Through the Holy Spirit, we are gifted and empowered with spiritual gifts, skills and talents to be used in “the building up of the Body” — in other words, to take care of each other. Through our caring, we express the love of Christ. St. Mark’s shares Christ’s love through ministries of prayer; hospitality; spiritual, emotional and practical support; nurture; enrichment; and education.
Handy Hands Ministry
NOTE: As of August 2020 the Handy Hands Ministry is on hold until further notice. We apologize for the inconvenience. If you’re in need of assistance, you might try Interfaith Community Services caregiving at (520) 526-9311. Let them know you’re from St. Mark’s UMC. (As with St. Mark’s, the ICS service is free and you pay only for parts.)
The Handy Hands Ministry at St. Mark’s consists of volunteers from our congregation who provide simple household repairs for others in the congregation who cannot otherwise perform the tasks themselves. However, this ministry is not for emergency requests. All individuals who attend St. Mark’s may request services from the Handy Hands Ministry. The types of services provided are determined by the skill set of our volunteers and the complexity of the requests received. Anyone may request service from Handy Hands, especially people who may not have the necessary skills or physical ability for type of repairs needed. Frequently we receive requests from seniors, singles, persons with physical limitations, home-bound individuals, and those recovering from surgery or illness who may need a small task performed in their home.
To request service from the Handy Hands Ministry, you may complete this Handy Hands online form (form disabled due to Handy Hands hiatus; see red message above) and the information will be submitted automatically. You may also pick up a printed request form from the church narthex, or the Welcome Center. Request forms are also available from the church office. Printed forms may be dropped off in the Handy Hands mailbox in the church office and someone will contact you regarding your request to schedule a time when two Handy Hands volunteers can complete the work requested. Please note: you will be required to pay for any parts used, but not for labor for the repairs.
Handy Hands Volunteers Needed: If you are handy and have a particular skill set that you wish to share, email handyhands@umcstmarks.org with your name and phone number so the Handy Hands coordinator can contact you.
Prayer Ministry Team
This group provides for congregational prayer life in a variety of ways. This is a group of individuals focused on strengthening the individual and corporate prayer life of our church by providing education, resources and new opportunities for prayer. It is their desire to hold up all the ministries at St. Mark’s, as well as the larger church and the surrounding community. The St. Mark’s Prayer Ministry Team provides monthly prayer request information for various church activities and services, mission opportunities and people we can pray for during the month. Use this link and print the monthly prayer card.
Prayer Chain Group
This group of people receives prayer requests via email and are willing to pray at a moment’s notice for an urgent need. Anyone may submit a prayer request at prayerchain@umcstmarks.org .
Counselor-in-Residence
The Counselor-in-Residence program offers counseling and psychotherapy for individuals, couples, families, children and adolescents. These services are available to both the St. Mark’s and the Tucson community. The St. Mark’s United Methodist Church Counselor-in-Residence program recognizes the right of all people to feel supported and connected to a community. Healing occurs within those fibers of connection to self and others. The counseling program is dedicated to providing resources and therapeutic support for both the St. Mark’s and the Tucson community. For more information about our Counselor-in-Residence read our brochure. (We have a new Counselor-in-Residence! Updated brochure coming soon.)
Grief Support
Experiencing a loss can sometimes make you feel as though you have lost your place in the “circle” of life. You may feel isolated, angry, deeply saddened, depressed, or even numb. You may find few people to safely share your intimate grief journey. This weekly grief support group can provide a healing circle of care and compassion and offer a safe, supportive place for your feelings, your stories, and your healing.
Healing in grief is not done alone. Each of us has a unique experience of grief while at the same time, a universal connection with others in grief. Giving voice to your unique experience, finding avenues of self-care and validation, while nurturing your connection with others, leads to a healing that can create new meaning in your life. The Grief Support Group meets once a week. Place contact Susan Proebsting at 520-221-7766 if you are interested in attending.
Chronic Illness and Pain Support Group
The St. Mark’s UMC Chronic Illness and Pain Support Group meets from 10:30 a.m. to noon the second and fourth Wednesday of each month in the church library and via Zoom. We offer a time of prayer during each meeting and time to share personal joys and concerns, as you are comfortable. We want to help each other whenever we can. At each meeting, we remind ourselves that we are meeting in a safe space as we listen and share, and everyone’s confidentiality is respected and held. For more info or for the Zoom link contact April DuBoce at chronicillness@umcstmarks.org or call the church office at 520-297-2062. You do not have to be a member of St. Mark’s to participate.
Rainbow Fellowship
The St. Mark’s Rainbow Fellowship is a group for individuals who identify as LGBTQ and Christian. The group meets for fellowship, support and sharing the joys and concerns of living in these challenging days. Anyone (regardless of age) who identifies as LGBTQ is welcome. The group meets at 9 a.m. the third Sunday of the month in the church library. Please contact coordinator Melinda Sims at rainbow@umcstmarks.org, or call the office (520-297-2062) if you would like more information. Better yet, if this group is for you – please join us anytime.
Lectio Divina Prayer Group
Lectio Divina is a traditional Benedictine practice of scriptural reading, meditation and prayer intended to promote communion with God and to increase the knowledge of God’s Word. Several groups meet on our campus weekly for meditative prayer. Please contact the office (297-2062) for more information.
Prayer Room
Our Prayer Room is located in Room 21 on campus and open during regular office hours 8:30 a.m. to 4 p. m. Monday-Friday, as well as Sunday mornings. Please use this area for prayer, reflection and meditation. There are a number of places to leave your prayer requests (both public and private).
Ties That Bind Ministry
Ties That Bind is our prayer quilt ministry. We promote prayer through the use of handmade, lap sized quilts which are blessed by members of our congregation and others as they tie knots in the threads while saying prayers for someone in need of prayer. The prayer quilts are a gift of love, prayer, and our belief in God and his power to comfort, strengthen and heal. Ties that Bind is different than St. Mark’s other quilting and prayer shawl ministries and is an addition to the unique ways we can bless those in need of our prayers through our Congregational Care Ministries. We meet the first Monday each month to sew. Donations of cotton fabric and monetary gifts are greatly appreciated.