The Remarks is a weekly publication of Saint Mark United Methodist Church, Atlanta, Georgia.
The email addresses used in this mailing were provided by the addressees for church use. To ensure that you continue to receive emails from us, add remarks@stmarkumc.org to your ISP address book & ISP safe list today.

If you haven't done so already, click to confirm your interest in receiving these weekly eRemarks.
To unsubscribe from our emails, follow the SafeUnsubscribe link at the bottom of this email.
You can also update your email address for the eRemarks at the bottom of this email.
Click here to provide general updates to your church record.

View The Remarks online at http://www.stmarkumc.org/remarks/
For this and other information, please visit our website at http://www.stmarkumc.org

Prayer Vigil

A Prayer Vigil will be held in the chapel this Saturday, February 9, 9 am - 4 pm. All (including children) are welcome. This Vigil will be somewhat different from the one we had for the Capital Campaign. Based upon the belief that so many of the most immediate concerns we have as a congregation / community can be distilled into the idea that we live with and support violence – environmentally, politically, socially, and even theologically, the theme of this Prayer Vigil will address ways in which each participant has experienced violence in his/her own life; has supported or acted with violence; and desires to change and to be changed.

In recognition that individuals experience God in different ways and that praying can be done in a variety of ways, there will be different centers set up in the Chapel, the parlor, and the hallways, each providing an opportunity for participants to pray in a fashion that is most comfortable for them. There will be a center for making prayer bracelets; for using guided imagery meditations; for listening to music; for reading from a prayer booklet; for planning how one will observe Lent throughout the season; etc. We invite you to join us for a time of prayer, meditation and reflection.

The Club M.A.R.K. Gala has been postponed

Due to an unforeseen circumstance beyond Saint Mark's control, the Club M.A.R.K. Gala, originally scheduled for this Saturday, February 9, must find a different location. At this late date, we have not been able to book another space for this Saturday night; therefore, the Gala has been postponed. Hopefully the Gala will be rescheduled in March but will depend upon the new venue.

If you have any suggestions for a 200+ venue that allows us to use our own Keith Hand's Bridge Catering and our own Alexis Rodriguez as a DJ, preferably inside the perimeter, please contact Mark Haley, 404.374.7993, or Paul Brown, paulvb@aol.com.

If you have already purchased tickets either from a Club M.A.R.K. member or via the website, refunds will be gladly given OR your tickets will be honored at the actual event. If you choose a refund, Club M.A.R.K. will be in the narthex before and after worship services this Sunday, February 10, or contact Mark Haley, custommaid@bellsouth.net.

We appreciate your understanding, and thank you for your support of and participation in Club M.A.R.K. - Making A Real Konnection.

Sincerely, Cheryl Thompson, Club M.A.R.K. Secretary

Valentine's Cabaret

Celebrate Valentine’s Day a day early on Wednesday, February 13, 6:30 pm, in Wade Hall with a dinner and show featuring Jane Burke, Amy Holloway and Larry Manning in Love is Just Around the Corner, a musical review including the music of Gershwin, Berlin, Mercer, Harburg and others from the American Songbook.

Dinner by Bridge Catering. Cost is $10 per person. Menu includes shrimp cocktail, crab dip, mixed green salad, yeast rolls, grilled asparagus, marinated tomatoes, oven roasted potatoes and parsnips, beef tenderloin with peppercorn mushroom sauce, chicken roulade with apple walnut sauce, chocolate fountain with dipping fruit, pound cake, mixed berries, and cupcakes.

Please call 404.873.2636 x50 by noon Tuesday, February 12. Reservations are required. Due to the popularity of this event, unfortunately we will not be able to serve anyone without a reservation. Thank you for your cooperation!

Food for the Hungry Soul

Beginning this month, Saint Mark is offers the following educational courses for persons who would like to explore a particular topic within a small group. Click here for more information about the Food for the Hungry Soul offerings.

NOOMA: A Video Series

• Sundays, 10:10-11:10 am, February 10-March 16 (6 weeks)
• Facilitated by Meg Edmondson
• Cost: Free
• Register now! Please include course name, your name, email addresses, & phone numbers.

NOOMA are series of short films promoting spiritual perspectives on individual life experiences. The first series feature storyteller Rob Bell. The name NOOMA comes from a phonetic spelling of the Greek word pneuma (πνευμα) meaning 'wind,' 'spirit,' or 'breath.' Each film is about 10 to 14 minutes of teaching related to real-life situations. Each short story covering a specific topic - usually by relating various experiences from a Christian perspective.

Thomas Merton: Bridges to Contemplative Living,
Book 2: Becoming Who You Already Are

• Wednesdays, 7:45-9:00 pm, February 13-April 2 (8 weeks)
• Facilitated by: Bill Rencher
• Cost: $7
• Register online today

Bridges to Contemplative Living uses passages from the works of Thomas Merton and other spiritual masters to lead participants toward a more contemplative life.

Participants will learn, and use, the technique of contemplative dialogue to further their own spiritual transformation. A majority of class time will be spent in small group discussion, using a series of questions to guide discussion. In this second part of an eight part series, Becoming Who You Already Are, participants will learn to utilize their own life experiences as the primary tool for spiritual growth.

There is no prerequisite for this class, as each segment of the eight part series stands on its own.

Women of the Bible

• Sundays, 10:10-11:10 am, March 30-May 4 (6 weeks)
• Facilitated by Rev. Mandy Flemming
• Cost: to be determined
• Register now! Please include course name, your name, email addresses, & phone numbers.

Take a closer look at the women of the Bible, many who are discussed, but their names never mentioned. Course will cover Eve, Jephtha’s Daughter, Esther and Queen Vashti, Ruth, Mary, and Mary Magdalene. The course will address the attributes of courage, faith, love, wisdom, nerve, and humility in diverse biblical women.

Theology on Tap: An Exploration of Contemporary Writers as Theologians

• Wednesdays, 7:45-9:15 pm, April 2-May 7 (6 weeks)
• Facilitated by Rev. Mandy Flemming & Presian Burroughs
• Cost: your bar tab!
• Register now! Please include course name, your name, email addresses, & phone numbers.
• Meeting location: Gordon Biersch, 848 Peachtree Street

Theology on Tap is a speaker series that takes place in the fun, relaxed setting of your favorite local pub. "ToT" focuses on different theologians from a variety of times, places, and influence, so as to provide fodder for conversation on topics of faith. The goal is to provide a forum for young adults to learn about and discuss their faith in a relaxing social setting. Readings will include Flannery O’ Connor, Frederick Buechner, Anne Lamott, A.J. Jacobs, and others.

Grace Abounding: Two Spiritual Journeys

• Thursdays, 6:30-8:15 pm,
  April 3-May 8 (6 weeks)
• Facilitated by Mary Abbott Waite
• Cost: $20 for the book
• Register online today

A light supper will be part of our meeting so participants can come right from work.

One of the promises that Jesus makes to his followers is that God is with us always; he will not leave us comfortless. God’s grace and love are free to all, no strings attached. Yet coming to know the manifold ways in which God is with us is a lifelong spiritual journey. Over six weeks of study, we’ll use two powerful and personal records of the presence of God in real life to explore ways in which God is with us. The two books are by Kathleen Norris, Dakota: A Spiritual Geography (a sophisticated NY editor/poet goes to rural Dakota, her grandmother’s home, to teach) and Henri Nouwen, The Return of the Prodigal Son (a personal discovery of what it means to be open to being found by God).

Companions in Christ
(This course is continuing for the Fall but is open to new members.)

• Sunday, 4:30-6:30 pm, February 10-April 27 (12 weeks remaining)
• Facilitated by Rev. Mandy Flemming & Bruce Roaden
• Cost: $25
• Register online today

This transformational small-group series is divided into four components, which explore spiritual formation as a journey toward wholeness and holiness through journaling, meditation and praying with scripture. The focus will be on reflecting on scripture through prayer and sharing so as to better be attuned to the voice of God, so that we will be equipped to respond to our Call.

Come to the table and be fed.

Thanks. . . and More

by Pastor Jimmy Moor

Maybe I should turn 60 more often! What a time I have had these last few days! Getting ice cream mailed to me….. a first, at least for me. Having a party on Wednesday night as part of our Wednesday evening activities. Balloons covering the floor of my office on Friday. Good friends at our house on Saturday. And the surprise reception/party after church on Sunday. What a fun time!

Two things stand out for me. The first is your love, care and support. Wednesday night, Friday, Sunday – I never expected a standing ovation for a birthday – you are just the best! Your expressions of love are overwhelming and so meaningful. The second standout is Julie. You know what a remarkable woman she is, and she showed it again this week. Planning all the events here at church, getting you to keep the secret about Sunday (a true miracle) and cooking a superb meal on Saturday, she is amazing. I am a lucky man to have her love. I hope she feels mine for her. This is a birthday I will not forget.

And now we move into Lent. We are coming into the seasons that mark the heart of the Christian faith, remembering the events that define who we are as a community. I urge you to pay attention to the opportunities here at Saint Mark that will allow you to experience the richness of these seasons more fully. Come to what you can. Take on a practice that will keep you in touch with God. Watch for God’s presence and activity in your life and in the world around you. Let this be a time of deepening your walk with Christ.

Thanks for being the church.

Remarks Announcements

CALLED TO WITNESS FOLLOW-UP TRAINING & STRATEGY SESSION

We have learned that when it comes to matters of religion and faith, the most effective method of changing hearts and minds for full inclusion of LGBT people in the church is telling our stories. Last month we were honored to host Rev. Tiffany Steinwert from the Reconciling Ministries Network who led an excellent training on telling our stories. Join Rev. Josh Noblitt this Saturday, February 9, 10 am - 12 pm, in Room 111 for an abridged version of this training and a strategy session on reaching out to the people who will be voting on matters of full inclusion at General Conference in April. Persons who attended last month's training and anyone else interested are strongly encouraged to attend. Together we can show the delegates to the 2008 General Conference that the United Methodist Church we love does not discriminate. For more information, contact Josh, 404.739.5162.

PARKING UPDATE

Because of Saint Mark’s recent property acquisitions, our parking will be changing over the next few months. The parking lot at the corner of Juniper and Fifth Streets is now under new management. Saint Markers will continue to enjoy free parking there (with a Saint Mark Parking Sticker) for church events through February 29. Additional church parking is now available next to the red brick house located at 768 Juniper Street. Please remember that on Sunday’s the lot directly behind the church must be reserved (as always) for the elderly, those who are disabled, and families with young children. We will let you know of other changes in our parking possibilities as soon as we learn them.

HOLDING THEM IN OUR HEARTS

As a combined project between the Couples Class and the Children’s Council, we are sending a Valentine to every person in Callie Leaver’s unit, presently stationed in New Jersey and scheduled for a one-year deployment to Iraq. Callie is Cheryl Grisham’s partner and a mom of Kate Grisham. At our Second Sunday Family Fellowship Lunch on February 10, immediately following the 11:15 am service, we will meet in Wade Hall for lunch and a Viva la Valentine activity! Please plan to join us for the lunch ($7 for adults and $5 for children ages 4-12) AND to help us decorate valentines for Callie and the other 124 members of her unit.

If you plan to have lunch, you MUST make reservations - Jackie Jenkins, 404.873.2636 x24, jjenkins@stmarkumc.org. If you just want to come and make Valentines, all you have to do is show up. If you cannot join us, but want to participate, we are accepting donations for postage.

HAVE YOU EVER WONDERED ...

what happens to the costumes, props and sets once the final curtain goes down on a Saint Mark Drama Ministry production? Come and check out our storage area on Saturday, February 16, 10 am - 2 pm, and lend a hand as we sort and organize our inventory. Refreshments will be served. Please RSVP to drama@stmarkumc.org so we are sure to have enough food.

HELP IS NEEDED. . .

for a (temporarily) disabled staff member! While our Children’s Minister Jackie Jenkins is recuperating from foot surgery, we have a wonderful opportunity to introduce our children to some of the non-parent grown-ups in the congregation. We are recruiting folks to present the Children’s Time during the 8:45 and 11:15 Morning worship services on Sunday, March 2, 9, and 16. You can sign up for only one service – or for all six! To prepare you for this fun and important service to our children, Jackie will facilitate a session on Leading Children’s Time during the Sunday School hour (10:10 am) on Sunday, February 17 and again after the 11:15 am service (both times in the Parlor). Join Jackie and other grown-ups as we learn ways to share the Good News with our children!

WHAT HYMNS WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE IN A NEW UNITED METHODIST HYMNAL?

This spring, General Conference will consider a recommendation for a new hymnal. The General Board of Discipleship would like to know which hymns or songs you would like to see included, so they are conducting an online survey to gather opinions. Please note - the survey can only be completed one time per person. Click here for more information and to take the survey.

Missions Opportunities & Ideas

BLANKETS FOR OPEN DOOR

It’s cold on the streets of Atlanta, and the blanket closet at the Open Door Community is almost bare. The Open Door Community is a residential community which seeks to dismantle racism, sexism and heterosexism, abolish the death penalty, and create the Beloved Community on Earth through a loving relationship with some of the most neglected and outcast of God’s children: the homeless and our sisters and brothers who are in prison. Open Door has an immediate need for blankets for our homeless friends. If you have blankets to donate, please help us! You can drop your donated blankets off at Open Door (located at 910 Ponce de Leon Ave. NE, Atlanta 30306) on Sundays from 9 am – 4 pm and Mondays through Thursdays 9-11 am and 2-8:30 pm. For more details, call 404.874.9652. Thank you for your generosity!

Click here for more information about the Open Door Community ministry.

For more information about Missions at Saint Mark or if you have suggestions, contact Rev. Josh Noblitt, Deacon in Residence and Chair of Community Outreach & Missions, jnoblitt@stmarkumc.org, 404.739.5162, or Rev. Phillip Thomason, Minister of Outreach & Pastoral Care, pthomason@stmarkumc.org, 404.873.2636 x12.

Green Team Tip of the Week

Fabric Softener

Liquid fabric softeners may contain derivatives of ammonium chloride (harmful to some aquatic life and a trigger for allergy and asthma symptoms). Keep it out of the wastewater stream by substituting a quarter-cup to a cup of white vinegar, which leaves your clothing soft and doesn’t leave behind any scent.

To report a water restriction violation, call:

• City of Atlanta, 404.982.1414
• Fulton County, 770.640.3040
• Dekalb County, 770.270.6243
• Cobb County, 770.419.6278
• Gwinnett County, 678.376.7100

Click here for the Green Team's previous Tips of the Week.
Click here for more information about Saint Mark's Green Team.

Club M.A.R.K. - Making a Real Konnection

Book Club

The Book Club meets on the first Thursday of each month at Jason’s Deli (located at the corner of Piedmont and 10th St) at 7 pm. The next Book Club will meet on Thursday, February 7. All are invited to participate!

• February: Love in the Time of Cholera by Gabriel Garcia Marquez; Steve Hargrove, facilitator
• March: Old School by Tobias Wolff

Click here for more information about the Club M.A.R.K. Book Club or contact Cheryl Thompson, cherylcrt@aol.com 404-918-9240.

Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues

Emory University Performing Arts Studio, Thursday, February 14. Doors open at 7 pm; performance at 8 pm. Minimum suggested donation of $8. Bring your friends and loved ones and join us as we participate in this ongoing global movement to stop violence against women and girls. Proceeds will benefit local organizations working toward this end. Tickets can be purchased at the door, but please contact Meg Edmondson, 404.285.5833, auntskippyjonjones@gmail.com, or Cheryl Thompson, cherylcrt@aol.com, if you are planning to attend. Due to mature subject matter, we recommend that no children under age 16 attend.

Tax Planning Issues

Sunday, February 17, 2 pm, in Wade Hall. There have been some major changes in Georgia law in the last year, some of which specifically affect the LGBT community, especially in regard to wills and health care. Come take advantage of this opportunity to learn more about your options. Club M.A.R.K. is sponsoring a free seminar hosted by Bob Brown and Tom Saunders of H&R Block (and Saint Mark). Admission is free and no RSVP is required. For more information, contact Bob Brown, rusha@mindspring.com or Cheryl Thompson, cherylcrt@aol.com, 404.918.9240.

Club M.A.R.K. events are open to everyone - all are invited to participate!
Click here for more information about Club M.A.R.K.

Remarks Reports

Morning Worship: Sunday, February 10

• Open Membership Sunday
• 1st Sunday in Lent
• Jimmy Moor to preach

Wednesday Fellowship Dinner: Wade Hall, 6:15 pm

• February 6 - Ash Wednesday Service; Menu - Salad Bar: Cream of Mushroom Soup, Fresh Fruit, Mixed Greens, Tofu Trio; Dinner: Sweet and White Potato Chips, Salmon Cakes with Lemon Caper Butter, Asian Sea Bass with Grilled Asian Vegetables; Bread or Rolls; Assorted Desserts
• February 13 -Valentine’s Day Dinner/Amy, Larry, Jane Present a Valentine’s Cabaret; Menu - Shrimp cocktail, warm crab dip with fried wonton & crostini; mixed green salad with grilled vegetables, feta, & pecans; herbed yeast rolls; grilled asparagus, marinated tomatoes, oven roasted potatoes and parsnips; sliced beef tenderloin with peppercorn mushroom sauce; chicken roulade with apple walnut sauce; chocolate fountain with dipping fruit, marshmallows, mixed berries, whipped cream, cupcakes
• February 20 - Talent Show
• February 27 - Compline Service

Click here for more information about AND to make a reservation for a Wednesday Dinner program, call 404.873.2636 x50, or complete the registration form in the pews and place in the offering plate.

In Sympathy

Saint Mark expresses Christian sympathy to Russell McKinney on the death of his mother, Cherie McKinney, on February 4, in Gardendale, Alabama; to Frank Hartley on the death of his grandmother on January 31 in south Georgia; to Bill Rencher on the death of his grandmother, Peggy Rybolt, in Orlando, Florida, on February 1; and to MJ Stephens on the death of her grandmother, Louise Phillips, on February 2.

Gift Acknowledgements

Mrs. Helen Andrews and David Tuck both gave gifts in memory of Frances Cox.

Financial Report

2007 year-end contribution statements have been mailed. Most people have received theirs, but if you have not and need your information, please contact Deana Hilton in the Business Office, 404.873.2636 x14, dhilton@stmarkumc.org.

Click here to make a contribution securely online.
Click here to make your make your 2008 Operating Budget Pledge online.
Click here to make your make your Capital Campaign Pledge online.

Congregational Care

Coming up at Saint Mark

Links to www.stmarkumc.org

CONTACT US!

Please submit all announcements for the Remarks to Christia Holloway, Remarks Editor, no later than the Friday prior to the week that the information should appear.

Saint Mark United Methodist Church

781 Peachtree Street NE
Atlanta GA 30308-1205
Phone: 404.873.2636
After hours emergency: 888.334.9490
Prayer line: 404.873.2636 x31 or prayer@stmarkumc.org
Fax: 404.873.2639
E-mail: office@stmarkumc.org
Web: www.stmarkumc.org

STAFF DIRECTORY

Rev. Jimmy Moor, Senior Pastor
  jmoor@stmarkumc.org, telephone extension 11

Rev. Phillip Thomason, Associate Minister of Outreach & Pastoral Care
  pthomason@stmarkumc.org, extension 12

Rev. Mandy S. Flemming, Associate Minister of Christian Education & Spiritual Formation
  mflemming@stmarkumc.org, extension 13

Rev. Joshua M. Noblitt, Deacon in Residence
  jnoblitt@stmarkumc.org, 404.739.5162

Jane Burke, Minister of Fine Arts
  jburke@stmarkumc.org, extension 15

Jackie Jenkins, Children's Minister
  jjenkins@stmarkumc.org, extension 24

Boyd Darsey, Staff Assistant
  bdarsey@stmarkumc.org, extension 10

Deana Hilton, Business Administrator
  dhilton@stmarkumc.org, extension 14

Christia Holloway, Assistant to Rev. Moor
  cholloway@stmarkumc.org, extension 16

John Richardson, Associate Director of Fine Arts & Organist
  jrichardson@stmarkumc.org, extension 22

Amy Holloway, Fine Arts Assistant
  extension 22

Kathi Urban, Fine Arts Assistant
  kurban289@comcast.net, extension 22