JOHN WESLEY MOMENTS
Bill Galante, Lay Servant writes John Wesley
Moments which contains materials taken
from John Wesley’s journal and other
writings, as well as personal accounts of
travels to Wesley’s world in the UK and
elsewhere.
Wesley in Ireland - Part 2
In a previous John Wesley Moment I noted
that due to the opposition of the Archbishop of
Dublin,
Wesley did not preach in any of the parish
churches of the archdiocese after 1747. However,
in 1775, Wesley twice led a large number of
Dublin Methodists to St. Patrick’s Cathedral for
Holy Communion where, as Wesley relates, “The
good old Dean of St. Patrick’s (William
Craddock) desired me to come within the rails,
and assist him at the Lord’s Supper.” The chalices,
which were used by Wesley on one occasion, were
stolen a few years later but replicas were made.
These may be seen today displayed in a special
case in the Cathedral.
CONVERSATIONS ON IMMIGRATION
The South District Border Committee invites
you to its series "Conversations on Immigration" on
November 16, at 6:30 p.m., First UMC San Diego,
2111 Camino del Rio South, San Diego 92108.
Update on the immigration situation with
unaccompanied children.
Ways the local
congregation can get involved to minister to this crisis
FALL WORK DAY
With cooler temperatures coming it’s time to
do some much needed maintenance. On Saturday,
October 25, we will have an all church work day.
Beginning at 8 am and going to Noon. Come for all
or part of the time.
We have a number of
opportunities, including several Gardening, Painting
and Plumbing projects. Please sign up in the patio
this Sunday.
St. Mark’s Messenger (USPS 516-260) is published weekly by
St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 3502 Clairemont Drive,
San Diego CA 92117. Periodicals Postage paid at San Diego,
CA
POSTMASTER: Send address changes to St. Mark’s
Messenger, 3502 Clairemont Drive, San Diego CA 92117
Dear St. Mark's Families,
It is with very mixed emotions that I have to
tell you that I am (finally) going to retire at the end of
this year. St. Mark's School has been my refuge, my
second home, my easel . . . my masterpiece. Except
for a 3-month stint at another nearby school, it has
been my ONLY job! St. Mark's United Methodist
Church has been the most-supportive employer a girl
could hope for. The parents that have brought their
children here for the past 38 years have not been
clients as much as friends. The children who have
graced our classrooms and playgrounds have left their
imprint not just on our walls, but on our curriculum,
our library, and mostly our hearts. The people on our
staff are not just co-workers, but people for whom I
have the greatest respect for their dedication and
(very) hard work. Their tireless passion never ceases
to amaze me. I shall keep all this along with the joy of
having served in this place so thankfully.
Those of you who know me already know
that I am married to my best friend, Bob, and I have
four grandchildren. I am going to carve out time for
them while I still think and feel young . . . even
though the calendar tells me otherwise.
I will, of course, do all I can to assist St.
Mark's with the transition that lies ahead. It is our
greatest desire that this program will carry on with the
same spirit of love, care, and quality education for
children. At this point I am very committed to making
this year the best ever - and I know with the support
of my staff - and you - we can make that happen
together.
I'm certain you will be kept informed as the
church has information to share.
In love and appreciation,
M'Lu
Director, St. Mark’s School
BROTHER, SISTER, YOU LEND A
HAND?
St. Mark’s is giving out water to those who
wait in line for assistance at CCSA from 8:00 – 10:00
AM on Thursdays, Oct 23, Nov. 20, and Dec. 18. We
provide the water, you provide the smile. Sign up or
call the office if you can help.
St. Mark’s Messenger
Volume XXXXI Issue 40
3502 Clairemont Drive, San Diego, CA 92117
October 8, 2014
(858) 273-1480
DEAR FRIENDS,
In his book See, Know, and Serve, Thomas Bandy says that many of us who have been involved in
churches for a long time consider “missions” as a program or set of programs that the church does. He points out
the reality that mission is our identity--it defines why we are here and what we are to be about in all our work, and
he makes this statement:
“All that matters is the Gospel, and everything else is tactics.”
In a recent letter to The Community United Methodist Church of Julian, Rev. Cindy Arntson wrote:
“Instead of strategies or techniques, becoming a vital, growing congregation requires deepening
our love for each other and developing love for those outside the church. It requires an effort by
everyone, not just a few leaders or committee members. For the church to grow in mission, we
have to be willing to risk some of our own comfort, security, and familiarity.”
This is a lot easier to write in a newsletter than to do. Trying to work together and make decisions as a
church community is an often frustrating, messy process in which many sincere, valid, logical, and well-meant
desires simply can’t be met, because there are so many sincere, valid, logical, well-meant desires.
That’s why, when priorities are set, many are somewhat unhappy, and some are very unhappy. Being able
to come together in love and with faith and make difficult decisions together is part of being a vital church.
Being the church means being in mission. It means growing in love for each other and for those who need
us. It is humbling for me to see St. Mark’s grow in this way. It is what matters, and it is at the heart of our
mission, whatever our priorities, strategies, or tactics.
Be sure to read the information elsewhere in this Messenger about Impact Sunday, October 19. I hope you
will plan to stay for a while after church that morning to take part in one of nine mission and service
opportunities. We especially need you if you have lots of life experience--there will be a physically easy but very
important letter-writing project in the narthex.
If you want to participate, but can’t be here on Sunday, there’s a Saturday opportunity listed, also.
See you in church!
Craig
DO YOU ENJOY VISITING AND TALKING?
Do you live a distance from your own immediate family and miss hanging out with them? I have JUST the right
activity for YOU! On Impact Sunday, October 19, we are going to visit each of our members that are unable to get out
to church regularly. All of our visits are local 92117, 92110 and 92111. Directions will be provided. Please contact
Millie McKibbin at millie.mckibbin@awbank.net or 619-407-0256 with questions and to volunteer.
SUNDAY, OCTOBER 12, 2014
7:45 A.M.
Community Pancake Breakfast
8:30 A.M.
9:30 A.M.
10:45 A.M.
Pastor’s Sunday School/NR
Church
Joyful Noise Choir/CR
11:00 A.m.
Worship Committee/NR
12:00 P.M.
Tongan Fellowship Worship
PACIFIC BRASS QUINTET CONCERT
The TNT's social group will be attending the
Pacific Brass Quintet concert at St. Mark's on Sunday,
October 19, at 4:30 p.m. and then have dinner at LW's
BBQ Restaurant in the Clairemont Shopping Center.
All who are interested in going are welcome. Please
call Kay Bays at 619-276-7268 or Dorothy Kay at
858-277-2917 to make reservations for dinner by
October 13.
ENTER THE DIGITAL ART SHOW
The 2014 Digital Art Show will soon be here.
It begins Sunday, October 12 and ends Sunday,
November 9. You may come to view the art show for
free on a Saturday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and
stay as long as you like. When you do, be sure to
bring your friends and neighbors. An alternative is to
be a host on Saturday, either 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. or 1 - 4
p.m.; then you would have even more time to enjoy
the art. If you can be a host, please contact Judy
Edelblute at 858-278-0255 or email her at
judyedel@san.rr.com.
THANK YOU’s
By Sam Higgins
Thank you very much for the scholarship
award. I am looking forward to starting college at San
Diego State this fall, and your gift will help pay for
books and supplies for my class.
By Kellie Donnelly
Thank you so much for your continued
support of my education! It means so much to me! I
am so close to applying for R.D.H. school now. I am
very excited! Much love and God Bless!
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 reading for this week:
Exodus 32:1 - 14
Psalm 106:1 - 6, 19 - 23
Philippians 4: 1 - 9
Matthew 22:1 - 14
IN OUR PRAYERS
When we joined the United Methodist
Church, we made vows to commit ourselves to
support the Church by “our prayers, our
presence, our gifts, our service and our
witness.”
Continued Prayers:
♥
♥
♥
♥
♥
♥
♥
♥
♥
♥
♥
♥
♥
♥
♥
Marty and Larry Peckham
Jan Hutchinson
Erin Murphy
George Riley
Karin Backstrom
Frank Djie
Tonya Cartwright
Sharon Kuessel
Dorothy Sage
Joan Johnson
Molly Barret
Deanna Marshall
Harry Meyer
Lorretta Schaffer
Renae Pierce
…and our military personnel, including:
Kris Brendal, Army
Robert S. Chisholm, Navy
Craig Clemans, Marines
Paul Clemans, Air Force
Blake Cross, Navy
Brandon Dempster, Navy
Samuel England, Navy
Lenny Hezelett, Navy
Michael Hunter, Navy
Brady Jackson, Army
Jeremy Munson, Navy
Daniel Ness, Army
Milo Riegle, Marines
Casper Stalnaker, Navy
Nathan Streeter, Army
Robert Tarango, Navy
JOY HANGOVER
BY Karen Scanlon
It’s Monday morning after the Blessing of the
Animals. The sanctuary is quiet, except for the drone
of the carpet-cleaning machine. Pews are washed and
vacuumed, pockets tidied, and Bibles arranged in
perfect alignment, reminding me of why we do this
work. Rev. Craig was right, these are the necessary
occasions to stir us. We love routine and the ordinary,
but in God’s scheme, are there such things?
No successful endeavor happens without a
team of workers. Behind the obvious are the clever
provisions of Sherry Miller: time and props. Greg
Long lent his enthusiasm to the cause of T-shirts and
details. Cheerleader Audrey Derwin secured pet treats
from PetSmart. Merrie Dorval, in the midst of a health
scare, provided moral support and animal knowledge.
Adam DiProfio’s portrayal of St. Francis: Priceless!
Scott Upphole stood ready and willing for any
task. “I work for God,” he says. Pam Rader always
helps: Quiet, industrious. And new to St. Mark’s is
Diane Carpio who jumped in with gusto her first week
with us: Donations and muscle work.
Answering the outside, floating-greeters’ call
were Marie Campilongo, Diane Carpio, Judy
Edelblute, Kirk Hinkleman, Billie Jean Jones, Dorothy
Kay, Bob McMeekin, Sherry Miller, Alyce Peterson,
Charles & Rose Marie Pierce, Pam Rader, and Barbara
Workman.
Carol McElroy, Donna & Ron Newby, Erin
Murphy (in a long-leg cast), Livia Robinson, and
Amber Peacock managed the hospitality and water
stations. Cookie bakers and bringers (oh, don’t let me
forget one, cookies simply fell from heaven like
manna to the Israelites): Pat Comer, Sylvia Dismukes,
Donna Guevera, Dorothy Kay, Sherry Miller, and
Debbie Zeller: Mmmm!
mannered you were. Pet people, what a chatter and
rumpus! (Preschool’s Geri D’Aprile took her beagle to
the ‘cry’ room. Casey’s happy howling echoed and
inspired his neighbors. We loved it!)
Our animals gave us reason to greet one
another without forethought or intimidation. There
were no strangers, though many guests, in the crowd.
Praise God for the joy hangover at St. Mark’s.
THIS WEEK @ A GLANCE
Monday, October 13, 2014
1:00 P.M.
6:00 P.M.
Book Study/NR
Carillon Bells/SH
Book Study/NR
Tuesday, October 14, 2014
6:30 P.M.
7:00 P.M.
Nursery School Board/
Faith Circle/offsite
Wednesday, October 15, 2014
9:00 A.M.
10:30 A.M.
5:00 P.M.
5:30 P.M.
6:00 P.M.
Chapel Time/Sanc
Carol’s Writing Group/CR
Peace Ringers/SH
Bible Study/NR
Glory Ringers/SH
Youth Group/RM 10
Thursday, October 16, 2014
9:00 A.M.
9:30 A.M.
4:15 P.M.
5:20 P.M.
7:00 P.M.
Chapel Time/Sanc
Ties of Love/SH
Hallelujah Choir/CR
Chimes/SH
Boy Scouts/Rm 10
Chancel Choir/CR
And, finally, gracious and wonderfully
welcoming, our ministers: Rev. Craig, Rev. Jeri, Rev.
Gerge, and Rev. Mary Alice. (They fell from heaven,
too.) Individual and precious blessings were given to
each animal, and others by proxy for near and far.
Saturday, October 18, 2014
Malinda Whitely describes her secretarial
office with saloon-type swinging doors: She allows
them to swing in and out. Great work, kid! Then
there’s Bill Williams doing his Bill Williams’ thing!
Kim Fahlen (Karen’s sister) and Kris Neider took lots
of pictures. Gracious Diana Starnes put her touch upon
us. Frank Williams rehearsed the children and adult
choirs in musical 'beast'.
Sunday, October 19, 2014
To all the dogs, cats, three chickens (the
Robinson family), turtle, guinea pigs, horny lizard, and
rodents (did I miss a creature?), how sweetly
(continued…)
10:00 A.M.
1:30 P.M.
View Art Show
Art Show Awards/SH
IMPACT SUNDAY
8:00 A.M.
9:30 A.M.
10:45 A.M.
12:00 P.M.
4:30 P.M.
Pastor’s Sunday School
Church
Joyful Noise/CR
Tongan Fellowship Worship
Pacific Sound Brass Quintet