BREAKFAST
9:30am in Garton Hall
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
9:15am Pilgrims (Room 13)
9:15am Nomads (Room 10)
9:30am Bible Banter (Room 11)
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CHILDREN & FAMILY WORSHIP
9:30am in Room 8
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SANCTUARY WORSHIP
10:30am
Reverend Jimmy Moore, preaching
Sermon:
"The Hopes and Fears of All the Years"
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CHILDREN AND YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
10:30-11:30am
PreK-K (Room 4)
1st-2nd Grade (Room 9)
3rd-6th Grade (room 3)
7th-12th Grade (Youth Room 1-2)
INFANT & TODDLER CARE
9:30am-11:30am (Room 25)
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ST. MARK'S HOSPITALITY & OUTREACH TEAM SAYS,
"Thank you for wearing your name tag each Sunday."
If you do not have a name tag, please notify the church office, mention it to an usher in worship, or write your request in the registration pad on Sunday.
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 THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29th
ADVENT SONGS
IN THE AIR
Before the turkey leftovers have all been eaten, we will gently slip into the season of Advent. Advent, a time of expectant waiting and watching for the Nativity of Jesus, begins this Sunday, November 29th. The sermons during the Advent Sunday services are taken from lines from familiar Christmas carols, as we prepare ourselves for the coming joy of Christmas. Here is a look at the upcoming Sundays:
November 29th:
"The Hopes and Fears of All the Years" Luke 21:25-46
December 6th:
"Angels We Have Heard"
Luke 1:39-45
Choir & orchestra will offer selections from Vivaldi's GLORIA. Mary Beth and Jimmy will each share a reflection.
December 13th:
"What Child is This?" Luke 3:1-6
December 20th:
"What Can I Give?" Luke 3:7-18
December 24th:
Christmas Eve Services
5:30pm Christmas Eve Pageant
11:00pm Candlelight Service, "Sleeping in Heavenly Peace,"
Luke 2:1-20
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THANKSGIVING BASKET UPDATE
Because of the generosity of the congregation of St. Mark's UMC, fifty-five families received boxes of food, including turkeys, to prepare a lovely meal for Thanksgiving. Many donated, helped to purchase and put the boxes together, and deliver them to the families. We are so grateful for your considerable generosity, which allowed us to fill this need, and to have a generous sum left over. We are working to find a way to use these funds in December that will honor the spirit of these offerings. It is a privilege to be in community with such compassionate children of God.
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THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 29th, 5:00pm-7:00pm
ADVENT NIGHT AND HANGING OF THE GREENS
This is a wonderful evening for all ages as we enter the Advent season. After a week of turkey and leftovers, a wholesome meal is prepared for you.
Following dinner, we gather in the sanctuary to sing favorite Christmas tunes. Then, individuals and families can decorate the church or create an Advent craft. Children and youth will be able to choose a costume for the Christmas Eve Pageant.
We will also assemble the Christmas
MUSH Tree (
Mittens,
Underwear,
Socks, and
Hats) to help children and families in need. Bring friends or visiting relatives - all are welcome!
A NOTE FROM THE
STEWARDSHIP TEAM
CELEBRATION SUNDAY UPDATE - EVERY GIFT COUNTS!
As of November 23rd, one hundred and seven (107) families or individuals have completed their Estimate of Giving Card. Thank you for your faithfulness and generosity to the mission and ministry of our church. You are helping St. Mark's to live its mission to be "an inclusive community bringing Christ like love, healing, and hope to all."
If you have not yet turned in your Estimate of Giving Card, please bring it to worship and place it in the offering plate or return it to the church office. It is important to complete so that the church can faithfully plan for ministry in 2016. If you have questions or need an Estimate of Giving Card, contact the church office (812-332-5788).
Every Gift Counts!
"Every good and perfect gift is from above" - James 1:17a
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ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
"PILGRIMS"
9:15am-10:15am
"
BIBLE BANTER"
9:30am-10:15am
(
Room 11)
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CHILDREN AND YOUTH
SUNDAY SCHOOL
PreK-K (Room 4)
1st-2nd Grade (Room 9)
3rd-6th Grade (Room 3)
7th-12th Grade (Youth Rooms 1&2)
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ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
This Sunday, November 29nd, we will watch
lecture 19: "Christ's Dual Nature: Proto-Orthodoxy" from the video series
How Jesus Became God by Dr. Bart Ehrman.
The series addresses the how Jesus, a Jewish preacher, came to be seen as the Lord God Almighty. The Pilgrims meet at 9:15am in Room 13. All are welcome! Come join us for the lecture and resulting discussion.
"NOMADS," 9:15am
The Nomads start their discussions in Room 10 at 9:30am after announcements, coffee, and snacks. Visitors are always welcomed.
The Nomads class is currently reading and discussing the book
The Fire Next Time, a classic work by James Baldwin, a major American essayist and novelist of the 20th century. This short work, written in 1963, is a first-hand examination of the consequences of racial injustice, to both the individual and the body politic; and the book still speaks powerfully to these issues today.
"BIBLE BANTER," 9:30am
The Bible Banter Adult Sunday School class meets in Room 11 each Sunday morning from 9:30am-10:15am. The class uses the Scripture text for the morning's sermon as a discussion-starter.
We look at the passage in its larger context, and sometimes explore a bit of Bible-writing history. We offer some thoughts on what the morning's sermon might look like, based on the Scripture the pastor has selected. We leave time to discuss implications of the Scripture for our own lives, and often even delve into topics far afield of the morning's original topic. You are invited to bring some breakfast goodies into Room 11 and join the conversation.
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CHILDREN & YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
CHILDREN & FAMILIES WORSHIP,
9:30am-10:15am
Celebration! meets this Sunday in
Room 8 where children, families, friends can enjoy worship together.
Celebration! is a unique worship service that provides a relaxed starting time which allows those who participate to enjoy breakfast offered in Garton Hall.
Celebration! often uses the preaching
themes offered in 10:30 worship service to create an interactive, playful, and prayerful experience for children and adults together.
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SAVE THE DATE
UPCOMING EVENTS
ST. MARK'S LEADERSHIP POSITIONS 2015
Some of the individuals serving in leadership at St. Mark's are listed below. They will serve in the capacity listed through the end of 2015. The Nominations Committee has been working the last few months to fill new leadership roles for 2016. Thank you to all who serve in leadership of the many aspects of St. Mark's UMC.
Leadership Council Chair
- Deb Davis
Lay Leadership/Nominations Chair
- Pastors
Pastor-Staff Parish Relations Chair
- Ray Beeker
Board of Trustees Chair
- John Collins
Finance Committee Chair
- Tom Hedges
Endowment and Memorials Chair
- Pete Yoder
Missions/Church and Society Co-chairs
- Bruce Carpenter, Lisa Miller-Maidi
Care Ministries Chair
- Myriam Wood
Communication and Information Contact
- Gerry Sousa
Library Committee Co-chairs
- Janice Clinch, Betty Bickley
Worship Design Chair
- Brenda Bailey-Hughes
Hospitality and Outreach Chair
- Charlie Matson
Children and Youth Ministry Contact
- Bridget McIntyre
Small Groups Contact
-Mary Beth Morgan
Stewardship Team Contact
- Andy Cron
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NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 14th
ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS POINSETTIA ORDERS
Orders are now being taken for poinsettias to decorate the Sanctuary and Garton Hall during Advent and Christmas. Orders will be taken through Monday, December 14th. You can get an order form at the Welcome Desk in Garton Hall. Place your completed order in the offering plate, bring your completed order form to the church office, or call the church office at 812-332-5788. The cost for each poinsettia plant is $10. Checks can be made out to St. Mark's. Please be sure to note "poinsettias" in the memo.
NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 16th
MAKE-UP DAY FOR DIRECTORY PHOTOS
SIGN UP TODAY!
If you were unable to have your directory photo taken in October or November, please take advantage of this make-up photo day on Wednesday, December 16! Schedule your appointment at the link below or call the church office. There is no charge to have your photo taken. You will also receive the church directory and an 8X10 photo at no cost.
THURSDAY & FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 26th & 27th
ST. MARK'S BUILDING CLOSED FOR THANKSGIVING
In observance of the Thanksgiving holiday, the St. Mark's building will be closed on Thursday, November 26th and Friday, November 27th. There will be no staff members in the building and there will be no events planned at the church. The building will re-open on Saturday, November 28th for regularly scheduled events. In case of a pastoral emergency, please call 812-325-9406 or 812-219-8377.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 4th,
6:00pm-8:30pm
NEED A NIGHT OUT? CHILDCARE @ ST. MARK'S
To help busy families during this Advent season, St. Mark's Children and Youth Ministries will provide childcare for your kids while you get some holiday shopping done or have a quiet dinner with other adults. Childcare will be provided by Bridget McIntyre, Kathy Scheid, St. Mark's youth and other adults. All donations will benefit the St. Mark's mission trip to Guatemala. The price of childcare at this event is $10.00 per child ($30.00 max - for the whole night - it's worth it!) Sign up sheets are in front of the Nursery School office and in front of Bridget McIntyre's office, or you may email Bridget McIntyre at [email protected]
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 5th, 9:30am-11:30am, GARTON HALL
"GETTING READY FOR CHRISTMAS AND OTHER WINTER HOLIDAYS"
Join us for our annual morning of arts and craft activities, hosted by St. Mark's Nursery School and Kindergarten. With a focus on re-using and re-purposing materials, the crafts are geared toward preschool and primary-geared children. They include make-and-take holiday decorations and gifts that can be given to parents, grandparents and other special people in children's lives. This free event is open to all, so please invite your friends and family.
We are looking for volunteers to help out with set-up, tear-down, and during the event. Sign up on the bulletin board outside the school office to help.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 9, 5:30pm
XYZ INVITES ALL ADULTS TO A SPECIAL CHRISTMAS DINNER AND MUSIC PROGRAM
Please reserve your space before December 1st, using the sign-up sheet in Garton Hall, for the XYZ (eXtra Years of Zest) specially catered Christmas dinner and exceptional music program of Christmas music on Wednesday, December 9th. The program will begin at
5:30pm with a catered dinner, followed by an extraordinary program of Christmas music. The music will be provided by
three IU musicians: bass-baritone Christopher Goodbeer, soprano Thea Smith, and harpsichordist Beth Garfinkel.
All adults, regardless of age, are invited to this special Christmas program, proceeds of which will benefit mission work of the United Methodist Women Missions and St. Mark's Operation Friendship.
The cost of the dinner is $20.00 per person. Please make checks out to St. Mark's UMC and include "XYZ dinner" on the memo line. Place your check in the offering plate on Sunday or bring it to the church office. Proceeds from this event will be used to benefit mission work of the United Methodist Women and St. Mark's Operation Friendship.
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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12th, 9:30am
Join us for the 2nd Annual Women's Christmas Brunch. Enjoy breakfast, the Christmas story, and Christmas carols in Garton Hall. Please RSVP by December 9th to Nina Taylor (812-322-9242) or Linda Crawford (812-336-2277).
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 13th, 2:30pm
CHRISTMAS CAROLING
Please meet at St. Mark's to celebrate Christmas with others through Caroling! We will "warm-up" our voices and then go out to share songs of Christmas with residents at Bell Trace and Meadowood communities.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 16th, 7:00pm
BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE OF COMFORT AND HEALING
The holiday season, a joyful time for so many, can be very challenging for others. The common hope for happiness and sharing that time with loved ones evokes sadness in the hearts of those experiencing grief and struggle. We want to address this at St. Mark's United Methodist Church this year. You are invited to join us for a Blue Christmas Service of Comfort and Healing on Wednesday, December 16 at 7:00 pm in the sanctuary. Blue Christmas is a contemplative service with carols, readings, reflections and candle lighting. Everyone is welcome; we hope to see you.
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24th, 5:30pm
CHRISTMAS EVE PAGEANT
Plan to be here for this wonderful family friendly service! It is a special ministry of our children and youth to share the story of Jesus' birth on Christmas Eve. Children and youth will share special music; the congregation will sing hymns; the angels will bring good news; the sheep will baa; the cows will moo; the camels will say whatever camels say; the shepherds will keep watch; the magi will bring gifts, etc. We will all welcome Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus (and their donkey). As we end our celebration, we will light candles and sing
Silent Night together.
There are both speaking and non-speaking parts, with roles being age appropriate and matching the interest of the child or youth. There will be one rehearsal on Sunday, December 20 at 11:30 am. Sign-ups are in the Sunday School hallway, in Garton Hall, or by contacting Bridget McIntyre or Mary Beth Morgan. Costumes will be available for selection on Sunday, November 29th during Advent Night and in the weeks following.
All interested children and youth can participate. Even if you cannot attend the rehearsal and would like to be in the pageant, we want to make sure we have a costume ready for your child. We look forward to sharing in this great night together.
SIGN UP FOR APPALACHIA SERVICE PROJECT (ASP) 2016!
The sign-up sheet for those interested in being part of the Summer 2016 ASP trip is located on the ASP bulletin board in Garton Hall. The trip dates are Sunday, July 24th through Saturday, July 30th. Participants must be at least 14 years of age. More details will be forthcoming. Contact Larry Ingram (812-322-0452) for more information on this great opportunity.
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UNITED METHODIST WOMEN COOKIE SHOPPE
COOKIE SHOPPE IN TEN DAYS!
Two or more flavors of delicious fudge, turtles and other candies for $10.00/lb! Yes, it is a cookie sale, but the bonus is homemade candy for the same price. Mix them or stick to one, your choice. Where else can you purchase a quality, ribbon-tied gift for $10.00 for a neighbor or colleague?
Dozens of nutty cookies have been baked and frozen. But there are still plenty of opportunities to help by joining the group baking and decorating sessions at the church or by making your own signature favorites at home.
Dec. 3 9:30 am Icing Sugar Cookies St. Mark's Kitchen
Dec. 4 12:00pm Noon Set-Up St. Mark's Room 8
Dec. 5 8:30 am-1:00 pm Cookie Shoppe St. Mark's Room 8
Dec. 6 9:30 am-12:00pm Cookie Shoppe St. Mark's Room 8
Proceeds support local and worldwide missions. Sign up on the UMW Bulletin Board in Garton Hall to participate in baking. Please bring your cookies for Cookie Shoppe by Noon on Friday, December 4th.
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EVENTS OF INTEREST IN OUR COMMUNITY
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6th, 2:00pm
SING FOR SHALOM: SYLVIA & FRIENDS
In Sylvia and Friends Sing for Shalom, two-time Grammy Award winner and regional Emmy Award winner Sylvia McNair will present an hour-long program of classical, sacred, and holiday music to benefit the Shalom Community Center. For this 4th annual festive concert, held at First United Methodist Church, McNair will be joined by soloists from the First United Methodist Church's Chancel Choir. Tickets can be purchase at the Buskirk-Chumley Theatre box office.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 12th
ROAD TRIP TO OLDENBURG
Join friends from St. Mark's on Saturday, December 12th for a program on the theories of Pierre Teilhard de Chardin & Carl Jung about the sources & futures of our religious beliefs. A group plans to leave St. Mark's at 7:30 am and return at 5:00 pm. The program has a $45 fee which includes a lunch by the Sisters of St. Francis. For more information and to make your reservation,
click on this link
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RESPONDING TO THE REFUGEE CRISIS IN EUROPE
The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is helping to provide relief. Financial donations are greatly needed. Checks can be written to "St. Mark's UMC" with "UMCOR-Refugee
Crisis" in the memo line, and brought to the church office, or placed in the offering plate. 100% of all money donated will go directly to the children, men and women most in need.
SEEKING SUNDAY SCHOOL TEACHERS
Do you enjoy being a part of a child's faith discovery? Please consider volunteering some of your time as a Sunday school teacher. We graciously accept any time commitment that you have available. Sunday school volunteers are supported so that your time is enjoyable and as easy as possible. Materials will be provided and rooms prepared if requested. Sign-up sheets can be found in Garton Hall outside of Bridget's office door. Contact Bridget McIntyre (812-332-5788) if you are interested or have any questions.
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SUPPORTING OUR MISSION TRIP TO MISSION GUATEMALA
In March of 2016, twenty St. Mark's youth and adults will travel to Guatemala to assist our former pastor Tom Heaton at Mission Guatemala, a health and education project for villages in the poorest country in Central America. To defray the cost of $1500 per participant, we will be raising funds for this trip throughout the year. Here are some ways to contribute:
- Sunday morning breakfasts in Garton Hall once a month.
- One-on-one sponsorship of a trip participant
- Parents' Night Out babysitting events throughout the year
- "Jar Wars" between Jimmy and Mary Beth (in Garton Hall on Sundays)
- Donate to "St. Mark's Bloomington Mission Guatemala Trip" on YouCaring.com
Bridget McIntyre and Jimmy Moore are church staff co-leaders for this mission trip. Please contact either of them at the church office (812-332-5788) with your questions and support.
If you want help or just the time to get your Kroger Card connected to O.F., stop by the Operation Friendship bake sale table in Garton Hall. O.F. people will have a laptop at the table, and they will help you connect your Kroger card with the O.F. Community Rewards account. You will need to bring your Kroger card in order to successfully set up your account.
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ST. MARK'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH STAFF E-MAIL
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