This Week at St. Mark

Sunday, December 28 7:30 a.m. Prayer in Pastor’s Office

8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship Service 9:45 - 10:45 a.m. Sunday School

11:00 a.m. Traditional Worship Service 11:00 a.m. Contemporary Worship Service

Monday, December 29 6:00 p.m. Boy Scouts

Tuesday, December 30

6:30 a.m. Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Bell Hall

Wednesday, December 31 *OFFICE CLOSED

Thursday, January 1

*OFFICE CLOSED

Friday, January 2 *OFFICE CLOSED

6:00 a.m. Men’s Prayer Breakfast, Chick-Fil-A 6:30 a.m. Men’s Prayer Breakfast, McDonald’s

Saturday, January 3

7:30 a. m. Same Ten, Parlor

John’s Journal

Merry Christmas Friends in Christ! I do pray that each of you had a blessed and beautiful celebration of the birth of Christ. Question: “What do we allow Jesus to do with us after Christmas?” Maybe the story from Melvin Newland can give us some perspective as well as some encouragement to let God use us as He chooses, “One of my favorite Christmas stories is about the old shoe cobbler who dreamed one Christmas Eve that Jesus would come to visit him the next day. The dream was so real that he was convinced it would come true. So the next morning he got up & went out & cut green boughs & decorated his little cobbler shop & got all ready for Je-sus to come & visit. He was so sure that Jesus was going to come that he just sat down & waited for Him. The hours passed & Jesus didn't come. But an old man came. He came inside for a moment to get warm out of the winter cold. As the cobbler talked with him he noticed the holes in the old man's shoes, so he reached up on the shelf & got him a new pair of shoes. He made sure they fit & that his socks were dry & sent him on his way. Still he waited. But Je-sus didn't come. An old woman came. A woman who hadn't had a decent meal in two days. They sat & visited for a while, & then he prepared some food for her to eat. He gave her a nourishing meal & sent her on her way. Then he sat down again to wait for Jesus. But Jesus still didn't come. Then he heard a little boy crying out in front of his shop. He went out & talked with the boy, & discovered that the boy had been separated from his parents & didn't know how to get home. So he put on his coat, took the boy by the hand & led him home. When he came back to his little shoe shop it was almost dark & the streets were emptied of people. And then in a moment of despair he lifted his voice to heaven & said, "Oh Lord Jesus, why didn't you come?" And then in a moment of silence he seemed to hear a voice saying, "Oh shoe cobbler, lift up your heart. I kept my word. Three times I knocked at your friendly door. Three times my shadow fell across your floor. I was the man with the bruised feet. I was the woman you gave to eat. I was the boy on the homeless street." Jesus had come. The cobbler just didn't realize it.” It is my hope and prayer that as we move into the New Year 2015 each of us, you and me, will be keenly aware of what Jesus is doing through us as Christ Followers. I also pray that if we feel an absence of what God is doing through us, our first reflection will be upon if we’ve truly released ourselves from ‘us’ for God’s use? God is waiting for us to offer ourselves selflessly for His honor and glory…and He is expecting the same from St. Mark as the Body of Christ Believers. I look forward to joining you in this new year with new expectations for the growth of Christ’s body through the wonderful ministries of St. Mark UMC. Remember…. We are building the Kingdom together…. Bro. John

Coffee drinkers of St. Mark, do you real-ize that during the entire year of 2014

you have been doing ministry while do-ing nothing more than drinking your

Sunday coffee? The coffee you have been drinking was grown under the Equal Exchange Pro-gram and purchased through UMCOR.

15 cents from each pound goes back into UMCOR’s “Small Farmer Fund” which is dedicated to alleviating human suffering around the globe, reaching people in 80 countries, and providing humanitarian

relief I the face of conflict and natural disaster. By doing this you have been helping to support their families, stay on their land and

care for the environment. You can continue to support this effort by purchasing your coffee

through UMCOR equal exchange program. Other known places are Winn Dixie (Green Mountain) Target (Archer Farms). “Seeds Coffee Company” in Birmingham and “Higher Ground Roasters” in Leeds are amoung new roasters who buy their beans from certified Fair

Trade (same as Equal Exchange). The newly announced T-Town Tea truck says they also buy only certified Fair Trade Coffee.

Who knew this extra benefit from drinking coffee?

Just a reminder, if you have not turned in your “Estimate of

Pledge Card”, please do so as soon as

possible. Also, end of the year pledges must

be turned in or postmarked by

December 31, 2014.

Experiencing God Class coming soon!

Space will be limited, so sign up now by

calling the office or Sharon Smith.

Saint Mark Church Staff Rev. John Verciglio Senior Pastor Rev. Byron Fair Associate Pastor Rev. John Drawhorn Senior Adult & Shepherding Pastor Melanie Burkhalter Director of Children & Preschool Ministries

and Noah’s Ark Day School Ronnie Lett Minister of Music Andrew Gill Youth Director Jerrell Bowden Worship Leader Merry Livingston Pianist Matthew Edwards Organist Samantha Mahloch Administrator Summer Cockrell Executive Secretary Ellis Houston, Jr. Custodian Jimmy Reeves Weekend Custodian

Prayer List Sunday School Attendance

12/21 238

Hospital Friends of Church Members Food Pantry Clients Tornado Victims Andrew Johnson Our Country’s Leaders Ron Mason Barbara Donahoo Linda Davidson O’Neal Bridges Torrid Jackson Judy Davis Stephanie Justice Daniel Logan Allen & Family Theresa Chandler Karen Cottingham Mike Dixon Pleas Davis Norma Elmore Bob Kee James and Ruth Strong Andrew Stephens Jacob Croist Mr. and Mrs. Bowlings Mr. and Mrs. William Starr Kathy Starr Dillon Anderson Ramona Johnson Ben Green Edward Lehman Emma Wilson Traveling Mercies Jim Waltman Connie Little Chris Kyle Sr. Mallory Hannah Amber Boozer Family and Friends of Joe Smith Ethan Ballard Virginia Johnson Janis Simpson

** All individuals requesting prayer are noted for 3 weeks. If after three weeks the individual needs further prayer, please call the church office and we will place the individual back on the prayer list for another three weeks.

Military Sgt. Phil Edmonds Church Members Grace Kirkley Vesta Hutchins Connie Mobley Ann Hollub Ruby Howard Jessie Hannah and Family Mildred Hargrove Lucy Hightower Byron Fair Jim Edwards Betty Richardson Ruth Davis Everett Nix Sam Davis Family of Church Members Frank Holm Brandon Tidmore Jimmy Brasher Bobby Jagoe Angie Dyer Michael Gibbes Lewis Mitchell Norma Mungenast Emily Koeppe Tina Kendrick The McGrew Family Leanne Summrall Rita Daughtery Gary Ross Amanda Martinaz Sharon Trimm Haylie Burnette Bill Williams Amanda Martinez Connie Thibert Sam Matherson The Family of Violet Kelly

Worship Attendance

Our Presence 12/21/2014

8:30 a.m. Traditional 117

8:30 a.m. Children 6

11:00 a.m. Traditional 171

11:00 a.m. Contemporary 82

11:00 a.m. Children 26

Total Attendance 402

Pastor on

Call

292-6285

Contributions

2014 Budget 11,104.33 Non Pledged 21,102 Loose 350 Count Me In 421.50 Care Construction 25 Choir 475 Memorial/Hon. 50 No More Malaria 40 Missions Dinner 65 Food Pantry 285

Total

33,917.83

General Budget 12/21/2014

Budget Needed Weekly: $20,310.90 Budget Received This Week: $32,556.33 Total Income Rec’d To Date: $1,021,337.45 Total Expenses To Date: $918,078.94

Memorials/Honorariums Choir Fund In Honor of Kalynn Davis and in Memory of Jim Barnett By Everett and Kathy Nix Food Pantry In Memory of Steve Allen By Rodger and Trudi Anders In Honor of Lyn Smith By Helen Sprayberry Care Construction In Memory of Ivan Ganey By Paul and Shirley Bourgeois Budget In Memory of Jimmie Mills and In Honor of The Same Ten By JD and Mary Neely Missions In Memory of Will and Eunice Good-man, Hilma Kelly, Jimbo Kelly By Don and Judy Kelly Memorial In Memory Jimmie Mills By Sam and Ruth Davis

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The Unit Meeting of The St. Mark United Methodist Women

is scheduled for Sunday, January 4th at 2 p.m. in the

Parlor. All Members welcome. President Amelia Yessick

205-339-5922

1st Sunday After Christmas December 28, 2014

Welcome/Announcements/Congregational Greeting

Rev. John Drawhorn Gathering and Acolyte Procession Prelude Merry Livingston Choral Call To Worship Chancel Choir

“Come Christians Join To Sing”

The Hymn of Praise #220 “Angels From The Realms of Glory” Responsive Praise #861 Rev. John Drawhorn

Psalm 148 *Gloria Patri

Glory Be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end. Amen. Amen. Pastor’s Prayer Rev. Byron Fair Children’s Time

*Dismiss to Children’s Church K-2 *Offertory Hymn #246 “Joy To The World” The Offertory Prayer and Offering Rev. John Drawhorn Offertory Music Merry Livingston *Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow. Praise God, all creatures here

below. Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ, whose power up-lifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia!

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Special Music Lisa Britt The Sermon Rev. Byron Fair

“The Start Of Something New” Matthew 3:1-12

Hymn of Invitation #381 “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us” The Benediction Postlude Merry Livingston

1st Sunday After Christmas December 28, 2014

Welcome/Announcements/Congregational Greeting

Rev. John Drawhorn Gathering and Acolyte Procession Prelude Merry Livingston Choral Call To Worship Chancel Choir

“Come Christians Join To Sing”

The Hymn of Praise #220 “Angels From The Realms of Glory” Responsive Praise #861 Rev. John Drawhorn

Psalm 148 *Gloria Patri

Glory Be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end. Amen. Amen. Pastor’s Prayer Rev. Byron Fair Children’s Time

*Dismiss to Children’s Church K-2 *Offertory Hymn #246 “Joy To The World” The Offertory Prayer and Offering Rev. John Drawhorn Offertory Music Merry Livingston *Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow. Praise God, all creatures here

below. Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ, whose power up-lifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia!

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Special Music Lisa Britt The Sermon Rev. Byron Fair

“The Start Of Something New” Matthew 3:1-12

Hymn of Invitation #381 “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us” The Benediction Postlude Merry Livingston

1st Sunday After Christmas December 28, 2014

Welcome/Announcements/Congregational Greeting

Rev. John Drawhorn Gathering and Acolyte Procession Prelude Merry Livingston Choral Call To Worship Chancel Choir

“Come Christians Join To Sing”

The Hymn of Praise #220 “Angels From The Realms of Glory” Responsive Praise #861 Rev. John Drawhorn

Psalm 148 *Gloria Patri

Glory Be to the Father, and to the Son and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be,

world without end. Amen. Amen. Pastor’s Prayer Rev. Byron Fair Children’s Time

*Dismiss to Children’s Church K-2 *Offertory Hymn #246 “Joy To The World” The Offertory Prayer and Offering Rev. John Drawhorn Offertory Music Merry Livingston *Doxology Praise God, from whom all blessings flow. Praise God, all creatures here

below. Alleluia! Alleluia! Praise God, the source of all our gifts! Praise Jesus Christ, whose power up-lifts! Praise the Spirit, Holy Spirit! Alleluia!

Alleluia! Alleluia!

Special Music Lisa Britt The Sermon Rev. Byron Fair

“The Start Of Something New” Matthew 3:1-12

Hymn of Invitation #381 “Savior, Like a Shepherd Lead Us” The Benediction Postlude Merry Livingston

Order of Worship

Opening of Worship Worship Team

Prayer Worship Team

Scripture Reading/Offering Rev. John Verciglio

*Dismiss for Children’s Church

Worship Team Video “The Perfect Gift” Worship Team

Sermon Rev. John Verciglio

“The Promise is Personal and Corporate” Luke 2:22-40

Announcements Benediction Rev. John Verciglio Closing Worship

Order of Worship

Opening of Worship Worship Team

Prayer Worship Team

Scripture Reading/Offering Rev. John Verciglio

*Dismiss for Children’s Church

Worship Team Video “The Perfect Gift” Worship Team

Sermon Rev. John Verciglio

“The Promise is Personal and Corporate” Luke 2:22-40

Announcements Benediction Rev. John Verciglio Closing Worship

Order of Worship

Opening of Worship Worship Team

Prayer Worship Team

Scripture Reading/Offering Rev. John Verciglio

*Dismiss for Children’s Church

Worship Team Video “The Perfect Gift” Worship Team

Sermon Rev. John Verciglio

“The Promise is Personal and Corporate” Luke 2:22-40

Announcements Benediction Rev. John Verciglio Closing Worship

Poinsettias

In Memory of Charlie and Willodene Dyer By Don and Lisa Elmore

In Memory of Buddy Maxwell

By Sue Maxwell

In Memory of Our Parents Grady and Bessie Godwin and Ausley and Airis Norris

By Chester and Barbara Norris

In Memory of Alfred Murrell Kizziah By Alice Kizziah, Ken Kizziah and Tom and Brenda

Hunter

In Memory of Theresa Kizziah By Alice Kizziah, Ken Kizziah and Tom and Brenda

Hunter

In Memory of Thomas Roy and Flossie Hughes Terry and Alfred Luke and Velma Snyder Kizziah

By Alice Kizziah, Ken Kizziah and Tom and Brenda Hunter

In Memory of Loved Ones By Bill and Amelia Yessick

In Memory of Marianne Chappell

By Russ Chappell

In Honor of Raymond and Ray Johnson By Jerry and Kay Culton

In Memory of Loved Ones By Jerry and Kay Culton

In Memory of Our Parents

By Bob and Peggy Hoffman

In Memory of John and Elaine Mims and In Memory of Thomas and Sue Lake

By Jerry and Tilda Mims

In Memory of Tommy Hilleke By Frank and Frances Hilleke

In Memory of Jimmie Mills

By Nell Mills

Poinsettias

In Memory of Charlie and Willodene Dyer By Don and Lisa Elmore

In Memory of Buddy Maxwell

By Sue Maxwell

In Memory of Our Parents Grady and Bessie Godwin and Ausley and Airis Norris

By Chester and Barbara Norris

In Memory of Alfred Murrell Kizziah By Alice Kizziah, Ken Kizziah and Tom and Brenda

Hunter

In Memory of Theresa Kizziah By Alice Kizziah, Ken Kizziah and Tom and Brenda

Hunter

In Memory of Thomas Roy and Flossie Hughes Terry and Alfred Luke and Velma Snyder Kizziah

By Alice Kizziah, Ken Kizziah and Tom and Brenda Hunter

In Memory of Loved Ones By Bill and Amelia Yessick

In Memory of Marianne Chappell

By Russ Chappell

In Honor of Raymond and Ray Johnson By Jerry and Kay Culton

In Memory of Loved Ones By Jerry and Kay Culton

In Memory of Our Parents

By Bob and Peggy Hoffman

In Memory of John and Elaine Mims and In Memory of Thomas and Sue Lake

By Jerry and Tilda Mims

In Memory of Tommy Hilleke By Frank and Frances Hilleke

In Memory of Jimmie Mills

By Nell Mills

Poinsettias

In Memory of Charlie and Willodene Dyer By Don and Lisa Elmore

In Memory of Buddy Maxwell

By Sue Maxwell

In Memory of Our Parents Grady and Bessie Godwin and Ausley and Airis Norris

By Chester and Barbara Norris

In Memory of Alfred Murrell Kizziah By Alice Kizziah, Ken Kizziah and Tom and Brenda

Hunter

In Memory of Theresa Kizziah By Alice Kizziah, Ken Kizziah and Tom and Brenda

Hunter

In Memory of Thomas Roy and Flossie Hughes Terry and Alfred Luke and Velma Snyder Kizziah

By Alice Kizziah, Ken Kizziah and Tom and Brenda Hunter

In Memory of Loved Ones By Bill and Amelia Yessick

In Memory of Marianne Chappell

By Russ Chappell

In Honor of Raymond and Ray Johnson By Jerry and Kay Culton

In Memory of Loved Ones By Jerry and Kay Culton

In Memory of Our Parents

By Bob and Peggy Hoffman

In Memory of John and Elaine Mims and In Memory of Thomas and Sue Lake

By Jerry and Tilda Mims

In Memory of Tommy Hilleke By Frank and Frances Hilleke

In Memory of Jimmie Mills

By Nell Mills

In Memory of Loved Ones By Willie Mosley

In Memory of Joe and Pepper Carter

By Beth Walker, Glennor, George and Dryden Neilson

In Memory of Aki Reed and Neal Nichols By Dennis and Jo Nichols

In Memory of Joe and Gladys Moore

By The Richard Anders, The Billy Sain and The Rodger Anders Family

In Memory of Dawson and Lucille Christian

By The Richard Anders, The Billy Sain and The Rodger Anders Family

In Memory of Burwell and Nida Anders

By The Richard Anders, The Billy Sain and The Rodger Anders Family

In Memory of J.H. and Edna Thompson

By The Richard Anders, The Billy Sain and The Rodger Anders Family

In Memory of Shirley Anders

By The Richard Anders, The Billy Sain and The Rodger Anders Family

In Memory of Chris Anders

By The Richard Anders, The Billy Sain and The Rodger Anders Family

In Memory of Steve Allen

By The Richard Anders, The Billy Sain and The Rodger Anders Family

In Memory of Danny Gordon

By The Richard Anders, The Billy Sain and The Rodger Anders Family

In Memory of Loved Ones By Willie Mosley

In Memory of Joe and Pepper Carter

By Beth Walker, Glennor, George and Dryden Neilson

In Memory of Aki Reed and Neal Nichols By Dennis and Jo Nichols

In Memory of Joe and Gladys Moore

By The Richard Anders, The Billy Sain and The Rodger Anders Family

In Memory of Dawson and Lucille Christian

By The Richard Anders, The Billy Sain and The Rodger Anders Family

In Memory of Burwell and Nida Anders

By The Richard Anders, The Billy Sain and The Rodger Anders Family

In Memory of J.H. and Edna Thompson

By The Richard Anders, The Billy Sain and The Rodger Anders Family

In Memory of Shirley Anders

By The Richard Anders, The Billy Sain and The Rodger Anders Family

In Memory of Chris Anders

By The Richard Anders, The Billy Sain and The Rodger Anders Family

In Memory of Steve Allen

By The Richard Anders, The Billy Sain and The Rodger Anders Family

In Memory of Danny Gordon

By The Richard Anders, The Billy Sain and The Rodger Anders Family

In Memory of Loved Ones By Willie Mosley

In Memory of Joe and Pepper Carter

By Beth Walker, Glennor, George and Dryden Neilson

In Memory of Aki Reed and Neal Nichols By Dennis and Jo Nichols

In Memory of Joe and Gladys Moore

By The Richard Anders, The Billy Sain and The Rodger Anders Family

In Memory of Dawson and Lucille Christian

By The Richard Anders, The Billy Sain and The Rodger Anders Family

In Memory of Burwell and Nida Anders

By The Richard Anders, The Billy Sain and The Rodger Anders Family

In Memory of J.H. and Edna Thompson

By The Richard Anders, The Billy Sain and The Rodger Anders Family

In Memory of Shirley Anders

By The Richard Anders, The Billy Sain and The Rodger Anders Family

In Memory of Chris Anders

By The Richard Anders, The Billy Sain and The Rodger Anders Family

In Memory of Steve Allen

By The Richard Anders, The Billy Sain and The Rodger Anders Family

In Memory of Danny Gordon

By The Richard Anders, The Billy Sain and The Rodger Anders Family