Join us on Wednesdays as we gather for a catered meal, a devotion, and family activities! This will be a fun time to build connections with one another and enjoy the summer evenings at our beautiful Vermeer grounds. Please bring lawn chairs or picnic blankets and your own beverages.

The Benefits of Making a Charitable Gift Through Your Will

Making a charitable gift through your will offers several significant benefits. It ensures that your gift is used precisely for the purpose you intended, creating a lasting legacy that reflects your values. Additionally, such gifts can reduce your estate tax liability and help you avoid probate court, simplifying the process for your loved ones. Consider this meaningful way to make a lasting impact and support the causes you care about.

Join the United Women in Faith in celebrating "Christmas in July" by purchasing the newest and second only Christmas ornament dedicated to St. Mark's UMC. The 2½ inch metal piece features a picture of our building with the Jesus statue. The back is engraved with Matthew 11:28. 

Ornaments may be ordered in the Narthex on Sundays during July, as well as online. Payment of $15/each is due when ornaments are ordered. Delivery is expected in August. All proceeds will go to local missions.

Thursday, July 11 | 1:00 p.m. | Lower Fellowship Hall

The Thursday Afternoon Book Group will meet July 11 to discuss The Murder Rule from bestselling crime author Dervla McTiernan. Come and enjoy the fellowship of fellow St. Mark's readers!

All families are invited to come to St. Mark's Pool Party at Copple Family YMCA (8700 Yankee Woods Dr) outdoor pool starting at 7 p.m. on Friday, July 12. Please bring your own towels. We hope you can join us for this free pool party!

The St. Mark’s Columbarium honors members and their families who have chosen to have their cremated remains inurned in perpetual rest on our church grounds. Located just east of the Family Life Center in Resurrection Garden, this sacred space that affirms the church's care for its members from birth and baptism through death and eternal life and provides a way to remain spiritually connected to our community of faith. If you would like more information, visit COLUMBARIUM or pick up a columbarium packet available from the church office.

Join St. Mark's Trash Troop for another summer of working together to help clean up our city! The Trash Troop will meet at 10 a.m. at Antelope Park by the playground (3200 Veterans Memorial Dr) on July 13.

Week of July 14-20

Pastor Jay Stewart and St. Mark's youth will be on a mission trip to Milwaukee, Wis., this week. They will be working with the Next Step Ministries organization. Please remember them and the adult leaders in your prayers as they spend time sharing the love of Christ and serving those in need.

Kids are invited to come to church in their swimsuits at both 9 a.m. and 10:30 a.m. (weather permitting) each Sunday in July. We will have a water-themed lesson and then have water games and sprinkler time following. Please bring a towel and apply sunscreen prior to dropping off outside by the sand volleyball courts.

Wednesday, July 17 | 6:30 p.m. | Room 125

Join the Wednesday Night Book Club this month for a discussion of Lilac Girls from author Martha Hall Kelly. Inspired by the life of a real World War II heroine, this runaway international bestseller reveals the power of unsung women to change history in their quest for love, freedom and second chances. Feel free to come for a great discussion, whether or not you have had a chance to read the book.

Join us for a SMITTESO (St. Mark’s Interest Trips Taken Every So Often) to the heart of the Ozarks, Branson, Mo., for a 3-day, 2-night trip like no other that includes three shows plus marvelous food in one of the most entertaining spots in the United States.

We will see Queen Esther, one of the most riveting Bible stories of the Old Testament, at the 3,500 seat Sight & Sound Theater, and take a guided tour through the Titanic Museum Attraction to experience what it was like as a passenger or crew member. The Haygoods family show is all new, and we will see Mike Walker who is a gifted impersonator with a resume of over 50 celebrities. All three shows receive the highest ratings every year, PLUS, we will have some of the best seats in the house! We will travel on a luxury motorcoach and stay in a 5-star hotel. Six meals, plus a stop at an amazing cheese outlet store included.

To reserve a spot on the trip, we will need your deposit of $100/person by July 17. The balance will be due on or before Aug. 11 as we must purchase all the show tickets and pay for the hotel rooms in advance.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic experience never before offered! Invite a friend to go with you to experience Branson this fall!

Sunday, July 21 | 9:00 a.m. | Sanctuary

Are you looking for a way to get involved at St. Mark's this summer? We're looking for talented and enthusiastic individuals to join the once-a-month summer choir. All experienced and beginner vocalists, both youth and adults, are welcome. The rehearsal will start at 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday, July 17, in the sanctuary to prepare for the following Sunday's 9 a.m. service. Contact Vince Learned if you are interested in participating.

We have a wonderful opportunity for individuals and families to help those in need at the People's City Mission Help Center (6800 P Street) on July 18, from 2-4 p.m. You would be either helping putting out donations, checking people out at the exit, organizing, or a variety of other different tasks. Please come take part in this event to show love to those in our community and help ensure that everyone as all they need! For safety reasons, volunteers must wear close-toed shoes, shirts with sleeves, and long pants, or shorts that are to the knees. 

The Board of Trustees has been actively weeding and mulching the flower beds at St. Mark’s. We are organizing a group of volunteers to assist with weeding during the summer and early fall. If you can contribute a few hours each month but were unable to attend the June 3 organizational meeting, please email Bonnie Sibert to join our officially named group—St. Mark's Wacky Weeders. Your message should include your name and/or family members, email address and a phone number and then will be assigned a manageable area to maintain. We would love to see more families join our list of volunteers.

Join other St. Mark's adventurers on July 28 for stand up paddleboarding! Paddlers of all shapes, sizes, and ages are invited to meet us at Stagecoach Lake (south of Lincoln) at 2 p.m. Please contact Steph Nelson for more information.