St. Mark's Weekly E-blast

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

By Rev. Lynn Bartlow, Lead Pastor

May 14, 2025


Did you know we missed Teacher Appreciation Week? It usually falls during the first full week of May. As the daughter and granddaughter of educators, I know firsthand just how much heart teachers pour into their work—far more than we often see. If you are a teacher (or have ever been one), THANK YOU. It’s never too late to offer your appreciation to the teachers in your life!


As the school year winds down, many of us are feeling all the emotions. My own son is graduating from high school, and like many parents, I’m riding the wave of excitement, sadness, pride, and anticipation. The end of one chapter always leads us into the next.


That’s true for our mission work, too.


Even as we celebrate the end of this school year, we’re already preparing to support our partner school, Nash Elementary, for the next one. Every summer, a small but mighty team from our Nash Neighbors Committee coordinates a school supply drive that directly supports the teachers and students at Nash.


This important work doesn’t happen automatically—it needs a leader.


After several faithful years of organizing this effort, our current School Supply Coordinator has stepped away. That means we’re looking for someone (maybe you?) to step in and carry this ministry forward.


Here’s what the role involves

  • In Spring, gather the wish lists from Nash teachers (already done this year!)
  • Compile the lists into a spreadsheet
  • Communicate needs to the church via email/newsletter (especially in June)
  • Coordinate weekly collection efforts during July
  • Sort donations and fill in gaps by shopping for remaining supplies
  • Deliver the supplies to the school the first week of August


It’s time-intensive in the summer, but then you’re done for the year. Plus, you won’t do it alone—there’s usually a small team involved. We just need someone to take the lead.

Could this be you -

  • You’re organized
  • You like spreadsheets
  • You’re comfortable communicating with others
  • You’re available over the summer
  • You want to make a real impact for teachers and kids


If you’re even a little interested or have questions, let’s talk! This is a concrete way to live out our mission of serving and loving our neighbors

 

Blessings,

Pastor Lynn




Sunday is graduation Sunday!

Please make sure Rachael has your graduate picture and information no later than 9 AM tomorrow, Thursday, May 15. Tell your graduate, we are so proud of them!

May 4

"Everything happens for a reason." hmmmm...BUSTED

May 11

"God helps those who help themselves." Doesn't God help everyone? Our mothers strive to! hmmmm...BUSTED

May 18

On Confirmation and Graduation Sunday we will explore the idea that "God said it, I believe it, that settles it."

May 25

"God won’t give you more than you can handle." Really?!?

June 1

"Love the sinner, hate the sin." There's no connection here to Jordan's last Sunday and special afternoon concert!

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 baked ziti, garlic bread, and Caesar 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

THIS WEEK: Indigenous Season of Learning - We have been giving part of our Thanksgiving offering to support Pascua Yaqui cultural programs. But what do you know about the Yaqui history? Come to Soul Station TODAY to learn more or join us on Zoom this evening, dinner is at 5:30pm, worship/program at 6:00pm. Presentation by Art Ragland.

Did you enjoy the presentation at Soul Station this week? Want to learn more? We will be having a summer book study on David Treuer’s new book, The HEARTBEAT of Wounded Knee. We will meet monthly on Thursdays (6/26, 7/24, and 8/21) at 9:30AM on Zoom. The book is available at the library and new and used copies are available online. Led by Art Ragland.

Arizona families at risk of losing health care. Join the discussion.

Thursday May 15th 6pm - 8:30pm

St. Cyril's of Alexandria Church 4725 E. Pima Street in Tucson

Pima County Interfaith – part of the Arizona Interfaith Network

Register: https://www.pimacountyinterfaith.org/ahcccs_medicaid

Interested in playing Bunco? Join the Mark-a-ritas on May 16th at 2 pm in Room 17/18. Contact Diane Hiratsuka to RSVP by Wednesday, May 14th.

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


 Register here: https://umcstmarks.breezechms.com/form/ClassRegistration0

Upcoming Concerts

May 18 - Neoteric Chamber Singers

June 1-Jordan Shomper Farewell Concert


Look in the May Messenger for more information on these concerts!

Join Us In Honoring Our Soldiers Who Have Gone Before Us.

american_flags_grass.jpg

Join us as we place and remove flags pre-and post Memorial Day to pay tribute to our deceased veterans.  On Saturday, 5/24 at 8 am we will place the flags. On Monday, 5/26, we will remove the flags beginning at 5 pm.

  • No experience is needed. 
  • Veterans' gravestones are easily identifiable. 
  • All flags and ground pokers are provided. We place flags as two-person teams, but you can remove them solo.  

Meet at Evergreen Cemetery, 3015 N. Oracle Road, Tucson. Enter the cemetery at Ft. Lowell off of Oracle Rd. Park in the North cemetery dirt lot. Arrangements can be made to meet at St. Mark's before 7:30 am to carpool. This is an outdoor project; dress and prepare accordingly. When we did this previously, it was a rewarding and meaningful experience. Contact Cheri Schwartz at 602-320-2152.

Sign up now to reserve your spot for our June 1 blood drive. Be A hero and save a life! https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/donation-time?zipSponsor=85704

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!


Register for in person:  Mission u 2025 In Person Event / Desert Southwest Conference

Register for Virtual:  Mission u 2025 Virtual Event | Desert Southwest Conference

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!

“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


From your Church and Society Committee

Robert Lopez, an American of Filipino heritage, is one of only 21 people and the youngest to ever earn the coveted EGOT status (winning Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards). He also is the only one who can claim this honor more than once. Your children or grandchildren will be familiar the song for which he won an Academy Award in 2014  – “Let it Go” from the musical Frozen. 

Check out our devotion for AAPI Heritage month at https://www.umcstmarks.org/racial-equity/ and things to do to celebration on the Heritage Months button!

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 May 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

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