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THIRD SUNDAY AFTER THE EPIPHANY
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BREAKFAST
9:00am (Garton Hall)
Thank you to those from the Nomads Sunday School Class who will be preparing breakfast!
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
9:15am Nomads (Room 10)
9:15am Pilgrims (Room 13)
9:30am Bible Banter (Room 11)
INFANT & TODDLER NURSERY CARE
Infants through Three-year-olds
9:30am-11:30am
(Rooms 24 & 25)
CHILDREN, FAMILY & FRIENDS
OF ALL AGES!
CHILDREN & YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
10:30-11:30am
Kindergarten-1st Grade in Room 28
2nd-3rd Grade in Room 4
4th-5th Grade in Room 9
SANCTUARY WORSHIP SERVICE
Reverend Jimmy Moore, preaching
Scripture -Jonah 3:1-10
Sermon Title:
The One That Didn't Get Away
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| UPCOMING IN JANUARY (& EARLY FEBRUARY) |
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This Sunday, January 21st, 10:30am
Sanctuary Worship
Many folks not very familiar with the Bible have heard about Jonah. He was the guy who ran away from God's invitation to preach to Nineveh, and who got swallowed up by a big fish. In fact, it is so easy to get 'swallowed up' with the fish story that the main point of the book gets missed. "Why did Jonah run away instead of agreeing to go preach to the city?" And it seems that the answer is some version of a refusal to believe that the people of Nineveh would actually listen. But the point of Jonah's journey is to have him hear the divine question, "
And should I not have concern for the great city of Nineveh...?" All of us has at least one "Nineveh", some place or group of people of whom we just don't expect very much, unless it is bad.
In worship on Sunday, we'll reflect on that fishy story, and on the invitation God gives us to run toward Nineveh rather than away from it. The sermon is titled "The One that Didn't Get Away", and it arises from Jonah 3:1-10. The chancel choir, directed by Gerry Sousa and accompanied by Pam Freeman.
"Where the Heart Is"
An Update & Thank You From The Stewardship Team
As of January 16, 121 pledge cards had been returned for the 2018 Stewardship Campaign: Where the Heart Is, totaling $465,020. Also, 101 new and additional pledge cards had been returned for the capital campaign Project St. Mark's: The Sequel (which includes the recent repaving of the parking lot). This total is now $206,220.
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 finalize a budget for this year. We recognize that some of you may need more time for discernment regarding pledges, and are grateful for pledges received. Stewardship packets are available in Garton Hall and in the church office. These can be returned anytime in the offering plate, to the church office, or can be filled out online via the link on the church website (
www.smumc.church/pledge
). Thank you for your generosity in supporting the ministries and missions of St. Mark's!
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WHAT IS UPCOMING@ST. MARK'S
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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 by contacting the church office.
TO SUBMIT ARTICLES FOR FUTURE PUBLICATIONS
All ministry areas, church committees, and interest groups are encouraged to submit articles for the February edition of
UPCOMING@ ST. MARK'S by Wednesday, January 24th. For more information and to submit articles for publication, please contact 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
9:30am-10:15am in Room 11
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CHILDREN AND YOUTH
NURSERY CARE
9:15am-11:30am
Infant through Three-year-olds
(Rooms 24 & 25)
CHILDREN, FAMILY & FRIENDS
CHILDREN & YOUTH SUNDAY SCHOOL
10:30-11:30am
Kindergarten-1st Grade in Room 28
2nd-3rd Grade in Room 4
4th-5th Grade in Room 9
6th-12th Grade in Room 3
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CHILDREN OR YOUTH MINISTRIES?
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Sunday School Registration Renewal
Complete registration forms here.
If you have not yet registered your child for Sunday School, please do so today. If needed, forms are available at the Sunday School table in Garton Hall. This form is an annual requirement for each child (multiple children can be entered on one form).
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Seeking Faith Development Teachers for Preschool and 4th - 5th Grade Classes
Would you like to spend one Sunday a month with a group of inquisitive Preschoolers who are excited about the world around them and learning Bible stories? Make crowns and reenact the story of the Magi riding through the desert on their camels, concoct yummy treats as you learn about Jesus and the Disciples, and just play! Or engage the world through the eyes of pre-teen, asking questions about deepening one's faith even as they experience the Bible stories another time in a more mature way (they also make crafts and they love to cook!). With either group, you'll join an excellent team of teachers and assistants and get to know some of the church families. A curriculum is provided, along with a brief orientation to volunteering in Faith Development at St. Mark's. For more information, please contact Sarah Gettie McNeill.
Each Sunday
Sign In & Name Tags for Sunday School & Childcare
Children attending childcare or Sunday School must be signed in and have a name tag from the table in Garton Hall. Please sign in before worship.
Each Sunday, 9:30am
Children, Friends & Family of all Ages
CELEBRATION! takes place in Garton Hall, near the piano. People of all ages are invited to reflect on the theme for the day and to take part in the hands-on experiences available at the tables near the piano. Also, on Sundays when he's available, Aaron Comforty will close out our community in song as we end in a communal "Great Amen" before heading to the Sanctuary for worship.
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Adult Sunday School, 9:30am
Bible Banter
The Bible Banter class meets in Room 11 each Sunday from 9:30-10:15am. The Scripture text for the morning's sermon is used as a discussion-starter.
We look at the passage in its larger context, and we 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 we often even delve into topics far afield of the morning's original topic. You are invited to bring some breakfast from Garton Hall into Room 11 and join the conversation.
Adult Sunday School, 9:15am
Nomads
The Nomads class is a generally progressive group which meets each Sunday at 9:15am in Room 10 for fellowship and discussion of selected readings on issues related to faith, spirituality, or social justice. Nomads will discuss The Gift of Years: Growing Older Gracefully by Joan Chittister. All are welcome with no preparation required.
Adult Sunday School, 9:15am
Pilgrims
Sunday, January 21st - Lecture #15
Ritual Sacrifice in the World's Religions
Sacrifice is often a key feature of religious rituals. Almost all people engage in sacrificial behavior everyday - as students, as athletes, in business and in family life.
The same basic principles apply in religious contexts: sacrifice as a simple bargain or exchange, as a means to secure a social bond in the community, or as an atonement or expiation for sins.
In this lecture, Prof. Kimbell provides illustrations from different religions clarifying the ways religious people sacrifice time, money, and physical pleasures to achieve desired goals.
All are welcome at any point in the lecture series. Come join us for the presentation and resulting discussion.
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Stephen Ministry
St. Mark's is looking to revitalize its Stephen Ministry program. A Stephen Minister is a lay member (not a pastor) who is trained to offer one-to-one Christian care to people going through tough times. If you are interested in continuing as a Stephen Minister, or in learning more about the program, please contact Dan Hughes at [email protected]. If you have been trained and would like to continue serving the congregation, please contact Dan as soon as possible.
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How To Help Those In Need Following Recent Natural Disasters
The impact of recent hurricanes and other disasters, both nationally and
internationally, has been devastating. The United Methodist Committee on
Relief (UMCOR) is responding to the destruction and overwhelming needs
from Hurricanes Harvey, Irma and Maria; Earthquakes in Mexico; Mudslides
in Sierra Leone and West Coast Forest Fires. Pray for those who are in great need, as well as the early response teams, including countless volunteers.
It will take a long and sustained effort for all of these areas to fully recover. The most immediate way we can help is through financial assistance. If you can donate, checks can be made out to "St. Mark's" and put in the offering plate or sent to the church office. Please write "Disaster Relief-U.S." on your check's memo line for your assistance to aid U.S. states and territories, OR write "Disaster Relief- International." One hundred percent (100%) of all money donated will go directly to the children, women and men most in need. To get continuing updates of the work of UMCOR, and ways to give on-line, go to www.umcor.org.
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AT ST. MARK'S UMC
Meets Each Wednesday, 1:00pm
St. Mark's Quilters & Crafters
Bring your quilting or crafts to Room 10 and spend time with others who enjoy these activities. Quilters & Crafters meets each Wednesday. All skill levels are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Meets Each Thursday, 11:30am
Women of Wonder and Faith
A group of faithful, journeying women meeting weekly to read and discuss books on various topics of faith. In January we will read
SAVING JESUS FROM THE CHURCH by Robin Meyers. Please join us as we move along our faith journey, collectively and individually, as well as build valuable friendships to support each other through life's many challenges and joys. Contact the facilitator, Maria Schmidt
[email protected], with questions and to let her know you are coming.
Meets Each Friday, 12:30pm at Bell Trace
Conversations on Life Men's Group
Conversations on Life men's group
meets on Fridays to share in conversation about topics of interest often based on literature selected by the group. The group meets in the private dining room, at the basement level on the west side of the main building of Bell Trace. Visitors are always welcome.
Wednesday, January 24th, 5:30pm
eXtra Years of Zest (XYZ) Dinner and Program
Dr. Bruce Martin, "Frailty in Seniors"
All are invited to a shared supper at 5:30pm. (Please bring a dish and your own table service.) At approximately 6:20pm, Dr. Bruce Martin, Professor in the IU School of Medicine, will speak on the topic, "Understanding Frailty in Seniors: Diagnosis and Treatment." It promises to be a wonderful program. Come join us!
Thursday, January 25th, 6:00pm-8:30pm at Monroe County Public Library Auditorium
Documentary Film: "Screenagers: Growing Up In A Digital Age"
Do questions about technology and parenting interest - or even trouble - you? Join Rev. Sarah Gettie and others from St. Mark's for the only local viewing of the film, Screenagers, which comes highly recommended from other Youth Directors addressing the issue of technology and parenting. Learn what experts say about the effect of screen time on teens-and how it can best be managed. This acclaimed documentary is by Dr. Delaney Ruston; there will be a panel discussion following the screening featuring local experts.
This program is a partnership between Indiana University School of Media, Indiana University School of Public Health, Centerstone, Bloomington After School Network, and the Library.
Presenter: Kevin MacDowell, (812) 349-3264,
[email protected]
Friday, January 26th, 1:30-3:00pm
Daytime Parents Group
The Daytime Parents of Young Children Group meet every 2nd and 4th Friday of the month in Room 24 to support one another through the intense joys and challenges of raising young humans. There's minimal homework, and it's never required: currently, we are reading the very brief chapters in The Parent's Tao Te Ching: A New Interpretation by William Martin and reflecting on the spiritual wisdom of both this text and Christian scriptures as it relates to parenting. Bring the kids! There are toys to entertain them while parents discuss. Invite friends, and if it's your first time, contact Sarah Gettie McNeill at [email protected] to learn the chapter for the coming meeting.
Sunday, January 28th, 10:30am, Sanctuary Worship
Children and Youth in Worship Leadership
Children and Youth are welcome to be part of worship leadership any Sunday. They are especially invited, this month, on Sunday, January 28th. Children and youth are invited to serve by greeting/handing out bulletins, lighting candles (acolyte), drawing a picture for the bulletin cover, reading scripture, leading a prayer, sharing a musical or artistic talent, helping the ushers,etc. Please contact Mary Beth Morgan if your child(ren)/youth would like to participate in worship leadership on January 28th, and which role(s) are of interest. Thank you!
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ST. MARK'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH STAFF E-MAIL
Rev. Jimmy Moore, Pastor
[email protected]
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Rev. Mary Beth Morgan, Pastor
[email protected]
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Rev. Sarah Gettie McNeill, Director of Children's Ministries
[email protected] |
Gerry Sousa, Director of Music Ministries
[email protected] |
Aaron Comforty, Children and Youth Music Leader [email protected]
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Rodney Long, Director of Youth Ministries [email protected]
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Natalie LeBeau, Finance Director
[email protected]
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Coordinator of Childcare
Contact Sarah Gettie McNeill
[email protected] |
Claire Schaffer, Administrative Assistant
[email protected]
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Sierra Roussos,
Director of St. Mark's Nursery School & Kindergarten [email protected]
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Amy Weger,
Office Manager of St. Mark's Nursery School & Kindergarten
[email protected]
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Dennis Morgan, Head Custodian
[email protected]
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St. Mark's UMC Newsletter Sign Up
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ST. MARK'S UMC ON FACEBOOK
St. Mark's United Methodist Church on Facebook
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St. Mark's Parenting
Facebook Group
Looking for ways to connect with other St. Mark's families in the church? Join the St. Mark's Parenting Facebook page. Direct questions to Sarah Gettie McNeill.
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Pets of St. Mark's UMC
Community on Facebook
Buddies of St. Francis, a small group at St. Mark's, celebrates our pets and supports the love and care of animals.
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