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

"The Messenger" Online Newsletter

September 15, 2026

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From Your Pastor...

God


Here is a simple but very important question, “Who do you believe God to be?” A person can give any answer s/he may wish to this question. However, the standard Sunday School answer may not be enough. If we say that God is the Creator of the universe, the Ruler of all, the Omnipotent, and so on, all those answers are correct. God is all of those, and much more. Nevertheless, that is not my question. The question is, “Who do you believe God to be?” The answer to this question is more than factual; it is relational.


You see, who we believe God to be shapes our Christian life. If we believe God answers prayer, we will pray. If we believe God watches over us, we will act Christian even when others are not looking. If we believe God to be a God of judgment, we will be rule makers and rule followers. If we believe God to be forgiving, we will receive and give forgiveness. Finally, if we believe God to be a God of love, we will be loving. This is not a list or either/or; we can believe God to be any or all of these.


Therefore, it matters as to our relationship with God. Of course, our relationship matters as it relates to salvation. However, as important as salvation is, it cannot be the whole of our faith. If we only have a relationship with God for our own self-serving purpose, then we miss the larger picture of Christ’s work on the cross. Our Lord calls us to love God, and neighbor. Jesus calls us to righteous living and acts of forgiveness. Jesus calls us to a life of prayer, and service.


Who do you believe God to be? Have you tried to put God in a small box when God refuses to be in any box of our making? Is your God too small, too limited, and too safe for a hurting and dying world? Maybe we all could stand to broaden our understanding, relationship, and belief of the one limitless God! God bless.

Our September Series is:

The Power of . . .

We will explore the power of prayer, forgiveness and so on.



September 20: Philippians 1:21-30 (The Power of The Gospel)

September 27: Philippians 2:1-13 (The Power of The Cross)


In October, we will begin to explore what it is to worship God with our whole being, with our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. - God bless. Rick

Wednesday Night Together

Food, Fellowship, Faith,

and Fun for All Ages!

 

Featuring food preparation and service by

THE SWEET ADDICTION catering and

St. Mark’s United Methodist Men.

Next WNT Menu, 9/16:

Lasagna (Meaty and Meatless) with

Brussel Sprouts, Garlic Bread, Salad Bar,

and Tiramisu Trifle

Adult Courses in September - Sign Up Today!


THE CATHOLIC LETTERS:

James, 1 & 2 Peter, 1, 2, 3 John, and Jude

Led by Rev. Rickey Wade, September 9 – 30, Room 402/404

The Catholic Letters are also called The General Epistles. Join Rev. Wade in study of these small but mighty texts!  Bring your Bible and something to take notes with. 

Sept 9: History & Doers of the Word                     

Sept 16: Christian Living and God is Love            

Sept 23: False Teachers & Gnosticism 

Sept 30: Submission & Wisdom

 

MAHJONG 101

Led by Natalie Beckman

September 9 – 30 in the Chapel, Room 502

Have you been wondering what the excitement is it all about? Learn to play Mahjong, a game with a little luck and a whole lot of strategy and problem solving. We will start with the basics and work our way up to playing full games. Limit 20 participants! THIS CLASS IS FULL!

 

PER$ONAL FINANCE FOR YOUNG ADULTS

Led by Butler Touchton and Rick Clark, Sept 9 – 30, Room 503

Entering college or moving out on your own? Whether you're the new kid on campus or taking your first steps towards independence, managing your finances effectively is crucial. Get help navigating this unknown terrain and learn tips to set you on the path to a better financial future.


At Wednesday Night Together, we gather beyond the confines of our pews and classes and across generational boundaries to go deeper in our discipleship of Jesus Christ and our relationships with one another, our community, and the world around us.

Table Talk: What is your favorite kind of Vacation?  

News!

St. Mark's Preschool Scores High!

St. Mark’s Preschool is pleased to announce that it received a score of 93 on its recent licensing review, the highest score earned in the past year!  This score was made possible by the excellent leadership of our Interim Director Sarah Butler and by the many teachers, support staff, church staff, clergy, and volunteers who stepped up to be helpful to the Preschool during the past several weeks, giving many extra hours. We are so appreciative of all the gifts of time and effort given to help our Preschool!

If you’d like to support the Preschool this week, CLICK HERE for information about participating in a fundraiser this Thursday, September 17th at Red Robin Gourmet Burgers on Medical Center Parkway. The Preschool would love to have your support!


Thank you for praying for and supporting St. Mark’s Preschool!
View Flyer
 

Questions Jesus Asked

Sundays, 9:15-10:15 a.m.

We all have questions about God, but growth happens when we turn things around and ask what Jesus wants to know about us. Why are you terrified? What do you live for? What are you looking for?

 

If you are seeking a small group of committed disciples that is willing explore questions, you are invited to visit "Books of Faith.” This class is focused on study of the Bible so that we might more fully understand the Word of God and its application in our daily lives. Our current study is “Questions Jesus Asked,” by Magrey DeVega; study book are available for $5. The class is led by Rev. Martha Touchton and meets Sunday mornings, 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. in room 504. Newcomers are warmly welcomed!

 

"We are closer to God when we are asking questions that when we think we have all the answers." - Rabbi Abraham Heschel

Children's Choir

We'll sing in worship this Sunday, September 20th. We will rehearse in the music room 1117 at 8:40 a.m. before Christian Education. After this Sunday, we'll take a few weeks off and resume on October 11th with our Thanksgiving and Advent music. Contact Bethany Cardenas if you need anything!

College Students and Beyond invited!

People attending or recently graduated from college and graduate school gather to explore current issues of faith and life and grow together in The Orchard, a place to be loved, nurtured, grow in faith, and to bear fruit.


This class is led by Trish Clark and meets in Room 406. Contact David Cowan (615) 893-3455 for more information

Fall Festival is November 14th!

St. Mark’s Fall Festival will be on Saturday, November 14th  from 4-6 p.m.! All ages are invited to attend. Bring your kids, grandkids, neighbors, and friends!


If your adult Christian Education class or group can host a carnival game, please email Hannah Underwood by Sunday, October 11th. An email will be sent out to adult Christian Education classes/ministry leaders in the following weeks with more information. 


Fall Festival Donations

St. Mark’s Family Ministries is collecting the following items for the upcoming Fall Festival:

• Candy

• Yum Earth Allergy Free Candy

• Prizes for children 

• Monetary donations to help cover additional costs

Please place all donations in the blue bins located in the Narthex. Thank you for supporting this community event! 

Sunday Youth Dinners

We have spaces still available if you would like to provide a meal for the youth! In the link below, you will find the open dates we need to feed our young people. We eat at 5 pm on Sunday nights and would love to eat with you all! If this is something you, your family, or your Sunday school would like to be involved in, sign up with the link below or let me know.
Youth Dinners Sign Up

Women's Bible Study

Thursdays, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.

An 8-week study, now in session. All women welcome! Led by Patti Daws in Room 1203. Please order your own book!
 

Join with others from St. Mark's for a day trip to Decatur, AL for hands-on mission work, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m.!

Most volunteer tasks do require a good deal of physical activity

and for volunteers to be on their feet most of the time. 

 Some tasks are available for persons with limited mobility.  Current needs are:

· Building or verifying UMCOR cleaning buckets, UMCOR kits, or Tornado buckets

· Sorting, bundling and boxing supplies

· Cleaning: including sweeping, vacuuming and cleaning the restroom.

· As needed, labeling and loading supplies on pallets or in trailers.

· Boxing Christmas Shoe Boxes in cases, placing cases on pallets, building pallets with the appropriate # of girl and boy cases for missionary shipments. Packing requested school supplies for missionaries participating in the Shoe Box Ministry.

· Building pallets of supplies, which includes moving and stacking boxes, shrink wrap and stretch wrapping operations.

 

Transportation will be by St. Mark’s bus. 

Cost per Person: Lunch on your own at a local eatery 

THURSDAY, October 22

· 7:00 a.m. Departure from

St. Mark’s UMC

· 4:00 p.m. Return to

St. Mark’s UMC

Minimum: 5 persons

Maximum: 15 persons

For more information or to register by October 1st,

Email martha@stmarkstn.org
 

SAGES News

The Sages will meet October 12, 9:30 AM in Room 503-505.


The Parkinson's Support Group will meet Wednesday, September 23, at 10:30 in Room 503/505. Lunch after the meeting is optional.

 

The SAGES will be going to the Glade Restaurant in Gladeville on September 28. The bus will leave the church at 10:15. Please sign up in the office or The Gathering Room. Look for the book!



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

 

Thanks to all the Sages for each and every contribution you make to this ministry.
 

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:

October 18 (one bouquet)

November 1 (one bouquet)

November 15 (one bouquet)

December 13 (one or both bouquets)

December 20 (one bouquet)


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

Upcoming Calendar

Tuesday, September 15

9:00 a.m. Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention (RSVP only) - Gym

9:40 a.m. Preschool Chapel - Sanctuary

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

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

5:00 p.m. Little League Practice - Philpott Field


Wednesday, September 16

9:40 a.m. Preschool Chapel - Sanctuary

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

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

6:00 p.m. WNT Programming: Mahjong, Rev. Rickey's Bible Study, Finance for Young Adults

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


Thursday, September 17

Preschool Fundraiser - Red Robin

9:00 a.m. Women's Bible Study - RM 1203

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

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

6:30 p.m. ACOA Meeting - RM 1203

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


Friday, September 18

Preschool Closed - MCS Schedule

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


Saturday, September 19

8:00 a.m. Scouting Bob Cat & Archery Day - Back Field

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


Sunday, September 20

8:40 a.m. Children's Choir Rehearsal - Music Room 1117

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

11:30 a.m. Brave Women of Faith - Brunch & Brew Cafe

2:00 p.m. Preschool Staff Meeting - RM 214/Nursery

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

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

4:00 p.m. GriefShare - RM 504

4:00 p.m. SONlight - RM 1119

4:30 p.m. Preschool Ministry Board Meeting - RM 405

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

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


Monday, September 21

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

12:00 p.m. Note Writers - Office Workroom

5:30 p.m. Cub Scouts - Banquet Hall/Rec Center/Youth Center/Kitchen/212/214/302/303

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

6:00 p.m. Nominations Committee - RM 1203

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


Tuesday, September 22

9:00 a.m. Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention (RSVP only) - Gym

9:40 a.m. Preschool Chapel - Sanctuary

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

5:00 p.m. Little League Practice - Philpott Field

6:00 p.m. Woodworkers - Banquet Hall


Wednesday, September 23

9:40 a.m. Preschool Chapel - Sanctuary

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

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

6:00 p.m. WNT Programs: Mahjong, Rev. Rickey's Bible Study, Finance for Young Adults

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


Thursday, September 24

9:00 a.m. Women's Bible Study - RM 1205

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

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

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


Friday, September 25

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


Saturday, September 26

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


Sunday, September 27

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

11:30 a.m. Birthday Buddies - Narthex

3:00 p.m. GLOW Kids Vanderbilt Children's Hospital Service - Banquet Room B

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

4:00 p.m. GriefShare - RM 504

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, September 28

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

12:00 p.m. Note Writers - Office Workroom

5:00 p.m. Cub Scouts - Banquet Hall/Rec Center/Youth Center/Kitchen/212/214/302/303

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

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


Tuesday, September 29

9:00 a.m. Tai Chi for Arthritis & Fall Prevention (RSVP only) - Gym

9:40 a.m. Preschool Chapel - Sanctuary

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

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

5:00 p.m. Little League Practice - Philpott Field


Wednesday, September 30

9:40 a.m. Preschool Chapel - Sanctuary

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

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

6:00 p.m. WNT Programs: Mahjong, Rev. Rickey's Bible Study, Finance for Young Adults

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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