Adult Programs
We believe that faith is strengthened when we come together to discuss, build community, and serve one another. St. Mark’s offers a wide variety of programs for adults, and all are welcome to join at any point in the year.
Sunday School
Nomads
Sundays from 9:30-10:15 am, Hybrid meetings - Room 8 & Zoom
The selected readings for this generally progressive group can prompt discussions on issues of faith, spirituality, and/or social justice. Recent authors whose books have been used have included Barbara Brown Taylor, Joan Chittester, and Richard Rohr. All are invited to join us on Sunday mornings. Please contact the church office for more information.
Small Groups
Small groups at St. Mark’s are open to all, at any point in the year. These are chances to connect with other people at various times throughout the week, whether it’s for discussion, fellowship, adventure, service, or all of the above. For information on current meeting times and programs for any of the small groups below.
+ Church and Community Service
Shoebox Project & Fabric Bag Ministry: On the first Monday of each month, the Shoebox & Fabric Bag Ministry of St. Mark’s meets and assembles shoeboxes filled with hygiene products and other small necessities. The shoeboxes & bags are donated to local agencies such as Middle Way House and Monroe County United Ministries. Everyone is welcome to come and to join the fellowship and fun.
Crafting Adventures: This group meetins on the third Monday of each month in Room 1. We invite those who knit or crochet to help provide prayer shawls for those experiencing grief, change, and life joys. We also make baptism blankets and special projects.
Reconciling Ministries Team Meeting: Meets as announced. The Reconciling Ministries Team seeks to help St. Mark’s enact our Welcome Statement, that we are welcome “those of all races, cultures, faith traditions, sexual orientations, and gender identities.” The team seeks to keep the church community informed as to ongoing events in the United Methodist denomination. The team also that strives to help bring the Open Minds, Open Hearts, Open Doors message of St. Mark’s to the LGBT+ community. For example, the team had a presence at the Spencer and Bloomington Pridefest. Join with this team to support the values of inclusion and affirmation.
Women's Circles: There are three “circles” or groups of women who meet for fellowship, education, and mission during the month: the Morning Circle, the Susanna Wesley Circle, and the Charlene Martin Circle. Contact the church office to find out more about these groups, and the ministry of the United Methodist Women.
+ Reading and Discussion Groups
Women of Wonder and Faith: Thursdays at 11:30 am, hybrid meeting - room 8/zoom. You are welcome to join this group of women who read and discuss thoughtful books that inform and inspire faith journey, while building valuable friendships as they support each other through life’s many challenges and joys. Please contact the church office for information to join the Zoom meetings.
Conversations on Life Men’s Group: Fridays at 1:00 pm, Room 8. This men’s discussion group invites all men to come together for reading and theological reflection. Visitors are always welcomed.
Pub Theology: Pub Theology meets once a month, at a local establishment to enjoy some food and beverages, and to talk a little theology. Contact Jimmy Moore at jimmymoore@smumc.church or the church office for copies of the readings. You may register for the meetings on Realm , or contact the church office for more information.
Food for Thought Book Discussion Group: Food for Thought Book Discussion Group meets five times during the year to discuss selected books, one from each of the five categories of the UMW Reading Program: Spiritual Growth, Social Action, Nurturing Community, Education for Mission, and Leadership Development.
+ Care Ministry Groups
Care Ministry Choir: This new group assembles a small group of singers who would learn a few easy hymns and folk songs to share with members of our church community who are homebound. The blessings are great even though the time commitment is light - one practice and one visit each month.
+ Social Groups
St. Mark’s Needle Workers: Wednesdays at 1:00 pm, Room 10: Bring your quilting or crafts to Room 10 and spend time with others who enjoy these activities. All skill levels are welcome and encouraged to attend.
Creative Journaling: Do you enjoy art and thoughtful conversation? Did you know that St. Marks has an Art Journaling group that meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 1pm? Most of us have had short-lived attempts at writing a diary or painting a canvas of a special place in our lives. But with the help of a few videos and the encouragement of other beginners, you might just see how combining a few of your words with some simple sketches in a journal book can becomes a continuing practice which will feed your soul. And most journalists find that there is fun and good fellowship to had by sharing journaling ideas with a small group. Click here for more information about the art group.
Vegan Curious: Meets once a month, after Worship on Sunday mornings to discuss the Vegan lifestyle. If you have questions or would like to know when the next meeting is, please contact the church office.