The newsletter for St. Mark's UMC in Murfreesboro, TN | | "The Messenger" Online Newsletter | |
From the Senior Pastor...
I'm really excited about our next sermon series, "Story Worth Sharing." The goal of the series is for us to discover our personal stories of faith, be able to articulate them with grace and humility, and to be able to respond to the real barriers that others may have to faith or church. It's likely never been more difficult and never more necessary than for us to share our stories of faith, not in a pressuring or prodding way, but as a natural expression of God's grace at work in the world.
| For more information on the sermon series, click here. | |
From the Office...
Directory Launched! LAST DAY to Opt in to the Printed Directory: July 17 - email directory@stmarkstn.org
The online directory is open and available for all of the St. Mark's family who have opted in. You can still request to join!
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 new online directory!
How do you take advantage of this fantastic tool?
Step 1: Request access to your account!
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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!
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.
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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 opt in to appear in any version of the directory and to view the directory online.
What's Next?
- In the coming months, we will send more information on how to use the new online directory to those who opt in.
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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.
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HELP BUILD A HOME—AND A FUTURE
VOLUNTEER WITH HABITAT FOR HUMANITY JULY 22 & 23
We’re picking up our hammers again—and we’d love for you to join us!
On Monday, July 22, and Tuesday, July 23, St. Mark’s will be back at work with Habitat for Humanity at nearby Victory Pointe neighborhood, helping frame a home sponsored by our own church community with wall panels our members built in May!
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This is a tangible and joyful way to live out our call to serve Christ—building not just a house but hope and stability for a deserving family.
🛠 All skill levels are welcome! Whether you're a pro with a nail gun or it's your first time holding a hammer, there's a place for you on the team. The work on these July dates will focus on framing, and morning and afternoon shifts are available.
We would also like to provide lunch on those two days. If you or your class or group are interested in doing this, sign up as a volunteer.
👉 Sign up here via SignUpGenius!
Can’t make it this time? Mark your calendars and sign up for two more upcoming build days:
📅 August 23 – Installing Insulation
📅 October 11 – Installing Door and Bathroom Hardware
Let’s come together as a church family to put our faith into action—one wall, one room, one home at a time.
If you have any questions or would like to volunteer in another way, contact Meg Van Patten (615-956-9676 or meg.vanpatten@compass.com).
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Note About Clergy Availability July 9-12
All three St. Mark's clergy will be unavailable Wednesday, July 9 through Saturday July 12. HyeLan Pearce and some of the retired clergy who call St. Mark's home will be available for any pastoral care needs that might arise over these three days.
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Youth June and July Events
Click the button below to see our summer youth events!
We are excited to have fun events, service projects, and even former youth leading us in worship this summer. We are even more excited to have your young people join us!
Thank you all for your continued support and love of these incredible young people!
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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!
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Wesley Pickleball Tournament August 16
The Wesley Foundation of MTSU will be hosting their second Pickleball Tournament on August 16, to be held at St. Mark's UMC. There will be two divisions to choose from - "We are here for the fun of it" and "We're a little more competitive". The cost per team is $50 and you can register your team on the Wesley website at www.wesleyfoundationmt.org. Along with a fun day of pickleball, there will also be snacks, drinks and brisket sandwiches available for purchase. Even if you don't play, you can come and have lunch and watch for yourself!
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THANK YOU!
Thank you to all the leaders, helpers, and volunteers who served at Vacation Bible School! We had a wonderful week discovering how God is always with us throughout life's journey. We could not have done this without you!
Plan to join us next year for a Snowball Mountain Challenge! Save the Date! June 22-25, 2026
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Summer Office Hours
Beginning in June and continuing through August, the church office will be closed on Fridays. This change, approved by the Staff Parish Relations Committee, is designed to offer our staff greater flexibility during the summer months. When possible, staff may complete their weekly responsibilities earlier in the week and enjoy a longer weekend. Others may choose to work on Fridays in a quieter setting, using the day for planning, study, or preparation without the need to keep regular office hours. As always, a clergy person will be available and responsive (by phone or appointment). The SPRC appreciates your understanding as we take this small step to support the health, focus, and effectiveness of our ministry team.
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Summer Stewardship
Summer Time
Summer Fun
SUMMER VACATION
Vacation on the road again. What a feeling!
Relieve the stress for a while and enjoy. Every moment can be a memory.
Please remember St. Mark’s while you are away with your tithes, offerings, and donations. It’s easy with online giving.
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Grief Support Group Beginning at St. Mark's UMC
In 2025, we have had an unprecedented number of deaths in and close to our congregation. Almost everyone knows someone going through grief: it might be a friend or a family member, a neighbor, or a coworker. You are encouraged to invite them to GriefShare.
GriefShare is a special weekly seminar designed to help persons rebuild their lives after losing a loved one. St. Mark’s group is led by Cyndy Stone Allen and Paul Givens, two deeply caring individuals who have experienced grief and want to help others through the difficult days ahead. You can learn more about GriefShare here.
GriefShare meetings are on Sundays, 4:00 – 6:00 pm for 13 Sessions beginning August 10th. A brief orientation meeting will be held Sunday, August 3rd, 4:00 - 5:00 p.m., and books will be distributed at that time.
All meetings will be held at St. Mark’s in room 405. Limit 10 participants, open to the public. A materials fee of $20.00 is payable to St. Mark’s UMC by Sunday, August 3rd; assistance is available, please speak to Rev. Touchton if needed.
To register or for more information, visit here or email martha@stmarkstn.org
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The SAGES Potluck Luncheon will be at 11:30 on Friday, July 11 at St. Mark’s. This will honor one of our recently deceased Sages’ Team members, Joyce Vaughn. The Sages will provide the meat. Chairperson Cindy Flippin asks that you bring a larger dish than usual to accommodate all the attendees.
The SAGES outing to Granny Fishes was a big success. The feedback on the food and fellowship was very positive. Thanks to Roland Edwards for driving the bus.
The next meeting of the Sages Ministry Team is Monday, July 7 at 9:30 AM in Room 503-505.
The Alzheimers/Dementia Support Group will meet Thursday, July 24 in Room 503-505. If you are caring for someone for who has dementia, or if you just want to learn more about the disease, or to be supportive, you’re invited.
Please check out all our Wednesday evening programming. The Study of the Book of Mark has ended but The Gospel of Luke will be available in the Fall.
And remember, each Monday SAGES deliver the Sunday altar flowers to our homebound and nursing home residents.
Thanks again to Beverly Leonard, at Creekside, and Wayne Bradshaw, at Adams’ Place, for coordinating our services there.
Thank you, Sages!
| | St. Mark's Preschool Has Fall Openings! | |
St. Mark’s Preschool and Parents Day out (PDO) has openings available for enrollment in the 2025-2026 school year. Please help us share this news!
At St. Mark’s Preschool and PDO, we believe each child should have the opportunity to develop emotionally, socially, physically, faithfully, and intellectually to his or her fullest potential. We encourage each child to experience the joys of learning and growing.
Our purpose is to provide activities that meet the developmental needs of each child and offer a Christian atmosphere for group interaction and individual growth. We believe each child is special and prayerfully respect the trust families place in us to partner with them in their child’s development.
St. Mark’s Preschool and PDO, a ministry of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, enjoys a long tradition of providing the most nurturing care available for young children and their families. We share our faith as we love them, impart Christ-like attitudes and values, enjoy weekly chapel services using Godly Play, celebrate the Christian holidays, and offer daily thanks to God in prayer.
St. Mark’s Preschool and PDO offers classes for children ages one to five years old. Tuition varies based on class frequency. For more information, visit St. Mark's Preschool and PDO.
You are invited to explore St. Mark’s Preschool and Parents’ Day Out! We would love to meet you and your child, take you on a tour of our facilities, and tell you more about all the good things happening at St. mark’s Preschool. Please let us know when you would like to visit in person by calling (615) 895-1803 or emailing preschool@stmarkstn.org.
If you have a location or business where we could advertise St. Mark’s Preschool or drop of brochures, please let Director Samantha Daniel know at preschool@stmarkstn.org.
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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:
August 10 (one or both bouquets)
August 17 (one bouquet)
August 24 (one or both bouquets)
August 31 (one bouquet)
Several more 2025 dates are available. Call the church office at 615-893-3455 for more information.
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Upcoming Calendar
Saturday, July 5
8:30 a.m. AA Group - RM 503/505
Sunday, July 6
Henderson Settlement Mission Trip
9:15 a.m. Christian Education Special Godly Play Session - Gym
10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary
Monday, July 7
Henderson Settlement Mission Trip
9:30 a.m. SAGES Meeting - RM 503/505
10:00 a.m. Watercolor Class - Banquet Room
10:00 a.m. Wings of Hope - Banquet Room/Kitchen
5:30 p.m. Big Book Group - RM 503/505
Tuesday, July 8
Henderson Settlement Mission Trip
9:30 a.m. Note Writers - RM 506
10:00 a.m. Mary Martha Circle - Chapel
10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting - RM 503/505
5:00 p.m. Girl Scout Troop #2408
6:00 p.m. Trustees Meeting - RM 503/505
7:00 p.m. SPRC Meeting - RM 504
Wednesday, July 9
Henderson Settlement Mission Trip
3:30 p.m. Chair Yoga - RM 1203
Thursday, July 10
Henderson Settlement Mission Trip
10:00 a.m. Quilting Bee - Banquet Hall/Kitchen
10:30 a.m. Knitting - RM 503/505
6:30 p.m. ACOA Meeting - RM 503/505
Friday, July 11
Church Office Closed
Henderson Settlement Mission Trip
10:30 a.m. SAGES Luncheon - Narthex
Saturday, July 12
Henderson Settlement Mission Trip
8:30 a.m. AA Group - RM 503/505
9:00 a.m. Children's Ministry Retreat
Sunday, July 13
9:15 a.m. Christian Education
10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary
5:00 p.m. Youth Movie Night with Devotional - Youth Center
Monday, July 14
10:00 a.m. Watercolor Class - Banquet Room
5:30 p.m. Big Book Group - RM 503/505
Tuesday, July 15
9:30 a.m. Note Writers - RM 506
10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting - RM 503/505
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