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

"The Messenger" Online Newsletter

May 27, 2026

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From Your Senior Pastor...

Long before any of us arrived, God was at work. Long after we are gone, God will still be at work. The church does not belong to any one pastor, leader, or generation—it belongs to Jesus Christ.


Join us this Sunday as we begin a four-week sermon series called "The Church Beyond Us." We will be reminded how faith is passed from one generation to the next, how God builds a church through ordinary people, how we become part of a story bigger than ourselves, and why we can face the future with confidence. 


Together, we'll discover that while seasons change, Christ remains faithful, and His church continues to thrive.


It is a privilege to serve God as one of your clergy.


Tommy

June Communion Offering: Hunger Ministries

Our Communion Rail offering on June 7 will support feeding ministries across the Tennessee Western Kentucky Conference of The United Methodist Church through the 2026 Annual Conference offering.

 

Thanks to the generosity of Encore Ministries Foundation, every dollar raised through our offering will be matched dollar-for-dollar. This means that a gift of $50 becomes $100; a gift of $1,000 will become $2,000, and so on.

Summer Office Hours

Beginning in June and continuing through August, the church office will be closed on Fridays. This change, approved by the Staff Parish Relations Committee, is designed to offer our staff greater flexibility during the summer months. 

 

When possible, staff may complete their weekly responsibilities earlier in the week and enjoy a longer weekend. Others may choose to work on Fridays in a quieter setting, using the day for planning, study, or preparation without the need to keep regular office hours. As always, a clergy person will be available and responsive (by phone or appointment). 

 

The SPRC appreciates your understanding as we take this small step to support the health, focus, and effectiveness of our ministry team.

News!

Support the Mission Through Faithful Summer Giving

At St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, our mission of Making Disciples of Jesus Christ continues throughout every season of the year. Even during the slower pace of summer, the ministry of the church remains active through worship, children and youth programs, missions, pastoral care, and ongoing outreach to our community. While schedules change and many families travel during the summer months, the work of the church continues week after week.


Summer often brings a decline in attendance and giving, yet the financial responsibilities of the church remain steady. Ministry programs, mission commitments, staffing, and facility operations continue regardless of the season. Faithful giving during the summer helps ensure that St. Mark’s remains strong, stable, and fully engaged in serving others both within our congregation and throughout the community.


One of the easiest and most convenient ways to continue supporting the mission of the church while away is through our secure electronic giving system. Included are simple instructions for setting up a personal account, along with information outlining the many flexible ways financial gifts may be shared through St. Mark’s. If you have questions or would like assistance finding the giving option that works best for your situation, please contact Buddy Howell in the church office.


Thank you for your continued generosity and for the many ways you help sustain the life, ministry, and mission of St. Mark’s throughout the year!
How to Create a Giving Account
 

Family Fun Fest on June 6th!

We are excited to partner with Moms Loving Moms to host a community wide Family Fun Fest on Saturday, June 6th from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.!


There will be bounce houses, characters, face painting, food trucks, music, and so much more. The event is donation-based. All St. Mark’s families and friends are invited to attend. 

Training Dates for VBS Volunteers!

Tuesday, June 2nd at 6:30-8pm in the Banquet Hall - VBS Orientation for Shepherds

Order Your VBS T-Shirt by Monday, June 15!

Click here to order your VBS t-shirt! The cost is $10 per shirt, and you can pay online or in the church office. 

2026 VBS Mission

Throughout VBS, we will highlight and support the Murfreesboro Cold Patrol. This non-profit works year-round to support vulnerable neighbors living outdoors by connecting them with essential resources, care, treatment, and pathways toward stable housing. St. Mark's is excited to support their mission through our VBS mission and June coin offering!

The Orchard

Younger Adults, including current and recently graduated undergraduate and graduate students and early career folks, gather to explore current issues of faith and life, and grow together. The Orchard is a place to be nurtured, to grow in faith, and to bear fruit; all are welcome! This class is led by Trish Clark and meets in Room 502. Contact David Cowan (615) 893-3455 for more information.  

Prayer Garden Blooms

The Prayer Garden flowers are blooming beautifully. Be sure to visit them and enjoy. Many thanks to our volunteer gardeners!

Register Your Child for VBS!

Get ready for Snowball Mountain Challenge VBS: Find Your Strength in God! June 22-25 from 9 a.m. to noon. Children ages 4 through 5th grade are invited to attend. Younger children of VBS volunteers and kids enrolled at St. Mark’s Preschool are also welcome. Invite a child in your life!


Click here to register your child!

Adult and youth volunteers can register here!


I invite you to pray for our leaders, helpers, and children throughout the week of VBS as we seek God’s guidance, help, and strength. If your Sunday school room is being used during the week of VBS, please make sure all items are put away. Thank you to those who have donated funds, prayed for VBS, invited children, and volunteered their time and gifts. This would not be possible without YOU!!


Youth VBS Orientation is June 17th! 

  • Wednesday, June 17th at 6:00-7:00 PM in the Youth Wing - Youth Volunteer Orientation 
Register your Child!

St. Mark's Parkinson's Support Group

A new support group for persons dealing with Parkinson’s Disease, including persons suffering the effects of Parkinson’s as well as spouses, family members, and caregivers, is forming at St. Mark’s UMC. This group will provide emotional and spiritual encouragement, share helpful resources, and celebrate victories together. 

 

The next gathering will be at 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, May 27th, in Room 503/505, with lunch following at a local restaurant. Guests are always welcome! For more information, contact Rev. Jim Clardy or Rev. Martha Touchton at (615) 893-3455. 

Project Transformation Seeking Regional Program Coordinators

Project Transformation Tennessee (PT) seeks Regional Program Coordinators to strengthen local support of program offerings. Staff in this role will connect with and support the college-age young adults, children, and churches who are active in PT’s programs to ensure the highest-quality experience possible. This role is part-time from August to April and full-time from May to July. To read the full job description, click here.  

Cedar Crest Camp Registration

If you have registered your child or youth for Cedar Crest Camp this summer, please click here to let us know which week they’ll be attending. We will send camp scholarships for the students on this list!

St. Mark's Name Tags

Learning and using one another's names is a valuable way to build connections and show our love for our neighbors. This is why we provide name tags for our church family to wear at church events.


It may also help our new pastor as he puts names to faces during his transition!


If you want a name tag or need an updated one, please do one of the following: visit the welcome desk, contact the office, or fill out the Shelby form linked below.
Request a Name Tag!
 

Milestones and Transitions

In the coming months, many milestones and changes are happening in the life of the St. Mark’s family, and the staff wants you to be prepared and participating as we celebrate each one together.  Be sure and mark your calendar with the dates given below, and watch St. Mark’s various media so you can be fully engaged in all that is ahead. In the meantime, please be in prayer for each person and situation involved, as well as our church as a whole. 


As we prepare for each of these special events, helping hands are needed. If you are willing to assist with any of the celebrations listed below, please volunteer to me at martha@stmarkstn.org.


May God bless St. Mark’s UMC in the days and weeks ahead!

Save These Dates:


Sunday, June 7th - Wednesday June 10th –– Tennessee-Western Kentucky Annual Conference at First UMC Murfreesboro


Tuesday, June 9th –– Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference Service of Licensing, Commissioning, and Ordination, including the Commissioning of Hannah Underwood, 7:00 PM at First United Methodist, Murfreesboro (nursery available by reservation).


Sunday, June 14th – 11:30 a.m. Ministry Celebration Reception and Send-Off for Rev. Tommy Ward, Hillary and Liliana


Sunday, June 21st – Rev. Ward’s final Sunday at St. Mark’s UMC


Sunday, June 28th – Reception and Celebration in honor of the commissioning of Hannah Underwood


Sunday, July 5th – Churchwide Potluck Brunch, 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. in lieu of Christian Education


Sunday, July 12th – Rev. Rickey Wade’s first Sunday preaching at St. Mark’s UMC, Reception following.  

SAGES News

The Parkinson Support Group will meet Wednesday, May 27 at 10:30 in Room 503-505. The next meeting will be July 24 at the same time in RM 1203.

 

The church bus will be leaving Tuesday, June 9, at 6 PM from St. Mark’s going to the Tennessee Annual Conference at First United Methodist in Murfreesboro. Our own Hannah Underwood will be commissioned at 7 PM as a Deacon in the United Methodist Church. Please sign up in the church office. Look for the book!

 

The Sages Ministry Team will meet at 9:30 AM on June 8 in Room 503-505.

 

The Sages had a wonderful outing to the Granville Marina last week.

  

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

 

Our Communion Teams are scheduled to share communion with our homebound friends next on Sunday, August 2 or sometime during the following week.

Missions Updates

Summer Mission Trip

The fun doesn’t stop when the semester ends. This summer we have a lot of fun things planned. One of those things is our summer mission trip. July 5-10 we will go to Henderson Settlement for a chance to serve the folks of Frakes, Kentucky and participate in the being the hand and feet of Jesus. If you are interested in the mission trip, please sign up using the button below. 
Sign Up Here!

Red Bird Celebration of Life for Paul Givens

Red Bird School and Mission have planned a service to celebrate Paul at their settlement for July 2nd at 2 p.m. EST. There are limited overnight rooms available, but all must bring their own food. Contact Karen at 615-477-4244 for details if you are interested in attending. The service will be recorded.

Servants Needed at Annual Conference

The 2026 Annual Conference of the Tennessee-Western Kentucky Conference will be held June 7 – 10 at First UMC in Murfreesboro, with St. Mark’s providing a supportive role.


Volunteers are requested to serve as Acolytes, Ushers, and Communion Servers at the Ordination Service the evening of Tuesday, June 9th, which will include the commissioning as Deacon of our own Hannah Underwood, as well as other services. If you are willing to serve in this way, please contact Rev. Martha Touchton at (615) 893-3455 or martha@stmarkstn.org.  

The Journey Home Seeking Meals for Family Room Residents

The Journey Home has opened its new Family Rooms – one of which is sponsored by St. Mark’s UMC – and is seeking families or small groups who would be willing to prepare an evening meal once a month for those residents. The meals do not have to be elaborate, but they do need to be cooked either at The Journey Home or another commercial kitchen or purchased as take-out from a local restaurant. Due to Health Department regulations, we are unable to utilize food cooked in home kitchens. 

 

This simple act of kindness can bring comfort, stability and a sense of care and ease the burden for a family who is working toward a fresh start. There are currently just a few families in residence at The Journey Home, but there is potential for 10 families and up to 46 people. This would be a wonderful service ministry for an adult Sunday school class, family, or other group from St. Mark’s!

 

The only remaining dates to fill are 5ths of the months as follows:

5th Mondays: 6/29, 8/31, 11/30

5th Tuesdays: 6/30, 9/29, 12/29

5th Wednesdays: 7/29, 9/30, 12/30

5th Thursdays: 7/30, 10/29, 12/31

5th Fridays: 7/31, 10/30

 

For more information, contact Rev. Martha Touchton at martha@stmarkstn.org, or volunteer directly to Cherie Jobe, volunteer coordinator at The Journey Home, at cjobe@lovegodservepeople.org or (931) 607-5828.


Thank you for being the hands, feet and heart of Christ in our community, and for considering this important mission and ministry to our neighbors! Your service and generosity makes a difference in so many lives!
 

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:

May 31 (one or both bouquets)

June 7 (one or both bouquets)

June 21 (one bouquet)

June 28 (one or both bouquets)


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

Upcoming Calendar

Wednesday, May 27

10:30 a.m. Parkinson's Support Group - RM 503/505

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

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


Thursday, May 28

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

8:00 p.m. Softball Games vs. St. Rose Blue - Old Fort Park


Friday, May 29

Youth Choir Tour - Van 2018

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

10:00 a.m. Pastor School - Sanctuary

5:30 p.m. MT Triathlon Club - Parking Lot


Saturday, May 30

Youth Choir Tour - Van 2018

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


Sunday, May 31

Youth Choir Tour - Van 2018

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

11:30 a.m. Birthday Buddies - Narthex

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. Youth - Rec Center/Youth Center/Banquet Hall


Monday, June 1

Youth Choir Tour - Van 2018

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

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

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

6:30 p.m. Troop 398 Court of Honor - Sanctuary


Tuesday, June 2

8:30 a.m. Project Transformation - Van 2018

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

9:40 a.m. Preschool Chapel - Sanctuary

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

6:30 p.m. VBS Shepherds Training - Banquet Hall B


Wednesday, June 3

8:30 a.m. Project Transformation - Van 2018

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

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


Thursday, June 4

8:30 a.m. Project Transformation - Van 2018

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

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

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


Friday, June 5

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

5:30 p.m. MT Triathlon Club - Parking Lot


Saturday, June 6

7:30 a.m. UMM Meeting & Breakfast - Banquet Room

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

10:00 a.m. Family Fun Fest - Field/Preschool Circle


Sunday, June 7

Annual Conference - First UMC Murfreesboro

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

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. Finance Meeting - Banquet Room A

5:00 p.m. Youth End of Year Pool Party - Van 2018


Monday, June 8

Annual Conference - First UMC Murfreesboro

9:30 a.m. SAGES Meeting - RM 503/505

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

7:00 p.m. UMC Annual Conference Dinner for Vanderbilt Divinity School - Banquet Hall/Gym/Kitchen


Tuesday, June 9

Annual Conference - First UMC Murfreesboro

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

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

10:00 a.m. Mary Martha Circle - Chapel

11:00 a.m. TWK Conference Deacon's Luncheon - Banquet Hall/Kitchen

7:00 p.m. Hannah Underwood's Commissioning - Van 2018/First UMC Murfreesboro


Wednesday, June 10

Annual Conference - First UMC Murfreesboro

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

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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