The ReMarks

August 19, 2026

 
A blue and white name tag on a grey suit jacket

Now when Jesus came into the district of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say that the Son of Man is?” 14 And they said, “Some say John the Baptist but others Elijah and still others Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Messiah,[a] the Son of the living God.” 17 And Jesus answered him, “Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but my Father in heaven. 18 And I tell you, you are Peter,[b] and on this rock[c] I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not prevail against it. 19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven.” 20 Then he sternly ordered the disciples not to tell anyone that he was[d] the Messiah.

What a Homecoming!


Thank you to everyone who helped make August 16 such a special day. So many hands and hearts went into researching our history, gathering photographs and artifacts, designing and installing exhibits, preparing worship, welcoming former clergy and guests, setting up tents, tables and chairs, serving, greeting, photographing, recording, cleaning up, making last-minute runs, and simply asking, “What do you need?”


Thank you to everyone who Dressed Through the Decades, and a special thank you to those who lent their voices to narrate our Through the Glass stained-glass series and helped bring these stories to life.

Much of the work happened quietly behind the scenes over many months, and every contribution mattered. We did it together.


And the celebration continues! Heritage Hall: A Walk Through 150 Years will remain on display until further notice, while the historical archives and artifacts will return to the Archives Room for safekeeping.


Our Through the Glass series also continues, Saint Mark's Altar Kneelers, featuring Mary Murray, premieres next month, and in October, Lee Edwards will help us share the story of our historic Aeolian-Skinner organ.


After all, you can't tell 150 years of stories in one Sunday.


Thank you, Saint Mark. The story continues.


-Eric Jones

Homecoming 150 Coordinator

THE LEGACY CAMPAIGN

As we celebrate 150 years of Saint Mark, we remember generations of people who have opened our doors, offered their gifts, and made Saint Mark a place where people can hear the good news, find welcome, and belong. Homecoming is not only a time to look back with gratitude. It is also a time to take responsibility for carrying the welcome forward.

 

On Sunday, August 16th we launched our Legacy Campaign—a focused $150,000 campaign to replace our Sanctuary Sound System, Secure our Church Campus with dependable key-card access, and restore our Fifth Street Historic Red Doors.

This is not simply about equipment, locks, or wood. It is about ministry: making sure every word, prayer, and song can be heard; making our active campus safer and easier to manage; and preserving the doors that have welcomed generations with the promise, “Welcome Home.”

 

Between now and the last Sunday in October, we will tell the story of each need and invite every household to take part. We ask you to pray, consider a gift above your regular giving, and make your commitment by Sunday, October 4. The campaign will close on Sunday, October 25, before our November stewardship emphasis begins. You may give once or fulfill your commitment over three months. If our 150th year helps you frame your gift, you might consider $150 or $1,500, or even $15,000—or any amount God places on your heart.

Together, we will preserve our legacy, protect our church home, and prepare our ministry for generations to come. Thank you for helping Saint Mark continue to say, “Welcome Home.”

 

Our Grounds are Changing

Many of you have likely noticed there have been some recent and significant changes to our church grounds. Numerous shrubs have been trimmed, some have been removed, weeds have been pulled, accumulated trash and debris has been discarded, mulch has been spread, etc. All this work is intentional and is being done for safety, security, health and beautification purposes. Additionally, this work will help make the maintenance of our grounds more economical and manageable. Much additional work is planned for the upcoming months, and this work will extend into the new year. We’re planning to complete several projects by mid-October in time for Atlanta Gay Pride, and we’re certain this work will help our Saint Mark Pride Sunday celebration be more fabulous than ever.

 

Auditions Are Coming

What if you could step inside one of the most powerful stories of the past century?


The Diary of Anne Frank is coming to the Saint Mark Drama Ministry, and we’re looking for actors ready to bring this unforgettable story to life.


You don’t have to be a seasoned actor. You just need a willingness to learn, a heart for storytelling, and the courage to step into history.


Come audition. Find your character. Tell her story.


Auditions for The Diary of Anne Frank are

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 3, and TUESDAY SEPTEMBER 8 at 7PM on the third floor.


Roles are available for: 4 adult males, 3 adult females, 2 teen females and 1 teen male.

Auditions are open to all.


Come be part of a story the world must never forget.


We also need behind the scenes workers of every kind: stage hands, set builders, painters, technicians, costumers, ushers and much more!


For more information, contact Mike Beecham

 

Through the Glass: 150 Years of Faith at Saint Mark

Suffer Little Children to Come Unto Me stained glass window

As part of our 150th Anniversary Celebration, journey with us through the stories behind Saint Mark’s stained glass windows.


Each week, we’ll feature a different window, exploring its biblical story, symbolism, and the faithful people whose generosity helped shape Saint Mark’s legacy. Narrated by members of our congregation, these short videos are available on YouTube, our social media channels, and in ReMarks each week.


This week’s featured window: Suffer Little Children to Come Unto Me


Click below to watch and begin the journey.

https://stmarkumc.church/Stained-Glass-Windows-3

 

A word from the Drama Ministry

flowers_thankyou8.jpg

The Drama Ministry would like to say a great big THANK YOU to everyone who supported Miracle on Peachtree!


From financial support to setting up chairs, from arranging flowers to working the box office, from making costumes to performing onstage—from the many things seen to the countless things happening behind the scenes—it took many people working many hours to make this production possible.


And thank you to everyone who came to the performance. Your presence, your enthusiasm, and your support meant so much to us.


Miracle on Peachtree was about more than a show. It was about celebrating our rich heritage and honoring the people who came before us—those who served, sacrificed, loved, and helped pave the path we walk today.


We hope everyone who joined us left with a deeper appreciation for the richness of our history and for this special place on this corner we call home.


Thank you for helping us celebrate the miracles of Saint Mark! 

 

Upcoming Events

Celebration of Life

Thomas I. Lawson

There will be a celebration of life service for Thomas I. Lawson today at 11:00 AM in the Chapel. Mr. Lawson was a member of Saint Mark UMC for 15 years. He spent over 30 years as a dedicated pharmacist in Atlanta, and had true passion for music.


All those who knew Thomas are invited to attend.



Today

the Chapel

11:00 AM

 

Crystal Meth Anonymous

Multi-colored silhouettes of people which speech bubbles over their head

Crystal Meth Anonymous is a welcoming fellowship of individuals who gather every Thursday to share their experience, strength, and hope with one another. Group members support each other in overcoming a common struggle and encourage recovery from addiction to crystal meth in a safe, understanding, and supportive environment.


**Adapted with permission of the Grapevine of Alcoholics Anonymous.



August 20

The Gathering Room (second floor of the Education Building)

7:00 PM

 

Celebration of Life

Phil Hulst

Phil Hulst

There will be a celebration of life service for Phil Hulst at 1:00 PM on Saturday. The service will be in the Sanctuary, followed by a reception in Wade Hall.


Phil's passion for helping others shaped a career that included elementary/high school education, college admissions, and service in the central office of the Georgia Department of Education. He was known as a kind, fun, caring person to those who worked with him.


All those who knew Phil are invited to attend.


August 22

the Sanctuary

1:00 PM

 

Grief Support Group

Walk through a season of grief with care, patience, hope, and support. This is a support group for both individual and collective grief. There is no expectation that you have the right words or that you share more than you are ready to share. All you need to do is show up, bring your curiosity, and allow yourself to be surrounded by people offering compassion and understanding.


Scott Boozer is facilitating the group. Mr. Boozer has made a career serving as an internal human resources executive in Fortune 50 companies.


If you are wondering whether this group might be helpful to you, please join us. Meetings will happen on Tuesday evenings.



August 25

The Parlor

6:30 - 8:00 PM

 

Gather in Grace

Next week's gathering will be at The Colonnade, a legendary Atlanta dining institution known for its uniquely eclectic, multi-generational crowd. Next week's gathering will also be the last of the season. Wednesday Night Fellowship will pick back up on September 9th.



Contact Jason Lowery to RSVP or if you have questions.



We look forward to seeing you around the table!



August 26

The Colonnade (1879 Cheshire Bridge Rd NE, Atlanta, GA 30324)

6:00 PM

 

LifeSouth Community Blood Centers

blood-drive

LifeSouth Community Blood Centers will have their mobile blood donation unit set up in the parking lot between the Hadley and Saint Mark this month. Platelet and double red cell donors will receive a $40 e-gift card. and all donors will be gifted a LifeSouth t-shirt! Donors must be 16 or older, weigh at least 110 pounds, and show photo I.D.


16 year old donors must provide written parental permission.



August 30

Saint Mark UMC

9:30 AM - 1:30 PM

Sign Up

 

Saint Mark Prayer Ministry

Press the button to get to the Saint Mark Prayer page.

Those on the list could use your love and prayers.

Want something mentioned in the ReMarks?

Please submit the request to Office@stmarkumc.org one week before you would like it published in the ReMarks.

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Church Office Hours


Monday-Thursday: 9:00AM to 5:00PM

Friday-Sunday: Closed