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

"The Messenger" Online Newsletter

March 26, 2025

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From the Senior Pastor...

At St. Mark’s, we believe faith isn’t just something we talk about—it’s something we live out.

On Wednesday, April 2, 2025, from 12:00–5:00PM, we’ll have a powerful opportunity to put our faith into action as we partner with the American Red Cross for a church-wide blood drive.

This isn’t just another event on the calendar. It’s a chance to save lives. Every two seconds, someone in America needs blood. Whether it’s a child battling cancer, a mother facing complications in childbirth, or a neighbor recovering from surgery—your single donation can help save up to three lives.

St. Mark’s has already made a huge impact, hosting 39 drives and collecting more than 813 units of blood over the years. But we’re not done yet. We want this drive to be one of our biggest yet—and we can’t do it without you.

Whether you roll up your sleeve to donate or simply share the word on social media, you’re making a difference. You’re living out the love of Christ in a real, tangible way. So mark your calendars for April 2, invite a friend, and let your life be a blessing to someone else’s.

Together, let’s keep building a legacy of compassion, generosity, and life-saving action. To sign up to give, click here.

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

Tommy

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"God on the Move" Sermon Series

We are in the midst of our 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 30: Luke 15:1-3, 11b-32

April 6: John 12:1-8

April 13: Easter Cantata

April 20: Luke 24:1-12

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, April 6^th is the next

Communion Sunday!

Please bring canned chicken and tuna,

grape jelly in plastic jars, crackers

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

Matthew 25:35

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: 3/26

Pulled Pork Sandwich w/ Apple Slaw, Mac & Cheese, Baked Beans, Salad Bar,

and Banana Pudding

MARCH IS MENTAL HEALTH MONTH at WNT!

Local providers will lead us in exploring concerns for children, youth, and adults in Room 402/404

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

BIBLE STUDY: LENTEN MEDITATIONS

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

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. This week, we'll study Lesson #7 with Rev. Barry Culbertson in the Banquet Hall.

COMING UP AT WNT:

April 2^nd – WNT is on Spring Break; The Books of Faith: Matthew Study will meet!

April 9^th – Freeing the Anxious Generation – A special event with Dr. Trey Duke

April 17^th – (Thursday) – Holy Thursday Dinner and Worship

April 23^rd – Church Family Feud Fun Night!

April 30^th – St. Mark’s Talent Show and Final WNT

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 email. One 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.

What's Next?

This Monday, we will send an email to several active church members with instructions on how to access their account. If you or a friend don't get the email, it's most likely because we don't have the correct email address on file in ShelbyNext. Send a note to directory@stmarkstn.org to let us know the right one to send it.
In the coming months, we will send more information on how to use the new online directory to those who opt in.
In this initial launch, we'll host tech support sessions 12pm to 2pm on the following Sundays: April 6, 13, and 27 and May 4, 11, and 18. Contact bethany@stmarkstn.org if you are gifted with the skills to help others gain access to and set privacy settings for their accounts at these sessions.
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 churchoffice upon request.

News!

Having a house is something many of us take for granted. More and more, it is a challenge for people in our community and across our nation.

Since being formed in 1989, the Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity affiliate has built more than 200 homes, including 35 houses in its first subdivision, Legacy Pointe. St. Mark’s has contributed to many of those homes with both financial and “sweat” equity. This spring, we have a new opportunity to make a difference in the life of a single mother and her son via a Panel Build.

A panel build is an all-day, fast-paced event where we come together as the Body of Christ to build the walls of a Habitat for Humanity home, with Habitat providing all needed materials, tools, and supervision. The build consists of five 80-minute shifts of 15 workers each, beginning at 8:00 a.m. and finishing around 3:00 p.m. It will all happen in our back parking lot near the Youth Center entrance.

No particular construction skills are required, but workers must be age 14 or older; special building activities for those under 14 will be provided in the gymnasium so parents can participate. Coffee and lunch will also be provided on site, and to keep the home construction on schedule, this build will take place rain or shine.

So how can you be involved in this exciting ministry? You have already taken part by generously giving your tithes and offerings to St. Mark’s UMC so that together we can invest the $15,000 needed to fund the panel build. Now, the number one way to support this build is by volunteering to serve! If you are a member of a Christian education class or any other ministry in the church, we encourage your group to select one shift and serve together. Of course, individuals and families are also needed and encouraged to serve. To sign up, simply scan the QR code above and complete the form.

Jesus taught us that when we serve others, we are serving God, especially when we serve seeking justice, mercy, and sacrifice. This panel build gives us a unique opportunity to serve God together and make a lasting difference in a family’s life. We hope to see you there!

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 19th from 9 – 11 AM located in the banquet hall/front lawn. Click here to RSVP by Sunday, April 13th. Don’t forget to bring an Easter basket!

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 6^th.

Adult and youth volunteers are needed! If you feel God calling you to serve in this ministry area, email Hannah Pratt at hannah@stmarkstn.org.

Join us for the Church-wide Picnic on Sunday, April 27^th!

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 by Sunday, April 20th by clicking here or calling the church office. Join us for a wonderful time of fellowship with your church family!

Learn More & Sign Up Here!

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.

Youth Leading Tenebrae Service April 18, 7pm

"The youth have been given the incredible chance to plan and lead our Good Friday Tenebrae service on April 18^th. I have to take a minute to brag on the incredible young people in this church. They absolutely crushed it during our meeting and have planned a really great Tenebrae service for Good Friday. I hope you all will join us on April 18^th for what will be a very special service." - David

Reception to follow Easter Cantata

The S.A.G.E.S. (St. Mark's Seniors) Group will be providing a reception for our Church's Choir, Orchestra, other participants, and the public attending the April 13th (Palm Sunday) following the 2:00 Easter Cantata. This is to show our appreciation for their sharing of their God given talent and hard work. Anyone that would like to donate some cookies (Fruit and cheese trays also welcome), we and I'm sure they will greatly appreciate it. Please put your food donations in the church kitchen, Palm Sunday morning.

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.

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. Study books are available for $10 each; email martha@stmarkstn.org for more information.

Weekly study groups include:

Sundays, 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. led by Rev. Martha Touchton in Room 504, beginning 3/30
Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. led by our retired clergy in Room 405, beginning 5/7
Fridays, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. led by Claudia Hunter in Room 503/505, beginning 3/28

SAGES News

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 thank her for her interest and participation.

The Sages will visit the Bell Buckle Café of April 24. 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 April 14 at 9:30 am. Rev. Martha Touchton and Hannah Pratt will be our guests.

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

Our acolytes are already wearing the robes purchased by the Sages.

Our Sages also provide a reception for the attendees of the afternoon Cantata on Palm Sunday.

Thank you, Sages!

Preschool Ministry Updates

Summer Fun registration is currently open. We will be extending Summer fun to include VBS. We are looking forward to offering this exciting opportunity to our preschool families. If you have any questions, you may call the preschool office at 615-895-1803.

Spring Break is March 31st- April 4th. Preschool will be closed on those days. We will return April 7th. The preschool will be very busy when we return from Spring Break.

Easter Egg Hunts will be April 11th, 16th and 17th.
Curtis Wright Pictures will be April 15th and 16th.
Preschool will be closed on Good Friday (April 18th)
Our performances of the 3 Piggy Opera will be April 24th and 25th at 9:30.
On April 28th the Preschool will have a visit from the Discovery Center Mobile Lab
We will close out April with Mud/Water Days.

Worship Ministry Updates

Thank you to the SAGES...

We so appreciate the SAGES for supplying our Acolytes new robes.

We will remember how the SAGES Ministry supports the worship ministry of our church.

Missions Updates

St. Mark's UMC Disaster Team Helps Neighbors in Prosperity, S.C.

On March 10-14. 2025, our St. Mark’s Disaster Team traveled to Prosperity, South Carolina to help our neighbors who were affected by recent tornados. (Look at photos below and on attachment to see some of their work.) Great job guys!!

Visit our Website

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:

April 20 (one bouquet)

April 27 (one bouquet)

May 4 (one or both bouquets)

May 25 (one bouquet)

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

Upcoming Calendar

Wednesday, March 26

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

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

6:00 p.m. The Science of Addiction with Dr. Brian Wind - RM 402/404

6:00 p.m. Lenten Meditations: The Grace of the Cross - 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 27

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

9:00 a.m. Quilting Bee - Banquet Hall/Kitchen

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

11:00 a.m. Billy Stacey Visitation - Sanctuary

1:00 p.m. Billy Stacey Celebration of Life - Sanctuary

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

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

Friday, March 28

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

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

Saturday, March 29

Be Retreat @ Cedar Crest - 2018 Van

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

Sunday, March 30

Be Retreat @ Cedar Crest - 2018 Van

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

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

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

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

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

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

Monday, March 31