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SUNDAY@ST. MARK'S – APRIL 13, 2025
PALM SUNDAY
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April 11, 2025
Dear St. Mark’s Family and Friends,
Palm Sunday at St. Mark’s promises to be very special. Come and join us for a festive service, including a parade of palms with all children invited to participate, culminating in a very special children’s moment. The Chancel Choir, directed by Gerry Sousa, will offer “Canticle for Palm Sunday” by Tom Fettke, with Blake White accompanying on trumpet and Akerbergs on organ. Blake, Ilze and Madison Sinan, also on trumpet, will present “Concerto for Two Trumpets” by Francesco Manfredini. Madison and Ilze will accompany the choir on Michael Jothen’s “A King Came Riding”. The call to worship will be led by Ben, Abby, Amos and Lionel Brass. Lisa Kurz will read Psalm 118: 1-2, 19-29. Maria Schmidt will read the Gospel Lesson, which is Luke 19: 28-40.
We are especially delighted to be joined in worship by Resident Indiana Bishop Tracy Smith Malone, who will offer a blessing for the children and will preach the morning sermon. Bishiop Malone serves on the Board of Trustees at the United Methodist
affiliated institutions of higher education and organizations in the
Episcopal Area. She is currently the President of the Council of Bishops,
which includes all bishops in The United Methodist Church. She is a member of the Board of Trustees of Africa University and is the immediate Past President of the General Commission on the Status and Role of Women.
During her ministry, Bishop Malone has pastored several churches, served as a District Superintendent, and provided leadership to various community organizations. She has authored chapters in several books, published articles, blogs and book reviews, and has taught courses as an adjunct professor at several higher education institutions.
Bishop Malone and her husband, Derrick, are the parents of two adult daughters.
We hope you join us for worship in the sanctuary at 10:30. Those connecting online whould visit the church website at www.smumc.church, and click on the Live Stream banner.
Those attending are invited to join us for lunch after the service. Bishop Malone will attend and will respond to questions for a few minutes. Come share this day with us!
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ST. MARK'S
UNITED METHODIST CHURCH
Sunday, April 13, 2025, 10:30am
Palm Sunday
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BISHOP TRACY S. MALONE TO PREACH
AT ST. MARK’S PALM SUNDAY
St. Mark’s is honored to announce that Bishop Tracy S. Malone will be preaching during our Palm Sunday worship service on Sunday, April 13. Bishop Malone, who became the resident bishop of the Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church on September 1, 2024, brings a wealth of experience and a profound commitment to faith and justice.
Palm Sunday marks the beginning of Holy Week, commemorating Jesus’ triumphant entry into Jerusalem. This special service, featuring Bishop Malone’s inspiring message, promises to be a moving and meaningful experience for all who attend.
Join us for a light luncheon after worship in Garton Hall! See below for more information about helping host a beautiful lunch.
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ALL KIDS ARE INVITED TO JOIN PALM SUNDAY PROCESSIONAL WITH BISHOP TRACY MALONE!
All children are invited to take part in a joyful Palm Sunday processional this Sunday as we welcome Bishop Tracy Malone to St. Mark’s!
After the ringing of the bells at the start of worship, children’s ministry volunteers will guide kids to the back of the sanctuary, where they will receive palm branches and prepare to join the congregation in the celebratory procession.
After the processional, children will remain at the front of the sanctuary until the Children’s Moment, and then be led to their regular Sunday School programming.
Let your child be part of this special celebration as we wave palms, shout “Hosanna!”, and welcome the spirit of Holy Week together! Families are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early so children are ready to participate.
Please contact Madison Sinan, Director of Children’s Ministries, with any questions (madisonsinan@smumc.church)
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JOIN US FOR LUNCH AS WE WELCOME BISHOP TRACY MALONE
On Palm Sunday, April 13, Bishop Tracy S. Malone, resident bishop of the Indiana Conference of The United Methodist Church, will preach during our 10:30 a.m. worship service at St. Mark’s. Following the service, all are warmly invited to a simple light luncheon in Garton Hall to welcome Bishop Malone and share in community together. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet our bishop, celebrate her ministry, and enjoy good food and conversation.
Sandwiches, chips, and drinks will be provided by Church Life. If you’d like to help with lunch—by bringing a dish, setting up, or cleaning up—please sign up via the SignUpGenius link here.
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THE DEADLINE TO REGISTER FOR THE EASTER BONNET AND HAT PARADE IS
PALM SUNDAY!
Celebrate Easter with style and creativity at St. Mark’s! All men, women, and children are invited to join our Easter Bonnet and Hat Parade & Contest at 10:00 AM, during breakfast in Garton Hall between services
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Awards will be given for Best Dressed (all ages), plus special prizes for Most Elaborate and Most Sophisticated designs.
Register by the Sunday before Easter to participate. To register you can email Stephanie at stephanieconklin@smumc.church.
Home Bound “Pajama Church” members can join by submitting a photo of their hat.
All participants will be rewarded—don’t miss the fun!
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DONATE NUT-FREE CANDY AND REUSABLE EGS FOR THE ST. MARK'S EASTER EGG HUNT
Easter is almost here, and we’re preparing for our Easter Egg Hunt to take place in between Easter services! To make this a fun and joyful event for our children, we are collecting donations nut-free candy, plastic eggs, and small surprises to fill them.
We need:
· Plastic eggs
· Individually wrapped, nut-free candy
· Small knick-knacks (stickers, mini toys, erasers, etc.)
Donations can be dropped off outside the Children’s Ministries office in Garton Hall by Sunday, April 13.
Thank you for helping make this Easter celebration extra special for our kids!
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SIP, SAVOR, AND SHARE AT ST. MARK'S
New Brew, Same Warm Welcome
St. Mark’s is excited to announce that every Sunday we’ll be offering freshly brewed coffee from Needmore Coffee Roasters. Located right here in our community, Needmore Coffee Roasters is a woman-owned, small-batch coffee roastery dedicated to providing organic, ethically-sourced coffee from the finest small-scale farmers around the world. We’re proud to support local and to bring you high-quality blends from a roastery that cares about craft and community.
Stop by the Kitchen Window before worship to enjoy a cup and to share a moment of fellowship in Garton Hall. Donations are welcome if you’d like to help keep the coffee flowing in the weeks to come. See you Sunday!
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NOMADS
SUNDAY, APRIL 13th, 9:30AM IN ROOM 8
The selected readings for this generally progressive group can prompt discussions on issues of faith, spirituality, and/or social justice. Recent authors whose books have been used have included Barbara Brown Taylor, Joan Chittester, and Richard Rohr.
All are invited to join us on Sunday mornings. Please contact the church office for more information.
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BLOOMING BELL CONCERT
SATURDAY, APRIL 12TH @ 3pm
Mark your calendars for the Blooming Bell concert on April 12 at St. Mark’s. St. Mark’s own Organist and Handbell Choir director Lois Leong has invited handbell ringers from across Bloomington and Martinsville to spend the day making music together.
Their collaboration will culminate in a free concert at 3 p.m., highlighting the rich, resonant sound of handbells. This unique performance is open to all—come enjoy an afternoon of beautifully crafted music in a stunning setting.
| | LOOKING AHEAD
Holy Week at St. Mark's | | | | |
MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE
THURSDAY, APRIL 17TH @ 7PM SANCTUARY
On the evening before Jesus was crucified, according to the Gospel of John, Jesus washed the feet of the disciples. We hearken back to that evening in our Maundy Thursday service. Jesus prophetically called on his disciples to be actively engaged in serving the world.
In our Maundy Thursday service at 7:00 PM on April 17th, we will share in a ritual of hand washing. There will also be a brief homily following the biblical text, as well as hymns, solos, and prayers. We hope you join us, in person or by live stream.
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GOOD FRIDAY SERVICE
FRIDAY, APRIL 18TH @ 7PM SANCTUARY
On Good Friday evening, we gather for a contemplative service in which we are invited to reflect on the seven last words of Jesus through scripture, music, and spoken reflections from
individuals in the St. Mark’s community. The Chancel Choir and Bell Choir will lead us musically. We hope you join us, in person or by live stream.
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EASTER WORSHIP
SUNDAY APRIL 20TH, SANCTUARY
8:30AM and 10:30AM
Join us on Easter Sunday for services, at either 8:30 or 10:30 AM. The services will be joyful celebrations of the Risen Christ, complete with music from our Chancel Choir and the Chancel Ringers. We look forward to your joining us for one of these two services, either online or in person.
EASTER BREAKFAST PITCH IN
Between Services
Between the services, make sure to join us in Garton Hall for a Continental Breakfast. Sign Up to Volunteer time, talent, or resources to make this Easter Celebration special!
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St. Mark's United Methodist Church | www.smumc.church
Published Friday, April 11, 2025
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St. Mark's United Methodist Church of Bloomington, Indiana is an inclusive community, bringing Christ-like love, healing and hope to all. We embrace the United Methodist ideal of Open Hearts, Open Minds and Open Doors by welcoming and affirming those of all races, cultures, faith traditions, sexual orientations, and gender identities.
STAY CONNECTED
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