SUNDAY@ST. MARK'S – JULY 20, 2025

THE SIXTH SUNDAY AFTER PENTECOST

July 18, 2025

Dear St. Mark’s Family and Friends,

We all love a good plot twist. In stories/movies, the use of a plot twist to keep a story engaging always catches us off guard. Sometimes we can tell a plot twist is coming and other times we are left absolutely in shock. For Father Stanley Rother, the plot twist of his life came when he answered God’s call to leave his home state of Oklahoma and live and minister alongside the Tz’utujil people of Guatemala. Rother’s answer to God’s call led him to learn the language, translating Scripture, and standing in solidarity with the community during a time of civil war. Rother was executed in his rectory one night by government soldiers. Father Rother has been officially recognized as a martyr and is on his way to becoming canonized as a saint within the Roman Catholic Church. Rother’s life changed dramatically by the call to be a bearer of the good news.

The Samaritan woman in John 4 also experienced a life-altering moment when Jesus asked her for a drink of water. She likely didn’t expect much from the encounter with Jesus, and especially not a conversation that would affirm her sacred worth, invite her into deep discipleship, and equip her as a bearer of the good news. Jesus met her in the middle of her story, not with judgment, but with empowerment. Jesus is seeking to do the same for all of us.

As we continue to reflect on our own stories, we may see plot twist moments that changed the course of our lives. Moments of radical grace, love, and acceptance. This Sunday, join us as we explore how Jesus seeks to meet us where we are to transform our lives and the lives of others through us.

To connect to our livestream worship Sunday morning,

click the link on our website www.smumc.church.

The service starts at 10:30am.

Livestream starts 10:25am.

ST. MARK'S

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

The Sixth Sunday After Pentecost

Sunday, July 13, 2025,

10:30am

PLEASE CLICK HERE FOR THE ORDER OF WORSHIP FOR THIS SUNDAY

NOMADS

SUNDAY @ 9:30AM IN ROOM 8

This progressive adult education class shares news and personal ideas about religions, spirituality, science, culture and social justice, making use of books, articles and videos. Each Sunday this summer a different member of the class will lead discussions based a chapter they select from a couple of new books by two of America's most respected Christian authors: Fr. Richard Rohr's The Tears of Things - Prophetic Wisdom for an Age of Outrage and Elaine Pagels' Miracles and Wonder - The Historical Mystery of Jesus. Visitors are always welcomed on any Sunday.

CHILDREN'S SUNDAY SCHOOL

JULY SCHEDULE

This month, we’ll conclude our Faith Force series—stories that show us how everyday people trusted God and lived with courage. Even though we’re taking a break on July 6 for the holiday weekend (nursery childcare still available), we will return ready to learn from Jacob’s story, and wrap up with a reminder that each of us is part of God’s big story.

Join us as we finish strong with fun, meaningful lessons all month long before jumping into the school year!

July 20: Faith Force – TBD
July 27: Faith Force – YOU: God’s Hero in the World

LOOKING AHEAD

COMPASSIONATE THREADS

Monday July 21st @ 11am

Compassionate Threads is a group of St. Mark’s quilters. Bring any and all things quilty. Feel free to bring your lunch. We have outlets and tables for machines and comfy chairs for hand sewing.

CHRISTMAS IN JULY

Next Sunday After Worship

Join us after worship on Sunday, July 27th for a joyful Christmas in July celebration! We’ll gather for light refreshments, festive fun, and a touch of holiday cheer—even in the summer sun.

Expect simple crafts for all ages, a few classic carols, and a look ahead at missions during Advent 2025 here at St. Mark’s! Whether you’re feeling nostalgic for the season or just want to enjoy time with your church family, this is a great chance to celebrate together. You can sign up to help facilitate a craft or activity, or bring a fun Holiday treat at the link here.

No need to bring anything but your good spirits and maybe your favorite Christmas t-shirt! We hope to see you there as we share laughter, joy, and a little mid-year magic.

St. Mark's United Methodist Church | www.smumc.church

Published Friday, July 18, 2025

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.

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