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 ponderit@bellsouth.net 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,

or blake3033@bellsouth.net.

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

sandra@saintmarksum.org 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.