Saint Mark’s United Methodist Church The...
Transcript of Saint Mark’s United Methodist Church The...
No. 55 Shining Christ’s light in the community August 12, 2011
Saint Mark’s United Methodist Church
The Beacon
Members of the Cotton Patch Gospel musical rehearsed Sunday, July 24. Shown are front to
back: Robbie Harris, Jacob Thomas, Cole Dillon, Ben Thomas, Greg Bell, Sydney and Addie
Bell, Becky Hall, Vavra Curra, Chad Thompson, Jason Boyd, Staci Curry, Jo-Anna Ray,
Larry Simons, Nancy LeFors, Mary Bethea, Greg Ross and Mike Lowery. Other members of
the cast not pictured are Patrick Fontaine, Ben Curry, Shera Higbee, Kevin, Keith and
Nancy Keeton, Greg Ross, Hailey Sinyard, Donna Strickland, Ron Tisdale and Trey Usry.
Cotton Patch Gospel—The
musical portrays what would
happen if Jesus were born in
Georgia - in 1936
Our Saint Mark's people will present "The Cotton Patch
Gospel" August 23 and 24 in the Sanctuary. Comments
from the internet tell that it is a jubilant retelling of what
happens when, in 1936, Jesus was born in Valdosta, GA.
It's a lively, fun show that will get your toes tapping
and your laughs coming nonstop. It was fun in the
Midwest--and it is twice as much fun in the South.
Creating the rollicking, foot-stomping,
handclapping music are David Kyzer, Gene
Allegrezza, (guest musicians), George
Kendrick, Bill Dillon and Raymond Hall
(Saint Mark's musicians.) This was a practice
on July 24. Kathryn Usry is the director of
the production. Rev. Sandra Thomas has
assisted with musical talent.
11th Hour celebrates its first anniversary
The 11th Hour will celebrate the one year anniversary of its
weekly launch on Sunday, August 14, 2011. The service has been so
blessed by the dedicated service of its volunteers and worshippers.
We are so grateful for the faithful support of the Saint Mark's
community in making it a reality.
Come and be a part of the worship service and celebration with
us. We will look back with thanksgiving at how far the service has
come and seek to reinforce the vision for the future of the service.--
Rev. Keith Keeton
First produced in New York in 1981,
Cotton Patch Gospel is a reverential
retelling of the Gospels of Matthew and
John set in the contemporary South,
accompanied by bluegrass music. Since
its premiere, this powerful full-length
musical has been performed throughout
the United States and beyond, always
receiving rave reviews by theater critics
and religious writers alike.
It's been called “a rollicking, foot-
stomping, hand-clapping musical.” Plus
it was described as a “powerful drama
and a joyous celebration.” Even The
New York Times called it “an exuberant
country western hoedown.”
This show is a favorite with church-
goers around the nation. One critic said
that you need to be two things to really
enjoy this musical: (1) you need to know
the gospel story and (2) you need to have
a sense of humor. Some people might
think that Christians and a sense of
humor don't go together. Not true. This
show is the opposite of "The Passion of
the Christ" but would probably be easier
to get a non-churchgoer to go to.
The United Methodist church recognizes all
three forms of baptism: sprinkling, pouring, and
immersion. All three have biblical substantiation.
Immersion baptism symbolizes death and
resurrection and seems appropriate for adult
baptisms rooted in profession of faith. However, in
all cases, the form of baptism is usually dictated
by the personal choice of the person being
baptized.
Baptism is one of two sacraments. Communion
is the other. A sacrament is an outward and visible
sign of an inward and spiritual grace. The special
part about sacraments is the movement of God's
grace. While the water acts as an outward symbol,
and thus the party should get wet, the amount of
water or form of the baptism is not the essential
part. In baptism, we celebrate what God is doing
in the life of the community and individual. --
Rev. Keith Keeton
Two members were baptized at the 11th Hour service Sunday, July 24
Clint and Amanda Ferrara were baptized
by the Rev. Keith Keeton on Sunday, July
24, at the 11th Hour worship service.
Sanctuary services on July 24 were led by Rev. Sandra Thomas
Rev. Keith Keeton baptized Clint
Ferrara by immersion.
Rev. Sandra Thomas delivered
the sermon, "Jesus Loves Peter,
Jesus Loves Us." on Sunday,
July 24. This was the final
sermon in the VBS series. Trey
Curry dramatized Peter's re-
action to denying Jesus during
the final days of Jesus' life on
earth. Pianist Darlene Baker
sang the solo, "I Love You,
Lord" as people came to the
altar to pray.
Sanctuary services on Sunday, July 31, were led by Rev. Rob Gill
Special music on Sunday, July 31, included a duet by Donna Strickland and Mike Kennedy during the anthem,
"In the Presence of Jehovah." "The Warrior is a Child" was sung by Teresa Humphrey and her son, Mac May.
Rev. Rob Gill talked about the feeding of the 5,000 by Jesus and he also spoke about world hunger and all that we can do to
help through "Coins for Christ" and our other offerings through the Mississippi Methodist Conference. He led us in prayer.
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The Library gets
new life
Thanks to Border's sale, we also have some
new books. We also accept donations. There
have been requests for maps of the Holy Land.
One of the new books has wonderful maps that
can be easily copied for Sunday School lessons.
Judy Norris and I have been diligently
working to organize and catalog all books from
the children’s books in the narthex to the
wonderful Bible reference books in the library.
Guess it would be a good idea if I told you
where the library is located. It is in the Wesley
Center near the Coke machine. There are
categories for fiction, non-fiction, devotions,
family and parenting, self help, help with
raising your child (boy we could all use that).
And during the Advent and Lenten seasons
those books will be displayed. Also books for
Christmas and Easter.
There are a few DVD’s and soon we hope
to have the audio and video tape Sunday
School series cataloged. Yes, I know tapes are
outdated, but the lessons are not.
In the fiction section there are many great
books by Francine Rivers, Davis Bunn; Jannette
Oke; Catherine Marshall and many others. In
non-fiction there are wonderful authors such as
Robert Schuller, James Dodson, Max Lucado,
James MacArthur, Joel Osteen, and many
others. At last count we had 22 different
Bibles. And wonderful Bible references books.
(The library has been updated with much of the
old and outdated material eliminated.)
There is a section on Methodism, John
Wesley and the Methodist church.
The library is open to all of Saint Mark’s
family. New books will be on the bookshelf
outside the library. (Be sure to sign them out).
At present there is a class meeting in the library
during the Sunday School hour. Isn’t it
wonderful that we are running out of room for
our Sunday School classes. So visit before and
after the Sunday School hour.
We are hoping to have the books on the
computer in the library as soon as we can make
the parts talk to each other.
Counselor's office is open at
Saint Mark's UMC
We now have a counselor here on
campus at Saint Mark's. Jo Hebert, a
Licensed Professional Counselor and
regular attendee of the 11th Hour
Service, has an office close to the
Sanctuary in the Robe Room and is
available by appointment. Exper-
ienced in a wide variety of issues with
all age groups, she is offering
individual, marriage, and family
counseling from a Christian per-
spective at an affordable rate.
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Counselor Jo Hebert
The first appointment is free! If you are interested in making an
appointment, you can reach Jo at 601-259-1749 or e-mail her at
by Jerry Klomparens
Counselors did a great job explaining how we
can always depend upon God.
Carly and mom, Cynthia Morgan. Several children enjoyed the
pool even though it was rather cold because of the rain.
Campers learned
how to depend on
God at Camp
Wesley Pines
Family Camp
in July Right: The children
climbed through the
web. They used the
example of how it is
easier when you work
together.
Also enjoying canoeing were Braden Shields, his mom,
Jill, and Carly Morgan.
Megan Murphey, Ann
Clayton Cain, Abby
Murphey and Amie
Cain enjoyed eating the
breakfast they cooked
using breakfast
burners.
Ann Clayton Cain and
mom, Amie Cain Taylor.
Megan and Abby
Murphey.
All the children had a great time canoeing.
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Pam and Greg Murphey showed
how working together and leaning
on one another helps our own
relationships.
Carly Morgan, Brayden Shields, Megan Murphey,
Pam Murphey, Greg Murphey, Abby Murphey,
Amie Cain and Ann Clayton Cain.
Rev. Ted Giordano led the worship service.
The Five Practices are working toward their goals submitted by June Bragg
The Five Practices Committees are actively working toward their goals. Here are some highlights of their activities that
were presented to the Administrative Council recently.
The Radical Hospitality Committee has conducted its first newcomer orientation for seven persons, two of whom
have already joined Saint Mark’s. They are planning to have three information centers set up with a member at each, one
in the narthex, one in the Wesley Center and one in the CLC.
The Extravagant Generosity Committee is continuing with their projects including Coins for Christ, a video series on
acts of generosity from members of the church. They will also prepare monthly videos keeping stewardship in the
limelight year round rather that just in the fall. A personal finance program will be offered soon.
Passionate Worship members are working to make the altar visually connect with the worship services. Children are
now being brought to the Sanctuary to receive Communion.
Five sub-committees are working in Intentional Faith Development. Rev. Rob Gill will teach the Gospel of John on
August 31 and September 5. “Faith at Work” is the title for the Wednesday evening services and a flyer has been prepared.
The survey results have been carefully reviewed and the committee will implement suggestions as soon as possible. A
Disciple Bible study will be offered soon.
The Risk Taking Missions Committee has been very active. They are continuing Second Saturday mission projects
and their goal is to facilitate projects and get people to participate. A Block Party will be held on Saturday, August 20,
targeting the neighborhoods around Saint Mark’s. A band has been hired, hot dogs and the trimmings will be served and
there will be games and activities along with information about our church for those attending.
To help ensure we are getting the message out to the whole congregation, Rob Gill hopes to highlight one of these
ministries each Sunday in October which will also serve to be a be part of the preparation for the Stewardship campaign.
TRENDSETTER EVENTS Wednesday, September 7 - Wellness Fest, a Country/Western Jamboree at the Mississippi Trade Mart from
9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Free.
Wednesday, September 14 - Luncheon and Art show at noon in the CLC featuring our senior members who
have talents in arts, crafts, woodworking and other hobbies. Cost: $2.00.
Thursday, September 15 - Day at Camp Wesley Pines with other United Methodists across the conference.
Enjoy singing, fellowship, food and fun. Time: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Cost: $15.00 for lunch and
transportation.
Saturday, September 24 - The group will see "Les Miserables" in Birmingham, AL. Full, but you may be
put on a waiting list.
Wednesday, October 12 - Senior Day at the State Fair in Jackson. Time: 9:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Free.
Wednesday, November 2 - Luncheon in the CLC at noon. Cost: $2.00.
December 5-9 - Christmas trip to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Asheville, the Biltmore, Dollywood, Festival of
Trees, Christus Gardens. Cost: $700.00 Sign up for all events is in the church office.
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Class teachers are Carolyn Ponder, Sharon Clark, Brenda Roberts, Deb Veeder, Jerry Klomparens but during the
month of July, Dick Weatherholt of the Crusaders class shared his knowledge of Revelation with the WWF members.
Seated with him are Jane Dunaway, Betty Cochran, Mary Bethea and Lois Minchew. Standing: Linda Bane, Donna
Bishop, Carolyn Ponder, Patty Campbell, Betty Mabry, Caffie Chambers, Pam Jeffcoat, Patti Morris, Jane Goodman,
Brenda Roberts, Jerry Klomparens, Anne Reed and June Miracle. The class will study Max Lucado's "Facing the
Giants." They also have projects such as Relay for Life, Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, Jacket drive, and the
Beacon twice a month. Not pictured: Ellen Jackson, Janice Larson, Cynthia Morgan, Jill Shields, Cynthia Smith, Deb
Veeder and Jane Wilkerson. All ladies are welcomed. Photo by Sharon Clark
Sunday Schools will be featured in upcoming "Beacons."
In each issue we will show the class members and tell what each class is
studying. The first to be featured is the Women With Faith Class.
UMW Circles for August
Ruth Circle
will meet Tuesday, August 16, at 7:00 p.m.
at the home of Hazel Townsend.
Teresa Shields will have the lesson.
Tabitha Circle
will have a noon luncheon at the Corner Bakery
on Tuesday, August 16.
Deborah Circle
will meet Tuesday, August 16,
at 7:00 p.m. in the Parlor.
Abigail Circle
had a luncheon honoring members' birthdays
on Thursday, August 11, at Sophia's restaurant
at the Fairview Inn.
Saint Mark's members active in Cursillo
The next Cursillo will be Thursday, August 18-21
at Camp Wesley Pines.
Two Saint Mark's members will attend:
Jan Marts sponsored by Carolyn Ponder
Felicia Brown sponsored by Raymond and Charlinda Hall.
Members who serve on the Executive Committee are
Hewitt Pittman - Treasurer
Jane Brown - Registrar
Phillip Brown - At large representative
#173 will be held September 29-October 2, 2011.
Anyone interested in attending may
contact Jane Brown at 601-992-0932.
Scores of Saint Mark's members have attended
since the first Cursillo.
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Our "devoted" youth: Front row: Carter Chapman, Mary Hayden
Hogue, Hailey Sinyard, Olivia Ladd, Paige Hollingsworth, Madison
Monroe, Sarah-Kelly McGinnis, Allie Achord and Jessica Corn. Back
Row: Jacob Schmitz, Cline Cook, Alex Harvey, Austin Puckett,
Connor Chapman, Cooper Little and Christopher Lewis.
Our devoted leaders: Leslie McGinnis, Jeanne Chapman, Jeff
Schmitz and Brad McGee.
More than 6,000 students and adult leaders gathered in
Daytona Beach, FL to worship our God under the leadership of
Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio. It was a phenomenal
experience and we each became more "devoted."
Olivia Ladd, Mary Hayden
Hogue and Jeanne Chapman
prepare tacos for dinner one
night while at camp in one of our
fully equipped condos.
YOUTH in florida
Sunday School teachers are needed for youth
The Youth Ministry needs Sunday School teachers
for the new school year.
Materials, training and encouragement
are provided.
Contact Jeanne at [email protected]
for more information. Sunday School Promotion
was celebrated on August 7
Our Sunday School promotion was Sunday, August 7.
They celebrated with doughnuts and milk in all of the
classes. Changes have been made to our children’s
Sunday School classes 1st grade-5th grade upstairs in
Asbury. There will be no changes in the location of the
2-year, 3-year, 4-year or 5-year-old classrooms.
2-year-old class – A-102 - promotion will not be until
August 14 for the upcoming 2's.
3-year-old class-A-109
4-year-old class-A-104
5-year-old class-A-115
1st grade - A-211 Noah's Ark
2nd grade - A-208 Garden of Eden
3rd grade - A-207 David & Goliath
4th & 5th grades A-206 Armor of God
BASH @ THE BAY! Sunday, August 14, 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Pelahatchie Shore Park
Saint Mark's Youth will join other area UMC Youth for a
Summer's End Party. Many friends from Mission Fest will be
there. Planned is a barbeque, music, games, worship, a great
message and lots of friends. E-mail Jeanne or sign up on Facebook
to participate. Youth will meet at and return to Saint Mark's.
Sign up is required.
BACK TO SCHOOL BASH Sunday, August 21, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Saint Mark's
All youth 6-12 grades are invited to wear grubby clothes and join
in a fun-filled night of mayhem and messy games. Bring friends
and enjoy food, fun, prizes. Bring a towel and a trash bag.
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And also our sympathy to Lynda
at the death of her mother, Barbara Holloway,
July 24, in Crystal Springs, MS.
To Martha Toombs at the death of her father,
George Beall, July 20, in Lake Village, AR.
To Mary Adair at the death of her brother,
Cleon Arender on July 27.
To Kim Walden at the death of her
grandfather, Colbert Graham, in Hattiesburg.
Saint Mark’s United Methodist Church Dated Material NONPROFIT
400 Grant’s Ferry Road August 12, 2011 ORGANIZATION
Brandon, MS U.S. POSTAGE PAID
Phone: 601-992-2131 Parsonage: 601-919-9770 PERMIT 27
Website: www.saintmarksum.org to see the Beacon in color CHURCH STAFF
Rob Gill, Senior Pastor……….....................….....x103 RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
Keith Keeton, Teaching Pastor………….….........x105
Sandra Thomas, Minister of Worship & Music...x104
Amie Cain Taylor, Dir. Age-Level/Family Ministries....x109
Jeanne Chapman, Youth Director.................992-9554
Delores Seward, Administrative Assistant...….....x101
Martha Toombs, Business Office………….…......x106
Preschool Office…..………………………….........x110
Darlene Baker…………………………….......…Pianist
Jason Boyd……………………………….........Organist
Check the church website or Sunday bulletin for times of events and further information. See the bulletin for all on
the caring list. Worship is each Sunday at 8:20, 10:45 and 11:00 a.m.; Sunday School is at 9:30 a.m.
RECENTLY HOSPIALIZED
Joelle McBeth
Jim Ragan - River Oaks
Gary (Wrong Way) Duke - River Oaks
Henry Laird - VA
Keith McGee - surgery
Don Jackson - St. Dominic
Second Saturday - Wingard House
Saint Mark's members will go to work at the Wingard House in
Jackson on August 13 to do yard work and other work around
the house. There are usually children who need playing with,
too. This Second Saturday is for all ages and work levels. We
will meet in the church parking lot at 8:00 a.m., caravan to
downtown Jackson, finish, and be back by noon.
Sunday, August 14: The Missions Committee needs at least 50
volunteers to help canvass the neighborhood around the church
(Bellgrove/Northwoods) with flyers for the Block Party on
August 20. We will meet in the back church parking lot Sunday
at 4:00 p.m. and we ask for your help to hand out maps and
flyers for just 30 minutes! If you have time afterward, we will
go "Dutch" at Bruster's. Contact Nan Moak with questions or if
you can come, [email protected] or 601-317-0162.
Our sympathy to the family
of Rick Dutton at his
death July 31 -
to his wife, Lynda Dutton, son, Chris Babin,
his wife, Maggie Babin, his grandson, Mac Babin,
his sisters, Sharon Johnson in Tennessee,
Nancy White in California, and brother,
James Dutton, in Nebraska
STEWARDSHIP REPORT FOR JULY TOTAL OPERATING BUDET.......................... 1,374,595.00
AMOUNT RECEIVED YEAR TO DATE........ 694,251.00
AMOUNT EXPENDED YEAR-TO-DATE....... 714,107.00
OFFERING FOR JULY...................................... 106,836.00
GIVEN FOR DEBT REDUCTION.................... 1,524.00
DEBT REDUCTION SINCE 1/1/02................... 155,049.00
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ATTENDANCE REPORT FOR JULY Sunday School July 3 - 450 255
July 10 - 557 370
July 17 - 553 360
July 24 - 500 342
July 31 - 537 354 8