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

"The Messenger" Online Newsletter

November 19, 2024

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From your Stewardship Team Leader...


Adapted from addresses delivered by Bishop Kenneth L. Carder to notable gatherings, the article "The Theology of Generosity: A Foundation for Methodist Stewardship" provides insightful perspectives on the integral role that generosity plays within the Wesleyan tradition and how theology underpins acts of giving. As a highly respected figure within the United Methodist Church, Bishop Carder draws upon his extensive experience serving the Nashville and Mississippi Episcopal Areas. Now retired, he continues his vocation of care as a chaplain in a memory care unit in Chaplin, South Carolina. Through this article, Bishop Carder lays a theological foundation that encourages and supports meaningful stewardship among Methodists.


I invite you to read and prayerfully reflect on its contents.

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Read "The Theology of Generosity: A Foundation for Methodist Stewardship"
 
 

"Keeping the Promise" Series Concludes Sunday

In the United Methodist Church, each of us makes a powerful promise when we become members: to support the church with our prayers, presence, gifts, service, and witness. These vows are not mere words, but a commitment to live out our faith in practical and meaningful ways.


The "Keeping the Promise" series ends this Sunday as we consider what it means to support the church with our gifts. Hope to see you in worship.
 

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, December 1st is the next

Communion Sunday, 

Please bring Cans of Fruit!

 

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

Matthew 25:35
 

December Communion Rail Offering


On December 1, the communion rail offering will support Murfreesboro's Cold Patrol. Originally created to patrol Murfreesboro during the coldest parts of the year to protect people experiencing homelessness, Cold Patrol is also committed to making sure that the most vulnerable individuals in our community have the resources they need to survive living outdoors.
 

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.


Menu, 11/20:

Apple Curry Pork Roast, Wild Rice, Buttered Corn with Green Peppers, Naan, and Apple Cake

November 20 Opportunities, 6:00 - 7:00 p.m.:


Holiday Missions Night Join in a night of giving as we prepare Christmas cards for persons who are incarcerated to send to their loved ones, and assemble holiday “Go Bags” for children, youth and adults residing at Murfreesboro’s Domestic Violence Shelter, and in other local shelters.


The Grand Sweep Large group discussion on the scripture readings from Week #45 led by Rev. Barry Culbertson.

Make Reservations Now to Give Thanks to God at

St. Mark’s UMC Church Family

Thanksgiving Dinner & Worship

Tuesday, November 26th, 5:00 p.m. Turkey Dinner,

6:00 p.m. Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary

Reservations Due Sunday, November 24th!

Triumph Over Trauma

Offers Healing Through the Holidays

Trauma comes in many forms and can have severe, long-lasting effects on individuals, families, and communities. Identifying trauma, learning to deal with it, healing from it, and moving forward can help you and those around you.  Triumph over Trauma is a focused on helping people discuss trauma in group settings and develop coping mechanisms. It’s not meant to replace other forms of mental health care, such as therapy, but is intended to aid it.

For some, the Holidays are “the most wonderful time of the year." For others, it's a season of sadness, anxiety, and pressure. Healing through the Holidays offers weekly sessions which include inspiring messages, relaxation exercises, time for self-reflection, and an opportunity to community with those who care. You will feel seen, supported, and inspired to experience the holidays differently. 

Four weekly sessions beginning Monday, December 2, 12 pm - 1 pm CDT through Monday, December 23. Register at https://forms.gle/E1zNABxGrmqATR6B8 

A donation of $25 is appreciated but not required. Donations can be made at https://harperhill.global/donate."
 

News!
 

Charge Conference Nov. 20


Our annual Charge Conference is scheduled for November 20, 2024 at 5:30 pm in Room 502 (Chapel). Rutherford County Cohort District Superintendent Ryan Bennett will preside. All members of the Church Council are expected to attend. If you made a dinner reservation and plan to attend the charge conference, the serving line will be open at 4:45pm for you.
More Info Here

On November 17th, the Youth Group had a scavenger hunt for food. During this scavenger hunt, the kids went door to door (safely, with adult supervision, of course) asking for donations for our food pantry. In just under two hours, our young people collected nearly two hundred items for our food pantry! I am beyond proud and beyond grateful for this awesome group of young people who have a heart for service.


David

Save the Date!!!

What: Merry Mission Marketplace, where your dollar gives twice!

Date: Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.

Where: St. Mark’s United Methodist Church Gym


 A FEW MORE VENDOR SLOTS AVAILABLE!

Non-Profits who offer items for sale at the MMM retain 100% of their profits. Crafters and other for-profit vendors donate 20% of their profits to a non-profit agency.

Need a Vendor Application or know a possible crafter who has a heart for mission?

Contact Rev. Martha Touchton, martha@stmarkstn.org
More Info & List of Vendors

Petting Zoo and Live Nativity at Wesley December 3


The Wesley Foundation at MTSU would like to invite you and your family to visit our Petting Zoo and Live Nativity to be held on December 3 from 5 - 7pm featuring camels, sheep, goats, a zebu, porcupine, African raccoon, pigs, llamas and alpacas. You will be able to meet some of our students (shepherds who will be helping in the Nativity), see our building, decorate a cookie and share some hot chocolate with us.

The address is 216 College Heights, right across from the Science building on Campus. For more information go to our website at www.wesleyfoundationmt.org.

To the Stones River Woodworker Club

 

The words Thank you can never adequately express our gratitude and appreciation for the many hours of time, energy, and expertise you have spent in making the Memorial Plaque for St. Mark’s.


The Plaque is beautiful and provides St. Mark’s members a very special place to remember former members and loved ones.


   The Columbarium Committee,

 

   Bob Richardson 

   Mary Leigh Beers

   Josh Brown

   Cindy Flippin

   Rev. Jim Clardy

   Buddy Howell

YOUR HELP IS NEEDED!


On December 15, our Chancel Choir, with orchestra, will present “A New and Glorious Morn” by Lloyd Larson as part of our morning worship service. That afternoon, at 2:00pm, we will reprise the performance at our church as our gift to the community. There will be no charge.


WE NEED YOUR HELP to begin “spreading the word” to your family, friends and neighbors about this special concert. It is our goal to bless everyone with the Christmas spirit!

November Birthday Buddies Celebration is this Sunday!


Everyone is invited to celebrate those with November birthdays on November 24th in the Narthex! Cake will be provided. Please plan to stop by following worship. 

THE GOSPELS

Adult Christian Education Special Event

Sunday, December 1, 9:15-10:15 a.m.

in St. Mark's Sanctuary

with Dr. Amy-Jill Levine


Dr. Levine is a highly sought-after speaker, author, and commentator on Jewish-Christian matters, outspoken about the need for Jews and Christians to come to know each other better, and more accurately. She is a great friend of Christianity, entitling her most recent book, Jesus for Everyone. To learn more about Dr. Levine, click here.  
About Dr. Levine

FIVE Holiday Handbell Concerts!

All concerts are free* and open to the public! All concerts start at 7:00pm.



Dec. 2nd - 1st United Methodist Church (Family Life Center) Murfreesboro, TN

Dec. 5th - Our Lady of the Lake Catholic Church, Hendersonville, TN

Dec. 9th - Lebanon 1st Baptist Church, Lebanon, TN

Dec. 12th - Brentwood United Methodist Church, Brentwood, TN

Dec. 16th - Connection United Methodist Church, Nashville, TN


Concerts are appropriate for all ages.

*Donations gladly accepted.

Cedar Crest Camp Hiring Young Adults for Summer 2025


If you know a young person looking for a job that will be faith-focused, fun, and relationship-centered, ask them to consider applying to work with Cedar Crest! Positions are open for those who have finished their junior year of high school to college graduates.


Contact Audrey Jordan at 

audrey.jordan@twkumc.org for more information. Here is the link to the application: Cedar Crest Camp Summer 2025 Staff Application
Apply here, young persons!
 

Poinsettia Orders due December 9th

 

Poinsettia Orders – Dedicate a poinsettia in honor or in memory of a loved one. Bring order form and check to the church office, or email and pay online (with a comment saying the payment is for poinsettias). Cost: $15 per plant. Please make payments payable to St. Mark’s UMC and designate for Poinsettia. Order Deadline: Monday, December 9th.
Email Order
 

Adult Ministry

Adult Ministries Welcomes the Fall!

• The Gospels Adult Christian Education Event Sunday, December 1!

• Wednesday Night Together Offers Thanksgiving Meal & Worship

• College Ministry Available with Sunday Breakfast

• “Healing through the Holidays” available

• Merry Mission Marketplace Returns December 4th!



Click here for details.
Read More

Student Ministry

The Youth did a fantastic job at the Scavenger Hunt 4 Food, collecting nearly 200 canned goods! Click below for details about upcoming youth events.

Click here for details.
Read More

Children's Ministry

Click here for more information about upcoming events like Parents' Night Out, Children's Advent Event, and more!

Click here for details.
Read More
 

SAGES News

The Sages recently enjoyed a wonderful outing to The Chop House for lunch and then on to The Center for the Arts to enjoy a great play.

 

The Alzheimer’s/Dementia Support Group will meet Thursday, November 21, 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.

 

The next SAGES meeting is Monday, December 9th at 9:30 AM in Room 503/505 of the church.

 

Also coming up in December will be our Senior Serenity Event, Saturday, December 14, 11am - 2pm at St. Mark's. RSVP to the church office at 615-893-3455 by December 1, or register in one of the SAGES Notebooks in the office or Narthex.

 

Happy Thanksgiving from all the Sages.

Missions Updates

St. Mark's Disaster Response Team Assists UMC Conference in Newport, TN - Nov. 10-14, 2024


At the request of the Holston UMC Conference, two of St. Mark’s Disaster Response Team traveled to Newport, Tennessee (Cocke County) to make assessments of flood damage from Hurricane Helene. These assessments will be used by Emergency Response Teams to make repairs of homes.


Many homes were completely destroyed by the flood. One home that we assessed was washed off its foundation and was wedged in a tree ten foot off the ground. (See pictures.)


While doing the assessments, we also observed a railroad trestle over the river that was broken in half (See pictures.) This is the main line railroad that goes through Cocke County.


Please pray for the victims of Hurricane Helene as they continue to rebuild their lives.

Red Bird Food Delivery


On 10/26/2024, Bruce Atkins and Dennis Knudtson picked up 1,500 pounds of sweet potatoes from the Society of Saint Andrews in Knoxville, TN. They were delivered to Red Bird Community Outreach in Beverly, Kentucky on 10/28/2024. 

The guys also delivered diapers and incontinence products recently collected by First United Methodist Church in Murfreesboro for Red Bird as part of their “Undie Sunday” and bedding donated by St. Mark’s church members. Thanks guys!!

Project Transformation Summer Intern Applications

Apply here!

Preschool Updates

Preschool Corner

We are very busy preparing for the holidays. If you are needing a recipe to cook your turkey for Thanksgiving, please check out some of our sweet chefs' recipes.

 

How to Cook a Turkey... 

Campbell Clare Wilson, 4 Years old

First, put your turkey in the oven for 5 minutes. Then, put sauce on it! Then, add green beans. Don't forget to add salt! Last, put M and M's on it! Now, eat!

 

Eleni, 4 Years old

First, you put the turkey in the oven! Cook for 20 hours at 80 degrees. Then you take the turkey out and add some frosting! Don't forget to add the sprinkles and butter! Best served with Dr. Pepper and spaghetti!

 

From our 3 Year olds

Get a turkey at momma's house. Next, put lettuce on it. Then put bones in it. Cook at 5 degrees for 2 minutes. Serve with a fork.

 

Go to the cabin to get it. Climb in the tree and get that turkey. Put spicey sauce on it. Cook too long all day. Serve with pizza, pepperoni, and pumpkin pie.

 

The preschool will be busy with Stone soup on Thursday and Friday. The children have been working very hard to learn all of their songs and cannot wait to share them with their family.

Holiday Wreath Making Workshop

The Preschool is having a fund raiser. We would like to extend the invitation to St Mark's United Methodist Church.

The workshop will include all materials, instructions (no experience necessary), and seasonal drinks and treats. Please consider joining us on December 12th from 6-8pm. We will meet in the gym. Please grab a friend and join the fun! Reserve your spot by 12-1-24. You may reserve your spot by calling the preschool.

QRIS

We had our first visit of our licensing year today. Samantha and I are very happy to let you know we scored a 97. St Mark's Preschool and PDO has some of the best teachers! If you would like to join our team, please reach out to us, we would love to talk to you. Our number is 615-895-1803
 

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 15 (one bouquet)

December 29 (one or both bouquets)

January 5 (one or both bouquets)

January 12 (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, November 20

12:00 p.m. Rutherford Co. Director's Meeting - RM 503/505

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

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

5:30 p.m. Charge Conference - Chapel

6:00 p.m. WNT Holiday Missions Night

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, November 21

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

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

10:45 a.m. Preschool's Stone Soup - Sanctuary/Banquet Hall

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

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


Friday, November 22

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

10:45 a.m. Preschool's Stone Soup - Sanctuary/Banquet Hall

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


Saturday, November 23

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


Sunday, November 24

9:00 a.m. Children's Advent Wreath Making - Banquet Hall/Rec

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 - Sanctuary Front Row

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

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

4:00 p.m. Little Lights pack food boxes - RM 407/409

4:15 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, November 25

Preschool Closed - Thanksgiving Break

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

11:00 a.m. G.L.O.W. Kids Serve Lunch at Journey Home - 2018 Van

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, November 26

Preschool Closed - Thanksgiving Break

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

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

5:00 p.m. St. Mark's Church Family Thanksgiving Dinner - Banquet Hall

6:00 p.m. Thanksgiving Worship - Sanctuary

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


Wednesday, November 27

Preschool Closed - Thanksgiving Break

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

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

7:00 p.m. Young Adult Volleyball - Rec Center


Thursday, November 28

Office Closed - Thanksgiving

Preschool Closed - Thanksgiving Break


Friday, November 29

Office Closed - Thanksgiving

Preschool Closed - Thanksgiving Break

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

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


Saturday, November 30

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


Sunday, December 1

Advent

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

9:15 a.m. Gospels and Acts, Dr. Amy-Jill Levine - Adult Christian Education Event - Sanctuary

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

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

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

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

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

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


Monday, December 2

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

10:00 a.m. Wings of Hope - Banquet Hall/Kitchen

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, December 3

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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