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

"The Messenger" Online Newsletter

September 11, 2024

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From your Pastor...


I'm not being hyperbolic when I say that Sunday's worship may have been one of the most meaningful worship experiences I've had at St. Mark's. It was just what I needed.

 

What made it so? It was a beautiful day. We had a good crowd. Trish and Jim Clardy's prelude asked God to walk through the garden of our hearts. The congregational singing was strong. The choir loft was full. Their anthem assured us that there is rest for our souls in Jesus. And we were reminded that the truest test of our faith is how we treat others, especially those who are different from us.

 

It is always my prayer that people will be blessed by our worship experiences. Sunday's worship just turned out to be a special blessing to me.

 

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


Tommy
 
 

"A Faith That Works" Sermon Series Continues

The book of James stands unique in the New Testament for its no-nonsense, practical, proverbial wisdom. For James, faith is to be expressed outwardly, to improve one’s relationships with others and to help those in need. Faith is not something that should be kept to oneself and faith challenges a culture that sees very little value in religion at all.

 

Upcoming Scriptures:

September 15, 2024: James 3:1-12

September 22, 2024: James 3:13,4:3, 7-8a

September 29, 2024: James 5:13-20
 

Wednesday Night

Food, Fellowship, Faith and Fun for all ages!


Featuring food preparation and service by THE SWEET ADDICTION catering and the United Methodist Men.


This Week's Menu:

Chicken and/or Sausage Fettuccini Alfredo, Roasted Mixed Vegetables, Garlic Bread, Salad Bar, Italian Crème Cake

September 11 Adult Classes & Groups, 6-7p.m.:


PICKLEBALL 101 FOR BEGINNERS: Pickleball is fun, social, and friendly! The rules are simple, and the game is easy to learn. There’s a reason so many players get hooked on this sport – it’s easy to start, but hard to stop. Get the basics and start playing! In St. Mark’s Gymnasium.

ROMANS 1 – 7: Read: This study will help you appreciate the gift of righteousness with God.

           Feed: Help you grow in your discipleship of Christ, and 

           Lead: Help you explain, illustrate, and apply Romans 1-7 to your own life

Bring your Bible and a friend and let’s dive into God’s Word!  Led by Josh Brown, Room 407/409.

 

THE GRAND SWEEP: A large group discussion of the week’s scriptures in the Banquet Hall.

           9/11, Week #37 – led by Dr. Jim Clardy
 

COMING SOON:


9/18 Mission Projects: Begin Again Boxes and Food Bags

9/25 An Inconvenient Truth Revisited: Climate Change

led by Greg Denton, Environmental Scientist (More Info)

9/25, 10/2, 16, & 23 Living in Christ: Lessons from Phillippians

led by Rev. Tommy Ward (More Info)

10/2 Cross-Country Adventures with Butler Touchton

10/16 & 23 St. Mark's History with Tim Tackett
 

News!

St. Mark’s Children’s Choir

We invite Children ages 4years to 5th grade to join us SUNDAYS at 11:30am in the front pew of the Sanctuary. If you have any questions, please contact Ms. Kathy Edwards (615-478-7859) or HyeLan Pearce (hyelan@stmarkstn.org)
 

COLLEGE MINISTRY REBOOT


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!   

Neighborhood Drive-Through Flu Shot Clinic


This Saturday, September 14th, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at St. Mark’s UMC, under the office portico. Get your fall vaccines at the Blue Cross/Blue Shield Drive-Thru Shot Clinic in the comfort of your vehicle! We will have high dose flu vaccines for seniors and regular flu vaccines for everyone else. 


Also, Walgreens is planning to offer the newest COVID booster. Be sure to bring your insurance card and COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card. For more information, CLICK HERE.  

Bless the Youth with your superior cooking skills!

(or pizza)


Open Dates: 10/20 & 27; 11/3 &10; 12/15


We are seeking volunteers willing to provide "Fellowship Dinners" for our St. Mark's Youth. These fellowship dinners are essential to creating a welcoming, comfortable space for our Youth where they know that they are cared for. Providing a meal can mean preparing something homemade or just simply ordering takeout (I'd be happy to place the order for you and pick it up myself, according to your preference). All Fall dates through December are now available for signup: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E48A8A823ABFFCE9-49452723-stmarks  

New Women's Bible Study

Now in Session


Need a lift in your week? Join together in study with other women seeking to be faithful disciples. Thursdays, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. in Room 1203, led by Patti Daws.  


Please purchase your own book!  Nursery care provided.  

The Sweatpants Project

For Reeves Rogers Elementary


Please donate new sweatpants with elastic waistbands for Boys and Girls

  • Children sizes S, M, L, and XL
  • September 1-22
  • in the Narthex Collection Bins

Preschool Update

We have a total of 76 students enrolled so far this year! We are actively seeking available substitutes for when teachers call out sick or can’t be in class for various reasons.

St. Mark's Birthday Buddies!

Starting September 22nd, there will be a monthly birthday celebration in the Narthex following worship. This will take place on the 4th Sunday of every month. Join us on the 22nd as we celebrate all September birthdays! Cake will be provided.

 

If you have a September birthday and would like to be included in the slide and bulletin insert, please email Bethany Cardenas at Bethany@stmarkstn.org.
"Include me! Here's my birthday!"

Save the Date!


St. Mark’s Fall Festival will be on November 2nd from 4-6 p.m.! Please plan to join us for fun, food, and fellowship. All ages are welcome!

Student Ministry’s “Zoo Day” is scheduled for Tuesday September 17th (no school for RCS students that day)! Please note that we are in need of a chaperone for this event. If your student will be joining us or if you would be willing to serve as a chaperone for this outing, please contact John McDaniel (jnmmcd97@gmail.com) by Friday, September 13th.
 

GLOW Kids & Little Lights T-shirts for Sale!


Click here to order a GLOW kids t-shirt. Click here to order a Little Lights t-shirt. Please use the links to order and pay online. Orders are due by Monday, September 23rd. Children's size t-shirts are $11.50, and adults are $13. Thank you for representing St. Mark’s Children’s Ministry in our community!
 

Adult Ministry

Adult Ministries Welcomes the Fall!

• Wednesday Night Together Fall Classes and Groups

• College Ministry Available with Sunday Breakfast 

• Donate to the Reeves Rogers SWEATPANTS PROJECT 

• Flu Shot/Covid Boosters available at St. Mark’s

• Fall Women’s Bible Study now in session

• Your Food Bank Donations Make a Difference!

• Hands-On Missions Wednesday, September 18th

• Reading in the Schools Day is this Friday, 9/13


Click here for details.
Read More

Student Ministry

Wednesday night Youth programming will be held in the Youth Center rather than in the Library on 9/11, as a candidate for the Youth Director position will be joining us that evening to lead a special session from 6 to 7 pm ... Youth and parents are encouraged to attend and participate! St. Mark's Youth also have the "Wesley in the Woods" Retreat (Sept. 13-15), Zoo Day (Sept. 17) and the UMC Stones River District Youth Skating Party (Sept. 29th) to look forward to in the coming weeks!

Click here for all news.
Read More

Children's Ministry

Information about Children's Sunday school, Wednesday Night Together, and GLOW Kids/Little Lights!

Click here for details.
Read More
 

SAGES News

The Alzheimer’s/Dementia Support Group will meet Thursday, September 26, 1:30 PM in Room 503-505. Anyone caring for those with dementia is invited as well as others who want to be supportive and learn more about the disease. Everyone is invited.

 

“Adventures In Learning,” one of our community’s premiere offerings for Sages, began yesterday. There are two other sessions on September 16, & 23, 2024, from 9:00-12:00 on each of those days. The location is First United Methodist Church, Murfreesboro. There are many different classes interest groups available. Our own Jeff Henry is Chair of the AIL program. 

 

The Sages will go to the Midway Diner for breakfast on Friday, September 27. The bus will leave at 8:30. Please sign the Sages Book in either the church office or the narthex.

 

We continue to celebrate the birthday of one of our Sages, Cornelia Weatherly. St. Mark’s joined here last Sunday after church for a wonderful fellowship time in our Narthex area. Happy Birthday!

 

We have updated the Sages homebound/caring list. If you would like to add someone, please contact Cindy Flippin.

 

On Mondays our Sages continue to re-purpose the flowers from Sunday worship and make visits to share them with our members and others who are homebound, in the hospitals, or in care facilities. 

 

Upcoming Sages’ events include a trip to The Top Of The Rock in Jasper, Tennessee, and the Center for the Arts in Murfreesboro. To make reservations for any of these activities, please register anytime in the office or the Narthex. Look for the Sages book of activities and you will find all the activities catalogued.

 

This year each week/month we are again offering worship experiences at five different SAGES Assisted Living and Memory Care Centers.

 

Please join us for an outing. We believe you will enjoy it.

Mission Teams Updates

Reading in the Schools Day 9/13


Support Reeves Rogers by reading to one or more classes this Friday! Sign up online at readtosucceed.org or call Reeves Rogers at (615) 895-4973.
Sign up to read this Friday!

Begin Again Ministry News

St. Mark’s Furniture Ministry also distributes Begin Again boxes to some of the families who have lost their homes to flood, fire, or tornado or who are starting over because of domestic violence or homelessness. So far in 2024, seven Begin Again boxes have been given out. It is time for us to replenish our supply of boxes.


St. Mark’s Begin Again Ministry needs your help on 9/18/2024 during Wednesday Night Together to assemble twenty Begin Again boxes. We hope to see you then! 


Monetary donations are needed and welcomed to make this ministry possible. Please contact Sherrie Gilliam for additional information.

St. Mark's Food Bank News


YOUR DONATIONS MAKE ST. MARK'S FOOD BANK SAFE AND EFFECTIVE!


Do you sometimes wonder what can and cannot be donated to St. Mark's Food Bank? This helpful letter from our Food Bank Ministry Chairperson, Stacey Richards, offers helpful guidelines.
Food donation guidelines

Disaster Team News

Thanks from Georgia...


"I would like to say thank you for sending me your hard working “Lords Army” team after Storm Debby. Words are not enough to express my appreciation for their help. They helped three widows and an older man in three days. Thank you with all my heart!”


Laurelee W.
 
 

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 6 (one or both bouquets)

December 1 (one or both bouquets)

December 15 (one or both bouquets)

December 22 (one bouquet)

December 29 (one or both bouquets)



No other 2024 dates are available, but there are many 2025 dates. Call 615-893-3455 for more information.
 

Upcoming Calendar


Wednesday, September 11

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

5:00 p.m. Wednesday Night Together Dinner - Banquet Hall

6:00 p.m. WNT Study: Romans 1-7 pt. 1 - RM 407/409

6:00 p.m. WNT Play: Pickleball 101 - Rec Center

6:00 p.m. Grand Sweep #1 - Banquet Hall

6:00 p.m. Youth Bible Study - Library

7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir - Choir Room


Thursday, September 12

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

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

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

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


Friday, September 13

10:00 a.m. Grand Sweep #2 - RM 503/505

11:00 a.m. Bible Study - RM 503/505

4:00 p.m. Wesley in the Woods @ Cedar Crest Camp - 2018 Van


Saturday, September 14

Wesley in the Woods @ Cedar Crest Camp - 2018 Van

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

9:00 a.m. Drive-Thru Flu Shot Clinic - Office Portico


Sunday, September 15

Wesley in the Woods @ Cedar Crest Camp - 2018 Van

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

11:30 a.m. Brave Women of Faith - Meet at McAllister's on Medical Center

2:00 p.m. Ministry Council Meeting - Banquet Room

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

4:00 p.m. Grand Sweep #4 - RM 504

4:00 p.m. GriefShare - RM 405

4:15 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 16

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

4:30 p.m. Cub Scouts - Banquet Hall/Rec Center/Youth Center

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

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

Worship Committee Meeting - Library


Tuesday, September 17

Youth Zoo Day - Van 2018

10:00 a.m. Note Writers - RM 506

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


Wednesday, September 18

4:00 p.m. Stewardship-Finance Workgroup Meeting - Library

5:00 p.m. Wednesday Night Together Dinner - Banquet Room

6:00 p.m. WNT Service Project: Begin Again Boxes

6:00 p.m. Grand Sweep #1 - Banquet Room

6:00 p.m. Youth Bible Study - Library

7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir - Choir Room


Thursday, September 19

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

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

4:30 p.m. DKG Meeting - Minerva Harrell/RM 501

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


Friday, September 20

Preschool Closed - Professional Development

10:00 a.m. Grand Sweep #2 - RM 503/505

11:00 a.m. Bible Study - RM 503/505


Saturday, September 21

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


Sunday, September 22

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

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

4:00 p.m. Grand Sweep #4 - RM 504

4:00 p.m. GriefShare - RM 405

4:15 p.m. SONlight Youth Choir - Choir Room

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

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


Monday, September 23

St. Jude Trike-A-Thon Fundraiser Week - Preschool

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

4:30 p.m. Cub Scouts - Banquet Hall/Rec Center/ Youth Center

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

6:00 p.m. Sanctuary Ringers - Music Room


Tuesday, September 24

St. Jude Trike-A-Thon Fundraiser Week - Preschool

10:00 a.m. Note Writers - RM 506

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

6:00 p.m. Woodworkers - Banquet Hall
 
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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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