A Message from Pastor Carolyn

A Message from Our Senior Pastor,

Rev. Carolyn Stephens

Friday, February 10, 2023

Dear Saint Mark Family,

Grace and peace be unto you.

Last week I asked you to attend to each other - to make that call when you haven’t seen the other in worship for at least two weeks, to do a check in, to send a care note, to pray for each other. As I stood at the bedside of a member in the hospital today, and the nurse shared with me what the member had told her earlier, I was reminded of the value of the communion of Saints, the importance of the fellowship of believers, and role of the caring community. We may never know how much of a difference we make in someone’s day or life by just picking up the phone and calling them, or visiting them, or sending them a prayer note. Let us care for each other Saint Mark. We need each other.

Let me share a few upcoming opportunities for your attention.

DISCIPLE FAST TRACK BIBLE STUDY | Lent 2023

Only twelve weeks (remote or in person) this spring with 15-30 minutes of daily Bible reading and a weekly meeting...with another 12 weeks in the fall. It is designed for busy people like you. The book for the first session is $17 and scholarships are available. There will be 5 class times offered beginning the first week of lent with different leaders for each class. For more information, please contact Paul Winslow at plwinslow3@gmail.com or call/text 757-646-3278. Please join us! If God is nudging you, it may change your life!

To register your interest, please click here.

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/SMUMCDisciple

I encourage you to watch this video of the testimony of one of the leaders on how the study changed his life: https://vimeo.com/796834371/ecabe0a268

MAKE YOUR MARK DAY - Saturday, February 18th | 9 AM – 1 PM

It is that time again to join with others, as we do a refreshing of our property and grounds.

Join us on Saturday, February 18th as we gather to spruce up our space while enjoying time together. Arrive for breakfast around 8:45 and start making your mark from 9 am to 1 pm, with lunch provided. You will still have time to enjoy your weekend as well as have some fun with your Saint Mark family. We will welcome Mayor Andre’ Dickens to kick off our event this year. To sign up, please visit https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Feb18-Park-MakeYourMarkDay

Holy Land Pilgrimage information Session

Sunday, February 19, 2023 | Noon | Wade Hall

If you are interested in going to the Holy Land with me and other members and friends of Saint Mark, October 10-19, 2023, I invite you to join us Sunday, February 19, 2023, immediately after the 11 AM service, for an information session with the Rev. Dr. Jamie Jenkins in Wade Hall.

Come and hear why this trip will be one of the most moving experiences you will have, as you walk in the places where Jesus walked, and go to the places where he went. You will have the opportunity to ask and have your questions answered, during this session, about journeying to Israel. To download the brochure, click here.

https://www.stmarkumc.org/s/Holy-Land-Journey-with-Pastor-Carolyn.pdf

Finally, I invite you to come out and let us worship God together this Sunday. We will continue our series (Re)Building a Legacy, and we will be focusing on “Staying the Course.”

As I was preparing my sermon this week, I came across an excerpt from the diary of John Wesley, which underscores the importance of staying the course, even in the midst of opposition.

Mr. Wesley wrote:

Sunday, A.M., May 5	Preached in St. Anne's. Was asked not to come back anymore.
Sunday, P.M., May 5	Preached in St. John's. Deacons said, "Get out and stay out."
Sunday, A.M., May 12	Preached in St. Jude's. Can't go back there, either.
Sunday, A.M., May 19	Preached in St. Somebody Else's. Deacons called special meeting and said I couldn't return.
Sunday, P.M., May 19	Preached on street. Kicked off street.
Sunday, A.M., May 26	Preached in meadow. Chased out of meadow as bull was turned loose during service.
Sunday, A.M., June 2	Preached out at the edge of town. Kicked off the highway.
Sunday, P.M., June 2	Afternoon, preached in a pasture. Ten thousand people came out to hear me.