St. Mark's Weekly E-blast

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

Rev. Deborah Christine

Wednesday, June 25, 2025

Greetings,

This Sunday is a 5^th Sunday! That means that our morning worship is a Family Service. Instead of attending Sunday School, the children and youth will come to church with their families for the entire service. The service will begin with inviting all the children and youth to come forward for a special activity focused on how “Grace Changes Everything!” We will be examining how grace can transform the things in our lives. The children and youth will then be invited to stay up front in an area just in front of the organ and participate in an art activity which they will then share with the congregation at the end of the service.

The sermon will be a three-part exploration of famous people and their transformations. The Apostles Peter and Paul and then John Wesley all had transformative experiences that led them to be our models of faith filled leaders.

You are invited to consider the transformational moments in life, especially where you might see them in this coming week. Come be a part of this special time of worship!

Blessings,

Pastor Deb

Join us TODAY at 11:30 am we will meet in Fellowship Hall to share lunch, have prayer, communion, read scripture, and talk about grace and table fellowship. Sandwiches will be provided, and you are invited to bring something to share*.

*In the spirit of inclusivity, please label homemade items with the ingredients used, paying special attention to commonly known allergens. With store-bought items, please keep the ingredients list with the item. If you have questions about this, please call the office at 520-297-2062.

The monthly St Mark's UMC Veterans Breakfast gathering is set for Friday, June 27 at Cracker Barrel Restaurant in Marana from 8:30-10:00 AM.

This is an informal group which meets to chat, share, and eat; no business is conducted.

The office will be closed July 1-July 4. The staff will be on a planning retreat on the 1st and 2nd. Please email staff if you are in need of anything or you can contact the new Care Line for any care concerns at 520-783-8837

Please help us bless Nash and Estes Elementary students again this year with donations of school supplies. Look for donation tubs at both campuses every Sunday in July. Look in the June & July Messengers for a complete list of requests, and how to make a monetary donation. Thank you!

Town Hall Meeting on Sunday, June 29 at 3 pm in the sanctuary. We will be discussing solar options. All are invited to join us. Unable to join us in person? Click here to join us on Zoom

Join us on Monday, June 30 at Transplant Pizza at River and La Cholla at 6 pm for food. drinks, and great conversation.

July

July is Peanut Butter Party month at the ICS Foodbank. Please bring jars on Sundays or to the North parking lot on Saturdays, 10:00—11:00 AM. St. Mark’s goal is to win the fourth straight trophy for the most jars. Additionally, please bring non-perishable food items (soup, cereal, pasta & sauce). Give generously, the number of families needing food assistance is increasing while the amount of contributions is hardly keeping up with the demand.

Registration is now open for Summer Camp! Visit HERE to register your student and EMAIL Jane to volunteer as an adult!

From Church and Society

This week in history...

The Stonewall Inn was the site of the 1969 riots, beginning on June 28. The riots were triggered by a police raid on the gay bar. This was at a time when gay men and women too often faced discrimination and violence during these frequent raids. During the raid on June 28, LGBTQ+ patrons and members of the local community had reached a tipping point and fought back, leading to six days of protests and clashes. Stonewall Inn became a powerful symbol of LGBTQ+ resilience, representing the determination of the LGBTQ+ community to fight for their rights. Each June, Gay Pride events are held all over the world to remember these brave men and women.

Protect Medicaid/AHCCCS

Church and Society invites you to become informed and speak up as Congress considers voting on a bill that will affect Medicaid and AHCCS. They intend to vote prior to July 4th. We believe these cuts don't reflect our Christian understanding of loving our neighbor. Pima County Interfaith Council shares that under the proposed cuts:

An estimated 376,000 Arizonans on AHCCCS could lose coverage
191,000 Arizonans including children are at risk of losing food assistance through changes to SNAP
Potentially 300,000 lost jobs in Arizona alone
An estimated 100,000 Arizonans can’t afford higher premiums.

Call or write your officials to make your voice heard.

Senator Mark Kelly, (520) 475-5177) LINK

Senator Ruben Gallego, (520-777-0400) LINK

CD6: Congressman Juan Ciscomani, (520) 881-3588; LINK

SUNDAY WORSHIP SCHEDULE

8:30 and 10 am Traditional service in Magee Campus sanctuary and child care in Rm 15

10 am Modern service at Sanctuary Campus with Children's Sunday School and childcare

10 am Magee Campus youth and children's Sunday School (except fifth Sundays) and child care

The 10 am worship service on the Magee Campus is 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.

The June Messenger is available HERE!

Office Hours – 9 am to 3 pm Mon-Thurs, closed Friday - Sunday

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