to Mark. Here we go...thought Kerry.

As we walked into the camp, we couldn't help but notice that our surroundings were not only unfamiliar, but beautiful. As a bird flew by Alexandra's shoulder, she smiled and realized that this unknown land isn't as frightening as we had all thought. When we all gathered for orientation, we met the other group that we would be spending our time with. Our laughter soon filled the large meeting room, and we felt right at home.

One group picture just isn't enough!

After orientation, the other group, who we found out is from Ohio, invited us to a bonfire. We went outside and learned everyone's names. With the warm summer breeze encompassing us and the comfort of friends all around, we laughed at how worried we had been when we first arrived. As Hannah roasted a marshmallow, she looked out into the sunset and smiled. 

As the sun went down and our eyelids started to droop, our conversations soon died off with the fire. With stomachs full of s'mores and hearts full of love, we returned to our respective beds where we slept soundly and dreamed of the day to come. 

Group photo: airport

Day 1: flight to Pittsburg

We are safely on the ground in Pittsburg

Mark+

The Rev Mark C. McKone-Sweet

Please excuse any spelling and odd short hand ... Sent from my iPhone.

Mission Trip starts in the Morning

Tomorrow morning, eight members of the 2014 confirmation class will be taking a few of us (their teacher Linda and our parent organizer, Marie) on a mission trip. This year we will be serving in the Appalachian Mountains, at The Sower Work Mission Program. These fine youth go forth as representatives and the blessings of our parish and diocese. Follow along here as we seek Christ while we serve others and, God willing, discover Christ within ourselves too. In deed, it is the sharing of God's love through our actions and presence where we hope to dive deeper into understanding of our baptismal life.

Rev Mark+

The Reverend Mark C. McKone-Sweet, Rector
Saint Dunstan's Episcopal Church