This Weekend

Pastor’s Sunday School

Begins at 8:30 A.M. in the New Room. Everyone is invited. Child care is available. Below are the lectionary readings for this week:

Isaiah 11:1-10
Psalm 72:1-7, 18-19
Romans 15:4-13
Matthew 3:1-12

Sunday School Advent Giving Project

Sunday School children are collecting new coats for young adult mothers, and we need your help, please. These mothers attend the Lindsay Blended Community School and we are working this cause through Christ Ministry. You may purchase new coats, new shoes, or new socks (or contribute dollars to the project) and bring them to the church office during the week and on Sunday mornings, now through December 18. You ask, what sizes? All sizes for women, children, and babies.

Christmas is gently knocking on our doors. We hope that you will add an extra coat, pair of shoes, or socks to your list, remembering the need is great. Be blessed for your giving.

Christmas At St. Mark’s

This Sunday, December 4, at 4:30 PM you are invited to enjoy the sounds of the Advent and Christmas season with the music of St. Mark's choirs. handbells, chimes, and voices which will prepare your heart for Advent and the birth of Jesus.

Taize Services At 6 Pm During Advent, Thursdays Evenings, December 1, 8, 15, And 22

What is a Taizé Service (pronounced Teh-ZAY)? A Taizé service involves sung and recited prayers and chants, meditation, periods of silence, and liturgical readings. No sermon. Prior to the Taizé service, there will be a light meal served in the Social Hall at 5:30 prior to going into the Sanctuary and experiencing the presence of God in a refreshing, fresh, and replenishing way through contemplative worship. All are invited!

Next Week

Celebration Of Life Service

A Celebration of Life graveside service for Joyce Frisk will be on Friday, December 9, at 12 PM at the Greenwood Mortuary (4300 Imperial Avenue). Viewing will be held at Greenwood’s main building from 10-11:45 AM. All are also invited to the Celebration immediately following the service, also at Greenwood.

Poinsettas For Christmas

Poinsettias will once again be available to purchase to decorate the altar for the week of Christmas. The cost is $7 per plant. You can place your order this morning thru December 11. Order envelopes can be found in the church office.

Upcoming Dates

Longest Night Service

St. Mark’s recognises that often during the holidays there is grief or sorrow that cannot be erased by carols and parties. To help those who need a quiet place to sit, remember, and reflect we offer the Longest Night Service on the Winter Solstice, December 21. The service begins at 6:30 PM. This is a service where people can come to sit, pray, hum or sing quietly, and light candles to acknowledge the darkness and sadness that may be very close.

College Scholarships

Applications for college scholarships are available in the church office. All completed applications must be returned to the church office by December 28.

News

A Gift For The Staff

During this time of giving, let's not forget to thank our dedicated and hard working church staff and ministers. Members of the Pastor-Parish Relations Committee will be available to collect monetary gifts over the next few weeks to present to our church team. If you would like to contribute, please give your donations to a PPRC committee member, or send it to the church office. Be sure to designate your contribution as "Staff Gift." Our PPRC members are: Andy Guevara, Brad Cannon, Arlene Dempster, Debbie Bell, Kathy Martin, Kirk Hinkleman, Robin Nuspl and Susan Holko.

Advent Study

First Light: Jesus and the Kingdom of God is an Advent video study filmed on location throughout Galilee and Jerusalem, and featuring scholars John Dominic Crossan and Marcus Borg. Rev. Craig will share this video study and discussion on Mondays from 1 to 2:15 PM during advent. It is very helpful if you would please sign up by emailing, calling or visiting the church office, smumcsdoffice@gmail.com, 858-273-1480.

Please Let Us Know!

Picture-taking and video recording are frequently done during church events. Some of those pictures may be published in our church publications, slideshows, on our website, or on our social media pages. If you do not wish to have your picture published, please let an usher know, or contact the church office by phone or email.

Update: 2017 Stewardship Campaign

Pledges received as of November 27:
99 for at total of $259,664

Pledge total for 2016:
142 pledges for a total of $354,870
(this does not include the Pentecost Campaign in May 2016)

Sermon Video Now Available

Video of each week’s Sunday sermon is now available via our website: stmarksumcsd.org/sermons or our YouTube channel: stmarksumcsd.org/youtube.

Next Week At A Glance