Volume 57, Number 3 February 7, Go For 2 in 2017

Transcription

1 Volume 57, Number 3 February 7, 2017 As Pastor Sharon leads us, through worship, into a year of Good News for Today s World, the Christian Formation Team is launching Go for 2. Do you know about the numerous opportunities at St. Mark s for faith development? Hopefully, you re aware that there are four worship opportunities each week: two Sunday morning traditional services (8:15 and 9:45); one contemporary service (11:15); and a casual, dinner and worship service on Wednesday evenings at 5:45. What if you paired your worship experience with a Bible study that helps you dive deeper into the word? What if you attended an adult Sunday School class before or after your favorite worship service? What if you attended something special, like Holy Yoga, to help you tune out the chaos and focus on your relationship with God? What if you took advantage of one or more service opportunities? And, what if, by doing a couple of those things, you set a powerful example for the young people of our church? Children are always welcome in worship. Try making Go For 2 in 2017 time to take children and youth to Sunday School, and attend worship as a family before or after Sunday School. Children learn to serve in Sunday School and Vacation Bible School. Youth serve during youth group, and at their summer missions (Middle School Mission and SSP). Like adults, they also need time to tune out the secular world and focus on their relationship with God. That s what youth group and GLOW offer our young people. We re happy to see you in worship, and are very grateful to our pastors, music groups and numerous volunteers who help enhance the worship experience. The purpose of study, mission, and Christian fellowship is to help us deepen our faith and commitment to God. Just for fun, we ll lift up a 2 theme each month, as a reminder to Go for 2. In February, our theme is reminiscent of that Super Bowl game changer! Christian Formation Team Kim, Greg, and Rachel Remember to bring your gift to church this Sunday, February 12th! Show your appreciation for all that St. Mark's means to you! Bring your birthday gift of thanks to church this Sunday, February 12. By now, you have received the Caring for our Campus A Birthday Gift of Thanks letter that explained the reason for this appeal. Hopefully you saw the recent video at worship services last week. Well, it's finally here! Your generous gift to St. Mark's will help us start a capital fund that will provide the financial support to care for our campus when big projects and large unexpected needs arise. Please use the envelope that was included with the letter to make your pledge, and place it in the offering plate during any of our worship services. Please note Birthday Gift in the memo line, if you write a check. Or, online donations can be made from the St. Mark's website ( ) using the Donation/ Payment link located at the top right-hand corner of the home page.

2 2 St. Mark s Messenger February 7, 2017 St. Mark s Messenger St. Mark s United Methodist Church 1431 W. Magee Road Tucson, AZ (520) Fax: (520) info@umcstmarks.org Website: Sunday Worship: 8:15, 9:45 and 11:15am Wednesday Nights: Light supper - 5:45pm Music/Programs - 6:15-7:15 Senior Pastor: Rev. Sharon Ragland Associate Pastor: Rev. Tammy Hallam Christian Formation for Children & Adults: Greg Poling Youth Ministries: Kim Ogle Communications & Outreach: Sallyann Wassmuth, Pro tempore Messenger Editor: Kandy Delk, Pro tempore Published bi-weekly. To discontinue mailing of paper version and receive notification of online edition instead, please contact: Next Messenger deadline: Feb. 16th Calendar Notes HeartWorks will NOT meet this Friday, Feb. 10, but will resume in March. Be sure to join us for Food Truck Café this Friday evening, Feb. 10 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. There will be a hands-on bug show in the Fellowship Hall. Join Clay Thompson for a workday in the Meditation Gardens this Saturday, Feb. 11, at 8:00 a.m. Bring your gloves, water and sunscreen. Parents Evening Out will be held this Saturday, Feb 11 from 5:00-9:00 p.m. A Red Cross Blood Drive will be held this Sunday, Feb. 12 in the Fellowship Hall. The Music Committee will meet this Sunday, Feb. 12 at 12:30 p.m. in the Dear Church Family... Conference Room. The Christian Persecution Task Force will meet on Monday, Feb. 13 at 6:30 p.m. in the Conference Room. The Marksmen will meet for breakfast at Coco s on Wednesday, Feb. 15 at 7:30 a.m. Nash Neighbors will meet again on Thursday, Feb. 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the Library. There will be another informational meeting for the 2018 Holy Land trip on Sunday, Feb. 19 at 12:45 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall. The annual Youth Parking Lot Sale will be held on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 7:00 a.m. I want to thank my St. Mark s family for all the prayers, cards, and calls during the passing of my beloved husband, Jim. St. Mark s was so special to both of us. A special thank you to Pastors Tammy and Sharon for all of their prayers and visits at our time of need. I will always treasure the beautiful prayer shawls we were given. Thank you to the ladies who made them. Elaine Cooper Thank you so much for your generous donation of $200, to benefit GaitWay s Conductive Education program. Since 1997, IAA/GaitWay has provided Conductive Education to children with cerebral palsy and other motor disabilities. In the summer of 2009, the organization expanded its service area to include both children and adults who reside in the Tucson community. It is our goal to also have a summer camp program on the west side of Pima County. (Excerpted) Barbara Kincaid, Board of Directors Mary Hare, Executive Director We are so grateful for your gifts to the Kairos Prison Ministry. We hope you understand how much your support of this ministry means to the people with whom we come into contact. Lives are touched and new hope is born because God has put our work on your heart. (Excerpted) Andrew B. Smith, Donor Coordinator Thank you for your generous contribution to the work of Church World Service - which we appreciate more than ever in these challenging times. Your compassionate support is helping impoverished communities. I have seen both the resilience and the resolve of the women, men and children we assist. May God bless you for your kindness. (Excerpted) Rev. John L. McCullough, President and CEO On behalf of the Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and most of all, people helped by the Southern Arizona Aids Foundation (SAAF), thank you for your generous in-kind gift of blankets. (Excerpted) Wendell Hicks, Executive Director

3 3 St. Mark s Messenger February 7, 2017 UA Symphonic Choir Concert St. Mark s United Methodist Church will host the University of Arizona Symphonic Choir in concert on Friday, Feb. 17 at 7:00 p.m. The Symphonic Choir is the premier undergraduate choral ensemble at the University of Arizona, under the direction of Elizabeth Schauer. Their program features a wide variety of music including medieval and Renaissance sacred works, traditional classical repertoire, contemporary popular works and folk song settings. This group has been honored with numerous invitations and has been featured on the professional conferences of American Choral Directors Association, Arizona Music Educators Association, College Music Society and American Guild of Organists. They have been praised for their engaging performance energy, fluid tone, and facility with a large range of musical styles and genres. The ensemble hopes to travel to Austria this summer to compete in an international choral festival. The concert is free and open to the public but a free will offering will be taken. For more information about the concert, contact Elizabeth Schauer at erschaue@ .arizona.edu. Socializing Our Seniors (SOS) Socializing Our Seniors will have their first day trip on Friday, Feb. 24 at the Miniature Museum. We will get a group rate of $5.00 ($9.00 otherwise). Please contact Jeanne Padgitt if interested. Christian Believers Book Study - Friday, February 24 Join us at 9:30 a.m. in the Library to discuss The Faith Club: A Muslim, a Christian, a Jew; Three Women Searching for Understanding by Idliby, Oliver and Warner. The study is open to everyone, we just ask that you have read the book and are willing to share your thoughts about it. Facilitators are Susan Gerstad and Sherri Lennarson. Register at the Adult Ed Board or online at The book is available at local and online bookstores. If you need childcare, contact Greg (greg@umcstmarks.org), and we will try to arrange it. The Faith Club is a groundbreaking book about Americans searching for faith and mutual respect. It weaves the story of three women, their three religions, and their urgent quest to understand one another. A memoir of spiritual reflections in three voices, The Faith Club has spawned interfaith discussion groups in churches, temples, mosques, and other community settings. It will make you feel as if you are eavesdropping on the authors' private thoughts, provocative discussions, and often controversial opinions and conclusions. As the authors reveal their deepest beliefs, you watch the blossoming of a profound interfaith friendship and the birth of a new way of relating to others. Pioneering, timely, deeply thoughtful, and full of hope, The Faith Club's caring message will resonate with people of all faiths. The class will continue to meet in the Library at 9:30 a.m. on the last Friday of the following months for discussions about these other books: March 31: Listening Hearts: Discerning Call in Community by Farnham, Gill, McLean, Ward April 28: God was in this Place and I Did Not Know by Rabbi Lawrence Kushner May 26: Why Did Jesus, Moses, the Buddha and Mohammed Cross the Road? by Brian McLaren You may register for these classes on Sundays at the Adult Education bulletin board or online ( If you need childcare, contact Greg Poling (greg@umcstmarks.org).

4 4 St. Mark s Messenger February 7, 2017 St. Mark s United Methodist Women will meet on Tuesday morning, Feb. 14, in the church Library. Please come at 9:30 a.m. for light refreshments and fellowship time. The program titled, What Makes Your Heart Happy? will begin at 10:00 a.m. We'll learn about the history of Valentine's Day, and have an opportunity to share our own thoughts about Valentine's Day and/or Things That Make Our Heart Happy All women of the church are invited. You don't have to be a member of St. Mark s United Methodist Women, or St. Mark s UMC, or any church to come. Childcare may be available. Please check in the church office ( ) before the meeting. If you have questions or need a ride, please contact President Virginia Tupper (ginr3636@gmail.com) or leave a message in the church office, and someone will call you back. An Evening of Fellowship with the Mark-a-ritas The Mark-a-ritas will be gathering on Thursday, February 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the Fellowship Hall to play a simple dice game called Left, Center, Right. The adjective simple is important, because playing a game is just an excuse to get a group of women together to have fun, to enjoy each other s company, and to start new and grow existing friendships. If you would like to join us, I would appreciate an response (bhunter@ .arizona.edu). Please note: an RSVP is not required I just want a ball-park number. Thanks. Brenda Hunter New Lenten Study Facilitators Needed Restored: Finding Redemption in our Mess by Tom Berlin Often we make a mess of our lives and wonder if there is any redemption. In this book, pastor and author Tom Berlin helps us see our mess through the eyes of Christ to find redemption and restoration. Using scripture, devotional tools, and the writings of Ignatius of Loyola, John of the Cross, St. Augustine, John Wesley, Evelyn Underhill, and others, Berlin encourages reflection and meditation through our own brokenness. Only then can we focus on the cross as the place where we truly surrender control, leave our mess, and find redemption. This is a six-week book study with an accompanying DVD if you wish to use it. We need classes on Sunday mornings and throughout the week, both during the day and in the evening. We would also like to offer classes both on campus and off campus, perhaps in homes, care-centers, or coffee houses. If you are interested in facilitating a class, contact Greg (greg@umcstmarks.org or ). Soul Station Children s Ministry Assistant Needed Our Wednesday evening children s program during Soul Station is in need of an assistant. Join Julie Eblen and work with our elementary and preschool children while the adults are having their program. The time with the children is from 6:20 7:05 p.m. The children's program includes a lesson, crafts, games, or other activities. This is a paid position. Contact Greg for more information (greg@umcstmarks.org or ). Soul Station starts with a light meal at 5:45 p.m. before the program, and you are welcome to come to that.

5 5 St. Mark s Messenger February 7, 2017 The Inn Project This from the Desert Southwest Conference web site: People are rallying together to respond with love to a request for help from the Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) office. ICE has asked for help with temporary housing and transportation for immigrant families. Most of the families are from Central America and are in the United States as Refugee or Asylum immigrants. They have cleared background checks and customs. The coordinated response is called The Inn Project. The Inn Project is being organized in our own district. Refugees are finding temporary shelter at First UMC and Christ Church. St. James has set up a collection space for provisions like clothing, hygiene products, food, and other materials. Members of churches in our district have been very generous about providing these things for traveling immigrants. They need receptacles for carrying the clothes, etc. that they re given for their travels. St. Mark s will answer that need by collecting new and gently used backpacks, small duffle bags, and reusable grocery bags. Look for a bin in the patio on Sunday mornings. For more information about the Inn Project, including ways to volunteer, visit Save the Date! Tickets will be available on Sundays, March 5 & 12 for the 60th Anniversary celebration being held on March 18. Look for a table in the courtyard on theses dates. More information to come. You Only Die Once Course Starting Feb. 27 The You Only Die Once (YODO) course is a simple, sixweek course that helps you deal with expected details about life s end, while also providing a framework for you to convey the things that are most important to you. St. Mark s will be offering the YODO course on Mondays, Feb April 3, from 6:00 7:30 p.m in Fellowship Hall. Getting your affairs in order and making a plan for the end of your life is something you know you need to do. (C mon just admit it.) What if you could make a plan in a lighthearted environment, with people from your church? When you complete the YODO course, you ll have... A plan to pass on your values and your valuables; An outline for your funeral service and burial choice; All of your important documents in one place! And, you ll give a gift to your loved ones, removing the stress from what will already be a difficult time. Finally, you ll have increased joy and freedom, allowing you to live the rest of your life with grace and gusto. You can register online at adult-class-registration.php. Thank you, everyone who purchased Cafe la Colonia coffee on January 29. We sold over 60 bags of coffee, and thank God for the money that will go to the coffee company in Agua Preita, Mexico. You will remember Cafe la Colonia is a small business run by members of the Fuente de Vida Church, and the church is a mission project of St. Mark s UMC. The Agua Prieta Task Force has a few bags of ground and whole bean coffee leftover - if you'd like to purchase some of the remaining coffee, please contact Jay Suchland, member of St. Mark's Agua Prieta Task Force at such205@cpmcast.net. ECC News Thank you to St. Mark's UMC for the donation from the books and Bibles November offering. We were able to purchase many books to enhance our program. We are very grateful! The fee ($79 for singles, $139 for couples) includes dinner and course materials: You Only Die Once book by Marjie Jenkins, course workbook and the Handbook of Resources. Please contact the course facilitators, Martha Lundgren (martha@aztec506.net) or Lynn Nystrom(lcnystrom@msn.com), for more information.

6 6 St. Mark s Messenger February 7, 2017 Welcome New Members! - January 29, 2017 Cindy Post and Bart Dale: Cindy s hometown is New Prague, MN, but she came to Tucson in Her parents brought her here to church. Cindy is an RN with a 32-year career in NICU s and pediatrics. For the past five-years she has been a telephone triage nurse. She is interested in a variety of activities here, including Bell Choir, HeartWorks, and volunteering at the Red Umbrella. Bart Dale is also from New Prague, MN, and his two grown children still reside there. Bart and Cindy have been friends since their high school days. Bart is part of our church staff. As our Maintenance Coordinator, he keeps things running and takes care of our campus throughout the week. He s a man of many talents who likes to hunt, fish, ride his motorcycle, and spend time with his dog, Bella. They usually attend the 9:45 service and their sponsors are Cindy s parents, Lemar and Judy Hauff. Patricia and Bill Duryee come to us from McLean VA where they lived for many years and raised Bill s two daughters. Both daughters now live in Tucson, one is an Assistant U.S. Attorney and the other is a RN at TMC. Bill and Pat both worked for the C.I.A. in Financial Management. Now retired, Bill enjoys fishing, carpentry, reading, and traveling. Patricia also likes traveling, fishing, and dancing. She likes to cook, sew, knit, crochet, and make bags for HeartWorks. She volunteered throughout her career and afterwards as a legal guardian, and at a girls home. She s been a credit committee volunteer. For many years, she made afghans for the Childrens Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins Hospital. Bill and Patricia usually attend the 8:15 service and their sponsor is Sandy Marchese. Al and Greta Roberts divide their time between Tucson and Kokomo, IN, where they have lived for many years. Their two sons, daughters-in-law, and grandchildren all live in Indiana. Now retired, Al spent 43-years in welding, laboratory, and medical gas industries. Greta taught for 33-years. She was also caregiver to her mom and sister for 10-years after she retired. Al is a member of our Celebration Singers. Greta is busy with UMW projects here and part of the Wednesday Bible Study. She s an active volunteer in Tucson and in IN with community services. She loves travelling and hosting guests in their home. Greta says she is passionate about showing kindness to people. Their sponsors are John & Carol Cecilia. Harold and Susan Putt: The Putts moved here from Ada, Ohio. They met as students at Bowling Green State University and spent their careers as professors at Ohio Northern University. Harold taught in the Mathematics Department, and Susan in the English Department. Their daughter Heather and her husband live in Canada, where she works with Habitat for Humanity. Their son, Bill, is a career Army officer, and he and his wife and son live in Washington State. They were extremely active with church activities in OH and continue that involvement here. They attend Wednesday Soul Stations, serve on committees, and are members of many St. Mark s groups and study classes. Susan and their therapy dog, Snickerdoodle, serve with our Congregational Care Team. They both love reading, and Harold is an avid sports fan, following professional and college teams, and has a real devotion to the Philadelphia Phillies baseball team. They attend the 9:45 service, and their sponsors are Rich and Sandi Heilman. Tony and Lillian Lovaglio: Easterners by birth - Lill was born in the Bronx, NY, and Tony in Jersey City, NJ. They have recently moved here from Highland Lakes, NJ, after vacationing in Tucson for years and coming to worship at St. Mark s whenever they were in town. Tony worked for the New Jersey Transit system for 41-years, and Lill spent her career in the banking field. Before moving to New Jersey, Lill spent 10-years working for the Opryland Hotel in Nashville, TN. They have a history of church service; Tony as a Trustee and Lill as a Disciple student, a certified Lay Speaker, and a Lay Member to Annual Conference. They ve come to us with willing hearts and hands and have already demonstrated their willingness to help where needed! They attend the 9:45 service, and their sponsors are Wayne and Dorothy Schrader. Susan Zimmerman: Susan grew up in the Phoenix area and received her Master s degree in Rehabilitation Counseling from the U of A. She has lived in Tucson for 20 years and has worked with high school and college students and adults with disabilities. Susan loves to travel, play Jazz piano, garden, and exercise. She feels her new St. Mark s friends are like family now. She also has two brothers here; her mom, a brother and two sisters in Phoenix; and another brother in Flagstaff. Susan plans to be involved with the Open Doors Committee here and to help prepare Soul Station meals. She attends The Gathering and Soul Station, and her sponsor is Becky Strain.

7 Open Doors is the committee dedicated to helping all of us learn to be aware of disabilities, and to be welcoming to all who come on our campus, regardless of their ability or level of comfort. In an effort to promote awareness, Open Doors has provided the following article. 19 Things People With Chronic Pain Wish Others Would Stop Saying Loved ones don t always know exactly what to say after they ve found out you re living with chronic pain. In an attempt to be supportive they might tell you that you look great, not realizing it can make you feel brushed off, or offer some treatment advice that actually wouldn t help. Whether they re trying to be helpful, empathetic or even dismissive, their words can have a powerful impact. We partnered with the U.S. Pain Foundation to ask our community with chronic pain what they wish people would stop saying, and what they could say instead to truly make a loved one feel heard and respected. If you know someone with chronic pain, consider this a guide for being an ally. Here s what the community told us: 1. Stop suggesting treatments/cure-alls/etc. I need loving support. Instead of saying, Have you tried yoga/eliminating gluten/etc.? recognize that we work with experts and know our bodies and our illnesses. Ask us instead if we need some help ask if you can go snag groceries for us next time you re out or randomly call us or whatnot. If you want to support us, give us real support. 2. People say, Wait until you re my age. They should be saying, I m sorry you already feel like you re my age. I m 21 and my nerve endings are gone, I have no reflexes anymore and I m so sick of people telling me I m too young to be ill. Chronic illnesses don t discriminate by anything, especially age. 3. Join the club. People don t realize that chronic pain is a little different, and our tolerance builds up. I ve pushed through days where my back brought tears to my eyes and most would have been in the ER. Maybe [instead] just, I ve had pain before, so I can empathize. Let me know if there s anything I can do to help. 4. When they say, You must not be in that much pain if you re going out today! they should say, I m glad to see you were feeling well enough to be able to go out today. 5. You poor thing. Maybe instead say, Wow, you are so strong for having to go through all of that. I m not a weak poor thing. I m strong. 6. I wish I could help. Maybe you do. But it is such an empty statement. Instead maybe say, I m so sorry you are going through this. 7. At least you don t have/feel *something worse than you have or feel.* I know they mean well And it s occasionally helpful to remember that you could have it worse. But mostly I just need to hear, I m sorry you re feeling that way or It must be really hard/painful, I m sorry. 8. Get well soon. They don t understand we don t get well. We might feel better some days, but the pain is always there. I know they mean well. Instead I would like them to say, I m sorry that you are not feeling well, hope the pain calms down soon. 9. Stop saying, I understand. Nope, you don t, unless you yourself are going through it. Even then, everyone s pain is different. Or, My mom/friend had back surgery and now she s fine. Can t you just have surgery? I wish they would say, I m sorry you are hurting. Or, I m going to drop off dinner at your door. No need to answer, just enjoy. I ve had friends do this before and it meant so much. It was so supportive to understand I didn t feel like cooking but I also just wasn t up for visiting. 10. Just power through it! The intention is always good, but it s never helpful. It makes me feel even more isolated because anyone who truly knew the strength it takes to live with chronic pain would realize how silly that sounds. Instead, I wish they d say, I can t imagine how hard and exhausting this must be for you. Let me know how I can best support you. 11. The word again. Oh you have to cancel, again? Oh, you were in the hospital, again? Oh, you re in pain, again? It s not that things are happening again, it s that because it s chronic it s still happening. I wish they would say I m sorry you re still in pain. It makes me feel that my illness is putting them out. I don t ever mean to hurt people because of my illness, but yes I do have to cancel plans, and when my pain gets unbearable I ve had to go to the hospital. I ve just come to hate that word.

8 12. Please don t say, Oh my god! You look so skinny, that s fantastic! My boss said that to me when I had pancreatitis. I was on full stomach rest unable to eat for three days and pulling allday shifts. Just don t say anything about weight or looks. If someone genuinely looks tired, ask if you can help them with anything. 13. You seem a lot better! I seem better because life demands that I participate even though I am always painful. I would rather hear, It s amazing you can put on that smile every day even though I know you don t always want to. This acknowledges both the ongoing struggle and the strength we sometimes forget we, as pain patients must conjure just to face the world. 14. I ve heard, Oh, what s wrong with her today? spoken to another person in the same room as me after I was trying to explain how I felt one day. I ve pulled away from these people. It s exhausting to have to constantly explain how I feel. Once, just once, I wish those people would ask about my condition or take the initiative to do some research on chronic pain. It hurts when you re mocked and not understood. 15. You are always smiling so you can t be in that much pain! Ugh! Yes I smile. Do you really want to hear how badly I hurt? And maybe my smile will make a big difference in your day. 16. It could always be worse. Yes. I am aware of that. I am truly grateful that it s not worse. But telling me it could be, doesn t make it better. 17. I wish people would keep their home remedies to themselves unless asked. I love my family and friends but there is no amount of positive thinking or new fad diet or secret fruit from a TV doctor that s going to stop my multiple sclerosis flares or leukemia. Just tell me you love me and support my decisions with my doctor. It s my body, my pain, my life. I know what s best for me. 18. You need to get off those meds, they are bad for you! I would much rather them say, I hope those meds offer you some relief. 19. I hate hearing, I couldn t live like you. I m on HPN (home IV nutrition) and in chronic pain. The implication of your life sucks is the right thing to say? Perhaps start with, Is there anything I can do for you? Try empathy when I m down and out and remember I m more than an illness. Lastly, I love to laugh. Tell me a story, something funny at work and don t be afraid to mention my illness. It s just a part of my life. By Erin Migdol, editor of The Mighty

9 7 St. Mark s Messenger February 7, 2017 News from Quilters Group The St. Mark s Quilters Group was very busy in 2016, making and sending nearly 300 quilts to comfort those in need. Some quilts go to the Department of Social Services; some go to dialysis centers. The most recent donation of 75-quilts went to Tu Nidito, an organization that has, for over 20-years, provided emotional support for children whose lives have been traumatized by illness or death. Their motto is No Child Grieves Alone. The Quilters Group hopes these quilts will provide a warm hug to children who are going through difficult times in their young lives. The Quilters Group welcomes anyone who is interested in helping. You don t need to be a quilter we ll show you what to do. You can also help by donating fabric (100% cotton, please!) or with monetary donations, with which we purchase supplies. We meet every Thursday morning at 9 a.m. in Rooms 17/18 at the church. Come and join us! Please Keep These People In Your Prayers... In hospital: Caroline Demee, Kelly Deyoe, April DuBose In rehab or care facilities: Than Brademas, Donald Chester, Patricia Keele, Lloyd Mattson, Judy Mitzimberg, Sue Robinson, Howard Russell, Yvonne Yare Undergoing treatment at home: Jude Anderson, Ellen Beene, Michael Campbell, Judy Drescher, Bill Duryee, Tiffany Guerette, Megan Krzmarzick, Karen Linebarier, Dell Long, Jim Neessen, Bob Ross, Connie White Recovering at home: Alice Bergeman, Ron Hill, Marjie Hrabe, Susan Kelley, Maryann Nuckolls We Offer Our Christian Love and Sympathy To... Roger and Alana Shuma and family, upon the death of Roger s mother. Loved Ones In the Military... Please keep these people in your prayers. additions or updates to messenger@umcstmarks.org. Hank Bautzmann, son of Nancy Bautzmann Jon Chytka, nephew of Roger and Donna Severson Zachary Dojaquez, grandson of Roger and Donna Severson Brandonn Eto, close friend of Zirnheld/ Compernolle family Rob Eubank, son of David and Johanna Eubank Mike Freeman, son of Ken and Ann Freeman Patrick Harris, grandson of Marilyn Vaughn Greg Haynes, son of Bob and Melinda Haynes Matthew Hughey, son of Juliee and Billy Morrison and grandson of Joyce Flick Rachel Kester, daughter of Don and Ruth Kester Adam Laurie, son of Ingrid Christensen Chad Long, grandson of Pat Long Mark Joseph Maver, son of Seymour and Marcia Maver Joshua Miller, grandson of Ginny Johnson Jake Newton, son of Robert and Cheri Newton John O Regan, husband of Ashley O Regan and grandson-in-law of Janet Krug Brian Osborn, pastor in the Desert Southwest Conference William Putt, son of Harold and Susan Putt Joshua Ruth, son-in-law of Marjie Walp Adam Seia, son of David and Vonda Seia Jason Smith, grandson of Jerry and Judy Smith Alex Snow, brother of Shelley Shelton Clint Staschke, son-in-law of Cliff and June Young Michael and Karisa Szczygiel, daughter and sonin-law of Joyce Flick Timothy Trexler, great-nephew of Gail Blevins Brianna Walker, granddaughter of Barbara Fradenburgh; niece of John Fradenburgh Jeff Welsh, grandson of Roger and Donna Severson

10 1431 W. Magee Road Tucson AZ NON-PROFIT ORG. U.S. POSTAGE PAID TUCSON, ARIZONA NO. 454 Address Service Requested If you would like to begin receiving the Messenger electronically, and discontinue your paper copy, please submit your request to Reflections A STATE OF THE CHURCH Message Part 2, from Rev. Sharon Ragland How is our church doing? That s a question people ask, so in Messenger articles in the first quarter of 2017, I m giving you some thoughts and information about how we did in 2016, and plans for Last time, I talked about our financial health and our commitment to living out our mission statement and identified priorities. Today, I ll share about our budget for 2017, what we re doing with our main priority, and report on new leadership Budget - At the meeting on January 24, 2017, our church s Covenant Council (our decision-making body) approved a 2017 budget of $1,144,000. Although this is about $20,000 more than projected income, we re confident we can live within this budget because of funds in reserve and careful spending. The main addition to the 2017 budget is a part-time position of Music Ministries Coordinator, for which we will soon be advertising. This has been a needed position for some time, to help us coordinate all our excellent music ministries, work with me on continuing to enhance worship, and provide vision and planning for future music ministries. Priority Focus - As I mentioned in the last Messenger, the priority on which we re focusing is St. Mark s will work to reach new people in all ages and stages of life, with an emphasis on reaching younger people. One way we re doing this is to connect with our Early Childhood Center. An important place of connection is the monthly chapel services we re holding with the children and staff of the ECC, which has helped the children and their families know the pastors, the sanctuary, and learn about Christian faith. Leadership A measure of church strength is its leadership, including the number of new leaders who come into service each year. In 2017, we have five new chairpersons: Bill Fritz, chair of Staff-Parish Relations Committee; Lezley Barth, chair of the Finance Committee; Kevin Tate, chair of the Board of Trustees; Marci Hill, chair of the Permanent Endowment Committee; Kathy Parrish, chair of the Counselor in Residence Program. These persons have all served on those committees, but will now be serving as leaders of those areas and on the Covenant Council. I m grateful to all our leaders new and continuing - for their commitment and service. Next Messenger, I ll talk about plans for Blessings, Sharon

11 February 7, 2017 Volume 18, Issue 3 UPCOMING YOUTH EVENTS February 12, :00 to 6:00 Best of Jimmy Fallon games February 19, :00 to 6:00 Rodeo games February 25, 2017 SSP Parking Lot Sale (shifts from 6 a.m. to 3 p.m.) February 26, 2017 Rodeo week-end No Confirmation 9:45 Sunday School No youth group March 5, :00 to 4:00 Youth Council rescheduled 4:00 to 6:00 Underground Church & other cool games with prizes

12 Middle School Moments a note from the I love to laugh. I saw a meme the other day that said Life is better when you are laughing. And, boy, is that true! I love a good belly laugh with friends! I think that s my favorite part about hanging out with you guys, both on Sunday mornings and at Youth Group. I love how we all can laugh together! I can t wait to laugh with you on Sunday!! Rachel 2017 TRIP Tsaile, AZ on the Navajo Reservation July 9-15, The Parking Lot Sale is February 25. That s the Saturday of Rodeo Weekend, which means you re out of school the 23rd & 24th to help set up. Many of you have heard me say that Confirmation is my favorite thing to teach. It s the truth. Each year, I get to spend two semesters with the same students every Sunday, as we go from the history of Christianity to a commitment by each individual, to be confirmed. That journey includes guest speakers, and field trips, like the upcoming trip to the San Xavier Mission in March. In addition to guests, Rachel has been teaching some of the classes. Since she has a degree in religious studies, she has a wealth of information to share. Pastor Sharon has been encouraging our confirmands to attend worship, and sends weekly s about the sermon. For those of you who have been confirmed, I encourage you to remember your membership vows. Continue to pray, study and worship. Blessings, Kim Start collecting rummage treasures now! Ask parents, relatives, neighbors...whomever. Kim will send out the work schedule.