Extend the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. through acts of service with others. All ages are invited to participate in our Day of Service opportunities in collaboration with other faith communities and non-profits. The day begins at 8:30am with a light breakfast at St. Mark’s. Participants can choose from a number of volunteer options at St Mark’s as well as some opportunities out in the community.
For more information about some of the opportunities available, read on! To find out how you can help coordinate this great day contact Mary Beth Morgan or the church office.
sunday@st.mark’s
Join us for Sunday worship at St. Mark's United Methodist Church at 10:30 AM! We are an open and affirming congregation, welcoming everyone with love and acceptance. Our services are a time for spiritual growth, community connection, and heartfelt worship. We especially welcome you to stop in for a cup of coffee and fellowship before worship, or drop in and meet our thoughtful Nomads Adult Sunday School Class Children and Youth are welcome and celebrated in worship and our Sunday School Classes; we also offer infant and toddler care!
Whether you’re a lifelong member or exploring faith for the first time, you’ll find a warm and supportive environment here Experience inspiring music, uplifting messages, compassionate prayer, and the joy of gathering with others in faith
Together, we celebrate diversity and seek to reflect God’s love in all we do Come as you are your presence enriches our community We’d love to have you with us this Sunday! For more information, feel free to reach out or visit our website, www smumc church
This year, we have celebrated St Mark’s seventy years as a church We have invited you to consider the many ways to celebrate the gift that is St Mark’s, and to dream of what our future together can help us achieve
Hopefully, you received a donation packet from the Stewardship Team If not, you may pick one up at church, or let us know, and we’ll send it your way Please prayerfully consider financially supporting the ministry and mission of St Mark’s in two ways First, we invite you to pledge toward the annual budget which supports staff, our growing ministries, building maintenance and more Secondly, we ask you to pledge toward our capital expenses, which will help us keep our facility well maintained and ready for ministry opportunities, and enable us to open our doors to support local non-profits
Please return the card in the envelope enclosed in the packet, or fill out the form online through Realm, our online data base Contact the church office or any member of the Stewardship Team with questions
As of December 18, we have received 95 pledges totaling $ 472,238 to Operating and Ministry Cost Our goal for this year is $600,000 In term of the Capital Giving pledges, to date we have received 56 pledges totaling $ 60,617 Our goal for this year is $85,000
ENDOFTHEYEARGIVING
Year-end contributions can be brought to the church office by Tuesday, December 31, 2024 Staff members will be in the building to accept your year-end gifts Ring the doorbell at the south, east or sanctuary entrances
Contributions can also be dropped in the secure mailbox off the South parking lot, or postmarked by Tuesday, December 31, 2024, to be recorded as charitable contributions for the 2024 tax year
LOAVESANDFISHESFUND
Occasionally, we at St Mark’s are asked to assist with emergency financial needs The resources which allow us to respond to such requests primarily come through our Loaves and Fishes Fund This fund is administered by the staff at the referral from one of our non-profit partners that is seeking to help meet a need The source of these funds is the generosity of the good people of St Mark’s, giving above and beyond their giving to the budget and capital needs of the church We give to this fund during the monthly communion service, but offerings can be designated to the Loaves and Fishes Fund at any time
upcoming@st.mark’s
january, 2025
january events
SOULFEAST
SUNDAYJANUARY5TH@12PM
It is not too late to join us as we move through our experience of reflection and engagement with many spiritual practices In her book, Soul Feast, Marjorie Thompson writes, “The old mystics were fond of saying that we are capax Dei, that is, capable of receiving and embodying divine life ” In this monthly gathering, we’ll explore some of the basic Christian practices such as holy reading, Lectio Divina, confession, meditation, fasting, sabbath keeping, various forms of prayer, and many more In our time together, we seek to understand these practices Our emphasis, however, will be experiencing the practices We’ll invite each other to undertake the one of the spiritual practices during the weeks between sessions.
We meet monthly, and you can bring a light lunch for yourself, if you so choose. Our next meeting is January 5th. For more information, contact Jimmy Moore, or register on Realm.
SHOEBOXPROJECTANDFABRICBAGMINISTRY
MONDAYJANUARY6TH@9:30AM (UNITEDWOMENINFAITH)
Fill fabric bags with personal hygiene items for MCUM patrons. Items currently needed are washcloths, personal sized soaps, razors and deodorant.
TRUSTEESMEETING
MONDAYJANUARY6TH@7PM
Trustees meet in open session the first Monday of every month at 7PM in Rm 8, with a Zoom option available
january events
LIBRARYANDARCHIVESCOMMITTEMEETING
THURSDAYJANUARY9TH@5:30PM
The Library and Archives Committee looks forward to our first meeting of 2025. We’ll discuss our next steps in the library, schedule volunteer workdays, and enjoy some good company while we’re at it. If you’d like to join in the exciting work we’re doing, feel free to join us, or contact Stephanie Conklin or Maria Schmidt for more information.
RECONCILINGMINISTRIESMEETING
SUNDAYJANUARY12TH@11:45AM
You are invited to stay after church on January 12 for the Reconciling Ministries Committee annual planning meeting. Lunch will be available. If you are not currently part of the committee but want to be or just want to find out more about us come to the meeting or contact the church office and they will put you in contact with one of the committee members.
There are theories There is no clear evidence Why did seven families, that owned over 500 acres in Orange County, suddenly sell their land at a loss and leave the Lick Creek Settlement?
Walk this quiet Hoosier National Forest trail south of Paoli, to an isolated cemetery, while pondering their hopes & dream, challenges & fears, as well as their beginnings and endings, and ours What would you do? It's our history Come & learn
DIFFICULTY: Easy to moderate
LENGTH: 7 5 miles
DEPART: St Marks, 8:00 A M
RETURN: Shortly after noon Lunch TBD
Group size limited to 10, due to transportation and parking Contact the church office to be on the list Bring water and a snack
Join your St. Mark's friends in a time of service at the Hoosier Hills Food Bank. Children 10 and older are welcome as volunteers if accompanied by an adult, although some restrictions are in place for their safety. Please note that when participating in any volunteer activity, wear close-toed shoes!
ARTJOURNALING
WEDNESDAYJANUARY15TH@1PM
Most of us have had short-lived attempts at writing a diary or painting a canvas of a special place in our lives But with the help and the encouragement of other beginners, you might just see how combining a few of your words with some simple sketches in a journal book can become a continuing practice which will feed your soul And most journalists find there is fun and good fellowship to be had by sharing journaling ideas with a small group
On Monday, January 20, from 9-11 am, join us in Garton Hall for a special Martin Luther King Jr Day of Service designed for youth, children, and families This meaningful morning will honor Dr King’s legacy through service, creativity, and community connection
The event will offer a variety of free-flow stations where participants can make a difference in simple yet impactful ways Contribute to a handprint cloth, create kindness cards for those who need encouragement, support a food drive, and meet guest readers and “Cool People to Know ” Children will write quotes from Dr King, other leaders, or from themselves on lunchbags for volunteers at My Sister’s Closet, as well as provide lunch items There will also be opportunities to enjoy music as part of the morning’s activities Light breakfast items will also be provided Pleasenotethatadultsupervisionisrequired.
We invite you to be part of this special opportunity to serve and spread kindness as a community. Let’s honor Dr. King’s vision of love and justice together!
JOINUNITEDWOMENINFAITH INCOMMUNITYCARE
Join us as we cut, sew, and possibly fill fabric bags for the patrons of Friends House, a homeless shelter on Rogers Street
We have plenty of fabric and will need people to cut and sew the bags We are also in need of several items to fill the bags women’s deodorant, personal size shampoo and body lotion, combs and washcloths These items can be dropped off any time in the basket in Garton Hall
SERVEINTHELIBRARY
You’re invited to drop in and help the Library and Archives Committee continue our work creating an easy to navigate catalog system for our Library We’re currently color-coding and could use some extra hands to help us affix colored stickers to our books! This is a project that all ages can help with, and everyone is welcome to stop by and do a few stickers!
january events
COMPASSIONATETHREADS
MONDAYJANUARY20TH@11AM
Compassionate Threads is a group of St Mark’s quilters Bring any and all things quilty Feel free to bring your lunch We have outlets and tables for machines and comfy chairs for hand sewing
CaringMinistryteammeeting
Tuesdayjanuary21st@5:30pm
The Caring Ministry team is meeting January 21, 2025 at 5:30 PM in Room 8. Caring Ministry at St. Mark's includes outreach programs such as crisis meals, funeral meals, visitation, and a prayer team at the moment. If you are interested in this type of giving to St. Mark's, please join us!! Also, you are welcome to contact Beckie Jones via realm or reach out to the church office for contact information.
1946FILMSCREENING
SATURDAYJANUARY25TH@1PM
Join us Saturday, January 25th at 1:00 pm in Room 8 to watch 1946: TheMistranslationThatShiftedCulture and stay for discussion after
What if the word “homosexual” was never meant to be in the Bible? This 90 minute feature documentary follows the story of researchers who trace the origins of the anti-gay movement among Christians to a grave mistranslation of the Bible in 1946 The film chronicles the discovery of never-before-seen archives at Yale University which unveil astonishing new revelations, and casts significant doubt on any biblical basis for LGBTQIA+ prejudice Featuring commentary from prominent scholars as well as opposing pastors, including the personal stories of the film’s creators, 1946 is challenging, enlightening, and inspiring
january events
RECONCILINGMINISTRIESCONVERSATIONHOUR
SUNDAYJANUARY26@9:30AM
Prefer to talk to someone in a smaller setting about what Reconciling Ministries is or how to be a part of the group? Representatives from the Reconciling Ministries Committee will be in the St Mark’s Library before church If this is still too many people or you would rather meet one-on-one contact Annette Lemond, Jil Washburn, Mary Beth Morgan or the church office for more information or to set up a meeting
PUBTHEOLOGY
TUESDAYJANUARY28TH@6:30PM
You are invited to join us for another edition of Pub Theology on Tuesday, January 28 at 6:30 PM at Hank’s Pizza Mac. (note the change for this month from Monday to Tuesday.) The restaurant is located at 1285 S College Mall Road. Plan to join us for this gathering for fellowship and theological chatting while enjoying some food and beverages. Many folks show up at 6:00 or even earlier to order food.
The theme of this session is “A Contemporary Methodist Dissident in Hungary.” We’ll reflect on the life and work of Gábor Iványi, whose views and ministry have put him in the crosshairs of Victor Orban’s government. We’ll reflect on his response to Orban, as well as that of some of his contemporaries, and what this means for people of faith seeking to have a public witness in our contemporary world.
You may sign up on Realm to indicate your intention to come, as well as acquire the reading. Copies of the reading will also be available on the information desk in Garton Hall. We hope you are able to join us.
This group meets in the Sun Room at Bell Trace. Read Rough Sleepers by Tracy Kidder (books are available so you don’t need to purchase one) and come and discuss the book. This book is the account of Dr. Jim O’Connell’s urgent mission to bring healing to the Homeless in South Boston. As with all Kidder’s books, you are left feeling inspired to do better. Contact Linda Crawford for more information.
We want to hear from you! Reach out to Stephanie Conklin at StephanieConklin@smumc church with information about your event, group meeting, or service project to be included in the February edition of upcoming@st mark’s Thedeadlinetosubmit toStephaniefortheFebruaryeditionisJanuary15th.
If you have events you know about happening March - December, we want to hear about those, too! The earlier we know, the better we can connect to one another via upcoming@st mark’s, social media, and Realm
upcoming@st.mark’s
january, 2025 -10-
weekly@st.mark’s
ST.MARK’SNEEDLEWORKERS
WEDNESDAYS1-3PM
Bring your quilting or crafts to Room 10 and spend time with others who enjoy these activities. All skill levels are welcome and encouraged to attend Contact Patti Wright or the church office with questions
WOMENOFWONDERANDFAITH
THURSDAYS11AM
Women of Wonder and Faith is a group of journeying disciples sharing conversation with each other around a book study and topics of life Our readings range from current events and social justice, to faith based theology
In addition to reading and discussing, we participate in regular philanthropy for various groups in Bloomington and the surrounding areas If you have any questions, please contact Maria Schmidt or the Church office
CHANCELRINGERSREHEARSAL
THURSDAYS6PM
The handbell choir plays in worship one or two Sundays each month New or experienced ringers are invited to join at any rehearsal If you can count to four, you can probably enjoy playing handbells Experience fellowship with other ringers and the many benefits of playing music
For more information, contact Lois Leong, Handbell Director, or the church office!
weekly@st.mark’s
CHANCELCHOIRREHEARSAL
THURSDAYS7PM
The chancel choir rehearses each Thursday evening from 7-8pm and sings in worship each Sunday as well as for occasional special services during the year. Singers are always welcome to join the choir. No auditions, no pressure, just the joy of making music! For more information, contact Gerry Sousa, Director of Music Ministries.
CONVERSATIONSONLIFE FRIDAYS1PM
This men’s discussion group invites all men to come together for reading and theological reflection. Visitors are always welcomed.
NOMADS
SUNDAYS9:30
The selected readings for this generally progressive group can prompt discussions on issues of faith, spirituality, and/or social justice. Recent authors whose books have been used have included Barbara Brown Taylor, Joan Chittester, and Richard Rohr. All are invited to join us on Sunday mornings. Please contact the church office for more information.
join the adventure: volunteer in children’s ministries!
Ever wonder what it’s like to see faith through the eyes of a child?
Volunteering in children’s ministries is your chance to experience the joy, wonder, and fun of sharing God’s love with our youngest members. Whether you help with Sunday School (even once a month!), Vacation Bible School, or other special events, your time and care make a lasting impact.
This isn’t just about teaching it’s about building relationships When you show up for our kids, you show them they’re valued, loved, and part of a community that believes in them. Those smiles, high-fives, and “aha!” moments? They’re life-changing for them and for you!
No special skills are required just a heart ready to grow and give. Ready to join the adventure? Fill out our online volunteer form via the qr code! Let’s inspire the next generation together! january, 2025 -13- upcoming@st.mark’s
news from the nursery school & kindergarten
St.Mark’sUnitedMethodistChurch
Pastors
LayLeaders
DirectorofChildren’sministries
DirectorofMusicMinistries
Financedirector AdministrativeAssistant Organistandbelldirector Organist
