St. Mark's Weekly E-blast

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

You’re Invited: A Weekend of Joy, Worship, and Community at St. Mark’s

This weekend is shaping up to be one of joyful connection and celebration at St. Mark’s—and you’re invited to be part of it all!

We begin the weekend by celebrating one of our youngest members: Pastor Tu’ulau’s son Timote, who turns one! In the Tongan community, a child’s first birthday is a major celebration, often marked with food, music, dancing, and deep expressions of gratitude to God and family. All are welcome to join in this joyful event, as we honor this milestone and experience the warmth and richness of Tongan hospitality together. No gifts are necessary— come join the celebration!

On Saturday, bring the kids for our annual Easter Event, filled with games, crafts, and an egg hunt—fun for all ages and a perfect opportunity to connect with other families in the spirit of Easter joy.

The same morning (note the corrected time!), experience the beauty of Harp in the Garden, a peaceful and inspiring time of music and reflection in the sanctuary of nature. It’s a gentle reminder of God’s presence in all things.

We’re also excited to celebrate the reopening of the Wesley House! After over a year of renovation following the fire in 2023, we’ll host an Open House to see the restored space and dream together about the ministry it will continue to support.

And don’t miss Palm Sunday worship as we begin Holy Week together. The Chancel Choir will offer a powerful cantata in our traditional services on the Magee Campus, followed by our Modern worship service at 11:30. Worship at Sanctuary has been advertised to thousands of people, as we officially kick off worship in our new space at Coyote Trail Elementary School. After the service, we’ll gather for a church-wide potluck—a time to share food, stories, and fellowship. Bring a dish or just show up!

Each of these events invites us to live out our mission: We gather, connect, and serve so all may experience the love of Christ. Whether through celebration, service, worship, or shared meals, this weekend is a beautiful expression of who we are as a church.

Come, be part of it!

— Pastors and staff of St. Mark's

Need a mid-week pick-me-up? Want a meal you don't have to cook, paired with friends to talk with? Join us at Soul Station!

Dinner this week will be Lentil Potato Soup, homemade bread and salad; serving begins at 5:30 pm. The program begins with prayer and communion at 6 pm in person or online.

Prefer to join us online? Use the zoom link below. Bring your own communion elements!

https://dscumc.zoom.us/j/81074485416?pwd=QBaxQm2tB3AhW9ot1aSqW6ov2WOlhe.1

Meeting ID: 810 7448 5416

Passcode: 016308

Order your Easter flowers now. We will decorate both campuses for Easter with flowers. The order form is on the pink envelopes in the lobby or order online at https://umcstmarks.breezechms.com/form/flowers38. This year you can order hydrangeas for $17 or tulips or daffodils for $8.

The Nash Neighbors committee has led and introduced many successful projects that have strengthened and grown the partnership between St. Mark's and Nash Elementary School. The Nash Neighbors committee is seeking additional members to lead existing projects and to develop and create new ones for the future.

As a committee member your time will not be spent in meetings, but rather in developing and leading projects such as coordinating classroom volunteers, the monthly School Market (food pantry), School Supplies, Christmas gift card collection, Buddy Packs and our annual staff brunch.

In particular, the annual School Supplies project is in need of a new project leader to coordinate the purchase, organization and distribution of the supplies.

Please consider joining the Nash Neighbors committee, now in its 23rd year, to help continue providing vitally needed services and support to the EC Nash Elementary School community.

For more information, please contact Carol Cecilia (carolcecilia@comcast.net).

Please join us for "On Your Mark's Walking Group"! We will meet on Friday, April 11 at 9:15 am in the North parking lot of Magee Campus. Bring water, sunglasses, hat, sunscreen. Plan 3 hours, (includes travel time) for 3 miles. Walking in all weather. Contact Cheri Schwartz 602-320-2152

As you are aware, St. Mark’s is a sponsor for April’s TiHAN POZ CAFE. This is an opportunity for HANDS-ON MINISTRY! On April 17th volunteers are needed to fill Care Packages and/or set-up and serve at the Cafe itself. Everything is happening at Our Saviour’s Lutheran Church near Campbell & Speedway. 7:30 AM—9:30 am—Packing Care Packages 9:30-1:30—Setting up, serving, table conversation, Bingo & Raffle, dining, laughing and clean-up! Do good and send them off smiling!! For questions & to volunteer call Pat @ 520-429-4453 or email.

And a big THANK YOU!! to everyone who generously donated for our Poz Cafe Care Packages.

Women’s Retreat- May 17 from 10 am to 2 pm

Welcome to God's Kin-dom

Join us for an opportunity to deepen our understanding of what it means to live under God’s sovereignty. We will discover healthier ways to engage in community and grow individually by anchoring ourselves in God’s love and guidance. Through study, discussion, and hands-on activities, we will cultivate openness and compassion for all of God’s Kin-dom. You will leave this retreat with a renewed sense of community, a stronger awareness of your identity as a Child of God, and a refreshed spirit for your faith journey.

Presented by United Women in Faith

From your Church and Society Committee

Civil rights activist and 2017 Women’s March organizer Arab American Linda Sarsour: “Dissent is the highest form of patriotism, and I intend to continue to push my country to respect the rights of all of its citizens. I will not be silenced.”

- Church and Society

On our website you will find a devotion for Arab American Heritage month and ideas for things to do in Tucson, check it out at: https://www.umcstmarks.org/racial-equity/

Holy week begins on Sunday, take time next week to do a labyrinth walk in our Meditation Gardens. We invite you to bring a hand held cross and look for our new guides. - 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

11:30 am Modern service at the Magee Campus

The 10 am and 11:30 am worship services on the Magee Campus 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.

The April 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