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

"The Messenger" Online Newsletter

November 18, 2025

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From Your Pastor...


For the last four weeks, we’ve reflected on what it means to live faithfully and leave a lasting impact. We’ve talked about the stewardship of our time and how we use the hours God gives us.  We've remembered the saints who've gone before us and their impact on our lives. We've explored the stewardship of our talents and how we can use them in service. We've considered the stewardship of our financial gifts and how generosity multiplies into ministry.


Now I invite you to prayerfully consider how you will support the life and mission of our church in 2026.


You should have received a Commitment Form in the mail last week, giving you the opportunity to indicate how you plan to support the ministry of St. Mark's in 2026. This Sunday, we’ll bring our completed forms to the altar as an act of worship, offering ourselves to God and God’s work.


Our church truly needs and appreciates your support. If you're not currently sharing your time, talents, or finances with the church, I invite you to prayerfully consider doing so; every little bit helps. If you can do more than you're now doing in 2026, what a blessing that would be to our church as well.


Together, let's make a lasting impact through generosity that fuels ministry, touches lives, and honors Christ.

Cold Patrol Communion Rail Offering

Our Communion Rail Offering for Sunday, December 7th will go to Murfreesboro Cold Patrol. Originally an effort to protect people on the street from exposure-related injuries and death, Cold Patrol now works hard year round to give the most vulnerable the resources they need to survive.

It's a Charlie Brown Christmas!

To compliment the Advent sermon series, the Family Ministries and Recreation teams are offering two events this Christmas season.

1. A Charlie Brown Movie Night on December 14th from 4:00 - 5:00 p.m. in the Gym. RSVP to Hannah at hannah@stmarkstn.org by December 7th.

 

2. A church-wide trip to ICE! at Opryland on December 19th at 6:00 p.m. It is $41 for people 12 and older, $31 for children 4-11 and children under 3 get in free! Click here or call the church office to make your reservation by December 1st. If you would like to ride the church van, please let us know when you RSVP.
RSVP for the Movie Night!
RSVP for the Opryland Trip!

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 Week’s Menu, 12/3:

Baked Chicken with Mashed Potatoes, Brussel Sprouts, Rolls, and German Chocolate Cake

Coming Up at WNT!

Wednesday, December 3rd: Merry Mission Marketplace

Wednesday, December 10th: Mission Projects: Reeves Rogers, Begin Again Boxes, and Christmas Cards for Inmates

News!

Merry Mission Marketplace
  • Wednesday, December 3rd, 6:00 - 8:00 p.m. in St. Mark's Recreation Center
  • Alternative Christmas Market
  • Give gifts that give back to the community
  • Make shopping a mission
  • Teach your children and grandchildren about giving to the community
  • Many new vendors!
See the List of Vendors!
 

Word of Thanks to the Church

Dear Church,

In this heart felt message I want to express my deep gratitude for the blessings this church family has shared with my family.

Your outpouring of food nourished us. Your kind and continuing cards gave us strength, and your texts and prayers lifted us on the road to recovery. For each of you I will be eternally grateful. Thank you so much.

Bill Brison

Flying Solo Fellowship

You are invited to join the fun as we create a new space for community at St. Mark's UMC for Young Singles, Ages 21-40.


Upcoming Events:

SUNDAY LUNCH OUT

November 30, 12:00 Noon

at Mi Patria Mexican Restaurant

2896 S. Rutherford Blvd.

Service Opportunities

Just one more pair of volunteers needed!

We are in need of some members to help make and clean up the coffee we all enjoy on Sunday mornings. It would involve being at church around 8:30 a.m. to get it ready and cleaning up after Sunday school. Ideally, we need 4 Sundays covered each month so you would only have to be available 1 time a month. If you have any questions or interest, please call Kathy Edwards at 6154787859.

Interested in Serving as a Liturgist?

We are grateful for the 42 people who have volunteered to serve as lay liturgists, leading us in worship with our call to worship, affirmation of faith, and scripture reading. If you would like to be part of this meaningful ministry in 2026, please contact HyeLan Pearce at hyelan@stmarkstn.org or by calling her at 615-893-3455.

Family Advent Event is Sunday, November 30th!

All children and families are invited to begin preparing for the birth of Jesus by participating in Advent stations on Sunday, November 30th, from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. in the Banquet Hall. To ensure we have enough supplies, please RSVP to Hannah by Sunday, November 23rd.

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!
 

Parents' Night Out is Sunday, November 23rd!

Need a night to Christmas shop, prepare for the upcoming season, or relax? Bring your child to Parents’ Night Out on Sunday, November 23 from 4-7 p.m.! For $10 per child ($25 cap for families with 3+ children), your child will enjoy pizza, games, a movie, and more! 
Read the Full Article

SAGES News

Happy Thanksgiving from our Sages Ministry Team.

 

The Sages had a wonderful outing to The Top Of The Rock last week. Thanks to Roland Edwards for driving and for everyone who went.

 

The Sages Ministry Team will meet Monday, December 8, at 9:30 a.m. in Room 503/505.


The Alzheimer’s/Dementia Support Group will meet Thursday, November 20 in Room 503-505. If you are caring for someone for who has dementia, or if you just want to learn more about the disease, or to be supportive, you’re invited.

 

The Sages will be going to Christmas At Beersheba Thursday, December 4. This is always a wonderful experience which closes with a meaningful worship service. The bus will leave the church at 8:30. Please sign up in our gathering room or in the office. Look for the book!

 

Our Sages are now sharing communion with our homebound members and others. Several teams have been prepared for this ministry. After the consecration of the elements on the first Sunday of December some of our teams will be meeting with our homebound members. Thanks to all the teams and those who will welcome them into your homes.

 

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

 

Thank you, Sages!

Music Ministry Updates

Missions Updates



St. Mark’s UMC

CHRISTMAS MINISTRY AT REEVES ROGERS



This year’s Christmas ministry for Reeves Rogers will provide a gift that all students in the school can enjoy year-round. Classes, groups and individuals are invited to donate toward these gifts.

 

Schools and teachers are no longer allowed to use school funds to purchase playground balls and toys, thus none are provided for the children at Reeves Rogers. You are invited to help rectify this situation for all 23 classes so that each class receives:


  •  4 Playground Balls
  •  2 Soccer Balls
  • 4 Jump Ropes
  • 2 Frisbees
  • 1 Box Sidewalk Chalk
  •  1 Air Pump


A $50 donation provides a complete set of playground toys for one class.

A $100 donation provides a complete set of playground toys plus two $25 gift cards so that each teacher and staff can purchase items that meet the needs of children and classrooms.

 

The Reeves Rogers Leadership Team will purchase all items in bulk for the best pricing. These items will be wrapped at Wednesday Night Together at 6:00 p.m. on December 10th.

 

To make your donation, place your check payable to St. Mark’s UMC and designated for “Reeves Rogers” in the offering plate, or email written instructions to Business Administrator Buddy Howell (buddy@stmarkstn.org) to transfer funds from your class account. All donations must be completed by Sunday, December 7th.

 

Thank you for your consideration of this Christmas outreach to the children at Reeves Rogers!  

Due to the increased demand for local food boxes in the community, St. Mark’s Mission Team and other St. Mark’s volunteers conducted a drive-through food box giveaway on Saturday, November 15, 2025. Two hundred and sixty boxes were given out to residents in Rutherford County. (This will supplement food boxes being distributed in the church office by our Local Food Box Ministry.)
See pictures

HABITAT HOME DEDICATION THIS THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 20!

From Boards and Nails…

To a Beautiful Home!

Earlier this Spring, members and friends of St. Mark’s participated in a Panel Build for Habitat for Humanity here on our property, building the walls for a new house for Elizabeth and her son. Throughout the summer and fall, several members have continued to be involved in the construction of this home! Elizabeth’s home is now complete and she and her son will receive the keys at a special dedication service this Thursday, November 20th at 4:30 p.m. at 2905 Opportunity Way in Murfreesboro 37130. Everyone is invited to attend the service and tour Elizabeth’s new home!  

Preschool Updates

Winter Flower Fundraiser

It's the last week to support our fundraiser, a Winter Flower sale! Open now through November 21. Thank you for your continued support of our preschool.
See more info and buy a Christmas Cactus or Poinsettia!
St. Mark's Preschool Brochure
 

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:

December 14 (one or both bouquets)

January 4 (one or both bouquets)

January 11 (one or both bouquets)

January 18 (one or both bouquets)


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

Upcoming Calendar


Wednesday, November 19

5:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner - Banquet Room/Gym

6:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Stone Soup Worship - Sanctuary

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


Thursday, November 20

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

10:30 a.m. Knitting - RM 503/505

Alzheimer's/Dementia Caretakers Support Group - RM 503/505

5:30 p.m. Preschool Search Team - RM 405

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


Friday, November 21

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

3:30 p.m. Private Birthday Party - Gym/Banquet Hall


Saturday, November 22

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


Sunday, November 23

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

11:30 a.m. Birthday Buddies - Narthex

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

4:00 p.m. GriefShare - RM 503/505/405

4:00 p.m. Parents' Night Out - Gym/Banquet Hall/Kitchen

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, November 24

Preschool Closed for Thanksgiving Break

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

11:00 a.m. GLOW Kids at Journey Home - Van 2018

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, November 25

Preschool Closed for Thanksgiving Break

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

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

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

6:00 p.m. Woodworkers - Banquet Room

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


Wednesday, November 26

Preschool Closed for Thanksgiving Break

6:00 p.m. Kids Connection - Meet in Narthex


Thursday, November 27

Office Closed - Thanksgiving Day

Preschool Closed for Thanksgiving Break

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


Friday, November 28

Office Closed - Day after Thanksgiving

Preschool Closed for Thanksgiving Break


Saturday, November 29

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


Sunday, November 30

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

9:15 a.m. Family Advent Event - Banquet Hall A&B/Gym

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

11:30 a.m. Children's Choir Rehearsal - Sanctuary

12:00 p.m. Flying Solo Sunday Lunch Out - Mi Patria on Rutherford

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

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

5:00 p.m. Chancel Ringers - Music Room 1117

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


Monday, December 1

Preschool Christmas Pictures - with church Christmas Tree

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

5:00 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, December 2

Preschool Christmas Pictures - with church Christmas Tree

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

9:40 a.m. Preschool Chapel - Sanctuary

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