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Dear Saint Mark Family,
This past Sunday was a wonderful time in worship, at both services. We introduced and installed our new Church Council members and lay leaders of our church. All of these persons have committed to serving Saint Mark, supporting the ministries of our church by their prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. They are a dedicated group of people, who are excited to participate in the good things God is doing now among us and for the future of our church. It was a wonderful time in worship.
Speaking about worship, our choir continues to excel in the music it offers in praise to God each Sunday. This past Sunday, from the procession and anthem to the singing of hymns and the recession - encircling the congregation and closing out worship with “Let There Be Peace on Earth, their gift of music greatly enhanced the entire worship experience. Our Sunday morning worship experience would not be the same without the choir.
I have been told there were almost 100 members in our choir at one point. I have heard stories of how risers had to be added to the choir loft to make room for members. All of that sounds amazing. The good news is that it does not have to be just what it “used to be,” but it can still be a present reality for Saint Mark. Our choir is one of the wonderful ministries of our church in which you can serve. I have heard quite a number of you singing, and you were good, so you are a potential candidate for the choir. You do not have to be a professional singer to join the choir. You just need to be willing to use the gift God has given you to the glory and honor of God. The choir is looking for more members to be a part of its ministry. Will you not join?
Over the past few weeks, I have been thinking about some of the ways we can continue caring for each other as a church family, and one of the ways I think it can be done is through a congregational care ministry. This is a ministry where members write notes and call other members who are sick or homebound, or who have not been in worship for a period of time. This intentional care by members will be in addition to what I, and now Pastor Andy, will continue to do. If you are interested in being a part of the congregational care team, please let me know. You can email or call Robert Gilleo, so that we can add your name to the team. I know this will be a fruitful and thriving ministry of our church.
As we are coming to the close of the first month of the new year, I want to remind and encourage you - if you have not done so as yet, to submit your financial commitment for our 2024 ministry year to Deana Hilton, our executive director. Knowing what you commit to give financially helps and enables us to plan the ministries of Saint Mark wisely and prudently. You can submit your commitment on the ChurchLife app on your smart device or on our website. You can also call the church or email Deana. Thank you for your generosity.
This Sunday, Pastor Andy will be preaching on service, as we continue our sermon series on the vows we made when we joined Saint Mark. I encourage you to come on out and hear how we can follow the example and command of Jesus to serve each other.
Below is a link with a note from Meagan Williams, our assistant young adult minister, about an opportunity to start a Green Team at Saint Mark.
https://www.stmarkumc.org/green-team
I look forward to seeing you in worship on Sunday.
God’s peace,
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