What are our images of God, and God's relationship with us? How do we embrace the treasures of our faith and of life? How to we value time when we are waiting? In the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus shares "Parable of the Talents," which opens up these questions and others for us to explore together.

 

As we enter Thanksgiving week, we are grateful for all those sharing their gifts of music. Roby Park and Pam Freeman will offer piano/organ duets. A Strings Ensemble of six high school & college students will lead us in music with cellos, violins, viola and bass. The Chancel Ringers will play bells, and the Chancel Choir, under the direction of Gerry Sousa, will sing. Mary Beth Morgan's sermon is titled, "The Gift of Possibility" arising from Matthew 25:14-30. Children and Youth are participating in worship leadership. Come join in this celebration of abundance this Sunday!

 

NOW! through November 19th

Thanksgiving Basket Sharing

Thanksgiving Basket Sharing is an important ministry at SMUMC. As you probably know, we are collecting money to provide a full traditional Thanksgiving meal for 65 families which will be delivered this Sunday, November 19.

 

We need your help in three ways.

 

First, you may still consider signing up to deliver baskets to the recipient families this Sunday, November 19th. Call the church office at 812-332-5788, or email ( [email protected]) to indicate your willingness to deliver this Sunday after worship. Boy Scouts from the St. Mark's troop have once again agreed to help take the baskets to the cars to be delivered.

 

Second, there will also be a work session, in Garton Hall, this Saturday morning, November 18th, at 10:00am to load the baskets and arrange them to be delivered on Sunday Morning. Come join us.

 

Finally, you may still donate to this cause. Fifty dollars will provide one full basket, twenty-five dollars a half basket, and twenty dollars will pay for a turkey. If you donate by cash, please put the money in an envelope and write the word "Baskets" on the envelope. Checks should be written to "St. Mark's" with the word "Baskets" on the memo line.

 

Sixty-five (65) baskets is our largest goal yet, but the need is great. At Fairview, for instance, there are 270 children who are enrolled in the Backpack Buddies program, and many of those families will be on our list this year. Thank you for generously sharing holiday blessings.

 

This Sunday, November 19th, 10:30am Sanctuary Worship
Children And Youth In Worship Leadership

Now through December 10th

Poinsettia Orders for Advent and Christmas

Ordering of poinsettias to decorate the Sanctuary and Garton Hall during Advent and Christmas has begun. Look for an order form at the Garton Hall Welcome Desk, or you can find an insert in the worship bulletin on November 19th. Orders will be taken through Sunday, December 10th. The cost for each poinsettia plant is $10. You can print an order form here or order online at this link. Please call the church office with any questions or to place an order.