WORSHIP ARTICLE

When was the last time you saw something that filled you with wonder? By all counts, an opportunity is upon us, and many are intrigued. People will be coming to Bloomington in large numbers on Monday, April 8, to witness four minutes of a total eclipse of the sun. We are told that so many people will be coming that schools and many businesses will be closed. We anticipate crowded roads, and local residents are encouraged to travel as little as possible, and to keep gas tanks filled. We also are told to expect interruptions to internet and cell phone service. All of a sudden, landline phones will be popular again, at least for a few hours. We humans go to great lengths to see something wonderful.

Eclipses, as unique as they are, are hardly new. Thousands of years ago, a Hebrew prophet named Joel spoke of a “Day of the Lord” that would come to Israel. On this day, people would see “the sun turn to darkness and the moon to blood.” The Day of the Lord refers, in part, to a time in which consequences come to Israel due to covenantal unfaithfulness. But more positively, the “Day of the Lord” also refers to a unique divine movement which brings salvation and blessing to all who call upon God’s name. Prophets like Joel, Walter Brueggemann notes, see an alternative future to the existing broken social reality, and the Day of the Lord signals the arrival of that new future. For Joel, these signs were full of wonder.

Ancient people of varied religious traditions had long noted eclipses and, like the Hebrews, interpreted them in two distinct ways. For some, the eclipse meant something ominous coming to the earth. For others, the eclipse was a time to become deeply reverent, and to connect with the divine energy that was bringing sacred moments to the world. On Monday, we’ll be invited to see how we will respond.

Let’s talk about this Sunday at St. Mark’s, on the day before the eclipse. The sermon is titled “The Sun Shall Turn to Darkness.” It arises from Joel 2: 21-32, which will be read by Tom Shafer. We’ll be led musically by the Chancel Choir, led by Gerry Sousa and accompanied by Lois Leong. We’ll have a moment for children, sing together, and pray for local and global concerns. As a gift, we’ll also have protective glasses for all who attend so that they may more safely view the eclipse. 

Whether you are new to St. Mark’s or have a longstanding connection with the church, we look forward to seeing you at 10:30 on Sunday in the sanctuary. If you choose to connect online, visit www.smumc.church and click on the Live Stream banner.

SUNDAY, APRIL 7, 11:30 AM

ECLISPE VIEWING LENSES

Exciting news! As you may have heard, this Monday, a solar eclipse will grace our skies, offering a stunning display of celestial beauty.

If you find yourself in need of viewing lenses don't fret! Following Sunday's worship service, we'll have Eclipse viewing lenses available outside the sanctuary for those who need them.

MONDAY, APRIL 8

ST. MARK'S BUILDING & GROUNDS CLOSED

In light of the upcoming solar eclipse on Monday, April 8, we want to inform you that the church building and grounds will be closed for the day.

This decision is made in consideration of safety and to encourage everyone to experience the eclipse safely from their preferred locations.

While our physical space will be closed, we encourage you to enjoy this remarkable event responsibly and with appropriate eye protection. If you need eclipse glasses we will have some available following Sundays worship service.

We appreciate your understanding and wish you a memorable eclipse viewing experience.

NEW MEMBER CLASS

TONIGHT, APRIL 4, 7:00 PM (ZOOM)

Are you interested in becoming a member, or exploring what it would mean to be a member, of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church? We are preparing to welcome a new class for membership during the month of April, and want to invite all who are interested to join.

The first of two classes is scheduled for tonight, April 4, at 7:00 pm. The first class will be held by Zoom. If this time doesn't work for you, let us know, and we will find a way to accommodate your schedule.

Church membership is an important facet of Christian practice. In United Methodist tradition, new members reaffirm their baptismal vows, and promise to be faithful to Christ through the church, promising to participate in its ministries through their prayers, their presence, their service, their gifts and their witness.

If you are interested in attending the class, or have questions about becoming a member of St. Mark’s, you are invited to contact one of the pastors, Jimmy Moore, or Mary Beth Morgan. To register to attend the April 4 session, you may register on Realm, or contact Jimmy or Mary Beth. We look forward to connecting with you.

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17, 6:00pm

SING FOR JOY CONCERT

ST. MARK'S UNITED METHODIST CHURCH

Don't miss "ALL THAT JAZZ 2024", Wednesday, April 17, 6:00pm, St. Mark’s Church!

The concert will include jazz standards including "The A-Train", "Caravan", "Sing, Sing, Sing", "What a Wonderful World" and other favorites. The SFJ! Choir will be accompanied by the Bloomington Jazz Orchestra Combo, Janis Stockhouse, Director.

SING FOR JOY is a performance based community choir that welcomes all singers including the other-abled, and those living with dementia. 

NOW THROUGH APRIL 20th

APPALACHIA SERVICE PROJECT TEAM (ASP) DONATIONS

The St. Mark’s Appalachia Service Project Team will be leaving Sunday, April 21st on their service trip to Johnson City, TN. They need individually packaged snacks (chips, pretzels, etc.) and bottled water or sports drinks. Please bring snacks or bottled water to Garton Hall by Sunday, April 20th.

Financial support of the trip is also very much appreciated. You can make a donation towards trip expenses by giving funds to St Mark’s UMC with “ASP” in the memo line of a check or online via Realm. The ASP team commits to a hard week of work making homes warmer, safer and drier for families in need in rural Appalachia. All donations are appreciated!

Upcoming Events for All Sponsored by United Women in Faith

      Thanks for the overwhelming response to the call for shoeboxes. Right now we have enough shoeboxes to get us through July. Please hold onto any extra shoeboxes until after June! It's not that we don't appreciate them--we've run out of storage space!

April 15th - 1:30 - 3:00pm. Crafting Adventures will meet in room 1. Bring a project that you're working on, or come to work on making fabric bags that hold personal hygiene items for patrons of MCUM.

Monday, May 6th, 9:30–in Garton Hall—Fill decorated shoeboxes with personal hygiene products and “fun” items for children. Current needs include crayons and bars of soap.

May 16th at 1:00 - Food for Thought will meet in the Sun Room at Bell Trace. The current book is The Book of Rosy. This emotional narrative by a Guatemalan mother describes the separation from her two sons at the border and the support she received from an unlikely group of women.

NOMADS - Room 8

The Nomads class meets on Sunday mornings at 9:30am. The class is a diverse group which shares ideas about world religions, social justice & creation care with the help of articles, books & videos. Will watch and discuss a National Geographic series on "The Rise of the Israelite Monarchy".

CONVERSATIONS ON LIFE MEN'S DISCUSSION GROUP - Room 8

Conversations on Life is an opportunity for men to discuss topics of spiritual, religious, and social issues of interest. Their meetings are typically held on Fridays at 1:00pm. For more information contact the church office. On April 5th, COL will watch and discuss a National Geographic series on "The Rise of the Israelite Monarchy".

WOMEN OF WONDER AND FAITH - Room 8

Women of Wonder and Faith is a group of journeying disciples sharing conversation with each other around a book study and topics of life. The group meets on Thursdays at 11:00am. Contact the church office for the meeting location. Starting in late March we will be reading "Poverty, by America" by Matthew Desmond. If you have any questions contact the church office. 

St. Mark's United Methodist Church | www.smumc.church

Published Thursday, April 4, 2024