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

"The Messenger" Online Newsletter

February 4, 2026

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From Your Pastor...

In just two short weeks, we'll be celebrating Transfiguration Sunday (February 15). Transfiguration Sunday marks the moment when Jesus was revealed in divine glory on a mountain before Peter, James, and John. The day invites us to glimpse who Jesus truly is, to be strengthened for the journey of faith, and to prepare our hearts for the coming season of Lent, which begins on February 18.


What is Lent? Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday (February 18) and ends on Holy Saturday (April 4). Lent comes from the Anglo-Saxon word 'Lenten', which means "spring." The season is a time of preparation for celebrating Easter. 


At our Ash Wednesday worship on February 18 (6pm), we will confront our own mortality and confess our sin before God within the community of faith. And while Ash Wednesday focuses on the dual themes of sin and death, it's done through the lens of God's redeeming love made known to us in Jesus Christ. 


On Sunday, February 22, we begin a new Lenten sermon series, "Heart-to-Heart Talks," which you'll read about in greater detail later in this newsletter.


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


Tommy

Gifts That Keep on Giving

Our Epiphany sermon series is focusing on some of God’s unexpected gifts that reveal themselves in new ways throughout our lives. If you've missed the earlier sermons in the series, you can view them here.


February 8: The Gift of Public Witness (Matthew 5:13-20)

February 15: The Gift of the Unpredictable Jesus (Matthew 17:1-9)

Heart to Heart Talks

We remember the important heart-to-heart talks in our lives, whether a dashboard confessional between parent and child, a wee-hours dialogue with a friend, or a life-changing FaceTime with someone we love. This series explores conversations with Jesus in the gospels. As people come seeking answers to their deepest questions, or making claims about their faith, or wondering who he is, Jesus engages, challenges, and exhorts. What would we ask Jesus if we could meet him? And how might he answer us?


Join us for our Lenten sermon series that begins on February 22, "Heart to Heart Talks."


February 22: "Not Today, Satan" (Matthew 4:1-11)

March 1: "Hush, Hush" (John 3:1-17)

March 8: "Well, Actually" (John 4:5-42)

March 15: "So Many Questions" (John 9:1-41)

March 22: "Too Little, Too Late" (John 11:1-45)

March 29: "The Truth Hearts" (Matthew 26:14-35)

April 5: "Spread the Word" (John 20:1-18)

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.


WNT Menu, 2/11

Honey Glazed Chicken Thighs, Fried Rice with Vegetables, Steamed Broccoli, Salad Bar, Rolls, Cheesecake Brownies

Practicing Hope

How can Christ-followers cultivate hope that is honest about our current conditions, hope that is restorative when everything feels urgent, and hope that is possible even when we transgress?  Through scripture study and group discussion, this study will explore what it means to practice hope in God even when hope seems hard to find.

Wednesdays, January 28 – February 11

Led by Robbie Hooper in Room 405

St. Mark's Sager Brown Mission Report

See and hear the nitty-gritty of the experiences, adventures, and friendships your St. Mark’s Missionaries recently shared in Louisiana!

Wednesday, February 4th

Led by Kathy Stockman, Marilyn Buchanan,

Diane Bennett, and Rev. Martha Touchton

in Room 402/404

News!

The Murfreesboro City Schools Foundation Announces Rev. Martha Touchton as 2026 Excellence in Education Honoree


The City Schools Foundation is honored to announce Rev. Martha Touchton as the 2026 honoree for Excellence in Education. The 19th annual celebration will be held on Friday, March 20, at the elegant Macca Villa at Riverside. As the Foundation’s largest fundraising event, the evening brings together community leaders, educators, and supporters to recognize exemplary contributions to public education.


Rev. Martha Hicks Touchton serves as the Minister of Adult Discipleship and Mission at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. A longtime advocate for Murfreesboro City Schools, she has played a central role in St. Mark’s decade long partnership with Reeves Rogers Elementary and recently led a successful community initiative supporting school improvements.


Ordained in 1999, Rev. Touchton has dedicated more than 25 years to Christian education and community service across Middle Tennessee. Her leadership extends into numerous local organizations, and she was honored as the 2022 Rutherford ATHENA Award recipient for her outstanding service and advocacy.


“Rev. Touchton exemplifies what it means to serve with purpose, compassion, and unwavering commitment,” said Chairman Eric Newell. “Her advocacy for students and her deep investment in our school communities have made a lasting impact on children, families, and educators across Murfreesboro.”


Former Excellence in Education honorees include an esteemed list of community leaders such as Dr. Andy Brown, Andy and Cherry Womack, Charlie Patel, Doug Young, Collier Smith, Drs. Max and Mary Moss, John Floyd, Ed and Andrea Loughry, Tommy and Jeannie Bragg, Dr. Sidney and Elizabeth McPhee, Dr. Susan Andrews, John Hood, Rhea Seddon and “Hoot” Gibson, Gloria and Ted LaRoche, Joyce Taylor, and Bart Gordon.


In response to being informed of this honor Rev. Touchton said: “I'm deeply humbled to be the 2026 ‘Excellence in Education’ honoree for the Murfreesboro City Schools Foundation, and to be the first clergy person to receive this recognition in our community. It truly reflects a million ‘yeses’ from our Church Partnership Leadership Team (MaryJane Henry, Margie Jennings, and Peggie Jackson) and the wonderful people of St. Mark's, with whom I joyfully share this honor. It is a joy to be one of your pastors and to be part of a church that empowers one another to be a force for good in the world, reminding us that we are the change-makers, the beloved children of God. To God be the glory!”


If you would like to express appreciation to Rev. Touchton for her ministry as it relates to this award, you may do so at (martha@stmarkstn.org) or (Rev. Martha Touchton, St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, 1267 North Rutherford Boulevard, Murfreesboro, TN 37130.)


Reverend Martha Touchton, we are very proud of you!
Full Article
 

Flying Solo Fellowship

You are invited to join the fun as we create a new space for community at St. Mark's UMC: Flying Solo: A Fellowship of Young Singles, 40 and under.


Upcoming Events:

Sunday Lunch Out

This Sunday, February 8th at noon, at Maple Street Biscuit Co.

To RSVP or be Added to the GROUPME, text Mark at (615) 691-1760.

New Study February 12th

Women's Bible Study resumes February 12th, Thursdays 9 a.m. - 11 a.m. in Room 1203.


The new study is on the book Angels by Melissa Spoelstra.


Contact Patti Daws for a book! 615-971-9682

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!

Boy Scout BBQ

Thank you for your orders and your support of Troop 398! Don’t forget to pick up your Super Bowl Barbeque orders on February 8th between 9:30 AM and 1:30 PM. Troop 398 will be set up in the fellowship hall. They will have some extra food that will be sold on a first come basis.

Save the date - and have a Valentines Breakfast with Wesley

The Wesley Foundation is holding their annual Pancake Breakfast on February 14. Come have pancakes, vote for your favorite dish during the Clergy Breakfast Battle and grab an auction item. We will be showing off our new, recently completed, office space. We will be accepting donations for all you can eat pancakes from 7 - 10 and the Breakfast Battle will start at 8:00. The address is 216 College Heights, right off the MTSU campus. Hope you can make it!  

Cedar Crest's Be Retreat!

February 28 - March 1, 2026

All 3rd-5th graders are invited to join us for a weekend of worshipping, fun, and connection! The cost is $75 per child. Registration and payment is due to St. Mark’s UMC by February 5th. Click here to sign up. 

Family Lent Event is Sunday, February 15th!

Join us February 15th from 9:00–10:15 a.m. in the banquet hall for a special Family Lent Event! This is a wonderful opportunity for families to learn about the Lenten season and participate in meaningful prayer stations. Let’s prepare our hearts for this sacred season through reflection, prayer, and community.

Please RSVP by February 8th. 
 

Red Cross Blood Drive

St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, in partnership with the American Red Cross, will host a Winter Blood Drive on Wednesday, February 11, 2026, from 12:00–5:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary Foyer. As a thank-you, all donors will receive a $20 e-gift card for their lifesaving gift. Don’t delay, sign-up today!
Sign Up Here!

SAGES News

The Sages Ministry Team will meet at 9:30 AM on February 9 in Room 503-505.


The Sages will be going to The Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Restaurant on Monday, February 23. The bus will leave at 10:00 AM. Please make your reservations in the gathering room or the church office. Look for the book!

 

And remember, each Monday SAGES deliver the Sunday altar flowers to our homebound and nursing home residents.


Thanks to all the teams who are now delivering communion to our homebound friends.

Preschool Updates

Early Registration February 9-11

St. Mark’s Preschool is a faith-based ministry of St. Mark’s UMC, offering two-, three-, and five-day fully licensed classes for children ages one to five years old, with lower teacher/student ratios, highly qualified teachers, and a family-centered community.  We are excited to be expanding our care options to 5:00 p.m. beginning in the Fall of 2026, with limited spots available.

 

For an informative brochure about St. Mark’s Preschool’s curriculum and extended care options, click here.  For information about tuition and fees, click here.

Missions Updates

Furniture Ministry Request

We are currently experiencing a decrease in donations for the St. Mark’s

Furniture Ministry. If you have any gently used furniture (couches, beds, chest of drawers/dressers, kitchen table & chairs, etc.) that you would like to donate, please contact Karen Alexander at (615)707-3166 and text pictures of the furniture. Thank you!!

Reeves Rogers needs boys' underwear sizes S, M, & L

Please support our partnership school by purchasing this item by Sunday, February 15th!

Project Transformation Seeking Regional Program Coordinators

Project Transformation Tennessee (PT) seeks Regional Program Coordinators to strengthen local support of program offerings. Staff in this role will connect with and support the college-age young adults, children, and churches who are active in PT’s programs to ensure the highest-quality experience possible. This role is part-time from August to April and full-time from May to July. To read the full job description, click here.  

Bless the Youth with Meals

Every Sunday we meet, we feed our youth. If you, your family, or your Sunday school class would like to sponsor one of those meals, please sign up using the link below. You can cook food, buy food or donate money!


Upcoming meals needed:

February 15 & 22

March 1, 8, & 22

April 19 & 26

May 3, 17, & 24
Feed the Youth!
 

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 1 (one or both bouquets)
March 8 (one or both bouquets)

March 15 (one bouquet)

March 22 (one bouquet)


Several more 2026 dates are available. Call the church office at 615-893-3455 for more information.
 

Upcoming Calendar

Wednesday, February 4

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

5:00 p.m. WNT Dinner - Banquet Room

6:00 p.m. WNT Programming

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


Thursday, February 5

10:30 a.m. Knit Together - RM 503/505

5:00 p.m. Wonderfully Made Helpers and Facilitators Dinner - Kitchen/Banquet Hall A

6:00 p.m. Wonderfully Made - RM 1203

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


Friday, February 6

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

6:30 p.m. Wonderfully Made - RM 1203


Saturday, February 7

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

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

9:00 a.m. Wonderfully Made - RM 1203


Sunday, February 8

7:00 a.m. Boy Scout BBQ - Banquet Hall A

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

9:15 a.m. Confirmation Class - Banquet Hall B

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

12:00 p.m. Flying Solo Lunch Out - Maple Street Biscuit Factory

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

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

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

5:00 p.m. Chancel Ringers - RM 1117


Monday, February 9

9:30 a.m. SAGES Meeting - RM 503/505

9:40 a.m. Preschool Chapel - Sanctuary

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

5:00 p.m. Cub Scouts - Banquet Hall/Rec Center/Youth Center/Kitchen/Select Classrooms

5:30 p.m. Big Book Group - RM 503/505

6:00 p.m. Sanctuary Ringers - RM 1117


Tuesday, February 10

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

9:40 a.m. Preschool Chapel - Sanctuary

10:00 a.m. Mary Martha Circle - Chapel/RM 502

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


Wednesday, February 11

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

5:00 p.m. WNT Dinner - Banquet Room

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


Thursday, February 12

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

10:00 a.m. Quilting Bee - Banquet Room/Kitchen

10:30 a.m. Knit Together - RM 503/505

11:00 a.m. Quilting Bee Meeting - RM 504

5:00 p.m. Delta Kappa Gamma Meeting - RM 501

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


Friday, February 13

Youth UNITED Winter Retreat - Cedar Crest Camp/Van 2018

Preschool Closed - Professional Development

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


Saturday, February 14

Youth UNITED Winter Retreat - Cedar Crest Camp/Van 2018

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


Sunday, February 15

Youth UNITED Winter Retreat - Cedar Crest Camp/Van 2018

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

9:15 a.m. Confirmation Class - Youth Center

9:15 a.m. Family Lent Event - Banquet Hall A&B, Gym

9:15 a.m. Youth Sunday School Class - RM 212

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

11:30 a.m. Brave Women of Faith - Meet at Brunch & Brew Cafe on Northfield

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

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

4:00 p.m. Cornerstone Valentine's Party - Narthex/Kitchen

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

5:00 p.m. Chancel Ringers - RM 1117


Monday, February 16

Office Closed - Presidents' Day

Preschool Closed - Presidents' Day

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

12:00 p.m. Youth Service Day - Van 2018

5:30 p.m. Cub Scouts - Banquet Hall/Rec Center/Youth Center/Kitchen/Select Classrooms

5:30 p.m. Big Book Group - RM 503/505

6:00 p.m. Sanctuary Ringers - RM 1117


Tuesday, February 17

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

9:40 a.m. Preschool Chapel - Sanctuary

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

5:00 p.m. Girl Scout Troop #2408 Meeting - RM 212


Wednesday, February 18

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

5:00 p.m. WNT Dinner - Banquet Hall

6:00 p.m. Ash Wednesday Worship - Sanctuary

7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir - RM 1119
 
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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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