You can put a value on all that gratitude through the United Thank Offering (UTO). UTO began in 1889 as part of missionary efforts of the Women’s Auxiliary. Since then it has become a tradition in the Episcopal Church, providing millions of dollars over the years in support, through grants and direct funding. UTO makes it easy to say “thank you.” It provides envelopes and boxes to collect your “thankful coins.” Instructions on the blue boxes: “Notice the good things that happen each day. Give thanks to God for your blessing. Make an offering for each blessing. Your blessings become blessings for others.” Easy, right? The contents of YOUR blue boxes will be collected at St. Mark’s at St. Mark’s On June 15, at all services. Your coins will be added to those collected around the world. What are you thankful for? St. Mark’s is thankful for Judy Lyons who shepherds our UTO efforts two times each year.

The class will meet in the parish hall at 9:00am from June 1-August 31. Class format will follow a 15-minute devotional based on the lectionary reading for the day and focused on “What is My Calling?” That will be followed by discussion and prayer requests. The class is open to all men and women; drop-ins are welcome. For more information, call Jeff Whigham at 912-602-2244/jwhigham@saintmarksepiscopal.com

Two college-level instructors will offer intense reading and literacy training for rising first and second graders at St. Mark’s in morning and afternoon sessions the week of June 9-12. Drs. Jessica Morris and Katie Bennett are the instructors and will be happy to provide more information. Contact information and their bios are found on a notice on the bulletin board outside the kitchen. The goal is for a small class size so applications will be accepted in the order received.

Several area churches are collaborating to provide 50 to-go meals for unhoused people on Saturday and Sunday evenings at 5:00pm. These can be as simple as a brown bag lunch. Deacon Rita wants to put together a team to pack brown bag meals one Sunday each month immediately following Mixon Hour and reconvene at 5:00pm to distribute the meals. If you are interested in being a part of this team, please call or text her at 912-270-2725.

Do you play a musical instrument? Know the words to your favorite soundtrack? Can you spin a tall tale or rip off one-liners like Jerry Seinfeld? It’s biblical instruction to share your talent! Let’s step-up our fun-ship game, get together and amaze our fellow Lions with our talents—known and unknown. Details for the show are on page 13 and we have applications ready to pick up in the office, to make St. Mark’s Second Annual talent show another one to remember.

Every Friday your St. Mark’s Church bulletin or email will get an additional 25% off the already great prices at Hello Goodbuy Lion Friday! Just show your bulletin to the cashier for 25% off your entire purchase. And don’t forget Senior Wednesdays when all clothes and shoes are half-price for those 55 or older. There are always great bargains at our resale store.

A Lion Pal is a little like a Secret Santa but with a twist. Our graduates often lose a connection with St. Mark’s as they move on to their next life segment. A Lion Pal anonymously prays for and sends encouragement to one of our graduates who is away and helps maintain a link and reminder that we’re here. If this sounds like something you want to do, text or email Sam at 229.291.0851 or
youth@saintmarksepiscopal.com.

Every Sunday following the 10:15 service, our hospitality teams serve coffee and light refreshments in our parish hall, Mixon Hall. All are invited. It is a great opportunity to visit or introduce newcomers. Volunteer host teams are invited to serve on a rotating schedule. The church supplies the menu to make it easy for all hosts. There is a sign-up sheet in the parish hall or contact Phyllis Fox at 912.242.6875.

Daughters of the King is an order for Episcopal and Anglican women who have committed to a life of service and prayer. At St. Mark’s, the St. Agnes Order of Daughters of the King, is open for prospective members in 2024. St. Mark’s DOK meets regularly on the second Sunday of each month at 9:00am in the parish hall. The 16 classes for prospects will take place over eight monthly sessions. If you are interested or have questions about Daughters of the King, please direct them to Jenny London at 770.354.8905