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.

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

Pentecost Sunday at Saint Mark

This Sunday, May 11 is Pentecost Sunday! Pentecost is the festival celebrating the gift of the Holy Spirit. It is celebrated on the Sunday 50 days after Easter and is considered the birthday of the Christian church and the start of the church's mission to the world.

The first Pentecost comes from a Jewish harvest festival called Shavuot, which the apostles were celebrating when the Holy Spirit descended on them in the form of tongues of fire. Filled with the Holy Spirit, the apostles began speaking in foreign languages. The symbols of Pentecost are those of the Holy Spirit and include flames, wind, the breath of God and a dove.

Gifts of the Spirit Intergenerational Sunday School Class

This year we will celebrate Pentecost by wearing red and offering a special Sunday School class for all ages in Wade Hall at 10:10 am. The theme is Gifts of the Spirit, and the lesson will be age appropriate for everyone. Join us as we learn together in our family of faith!

Festival of the Christian Home

Rev. Mandy Flemming will be preaching and will offer a Festival of the Christian Home Blessing and Anointing of our Family and Families. Make plans to attend this powerful service.

Wesley Woods Mother’s Day Offering

This Sunday you have the opportunity to support the 2008 Wesley Woods Mother’s Day offering. Although Wesley Woods is the largest provider of geriatric health services in Georgia (including 9 different residential facilities across the state), three of every four Wesley Woods residents unfortunately still require financial assistance. The generosity of the North Georgia United Methodists is the foundation of Wesley Woods charitable care. This Sunday, please give on behalf of elderly adults by placing your gift in the envelope included with your bulletin and drop it in the offering plate during Morning Worship.

General Conference

by Pastor Jimmy Moor

General Conference is over. The ten day grueling experience for the almost 1000 delegates came to a formal end at 12:30 am Friday night, actually Saturday morning. Many resolutions were passed on all kinds of subjects, and a new Book of Discipline will be produced as a result of these actions. Now people are beginning to sort out what it all means.

This sorting out actually began while the Conference was going on. I had a call from a friend last Wednesday night, This friend was heartbroken over votes taken that day on the issue of homosexuality, and we talked for about a half hour, processing all that went on and our pain. I know many at Saint Mark, including me, are feeling similar feelings as we see the stand taken by our church on this matter so close to our hearts. I had conversations with a couple of members yesterday about this. We are hurting and angry. Some are wondering about staying in relationship with a denomination that consistently excludes them from full participation and does not accept them for who they are. These feelings are understandable and okay. One of the General Rules of our church is do no harm. From my perspective we did not live out that rule. Some of my particular responses:

• I grieve over the decisions made about homosexuality both for what they mean for us specifically and for the loss to the general church;
• Most troubling to me in many ways was the failure to pass a resolution acknowledging that faithful Christians disagree on this matter. It is a mystery to me why we cannot state the obvious truth to one another.
• I was encouraged by the elections of new members to the Judicial Council.
• Saint Mark will continue to be a voice that works for full inclusion. Our task force meets again on May 18.
• Our worth and power come not from votes at General Conference, but from the God who created us, loves us fully, and calls us into relationship.
• The denomination is about more than this one issue, and General Conference took some actions that I am proud of.

We will be talking about general Conference in more detail at Wednesday night supper this week. I will share some thoughts and Josh will bring back a first-hand report. I hope you will join us - and listen for other opportunities to process all that went on and what it means. Thanks for being who you are.

Jimmy

Remarks Announcements

Called Church Conference

We will have a Called Church Conference on Sunday, May 18, 12:45, following the 11:15 worship service to deal with another issue related to an easement for the alley of the recently-purchased property on Juniper Street. We have to make a decision in order to meet another City of Atlanta requirement so that we can move forward with plans for our new parking lot. Any Saint Mark member can attend and vote at any Church Conference.

Church Softball Schedule

The new church softball season is about to begin! All games will be played at McKoy Park in Decatur. Directions to the park and copies of the schedule are available in the narthex and on the church website. Games are:

• Monday, May 12, 9 pm
• Monday, May 19, 9 pm
• Wednesday, May 28, 8 pm
• Monday, June 9, 8 pm
• Wednesday, June 18, 8 pm
• Monday, June 23, 7 pm
• Monday, July 7, 7 pm
• Wednesday, July 16, 7 pm
• Monday, July 21, 7 pm
• Wednesday, July 30, 7 pm

For the Bible Tells Me So

Confused or concerned about sexuality and the church? For The Bible Tells Me So is an award-winning film exploring reconciliation between the church and human sexuality. You are invited to a screening and discussion of this landmark film.

Saturday, May 17, Jefferson Hall, Oakhurst Presbyterian Church, 118 2nd Avenue Decatur 30030
9:00 am - Screening of the Film
10:30 am - Small-Group Discussions
12:00 pm - Brief Group Discussion

All attitudes and opinions be honored. Adults and youth encouraged to participate. Lunch & nursery provided. To RSVP: 404.289.2924, johnandcharlesa@bellsouth.net.

Harry Knox, HRC's Religion and Faith Program Director and former Saint Mark member, speaks about For the Bible Tells Me So. Click here for the article and video.

Click here for more information about For the Bible Tells Me So.
Click here for more information about Oakhurst Presbyterian Church.

Looking Ahead

The GLBT Grief Support Group will NOT meet next week, Tuesday, May 13.

The Finance Committee will meet on Tuesday, May 13, 6 pm.

Wednesday Fellowship Dinner, May 14: Jim Calhoun presents valuable information for elder care and caregivers

The Administrative Council will meet Monday, May 19, 6:45 pm, following dinner at 6 pm. To RSVP for dinner, contact Christia, cholloway@stmarkumc.org, 404.873.2636 x16, by Friday, May 16.

A Great Event for a Great Cause

The Friends of L'Arche Atlanta invite you to their Coffee House / Open Mic night this Saturday, May 10, 7 pm at St. Paul UMC (501 Grant Street SE Atlanta 30312). L’Arche is an international network of local faith communities where persons with disabilities and those without disabilities live, work and pray together.

Green Team Tip of the Week

Cartoonists Got It Together for Earth Day

In honor of Earth Day, cartoonists syndicated by King Features Syndicate got together to come up with eco-awareness installments of their daily strips. Participants included familiar strips like “Beetle Bailey,” “Blondie,” “Dennis the Menace,” and “Zits,” as well as newer ones like “Arctic Circle,” “Retail” and “The Pajama Diaries.” And naturally, Patrick and MUTTS participated with a full week of cartoons honoring the Earth. The New York Times highlighted the creative efforts of MUTTS in their celebration of Earth Day. Not to be out-done, USA Today also covered the story, featured Earl & Mooch on the cover of the paper, and created a gallery of all the Earth Day strips.

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

Volunteer Opportunities for our Children

Any children who would like to assist during Morning Worship as Greeters or offering plate carriers should contact Ms. Jackie right away! The usher team would love for our children to help them with these important jobs this month.

Vacation Bible School Beach Party!

The registration deadline (May 11) is fast approaching for VBS (June 2-6). To register your child, click here to download the packet of registration forms or pick up a form in the narthex or church office.

We still need volunteers to help us get ready and help during the actual program. Our next work day is Sunday, May 18. Youth (rising 6th graders and up) are encouraged to assist by serving as “Junior Lifeguards.” All of our junior lifeguards need to be registered for VBS and must attend a mandatory orientation session Sunday, June 1, 11:15 am. Volunteers of all ages should contact Chris Harris or Jackie Jenkins for more information. Click here to download the volunteer registration form.

Children’s Summer Sunday School Schedule

Adult volunteers are needed to lead Children’s Church this summer. We need at least 2 volunteers to commit to help each Sunday - otherwise we will need to cancel Children’s Church on any day we do not have leaders, which means that all children age 5 and older would need to remain in the sanctuary. We also need adults to help us with our Build a Better World Sunday School curriculum. Leaders for Children’s Church and Build a Better World will be asked to lead 1 session in 1 preschool or elementary class. Those who do not already teach Sunday School are encouraged to participate (lesson plans and materials will be provided.) Please contact Jackie for more info.

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

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, June 5. All are invited to participate!

• 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.

White Water Rafting on the Ocoee River

Saturday, June 21. Meet at Saint Mark at 8 am and carpool to the river, then enjoy dinner at The Smith House following the rafting trip. Cost is $37 for the raft trip portion. This trip on the middle section of the Ocoee has it all, flowing through the Cherokee National Forest in southeast Tennessee, where you'll encounter class III and IV white water rapids along with spectacular mountain scenery. No experience is necessary as each raft is accompanied by a trained and experienced guide. We will be on the river for about 3 hours. This trip is limited to the first 25 people and reservations and payment must be made by May 30 to guarantee your space.

Click here for more information and to register/pay about Club M.A.R.K.'s White Water Rafting trip. Or contact Chris Brown, 678-662-5442, brownc1atl@gmail.com or Michael Bosarge, 404-388-9795, mbosar@aol.com.

Club M.A.R.K. Seminars

One in five Americans is a primary caregiver to either a parent, family member or a friend. Few of us are prepared for the challenges and rewards that may come their way later on in life, and the impact that such decisions (or lack thereof) may have on one's finances, legal standing, medical care, household tasks, psychological stress, and relationships. It can be really overwhelming. Our very own Jim Calhoun has written from his 30 years of experience in giving care and assistance to family members and friends in his book, Lessons from the Ancients. Jim has graciously offered to give (free!) seminars on what to expect if you are or become a caregiver or if you want to manage your own entry into your golden years. He will provide manuals, worksheets, and illustrating stories to assist you in either managing care or determining your own wishes for care later in life.

Saturday, June 7, 9:30 am OR Tuesday, June 10, 6:30 pm. In the Couples' Class, room 206 for this free seminar. Please RSVP to jcalhoun@mindspring.com - please type "RSVP Caregiver Seminar" in the email subject line. For questions or information, 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, May 4

• 8:45 am - 183; 11:15 am - 261; Total - 444

Morning Worship: Sunday, May 11

• Pentecost Sunday
• Rev. Mandy Flemming preaching
• Acts 2:1-21, Psalm 104:24-34, I Corinthians 12:3b-13, John 7:37-39

Wednesday Fellowship Dinner: Wade Hall, 6:15 pm

• May 7 - Report of General Conference by Rev. Jimmy Moor & Rev. Josh Noblitt; Menu - Fresh Fruit of the Season, French Onion Soup with Parmesan Croutons, Salad Bar, Chicken Salad; Hot Meal: Salmon Cakes with Dill Cream Sauce, Sun Dried Tomato Macaroni and Cheese, Broccoli/Cauliflower/Carrot Medley, Strawberry Shortcake Trifle
• May 14 - Jim Calhoun presents valuable information for elder care and caregivers

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.

Financial Report

Year-to-Date Operating Budget through April 30, 2008:
Income: $ 362,444
Expenses: $ 419,650
Surplus/Deficit: $ 57,206

Capital Campaign IV
Pledged to Date $1,224,011
Received to Date $ 295,263

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 May 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, extension 19

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