No. 55 Shining Christ’s light in the community August 12, 2011

Saint Mark’s United Methodist Church

The Beacon

Members of the Cotton Patch Gospel musical rehearsed Sunday, July 24. Shown are front to

back: Robbie Harris, Jacob Thomas, Cole Dillon, Ben Thomas, Greg Bell, Sydney and Addie

Bell, Becky Hall, Vavra Curra, Chad Thompson, Jason Boyd, Staci Curry, Jo-Anna Ray,

Larry Simons, Nancy LeFors, Mary Bethea, Greg Ross and Mike Lowery. Other members of

the cast not pictured are Patrick Fontaine, Ben Curry, Shera Higbee, Kevin, Keith and

Nancy Keeton, Greg Ross, Hailey Sinyard, Donna Strickland, Ron Tisdale and Trey Usry.

Cotton Patch Gospel—The

musical portrays what would

happen if Jesus were born in

Georgia - in 1936

Our Saint Mark's people will present "The Cotton Patch

Gospel" August 23 and 24 in the Sanctuary. Comments

from the internet tell that it is a jubilant retelling of what

happens when, in 1936, Jesus was born in Valdosta, GA.

It's a lively, fun show that will get your toes tapping

and your laughs coming nonstop. It was fun in the

Midwest--and it is twice as much fun in the South.

Creating the rollicking, foot-stomping,

handclapping music are David Kyzer, Gene

Allegrezza, (guest musicians), George

Kendrick, Bill Dillon and Raymond Hall

(Saint Mark's musicians.) This was a practice

on July 24. Kathryn Usry is the director of

the production. Rev. Sandra Thomas has

assisted with musical talent.

11th Hour celebrates its first anniversary

The 11th Hour will celebrate the one year anniversary of its

weekly launch on Sunday, August 14, 2011. The service has been so

blessed by the dedicated service of its volunteers and worshippers.

We are so grateful for the faithful support of the Saint Mark's

community in making it a reality.

Come and be a part of the worship service and celebration with

us. We will look back with thanksgiving at how far the service has

come and seek to reinforce the vision for the future of the service.--

Rev. Keith Keeton

First produced in New York in 1981,

Cotton Patch Gospel is a reverential

retelling of the Gospels of Matthew and

John set in the contemporary South,

accompanied by bluegrass music. Since

its premiere, this powerful full-length

musical has been performed throughout

the United States and beyond, always

receiving rave reviews by theater critics

and religious writers alike.

It's been called “a rollicking, foot-

stomping, hand-clapping musical.” Plus

it was described as a “powerful drama

and a joyous celebration.” Even The

New York Times called it “an exuberant

country western hoedown.”

This show is a favorite with church-

goers around the nation. One critic said

that you need to be two things to really

enjoy this musical: (1) you need to know

the gospel story and (2) you need to have

a sense of humor. Some people might

think that Christians and a sense of

humor don't go together. Not true. This

show is the opposite of "The Passion of

the Christ" but would probably be easier

to get a non-churchgoer to go to.

The United Methodist church recognizes all

three forms of baptism: sprinkling, pouring, and

immersion. All three have biblical substantiation.

Immersion baptism symbolizes death and

resurrection and seems appropriate for adult

baptisms rooted in profession of faith. However, in

all cases, the form of baptism is usually dictated

by the personal choice of the person being

baptized.

Baptism is one of two sacraments. Communion

is the other. A sacrament is an outward and visible

sign of an inward and spiritual grace. The special

part about sacraments is the movement of God's

grace. While the water acts as an outward symbol,

and thus the party should get wet, the amount of

water or form of the baptism is not the essential

part. In baptism, we celebrate what God is doing

in the life of the community and individual. --

Rev. Keith Keeton

Two members were baptized at the 11th Hour service Sunday, July 24

Clint and Amanda Ferrara were baptized

by the Rev. Keith Keeton on Sunday, July

24, at the 11th Hour worship service.

Sanctuary services on July 24 were led by Rev. Sandra Thomas

Rev. Keith Keeton baptized Clint

Ferrara by immersion.

Rev. Sandra Thomas delivered

the sermon, "Jesus Loves Peter,

Jesus Loves Us." on Sunday,

July 24. This was the final

sermon in the VBS series. Trey

Curry dramatized Peter's re-

action to denying Jesus during

the final days of Jesus' life on

earth. Pianist Darlene Baker

sang the solo, "I Love You,

Lord" as people came to the

altar to pray.

Sanctuary services on Sunday, July 31, were led by Rev. Rob Gill

Special music on Sunday, July 31, included a duet by Donna Strickland and Mike Kennedy during the anthem,

"In the Presence of Jehovah." "The Warrior is a Child" was sung by Teresa Humphrey and her son, Mac May.

Rev. Rob Gill talked about the feeding of the 5,000 by Jesus and he also spoke about world hunger and all that we can do to

help through "Coins for Christ" and our other offerings through the Mississippi Methodist Conference. He led us in prayer.

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The Library gets

new life

Thanks to Border's sale, we also have some

new books. We also accept donations. There

have been requests for maps of the Holy Land.

One of the new books has wonderful maps that

can be easily copied for Sunday School lessons.

Judy Norris and I have been diligently

working to organize and catalog all books from

the children’s books in the narthex to the

wonderful Bible reference books in the library.

Guess it would be a good idea if I told you

where the library is located. It is in the Wesley

Center near the Coke machine. There are

categories for fiction, non-fiction, devotions,

family and parenting, self help, help with

raising your child (boy we could all use that).

And during the Advent and Lenten seasons

those books will be displayed. Also books for

Christmas and Easter.

There are a few DVD’s and soon we hope

to have the audio and video tape Sunday

School series cataloged. Yes, I know tapes are

outdated, but the lessons are not.

In the fiction section there are many great

books by Francine Rivers, Davis Bunn; Jannette

Oke; Catherine Marshall and many others. In

non-fiction there are wonderful authors such as

Robert Schuller, James Dodson, Max Lucado,

James MacArthur, Joel Osteen, and many

others. At last count we had 22 different

Bibles. And wonderful Bible references books.

(The library has been updated with much of the

old and outdated material eliminated.)

There is a section on Methodism, John

Wesley and the Methodist church.

The library is open to all of Saint Mark’s

family. New books will be on the bookshelf

outside the library. (Be sure to sign them out).

At present there is a class meeting in the library

during the Sunday School hour. Isn’t it

wonderful that we are running out of room for

our Sunday School classes. So visit before and

after the Sunday School hour.

We are hoping to have the books on the

computer in the library as soon as we can make

the parts talk to each other.

Counselor's office is open at

Saint Mark's UMC

We now have a counselor here on

campus at Saint Mark's. Jo Hebert, a

Licensed Professional Counselor and

regular attendee of the 11th Hour

Service, has an office close to the

Sanctuary in the Robe Room and is

available by appointment. Exper-

ienced in a wide variety of issues with

all age groups, she is offering

individual, marriage, and family

counseling from a Christian per-

spective at an affordable rate.

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Counselor Jo Hebert

The first appointment is free! If you are interested in making an

appointment, you can reach Jo at 601-259-1749 or e-mail her at

jhebertlpc@comcast.net.

by Jerry Klomparens

Counselors did a great job explaining how we

can always depend upon God.

Carly and mom, Cynthia Morgan. Several children enjoyed the

pool even though it was rather cold because of the rain.

Campers learned

how to depend on

God at Camp

Wesley Pines

Family Camp

in July Right: The children

climbed through the

web. They used the

example of how it is

easier when you work

together.

Also enjoying canoeing were Braden Shields, his mom,

Jill, and Carly Morgan.

Megan Murphey, Ann

Clayton Cain, Abby

Murphey and Amie

Cain enjoyed eating the

breakfast they cooked

using breakfast

burners.

Ann Clayton Cain and

mom, Amie Cain Taylor.

Megan and Abby

Murphey.

All the children had a great time canoeing.

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Pam and Greg Murphey showed

how working together and leaning

on one another helps our own

relationships.

Carly Morgan, Brayden Shields, Megan Murphey,

Pam Murphey, Greg Murphey, Abby Murphey,

Amie Cain and Ann Clayton Cain.

Rev. Ted Giordano led the worship service.

The Five Practices are working toward their goals submitted by June Bragg

The Five Practices Committees are actively working toward their goals. Here are some highlights of their activities that

were presented to the Administrative Council recently.

The Radical Hospitality Committee has conducted its first newcomer orientation for seven persons, two of whom

have already joined Saint Mark’s. They are planning to have three information centers set up with a member at each, one

in the narthex, one in the Wesley Center and one in the CLC.

The Extravagant Generosity Committee is continuing with their projects including Coins for Christ, a video series on

acts of generosity from members of the church. They will also prepare monthly videos keeping stewardship in the

limelight year round rather that just in the fall. A personal finance program will be offered soon.

Passionate Worship members are working to make the altar visually connect with the worship services. Children are

now being brought to the Sanctuary to receive Communion.

Five sub-committees are working in Intentional Faith Development. Rev. Rob Gill will teach the Gospel of John on

August 31 and September 5. “Faith at Work” is the title for the Wednesday evening services and a flyer has been prepared.

The survey results have been carefully reviewed and the committee will implement suggestions as soon as possible. A

Disciple Bible study will be offered soon.

The Risk Taking Missions Committee has been very active. They are continuing Second Saturday mission projects

and their goal is to facilitate projects and get people to participate. A Block Party will be held on Saturday, August 20,

targeting the neighborhoods around Saint Mark’s. A band has been hired, hot dogs and the trimmings will be served and

there will be games and activities along with information about our church for those attending.

To help ensure we are getting the message out to the whole congregation, Rob Gill hopes to highlight one of these

ministries each Sunday in October which will also serve to be a be part of the preparation for the Stewardship campaign.

TRENDSETTER EVENTS Wednesday, September 7 - Wellness Fest, a Country/Western Jamboree at the Mississippi Trade Mart from

9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Free.

Wednesday, September 14 - Luncheon and Art show at noon in the CLC featuring our senior members who

have talents in arts, crafts, woodworking and other hobbies. Cost: $2.00.

Thursday, September 15 - Day at Camp Wesley Pines with other United Methodists across the conference.

Enjoy singing, fellowship, food and fun. Time: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. Cost: $15.00 for lunch and

transportation.

Saturday, September 24 - The group will see "Les Miserables" in Birmingham, AL. Full, but you may be

put on a waiting list.

Wednesday, October 12 - Senior Day at the State Fair in Jackson. Time: 9:30 a.m.-2:00 p.m. Free.

Wednesday, November 2 - Luncheon in the CLC at noon. Cost: $2.00.

December 5-9 - Christmas trip to Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, Asheville, the Biltmore, Dollywood, Festival of

Trees, Christus Gardens. Cost: $700.00 Sign up for all events is in the church office.

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Class teachers are Carolyn Ponder, Sharon Clark, Brenda Roberts, Deb Veeder, Jerry Klomparens but during the

month of July, Dick Weatherholt of the Crusaders class shared his knowledge of Revelation with the WWF members.

Seated with him are Jane Dunaway, Betty Cochran, Mary Bethea and Lois Minchew. Standing: Linda Bane, Donna

Bishop, Carolyn Ponder, Patty Campbell, Betty Mabry, Caffie Chambers, Pam Jeffcoat, Patti Morris, Jane Goodman,

Brenda Roberts, Jerry Klomparens, Anne Reed and June Miracle. The class will study Max Lucado's "Facing the

Giants." They also have projects such as Relay for Life, Thanksgiving and Christmas meals, Jacket drive, and the

Beacon twice a month. Not pictured: Ellen Jackson, Janice Larson, Cynthia Morgan, Jill Shields, Cynthia Smith, Deb

Veeder and Jane Wilkerson. All ladies are welcomed. Photo by Sharon Clark

Sunday Schools will be featured in upcoming "Beacons."

In each issue we will show the class members and tell what each class is

studying. The first to be featured is the Women With Faith Class.

UMW Circles for August

Ruth Circle

will meet Tuesday, August 16, at 7:00 p.m.

at the home of Hazel Townsend.

Teresa Shields will have the lesson.

Tabitha Circle

will have a noon luncheon at the Corner Bakery

on Tuesday, August 16.

Deborah Circle

will meet Tuesday, August 16,

at 7:00 p.m. in the Parlor.

Abigail Circle

had a luncheon honoring members' birthdays

on Thursday, August 11, at Sophia's restaurant

at the Fairview Inn.

Saint Mark's members active in Cursillo

The next Cursillo will be Thursday, August 18-21

at Camp Wesley Pines.

Two Saint Mark's members will attend:

Jan Marts sponsored by Carolyn Ponder

Felicia Brown sponsored by Raymond and Charlinda Hall.

Members who serve on the Executive Committee are

Hewitt Pittman - Treasurer

Jane Brown - Registrar

Phillip Brown - At large representative

#173 will be held September 29-October 2, 2011.

Anyone interested in attending may

contact Jane Brown at 601-992-0932.

Scores of Saint Mark's members have attended

since the first Cursillo.

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Our "devoted" youth: Front row: Carter Chapman, Mary Hayden

Hogue, Hailey Sinyard, Olivia Ladd, Paige Hollingsworth, Madison

Monroe, Sarah-Kelly McGinnis, Allie Achord and Jessica Corn. Back

Row: Jacob Schmitz, Cline Cook, Alex Harvey, Austin Puckett,

Connor Chapman, Cooper Little and Christopher Lewis.

Our devoted leaders: Leslie McGinnis, Jeanne Chapman, Jeff

Schmitz and Brad McGee.

More than 6,000 students and adult leaders gathered in

Daytona Beach, FL to worship our God under the leadership of

Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio. It was a phenomenal

experience and we each became more "devoted."

Olivia Ladd, Mary Hayden

Hogue and Jeanne Chapman

prepare tacos for dinner one

night while at camp in one of our

fully equipped condos.

YOUTH in florida

Sunday School teachers are needed for youth

The Youth Ministry needs Sunday School teachers

for the new school year.

Materials, training and encouragement

are provided.

Contact Jeanne at jeanne@saintmarksum.org

for more information. Sunday School Promotion

was celebrated on August 7

Our Sunday School promotion was Sunday, August 7.

They celebrated with doughnuts and milk in all of the

classes. Changes have been made to our children’s

Sunday School classes 1st grade-5th grade upstairs in

Asbury. There will be no changes in the location of the

2-year, 3-year, 4-year or 5-year-old classrooms.

2-year-old class – A-102 - promotion will not be until

August 14 for the upcoming 2's.

3-year-old class-A-109

4-year-old class-A-104

5-year-old class-A-115

1st grade - A-211 Noah's Ark

2nd grade - A-208 Garden of Eden

3rd grade - A-207 David & Goliath

4th & 5th grades A-206 Armor of God

BASH @ THE BAY! Sunday, August 14, 5:00-8:00 p.m. at Pelahatchie Shore Park

Saint Mark's Youth will join other area UMC Youth for a

Summer's End Party. Many friends from Mission Fest will be

there. Planned is a barbeque, music, games, worship, a great

message and lots of friends. E-mail Jeanne or sign up on Facebook

to participate. Youth will meet at and return to Saint Mark's.

Sign up is required.

BACK TO SCHOOL BASH Sunday, August 21, 5:00-7:00 p.m. at Saint Mark's

All youth 6-12 grades are invited to wear grubby clothes and join

in a fun-filled night of mayhem and messy games. Bring friends

and enjoy food, fun, prizes. Bring a towel and a trash bag.

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And also our sympathy to Lynda

at the death of her mother, Barbara Holloway,

July 24, in Crystal Springs, MS.

To Martha Toombs at the death of her father,

George Beall, July 20, in Lake Village, AR.

To Mary Adair at the death of her brother,

Cleon Arender on July 27.

To Kim Walden at the death of her

grandfather, Colbert Graham, in Hattiesburg.

Saint Mark’s United Methodist Church Dated Material NONPROFIT

400 Grant’s Ferry Road August 12, 2011 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 Taylor, Dir. Age-Level/Family Ministries....x109

Jeanne Chapman, Youth Director.................992-9554

Delores Seward, Administrative Assistant...….....x101

Martha Toombs, Business Office………….…......x106

Preschool Office…..………………………….........x110

Darlene Baker…………………………….......…Pianist

Jason Boyd……………………………….........Organist

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.

RECENTLY HOSPIALIZED

Joelle McBeth

Jim Ragan - River Oaks

Gary (Wrong Way) Duke - River Oaks

Henry Laird - VA

Keith McGee - surgery

Don Jackson - St. Dominic

Second Saturday - Wingard House

Saint Mark's members will go to work at the Wingard House in

Jackson on August 13 to do yard work and other work around

the house. There are usually children who need playing with,

too. This Second Saturday is for all ages and work levels. We

will meet in the church parking lot at 8:00 a.m., caravan to

downtown Jackson, finish, and be back by noon.

Sunday, August 14: The Missions Committee needs at least 50

volunteers to help canvass the neighborhood around the church

(Bellgrove/Northwoods) with flyers for the Block Party on

August 20. We will meet in the back church parking lot Sunday

at 4:00 p.m. and we ask for your help to hand out maps and

flyers for just 30 minutes! If you have time afterward, we will

go "Dutch" at Bruster's. Contact Nan Moak with questions or if

you can come, nanmoak@yahoo.com or 601-317-0162.

Our sympathy to the family

of Rick Dutton at his

death July 31 -

to his wife, Lynda Dutton, son, Chris Babin,

his wife, Maggie Babin, his grandson, Mac Babin,

his sisters, Sharon Johnson in Tennessee,

Nancy White in California, and brother,

James Dutton, in Nebraska

STEWARDSHIP REPORT FOR JULY TOTAL OPERATING BUDET.......................... 1,374,595.00

AMOUNT RECEIVED YEAR TO DATE........ 694,251.00

AMOUNT EXPENDED YEAR-TO-DATE....... 714,107.00

OFFERING FOR JULY...................................... 106,836.00

GIVEN FOR DEBT REDUCTION.................... 1,524.00

DEBT REDUCTION SINCE 1/1/02................... 155,049.00

____________________________________________________

ATTENDANCE REPORT FOR JULY Sunday School July 3 - 450 255

July 10 - 557 370

July 17 - 553 360

July 24 - 500 342

July 31 - 537 354 8