My oldest flies to college today. His dad is taking him; I’m staying home with our high schooler. Will is headed to Florida Southern College, a United Methodist school in Lakeland, Florida, becoming a second-generation Moccasin. He’ll be just 90 minutes from my parents, aunt, and sister—close enough that it doesn’t feel like he’s gone across the country.

It’s funny to me that Will chose FSC. I’ve never been the type of alum who wears the shirts or attends reunions. In fact, Ron is the one dropping him off because—even after 25 years of trips to Florida—he’s never actually seen the campus!

Many of you have shared how hard it was to drop your kids off. Maybe I’ll feel that later, but right now I’m excited for Will’s next chapter. When it was my turn, I moved into the oldest dorm on campus. This week, Will moves into one of the newest—the Honors dorm. I didn’t have a roommate my first year; Will does. Like me, he’ll eat in the cafeteria, make friends in classes, and dive into extracurriculars.

That’s what I miss about college: the built-in chance to meet new people and try new things. Every semester, every fall, there’s a fresh start. College stretches you—through e-sports, volleyball, waterskiing, or even SCUBA.

The thing is, the church can do that, too. Each Sunday we have a chance to meet new people and try new things. Just last week I chatted with a newcomer from Iowa, hugged a lifelong Tucsonian, welcomed back a choir member who had moved away, and talked with kids about school. Like college, church offers ways to stretch—men’s group, Bunco, book club, and more (and if you’re giving blood, you can take my spot!).

I’m grateful that we’re a place to connect, to grow, and to try new things. So here’s my challenge: next time you walk into a room, greet someone you don’t know before you talk to your friends. You might be the welcome they need. And if you want to put that into practice right away, join us for Grace at the Table today at 11:30 am. It’s a simple way to share food, friendship, and conversation (details are below).

As Will begins his new season of discovery at college, maybe this is a new season for us, too. Let’s take the same invitation: meet new people, try new things, and step boldly into the next chapter—together at the table and beyond.

See you soon

Pastor Lynn

Join us today in the Fellowship Hall at the Magee Campus for lunch, communion, study, and fellowship. Main dish will be provided. Please bring a dish to share (No Nuts please!)

Bible and a Bite is back from it Summer Hiatus!

Join us on Thursdays at 12:30 pm at the home of Chris Shafer. Bring a something to eat and the most current Upper Room for study, prayer, and conversation. Contact the church office if you need the address.

August 24 at 3 pm in the Magee Campus sanctuary.

August is recognized as International Peace Month, a time to reflect on our shared longing for a more just and peaceful world. As part of this global call, we invite you to a special Prayer for Peace service during the week of Ukraine’s Independence Day—a time that holds deep significance for many around the world.

In this service, we will pray for peace in our nation and across the globe—lifting up Ukraine, the Middle East, and all places impacted by violence, war, and division. We will bring our grief, our hopes, and our faith, trusting in the One who hears every cry for peace.

Come and join us as we pause, reflect, and pray together. All are welcome.

Exciting News!!!!!

We have confirmed the dates for our Adults Missions Trip to Chinle, AZ.

We are excited to announce the dates as Oct. 20, 21 and 22, 2025. We will be taking the church van, so space is limited.



If you are interested please contact Karen Berry (see directory).

We will be helping the elders of the Navajo nation for their Thanksgiving holiday. Details will be announced in next month's Messenger as to how you can help.

Racial Equity

St. Mark’s offers a number of special offerings in support of racial equity. St. Mark’s is also committed to racial equity through meaningful action. Here are some ways you might get involved. Volunteer as a teacher or substitute for our wonderfully diverse Sunday School. Lend a hand at Nash Elementary. Join St. Mark’s Church and Society committee. Volunteer at Tucson Refugee Ministry or Interfaith Community Services. Join the mission trip to the Navajo Nation. Become an ‘International Friend’ with a University of Arizona student, or simply take time to connect with one of our five ethnically diverse staff members.

- 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 Monthly Messenger Newsletters are available HERE!

For the Messenger archives, scroll to the bottom of the Messenger Newsletters page.

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