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Saint Mark’s United Methodist Church
The Beacon No. 66 Shining Christ’s light in the community January 20, 2012
Inauguration of our 64th governor was Tuesday, January 10. Our pastor, Rev.
Rob Gill, gave the invocation, our member, Phil Bryant, was sworn in at noon.
Rev. Gill also gave the message at the prayer breakfast at First Baptist Church.
Above photos were taken from the WLBT-TV screen and photo at right of Gov-
ernor Bryant and his wife, Deborah, was taken at the South Party prior to the
Inaugural Ball. He spoke of the future and of his days at the University of Southern
Mississippi. He also spoke at the North Party and they danced to "Wind Beneath
My Wings" at the ball. Photos by June Miracle
St. Mark's United Methodist Church (R) MISSISSIPPI
Not Just Any Ole Preacher…that expression would certainly apply to
Doug Ezell who along with his wife, Patti, will lead us in our spiritual
enrichment weekend. Doug has been a teacher at Baylor University, Pastor
in the local church, Director of the United Methodist Children’s Home in
Ruston and New Orleans, LA, a pastoral counselor in a hospital setting in
New Orleans, a District Superintendent of the Lake Charles areas in south
Louisiana in his 40 plus career in ministry. He is a native of Greenville, MS
having gone to school with a couple of our own Saint Mark's folks.
He and Patti are well known in circles where their teaching, preaching and leadership have made a significant difference in the
communities in which they have lived.
This weekend (January 20-22) is designed for you. These are trying times. I am aware that you may not know these folks
personally but God does and He has led them in preparing for you. I am sure there are other events or places where you can spend your
time this weekend. What I also know is that if you make the effort to attend Friday night, 6:30-8:00 p.m., and/or Saturday morning,
9:00-11:30 a.m., God will meet you here. There will be a word for you. Also, dinner is at 5:30 Friday in the CLC and there'll be a
brunch at 10:00 in the Parlor on Saturday. Then, Sunday will be the icing on the cake as Doug and Patti will lead in worship and in
Sunday school. All adult classes are asked to be present in the Sanctuary by 9:45 a.m.
(Leaders and class presidents make sure your peers know this. It only applies to this Sunday.)
There will be brunch Saturday morning and supper Friday night. Children will be well supervised. Take a chance and meet God
here through the ministry of the Word through Doug and Patti’s leadership. Check out our website and register today! With Much Anticipation, Rob
We will be spiritually enriched by
Doug and Patti Ezell - Come and enjoy
We remembered Jesus'
baptism on January 8 and
everyone took a stone from
the bowl with baptismal
water poured by Rev. Rob
and Rev. Keith Keeton. Rev.
Rob read from Mark 1:4-11
followed by his sermon,
"On the Road Again." The
choir sang "Down to the
River to Pray" and the
service ended with
"Lead on, O King Eternal."
Guest pastor on January 15 was Rev. Larry Creel whose
sermon was "Come and See"
Virginia Wallace sang
"Be Thou My Vision."
The congregational hymn set the scene for his sermon with "Open My Eyes, That I
May See," as did the anthem, "Here I Am Lord." We are to come and see what it's all
about. We ask God to give us strength to face the day, give us joy and peace we need to
live. Jesus invites us to come and visit, sit down and listen, learn what the word of God is
all about. Here, Rev. Creel said, "Come to this beautiful Sanctuary to listen and learn so
the Spirit of God can move within us." He said, "What are you looking for when you
come to worship?" Only you can ask, only Jesus can answer who says "Come and see
what I have for you. Where are you going?" Rev. Creel spoke of Scripture of John the
Baptist and Jesus. He talked of happiness in this church and every church as the spirit of
God moves in them. Children are waiting to be taught about the love of Christ.
Share the love of God with one another. We are invited us to come and see Christ
because He is moving among us. See what all He is telling us.
Rev. Creel has ministered all over the State of Mississippi in his 40-year-career.
Previously in Winona, he has retired and is living in Brandon near his family and
attending Crossgates UMC.
At the 8:20 a.m. Sanctuary service, Jerry Oakes invited everyone
to join the Intentional Faith Development group telling that the
mission is to assist Saint Mark's in offering for all ages, Bible study
opportunities that lead to strong personal faith development. He
suggested everyone fill out a card located on the altar rail. Dick
Weatherholt (right) provided the invitation at the 10:45 a.m. service.
The card's information is listed on Page 3. When you have filled it
out, it may be placed in the offering plate, leave it on the pew or drop
it off in the church office. A table is will be in the CLC each
Wednesday. If you choose to respond, someone will contact you for
more in-depth conversation. Saint Mark's is on the move so join us. Dick Weatherholt showed
the card at 10:45.
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The Intentional Faith Development Committee needs
volunteers in the following areas: Sunday School, Children,
Youth, Adults, Vacation Bible School, and Small Groups. Also
Communication contact - provide skills in photoshop,
photography, writing, multi-media, publicity, social media.
Please let us know if you would be willing to serve in one of
those areas. Amanda Fontaine and Carolyn Ponder set up the
display on Wednesday, January11.
Steve Meek spoke of priorities using tennis balls and a bowl of
rice to show how our direction not intention leads us and what
happens when stuff of life comes crashing down. He was an
attorney for 17 years before going into this ministry.
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Passionate Worship - January 18.
Linda Swales and Teresa Shields
set up the table and Rev. Rob Gill
was the speaker.
Doing the Hokey
Pokey had Rob
demonstrating with
volunteers, putting
your whole self into
worship. It was a fun
way to start the
session. His heart was
beating and he said it's
a great way to leave
the church on Sunday
mornings.
Rob spoke of the preparation that goes into Sunday morning services - he prepares in his study at home, Keith prepares and he
praised Keith for his work saying he is one of the best preachers around. Sandra plans for now and into the fall season.
He thanked Linda and Teresa for their altar preparations which are guided by the text for that Sunday. We have a sense of presence
when we come into God's house and Rob commented on the sunlight that shines through our stained glass windows onto the altar
and those speaking. He praised people who come to church in spite of bad things that happened during the week. They show up and
that points to the power of God. We have incredible musical talent in the congregation, including our children. We are a good
singing congregation. Worship has an ebb and flow--some silence, stillness and rest. Worship is the act of creation. It is good and
brings glory to God. Worship begins outside the church. He stressed the importance of greeters who say "Hello, my name is ___,
welcome to Saint Mark's." As a greeter you have done your job. Ushers are needed and important as well. He likes to think of
children coming to the altar on Communion Sunday like a birthday party. One day one asked "May I have some more?"
Are your questions about worship -- "Do I have any hopes or reservations?" "What do I expect to give?" "What do I hope
happens?" "What will you take away tonight?" How do you participate so you come prepared and know God's presence? Flow in the
process and engage as a participant. Help experience the transforming power of God. Think about the Hokey Pokey and put your
whole self into the worship experience. He invited people to sign up for Passionate Worship at the table at the back of the CLC.
And they did.
New banners hang in the clc for the 11th hour service
During the month of December, the 11th Hour Worship service
added new banners to the side of the stage in the CLC. The
banners are a culmination of a long process of creation that began
with a vision of enhancing the worshiping space and experience.
Elizabeth Keen saw the need and wanted to use her gifts in the arts
to make it happen.
After the supplies were ordered, the creation began with the
background work. Several 2nd Saturday volunteers helped. After
the background was completed, Elizabeth finished the work. After
Jim Readel installed the banners during Advent, everyone was
allowed to enjoy them.
The current plan is to create at least two more banners to the
worship space. We look forward to what they will add to the
service.
Wednesday, January 25, 6:00 p.m. in the CLC
Risk Taking Mission - John Garrott. He is a missionary who has served
in many countries throughout the world. He presently is in Tupelo, MS
working on an inner city project.
Wednesday, February 1, 6:00 p.m. in the CLC
Extravagant Generosity - LaRue Owen of the United Methodist Foundation The purpose of The Foundation is to serve the mission needs of The Church through its unique ministry
of planned giving and stewardship of gifts received in trust for those ministries. The Foundation serves
the Conference as it meets the needs of donors and encourages the continual dedication of new
resources to fulfill the many unmet needs within the Church.
The Foundation is a "servant" of the Church’s members, local congregations and the
Conference‐related agencies, institutions, mission projects and special ministries.
LaRue Owen will talk about planned giving, personal finances and stewardship.
Future Wednesday night programs
cover our Five Practices
Wednesday night schedule is a little different The youth and children's weekday activities are remaining the same as they were last semester. The adults are doing something
slightly different. Last year we split into groups. This year, all adults will remain together for a time of music and teaching. This
time of teaching will follow the meal in the CLC from 5:00 - 6:00 p.m.
6:00 - 6:45 p.m. - Adults in the CLC, Youth in Susannah Wesley, and Children in Asbury Hall.
Each week we will hear from a motivational speaker about one of the Five Practice areas. At the end, for those who wish
to participate, we will offer a time to sign up for service in our congregational ministries.
6:45 - 7:45 p.m. - 11th Hour Praise Team Practice
7:00 - 8:00 p.m.- Adult Choir Practice
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Third Graders receiving their Bibles January 15 were
Megan Murphey, 8:20; Delaney Dennis, Mattie Ross,
Sydney Fontaine, Mason Harper, Will Broocks, 10:45 and
Lauren Noe and Mark Hebert, 11th Hour.
Phaedra Hailey has begun a 6-week study course on
Sunday to learn the books of the Bible, how to locate them
and become familiar with using their Bibles.
Saint Mark’s UMC Trendsetters will enjoy a Mardi Gras Luncheon on
Wednesday, February 15, at noon in the
Christian Life Center
Featuring the Northwest Rankin High School Jazz Band.
Potluck – Mardi Gras style food – or just some hot soup or a
salad. (Bring a little extra for our guests)
We will provide drinks and a King Cake for dessert.
In addition to meeting in a weekly support group, the First Place 4 Health curriculum is centered on achieving balance
in four essential areas of your life: emotional, spiritual, mental and physical. This is done through regular attendance
and fellowship (emotional); prayer, Scripture reading and Bible study (spiritual); Scripture memory and keeping a
food record (mental); and eating well and exercising (physical). First Place 4 Health helps members learn how to be
victorious over past eating patterns and how to commit their minds and, ultimately, their bodies to God.
The First Place 4 Health program has delivered faith-based health and weight management instruction and
support to small groups meeting in churches since 1981. First Place 4 Health has been active in more than 12,000
churches with over a half million successful members! The program points members to God’s strength and creates a
compassionate support group that helps members stay accountable in a positive environment.
―First Place 4 Health is about more than weight loss—it’s about lifestyle change that encourages every participant
to find balance in his or her own life,‖ Carole Lewis, National Director of First Place 4 Health.
There will be an FP4H Introductory meeting on Sunday, February 19, at 3:00 in the Wesley Building in the
Women With Faith Classroom. Joyce Ainsworth, The Mississippi Networking Leader for FP4H, will be with us to
explain more about this life-changing program. Please come and learn about how to begin living a balanced life.
Saint Mark’s UMC will begin offering weekly class meetings beginning Wednesday, February 29, at 5:30
p.m. Call Carolyn Ponder at 601-992-1858 or e-mail her at [email protected] for more information.
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Every year, Americans spend
billions of dollars on weight-loss
programs and products. Many are on
a search for a quick fix, unwilling to
consider permanent changes in their
lifestyle as the answer. By following
the First Place 4 Health program, a
faith-based weight loss plan sup-
ported and endorsed by registered
dietitians and physicians, you, too,
can have success in losing weight.
Faith Weaver Friends
Service Project will help
children learn value of serving
Our children will participate in a service project
over the next few Wednesday nights providing great
ways for the children to learn the value of service
others. They will put together Valentine gift bags for
residents of a local nursing home. Many residents do
not see family members and could benefit from this
encouragement. The kits will contain everyday items
elderly people need, plus handmade Valentines
intended to brighten their days.
Parents are asked to have the children bring the
following items to church:
Lotion
Lip Balm
Book of stamps
Small frame for photos
Stationery, notepad or pen
Sugar free hard candy/sugar free candy bar
Items will be collected in a box in the Narthex until
February 5. They'll be taken up each Wednesday night
at Faith Weaver Friends.
The Valentine gift bags will be delivered on
Sunday, February 12.
Wednesday night program on
February 15 will host
Mustard Seed Handbells
The Wednesday Night program on February 15
will be Mustard Seed Handbells at 6:00 p.m. in
the Sanctuary. Information about them can be
retrieved from the website - Mustard Seed and
the group is called Bells of Faith.
.
Children's/Cherub Choirs practice Cherub choir and K5-5th grade parents will sign in
their children in the CLC.
The children’s Wednesday night leaders will walk
them to the Asbury building. Parents will sign out
and pick their children up in Asbury and the parlor.
Cherub choir -upstairs in Asbury A-206 K5-5th
grade-parlor
The One in the Spirit Ladies' Sunday School class meets in
the Wesley building in the present Library. Pictured are Vickie
White, Cindy Edwards, June Rogers; standing, Nancy Schisler
and Janet Langley.
Not pictured are Ginger Bracken, Paulette Gunn, Melvia
Sumrall, and Marilyn McGregor. Three of the ladies take
turns teaching: Paulette Gunn, June Rogers and Janet Langley.
Presently they are studying "The Grip of Grace." They choose
topical studies based on Scripture. They adopt families at
Thanksgiving and Christmas or as they are aware of a need.
The ladies all work and their social events during the year
include dining out and enjoying a meal together Their class is
open to all ages, mainly working women.
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One in the Spirit Class
Next Honduras trip will be June 14-21
Saint Mark’s will be sharing the love of Christ with
Las Lomitas, Honduras
June 14-21, 2012. We have a place for you to serve no matter what your skill
level. If you are interested in being a part of this team, please
contact Julie Blake 601-397-8880 cell, 601-919-1764 home,
Our first team planning meeting will be Sunday,
February 12, at 4:00 p.m. in the Parlor at Saint Mark’s.
If you are interested in going or have questions about how you
can help, please come.
YOUTH NEWS
MERGE will resume Sunday, January 22, from 5:00 - 7:30 p.m.
FUEL will be Wednesday nights from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
(MS/HS Bible Studies)
"High octane for your soul midweek!"
The Senior High youth participated in a hurricane mission trip to Slidell, LA, over the Martin Luther King
holiday weekend. We'll have photos in the next Beacon.
Super Bowl Party
Sunday, February 5
5:00 p.m.- until game ends
Youth Building
Disciple Now Weekend - February 10-12
for Grades 6-12 hosted by Crossgates UMC Cost: $45.00
This will be a weekend of spiritual growth and fellowship through small group
Bible studies, worship, service projects, fun, games, and laughter.
Deadline to sign up is February 1.
Host homes are needed for this event. Please contact Jeanne Chapman for information.
Other upcoming events planned for our youth
March 2-4, 2012
Mississippi Youth Annual Conference (MYAC) (Spring Retreat) hosted at Christ UMC
All students in Grades 6-12 are invited to attend this Youth Annual Conference event of the year.
Students from around the state will gather for a weekend of passionate worship,
dynamic teaching and practical breakout sessions.
Kristian Stanfill - Worship leader Olu Brown - Speaker
Confirmation students are required to attend - their cost is $45.00
Cost for others: $60.00 if paid by February 15. It will be $75.00 after this date.
Summer Camps, but some deposits are due January 29 (see below)
June 3-7 - Mission Fest - Millsaps College
Cost: $175 before April 1 - $200 after April 1.
July 16-21 - Middle School Camp - Centrifuge
(University of Mobile)
For students in Grades 6-8. Cost: $285--$85 non-refundable.
Deposit due January 29. After that, space is subject to
availability and $20 late fee. Check out fuge.com.
June 25-29 - High School Beach Camp
AREA ONE CAMP - Destin, FL
Worship Band: Cloverton Speaker:
Illusionist Harris III.
Cost: $285 -- $85 non-refundable. Deposit due
January 29. After this date, space is subject to
availability and $20.00 late fee. Grades 9-12,
check out info on areaone.org. 7
Saint Mark’s United Methodist Church Dated Material NONPROFIT
400 Grant’s Ferry Road January 20, 2012 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, Dir. Age-Level/Family Ministries.......x109
Jeanne Chapman, Youth Director..................992-9554
Church Facility Manager, Jim Readel...........506-4714
Delores Seward, Administrative Assistant...….....x101
Martha Toombs, Business Office………….…......x106
Preschool Office…..………………………….........x110
Darlene Baker…………………………….......…Pianist
Jason Boyd……………………………….........Organist
David Potvin..................... 11th Hour Worship Leader
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.
Sunday night
Bible study
resumes
Sunday Night Bible Study
resumed
Sunday, January 15,
at 6:00 p.m. in the
Wesley Center
(Women With Faith
Sunday School
Classroom). The study is
on the Gospel of Matthew.
This study is open to everyone - Those who have studied the Bible
for many years, and those who may not have read much. We are all
growing together in our faith. The introductory meeting provided a
chance to get to know each other, and have a brief overview of
Matthew and the study. You may still come to the session
If you have questions about attending the study, you may e-mail
[email protected] or call the church office 601-992-2131.
Hospitalized Pam Wimbish - Baptist Hospital
Lisa Nicholson - Woman's
Kairos Mission Opportunity is coming
Bobby Blake will lead a team of Kairos Mission Volunteers into the Central Mississippi Correctional Institution on
March 29, 30, 31, and April 1. A training will be available prior to that. If you are interested in serving a Kairos Prison
weekend or have questions, please contact Bobby at 601-919-1764 at home or cell number 601-317-8881 or e-mail him
at blakekairosgmail.com. Remember Jesus said in Matthew 25:36 "...I was in prison and you came to visit me."
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We express our
sympathy to
Jimmy Ray Gordon
at the death of her brother-in-law
Jim Gordon, January 13, in Tennessee.
to Jackie Rule at the death of her mother,
Dorothy Vaughn, in Aberdeen, MS
on January 13, 2012.
Thank you from Stewpot Thank you, congregation, for your many donations to
Stewpot. They were taken there January 17-20. We
serve once a quarter and our team took your food this
week. We'll have photos in the next Beacon showing
how you have helped feed so many.