St. Mark's Weekly E-blast

We gather, connect, and serve so all may experience the love of Christ.

On Sunday in worship, I heard crickets when I asked about New Year's resolutions. It seems I'm not the only one who realizes how hard resolutions are to keep! But I think we can all agree: goals matter. Whether in our work, our personal lives, or our faith community, having direction helps us move forward with purpose.

In late 2023, St. Mark's adopted new goals. Throughout 2024, we've spent time unpacking their meaning, testing their boundaries, and discerning how they align with our mission. Now, as we step into 2025, I believe it's time to fully embrace and make real progress toward these goals.

You've probably heard of SMART goals—Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-Bound. While applying these principles in a church setting can feel challenging (how do you measure someone's faith journey?), we decided to focus on what is measurable. Numbers may not tell the full story of a congregation's health or faith, but they do provide helpful markers along the way.

Our goals for 2025 are clear and purposeful:

1. Make meaningful connections with new people.
2. Offer innovative and engaging worship experiences.
3. Help people connect through small groups.
4. Inspire service in ministries of missions and justice.

Each of these goals plays a vital role in keeping St. Mark's a thriving, dynamic community of faith. No single goal stands above the others—they work together, and we need everyone's participation to see them come to life.

So, where might God be calling you to step in and be part of these goals? Here are a few opportunities this week:

1. Connect: Invite someone to join us at Markaritas (Jan 12 or 17) or Marksmen (Jan 15) or a concert (Jan 19 or 26).
2. Worship: Experience something new at our Modern/Contemporary service, this Sunday at 11:30 AM on the Magee Campus.
3. Small Groups: Dive into community with our Wednesday morning Bible study or other small groups listed in The Messenger newsletter (see link below).
4. Serve: Share your resources—bring recyclable goods, clothing donations, or other items to support those in need (see below).

Let's step boldly into 2025, pursuing these goals together. With God’s guidance and your participation, I know we’ll make meaningful strides this year.

See you soon,

Pastor Lynn

Thre's no true Soul Station this week -- no meal tonight. But, join us for a Prayer Service for Gun Violence (see below). Soul Station will return as usual on January 15 with dinner and a special guest speaker, Kathy Narney.

Join the Wed. Morning Study, 10-11:30 am,

rooms 17/18,

beginning Jan. 8 for the 6-week study



The Message of Jesus: Words that Changed the World by Adam Hamilton. Purchase a study book from your favorite vendor. Read Introduction and Chapter 1 for the first class on January 8.

Are you interested in praying for the needs of the church?

Prayer requests submitted through our website or online are sent to our Prayer Team. Anyone is invited to be part of this. If you sign up to receive these emails, you are committing to prayers for those shared. Additionally, our Prayer Ministry Team meets weekly to pray for these prayer requests together. Want more information? Let us know! 

Bring your Hard to Recycle Plastics to church this Sunday at both campuses and we will take it down to have it recycled!

Cleaning out your closet? Bring your gently used clothing items to church this Sunday and drop them in the yellow bins for Tucson Metropolitan Ministries.

Did you know our Magee Welcome Center has a Donation Station for lots of items?

Did you know the Sanctuary entryway has boxes to collect your items?

Every week, you can bring soda can tabs, used greeting cards, non-perishable food items, and more!

Our mission statement says that we gather, connect, and SERVE so all may experience the love of Christ.

Let's SERVE together! This Sunday, we will package enough meals to feed 17,064 people, at $1.29 per meal! When volunteer packers arrive in the Fellowship Hall at 11, the tables will be set up, the materials will be meticulously arranged, and the event will take off with the precision of a Super Bowl team! We package into the afternoon, so there's plenty of time to come over from the Sanctuary campus or after our 11:30 service.

Sign up here to help us out! LINK TO SIGN UP

Marksmen January 15 at 8 am

Men, are you retired or semi-retired? Join us in the Fellowship Hall for breakfast, bad jokes, interesting programs, and fellowship with other men at St. Mark's. Wives and girlfriends are welcome to join us for breakfast in room 17/18 and then join us for our program on "John's Story" in the Fellowship Hall.

The Mark-a-ritas are meeting on Thursday, January 16 at 6:00 at the home of Mary Helen Pelton to hear about her storytelling adventures. A light dinner, wine, and dessert will be provided. To help with planning, please R.S.V.P. to Susan Putt no later than Sunday, January 12. Those interested in carpooling can meet in the south parking lot of the church at 5:45.

Ladies of St. Mark's ~ Join the Mark-a-ritas for Bunco on Friday, January 17 at 2:00 in Room 17/18. Please R.S.V.P. to Susan Putt no later than Wednesday, January 15th, so we can plan appropriately.

January 19 - Tucson Little Big Band

Little Big Band is an eight-piece instrumental group playing all styles of high-energy music, including hits from the 60’s, 70’s and beyond! Original arrangements feature songs from popular groups like Chicago, Elton John, Earth, Wind and Fire and many more.

January 26 - Skyline Flutes

Journey with Skyline Flutes as we travel to the moon, stars, planets, and other celestial bodies. Music by Debussy, McMichael, Beeftink and Schocker will be presented, as well as works by other composers. Skyline Flutes is Southern Arizona’s only professional flute quintet.

From Church and Society



Our regular collection of Hard to Recycle Plastics will continue this Sunday, January 12 at both campuses. Please drop off your orange bags to the usual spots prior to each service. 

Please note that the collection will happen on the 2nd Sunday of each month. Dates are as follows:

January 12, February 9, March 9, April 13, May 11, June 8

July 13, August 10, September 14, October 12, November 9, December 14

Thank you for your continued support of this program! Please consider reaching out to to learn more about other opportunities to serve with the Church and Society Committee.

SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE

8:30 and 10 a.m. Traditional service in Magee Campus sanctuary and child care in Rm 15

10 a.m. Modern service at Sanctuary Campus with Children's Sunday School and childcare

10 a.m. Magee Campus youth and children's Sunday School (except fifth Sundays) and childcare

11:30 a.m. Traditional service at the Sanctuary Campus

Both 10 a.m. worship services are live-streamed on Sundays on our website or on YouTube UMC St. Mark's AZ. You can also watch the service at a later time. 

January Messenger is available here.

Office Hours – 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Mon-Thurs, closed Friday - Sunday

Staff may be available by appointment at other times; email them using their first name followed by @umcstmarks.org