The Remarks is a weekly publication of Saint Mark United Methodist Church, Atlanta, Georgia.
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General Conference 2008: A Future With Hope

The United Methodist Church’s top legislative assembly, the General Conference, will meet in Fort Worth, Texas, from April 23 - May 2 to set the direction for the denomination for the next four years. As the top policy-making body of the international UMC, General Conference is the only body that officially speaks for the 11.5 million member denomination.

During the session, 992 delegates will revise the Book of Discipline, which regulates the manner in which local churches, annual conferences and general agencies are organized. The book also sets policies regarding church membership, ordination, administration, property and judicial procedures.

Delegates will also revise the Book of Resolutions, which declares the church’s stance on a wide variety of social justice issues and contains over 300 resolutions that are considered instructive and persuasive, but are not binding on members.

The General Conference Session is an extremely important meeting in the life of our United Methodist denomination. Click here to learn more about the United Methodist General Conference Session or to sign up for a daily e-mail update on the conference activities.

Please remember too to pray for the United Methodist Church leaders as they make important decisions affecting our denomination.

It’s Our Ministry

by Pastor Jimmy Moor

Yesterday in between services there was a meeting of the Trustees to consider how we might pay to have a new cooling tower installed on the roof of the education building. Our old tower has worn out, and a new one is necessary for the cooling of that building and the 1940’s building. We had a good meeting, and we will see that there is cool air for our people and our ministries in the coming hot months. Today a few of us were in a 2 hour meeting with the good folks at Midtown Alliance, talking about hurdles they see with our plans to move forward with parking on our Juniper Street properties. I am amazed sometimes at how much time and energy goes into wrestling with issues related to our buildings and to matters pertaining to our critical need for parking. These institutional matters call for a lot of our focus.

It helps me to stop and remember that what drives this kind of time commitment is not a love of real estate transactions – though they can be very interesting – nor the excitement of going to City Hall or other community offices. What is behind all of these efforts is our desire to be in ministry with one another and with our community. Mary Abbott is one among us who does her best to be sure we never lose sight of this primary concern.

Yesterday we baptized five children. We promised them and their parents that we would assist them in their faith journeys, with all that is involved in growing into maturity as humans and as Christians. This is what we are about. Yesterday eight people joined Saint Mark. They said that this will be the faith community in which they will grow as humans and as disciples of Jesus Christ. We, or our representatives, said we would support them on this wonderful journey. This is what we are about. And it’s something to be excited about.

We have a lot of “business” to tend to at Saint Mark. It can seem overwhelming at times. But let’s help each other remember: it’s really about our ministry. It’s really about our journey with Christ.

Jimmy Moor

Remarks Announcements

Wednesday Fellowship Dinners

Dessert Auction Update

Thanks to your enthusiastic participation, last week’s dessert auction was a huge success! We raised approximately $3500 to go towards school uniforms for the students of John Hope Elementary School! Click here to see photos from the auction.

Financial Planning, April 23

• Are you saving enough money for retirement?
• Do you know how much you need to save each month to reach your goals and dreams?
• Are you worried about your own investments?

Next Wednesday, April 23, financial advisor and Saint Mark member Michael Tropp will give a brief seminar on financial planning. He will discuss saving for retirement, types of retirement accounts, saving for a 2nd home, saving for college, tax strategies, estate planning, and some of the financial challenges for gay and straight couples. Regardless of how much or how little planning you have done, join us for some complimentary information from an expert in the field!

Looking Ahead: Pride 2008

If you are interested in helping with Saint Mark's Diversity Celebration - the dinner, the worship service, and/or the float - contact Rev. Phillip Thomason, pthomason@stmarkumc.org, 404.873.2636 x12. In the past, Saint Mark's Diversity Week has coincided with Atlanta's Gay Pride festivities. Because Pride is the weekend of July 4 this year, we are exloring the possibility of moving our Diversity Celebration to another week. So far, only one person has offered to help. This Saint Mark tradidtion will not happen without your help.

Just 1 Sunday Morning – For Just 1 Group!

If you have decided against teaching a children’s Sunday School class because you are active in your own adult class, we have a great opportunity for you! This summer, our regular children’s Sunday School teachers will take a break; instead we will offer only 2 classes (1 for ages 3-5 and 1 for Kindergarten-4th graders). Each lesson, while part of a larger theme of Build A Better World, is a stand-alone lesson. The curriculum is from Church World Service and will include gathering school supplies for children nationally and internationally who live in poverty areas. The lesson plans are simple to follow and our children’s minister will give you all the support you want(!) in preparing for and leading just 1 class, for just 1 group of our children this summer. Contact Jackie Jenkins, jjenkins@stmarkumc.org for more details.

Intergenerational Class Sunday, May 11

On Pentecost Sunday, May 11, wear something red and plan to participate in an intergenerational Sunday School class for everyone, from ages 5-105! Join us in Wade Hall at 10:10 am as we learn more about Pentecost. What is it? Why do we celebrate it? What does it mean for me? Don’t miss this great opportunity to live out the example of learning “all together” in our family of faith.

Looking Ahead: Special Events in May

Mark your calendars for these upcoming events:

• Tuesday, May 6: Offsite staff retreat
• Sunday, May 11: Pentecost & “Gifts of the Spirit” Intergenerational Sunday School class, 10:10 am
• Wednesday, May 14: First church softball game of the season
• Sunday, May 18: Festival Singers of Atlanta concert, 8 pm
• Monday, May 19: Administrative Council meeting, 6:45 pm (dinner at 6 pm)
• Saturday, May 24-Sunday, June 1: First Honduras Mission Trip

Methodists United - A New Website

methodistsunited.blogspot.com

Methodists United? What are we all about? Members of the United Methodist Church hold a long tradition of faith and action. The purpose of Methodists United is to share the stories of United Methodists all across the nation who are a part of a church that has Open Hearts, Open Doors, Open Minds. Begun by a single member of the United Methodist Church, no public or institutional funds are used for the web site. Married, coupled, single, male, female, straight, gay, bisexual, transgendered, young, old, black, white or yellow ... stories of God's diversity as represented among the membership of the UMC will be told on the website.

Submit your story and photos (not required) to methodistsunited@gmail.com.

Missions Opportunities & Ideas

IS THIS YOUR YEAR TO PARTICIPATE?

The dates for this year’s 2 Honduras mission trips are May 24 - June 1 and June 21 - 27, and the deadline for purchasing group airline tickets is fast approaching. We still need a dentist, construction workers and Spanish speakers for the team.

Contact Byron Pittman, 404.441.6588, bhpittman@aol.com, for additional information.

APPALACHIAN SERVICE PROJECT

This year’s ASP trip is scheduled for June 8-14. Contact Jackie Watson, jackie.m.watson@atl.frb.org, Angie Buysse, angiebuysse@gmail.com, or Steve Gutermuth, seg30033@yahoo.com. Click here to learn more about the Appalachian Service Project.

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

Paydirt

Start a compost pile! Gardens thrive when their soil is enriched with compost. And the grass cuttings, potato peels, eggshells, hair clippings, and other organic stuff you use stays out of the landfill. Do your part: click here for tips.

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

Children's Corner

Vacation Bible School News

It’s a Beach Party at Saint Mark! This year, VBS will be held every morning during the week of June 2-6, followed by a different daily afternoon adventure. The registration deadline is May 11 - have you registered your child yet? Click here to download the packet of registration forms or pick up a form in the narthex or church office. Space is limited, so don’t delay!

Click here for more information about the Children's Ministry,
or contact Jackie Jenkins, Children's Minister, 404.873.2636 x24.

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

White Water Rafting

June 21 on the Ocoee River. Middle Ocoee Rafting trips are the most popular whitewater adventure in the nation. This rafting trip on the middle section of the Ocoee has it all. Five miles of continuous class III and IV rapids, large waves and endless fun. The river flows through a deep gorge in the beautiful Cherokee National Forest in southeast Tennessee. Here you'll encounter exciting class III and IV white water rapids with spectacular mountain scenery. No experience is necessary for this world class adventure as each raft is accompanied by a trained and experienced guide. We will be on the river for about 3 hours.

Click here for more information about Club M.A.R.K.'s White Water Rafting trip.

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, May 1 . All are invited to participate!

• May: Suite Française by Irène Némirovsky; facilitator - Laura McCrodden
• June: Book Lovers Trivia! The traditional Trivial Pursuit game geared for book lovers. We play teams, and it's always fun!

Click here for more information about the Club M.A.R.K. Book Club or contact 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

Worship Attendance, April 13

• 8:45 am - 178; 11:15 am - 293; Total - 471

Morning Worship: Sunday, April 20

• Rev. Phillip Thomason preaching
• Acts 7:55-60, Psalm 31:1-5,15-16, I Peter 2:2-10, John 14:1-14

Wednesday Fellowship Dinner: Wade Hall, 6:15 pm

• April 16: Health Issues for the GLBT Community; Menu: Salad Bar: Watermelon and Strawberries, Mixed Greens Salad Bar with all the Fixings; Turkey Chili; Lettuce, Sliced Tomatoes, Onions, Cheese, Banana Peppers, Green Bell Peppers Pickle Relish, Ketchup, Mustard, Mayonnaise; Sauerkraut Cole Slaw, Potato Salad, Chips, Hamburger and Hot Dog Buns; Supper: Baked Beans, Corn on the Cob, Chicago Hot Dogs, Hamburgers; Dessert: Assorted
• April 23: Financial Planning
• April 30: Trivia Night

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.

Welcome New Members

We extend a warm welcome to Kendall Black, Jonathan Burch, Sylvia & Terry Goggin, Santana Hinson, Dirk LeFlore, Larry Sorrel, and Melissa Trout - all of whom joined on Open Membership Sunday!

In Sympathy

Saint Mark expresses Christian sympathy to John Harr on the death of his grandmother on Sunday, April 6 and to Laura Butler on the death of her grandmother Laura Johnson Butler on Saturday, April 12.

Financial Report

Year-to-Date Operating Budget through April 11, 2008:
Income: $ 300,235
Expenses: $ 350,847
Surplus/Deficit: $ 50,612

Capital Campaign IV
Pledged to Date $1,149,011
Received to Date $ 246,486

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

Click here to view the April 2008 calendar.

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

Anjie Peek Woodworth, Interim Youth Director
  awoodworth@stmarkumc.org, extension 17

Boyd Darsey, Staff Assistant & Systems Coordinator
  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