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

"The Messenger" Online Newsletter

April 22, 2025

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Church-wide Picnic and Celebration - All Are Invited!

The Family Ministries Team and I are excited to invite you to St. Mark’s church-wide picnic this Sunday, April 27, immediately following the worship service. This will be a wonderful time for food, fellowship, and fun as we come together as a church family.

Please bring a family-sized side dish or dessert to share. After lunch, our Recreation Team will lead games and activities for all ages.

The day begins at 9:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary, where Tim Tackett will give a special presentation on the history of St. Mark’s. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to celebrate the legacy of faith that continues to shape our community.

Following lunch, we’ll open a time capsule from the 1950s, an exciting moment to look back and see the treasures and memories preserved by the generations before us.

In addition, the Stewardship Team will host a ministry fair table, highlighting the many ways St. Mark’s is making an impact both within our church and in the wider community. Be sure to stop by to learn more and discover new ways to get involved!

Reservations are due TODAY! Please RSVP by clicking here or by calling the church office. We look forward to celebrating with you!

Grace,

Hannah Pratt

Easter Sermon Series:

Meeting with the Risen Christ

A recurring theme in the gospel of John is that Jesus is victorious in every circumstance. There are no barriers Jesus cannot bring down, no waters he cannot cross, no valleys too dark for his presence, and no dominion that can thwart his power.

Beginning this Sunday, April 27, we'll join the early disciples as they meet with the risen Christ. They were engulfed in doubt, facing their failures, wandering in the valleys of life, and receiving new instruction on what it means to be a follower of Jesus. What will we learn about ourselves from these meetings with Jesus?

Upcoming Scripture Lessons:

April 27: John 20:19-31

May 4: John 21:1-19

May 11: John 10:22-30

May 18: John 13:31-35

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: 4/23

Pot Roast with Potatoes and Carrots, Cornbread, Salad Bar, Peach Cobbler

COMING UP AT OUR FINAL WNT, April 30th:

ST. MARK'S TALENT/NO TALENT SHOW

Bring your dollars to vote for your favorite act!

All donations benefit the SonLight Youth Choir Tour!

From the Office...

Directory Launch in April

ShelbyNext is an online secure platform where you can view your contribution statements, access and manage your giving, update your contact information, and access our soon-to-be new online directory!

How do you take advantage of this fantastic tool?

Step 1: Request access to your account!

Email directory@stmarkstn.org to request access to your account. Include your first and last name, birthday, and email.
The following Monday, we will email you with your account username and temporary password.
Note: Every individual must sign up with a unique username. Everyone must be 18 years or older to be included in the directory.

Step 2: Access your ShelbyNext Account!

After you receive your account information, go to https://stmarkstn.shelbynextchms.com, then log in to ShelbyNext using your username and password.

Step 3: Join the Online Directory!

On your profile page, click the 3 dots that appear to the right of your name and select "Profile Visibility" from the list that appears. You may then adjust the visibility settings by clicking on the circle that best suits your preference.
Send an email to directory@stmarkstn.org to opt in to the online directory, giving your first and last name and your email - You must do this to appear in any version of the directory and to view the directory online.

What's Next?

For additional support, attend Directory Tech Support Sessions Sundays after church:

April 13, 12-1pm

April 27, 11:30am-12pm

May 4, 11, and 18

In the coming months, we will send more information on how to use the new online directory to those who opt in.
Email any questions or concerns to directory@stmarkstn.org.

Want a Printed Directory?

Call the church office during office hours (Monday-Friday, 8am-4pm) at 615-893-3455 to request a printed copy of the directory. We will take requests until July 14th, at which point this year's copies will be printed and be made available for pick up during the week of July 28th. There will be a couple of printed directories available to consult in the church office upon request.

You can also come by the church office to check your information and make changes in a copy of the printed directory and approve your appearance in the directory.

News!

Or CLICK HERE!

Dear St. Mark’s UMC Church Family,

Thank you for the $15,000 gift on April 9, 2025 to sponsor the Panel Build for Elizabeth’s house. This Panel Build is the beginning of a new home for Elizabeth.

We appreciate your donation to Habitat and your support of our mission. Although there will never be enough thank you letters to express our gratitude for your support, please know that it is never forgotten and always appreciated.

As you observe Habitat homes being built, we hope you will take pride in knowing that your support and partnership allows Habitat to assist individuals and families in achieving their goal of becoming homeowners.

Sincerely,

Terri Shultz, Chief Executive Officer

Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity

Mother's Day Slideshow

Email your Mother's Day pictures to photos@stmarkstn.org by Monday, May 5th. Please include the names of those in the picture.

VBS Registration is OPEN!

Get ready for Road Trip VBS: On the Go with God! Registration is now open, and we’d love for you to join the journey.

Children ages 4 through 5th grade are invited to attend. Younger children of VBS volunteers and kids enrolled in St. Mark’s Preschool’s Summer Fun program are also welcome.

👉 Click here to register your child

👉 Adult and youth volunteers can register here

If you feel led to serve in this ministry area, please email Hannah Pratt at hannah@stmarkstn.org.

Calling all graduates!

On Sunday, May 18^th, we will be recognizing our high school and college graduates. Below are the folks we get to celebrate this year! If you or someone you know is graduating and is not on our list, please let David know so they can be recognized.

Alex Weaver

Olivia Caster

Lyla Wiley

Laney Marlatt

Nathan Daniel

Kendall Latta

Kaylin Wiley

Kyle Kigar

Anna Waldecker

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!

Join us for the Church-wide Picnic on Sunday, April 27^th, 11:30 AM - 2 PM!

You and your family are invited to the Church-wide picnic! Please bring a family-sized side dish or dessert to share. The Family Ministries Team will provide the main course. Enjoy fun and games for all ages! Kindly RSVP TODAY by clicking here or calling the church office.

Important VBS Volunteer Dates!

Tuesday, May 6th at 6:30 - 8:00 PM in the Banquet Hall - VBS Leader Orientation
Tuesday, May 20th at 6:30 - 8:00 PM in Room 503/505 - Safe Sanctuaries Training for any volunteers working with children, youth or any other vulnerable persons. New volunteers and those whose training has expired are strongly encouraged to attend. Safe Sanctuaries training must be renewed every 5 years.
Sunday, June 8th at 2:00 - 4:00 PM in the Banquet Hall - VBS Orientation for Shepherds

Books of Faith New Study:

The Gospel of Mark

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.

The next study of the Gospel of Mark begins on Wednesday, May 7^th, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. in the Banquet Hall, led by our retired clergy. Each week’s focus includes examination of the historical, literary, denominational, and devotional focus. Study books are available for $10 each and are available from Rev. Martha Touchton.

SAGES News

The Alzheimer’s/Dementia Support Group will meet Thursday, April 24, at 1:30 PM. That meeting is in Room 503-505.

The Sages will visit the Bell Buckle Café of April 24. The bus will leave at 10:30 AM. Please sign up for the trip in the Narthex or the church office.

Some of the upcoming SAGES activities include a visit to the 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 May 12 at 9:30 am in room 503-505.

Please check out all our Wednesday evening programming. And remember, there is a meal at 5:00 PM before the activities. This week at 6:00 the program is Family Feud with Clergy Staff against the retired clergy. Lots of fun.

Thanks to all the Sages for the wonderful reception for the attendees of the afternoon Cantata. And thanks as well for the delivery of the Easter lilies to our homebound and nursing home residents.

Thank you, Sages!

Preschool Ministry Updates

3 Piggy Opera is this Thursday at 9:30 a.m. in the Sanctuary. All are welcome! Thank you to Bonnie Ward for playing for us.

I hope each of you had a blessed Easter.

We are on the final stretch of the school year! We will be celebrating teacher appreciation on May 7th. Our Fours/Fives classes will be graduating on May 15^th and 16^th. Summer Fun will begin on May 20th.

The Preschool still has openings for the 2025-2026 school year. Please consider being a substitute in the preschool. These children will bless you! It is a privilege to love on the children! If you have any questions, please reach out to the preschool office.

Missions Updates

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:

April 27 (one bouquet)

May 4 (one or both bouquets)

May 25 (one bouquet)

June 1 (one bouquet)

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

Upcoming Calendar

Wednesday, April 23

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

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

6:00 p.m. Church Family Feud - Rec Center

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

Thursday, April 24

9:30 a.m. Preschool's 3 Piggy Opera - Sanctuary

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

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

10:30 a.m. SAGES go to Bell Buckle - Van 2018

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

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

Friday, April 25

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

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

Saturday, April 26

7:15 a.m. Wesley Foundation Golf Tournament (8am Shotgun Start) - Smyrna Golf Course

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

Sunday, April 27

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

11:30 a.m. Birthday Buddies - Narthex

11:30 a.m. Directory Tech Support Session - Banquet Hall

12:00 p.m. Church-wide picnic - 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, April 28

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, April 29

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

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

5:00 p.m. Girl Scouts - RM 212

Wednesday, April 30

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

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

6:00 p.m. Talent/No Talent Show - Sanctuary

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

Thursday, May 1

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, May 2

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

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

Saturday, May 3

7:30 a.m. UMM Meeting & Breakfast - Banquet Hall

8:00 a.m. Habitat Panel Build - Back Parking Lot/Youth Center/Rec Center/Banquet Hall

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

Sunday, May 4