DECEMBER 4th
SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
AN ADVENT JAZZ SUNDAY
WITH PAT HARBISON & FRIENDS
HOLY COMMUNION &
BACKPACK BUDDIES COLLECTION
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)
INFANT & TODDLER CARE
9:30am-11:30am
Infants & One Year-Olds (Room 24)
Two Year-Olds & Three Year-Olds(Room 25)
CHILDREN AND FAMILY WORSHIP
9:30am (Room 26)
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SANCTUARY WORSHIP SERVICE
10:30am
Reverend Jimmy Moore, preaching
Isaiah 11:1-11
Sermon Title - A Yearning for Reconciliation
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CHILDREN AND YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
10:30am
4 Years-First Grade (Room 26)
2nd-3rd Grade (Room 4)
4th-5th Grade (Room 9)
9th-12th Grade (Youth Room)
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THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4th, 10:30am
SANCTUARY WORSHIP SERVICE:
AN ADVENT JAZZ SUNDAY
Worship at St. Mark's United Methodist Church in the Sanctuary at 10:30am. Experience special music offered by jazz musicians, Pat Harbison and Friends.
THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4th,
9:30am-10:15am
CHILDREN, FAMILY & FRIENDS
WORSHIP
Celebration! meets in Room 26 for for a child-focused worship where children, families, friends can enjoy this 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 10:30am worship service to create an interactive, playful, and prayerful experience for children and adults together.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3rd, 8:30am-1:00pm
& SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4th, 9:30am-12:00noon
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN COOKIE SHOPPE
Can't You Just Smell the Cookie Shoppe? Instead of sugar plums dancing in your head, are you already dreaming of the taste of those turtle candies or decorated sugar cookies that make the kids' eyes sparkle?
Sales of cookies and candy will be 8:30am-1:00pm on Saturday, December 3rd and 9:30-12:00 on Sunday, December 4th. Cookies and candies are sold by weight at $10 per pound. Free gift boxes and ribbon are provided.
Cookies and candy that may have been made at home must be delivered to the church by 12:00pm or sooner on December 2nd.
Funds from Cookie Shoppe are part of the St. Mark's UMW support of Monroe County United Ministries, Lucile Raines Residence in Indianapolis, Operation Friendship, Appalachia Service Project, Loaves and Fishes, among others.
CHRISTMAS EVE PAGEANT:
SIGN UP CHILDREN & YOUTH FOR PARTS
All children and youth (preschool through senior high) are invited to be part of the Christmas Eve Pageant! There are both speaking and non-speaking parts, with roles being age appropriate and matching the interest of the child or youth. There are roles for Everyone! Sign-up in the Sunday School hallway, in Garton Hall, or contact Mary Beth Morgan or Amy Jones. Costumes will be available for selection on Sundays or by contacting Mary Beth or Amy.
There is one rehearsal on Sunday, December 18th at 4:00pm. (If you cannot be there, let us know.) All interested children and youth can participate, including friends and visiting grandchildren and other relatives. We look forward to sharing in this great night together!
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT HELP NEEDED
Regardless of your skill set, the Christmas Eve Pageant needs you! Please contact Mary Beth Morgan if you can help.
Before the Pageant
Help children/youth choose costumes
Make simple costume repairs, wash or iron
Bring snacks for pageant participants (i.e., fruit, cheese, crackers, veggies)
Help with simple set-up of Sanctuary
During the pageant and rehearsal
Be an adult helper for main speaking roles, angels, shepherds, manger animals, greeters, etc.
After the pageant
Help reset the Sanctuary or collect costumes.
NOW THROUGH CHRISTMAS EVE
BRING ITEMS FOR "MUSH" CHRISTMAS TREES
There are multiple MUSH Christmas trees at St Mark's: in the sanctuary, Garton Hall and in the Nursery School & Kindergarten Hallway. You are encouraged to bring in new Mittens, Underwear, Socks, and Hats, for children and adults in need of these items. You are welcome to hang hats and mittens (or gloves) on the trees, and place underwear and socks under the trees. Items will be donated to Monroe County United Ministries.
DIAPER DRIVE-MOTHER HUBBARD'S CUPBOARD
Mother Hubbard's Cupboard Food Pantry has asked to place a collection receptacle in our church as part of a Diaper Drive for the next couple of weeks. Their supply of diapers for patrons is running quite low. Families in need are unable to purchase diapers with food stamps, and cannot send their children to day care without an adequate supply of diapers, or with cloth diapers. The greatest need is for larger size diapers, specifically 3, 4, 5,6. Thanks for your generosity in this season.
NOW THROUGH DECEMBER 12th
ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS POINSETTIA ORDERS
Ordering continues through Monday, December 12th for poinsettias to decorate the Sanctuary and Garton Hall during Advent and Christmas. You will find an order form at the Welcome Desk or you can
print an order form here.
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.
FROM THE STEWARDSHIP TEAM...
...AN UPDATE AND A THANK YOU.
As of November 28th, 112 pledge cards had been returned for the
2017 Stewardship Campaign: ALL IN!, totaling $465,794.50 (2017 Budget Goal is $660,000). Also, as of November 28th, 78 pledge cards had been returned for the capital campaign
Project St. Mark's: The Sequel!
totaling $181,610. (Project St. Mark's: The Sequel Campaign Goal is $275,000).
We deeply appreciate your commitment and pledges to both campaigns. If you have already returned your pledge cards, or are doing so soon, thank you! This will help church leadership determine an estimated budget, as well as facility planning, for next year. We recognize that some of you may need more time for discernment regarding pledges, and are grateful for pledges received through the fall and beyond. Stewardship packets are available in Garton Hall and in the church office. These can be returned anytime in the offering plate or to the church office. Thank you for being "All IN" with St. Mark's!
CONSIDER GIFTING APPRECIATED STOCK
FOR EITHER OPERATING BUDGET OR CAPITAL PROJECT
Cash gifts and stock gifts both allow you to take a charitable income tax deduction. When you gift long term appreciated stock to a charitable organization, you receive an additional tax benefit, because you avoid paying tax on the "built-in" capital gain for your stock.
If you were to sell an appreciated stock, you would have to pay capital gains tax. The capital gains tax rate ranges from 15% - 23.8%, depending on your income. However, if you were to gift the stock directly to St. Mark's, you could avoid the capital gain all together and an additional tax deduction for the donation. Even better, St Mark's is able to sell the stock without having to pay capital gains tax.
If you are interested in making a stock gift to St. Mark's, please contact our investment advisor, Hurlow Wealth Management Group, at 812-333-4726. They can help you transfer the stock to St. Mark's investment account and will also sell the stock without any transaction fees so that St. Mark's retains the full value of the stock.
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CHRISTMAS TRAINS ARE COMING TO ST. MARK'S!
AND YOU CAN BE PART OF BUILDING OUR RAILROAD VILLAGE TOWN!
Rev. Robert Sharp and the Bloomington Model Railroad group have agreed to set up a Christmas Village complete with an ON 30 operating Christmas train! The train will be set up early in Advent up and in operation in Room 12 beginning in December.
The village will be a traditional 1950 vintage town with a winter theme.
There are currently 12 houses and other buildings with the village including two railroad stations. Much as in the story "Stone Soup," any of you who wish may bring your Christmas village structures and/or Hot Wheels or larger vehicles to complete the layout. If you have any ON 30 (O-scale train and buildings that run on HO track), people, railroad cars, EZ track, vehicles, or engines (they would add interest to the layout) drop them off at the church office. Please be sure that your name is securely attached to the bottom of any items you share. For safety reasons there will be no lights in the village buildings.
The layout will be open and running before and after church on Sunday mornings in December. Other viewing times can be arranged by appointment. For more information, contact Charlie Matson at [email protected] or 812-331-0314, or call or email the church office.
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ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
"PILGRIMS"
9:15am-10:15am
in Room 13
9:15am-10:15am in Room 10
"
BIBLE BANTER"
9:30am-10:15am in
Room 11
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CHILDREN AND YOUTH
SUNDAY SCHOOL
9:30am-11:30am
Infant & One Year-Old Care
(Room 24)
Two & Three Year-Old Care
(Room 25)
CHILDREN, FRIENDS & FAMILY WORSHIP
CHILDREN AND YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
10:30am
4 Years-First Grade (Room 26)
2nd-3rd Grade (Room 4)
4th-5th Grade (Room 9)
9th-12th Grade (Youth Room)
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DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS ABOUT CHILDREN AND YOUTH MINISTRIES?
Contact Amy Jones, Mary Beth Morgan, or the St. Mark's church office.
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THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4th
CHILDREN & YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
Parents are asked to sign children in at their Sunday School room. Children who attend Sunday School are invited to be part of the Children's Moment in Sanctuary Worship, and they may then return to Sunday School classrooms.
Please note that Celebration! at 9:30am and the 4 Years-First Grade Sunday School Class at 10:30am now meet in Room 26.
THIS SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4th and NEXT SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11th
ALL CHILDREN & YOUTH- JOIN OUR NEW PICK-UP CHOIR!
DO YOU LIKE TO SING? DO YOU PLAY AN INSTRUMENT?
Join in the music at 9:30am with Aaron Comforty in Room 9. This group will be sharing their music in this Advent and Christmas season. No experience needed, just bring your voice or instrument! If you cannot come every Sunday, come when you can. If you have any questions, or would like more information, please contact Amy Jones.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11th, 10:30am WORSHIP SERVICE
ALL CHILDREN & YOUTH ARE ENCOURAGED
TO PARTICIPATE IN WORSHIP LEADERSHIP
Children and youth are encouraged to participate in leadership roles in sanctuary worship on any Sunday, and especially this month on December 11th. Children and youth are invited to greet and hand out bulletins, light candles (acolyte), read scripture, lead a prayer or call to worship, or share a musical or other artistic talent. Please contact
Mary Beth Morgan if your child or youth would like to participate in a special role on December 11th.
CHILDREN'S MINISTRIES HOLIDAY SCHEDULE CHANGES
DECEMBER 25th:
There will be NO Sunday School, nursery care, or Celebration! offered on Christmas morning. Children are more than welcome in Sanctuary worship service, and we will have tables set up with simple activities in the sanctuary to keep them busy during service. Keep us in mind if you need to get out of the house and your kids have been up since the wee hours of the morning!
JANUARY 1st:
We WILL have nursery care during New Year's Day worship service. Nursery will begin at 10:15am instead of the usual 9:30am. Celebration worship for children and families will follow the usual schedule from 9:30am-10:15am.
We will NOT have regular Sunday School on January 1st. We are offering a combined childcare option for children up to 3rd grade in Room 8.
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The Pilgrims meet at 9:15am in Room 13. Come join us for a series entitled THE OLD TESTAMENT. All are welcome to attend at any point in the series!
Lecture #23:
Life in the Diaspora
(Genesis 30, 37-50; Esther; Daniel 1-6)
Prof. Amy-Jill Levine
Vanderbilt University Divinity School
The Babylonian exile gave rise to the diaspora, the "dispersion" of the Judeans now known as "Jews" to places outside their homeland.
Come join Pilgrims for the lecture and resulting discussion.
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During November, the Nomads adult Sunday School class will discuss
The Road to Character by syndicated columnist David Brooks.
Using a series of biographical essays of noteworthy individuals, this bestselling book focuses on the deeper values that should inform our lives. Blending psychology, politics, spirituality, and confessional,
The Road to Character provides an opportunity for us to rethink our priorities, and strive to build richer inner lives.
Come to Room 10 and join these Sunday morning discussions with the Nomads. All are welcome to join in, even without reading the text!
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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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THIS WEEK AT ST. MARK'S UMC
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 2nd, 12:15pm
CONVERSATIONS ON LIFE MEN'S GROUP
Men are welcome to join this discussion group which meets in Room 15 each Friday throughout the year.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3rd, 8:30am-1:00pm & SUNDAY, DECEMBER 4th, 9:30am-12:00noon, in Room 8
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN COOKIE SHOPPE
Don't miss the St. Mark's UMW Cookie Shoppe! Stop in to purchase cookies and candies to give and to enjoy during the Christmas season.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3rd, 9:30am-11:30pm
GETTING READY FOR CHRISTMAS & OTHER WINTER HOLIDAYS
Join us for a 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-age-children. The crafts 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, regardless of your faith and home culture, so please invite your friends and family.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3rd, 3:00pm & 7:30pm at BUSKIRK-CHUMLEY THEATER
BLOOMINGTON CHAMBER SINGERS present "GOD BLESS US EVERYONE!"
DICKENS' A CHRISTMAS CAROL-WITH CAROLS
On Saturday evening, December 3rd, the Bloomington Chamber Singers will present "God Bless Us Everyone!" a 'story theater' production of Charles Dickens' immortal
A Christmas Carol
, intertwined with carols and music of the season. Designed for the entire family, and directed by Tom Shafer (who will also play the part of Scrooge!), the production will include sing-alongs, captivating projections, and lively banter by the actors. The fifty-voice mixed chorus and full orchestra will be conducted by Gerry Sousa, now in his 26th year as Music Director. Tickets for the 3:00pm and 7:30pm showings are available in advance through the BCT Box Office or from any Chamber Singer, or the day of the performance at the door.
MONDAY, DECEMBER 5th, 10:30am
SHOEBOX PROJECT
Each month, the Shoebox Project of St. Mark's meets and assembles shoeboxes filled with hygiene products and toys for kids. The shoeboxes are donated to local agencies such as Middle Way House and MCUM that serve those in need.
Everyone is welcome to come and to
join the fellowship and fun. We are always in need of washcloths, combs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, small toys, coloring books, hotel soaps/shampoos, pencils, crayons, etc. You can place your donations any time in the basket in Garton Hall located beneath the UMW bulletin board.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6th, 9:30am
UMW EXECUTIVE BOARD
United Methodist Women (UMW) Executive Board will meet in Room 11 for this December meeting.
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 6th, 5:30pm
BUDDIES OF ST. FRANCIS
Buddies of St. Francis is a small group experience for those who love animals and believe that our spirituality is enhanced by their presence in the world and in our lives. This humans-only gathering will be a time to share stories, reflect, and consider opportunities for advocacy. Join us in Room 8 on Tuesday evening, December 6th, at 5:30pm. Contact Jimmy Moore for more information.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7th, 1:00pm-3:00pm.
ST. MARK'S QUILTERS & CRAFTERS
St. Mark's Quilters & Crafters invite you to bring your quilting or other craft work and join the group as you work on your projects. This group meets each Wednesday at 1:00pm in Room 10.
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7th, 4:00pm TO CLOSING
DINE AT BUCCETO'S TO SUPPORT ST. MARK'S NURSERY SCHOOL & KINDERGARTEN
When you dine in or carry out from either Bloomington Bucceto's between 4:00pm and closing, mention St. Mark's Nursery School and Kindergarten, and 20% of the total you spend will be donated to the Nursery School and Kindergarten! Can't make it on December 7th? No problem. This "Dine and Donate" opportunity occurs the first Wednesday of each month.
DEADLINE THIS FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9th, TO RESERVE SEATS FOR THE WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14th, 5:30pm-7:30pm, XYZ DINNER and PROGRAM
eXtra Years of Zest (XYZ) CHRISTMAS DINNER and PROGRAM,
CREATING A DICKENS' "CHRISTMAS CAROL" MUSICAL
This Friday, December 9th, is the last day to reserve a place at the XYZ Christmas dinner on Wednesday, December 14th, 5:30pm-7:30pm, with the program by Tom Shafer and Gerry Sousa on their magical creation of a musical based on Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." Sign up now in Garton Hall for this extraordinary event and dinner by Flo Davis with assistance by Operation Friendship youth. Cost of the event is $20 per person.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 9th, 9:00am-3:00pm
DELTA THETA TAU HOLIDAY BAZAAR
Delta Theta Tau sorority will hold its Holiday Bazaar at St. Mark's in Room 8.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10th, 7:15am - 4:30pm
OLDENBURG - HILDEGARD OF BINGEN
Join the group from St. Mark's which is making road trip to the lovely, old convent at Oldenburg, IN for another workshop led by Sister Olga. This session will be an introduction to Hildegard of Bingen, a 12th Century vision, mystic, poet, musician, naturalist, healer & theologian. Hildegard was certainly one of the most remarkable women of the Middle Ages.
The $45 fee includes lunch at the convent. The workshop will run from 9:30am to 2:30pm. Our group will carpool, leaving the south parking lot of St. Mark's at 7:15am & making a quick stop for coffee & breakfast snacks at Nashville. For more information call Charlie Matson at 812-331-0413.
SATURDAY, DECEMBER 10th, 9:00am in Garton Hall
WOMEN'S CHRISTMAS BRUNCH
Please join us for the 3rd Annual Women's Christmas Brunch. Enjoy breakfast, the Christmas Story, and Christmas carols. Please RSVP by Tuesday, December 6th to Nina Taylor (812-322-9242) or Linda Crawford (812-336-2277). We don't want anyone to go hungry!
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 11th, 6:00pm
PARENTS OF YOUTH NIGHT at B-TOWN DINER
All parents of youth (as well as grandparents or other loving adults caring for pre-teens and teenagers) are welcome! We will meet this Sunday at 6:00pm at the B-Town Diner (211 N. Walnut). Come to our monthly gathering and enjoy some food and conversation with other folks raising teens. If you have questions, or would like to be on a contact list for future gatherings, please contact Dawn Walters (
[email protected]
) or the church office.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 16th, 6:00pm-8:00pm
CHILDREN'S HOLIDAY PARTY
Come after dinner and let your K-5th grade children enjoy some holiday merriment at St. Mark's! We will entertain and hang out with your children while you get some things done or simply relax. We will have options for games, crafts, and a movie. Take this opportunity to have some "me" time during the busy holiday season! Please RSVP to Amy Jones at [email protected].
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UPCOMING @ ST. MARK'S
is published once each month as an information resource and guide to the activities and events within and around
the St. Mark's church community. Copies are distributed the first Sunday of each month along with the Sunday worship bulletin, and thereafter are available at the Welcome Center Desk, at the main entrances to the building,
or upon request by contacting the church office.
SUBMITTING ARTICLES FOR FUTURE PUBLICATIONS:
All ministry areas, church committees, and interest groups
are encouraged to submit articles for the next edition of UPCOMING @ ST. MARK'S.
The deadline to submit articles for January will be Monday, December 19th.
For more information, and to submit articles for publication, please contact the church office:
[email protected]
or 812-332-5788.
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ST. MARK'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH STAFF E-MAIL
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