|
One of our church’s four key goals is to encourage active engagement in ministries of missions and justice. While we excel in sharing our financial resources—dedicating 7% of 2024’s unrestricted giving to missions, alongside restricted and unbudgeted gifts—there’s an even greater impact to be found in experiencing these ministries firsthand.
We want to invite more of our congregation to step into hands-on opportunities to serve, not just to give financially (though we certainly appreciate and rely on those gifts!). Here are a few ways we’re already making this happen:
-
Rise Against Hunger: Did you help? We put on hair nets and gloves and dove into the hands-on work of packaging meals for those in need.
-
Primavera Men’s Shelter: Monthly, we prepare meals at the church and serve them at the shelter.
-
Nash Elementary School: We pack food boxes for families or volunteer in the classroom.
Now, we’d like to reintroduce you to a ministry we’ve supported in the past: The University of Arizona Wesley Foundation, also known as “Frontera Wesley.”
This vibrant ministry for college students has been a part of St. Mark’s mission through financial gifts, board leadership, and meal support at their gatherings. Like many partnerships, our connection waned during the pandemic. But now, under the leadership of their new Director, Rev. Mel Roberts, Frontera Wesley is entering an exciting new chapter.
Rev. Mel joined the team during Tucson’s summer heat and has already hit the ground running. We will welcome Rev. Mel to worship with us this Sunday at the Magee Campus. Rev. Mel will deliver an inspiring message about Jesus’ mission, our call to follow, and… something about beef! (You’ll have to come to find out!)
How might St. Mark’s renew our partnership with Frontera Wesley? How is God calling us to engage with students who are right here in our backyard? Let’s explore these questions together as we worship this week.
I look forward to seeing how God moves among us in this season of ministry!
See you Sunday,
Pastor Lynn
| 
