The Remarks
Saint Mark United Methodist Church Atlanta, Georgia
March 10, 2021
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Just Thinking
Thank you for helping keep #SaintMarkStrong.
You have been very patient and kind over the last several weeks to participate in our Survey Monkey surveys and to read all our material we send out to you. Your input is very important to the future as we move forward to be a vital congregation in Midtown Atlanta.
The Health and Wellness Task Force is disseminating the recent survey regarding your insights on moving forward with in person worship at Saint Mark. We appreciate each one who took the time to send us your insights.
We still work under the guidance of the CDC, the City of Atlanta Phases, and the North Georgia Conference, and we continue to do no harm and do good, so that you might stay well and in love with God.
The other most recent survey (see link below) pertains to your ideas and dreams for the renovation of Saint Mark. As you know, we have had major studies performed by engineering firms to guide us in moving forward with renovation. We wanted to see where the most pressing needs were for infrastructure and then make plans to create a safe and vital ministry space. With that in mind, we sent you a survey. We know you love this holy space and only want the best for it. At the same time, we know we cannot do everything on everyone’s dream list, but we can hear from you about what you believe is most important as we seek to do ministry and mission in the heart of Midtown for the next several decades. Pray for the Endurability Committee to lead well in these plans for Saint Mark. If you haven’t completed the survey, please do so today.
Your input and your understanding during this time is very important, and we thank you for taking the time and sharing from your heart what God has placed upon you. Thank you for being patient as we continue to connect with you in the many ways that are available to us in this season.
Together we keep #SaintMarkStrong!
Dana
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Saint Mark Master Plan Survey
We need your help! The Building & Grounds and Endurability committees are in the process of developing a master plan and they have created a survey to include your input.
In a perfect world, if money were no object, what changes or improvements would you like to see be made to the church campus?
Dream big – what do you envision?! We appreciate your feedback!
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4th Sunday Outdoor Worship Continues on March 28
Our next outdoor worship service on the patio at Haygood Memorial UMC is scheduled for 4pm on Palm Sunday, March 28. Haygood Memorial is located at 1015 E Rock Springs Rd, Atlanta, 30306. Sheila Stephens will lead worship. Attendance will be limited to 40 people and registration is required to attend.
Dress appropriately for the weather and bring your own seat. Masks are also required. For your safety and the saftey of other attendees, we also ask that you please observe social distancing by avoiding crowded areas (such as stores, restaurants, et.c) prior to attending the service.
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Musing from a Music Director trying to find his way in the 21st Century
History is a complicated thing. We like to only tell the parts of history that are easy and pretty and show us at our best. But life isn't like that. We all stumble and have to unlearn and relearn as we go through life in a rapidly changing world around us. The church, its traditions, its rituals and its history is no exception.
This Sunday we are singing one of the great hymns of faith: Amazing Grace. It's a hymn that has always been in use but has had surges at times when our country has wrestled with its sense of justice and freedom: during the Civil War, the Civil Rights Movement of the 60s, and also during protests of the Vietnam War. It has been an inspiration to many and will continue to be sung for a long time.
I expect a good number of you may know the story of John Newton working on a ship (did you know it was an enslavement ship?) that was almost sunk in 1748 by a storm that caught the crew by surprise. He writes "That tenth of March is a day much remembered by me; and I have never suffered it to pass unnoticed since the year 1748 - the Lord came from on high and delivered me out of deep waters." Though the words of Amazing Grace weren't written until 1772, it is well documented that this voyage had a major influence on Newton's faith and words later in life.
But, the story goes on. After this voyage, Newton became the master of an enslavement ship for approximately 6 years and in his journals, spoke of treating the enslaved abhorrently. This all changed in 1754 when he decided to give up his life as an enslaver and his involvement in the enslavement trade and dedicate his life to the service of God, finally becoming an Anglican priest in 1764.
It would be another couple of decades before Newton would begin to speak out against enslavement, in 1788. He would grow in his faith and conviction to be one of the loudest abolitionists in England and he lived to see the passage of the Slave Trade Act of 1807, leading to the end of the enslavement trade - but not yet enslavement - in Britain.
Some of the verses that we sing weren't even written by Newton. The last verse that we'll sing on Sunday ("When we've been there 10,000 years"...) was first printed and widely distributed in the book Uncle Tom's Cabin written by Harriet Beecher Stowe. She writes several verses not found in Newton's original text, most likely coming from the revival meetings of the 1800s. Though this novel has been problematic in creating many of the Black stereotypes that still endure today, it also helped lay the groundwork for the Civil War in its own day.
History is complicated, but knowing all of it can give new perspective to lines like, "I once was blind, but now I see." It's an honest line that reminds us that we all have blind spots in who we care for and who we leave out, and that we must all continue growing and learning. "Through many dangers, toils and snares I have already come" has greater depth when we think not just of Newton's close calls on the high seas but also of the slaves in churches in the 1800s who held tightly to those words, and the Black folks fighting in the 1960s against dogs, firehoses and lynching mobs.
As we move forward in the time of Black Lives Matter and social media, we are understanding, first-hand, that our society needs to see and acknowledge a fuller, more complicated story of existence and experience between different peoples. My hope is that we can lean into the hard stories instead of turning away to only look at the pretty parts. This is our work as we follow in the steps of a Christ who looked for the ugly in his world and tried to bring it to light.
Jon Easter
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Lenten Devotionals
Now through Easter Sunday, daily devotionals written by members of our
Saint Mark church family are available by email. If you are not already on our email distribution list, email Christia Holloway
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Request Your Holy Week Box
This spring we will offer boxes that will include items to guide you through Holy Week (March 28 – April 4). These boxes will be available upon request and will be mailed out so that you will receive them prior to Holy Week. To 'order' your box, fill out an online request here: https://forms.gle/UrhuBS9z21zfrSQx9 .
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(Outdoor, In Person)
Holy Week Worship at Saint Mark!
We are so excited to finally offer the opportunity to gather together in person to worship again at Saint Mark!
We are offering 2 outdoor services on Good Friday, April 2.
One service will be held at noon and the evening service will be held at 7pm. Both will take place in front of the church.
We will also offer an in person Sunrise Service in front of Saint Mark at 7:15am on Easter Sunday, April 4.
Due to ongoing safety concerns related to COVID, attendance will be limited to 50 people / service and registration will be required.
To register to attend the Good Friday service at noon, please follow this link
Masks will be required at all services and you will need to provide your own chair. Details on where to park will be provided soon.
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An Update from the Reconciling Ministries Network
Delays, paper ballots, and next steps. This news cycle has been a doozy.
In the last two weeks we’ve learned about:
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(Another) delay of a regular, in-person General Conference necessary to remain safe during a global pandemic,
- A brief and virtual special session of General Conference intended to help us get unstuck from this polity nightmare, and
- A special session of Jurisdictional Conference, making it possible to make progress at the jurisdictional level as well.
We also received a progress report from the WCA announcing the most recent steps on their journey to leaving The UMC.
More details are still to come, and the RMN staff will remain engaged in justice work at the General and Jurisdictional Conference levels.
And, what continues to be clear and requires no waiting is our calling to be fully engaged in ministries that prepare the way for a Christ-centered, just, and equitable future UMC at a more local level. This work is so important, and the Reconciling fruit it bears in our local churches, communities, and annual conferences is inspirational!
Do you have a passion for expanding the Reconciling presence in your district or annual conference? Click here to join with others who are already part of the Rooted & Rising team in your Annual Conference.
Is your church, Sunday school class, or ministry group already affiliated with RMN? Click here to recommit to RMN’s new foundational Reconciling statement, outreach work in your local context, and financial support of RMN.
Your participation in this work makes us stronger, and we're so grateful for all of you!
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Outreach Donations for March
This month we are focusing on collecting specific toiletry items that people living on the street need that are not widely available to them. We are asking for donations of deodorant, razors, and travel size hand lotion. We would love to be able to offer these items along with other toiletries we have on hand during our food ministry to those who come to be served a meal by our volunteers.
Donations of these specific items can be dropped off at the church office during the week between 10am and 1:30pm (please call 404-873-2636 to confirm staff will be in the office, given our limited staffing for COVID protocols). We will also be collecting these donations at our next 4th Sunday outdoor worship service on Sunday, March 28 at Haygood UMC. For more details, contact Rev. Jennifer at [email protected].
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Youth Ministry Opportunities
In response to the recently successful virtual Youth Lock-In, virtual Game Night will be offered for our youth on the last Friday of the month from 7 to 8:15pm on Fridays March 26 and April 30.
Throughout Lent, a Bible study is also availbe for our youth on Thursdays from 12:45 to 1:15pm. For more information about either of these events, or for general information about our Youth Ministry, contact Jess Cusick at [email protected].
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Parking Update
Because 5th Street is no longer permanently blocked to traffic, limited parking is available in our 5th Street lot directly behind the church.
If parking in the 5th Street lot is not available, you can also park next door at Redeemer Lutheran Church. The original lot provided for Saint Mark visitors (at the corner of 4th and Peachtree Street, across from the side entrance of Redeemer Lutheran) is now a pay lot ($5 for 2 hours), so parking there is no longer free for Saint Mark. However, free parking is available (with a Saint Mark parking sticker on your car) at a second Redeemer Lutheran church lot across the street from the pay lot, between the Mission House and the entrance to the Lutheran Towers pedestrian bridge that crosses over Juniper.
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The Health & Wellness Task Force met yesterday and will provide an update for the church soon. To follow the latest information and updates from the Task Force, please visit https://www.stmarkumc.org/health-wellness .
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Covid Testing Continues
Free, walk up Covid testing continues to be offered in front of Saint Mark every Wednesday from 10am to 4pm (no appointment necessary). To learn more, contact Josh Noblitt at [email protected] or visit coregeorgia.
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Read the Bible
in One Year
Every week we will provide you with daily Scriptures. As you read through the Bible, utilize the opportunity to discuss the passages with others who are reading too, or consider contacting a pastor to begin a discussion or ask questions about specific verses.
Wednesday, March 10 - I Corinthians 9-10, Psalm 53:1-6, Proverbs 11:4
Thursday, March 11 - I Corinthians 11-12, Psalm 54:1-7, Proverbs 11:5-6
Friday, March 12 - I Corinthians 13-14, Psalm 55:1-23, Proverbs 11:7
Saturday, March 13 - I Corinthians 15-16, Psalm 56:1-13, Proverbs 11:8
Sunday, March 14 - 2 Corinthians 1-3, Psalm 57:1-11, Proverbs 11:9-11
Monday, March 15 - 2 Corinthians 4-5, Psalm 58:1-11, Proverbs 11:12-13
Tuesday, March 16 - 2 Corinthians 6-8, Psalm 59:1-17, Proverbs 11:14
Wednesday, March 17 - 2 Corinthians 9-10, Psalm 60:1-12, Proverbs 11:15
Thursday, March 18 - 2 Corinthians 11-13, Psalm 61:1-8, Proverbs 11:16-17
Friday, March 19 - Galatians 1-2, Psalm 62:1-12, Proverbs 11:18-19
Saturday, March 20 - Galatians 3-4, Psalm 63:1-11, Proverbs 11:20-21
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"Spring Forward, Fall Back!"
Don't forget, Daylight Saving Time Begins this Sunday, March 14!
Be sure to set your clocks forward one hour Saturday night!
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Online Worship Every Sunday
Each Sunday on Facebook Live or Vimeo you will find us worshiping God.
As we desire to be a truly 'Loving, Accepting, and Serving' community of faith, please invite your friends, loved ones, and neighbors to worship with us online.
Sermon by Phone - 404-341-7510
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Fourth Sunday, in Lent, March 14, 2021
Dr. Dana Everhart preaching -
"My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?"
Scripture Readings
Mark 15:33-35
Numbers 21:4-9
Psalm 107:1-3, 17-22
Ephesians 2:1-10
John 3:14-21
This Sunday's online host is Jennifer Hansen.
Remember to fill out our Connection Card (the online version of the attendance pad) on Sunday morning so that we will know you are worshiping with us, and so we might know how to pray for you this week. (The link for the Connection Card can be found on both Facebook Live and Vimeo).
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This Week's Prayer Concerns and Joys
Concerns
In Hospice
Hospitalized
At Home
- Deana Hilton's sister Cheryl, recovering from a broken shoulder
- Paul Trantham
- Barb Howard
- Trudy Lee-Barber
Prayer Requests
- Doug Gallman undergoing cancer treatment
- Andy Thompson's brother in law Brian Grant in ICU with COVID
- Frank Wrenn's friends Claire & Brent, both hospitalized with COVID
- Audra Dial's coworker Denise Mitchell's father, battling leukemia
- Amber Stewart's friend Kyle on the sudden death of his mother
- Penny Brooks for time management
- PJ Walker: prayer for our global family to love one another
- Lauren Lamoly's sister's partner Rich, recovering from surgery related to cancer
- John & Jeri Hannula
- Jan Bethards
- Tom Adam's brother Riley, fighting cancer
Joys
- Deryl Colson has a new job!
- Mike Smith has completed the first draft of his book!
In Sympathy
Saint Mark expresses heartfelt sympathy to Sandi Keener and her family on the recent death of her nephew.
If you have a prayer request / concern or a joy you would like to share, please email Dana at [email protected]. You will also have an opportunity to share them by commenting online during Sunday worship.
As always, the church staff remain available for you.
church office - 404-873-2636
Dana Everhart - 678-641-7833
Josh Noblitt - 404-981-0901
Jennifer Hansen - 404-873-2636, ext 12
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Connections at Saint Mark
Please note the opportunities below to join in a small group and stay connected. If you need technical assistance, contact the church office ([email protected]).
Wednesday Bible Study
Dana's weekly Bible study meets every Wednesday at 5pm. This year's topic is the book of Genesis. We will study one chapter a week and no preparation is required. To participate, follow the ZOOM link below.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 853 3474 8003
Passcode: 865919
CONNECTION (morning email and evening online)
Every weekday, morning Dana sends a devotional thought for the day via email. If you would like to receive the morning Connection, please email Christia Holloway at [email protected] .
Dana's Office Hours
Monday afternoons from 3 to 4:30pm, Dana continues to offer weekly virtual office hours for those who would like to meet with him. To participate, please use the ZOOM link below.
Join Zoom Meeting
Meeting ID: 853 9475 8065
Passcode: 703261
Connect with a Sunday School class:
If you would like to join a class, please reach out to the class contacts listed below. Please note that not all of our classes are currently meeting. If your usual class is currently not active, we encourage you to (virtually) visit another class temporarily. The classes listed below meet online every Sunday morning at 10am.
(please note this week's invitation from the Interactions class posted above).
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Church Calendar
Wednesday, March 10
10:00 am - COVID-19 testing
12:00 pm - 'Final Words'
(online) Lenten book study
5:00 pm - Bible study (Genesis)
7:30 pm - Choir meeting (online)
7:30 pm - Evening Connection
(Facebook Live)
Thursday, March 11
12:45 pm - Youth Lenten Bible study
7:30 pm - Evening Connection (Facebook Live)
Saturday, March 13
9:00 am - Breakfast Club (Wade Hall)
Fourth Sunday in Lent, March 14
10:00 am - Sunday school/Small Groups (ZOOM)
10:30 am - Youth Sunday School class
11:00 am - Online Worship (Facebook Live & Vimeo)
2:00 pm - Disciple Bible Study (ZOOM)
Monday, March 15
3:00 pm - Virtual Office Hours with Dana (ZOOM)
7:30 pm - Evening Connection (Facebook Live)
Tuesday, March 16
4:00 pm - Supper Club (Wade Hall)
7:30 pm - Evening Connection (Facebook Live)
Wednesday, March 17
10:00 am - COVID-19 testing
12:00 pm - 'Final Words' (online) Lenten book study
5:00 pm - Dana's Bible study (Genesis)
7:30 pm - Chancel Choir (Zoom)
7:30 pm - Evening Connection (Facebook Live)
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Worship Attendance (online views)
Sunday, March 7 - 587
Financial Update
Weekly Operating Budget Needs: $17,178
Income for Week of February 28: $15,827
Deficit: -$1,351
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February 2021
Giving income
Other income
Total February income
Less February expenses
February 2021 deficit
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.
$ 54,063
27,000
81,063
-83,101
$ - 2,038
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Year to date deficit: $-8,511 |
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The Remarks is a weekly publication of Saint Mark United Methodist Church, Atlanta, Georgia. The email addresses used in this mailing were provided by the addressees for church use.
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Saint Mark United Methodist Church
781 Peachtree St NE
Atlanta GA 30308-1205
404.873.2636
Loving - Accepting - Serving
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