Upcoming@St. Mark's december 2019 - St Mark's United Methodist Church
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december 2019
upcoming@St. Mark’s
the monthly newsletter of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church
ADVENT DREAMS, ADVENT ACTIONS
Waiting is not an easy thing for us to do. The late Henri Nouwen, a Dutch priest and theologian
who lived and taught in the United States, was a keen observer of our western culture. He wrote.
“Waiting is not very popular. In fact, most people consider waiting to be a waste of time. The culture
says, ‘Get going! Do something! Don’t just sit there and wait.’ ”
Yet, Advent is a time of waiting. In it, we wait for the profound thing to happen. We wait for the
Christ child to be born, and to bring the hopes of all nations to pass. As we wait, as we are called
to do, something happens within us. We begin to dream of the world as God intended it to be.
We begin to imagine that our lives might be part of the way the Reign of God comes to the world.
And so, we dream. Dreaming is most powerful when we allow our dreams to become actual. During
Advent, our dreams are calling us to take action to make them become concrete in our world.
In worship during the Sundays of Advent, we will consider both: dreams and actions. Through
biblical story and song, through conversation and prayer, through hymns and words and silence, we
will pay attention the dreams arising with in us, and we will ask ourselves what actions we can take
that will help bring the reign of God to the earth. On December 17, there will be a Blue Christmas
service, a time to bring comfort and peace to those having a difficult time during the holiday
season. On Christmas Eve, we will consider the Christmas story in three services, paying attention to
our dreaming, and taking decisive action.
Join with us for these Sundays and other opportunities as we prepare for Christmas, paying attention
to dreaming and to taking sacred action. See the back cover for a list of services and related
Advent events throughout December.
CHRISTMAS EVE AT ST. MARK’S
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24
3:00PM EARLY SERVICE WITH CANDLE LIGHTING
Join us mid-afternoon at 3:00pm in the sanctuary for a service of lessons,
carols, communion and candlelight.
5:30PM CHRISTMAS EVE PAGEANT
Plan to be here for this wonderful service for all ages! It is a special ministry
of our children and youth to share the story of Jesus’ birth on Christmas
Eve. Children and youth will also share special music; the congregation will
sing hymns; the angels will bring good news; the sheep will baa; the cows
will moo; the camels will say whatever camels say; the shepherds will keep
watch; the innkeeper will have no room; the magi will bring gifts. We will
all welcome Mary, Joseph, Baby Jesus (and their donkey). As we end our
celebration, we will light candles as we sing “Silent Night” together.
11:00PM LATE CANDLELIGHT SERVICE
Carols, liturgy, and the story of the very first Christmas as told in Luke’s Gospel
will guide us through the final hour of Christmas Eve and into Christmas
morning. We will all share in the singing of hymns and light candles as we
join our voices in the verses of “Silent Night.”
CHRISTMAS EVE OFFERING
This year, the offering from the three Christmas Eve services will be divided
evenly between The Bishop’s Christmas Offering for Children and an offering
to support building needs and ministries at St. Mark’s United Methodist
Church. The Bishop’s offering supports Indiana Outdoor Camp Ministries,
Children and Youth Homes, and United Methodist ministries which help feed,
clothe, and educate children locally and globally. The offering that supports
building needs and ministries will help us continue to offer hospitable
outreach to many non-profits during the year. It will also help insure that
we will be able to continue our ministries of care, Christian education and
missional connection inside and outside our building. We deeply appreciate
your generosity to these important ministry causes at this special time of year.
upcoming@St. Mark’s -2- december, 2019CHRISTMAS EVE PAGEANT
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24 IN THE SANCTUARY
ALL CHILDREN AND YOUTH ARE INVITED TO BE PART OF
THE PAGEANT. SIGN UP NOW!
It is a special ministry of our children and youth to share the story of Jesus’ birth on Christmas Eve.
We warmly welcome everyone to be a part of this wonderful family friendly service!
All children & youth are invited to be a part of the Christmas Eve Pageant. There are both speaking
and non-speaking parts, with roles being age appropriate and matching the interest of the child or
youth. (Children younger than preschool age need to have an adult with them during the pageant.)
Children and youth can also participate by greeting (handing out bulletins), sharing a piece of music
or art, helping to light candles, etc. There are roles for Everyone! Sign up in the Sunday School
hallway, in Garton Hall, or contact Alayna Gray or Mary Beth Morgan. Costumes will be available for
selection on Sunday, December 1 during Advent Night, on Sundays in Advent, or by contacting Mary
Beth at the church office (marybethmorgan@smumc.church, 812-332-5788).
There is one rehearsal on Monday December 23 at 4pm. (If you cannot be there, let us know.) All
interested children and youth (preschool-age through senior high) can participate, including friends,
visiting grandchildren, and other relatives. We look forward to sharing in this great night together!
CHRISTMAS PAGEANT HELP NEEDED!
Regardless of your skill set, the Christmas Eve Pageant needs you!
Please contact Alayna Gray or Mary Beth Morgan if you can help
BEFORE the Pageant:
*Help children/youth choose costumes
*Make simple costume repairs, wash or iron
*Help with simple set-up of Sanctuary
*Go shopping for needed items
DURING the Rehearsal and Pageant:
*Be an adult helper for a group of pageant participants
(angels, shepherds, manger animals, magi, main speaking parts, greeters,
candle lighters, etc.)
*Serve as an usher during the pageant, helping everyone find a seat.
AFTER the Pageant:
*Help reset the Sanctuary or collect costumes.
upcoming@St. Mark’s -3- december, 2019AN UPDATE
FROM THE STEWARDSHIP TEAM
Thank you to those who have returned your pledge card as part of
the “Embracing our Mission and Our Future” Stewardship campaign
for the 2020 calendar year. The St. Mark’s Stewardship team had
asked that pledge cards be returned at your earliest convenience. We
realize that many of you will need longer to discern what your giving
will be for the coming year. The Stewardship Committee relies on that
information to work to finalize the budget.
As most of you know, the material you received asked for two
primary pledges. In the pledge to the budget, we include staff
salaries, building maintenance, office expense, and many of our
ministries. In the capital funding component of the pledge, we seek
to fund capital project such as building repair, projects of innovation, and to reduce our debt. To date,
we have received to the Operating Budget 124 pledges for $470,534.12. To Capital Improvements,
we have received 73 pledges for $71,550.96. Thank you for your continuing faithfulness and
commitment to the ministry of the St. Mark’s United Methodist Church.
CHRISTMAS OFFERING FOR ST. MARK’S UMC
“From the heart, it has come; to the heart, it shall go,” is an inscription Beethoven included on one of
his works. These words are an apt description of the deep generosity and connection of the St. Mark’s
Community. When we asked you to pledge this season, you responded deeply. Now we are asking
you to consider a special Christmas Offering to our church. Several factors, and especially the costs of
building repairs this year, have challenged us in 2019. A Christmas gift to St. Mark’s will help support
building needs, enabling us to offer our hospitable outreach in our building to many non-profits
during the year. It will also help insure that we will be able to continue our ministries of care, Christian
education and missional connection inside and outside our building. We deeply appreciate your
consideration of St. Mark’s during the Christmas season.
Year-End Contributions
Please have all year-end contributions to the church office or offering plate by Sunday, December
29, 2019 (or postmarked by Tuesday, December 31, 2019) in order to be recorded as charitable
contributions for the 2020 tax year.
upcoming@St. Mark’s -4- december, 2019ADDITIONAL TAX ADVANTAGES FOR
A NOTE FROM THE ENDOWMENT AND STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEES
Hurlow Wealth Management, who manages the church’s endowment fund, has provided
the following information regarding tax advantages for giving to charitable organizations.
The article also includes methods for donating appreciated stock and your Required Minimum
Distribution (RMD).
1. CONSIDER GIFTING APPRECIATED STOCK INSTEAD OF CASH
Cash gifts and stock gifts both allow you to take a charitable income tax deduction. When you
gift long term appreciated stock to a charitable organization, you receive an additional tax
benefit, because you avoid paying tax on the “built-in” capital gain for your stock. If you were
to sell an appreciated stock, you would have to pay capital gains tax. The capital gains tax
rate ranges from 15% - 23.8% (as of this writing), depending on your income. However, if you
were to gift the stock directly to St. Mark’s, you could avoid the capital gain all together and
an additional tax deduction for the donation. Even better, St Mark’s is able to sell the stock
without having to pay capital gains tax.
2. IF YOU ARE OVER AGE 70-1/2 AND ARE REQUIRED TO TAKE MONEY OUT OF YOUR
IRA EACH YEAR, YOU SHOULD READ THIS.
Did you know that instead of taking your yearly Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) from
your IRA and paying tax on it, you could give it directly from your IRA to the church or other
charities? The benefit is that the donation counts as your required minimum distribution but
doesn’t increase your adjusted gross income, which can be a great benefit if you don’t itemize
and can’t deduct charitable contributions. In addition, keeping some or all of your RMD out
of your adjusted gross income could help you avoid the Medicare high-income surcharge or
help make less of your Social Security benefits taxable. (You can’t double-dip tax breaks and
deduct the charitable contribution if you make the tax-free transfer to charity.)
The money needs to be transferred directly from the IRA to the charity in order to be tax-free.
If you withdraw it from the IRA first and then give it to the charity, you can deduct the gift as
a charitable contribution (if you itemize), but the withdrawal will be included in your adjusted
gross income. To make such a transfer, contact the financial institution that handles your IRA
and tell them that you want all or part of your Required Minimum Distribution (RMD) to be
sent directly to the church or qualified non-profit of your choice.
If you have any questions or need help with either of these methods of giving, please
feel free to reach out to John C. Hurlow, Hurlow Wealth Management Group www.
hurlowwealth.com 812-333-4726 jhurlow@hurlowwealth.com.
upcoming@St. Mark’s -5- december, 2019DECEMBER EVENTS
BRING ITEMS “MUSH” CHRISTMAS TREES
NOW Multiple MUSH trees can be found throughout St. Mark’s: in the Sanctuary,
in Garton Hall, and in the Nursery School & Kindergarten Hallway. You are
THROUGH
encouraged to bring in new Mittens, Underwear, Socks, and Hats for children
CHRISTMAS and adults in need of these items. You are welcome to hang hats, mittens,
EVE and gloves on the trees. Place socks and underwear under the trees. Items will
be donated to Monroe County United Ministries.
SUNDAY ADVENT NIGHT AND HANGING OF THE GREENS
DECEMBER 1, This is a wonderful evening for all ages as we enter the Advent season. We
5:00-7:00PM begin by sharing a simple (turkey-free) meal, and then we gather in the
sanctuary to sing some favorite Christmas songs. Individual and families can
then choose to decorate the church, go to Room 8 for crafts and Christmas-
themed activities, or meet with Aaron in the music room. Children and youth
can also sign up for the Christmas Eve Pageant and choose a costume that
evening. All of our activities are child-friendly, but we do ask that a parent or
other adult accompany children as they explore the wonder of this season. All
are welcome!
WEDNESDAY, FORUM DINNER & CHRISTMAS MUSIC PROGRAM
DECEMBER 4 (APPETIZERS AT 5:00, DINNER AT 5:30, PROGRAM AT 6:15)
Reservations needed by December 1.
You will not want to miss this very special program of Christmas music
presented by Daniel and Heather Narducci, which will begin at approximately
6:15. Before that, appetizers will be available at 5:00 PM, and dinner will be
served at 5:30 PM. The meal is being catered by Bucceto’s. Please make your
reservation by December 1 on a sign-up sheet in Garton Hall, or call the
church office and leave a message on 12/1. The cost of the dinner is $15
per person due in advance. Make checks payable to St. Mark’s UMC with
“December Forum” on the memo line. We look forward to seeing you at this
great event.
SATURDAY, UNITED METHODIST WOMEN’S COOKIE SHOPPE
DECEMBER 7 Sales of cookies and candy will be 8am-Noon on December 7 & also from
(8AM-12PM) 9:30am-Noon on December 8. For best selection, variety, and quantity, plan
& SUNDAY, to shop on Saturday morning. Cookies and candies are sold by weight at $15
DECEMBER 8 per pound. Free gift boxes and ribbon are provided. All proceeds go to local
(9:30AM-12PM), and global missions.
ROOM 8
upcoming@St. Mark’s -6- december, 2019DECEMBER EVENTS
SATURDAY, GETTING READY FOR CHRISTMAS &
DECEMBER 7 OTHER WINTER HOLIDAYS
(10AM-12PM), ALL CHILDREN AND FAMILIES ARE WARMLY WELCOME!
INVITE FRIENDS & NEIGHBORS.
GARTON Join us for a morning of arts and craft activities hosted by St. Mark’s Nursery
HALL School and Kindergarten. With a focus on re-using and re-purposing
materials, the crafts are geared toward preschool and primary-age children.
The crafts include make-and-take holiday decorations and gifts that can be
given to parents, grandparents and other special people in children’s lives.
This free event is open to all, regardless of your faith and home culture, so
please invite your friends and family.
STARTING CHRISTMAS TRAINS ARE RETURNING TO ST. MARK’S!
SUNDAY, We are excited to announce that Rev. Robert Sharp and the Bloomington
DECEMBER 8, Model Railroad group have again agreed to set up a Christmas Village
complete with an ON 30 operating Christmas train! The village will be
IN ROOM 12 a traditional 1950 vintage town with a winter theme. The layout will
be open and running in Room 12 before and after church on Sunday
mornings beginning December 8. Other viewing times can be arranged by
appointment. For more information, or if you would like to be a host for train
presentations, call or email the church office.
SATURDAY, ST. MARK’S WOMEN’S CHRISTMAS BREAKFAST
Please join us for the 4th Annual Women’s Christmas Brunch. Enjoy breakfast,
DECEMBER
the Christmas story, and Christmas carols in Garton Hall. All women are
14, 9:30AM, welcome. Please RSVP by Tuesday, December 10 by contacting the church
IN GARTON office, Nina Taylor or Linda Crawford. We don’t want anyone to go hungry!
HALL
upcoming@St. Mark’s -7- december, 2019DECEMBER EVENTS
MONDAY BLOOMINGTON CHAMBER SINGERS
DEC 10 MESSIAH SING-ALONG
TCome sing-along with Bloomington Chamber Singers to Handel’s MESSIAH.
7:00PM
A limited number of musical scores are available to use. Bring your own music
if you can. Admission is FREE. You are invited to bring a canned good as a
contribution to the Hoosier Hills Food Bank.
MONDAY, PUB THEOLOGY
DECEMBER Pub Theology provides a place to relax with food and beverage and a fun
16, group of thinking disciples to talk a little theology. This month, appropriately
for the Advent/Christmas season, the articles concern diverse understandings
6:30-8:00 PM of the birth narratives of Jesus. One article, from progressive writers John
Dominic Crossan and Marcus Borg, is titled, “The Political Meaning of the
Nativity.” The other article is written by the Evangelical Scholar N.T. Wright,
and is titled, “Suspending Skepticism: History and the Virgin Birth”. You may
contact Jimmy Moore at jimmymoore@smumc.church for a Word copy of
the readings. There will also be copies on the registration desk at church. We
would love for you to join us at Avers Pizza East on December16 at 6:30.
TUESDAY, BLUE CHRISTMAS SERVICE OF COMFORT AND HEALING
DECEMBER The holiday season, a joyful time for so many, can be very challenging for
others. In this time of joy, many of us are poignantly reminded of times of
17, 7:00PM, sadness and loss. We realize that many of the things for which we hope and
SANCTUARY pray have yet to become reality. You are invited to join us in the sanctuary
for a Blue Christmas service of Comfort and Healing sponsored by the
Care Ministries of St Mark’s United Methodist Church. Blue Christmas is a
contemplative service with carols, readings, reflections, and candle lighting.
Everyone is welcome; we hope to see you.
SUNDAY, CHRISTMAS CAROLING
DECEMBER ALL AGES AND VOICES ARE WELCOME!
Would you enjoy being a part of a Christmas Caroling event for all ages this
22, Advent? Come with us on a caroling adventure led by Heather Narducci and
3:30-5:30PM the Care Choir on Sunday afternoon, December 22. We’ll meet at church at
3:30 to “warm up our voices”, and then carpool to our caroling destinations.
All voices are welcome, and children are especially invited. Come be a part of
spreading Christmas cheer.
upcoming@St. Mark’s -8- december, 2019LOOKING AHEAD TO JANUARY, 2019 MONDAY, JANUARY 20, 8:30AM – 11:00AM DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. DAY OF SERVICE Remember Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. through acts of service with others. St. Mark’s invites all ages to participate in our day of service opportunities in collaboration with other faith communities and non-profits. The day begins with a light breakfast at St. Mark’s followed by two hours of volunteer opportunities. Participants can choose volunteer options in the community or at St. Mark’s. More information and volunteer options will be available in early January. If you can help to plan and organize this great day, please contact Mary Beth Morgan. upcoming@St. Mark’s -9- december, 2019
SMALL GROUPS
ST. MARK’S QUILTERS AND CRAFTERS
WEDNESDAYS, 1:00PM-3:00PM, ROOM 10
ST. MARK’S (Not meeting on Christmas Day or New Year’s Day)
QUILTERS Bring your quilting or crafts to Room 10 and spend time with others who
enjoy these activities.
AND
CRAFTERS All skill levels are welcome and encouraged to attend. Contact Patti Wright,
or the church office, with questions.
SHOEBOX PROJECT
NO DECEMBER MEETING; DONATIONS WELCOME!
The Shoebox Project of St. Mark’s assembles shoeboxes filled with hygiene
products and toys for kids. The shoeboxes are donated to local agencies
SHOEBOX
such as Middle Way House and Monroe County United Ministries. We are
PROJECT always in need of washcloths, combs, toothbrushes, toothpaste, small toys,
coloring books, hotel soaps/ shampoos, pencils, crayons, etc. You can place
your donations any time in the basket in Garton Hall located beneath the
United Methodist Women bulletin board.
WOMEN OF WONDER AND FAITH
EACH THURSDAY, 11:30AM, ROOM 10
WOMEN OF On December 5 & 12, Women of Wonder and Faith will meet in Room
10 to watch a DVD series Uppity Women of the Bible by Lisa Wolfe, PhD.
WONDER On December 19 in Room 8, Women of Wonder and Faith will enjoy a
AND FAITH luncheon gathering. If you are interested in joining us as we move along
our faith journey together, building valuable friendships as we support each
other through life’s many challenges and joys, please contact Maria Schmidt.
HANDBELL RINGERS
THURSDAYS, 6:15-7:15PM, SANCTUARY
The handbell choir rehearses each Thursday evening for one hour and
HANDBELL plays in worship one or two Sundays each month. New or experienced
RINGERS ringers are invited to join at any rehearsal. If you can count to four, you can
probably enjoy playing handbells. Experience the fellowship with other
ringers and the many benefits of playing music. For more information,
contact Gerry Sousa, Director of Music Ministries.
CALL OR EMAIL THE CHURCH OFFICE FOR GROUP LEADER CONTACT INFORMATION.
upcoming@St. Mark’s - 10 - december, 2019SMALL GROUPS
CHANCEL CHOIR
THURSDAYS, 7:30PM, CHOIR ROOM
CHANCEL The chancel choir rehearses each Thursday evening for one hour and sings in
CHOIR 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.
CONVERSATIONS ON LIFE MEN’S GROUP
CONVERSATIONS EVERY FRIDAY, 1:00PM, ROOM 15
The men’s discussion group known as Conversations on Life meets at 1:00pm
ON LIFE each Friday in Room 15 at St. Mark’s UMC. In December, this group will continue
MEN’S GROUP discussions based on the Great Courses lecture series on the Holy Land by Dr. Jodi
Magness. Visitors are always welcomed. Facilitator: Bob Rimstidt
CONFIRMATION MEETING
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 11:30 AM, ROOM 10
All confirmands and parents (or other important adults) are invited to attend a
CONFIRMATION lunch conversation immediately after church on Sunday, December 8. We will have
MEETING a light lunch at the beginning of the session. During the session, we will discuss the
role of mentorship in the confirmation process. We hope to see you all confirmands
and parents then. If you have questions, contact Mary Beth Morgan or Jimmy
Moore.
CARING ABOUT THOSE IN THE JUSTICE SYSTEM
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8, 11:30AM, ROOM 15
CARING ABOUT The purpose of this group is to provide a safe, caring, and supportive space to
exchange the challenges of having someone involved in the justice system. It
THOSE IN THE will offer opportunities to exchange ideas of how to take care of ourselves and
JUSTICE SYSTEM minimize down times. We can also work toward positivity and enjoy our time
together. Suzie Rimstidt is convening this group. Please contact Suzie Rimstidt or
the church office for more information.
CHRONIC ILLNESS SUPPORT GROUP
MONDAYS, DECEMBER 9 & 23, 7:00PM, R00M 12
CHRONIC (EVERY OTHER MONDAY)
This spiritual support group for patients facing cancer or other chronic diseases,
ILLNESS along with family members and caregivers, will focus on spiritual support with a
SUPPORT Christian and Methodist approach. Our goal is to help each of us thrive on the days
GROUP we can ... and survive on the days we are not sure we can. And, do all of that in
faith. Meetings will take place every other Monday. Group facilitators are Dr. Brandt
Ludlow and Craig Stewart.
CALL OR EMAIL THE CHURCH OFFICE FOR GROUP LEADER CONTACT INFORMATION.
upcoming@St. Mark’s - 11 - december, 2019SMALL GROUPS
PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
PRAYER TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 6:30PM
Prayer Shawl Ministry meets once a month, on the second Tuesday at
SHAWL 6:30pm. We invite those who knit or crochet to help provide prayer shawls
MINISTRY for those experiencing grief, change, and life joys. We also make baptism
blankets and special projects..
BUDDIES OF ST. FRANCIS
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 5:30PM, ROOM 15
BUDDIES Buddies of St. Francis is a small group experience for those who love animals
OF and believe that our spirituality is enhanced by their presence in the world
ST. FRANCIS and in our lives. This humans-only gathering will be a time to share stories,
reflect, and consider opportunities for advocacy. Join us. All are welcome.
Contact Jimmy Moore for more information.
FOOD FOR THOUGHT BOOK DISCUSSION
FOOD FOR GROUPS
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 7PM at BELL TRACE
THOUGHT OR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 11AM at REDBUD HILLS
BOOK For women participating in the United Methodist Women’s book
DISCUSSION discussions, the next book to read is TILLY by Monique Gray Smith. Choose
one of these meeting dates/times: Tuesday, December 10, 7pm at Bell Trace
GROUPS or Friday, December 13, 11am at Redbud Hills Apts. Contact Linda Crawford
or the church office with questions.
MEAL SHARE FOOD REPACK
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11, 5:30PM HOOSIER HILLS FOOD BANK
MEAL SHARE Each month, St. Mark’s volunteers go to Hoosier Hills Food Bank to re-
FOOD REPACK pack donated food for agencies that provide food for families. For more
information, contact Glenda Murray at glmurray@indiana.edu.
UNITED METHODIST WOMEN (UMW)
DECEMBER EVENTS
UNITED UMW SMALL GROUPS
METHODIST TUESDAY, DECEMBER 10, 6:30PM, PARLOR PRAYER
WOMEN SHAWL MINISTRY
(UMW)
UMW EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 9:30AM, ROOM 13
.
upcoming@St. Mark’s - 12 - december, 2019ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
BIBLE BANTER
The Bible Banter class uses the Scripture text for the morning’s sermon as a discussion-starter.
Looking at the passage in its larger context, and sometimes exploring a bit of Bible-writing
history, we offer thoughts on what the morning’s sermon might look like, based on the
Scripture the pastor has selected. We leave time to discuss implications of the Scripture on
our own lives, and often find ourselves delving into topics that wind up far afield from the
morning’s original topic. You are invited to bring some coffee/breakfast from Garton Hall into
Room 11 at 9:30AM and join the conversation.
NOMADS
Nomads is a generally progressive group that uses selected readings to prompt discussions
on issues of faith, spirituality, and/or social justice. All are welcome to join our informal
discussions. *We meet in room 8 at 9:30am. (*On December 8, Nomads will meet in Room
10.)
PILGRIMS
In December, Pilgrims is continuing a series on Gnosticism using a series of video lectures
titled Gnosticism: From Nag Hammadi to the Gospel of Judas, by Dr David Brakke of The Ohio
State University.
The Gnostics all suffered rejection and condemnation from the early orthodox Catholic
Church, but they were profound and made compelling attempts to speak to the human
conditions and exerted a strong influence on the history of Western religion.
December lectures include:
“God in Gnostic Myth”
“Gnosticism on Creation, Sin and Salvation”
“Judas as a Gnostic Tragic Hero”
“Gnostic Bible Stories”
“Gnosticism’s Ritual Pathway”
Pilgrims meets in Room 13 at 9:15AM on Sunday morning. We welcome any and all at any
point in these lectures series for the presentation and resulting discussion.
upcoming@St. Mark’s - 13 - december, 2019OUR REGULAR SUNDAY SCHEDULE
BREAKFAST and MORE 9:00am-10:15am Garton Hall
We share breakfast together with Live
Music, Activities for Children, Fellow-
ship, and More...
ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL
Pilgrims 9:15am Room 12
Nomads 9:15am Room 10
Bible Banter 9:30am Room 11
INFANT & TODDLER CARE 10:15am-11:30am Room 24
(Contact the church office Room 25
if 9:30am care is needed)
SANCTUARY WORSHIP 10:30am Sanctuary
SERVICE
CHILDREN AND YOUTH 10:30am-11:30am (PLEASE NOTE
Room Changes for
SUNDAY SCHOOL 1st-2nd and 3rd-4th
Grade Classes)
Preschool-Kindergarten Room 22
1st and 2nd Grade Room 4
3rd and 4th Grade Room 9
5th and 6th Grade Room 3
7th-12th Grade Room 1
CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES
HOLIDAY SCHEDULE CHANGE: SUNDAY, DECEMBER 29
December 29th is a 5th Sunday. There will no no Children’s or Youth Sunday school that day.
Infant/toddler care will be available, and childcare for children in preschool or kindergarten
will be available for families who wish.
upcoming@St. Mark’s - 14 - december, 2019ST . M A R K ’ S U N I T E D M E T H O D I ST C H U R C H
Pastors Reverend Jimmy Moore
Reverend Mary Beth Morgan
Lay Leaders Andy Cron & Trina Mescher
Director of Children’s Ministries Alayna Gray
Director of Youth Ministries Rodney Long
Director of Music Ministries Gerry Sousa
Children’s and Youth Music Aaron Comforty
Finance Director Natalie LeBeau
Administrative Assistant Claire Schaffer
Custodians Jeff Wyatt,
Terry Hamm
ST. MARK’S NURSERY SCHOOL AND KINDERGARTEN
Director Sierra Roussos
Assistant Director Robin Cole
Office Manager Amy Weger
about upcoming@St. Mark’s
upcoming@St. Mark’s is published each month as an information resource and guide to the activities and events
within and around the St. Mark’s church community. Copies are distributed at the beginning of each month along
with the Sunday worship bulletin. Additional copies are available at the Welcome Center Desk, at the main entrances
to the building, or by contacting the Church Office. An online copy of upcoming@St. Mark’s can be downloaded
from our church website (www.smumc.church).
We welcome articles for publication.
Deadline for submissions for the January, 2020 issue is December 19.
For more information, please contact the church office.2019 ADVENT AND CHRISTMAS AT ST. MARK’S
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 1: THE FIRST SUNDAY OF ADVENT
10:30am: Sanctuary Worship
5pm-7pm: Advent Night & Hanging of the Greens
Light Supper, Activities for Children
Decorating the Sanctuary and Building. All are welcome.
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 8: THE SECOND SUNDAY OF ADVENT
10:30am: Sanctuary Worship
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 15: THE THIRD SUNDAY OF ADVENT
10:30am: Sanctuary Worship
3:00pm: Bloomington Chamber Singers Messiah Sing-Along
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 17
7:00pm: Blue Christmas Service
SUNDAY, DECEMBER 22: THE FOURTH SUNDAY OF ADVENT
10:30am: Sanctuary Worship
3:30pm: All Ages Christmas Caroling
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 24: CHRISTMAS EVE
3:00pm: Early Service with Communion and Candle Lighting
5:30pm: Christmas Pageant and Candle Lighting
11:00pm: Late Service with Candle Lighting
IN OBSERVANCE OF THE CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR’S HOLIDAYS,
THE ST. MARK’S BUILDING WILL BE CLOSED AS FOLLOWS:
Wednesday, December 25-closed
Thursday, December 26-closed
Tuesday, December 31-closed
Wednesday, January 1-closed
There will be no staff members in the building and there will be no events planned at the church. In the event of a pastoral
emergency, please call the church office. More information is provided in the answering machine message.
St. Mark’s United Methodist Church of Bloomington, Indiana
is an inclusive community bringing Christ-like love, healing and hope to all.
We embrace the United Methodist ideal of Open Hearts, Open Minds and Open Doors
by welcoming those of all races, cultures, faith traditions,
sexual orientations, and gender identities.
ST . M A R K ’ S U N I T E D M E T H O D I ST C H U R C H
100 N. S tate R oad 46 B ypass , B loomington , I ndiana 47408
812.332.5788 office@smumc.church www.smumc.churchYou can also read
