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

"The Messenger" Online Newsletter

October 8, 2024

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From your Pastor...

Our communion rail offering for Hurricane Helene recovery efforts netted $8,966 with other additional gifts expected in the coming days. Unfortunately, we expect another hurricane to make landfall in Florida tomorrow on Wednesday evening. The path of this hurricane is expected to impact people near and dear to my heart, like our own Nancy, Mark, Clarice, and Samuel (Brooke) Phillips and one of my best friends from seminary. Let's continue to pray for all those affected by these storms.

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

Tommy

New Sermon Series: The Upside-Down Kingdom

This Sunday, we'll continue the 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 13: Mark 10:17-31

October 20: Mark 10:35-45

October 27: Mark 10:46-52

Wednesday Night

Food, Fellowship, Faith and Fun for all ages!

REMINDER: No WNT this week (10/9) because of Fall Break

Featuring food preparation and service by THE SWEET ADDICTION catering and St. Mark's United Methodist Men.

Menu, 10/16:

Chicken Pot Pie, Biscuits, Salad Bar, and Cheesecake

October 16 & 23 Adult Classes and Groups,

6:00 - 7:00 p.m.:

FROM ACORNS TO OAKS... AND BEYOND!

THE STORY OF A CHURCH

Come travel through the most recent history of St. Mark’s UMC guided by long-term member Tim Tackett. Room 407/409.

LIVING IN CHRIST: LESSONS FROM PHILIPPIANS

This study focuses on how believers can live out their faith in practical ways, drawing lessons directly from Paul's letter. October 16: Philippians 3; October 23: Philippians 4. Bring your Bible and a friend! Led by Rev. Tommy Ward in Room 402/404.

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

Week #39 led by Rev. Dr. Fred Hembree, Week #40 led by Rev. Dr. Lenoir Culbertson

Coming Up this Fall at WNT:

Romans 8 – 16 with Josh Brown

Sewing 101 with Trish Clark

Jail Ministry Christmas Card Project

Triumph over Trauma with Rev. Nancy Neeley Hicks

Chair Volleyball with Pam Sites

SAVE THE DATE: Tuesday, November 26th

St. Mark's Church Family Thanksgiving Dinner and Worship

Note from Tim Tackett...

From Acorns To Oaks ... (And Beyond) The Story of a Church will be presented at WNT Oct 16 & 23. It's been exciting to review documents, pictures, stories, relics, memories, facts, etc. concerning the history of St. Mark's. But the deadline, Monday 10/14, for entries is approaching. Of course, sooner is better.

Looking for members 50 yrs+. Is that you? If so, please let me know. If you are active now and have been a part of St Mark's since birth/early childhood, please let me know.

l need these pictures - plz send if you have them: Worship in Family Life Center (2002-2012), Girl Scouts, Bart Dodson Day Celebration, Homecoming 1981, Bldgs on E Main being raised, Easter and Christmas (Day and Eve) Services at E Main, ... any other historic pictures or documents.

Please send any information to tim.tackett@comcast.net

Thank you for your help. I hope to see you at the History of St.Mark's presentation on Oct 16 & 23.

Tim Tackett

News!

All Saints Sunday

St. Mark's will observe All Saints Sunday on November 3, 2024. On that day, we will name and remember those from our church family who have joined the Church Triumphant since All Saints Sunday 2023.

Remembering those we love is an expression of our love for God and our commitment to further the ministry of the church they loved. If you would like to make a special contribution in memory of any of our recently departed saints, please use the pew envelopes and indicate your gift in memory of the person(s) named.

We invite you to check the list below and let us know if someone in our church family has died since November 3, 2023 and is not listed:

Kenny Luse (11/3/23)

Marilyn Tanner (11/17/23)

Martha Alexander (12/14/23)

Arthur Ford (12/26/23)

Angie Smith (1/16/24)

Larry Ward (2/10/24)

Valera Jones (3/6/24)

Donna Mills (3/14/24)

Chad Reed (5/31/24)

Jack Jolly (6/14/24)

Ken Turner (8/18/24)

Neal Goodwin (9/12/24)

Dan Scott (9/16/24)

Bruce Scoffield (9/25/24)

Welcome David Cowan

Join us after worship on October 27 as we welcome new Director of Student and Recreation Ministries David Cowan and celebrate October birthdays at St. Mark's. David's first day at St. Mark's is October 15th.

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

Say "Thank You" to Your Clergy this Month

October is Clergy Appreciation Month! We are so thankful for our clergy at St. Mark's. Check out this article from Resource UMC and discover 16 ways you can say "thank you" to your clergy this month.

Check out the article!

Little Lights and G.L.O.W. Kids is This Sunday!

See the children's newsletter section for details!

The Non-Profit Green Interchange will be setting up a pickup location for their tree sale program in the northeast corner of the St. Mark's parking lot on November 7 from 4:30-6pm. They plant trees around roadways and waterways. If you would like to participate in their sale, feel free to fill out their order form.

Fill out the form to order a tree, if you like!

Fall Festival Update!

St. Mark’s Fall Festival will be on Saturday, November 2^nd 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 is interested in hosting a carnival game, please email Hannah Pratt by Monday, October 21^st. An email will be sent out to adult Christian Education classes/ministry leaders this week 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 the cost of dinner for visitors

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

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

• Family Fun at the MTSU Floyd Arena

• How to help flood victims

Click here for details.

Student Ministry

St. Mark's Youth programming is on hiatus this week due to RCS Fall Break, but we'll resume Oct 16 with our new Student Ministries Director David! More news about Top Golf and Fall Retreat within!

Click here for all news.

Children's Ministry

Click here for more information about Children's Sunday School, Kids Connection, Fall Festival, October's Bible Verse, and GLOW Kids/Little Lights.

Click here for details.

SAGES News

St. Mark’s Sages (Senior Adults Growing Exploring Serving) had a wonderful trip last week to the Midway Diner in Deason, Tennessee. Thanks to all who were on the trip. And a big “thanks” to Roland Edwards for driving.

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

The Sages will be painting pumpkins on Wednesday, October 23. Thanks to Patti and Bill Brison for their invitation to lunch and this pumpkin activity. The bus will leave the church at 10:00 AM. Please sign up in the church office or Narthex. Look for the Sages Book.

The Alzheimer’s/Dementia Support Group will meet Thursday, October 24, 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.

We continue to hear from so many who appreciate the ministry of our Sages who 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.

The next Sages’ excursion includes a trip to The Top Of The Rock in Jasper, Tennessee. The bus will leave at 10 AM from the church. Lunch is Dutch Treat at The Top Of The Rock at 11:30. $5.00 is requested for the bus fuel. Please sign up in either the Narthex or the church office. Look for the Sages’ Book.

A trip is also planned for the Center for the Arts in Murfreesboro and lunch at The Chop House. To make reservations, 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

Open House and Carnival October 17, 5-7pm

Church families are welcome to attend our open house and carnival activities Thursday, Oct. 17 between 5-7 p.m. featuring an opportunity for your family and friends to tour classrooms, bid on silent auction baskets, participate in children’s carnival-themed activities, and share a meal with preschool families from local food trucks, Codger’s or Jr.’s BBQ.

Event Flyer

Missions Updates

St. Mark's Furniture Ministry Update

We would like to thank First United Methodist Church in Murfreesboro for their recent support of our Furniture Ministry!! On September 22, 2024, FUMC had several service projects throughout Murfreesboro, one of which was to purchase and assemble furniture for St. Mark’s to deliver!! We received 10 coffee tables, 20 end tables and 10 cubbies assembled by their youth! We already delivered 4 coffee tables, 8 end tables and 3 cubbies to three families on 10/5/2024!!

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 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, October 9

Preschool Closed - Fall Break

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

Thursday, October 10

Preschool Closed - Fall Break

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

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

4:30 p.m. DKG Meeting - RM 501

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

Friday, October 11

Preschool Closed - Fall Break

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

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

4:00 p.m. Wesley Fall Break Trip to Panama City Beach - 2018Van

Saturday, October 12

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

Sunday, October 13

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

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

3:00 p.m. G.L.O.W. Kids (Little Lights join at 4pm) "Halfway There, Livin' on a Prayer Bags for MTSU Wesley - Banquet Hall A/Rec Center

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

Monday, October 14

Office Closed for holiday

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

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 15

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

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

6:30 p.m. Middle Tennessee Choral Society Rehearsal - Sanctuary

Wednesday, October 16

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

6:00 p.m. WNT Faith Forward: Philippians - RM 402/404

6:00 p.m. WNT Culture Connect: The Story of St. Mark's - RM 407/409

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 17

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

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

4:00 p.m. Preschool Open House & Carnival - Preschool Circle or Rec Center/Banquet Hall

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

Friday, October 18

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

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

Saturday, October 19

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

Sunday, October 20

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. Brave Women of Faith - Meet at McAllister's on Medical Center

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 21

Preschool Closed - Professional Development

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, October 22

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

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

6:00 p.m. Woodworkers - Banquet Hall

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

St. Mark's UMC | 615-893-3455 | www.stmarkstn.org