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Saint Mark’s United Methodist Church

The Beacon

No. 49 Shining Christ’s light in the community May 13, 2011

Seven Saint Mark's

members on Cursillo staff

The next Cursillo religious retreat at

Camp Wesley Pines will be Thursday-

Sunday, May 26-29. Seven Saint Mark's

members will be on the leadership staff.

They are Carolyn Ponder, the main leader

or Rectora, (center) June Bragg and Nancy

LeFors. Standing are Cynthia Morgan,

and Phillip and Jane Brown. Jane is the

registrar and anyone wanting to attend this

retreat should contact her at 601-992-

0932 for an application. Not pictured here

is Mary Bethea. Our group hosted the

half-day session in our Parlor on April 30

where all those on staff trained for their

duties on the upcoming Cursillo weekend.

Many Saint Mark's members have

already participated. Two members who

will attend this session are Jane Dunaway

and Bette Ross.

New information book will acquaint new

members with Saint Mark's

Saint Mark's has a new information book that will be given to new

members to acquaint them with every aspect of our church --

"opportunities for worship, service, study, fellowship and intentional

spiritual growth" as described by Rev. Rob Gill in the letter of greeting.

The 16 pages tells of worship services, staff information, music, art,

drama, youth and children's ministry, adult education, our buildings,

Trendsetters and outreach ministries, United Methodist Women and

Men, events for groups and interests including weddings, anniversaries,

and funerals, stewardship goals and a history of our past 37 years.

It also covers what we are achieving through the Five Practices of a

Fruitful Congregation:--Radical Hospitality, Passionate Worship,

Intentional Faith Development, Risk-taking Mission and Service and

Extravagant Generosity. Newcomers met Sunday, May 1, and A.R.

Williams distributed the books for the first time. Thanks to Kevin

McGee and Service Printers for printing the books.

Honduras Mission

trip is June 16-23

The group that will include

Saint Mark's members will

build a 3-bedroom block

home. We here at home

need to sell 237 blocks at

$30.00 each. The home will

cost $7,100.

We can also feed a family

for a month for $40.00.

Thirty food bags are needed

in the new town where they

will work this year.

Bobby and Julie Blake and

Connie Thompson are

leading the trip and the

whole group

will be here June 15 for a

meeting before they

takeoff.

This was Easter Week at Saint Mark's UMC

Wednesday's Cantata, "The Seven Last Words of Christ"

was sung by nearly 50 Sanctuary Choir members on April 20.

They were accompanied by a String Quintet of the Mississippi

Symphony Orchestra: Milena Rusanova, Isabel Escalante,

Leslie Wood, Starkey Morgan and Qiang Wang.

Sanctuary Choir soloists were:

First Word: Kevin Keeton and Robert Harris

Second Word: Montie Moore and Robbie Harris

Third Word: Ben Thomas, Sharon Clark, Jim Myrick

Fourth Word: Rev. Rob Gill

Fifth Word: Greg Bell and Trey Curry

Sixth Word: Jason Boyd

Seventh Word: Kit LaCour, Ben Thomas, Keith Keeton

It is Finished

Director Rev. Sandra Thomas

was presented a bouquet of

flowers. The choir received a

standing ovation for their

outstanding presentation.

Rev. Rob Gill invited the

congregation to the remaining

events of Holy Week - Maundy

Thursday, Good Friday and

Easter Sunday.

On Good Friday,

the staff led the

service:

Amie Cain, Jeanne

Chapman, Rev. Keith

Keeton, Rev. Sandra

Thomas and

Rev. Rob Gill

delivered the sermon.

Robert Ghoston

brought in the

cross and assisted the

pastors as it was put

in place.

Responsive readings

were from Isaiah and

Psalm 22.

The congregation

sang the hymns,

"Jesus Keep Me Near

the Cross,"

"Just As I Am" and

"At the Cross."

After the Lord's

Prayer, all left in

silence.

Above: Youth Journey to

the Cross experience:

Alex Harvey prayed

before nailing his sin to

the cross.

On Maundy Thursday

Trey Jones and Bill

Dillon sang.

The staff served

Communion to the

congregation.

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On Easter morning, more than 1,000 people attended the three services in the

Sanctuary and CLC. The Easter lilies were arranged in a cross setting. The choir

sang the "Hallelujah Chorus," and the congregation sang "Christ the Lord is

Risen Today," "Up From the Grave He Arose," and "He Lives." The MS

Symphony String Quintet played special music for gathering time and offertory.

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Teresa Humphrey

and Montie Moore

sang " I've Just

Seen Jesus" and

Glenn Thomas

"spoke" the words

in sign language.

The choir sang

"Resurrection

Alleluias."

At the two traditional services the congregation greeted each other in the packed Sanctuary on a glorious Easter Sunday morning. Rev. Rob

Gill wearing his white robe spoke on "Easter Faith." We are reminded that promise of Easter continues through the year.

Watch for Coins for Christ on May 15 The Extravagant Generosity team introduces one of its new ministries on

Sunday, May 15. Resulting from our winter meetings on Five Practices of

Fruitful Congregations, Saint Mark's now has Coins for Christ. What

exactly is Coins for Christ? Most of us have that jar at the house where we

“deposit” our lose change at the end of the day. Many of our jars can get

pretty heavy with change over time. The Extravagant Generosity team

respectfully asks the Saint Mark's congregation to consider donating their

lose change to the church. You will begin to notice a few locations around

the church where you can “redirect” your deposit. The change will be

accumulated and used for a dedicated mission project for the church.

Shortly after announcing this new ministry, two young girls from our

church were committed to getting started. Their relentless desire to donate

their lose change has played a big part in getting Coins for Christ up and

running. Now that’s Extravagant Generosity! Please consider donating

your weekly change to the church. -- Ken Peacock

Betty and Charlie Crowell by the

outside flowered cross.

Easter Egg hunt was fun

for everyone-including animals

Chad Russell greeted everyone and gave instructions for the day. Children's pictures were

taken with the Easter Bunny, then made available to be picked up in the church office.

Carolyn Ponder told the Easter story with eggs

including an empty egg representing the empty

tomb.

It all started in the CLC then moved outside for the Easter Egg hunt and petting zoo which

had chickens, goats, and rabbits. The event was well attended and the children of all ages

enjoyed it.

The food tables had decorated cupcakes, nests and eggs, baskets and filled carrots.

Photos by Greg Ross and Barbara Jackson

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Vacation Bible School is June 19-23 from 6:00-8:30 p.m. The barrel drink contest is here. Children's classes (K5-5th grade) are to see which class can contribute the most

barrel drinks for VBS. The class that collects the most by Sunday, June 5, wins and will have an ice cream party

during Sunday School that day.

VBS Blitz is Sunday, June 5, at noon. Volunteers will have lunch in the Parlor then given addresses to pass out

VBS flyers. It's a great ministry outing for families and a vital tool to get the word out about this year's VBS. Lots of

help is needed. There is a sign up list in the church office so please sign up.

Love was

generated and

responded to

in the petting

zoo set up for

the children

at the annual

Easter Egg

Hunt at

Saint

Mark's UMC

on April 23.

Thanks to all

who helped.

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Children enjoyed the Easter Egg hunt, the petting

zoo with the bunnies, goats, and baby ducks.

Above is the table filled with treats including carrot

shaped containers with pop corn.

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Y O U T H N E W S

Middle School

Great Escape Trip

to Geyser Falls June 28-29.

Cost: $45.00

Water Park Putt Putt

Food Friends Fun

Deadline to Register - June 15

Student Life at the Beach Camp-

Daytona Beach, FL

July 10-17 Cost: $325.00

$60 non-refundable deposit due

NOW. HS only

Worship leader- Chris Tomlin

Speaker-Louie Giglio

The youth raised more than $2,700 at the May 7 garage sale to use for summer camps

and mission trips. The leftover items were donated to Good Samaritan Center, Friends

of Alcoholics, The Courage House, The Learning Center, and Give-n-Go. We'll have

photos of the garage sale in the next Beacon, May 27.

Saint Mark's will

celebrate and honor the

graduating class of 2011

on Sunday, May 15,

at the Graduation

Recognition Brunch at

9:30 a.m. in the Susanna

Wesley Building.

Student Life Camp

Middle School only

Covenant College

Lookout Mountain, GA

July 27-31 Cost: $250

$60 non-refundable deposit

due now- Register by June 15

Special Event Sunday, May 15 - "Soul Surfer" matinee and surf boards. Special Time: 12:15-4:30 p.m.

Theme for summer is "Summer Surf" and is based on the movie "Soul Surfer." All youth are invited to

come to the matinee showing and then go back to the church to paint surfboards and eat BBQ.

Summer Kick-off Beach Party - Sunday, May 22, at the Hollingsworth Pool

100 Woodlands Green Drive - Food - Contests - Prizes - Swimming - Friends

4:00-6:00 p.m. for Middle School students 6:00-8:00 p.m. - High School students

Sign up sheets in Youth building and church office

The children (K-5th) sang Wednesday night, May 4. Songs were

"Precious Lord" in regular then upbeat tempo, "Where He Leads Me I

Will Follow," "He Leadeth Me," and "I Have Decided to Follow Him."

They ended with acting out "The Lord's Prayer" with a conversation with

the voice of God (which was that of Shane Case.)

The Cherub choir sang "Jesus Loves the Little Children,"

"Jesus Loves Me" and "Deep and Wide." They were

coached by Ashley May, Sandra Thomas, Vavra Curran.

Children's News

Acolyte training will be Wednesday, May 25, at 10:00 a.m. in the Sanctuary. Training is for those wanting to be acolytes as well as

those who have experience. Following training they will have lunch at Cock of the Walk. Sign up in the church office.

Wet & Wild will be Sunday, May 29, when all K5-5th graders will have a fun time with fellowship and food from 4:00-

6:00 p.m. Planned are WILD waterslides so children should wear swimsuits and bring sunscreen. No cost but sign up in

the church office is required.

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Relay for Life brings out hundreds on a beautiful night on April 29

Tabitha Circle

Tuesday, May 17,

9:30 a.m.

in the Parlor.

Ruth Circle

will meet

Tuesday, May 17,

at 7:00 p.m. at the

home

of Connie Thompson.

Diane Dean will

have the lesson.

Mother's Day was celebrated Sunday, May 8. The

altar table was decorated with many symbols hon-

oring mothers such as the quilts made by Phillip

Brown's mother, Betty Brown.

Deborah Circle

Tuesday, May 17,

7:00 p.m. in the

Parlor.

All women of the

church are invited.

The Saint Mark's tent offered baked goods and plants.

Below is one of the other team participants following the

theme, "Rockin' for the Cure."

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Members of the Women With Faith Sunday School class were a

part of the Saint Mark's Relay for Life team and helped with a

bake sale and plant sale at the tent. From Left are: Patty

Campbell, Lois Minchew, Caffie Chambers, Jane Wilkerson and

Pam Jeffcoat. Other members were Sharon Clark who headed up

the fundraiser at Saint Mark's, Ellen Jackson who was in charge of

torches and luminaries, and Deb Veeder, who was the Logistics

Chairman of the Relay.

There were 32 teams participating. Also, Saint Mark’s as a team

did incredibly in the amount of money raised prior to the evening.

Deb reported that "We had a beautiful night for the Relay and I

think everyone who came had a good time." The final amount of

money raised will be reported in the near future. Below is the

scene of the lighted luminaries seen as people walked the track to

support the fight against cancer. Photos by Deb Veeder

Saint Mark’s United Methodist Church Dated Material NONPROFIT

400 Grant’s Ferry Road May 13, 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.

We offer

sympathy

to

Jeff and Renee Johnson at the death of

their mother/mother-in-law,

Sarah Johnson, April 26.

Steve Grant at the death of his

stepfather, Roger Terhaar, April 22,

in Grand Rapids, MI.

Julie Blake at the death of her cousin,

Jerry Norris of Collins on May 2.

Anne Reed at the death of her father,

William Fowler, on May 6 in Winfield, AL

Attendance Report for April 2011

Sunday School

April 3 - 510 393

April 10 - 558 329

April 17 - 529 348

April 24 - 1,023 433

Hope House is Second Saturday project

RECENTLY HOSPITALIZED

Joell McBeth - St. Dominic, surgery

Henry Laird - VA then Brandon Court

Rick Dutton - UAB

Hope House is a home away from home for outpatients from throughout the State of

Mississippi receiving cancer treatments at Jackson hospitals. It is a faith-based non-

profit organization that depends entirely on private donations.

It has served seriously ill outpatients from every county in Mississippi since

January 1985 providing meals, lodging and transportation to medical appointments to

those who are Hope House guests. Some have also come from out of state. All

services are free.

Located at 786 E. Northside Dr., Jackson, it now has 32 beds for cancer

patients. "People are needed to do yard work and house maintenance. Anything you

can do will help," Wanda Pitts, the director, encourages. "It blesses us to see the

wonderful things people do." Saint Mark's volunteers will meet Saturday, May

14, at 8:00 a.m. in the side parking lot and return by noon. A complete story

about Hope House can be read in the February 25 issue of the Beacon.

To Brian and Brooke May

upon the birth of their daughter, Molly Grace, on April 28.

Grandparents are Ron and Teresa Humphrey.

To Drs. Graham and Ashley Jones

upon the birth of their daughter, Lydia Laurence, on May 3.

Big sister is Eden and grandparents are Chip and Christy Jones

To Chad and Jessica Thompson

upon the birth of their son, Ethan Grant, on May 5.

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