“Come and follow me,” Jesus says. As we follow Jesus we become disciples of Christ. Disciples are called into ministries of healing, care, prayer, worship, and study that we may be conformed into the image of the Christ whom we follow. As we are conformed to the image of Christ, the world is transformed and the kingdom of God will be lived on earth as it is in heaven.

Spiritual Formation is being conformed to the image of Christ for the transformation of the world. Therefore, every work of the church is done to the end of making disciples for the transformation of the world. Spiritual Formation is prayer, study of God’s Word, worship, participation in the Sacraments, being about the work of healing and justice. Personal piety and social holiness work together to balance the faith in an inward journey and an outward journey. Therefore, prayer and care, study, worship, and service are partners in the journey of discipleship. Wholeness in Jesus Christ is found in the journey from loving Christ to serving the world. Each of us is invited into this journey of growing in faith and serving in love until every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Spiritual Formation Opportunities

Lectio Divina – Experiencing the Living Word through the Written Word

Every Tuesday   9:30- 10:30 a.m.  – Room 207

Join with a group of faithful disciples in an ancient practice of praying the scriptures. This is a contemplative practice of prayer . . . listening to God through Holy Scripture with the “ear of the heart.” Communion is offered each week, followed by reading of the Psalms and a time of Silence and at the end of the hour, Sharing. Most contemporary Christians have little experience with the discipline of Silence. Yet for the spiritual giants of the faith, silence and contemplation are essential building blocks of the prayer journey. Pastor led.

Bite-Size Bible Study – Lectionary Study

Every Tuesday (following Lectio Divina)  

10:45 – 11:45 a.m.  – Room 207

Study the Scriptures of the Common Lectionary used across the church for teaching and preaching.  Be one with others around the world in reflecting on God’s word. This is an on-going Bible study, so you are invited to jump in at any point!  Pastor led. This group is upcoming, so stay tuned for details!

Disciple Bible Study -

Disciple Bible Study offers formational and informational knowledge of the Scriptures.  In 4 courses (the longest of which is 34-weeks), the Bible is explored, read, discussed and experienced as the story of God’s salvation and grace.  New classes begin in September and run through May. Watch for sign-up opportunities this summer!

Sunday School –

Learn about Jesus, learn about living, loving and serving at Sunday School. Classes for all ages and stages of life and faith development are offered on Sunday mornings at 9:45 a.m. Click on the Sunday School link provided to read details of Sunday School Classes offered. Of special interest might be the Exploring the Way Classes for exploring membership at St. Mark’s UMC.

United Methodist Women –

Join a group of women whose purpose is to know God, to experience freedom as whole persons in Jesus Christ, to develop a creative supportive fellowship and to participate in the global outreach ministries of the Church. Circles and general meetings are held throughout the year.

Golden Boys Men’s Fellowship –

Breakfast, good coffee and even better conversation on the 2nd Wednesday of each month. If you are retired and/or 65 years old, you are invited to come and know other men of the church, participate in mission projects, and find a community in which to belong.

Daytime and Nighttime Hours of Prayer –

Become part of an intercessory prayer team! Currently meeting in the education building on Tuesdays at 1:15 p.m. in room 209 and Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m. in room 129.

Companions in Christ –

Draw closer to God in the ancient disciplines of prayer and study. Journey into discipline with a small covenant group of fellow travelers in the faith. The initial class of Companions in Christ is a 28-week commitment. Additional short-term classes are also offered: The Way of Blessedness, The Way of Forgiveness, for example. These sessions are offered as there is interest and teacher facilitation available.

Efird Bible Study –

Video based study led by Dr. Mickey Efird, scholar, writer, master teacher, retired from the Divinity School of Duke University. Efird Bible Studies last from 4 to 10 weeks in length. Watch for upcoming offerings!

Catch a New Life –

New Member Inquirer Classes held during the Sunday School hour. New groups forming regularly. Contact the church office for dates and times.

Special Worship Events

Pastor Lib at Blessing of the Animals

Blessing of the Animals -offered on the front lawn of St. Mark’s UMC and you and your pets are invited! In the tradition of Saint Francis of Assisi we will worship God, praising God for the gifts of creation and blessing the animals who are our companions in life.  

Taize Worship – offered during the Holy Seasons of Advent and Lent and at various other times during the year. Experience a new and different way of worship using simple song, Scripture and prayer.

Labyrinth – Using this ancient practice, walk the path of prayer and spiritual renewal in the Labyrinth walk. This spiritual tool is set up at St. Mark’s during Advent and Lent and during the weekend of Winter Soulstice, as well as other times during the year. Teaching around the Labyrinth will be offered with each Labyrinth experience. Watch for sign-ups!

Drawing on God – Prayer is paying attention to God and listening to God using all our senses. Giving ear and eye to what God is speaking to us in a practice that involves the visual arts is a way of doing lectio divina in art. You are invited to bring your chosen art form, your Bible, and your desire to see and know God even in the ordinary as we spend time Drawing on God. Watch for details of time and place!

Winter Soulstice – Winter Soulstice is a mid-year event of the North Carolina 5-Day  Academy for Spiritual Formation. This is a 24-hour experience of the Upper Room Academy for Spiritual Formation using a modified pattern of the Academy rhythm of study, worship, prayer, and silence. Winter Soulstice Retreat Leaders are selected from a cadre of well known spiritual guides and teachers.

Emerging Ministries

Prayer Shawl Ministry – With each stitch a prayer of blessing, healing and comfort is offered on behalf of the person around whose shoulders the shawl will wrap. Contact person: Faye Stadler – 790-9849

Baby Pillow Ministry – Pillows of blessing for babies born to families at St. Mark’s are prayed and stitched into being. Come stitch, sew and pray as blessing!

For information about any of the ministries above, contact Lib Campbell at:  Lib@stmarksraleigh.org