upcoming@st.mark’s
monthly newsletter of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church
WHYCONSIDERBECOMINGAMEMBEROFST.MARK’SUMC?
At St Mark’s United Methodist Church, we believe that faith is a journey best traveled together Whether you're exploring spirituality for the first time, returning after time away, or seeking a deeper connection with God and community, there's a place for you here
Membership is more than a name on a roll it's a commitment to grow,serve,andbelong. It’s about saying “yes” to being part of a community that seeks to live out Christ’s love in real and tangible ways
The BookofDiscipline of The United Methodist Church reminds us that:
“AllpersonswhoarebaptizedandwhoprofesstheChristianfaitharetobewelcomedintothechurch.Membershipinany localchurchofTheUnitedMethodistChurchshallbeopentoallpersonswithoutregardtorace,color,nationalorigin, status,oreconomiccondition.”(¶ 4, Article IV)
This isn’t just a statement it’s a promise. At St. Mark’s, we strive to be a church where everyone is truly welcome. We celebrate diversity, encourage questions, and walk alongside one another through life’s joys and challenges.
Here’swhatmembershipmeansatSt.Mark’s:
Belonging to a supportive spiritual family that prays together, learns together, and serves together.
Growingin faith through worship, small groups, Bible study, and mission opportunities
Makingadifference in our local community and beyond through outreach, justice work, and acts of compassion
Havingavoice in shaping the future of our church and participating in its ministries
If you’ve been attending and feel a tug to go deeper, we invite you to consider becoming a member It’s not about having all the answers it’s about being willing to take the next step in faith
Comeasyouare.Stayasyougrow.Bepartofsomethingbigger.
To learn more about membership, reach out to Pastors Mary Beth or myself, and we welcome you to stay for first PizzawiththePastorsonOctober26 following worship to learn more about St. Mark’s and the membership process.
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!
COFFEE&TEATIME
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.
We look forward to welcoming you to St. Mark's!
our regular sunday schedule
children’s ministries @ st. mark’s
OCTOBERSUNDAYSCHOOL
This month in Sunday School, kids will learn about kindness, sharing, and self-control, with a special opportunity to participate in Children’s Sabbath on October 19. Sunday School is open to all children PreK–6th Grade in Room 22 (PreK–2nd grade) and Room 4 (3rd–6th grade). Nursery care for children birth–3.5 years is offered every Sunday in Room 25. We can’t wait to see your kids this month for learning, fun, and growing together in faith!
10/ 5 – The Dangerous Road: Connecting with Kindness
10/12 – A Basket Full of Love: Sharing
10/19 – No Sunday School: Be part of Children’s Sabbath
10/26 – Who is in Charge?: Self-control
BEPARTOFCHILDREN’SSABBATH2025
Be Part of Children’s Sabbath 2025
On Sunday, October 19, St. Mark’s will join with faith communities across the nation for the 2025 National Observance of Children’s Sabbaths®, a special weekend of worship, education, and action. This year’s theme, Building Beloved Community, reminds us that every child is sacred and that our faith calls us to create a world where all children can thrive in joy, safety, and love. Children and youth of all ages are invited to take part in leading our worship service through reading, music, prayer, art, and more This is a wonderful opportunity to share your gifts and raise a voice of hope and justice for children everywhere
Sign up today using the included QR code to be part of this inspiring day as we join together to build a beloved community for all
PARTICIPATE&DONATETOTRUNKORTREAT2025!
Join us Saturday, November 1 from 2–4 p m in the St Mark’s parking lot for an afternoon of Halloween fun Dress up, bring your friends, and enjoy trunks full of candy, games, and fall fun for all ages! We will also have hot chocolate for all to enjoy
Want to host a trunk? We’d love to have you join in the fun! Scan the QR code to register your trunk and help make this year’s event our best yet.
We’re also collecting nut-free candy and small toys to make sure every child leaves with a smile. Donations can be dropped off in the donation box by the Children’s Ministries bulletin board anytime before October 29th
Mark your calendars and spread the word - this is a community event you won’t want to miss!
youth ministries @ st. mark’s
YOUTHMINISTRIESINOCTOBER
Fall is here, and it’s the perfect season for fun and fellowship! This month, we’ll find our way out of a massive corn-maze, celebrate Children’s & Youth Sabbath, and begin our regular time together at The After Party and Youth Group. Whether you’re out in a field of pumpkins, serving during worship, or just catching up with friends, October is full of ways to connect, laugh, and grow in faith
Saturday, 10/11, 2:00–4:00 PM – Youth @ the Fowler Pumpkin Patch *Carpool departs St Mark’s at 1:30 PM for those who want to use it
Sunday, 10/12, ~11:30 AM – The After Party (Room 1)
Sunday, 10/19, 10:30 AM Worship – Children’s & Youth Sabbath (sign up to serve)
Monday, 10/20, 6:00–8:00 PM – Youth Group @ St. Mark’s (Room 1)
Sunday, 10/26, ~11:30 AM – The After Party (Room 1)
news from the Nursery School and Kindergarten
NURSERYSCHOOLANDKINDERGARTENBOOKFAIR
SEPT17-OCTOBER10FROM8:45AM-12:45PM
The Nursery School and Kindergarten $1 book fair is open in room 11! It will be open every weekday from 8:45-12:45 until October 10 All books are $1 and will support our Play Yard Improvement Fund Please bring cash or check to the Nursery School office
COMEREADINTHENURSERYSCHOOLANDKINDERGARTEN!
Are you interested in coming to read in one of SMNSK classrooms? Book Sharing Volunteers join classrooms for the first hour of the day and get to enjoy the cup-filling experience of being present with kiddos as they explore and read books together The children benefit from connecting with other adults of different ages and demographics, and getting some extra time interacting with books from our school's amazing children's library. Reach out to Kate at director@smnurseryschool.org to volunteer!
DINEANDDONATEATCHIPOTLE
TUESDAYOCTOBER21 FROM4-8PM ST
Join us at Chipotle October 21 from 4p-8p for Dine and Donate! Show this flyer or mention St. Mark's and a portion of your dinner order will go toward the school Play Yard Improvement Fund!
october events
FOODFORTHOUGHT
THURSDAYOCTOBER2ND@1PM
Food for Thought book discussion group will meet in the Sun Room at Bell Trace on Thursday, October 2nd at 1:00 pm. We are currently reading and will discuss TheGiftoftheUnexpected: DiscoveringWhoYouWereMeanttobeWhenLifeGoesoffPlan by Jillian Benfield. For more information, contact Linda Crawford.
SPENCERPRIDE-JOINRECONCILINGMINISTRIESINCELEBRATION!
SATURDAYOCTOBER4TH
Join the Reconciling Ministries Team at Spencer Pride Saturday October 4 and share some St Mark’s Love and Affirmation! You can sign up to help in our booth (extra points if you’d be willing to help with tear down!) at the link in the weekly newsletter!
SOULFEAST
SUNDAYOCTOBER5THAFTERWORSHIP
We’re excited to welcome back Soul Feast. This monthly gathering initially drew inspiration from Marjorie Thompson’s SoulFeast, and may continue with this book for some time, but is open to exploring a variety of Christian spiritual practices of interest to participants If interested, please attend an exploratory meeting in our library after service on October 5th or contact Chris Haynes
HYGIENEBAGASSEMBLYFORFRIEND’SPLACE
MONDAYOCTOBER6TH@9:30AM(UNITEDWOMENINFAITH)
Personal Hygiene Bag assembly for patrons of Friends' Place: We will be filling fabric bags with personal hygiene items as well as pens, notepads and a snack on Monday, October 6th at 9:30 am in Garton Hall Items currently needed include washcloths, personal size lotions and deodorants Please leave your much appreciated donations in the basket in Garton Hall
TRUSTEESMEETING
MONDAYOCTOBER6TH@7PM
After taking a break for Labor Day in September, on October 6 the Trustees will be reviewing the aftermath of the Glenwood drain blockage and the remodeling of the Glenwood kitchen and bathrooms Trustees have email address that can be used to communicate with them for any reason: Trustees@smumc church
september events
ARTJOURNALING
WEDNESDAYOCTOBER8TH@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 In July we will have our usual show and tell, and discuss our work and plans for upcoming art projects
APPALACHIASERVICEPROJECT(ASP)MEETING
WEDNESDAYOCTOBER8 @7PM TH
A meeting for anyone interested in participating in ASP will be held on Wednesday, October 8th, at 7:00pm, at St Mark's UMC in Room 15 We will be participating in the adult year-round program and normally work a week in April During the meeting, we will be answering questions anyone may have and providing required information for interested participants If you have questions, please contact James Thomas.
BLESSINGOFTHEANIMALS
SUNDAYOCTOBER12 @4PM TH
Celebrate the gift of our animal companions with a simple, joy-filled service inspired by St Francis Bring pets on leashes, in carriers, or even photos and stuffed friends for a special blessing We’ll gather on the north lawn (circle drive by Door 5), with the option to receive a drive-through blessing We’ll also take a moment to remember beloved pets who live in our hearts.
HOOSIERHILLSFOODBANKVOLUNTEERDAY
MONDAYOCTOBER13TH@3PM
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 closetoed shoes!
LEADERSHIPCOUNCIL
WEDNESDAYOCTOBER15 @7PM TH
Leadership Council will meet Wednesday, October 15, at 7 pm in Room 8, with a Zoom option available.
september events
GRACEFULSTEPSFALLHIKE
SATURDAYOCTOBER18 @8AM TH
Join us for a beautiful autumn morning at Green’s Bluff Nature Preserve! We’ll meet at 8:00 AM in the Kinser Pike Kroger Parking Lot and carpool to this scenic spot for a 3-mile walk among sandstone bluffs, lush forest, and vibrant fall colors. This moderate trail offers plenty of chances to enjoy crisp fall air and the beauty of Indiana’s changing season. After our hike, we’ll stop at The Caffeinated Cook for refreshments before heading home
Space is limited to 10 hikers contact Patrick in the office or RSVP in Realm to save your spot
COMPASSIONATETHREADS
MONDAYOCTOBER20TH@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.
PUBTHEOLOGY
MONDAYOCTOBER20TH@6:30PM
You’re invited to join us for the next Pub Theology gathering on Monday, October 20th at 6:30 p.m. at Red Lobster. Many folks arrive around 6:00 to get a head start on food and conversation come early if you’d like!
Pub Theology is a relaxed space to share food, fellowship, and meaningful conversation about life, faith, and the world around us The theme and readings for this session are still to come, so stay tuned! Copies will be shared in Realm and available on the information desk in Garton Hall closer to the event We hope you’ll join us for this evening of connection and reflection
SHAPENOTESINGINGDAY
SATURDAYOCTOBER25TH
Mark Your Calendars and Stay tuned for more information about a day of Shape Note Singing right here at St Mark’s in Garton Hall!
EASTCENTRALHEIGHTSCHARGECONFERENCE
SUNDAYOCTOBER26 6PM TH
NORTHVERNONFIRSTUMC,240WPOPLARSTREET, NORTHVERNON,IN,47265,UNITEDSTATES
Pastors
LayLeaders
DirectorofChildren’s andYouthministries
DirectorofMusicMinistries
ReverendJohnhuff ReverendMaryBethMorgan DianLudlow jonathanmichaelsen Madisonsinan
Organist EvelynRohrbach
A/VTech IlzeAkerbergs
Financedirector
Decembersmedley
AdministrativeAssistant PatrickConklin
SocialMedia StephanieConklin
Custodians
Jeffwyatt MattAllen Blakewhite
St.Mark’s NurserySchoolandkindergarten
Director KateMorris
AssistantDirector OfficeManager JulieHammond susiewalker thesearchison
upcoming@st.mark’sispublishedeachmonthasaninformationalresourceandguidetotheactivitiesand eventswithinandaroundtheSt.Mark’schurchcommunity.Copiesaredistributedatthebeginningofeach monthalongwiththeSundayworshipbulletin.AdditionalcopiesareavailableattheWelcomeCenterDesk, atthemainentrancestothebuilding,orbycontactingtheChurchOffice.
ST.MARK’SUNITEDMETHODISTCHURCHOFBLOOMINGTON,INDIANAISANINCLUSIVECOMMUNITYBRINGING CHRIST-LIKELOVE,HEALING,ANDHOPETOALL.
Anonlinecopyofupcoming@st.mark’scanbedownloadedfromourchurchwebsite(www.smumc.church). Wewelcomearticlesforpublication. Deadline for submissions for the November 2025 issue is October 15th FormoreinformationpleasecontactStephanieConklinatStephanieConklin@smumc.church.
WEEMBRACETHEUNITEDMETHODISTIDEALOFOPENHEARTS,OPENMINDSANDOPENDOORSBYWELCOMING THOSEOFALLRACES,CULTURES,FAITHTRADITIONS,SEXUALORIENTATIONS,ANDGENDERIDENTITIES.