05
Jun 2024
by Rev. Lynn Bartlow, Lead Pastor Summer has officially begun here in Arizona. Memorial Day is behind us, school is out in our area, temperatures have hit triple digits. It’s summer. To be honest, I’m already finding myself making plans for fall. I’m anticipating school’s return and cooler weather and what we will do in worship in the next season. I admit it— I’m the audience that Jesus was talking to when he said, “Do not worry about tomorrow.” I am! I look for tomorrow, sometimes not paying attention to the today.......
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Lend an Ear to Become Part of the Body
By Kim Ogle, Associate Pastor In 1 Corinthians 12, Paul talks about each of us being part of the body of Christ. He’s talking about the parts of the church—apostles, prophets, teachers, miracle workers,...
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Our Pastors and Their Roles
At Annual Conference this year, I took photos with several former Associate Pastors from here at St. Mark’s. You’ll see in the photo above Jonathan Arnpriester (1992-1996), Jennifer Hageman (2006-2011), Tom Jelinek (2005-2006) and...
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Pastor Stuart’s Last Sunday With Us
Greetings Friends, Have you ever had so many wonderful choices that you had trouble making a decision? This is the situation I have been in for the last several months. I knew this upcoming...
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Help for Ukraine
As we watch the news from Ukraine, it’s easy to feel helpless and fearful. As in other times of social anxiety, our Methodist tradition has direction for us. The United Methodist Church speaks against...
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On Feelings and Science
By now you’ve received and hopefully read the letter from the Lay Leaders about the relaxing of the mandate for wearing masks in our church buildings. Each of our Lay Leaders is on the...
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Being Brave
I grew up in northern Florida, lived in Florida all my life, lived just south of the “Space Coast” for a while, and I never saw a space shuttle launch. I can remember, however,...
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Reset Your Thinking
Have you thought about the opportunities around you every day? Often, I get stuck on my “problems” or my “obstacles.” An unexpected bill. Another doctor’s appointment to squeeze in. An unending supply of emails....
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A New Wilderness
I’ve heard many people talk about getting back to normal after this pandemic. I wonder if we are really looking for that or if we are just grasping at anything that will lessen the...
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You Have Been With Me From Birth
If there were awards for when we pastors introduce ourselves at the beginning of worship, I would win the “longest title” award. I am the Christian Formation and Outreach Pastor at St. Mark’s....
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