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

"The Messenger" Online Newsletter

March 12, 2025

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From the Missions Minister...


Several opportunities for domestic and international missions are currently in development at St. Mark’s, including:


-         A Summer 2025 multi-generational trip to Henderson Settlement in Frakes, KY

-         A Fall 2025 or early 2026 trip to the UMCOR Depot at Sager Brown, LA

-         A trip to ACD (Association for Creativity and Development of) Guatemala


On each of these journeys, we seek to provide true mission experiences rather than missional tourism.  So what’s the difference?


The term Missional Tourism expresses the idea that Christians are traveling to mission sites to enjoy the warm climate, gawk at people living in poverty, snap photos to put on their social media pages, and feel good about themselves. A missional tourist participates for selfish reasons: to appear compassionate, to “experience” another culture, to improve your résumé, to bring God to others, to help other people whom we think need what we have. 


Of course, we do not take God to any mission location, because God is already there. And while we may be able to help some folks, we want to be respectful of their life in every way and join them in their lives as they invite us to do so. We don’t become a “missional tourist” just because we take selfies, buy souvenirs, or have lots of fun while serving, although we do all those things. True missionaries seek to be a sacrifice poured out so that others might receive Christ’s grace. That is our hope for each person participating in a St. Mark’s mission experience.


Mission trips can be difficult. Leaving the comfort of our own homes, spending long days sweating, using muscles and ideas that are unfamiliar to us, and learning things that do not mix well or fit into our worldview can be very challenging. 


But that’s the point. Mission trips bring us out of our comfort zone and force us to meet the rawness of the world head on. Short-term missions invite us to feel uncomfortable for a moment, in order to eventually create a new zone of comfort and hopefully a new understanding of ourselves, others, and Christ Jesus. What a gift for our faith and that of our children and youth!


Missions have been life changing for me; moments where I stepped out into faith in order to meet the world’s needs head on, moments where I wasn’t sure if I was in the right place or doing the right thing, moments where I had to trust God that I could do things I’d never done before. I have gotten to know some of the most amazing people on short-term mission trips and I have seen God at work like never before. I have experienced faith, humility, listening, respect, and miraculous grace.


Short-term mission trips have the potential to help us experience God, allow us to see God at work in others who are totally unlike us, and be blessed by the deep faith held in the hearts of those who have little else. This can make you return home a changed person! That is what short-term missions offer us.  I invite you to step out in faith and step into a mission trip!
 
 

"God on the Move" Sermon Series

On Sunday, March 9, we begin a Lenten sermon series, "God on the Move." Jesus didn't stay in one place for long. His earthly ministry was one of moving from one place and encounter to the next. He also moved through every part of the human experience, encountering everything from temptation to joy to suffering and even death. This series will help us reclaim the movement of Jesus’ ministry from temptation to condemnation, through his teaching and miracles and finally through the story of his death and resurrection. As we encounter the life and ministry of Jesus, we cannot stay the same. We ourselves are moved to grow and change as followers and imitators of the gospel. The comforting truth of Lent is that as we delve deeper into our own self-examination, we find that we are not alone. God is still on the move in our lives, walking with us every step as we travel the road to Easter.


Upcoming Sermon Scriptures:

March 16: Luke 13:31-35

March 23: Luke 13:1-9

March 30: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

April 6: John 12:1-8

April 13: Easter Cantata

April 20: Luke 24:1-12
 

Wednesday Night Together

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.


Upcoming Menu: 3/12

Smothered Pork Chops with Twice Baked Potatoes, Asparagus, Biscuits, Salad Bar, and Apple Crumble

MARCH IS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH at WNT!

Local providers will lead us in exploring concerns for children, youth, and adults, including the pandemic effect, addiction, anxiety, dementia, and more! Room 402/404

March 12: Mind Matters with Dr. Ellen Slicker

March 19: Mental Health with Children and Youth with Dr. Jay Campbell

March 26: The Science of Addiction with Dr. Brian Wind  

LENTEN MEDITATIONS

Dr. Jim Clardy leads this special Lenten study on Christian faith and discipleship in Room 403.

March 12: The Call to Discipleship – Luke 9:23-25

March 19: Repentance and Renewal – Psalm 51:10-12

March 26: The Grace of the Cross – Ephesians 2:8-9

BOOKS OF FAITH: MATTHEW

Join the conversation as we open the scriptures together and dig deeper into Matthew under the leadership of our retired clergy. This focused study allows time to savor and enjoy the stories of Jesus and his disciples more fully. 
 

News!

Help Save a Life on April 2nd... Give Blood!


On 4/2/25, St. Mark’s UMC is excited for the opportunity to live out our faith through action by helping to save lives. We are partnering with the American Red Cross to hold a blood drive, and we need your help to make it a success. St. Mark’s has a long history of actively working with the American Red Cross previously hosting 39 events collecting over 813 units of blood!

 

Whether you support our drive by donating blood or just help spread the word about our drive through social media, you help save lives. Come out on Wednesday, 4/2, from 12:00-5:00PM and let others know why blood donation matters to you. Remember: 
Sign up to Donate Blood!

· Every 2 seconds someone in America needs blood.

· Each blood donation can help save up to 3 lives.

· The Red Cross must collect 14,000 units of blood each day.   

· Blood collected by the Red Cross helps patients in over 2,400 hospitals across the country.

· 80 percent of blood donations are collected at blood drives hosted by organizations like ours.
View the Flyer
 

Children's Ministry in Need of Candy Donations!

The Children’s Ministries Team is accepting donations of non-chocolate, nut-free, individually-wrapped candy for the Easter Egg Hunt. Please bring your donations to the blue bins outside the sanctuary doors by March 30th. 

Save the Date for St. Mark's Bunny Brunch and Easter Egg Hunt!

All families are invited to St. Mark's Bunny Brunch and Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, April 9th from 9 - 11 a.m. More information to come.

Save the Date for VBS!

St. Mark’s Vacation Bible School will be June 23-26, 2025! Plan to join us for Road Trip VBS: On the Go with God! Registration will open on April 6th.

New Class Starting

On Sunday, March 23, the Sunday Night Bible Class will begin studying the book "Sanctifying Grace" by Dr. Dan Boone, President of Trevecca University. The class meets every Sunday evening from 4:00-5:30 p.m. Everyone is welcome.

Youth Dinner Sign Ups

Our youth meet on Sunday nights from 5-7 for youth group almost every Sunday. We eat with one another, fellowship and have fun with one another, and grow closer to God with one another. If you would be willing, we need folks to help us with food! I have created a sign-up genius with the dates food is needed. This is a great practice for anyone to do solo, or for families and Sunday School classes to be a part of! Thank you all so much!


Upcoming Dates Needed:

4/13
Sign Up to Feed the Youth!

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!  

Freeing the Anxious Generation - April 9th

You are invited to join in a special night of enrichment at Wednesday Night Together as Dr. Trey Duke leads a discussion of the research- based effects of screen time on children’s brains. This parent friendly conversation is designed to help provide impactful tools and strategies to support your family and help your children thrive.
 

Books of Faith Next Study:

The Gospel of Mark Coming in April!

Join the conversation as we open the scriptures and dig deeper into the Gospels. These focused studies allow time to savor and enjoy the stories of Jesus and his disciples more fully.

 

Each study use a guide for reading a few chapters of the Gospel each week with a devotional focus. The next study will be the Gospel of Mark, beginning in April. To place your order for a $10 study book, email martha@stmarkstn.org. 

 

Weekly study groups include:

 

  • Sundays, 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. led by Rev. Martha Touchton in Room 504
  • Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. led by our retired clergy in Room 405
  • Fridays, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. led by Claudia Hunter in Room 503/505
 

SAGES News

We welcome Beth Johnson and Larry Jernigan to the Sages Ministry Team and appreciate their work and ministry.


Our trip to “Helen’s Restaurant” in McMinnville is Friday, March 14. The bus will leave the church at 10:00. Thanks to Roland Edwards for driving. After lunch we will visit the Amish store in Morrison, Tennessee. Sign up in the Narthex or the church office. Look for the book!


The Alzheimer’s/Dementia Support Group will meet Thursday, March 27 at 1:30 PM. That meeting is in Room 503-505. We welcome Lochia Farrar and for her interest and participation.

 

Some of the upcoming SAGES activities include a visit to the Bell Buckle Café on Thursday, April 24, Scarritt-Bennett Center in Nashville on Wednesday, May 28, and a potluck dinner at the church on Friday, June 13.

  

The next meeting of the Sages’ Ministry Team will be April 14 at 9:30 am.

 

Please check out all our Wednesday evening programming. And remember, there is a meal at 5:00 PM before the activities.


The Sages will be purchasing new robes for our acolytes. They will also provide a reception for the attendees of the afternoon Cantata on Palm Sunday. Thank you, Sages!

Preschool Ministry Updates

We have been very busy at Preschool. Mrs. Alex, Mrs. Nadina and Mrs. Hannah have been working very hard teaching the children all of the songs to the 3 Piggy Opera. We will be decorating shirts for the big performances. Performance dates and times are April 24th and 25th at 9:30 a.m.


Other important dates: On March 17th all the staff will have an in-service on Godly Play. Preschool is closed that day for Professional Development.

 

We have several birthdays this month at the preschool. Mrs. Samantha and Mrs. Lori Dean have birthdays on March 30th. Mrs. Lucy Cochran has a birthday on March 23rd.

 

March 31st- April 4th the Preschool is closed for Spring Break. When we return, we will be very busy with Easter celebrations, Spring Pictures and our Big 3 Piggy Opera.  

Missions Updates

St. Mark’s 2026 Adult Mission Trip


Relief work goes on year-round at the historic United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) Depot in Sager Brown, Louisiana, where most anyone of any age or ability can contribute directly to disaster response around the globe. The work available includes processing and shipping kits (in a climate-controlled facility) donated relief supplies including flood buckets and relief, repairing homes, serving in a women’s shelter or Food Bank, and tutoring young children. For more information about the UMCOR Depot, visit https://umcmission.org/umcor-supply-depots/ or watch this video: https://youtu.be/tbnP1OqiN20

 

St. Mark’s has possible dates in Fall of 2025 and January of 2026 for mission at the UMCOR Depot. The cost of this trip is around $300/person for lodging and meals at the Depot, plus transportation, lodging and meals for the trips there and back. To express your interest in this trip and learn more information, email martha@stmarkstn.org.
 

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:

March 30 (one bouquet)

April 20 (one bouquet)

April 27 (one or both bouquets)

May 4 (one or both bouquets)


Several more 2025 dates are available. Call the church office at 615-893-3455 for more information.
 

Upcoming Calendar


Wednesday, March 12

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

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

6:00 p.m. Mind Matters with Dr. Ellen Slicker - RM 402/404

6:00 p.m. Lenten Meditations: The Call to Discipleship

6:00 p.m. The Books of Faith: Matthew - Banquet Hall

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

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


Thursday, March 13

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

4:30 p.m. DKG Meeting - RM 402/404

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

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

6:00 p.m. IBM Magic Lecture - Banquet Hall


Friday, March 14

9:30 a.m. SAGES Helen's on the Green & Amish Store - Van 2018

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

7:00 p.m. 18-week Big Book Study


Saturday, March 15

Scouts Pinewood Derby - 209/214/Rec Center/Youth Center/Banquet Halls

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

2:00 p.m. Private Baby Shower - RM 503/505


Sunday, March 16

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

11:30 a.m. Children's Choir Rehearsal - Music Room 1117

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

2:00 p.m. Sewing Class - RM 503/505

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

4:00 p.m. Little Lights We Rock the Spectrum Gym - Murfreesboro

4:15 p.m. SONlight Youth Choir - Choir Room 1119

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

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


Monday, March 17

Preschool Closed - Professional Development

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

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


Tuesday, March 18

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 meeting - RM 212


Wednesday, March 19

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

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

6:00 p.m. Mental Health with Children and Youth with Dr. Jay Campbell - RM 402/404

6:00 p.m. Lenten Meditations: Repentance and Renewal - RM 403

6:00 p.m. The Books of Faith: Matthew - Banquet Hall

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

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


Thursday, March 20

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, March 21

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

7:00 p.m. 18-week Big Book Study


Saturday, March 22

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

11:00 a.m. Private Birthday Party - Rec Center/Banquet Hall


Sunday, March 23

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

11:30 a.m. Birthday Buddies - Narthex

11:30 a.m. Children's Choir Rehearsal - Music Room 1117

11:30 a.m. Safe Sanctuaries Review Meeting - RM 405

2:00 p.m. Sewing Class - RM 503/505

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

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

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

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


Monday, March 24

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, March 25

9:30 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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