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

"The Messenger" Online Newsletter

September 25, 2024

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From your Pastor...


Do you have a lakehouse, a cabin in the mountains, or hotel points that you'd be willing to share? Our program staff (Tommy, Martha, Jim, HyeLan, Hannah, and our new director of student and recreation ministries) is looking to have a planning retreat October 20-23. Ideally, our retreat would be a short drive from Murfreesboro, but not in Murfreesboro. We would need six beds (3 men, 3 women) and internet access.

 

If you or someone you know would like to share space with us and make this retreat possible, please let me know.

 

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 Scripture:

September 29, 2024: James 5:13-20
 
 

New Sermon Series: The Upside-Down Kingdom

On October 6, we'll begin a new Sunday morning sermon series, "The Upside-Down Kingdom," using the lectionary readings from the tenth chapter of Mark's gospel. This collection of Jesus' teaching focuses on the nature of true discipleship, which is often contrary to the perspectives and priorities of the world. Each of our texts will reveal a different way that God inverts the culture at large and calls us to live a life "upside down."

 

Join us as we learn how to live right side up in an upside-down world.

 

The Upside-Down Kingdom Series Scriptures:

October 6: Mark 10:2-16

October 13: Mark 10:17-31

October 20: Mark 10:35-45

October 27: Mark 10:46-52
 

As part of our preparation for the sacrament of Holy Communion, you are invited to donate canned and dry foods to St. Mark's Food Bank every 1st Sunday. Collection tubs will be located just outside the Sanctuary, or you can bring your donation to the bins in the Narthex or Room 407/409.

Sunday, October 6th is the next Communion Sunday! 

Please bring boxes of cereal or crackers,

Canned chicken or canned fruit.

 

"For I was hungry, and you gave me food..."

Matthew 25:35
 

New Director of Student and Recreation Ministries Hired

David Cowan has agreed to be our next Director of Student and Recreation Ministries at St. Mark's. David is a lifelong United Methodist, growing up as a son of a United Methodist pastor. He has worked with both children and youth and also served in camping ministry. David comes to us from White House First United Methodist Church where he has served as their youth minister for seven years. You can send David notes of welcome to DAVIDCOWAN94@YAHOO.COM or 2519 New Hall Rd, Greenbrier, TN 37073. David's first day will be Tuesday, October 15th.
 

Celebrating the Ministry of Dr. Louis Toedt

For the past two years, Dr. Louis Toedt has served as our Director of Youth, College, and Recreation Ministries. This fall, Louis returned to teaching school full-time. While we searched to fill his position at St. Mark's, Louis graciously agreed to continue serving our students in an interim capacity. This Sunday, September 29, we plan to recognize and celebrate Louis' ministry during our 10:30am worship.

Please make plans to join us.
 

Wednesday Night

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.


This Week's Menu:

Meatloaf, Baked Potato, Honey Ginger Carrots, Dinner Rolls, Salad Bar, Blackberry Cobbler

September 25 Adult Classes & Groups, 6-7p.m.:


CLIMATE CHANGE: AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH REVISITED

Do you accept climate change data as true, or wonder if scientists are unnecessarily trying to scare Americans, or is the truth somewhere in between? Led by Greg Denton, retired environmental scientist for the TN Department of Environment & Conservation. Room 402/404.


LIVING IN CHRIST: LESSONS FROM PHILIPPIANS

This four-session study will focus on how believers can live out their faith in practical ways, drawing lessons directly from Paul's letter. Bring your Bible and a friend! Led by Rev. Tommy Ward in Room 407/409.

 

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

           Week #39 – led by Rev. Dr. Fred Hembree

Coming Up this Fall:


Cross-Country Adventures with Butler Touchton

St. Mark’s History with Tim Tackett

Romans 8 – 16 with Josh Brown

Chair Volleyball with Pam Sites

Sewing with Trish Clark

Triumph over Trauma with Rev. Nancy Neeley Hicks

Note from Tim Tackett...


Friends at St Mark's - I am making good progress as I venture to update "The History of St. Mark's". I am in need of the following pictures (dated if possible) to make this more complete and accurate:

  • Girls Scouts               
  • Womens' Softball           
  • Co-ed Softball Worship in Family Life Ctr '02-'12         
  • Demolition of 1403 E Main Bldgs
  • Bart Dodson Day Ceremony     
  • ... Any other pix you feel should be included.

 

Please send to tim.tackett@comcast.net or submit to church office to my attention. 

 

Presentation of "The History of St. Mark's" is scheduled WNT Oct 16 (Part I) and Oct 23 (Part II).  
 

News!
 

All Saints Day 2024


Sunday, November 3, 2024 is All Saints Day at St. Mark's. On that day, we will name and remember during worship those from our church family who have joined the Church Triumphant since All Saints 2023. Please make plans to join us for this special day. In a future newsletter, we will publish the names of those associated with our church who have died; if there are any corrections or additions that need to be made, please let us know.

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)

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!

Bless the Youth with your superior cooking skills!

(or pizza)


Open Dates: 10/20; 11/3; 11/10


Thank you to those of you who have signed up to provide “Fellowship Dinners” for our St. Mark’s Youth! We are still in need of a few more volunteers during the months of October through December.  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). https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C0E48A8A823ABFFCE9-49452723-stmarks#/

THE WISDOM OF THE PSALMS

ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION EVENT


Sunday, October 27th, 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. with Diana Sanchez – Bushong Mrs. Sanchez-Bushong will lead us in an overview and wrap-up of the Psalms. All adults and adult classes are invited and encouraged to attend this informative and interactive presentation in the Sanctuary. For more information about Diana, click here: Grand Sweep Plenary Invitation #4. Bring your charged cellphone and be ready to respond with the KAHOOT app!
About Diana
 

Join us for Kids Connection on Wednesday Nights!

Need a break from a hectic week? Don’t feel like cooking? Searching for community? Bring your family to Wednesday Night Together! Children will meet from 6:00-7:00 for a time of connection, fun and games, and life application in Room 202. 
 

Adult Ministry

Adult Ministries Welcomes the Fall!

• Wednesday Night Together Fall Classes and Groups

• College Ministry Available with Sunday Breakfast 

• The Wisdom of the Psalms Adult Christian Education Event

• Coffee with the Clergy for Newcomers

• What Food to Bring on Communion Sunday



Click here for details.
Read More

Student Ministry

St. Mark's Youth are invited to join us this week for Wednesday Bible Study (9/25 from 6-7 pm in the library) and the UMC Stones River District Youth Skating Party (Sept. 29th), and additionally have the Atlanta Mini-Tour to look forward to on October 10th & 11th!

Click here for all news.
Read More

Children's Ministry

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

Click here for details.
Read More
 

SAGES News

The next meeting of the Sages Ministry Team will be Monday, October 14 at 9:30 AM in Room 503-505.


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” ended this week on a high note. Thanks to Jeff Henry and all of you who were able to attend. 


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.


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.

Preschool Updates

Annual Trike-a-Thon for St. Jude Children’s Hospital

You're invited to support St. Mark's Preschool's annual Trike-a-Thon. The preschool children learn about the importance of bike safety and generosity and the children at St. Jude Children's Hospital benefit from the funds raised.


Contribute by October 16 at the link below:

https://fundraising.stjude.org/site/TR/Events/Events?pg=entry&fr_id=156277
Contribute by October 16

Seeking Substitute Teachers

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.

Mission Teams Updates

Red Bird Work Camp Update

On September 9-12, 2025, Nat Johnson and William Pollard from our St. Mark’s Disaster Team went to Red Bird and served as team leaders for two groups at work camp. (See attached thank you note and photo from Nat’s group from Alabama.)  Thank you guys for your leadership and hard work!
Work Groups Thank You Note
 

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 bouquet)

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 25

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

6:00 p.m. WNT Faith Forward: Philippians - RM 407/409

6:00 p.m. WNT Culture Connect: Climate Change - Banquet

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 26

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

1:30 p.m. Alzheimer's/Dementia Support Group - RM 503/505

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


Friday, September 27

Midway Diner SAGES Event - Van 2018

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

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


Saturday, September 28

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


Sunday, September 29

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

11:30 a.m. Children's Choir rehearsal - Sanctuary Front Row

12:00 p.m. Children's Ministry Meeting - Library

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 - Music Room 1117

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

6:30 p.m. Youth District Skate Party - Van 2018


Monday, September 30

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 1117


Tuesday, October 1

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

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


Wednesday, October 2

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

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

6:00 p.m. WNT Faith Forward: Phillipians - RM 407/409

6:00 p.m. WNT Culture Connect: X Country Adventures - BH

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, October 3

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

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

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


Friday, October 4

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

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


Saturday, October 5

7:30 a.m. UMM Meeting & Breakfast

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


Sunday, October 6

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

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

11:30 a.m. Family Ministry Team Meeting - Library

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, October 7

Preschool Closed - Fall Break

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

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

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


Tuesday, October 8

Preschool Closed - Fall Break

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

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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