St. Mark's Weekly E-blast

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

Pastor Tu'ulauena Lolohea

Wednesday, June 11, 2025

As we prepare for Annual Conference this Wednesday, I’ve been reflecting on what this sacred time truly means for us as leaders, pastors, and members of the United Methodist Church—especially here at St. Mark’s UMC in Tucson.

Annual Conference is more than a scheduled gathering—it's a holy moment set apart each year for us to come together as brothers and sisters in Christ. John and Charles Wesley deeply believed in holy conferencing, not only as a means for decision-making but as a way of building up the body of Christ through fellowship, shared vision, and mutual encouragement.

Holy conferencing is about connection. It's about coming together—whether you're serving in the pulpit, in a leadership role, or on a committee—knowing we are united in one purpose: to serve Christ and His Church. It’s a time to share stories, reflect on our ministries, pray together, and listen to the Spirit’s guidance.

Some of my favorite moments are when I run into a pastor who once served St. Mark’s, and we share what’s happening now in the life of the church. It’s a time for gratitude—for the foundations laid by those who came before us—and also a time for encouragement as we continue the work God has called us to do. The same goes for pastors who may now be serving where we once were—we celebrate together the way God continues to move through all of us.

For me, the greatest blessing of Annual Conference is what we bring back home. We return to our churches with renewed energy, fresh ideas, and a Spirit-led fire that fuels our ministry. As John Wesley once said,

"When you're on fire with the Holy Spirit, it doesn't matter how far people are—they will come looking, because they hunger for that spirit of worship."

At St. Mark’s, we have experienced that hunger. We've seen how a Spirit-filled community can touch lives and transform hearts. My prayer is that this Annual Conference will inspire us even more—to keep leading, loving, and serving with boldness and grace.

May this week’s conference be a time of deep renewal for all of us, and may the Spirit we encounter there return with us to Tucson, ready to do amazing things in and through St. Mark’s UMC.

Blessings,

Pastor Tu'ulauena Lolohea

Click the image above or Click Here

Like pizza? Join the Early Childhood Center on Wednesday, June 11 at MOD Pizza at 3780 W Ina Road for pizza. Click here to see the flyer or use the code MODGIVES20 and 20% of your bill will be donated to our ECC

June 14 at 11 am for Bruce Warner

June 15 at 3 pm for Audrey Dawson

June 17 at 2 pm for Virginia Tupper

Hymn Sing Sunday

Sunday, June 15 is Hymn Sing Sunday on the Magee Campus. This day will celebrate the music of the church. We’ll sing many of your favorite hymns and learn about their histories. If you have a favorite hymn that you would like to sing, please email Jane Anderson at jane@umcstmarks.org

“CELTIC TREASURES OF IRELAND” TOUR – April, 2026

Join Rev. Sharon and Art Ragland and others on a “Celtic Treasures of Ireland” tour April 14-23, 2026 through Educational Opportunities. To view the webpage, including brochure and registration information, visit:

Educational Opportunities Tours / Tours · Celtic Treasures of Ireland with Rev. Sharon Ragland, Rev. Doug Handlong and Julie Ragland | April 14, 2026

If you have questions or want more info now, email Sharon at revsragland@gmail.com or call or text at 520-256-7924. Info meetings via zoom and in person will be held soon.

I’d love to have you join me on this tour of Celtic and Christian sites in Ireland.

Rev. Sharon Ragland

This summer, step into the gallery of grace.

We invite you to a new worship series—Grace Changes Everything—where we’ll explore the joy-filled, life-changing messages of Paul’s letters to the Romans and Corinthians. Like walking through a museum, each week we’ll frame one “masterpiece” of grace: stories of welcome, transformation, community, and joy.

Whether you're staying in town through the heat or finding peace in the pause of summer, come celebrate with us as we discover:

The Frame of Grace
Love is the Masterpiece
Strength in the Cracks
and much more...

Sundays beginning June 22

St. Mark’s UMC – both campuses

All ages welcome. All gifts celebrated. All people included.

Grace at the Table

On June 25 and July 16, we will meet in the Fellowship Hall from 11:30am - 1pm to share a meal, have fellowship, prayer, discussion, and communion. The main dish will be provided, and everyone is invited to bring something to share. Join us!

Summer book study: We will meet at 9:30am on Thursdays June 26, July 24, and August 21 to discuss the book The Heartbeat of Wounded Knee by David Treuer. David is a member of the Ojibwe tribe in Minnesota. He covers the history of indigenous people in America up to the present day.

The class will be led by Art Ragland. Register will be available soon at: St. Marks Adult Spiritual Growth and the Zoom link will be sent to you. Parts one and two of the book will be discussed on June 26th.

July

Get ready for an exciting journey with Mission U, formerly known as The School of Christian Missions! This year, we’re diving into the power of Practicing hope. Through immersive, Biblically based learning, you’ll deepen your faith, connect with your community, and experience healing in mind, body, and spirit. Our mission is to show you how to stay hopeful through tough times, find your safe harbor, and grow in your spiritual journey.

Mission U is all about uplifting experiences—enlightening small group discussions, fun activities, and opportunities to learn from one another! Plus, there’s plenty of fellowship, delicious food, and soul-enriching worship services that will leave you feeling refreshed and inspired.

Ready to be a part of something truly transformative? Whether you join us in person from July 17th-19th at St. Mark’s UMC in Tucson or virtually from August 5th-7th on Zoom, we’ve got a spot just for you! The cost is just $75 for in-person or $25 for virtual, with scholarships available from the United Women in Faith Conference as well as your district and possibly your local units if needed. Links are provided below to register.

Don’t miss out—register today and order your book! Have questions? Reach out to me at ladyinsurance@att.net or call 520-904-8258. We can't wait to see you there!

Order your book here: https://uwfaithresources.org/prodDetail.cfm?productID=11781&catid=2526

Lorraine Shaw

Dean, Mission u

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

Highlight of LGBTQ+ Activist Harvey Milk

Harvey Milk was a prominent figure in the gay rights movement. He served in the Navy before becoming an activist and politician, and he was assassinated in 1978 while serving on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. The USNS Harvey Milk, a John Lewis-class oiler, was named in his honor for his fight for LGBTQ+ rights. The Navy also named the ship after Milk because he was one of the first openly gay elected officials in US history. He famously quoted, "If a bullet should enter my brain, let that bullet destroy every closet door in the country." "All men are created equal. No matter how hard they try, they can never erase those words. That is what America is about." Consider watching the award winning Documentary this summer about his impact. Official Trailer

-from Church and Society

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