The ReMarks

November 19, 2025

The countdown is on. We're just a little over a week away from Thanksgiving! The grocery stores are already in full turkey mode, and somewhere in the distance, you can almost hear the sound of elastic waistbands rejoicing.

As we prepare for tables filled with gratitude, let’s remember that the greatest feast is the one we share in worship and community. Who will you invite to the table?

Luke 21:1-4

Church News

Commitment Sunday &

Stewardship Celebration Lunch

We'll be wrapping up our stewardship season this Sunday, with Rev. Christina Toney-Schmitt, a Provisional Deacon in the North Georgia Conference and Senior Planned Giving Associate at Community Foundation for Greater Atlanta, as our guest preacher.

We will have a Stewardship Celebration Lunch in Wade Hall at 12:30PM. Join us as we share a meal and celebrate the commitment we’ve made to God for 2026!

November 23

12:30-1:30pm

Wade Hall

No Wednesday Night Growth Next Week

There will not be Wednesday night activities on Wednesday, November 26. We will resume Wednesday Night Growth on December 3, 2025.

Financial Update

This report reflects income and expenses through October 31, 2025.

Giving income is down $99,407 (15%) as compared to this time last year. Expenses are up $142,516 (18%) over the same period. The two add up to a deficit of $241,317. The increase in expenses is due, primarily, to an unexpectantly high insurance premium for coverage this year. That expense alone accounted for $96,852 of the expense difference.

As we move into the close of the year, we have a current deficit of $241,317. We encourage everyone of catch up with – or even exceed – their annual pledge if possible.

South Atlanta Christmas Store Toy Drive

Saint Mark is once again participating in the South Atlanta Christmas Store Toy Drive, formerly Pride for Parents.

South Atlanta Christmas Store is a nonprofit organization that collects toys that enables parents to buy their children's gifts at significantly reduced prices. This work provides parents dignity in choosing and purchasing presents for their children. And of course, their children get something they want - it's a win-win for everyone.

We will be receiving toy donations from November 20th through December 7th.

As you purchase toys, please drop them off in our donation bins marked for the Toy Drive or put them under the Christmas trees in the Sanctuary and Chapel. If you prefer to shop online, please use this wish list through Amazon or Target. You can have them shipped directly to the South Atlanta Christmas Store.

Advent Begins

On November 30, we start ‘on the way to Bethlehem’ in both the 9AM or 11AM services. An ‘Advent Season Calendar’ with all of the goings on at Saint Mark during Advent will be available soon.

Upcoming Events

Wednesday Night Growth

Dinner will be a Low Country boil: shrimp, sausage, corn, and potatoes. Served at 5:3opm

Vespers at 6:30PM

Handbell Rehearsal at 6:30PM

Wednesday Night Study will also begin at 6:30pm and will continue on the topic of living generously.

Chancel Choir Rehearsal at 7:30PM

For dinner reservations, please email the Church Office or complete the Attendance Form

The cost of dinner is $10 for those aged 60+ and $11 for those aged 36-59. Young Adults, ages 18-35, receive a complimentary meal paid for by the Young Adult Ministry budget.

November 19

5:30pm

Wade Hall

Service of Healing & Reconciliation

Join us for a sacred time of prayer, reflection, and renewal as we gather for our Healing & Reconciliation service. This service offers space to bring our burdens, seek peace, and experience God’s grace in community. Through scripture, music, and moments of quiet, we will open ourselves to the Spirit’s work of restoration—within us and among us.

Whether you come seeking comfort, forgiveness, or simply a place to breathe deeply, you are welcome here. Together, we will lean into the promise that God makes all things new.

November 2o

12:00 - 1:00pm

The Frances Winship Walters Chapel

Save the Date: Christmas Village Festival

Mark your calendars for a joyful new Christmas experience at Saint Mark! On Friday, December 19 at 6:00 PM, the Terrace will come alive with festive lights, seasonal treats, music, and holiday cheer as we host a Christmas Village Festival for our congregation and the Midtown community.

This will be a warm, welcoming, community-focused evening—inviting friends, neighbors, and families to celebrate the season with us as we go beyond the walls of the church.

More details coming soon!

December 19

6:00pm

Terrace

Blessed Are the Feet: Volunteers Needed

Join us December 20, 2025 at 11AM in Wade Hall for the resurrection of our Blessed Are the Feet Ministry at Saint Mark!

Whether this means you wash feet and pray with those in our community who are the most vulnerable, are a water carrier, or supervise the shoe corner - your presence is precious.

A brief training will be held at 1:30PM on December 6, 2025.

Contact Mike Smith for more information.

Saint Mark Prayer Ministry

Rev. Christy Bandy’s funeral will be in Hawkinsville, GA at Hawkinsville First United Methodist Church November 22nd at 11AM.
Ida Owens, a faithful member of Saint Mark passed away on Friday, November 14. She is survived by her son Dave Owens.
Jackie Jenkins, one of our former Children's Ministers at Saint Mark lost her son Daniel on Saturday, November 15. Please hold Jackie, her husband, Bobby, and their family in your prayers. If you would like contact information for Jackie, please reach out to the Church Office.

Click on the link and head over to the Saint Mark Prayer Ministry page. Please surround these people and their family and friends with your prayers and love.

https://www.stmarkumc.org/prayer-ministry