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Dear Saint Mark Family,
The past three weeks have been hard in the life of our church. One member shared with me that Saint Mark has been here before, “but we always bounce back.” I take these words to heart, and I hold them in the trust I have in God’s faithfulness and grace to see us through this time, and to bring us to the place where we will continue doing the life-giving and transformative work we have been chosen and empowered to do.
A few months ago, I shared with you a passage of Scripture I have been praying for you. I will share it again as I have been praying it more frequently these past weeks: “I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation that you may know God [even more], that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which God has called you, the riches of God’s glorious inheritance in the saints, and God’s incomparable great power for us who believe.” Ephesians 1:17-19
I will continue praying this prayer, even as I ask the Lord to encourage our hearts and unite us in love, because with all my heart I am fully convicted that the God who started a good work in you will continue it all the way to the end.
This Sunday we will wrap up our “God in the Movies” sermon series, and Minister Sheila Stephens will be preaching on “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” and what it means to put on our spiritual armor. I invite you to come on out and receive a word for our time, and show your appreciation for her as she winds down her time towards retirement. Our Communion offering this Sunday will go to Murphy Harpst.
Our upcoming series will be the “Character of a Methodist.” This series was planned far in advance, but with all that is happening within our denomination it is important it is for us to understand the fundamentals of being a Methodist.
August 13 Matthew 22:34-40 Loves God Wholeheartedly
August 20 Luke 18:1-8 Prays Without Ceasing
August 27 Matthew 7:21-27 Does the Will of God
September 3 Romans 12:9-21 Does Good to Others
Next week Thursday, August 10, will be “Groovin’ Down in Midtown Community Block Party,” at Peachtree and 4th Streets, from 5-8pm. This is a free joint event by Lutheran Redeemer and supported by Saint Mark that is sponsored by Midtown Alliance. It is a 1970’s theme gathering, featuring live music, food, local vendors, activities for all ages, and an opportunity to connect with our Midtown neighbors. There is still a need for volunteers, so if you are available come on out and help, as we partner together to get to know our Midtown neighbors.
Finally, we need clothing for our Clothes Closet. We have been making a positive impact in the lives of so many of our Breakfast and Supper Clubs guests as they go for interviews, get job offers, or just needing a new pair of trousers or a T-shirt for everyday wear. Your gifts of clothing help them make the transitions to the next level and even protect them in the day to day. Please consider what you can give, because what you give will make a difference in someone’s life.
Saint Mark continue to do the good work God has already begun in and through you.
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