The newsletter for St. Mark's UMC in Murfreesboro, TN
 

"The Messenger" Online Newsletter

January 21, 2025

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St. Mark's Inclement Weather Policy

St. Mark's follows the Murfreesboro City Schools (MCS) system in determining whether or not the church office will be open and church-wide events held. When MCS are closed, the church office will be closed and all church-wide activities canceled. For church-wide events taking place on weekends, please check social media, the church website, and/or your email for updates in the event of inclement weather.

From Your Pastor...

We are keeping a close eye on the weather forecast and how it may affect our ability to gather safely for worship on Sunday. Our hope is to make a clear decision about Sunday worship by Friday morning. Once that decision is made, we will communicate it promptly through social media and a churchwide email, so please be on the lookout for those updates.


Our first priority is always the safety and well-being of our congregation. If we do have in-person worship, we encourage everyone to use good judgment and discernment, especially if travel conditions are uncertain or hazardous.


We also want to gently remind you that winter weather on Sundays often has an unintended impact on the church’s giving. Even when attendance is low—or when in-person worship is not possible—the ministry and mission of the church continue. If you are unable to be present in worship, we encourage you to continue supporting the church through one of the many available options: clicking the button below, mailing your check, dropping your offering by the church office, or calling the office to make other arrangements.


Thank you for your flexibility, generosity, and care for one another as we navigate the winter season together. It is a privilege to serve God as one of your clergy.


Tommy
Link for Sunday's Offering

Epiphany Sermon Series: Gifts That Keep on Giving

With the commercialized “gift giving season” behind us, let’s focus on some of God’s unexpected gifts that we can enjoy long after the Christmas tree has been hauled away—gifts that reveal themselves in new ways as time goes on. This sermon series is about recognizing the often-surprising gifts that are extended to humanity and are ours to receive if we are bold and loving enough to accept them.


January 25: The Gift of Bold Action (Matthew 4:12-23)

February 1: The Gift of Poetic Challenge (Matthew 5:1-12)

February 8: The Gift of Public Witness (Matthew 5:13-20)

February 15: The Gift of the Unpredictable Jesus (Matthew 17:1-9)

Birthday Buddies Date Change

Our birthday buddy coordination team has decided to change the date for the January birthday buddies party to February 1st. Please mark your calendars to be there!

Food, Fellowship, Faith,

and Fun for All Ages!

 

WNT returns January 21st!

Featuring food preparation and service by

THE SWEET ADDICTION catering and

St. Mark’s United Methodist Men.

Next WNT Menu, 1/21:

Poppyseed Chicken over Rice, Glazed Carrots, Biscuits, Salad Bar, and Strawberry Tres Leches Cake

“Hope is being able to see that there is light 

despite all of the darkness.” — Desmond Tutu

St. Mark’s United Methodist & True Victory Church

Invite You to Celebrate God’s Hope that Unites Us

Wednesday, January 21, 2026 at St. Mark’s UMC

5:00 p.m. “Pay as You Can” Dinner,

6:00 p.m. Worship, Shawn Moses Preaching
Unity in Hope Flyer

Coming in the weeks ahead:

Practicing Hope

How can Christ-followers cultivate hope that is honest about our current conditions, hope that is restorative when everything feels urgent, and hope that is possible even when we transgress?  Through scripture study and group discussion, this study will explore what it means to practice hope in God even when hope seems hard to find.

Wednesdays, January 28 – February 11

Led by Robbie Hooper in Room 405

What’s Special about the Olympics?

As we anticipate the kick-off of the Winter Olympics on Friday, Feb 6th in Milano, Italy, we’ll welcome our local Special Olympics coordinator to share with us about Rutherford County’s Special Olympics.

Wednesday, January 28

In Room 402/404

News!

Red Cross Blood Drive

St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, in partnership with the American Red Cross, will host a Winter Blood Drive on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 12:00–5:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary Foyer. As a thank-you, all donors will receive a $20 e-gift card for their lifesaving gift. Don’t delay, sign-up today!
Sign Up Here!
 

Flying Solo Fellowship

You are invited to join the fun as we create a new space for community at St. Mark's UMC: Flying Solo: A Fellowship of Young Singles, 40 and under.


Upcoming Events:

Dinner and a Movie!

THIS Friday, January 23, 6:30 p.m. at Mark Foley's Home. Bring a Delicious Dish to Share!

To RSVP or be Added to the GROUPME, text Mark at (615) 691-1760.

Wonderfully Made Sexuality Seminar is February 5th – 7th!

All 4th-6th grade students and their families are invited to participate in the Wonderfully Made sexuality seminar. The schedule is as follows:  

Thursday, February 5 (parents only 6:00 – 7:30 PM), 

Friday, February 6 (students only 6:30 – 8:30 PM), and

Saturday, February 7 (students 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM, parents and students 12:00 - 1:00 PM).


Wonderfully Made is a United Methodist resource that offers preteens an opportunity to begin the important conversations about bodies, human growth, sexuality, reproduction, and relationships from a Christian perspective. The program helps individuals understand their bodies, the changes they are going through, and how God loves them now and always. 


The registration form and $20 fee are due January 29th!

Please contact Hannah for more information.

"Books of Faith" Adult Class Continues

The Sunday morning Books of Faith group has enjoyed their small group exploration of the Gospels in 2025 and is planning to continue sharing in study, fellowship and service together. Led by Rev. Martha Touchton, the class meets Sunday mornings, 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. in Room 504 and includes individuals and couples of all ages.  


We are beginning the year with an 8-week study of Genesis, and you are invited to join us! Workbooks are available for $12 in the church office and include a plan for daily Bible reading for those who want to read thru the entire book.

New Study February 12th

Women's Bible Study resumes February 12th, Thursdays 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. in Room 1203.


The new study is on the book Angels by Melissa Spoelstra


Contact Patti Daws for a book! 615-971-9682

College Ministry

All college students and friends are invited to be part of the College group, meeting Sundays, 9:15-10:15 a.m. in Room 502 across from the church office. A light breakfast is served, everyone is welcome, bring a friend!

Boy Scout BBQ

Let the Boy Scouts of St. Mark’s Troop 398 take care of your cooking on Super Bowl Sunday, Feb. 8th. We’ve smoked our own pork and turkey for over 25 years! Proceeds will go to fund troop operations for this year. Your order will be packaged and ready for pick up from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM in the Banquet Room at St. Mark’s UMC on Super Bowl Sunday, February 8, 2026.


You can choose from pulled pork $12/pound and/or sliced turkey $15/pound (order extra and freeze it for a treat later on!)  Whole Boston Butts are available for $45 and boneless turkey half-breasts for $45. Ribs are $20/slab. To complete your feast, we offer 16-ounce sides of Cole slaw and baked beans for $6 each.  


Please remember to place your orders in advance by Feb. 1st, since only limited quantities will be available for sale on Feb. 8th.

Orders are currently being taken by troop members. Order forms are available in the narthex. Order forms are also available in the church office or you can place an order by calling or emailing Scoutmaster Mike Warren (615) 473-7076 or mike11345@aol.com.

Save the date - and have a Valentines Breakfast with Wesley

The Wesley Foundation is holding their annual Pancake Breakfast on February 14. Come have pancakes, vote for your favorite dish during the Clergy Breakfast Battle and grab an auction item. We will be showing off our new, recently completed, office space. We will be accepting donations for all you can eat pancakes from 7 - 10 and the Breakfast Battle will start at 8:00. The address is 216 College Heights, right off the MTSU campus. Hope you can make it!  

Confirmation Classes start this Sunday!

All children in 5th-7th grade are invited to attend the Confirmation classes starting this Sunday, January 25th at 9:15-10:15 AM.


If Christian Education is canceled this Sunday, the first class will be moved to February 1st. Those attending United will be responsible for contacting David Cowan to review the materials covered. Classes will be located in the banquet hall. Confirmation Sunday will be May 17th.

Bless the Youth with Meals

Every Sunday we meet, we feed our youth. If you, your family, or your Sunday school class would like to sponsor one of those meals, please sign up using the link below. You can cook food, buy food or donate money!


Upcoming meals needed:

January 25th, February 15th, February 22nd, March 1st
Feed the Youth!

Cedar Crest's Be Retreat!

February 28 - March 1, 2026

All 3rd-5th graders are invited to join us for a weekend of worshipping, fun, and connection! The cost is $75 per child. Registration and payment is due to St. Mark’s UMC by February 1st. Click here to sign up. 
 

Explore God's Word in 2026

Would you like to learn more about the Bible, make new friends in faith, and grow deeper in your knowledge, love, and service to God this year? 


St. Mark’s offers several adult classes and groups that meet on Sunday mornings, with additional groups meeting throughout the week. You are invited to visit these adult Christian education classes which meet on Sundays, 9:15 - 10:15 a.m.: 

 

College - Room 502

Young Adults - Room 501

Books of Faith - Room 504

Pathfinders - Room 503/505

Seekers - Room 506

Cornerstone - Room 407/409

Walking by Faith - Room 406

Woman to Woman - Room 405

Spares and Pairs - Room 402/404

Dimension of Faith - Room 403

Mixed Blessings - Room 1203

Genesis Network - Room 1204

New Horizons - Room 1205

 

For more immediate information, stop by the Welcome Desk or contact Rev. Martha Touchton at martha@stmarkstn.org.

Walking Together, Room 406

The Walking Together class includes individuals in midlife seeking growth and support in our current and ever-changing roles through the application of Biblical teaching and fellowship with one another. Led by Hillary Ward and Beth Morris, many in this class are parents raising young children.  


The class is currently studying Present Over Perfect: Leaving Behind Frantic for a Simpler, More Soulful Way of Living by Shauna Niequist. This 5-session course invites participants on a journey away from frantic pushing and proving to move toward your essential self, the one God created you to be.  

SAGES News

The Sages Ministry Team will meet at 9:30 AM on February 9 in Room 503-505.

 

The Sages had a wonderful outing on Monday to Cracker Barrel on Chaffin Place. It was a great time of food and fellowship.


The Sages will be going to The Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Restaurant on Monday, February 23. The bus will leave at 10:00 AM. Please make your reservations in the gathering room or the church office. Look for the book!

 

And remember, each Monday SAGES deliver the Sunday altar flowers to our homebound and nursing home residents.

Missions Updates

Furniture Ministry Request

We are currently experiencing a decrease in donations for the St. Mark’s

Furniture Ministry. If you have any gently used furniture (couches, beds, chest of drawers/dressers, kitchen table & chairs, etc.) that you would like to donate, please contact Karen Alexander at (615)707-3166 and text pictures of the furniture. Thank you!!
 

Flower Dates Available


The flowers on the altar each Sunday are available to be sponsored in honor of in memory of loved ones. To reserve a date, please call the church office or sign up on the Flower Calendar at the receptionist desk in the church office.


Each bouquet (there are two per Sunday) is $30 which can be paid by placing a check in the offering plate with "Flowers" on the memo line or contacting the church office for other arrangements.


The next available Sundays are:

February 8 (one or both bouquets)

March 1 (one or both bouquets)
March 8 (one or both bouquets)

March 15 (one bouquet)


Several more 2026 dates are available. Call the church office at 615-893-3455 for more information.
 

Upcoming Calendar

Wednesday, January 21

11:00 a.m. Murfreesboro Clergy Cohort - RM 503/505

3:30 p.m. Chair Yoga - RM 1203

5:00 p.m. WNT Dinner - Banquet Room

6:00 p.m. WNT Winter Opening - UNITY in HOPE Worship Service - Sanctuary

7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir - RM 1119


Thursday, January 22

10:00 a.m. Quilting Bee - Banquet Room/Kitchen

10:30 a.m. Knit Together - RM 503/505

6:00 p.m. Preschool Board Meeting - RM 405

6:00 p.m. Worship Team Meeting - Library

6:30 p.m. ACOA Meeting - RM 503/505


Friday, January 23

10:00 a.m. Bible Study - RM 503/505

6:30 p.m. Flying Solo Fellowship - Potluck and Movie at Mark's


Saturday, January 24

8:30 a.m. AA Group - RM 503/505

9:00 a.m. MTCS Development Board Meeting - RM 405


Sunday, January 25

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

9:15 a.m. Confirmation Class - Banquet Hall B

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

2:00 p.m. Sewing Class - RM 503/505

4:00 p.m. Bible Study - RM 1203

4:00 p.m. SONlight Youth Choir - RM 1119

5:00 p.m. Chancel Ringers - RM 1117

5:00 p.m. Youth - Rec Center/Youth Center/Banquet Hall


Monday, January 26

9:40 a.m. Preschool Chapel - Sanctuary

10:00 a.m. Watercolor Class - Banquet Room

5:00 p.m. Cub Scouts - Banquet Hall/Rec Center/Youth Center/Kitchen/Select Classrooms

5:30 p.m. Big Book Group - RM 503/505

6:00 p.m. Sanctuary Ringers - RM 1117


Tuesday, January 27

9:30 a.m. Note Writers - RM 506

9:40 a.m. Preschool Chapel - Sanctuary

10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting - RM 503/505

6:00 p.m. Woodworkers - Banquet Room


Wednesday, January 28

3:30 p.m. Chair Yoga - RM 1203

5:00 p.m. WNT Dinner - Banquet Room

6:00 p.m. WNT Practicing Hope - RM 405

6:00 p.m. WNT What's Special about the Olympics? - RM 402/404

7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir - RM 1119


Thursday, January 29

10:30 a.m. Knit Together - RM 503/505

6:30 p.m. ACOA Meeting - RM 503/505


Friday, January 30

UNITED Winter Retreat - Cedar Crest Camp - Van 2018

10:00 a.m. Bible Study - RM 503/505


Saturday, January 31

UNITED Winter Retreat - Cedar Crest Camp - Van 2018

8:30 a.m. AA Group - RM 503/505


Sunday, February 1

UNITED Winter Retreat - Cedar Crest Camp - Van 2018

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

11:30 a.m. Birthday Buddies - Narthex

12:00 p.m. Flying Solo Fellowship Lunch - Various Restaurants

2:00 p.m. Sewing Class - RM 503/505

4:00 p.m. Bible Study - RM 1203

4:00 p.m. SONlight Youth Choir - RM 1119

5:00 p.m. Chancel Ringers - RM 1117

5:00 p.m. Finance Committee Meeting - RM 503/505


Monday, February 2

9:40 a.m. Preschool Chapel - Sanctuary

10:00 a.m. Watercolor Class - Banquet Room B

10:00 a.m. Wings of Hope - Banquet Room/Kitchen

5:30 p.m. Cub Scouts - Banquet Hall/Rec Center/Youth Center/Kitchen/Select Classrooms

5:30 p.m. Big Book Group - RM 503/505

6:00 p.m. Sanctuary Ringers - RM 1117


Tuesday, February 3

9:30 a.m. Note Writers - RM 506

9:40 a.m. Preschool Chapel - Sanctuary

10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting - Sanctuary

5:00 p.m. Girl Scout Troop #2408 Meeting - RM 212


Wednesday, February 4

3:30 p.m. Chair Yoga - RM 1203

5:00 p.m. WNT Dinner - Banquet Hall

6:00 p.m. WNT Practicing Hope - RM 405

7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir - RM 1119
 
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St. Mark's UMC | 615-893-3455 | www.stmarkstn.org
 

St. Mark's UMC | 1267 N. Rutherford Blvd. | Murfreesboro, TN 37130 US

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