The newsletter for St. Mark's UMC in Murfreesboro, TN | | "The Messenger" Online Newsletter | | From Your Minister of Adult Discipleship and Missions... | |
WELCOMING OUR NEW DEACON
This Sunday, June 28th, our worship will include a rite in celebration of the appointment of Hannah Underwood as a provisional Deacon, and immediately after worship we will share in a reception honoring her consecration.
What is a Deacon in the United Methodist Church?
Since 1996, The United Methodist Church has had two orders of ordination, Elder and Deacon. Through the office of Deacon, clergy are given authority to lead the people of God to faith in Jesus Christ, to participate in the life and work of the community, and to seek peace, justice and freedom for all people.
The work of a Deacon includes leading ministries within the Church that help everyday Christians claim the faith and use their own gifts, in addition to connecting the needs of the world with the ministries of the church and leading the church beyond it walls into ministry to and with our neighborhoods and communities through ministries of Word, Service, Justice, and Compassion. Watch this video for more information about the Ministry of a Deacon and its 30-year anniversary.
It is the joy and privilege of my life to serve as a Deacon, and I am thrilled to see Hannah move forward as she responds to God’s call on her life. I pray St. Mark’s will continue to support and uphold Hannah as she moves forward in the process of ordination.
Peace,
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What is next for Hannah?
Hannah has completed education requirements, was recently consecrated by the Tennessee/Western Kentucky Conference, and is now in a three-year residency program along with several other provisional Elders and Deacons. Just like a physician’s residency confers the title of Dr., Hannah now has the title of “Reverend,” and most of the privileges and responsibilities of a Deacon, including administering the sacraments and officiating weddings and funerals. Hannah may wear a robe in worship but not a stole, as the stole is the symbol of ordination, not the robe.
During the provisional period, Deacons and Elders serve under appointment by the bishop and are under the supervision of their District Superintendent, like all clergy. To be approved for ordination, all provisional clergy must demonstrate fruitful ministry and give evidence of that fruitfulness through the preparation of a major project demonstrating their ability to carry out the church’s mission of ‘making disciples of Jesus Christ for the transformation of the world.’
As a resident, Hannah will participate in a covenant group that helps provisional clergy clarify their sense of call and learn from their ministry experiences in preparation for the ordination examination. Residency also helps ministers establish rhythms of sabbath rest, prayer, and personal health that are an important foundation to lifelong ministry. Once Hannah completes all the requirements of residency, she will be ordained as a Deacon in Full Connection.
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Thank You from Rev. Hannah
Thank you for your generous gifts toward my graduation and Commissioning. Your support means more than I can say. It is a rare and beautiful thing for a church to walk with someone from being a 17-year-old children’s assistant all the way to becoming a pastor, and I am deeply grateful that you have been part of that journey. Thank you for your encouragement, prayers, generosity, and love along the way.
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Mission Team Needs YOUR HELP for a food box drive-through!
On July 11, 2026, St. Mark’s Mission Team will be conducting another drive-through food box giveaway for Rutherford County, funded by St. Mark’s Disaster Team and St. Mark’s Local Food Box Ministry.
What can you do to help?
We will need volunteers for the following dates:
Tuesday, July 7, 2026 & Thursday, July 9, 2026
- Total of 288 boxes
9:30 am-12:30 pm - Volunteers to ride to Lebanon to help pick up food.
12:30 pm-3:30 pm - Volunteers to help unload food at the warehouse and prepare food for volunteers who will pack food boxes. Volunteers to move boxes to other side of warehouse.
Saturday, July 11, 2026
8:00 am-11:00 am - Volunteers needed to direct traffic, move boxes from warehouse outside, and put boxes into cars.
If you are unable to physically help, financial donations can be made to St.Mark’s Disaster or Local Food Box Ministry. If you are interested in helping, please text/call Karen Alexander at 615-477-4244.
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VBS is This Week!
Please pray for our leaders, helpers, and children throughout the week of VBS as we seek God’s guidance, help, and strength. Thank you to those who have donated funds, prayed for VBS, invited children, and volunteered their time and gifts. This would not be possible without YOU!
End of VBS Celebration
We will host our "Frozen Finale" at 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, June 25th! Food trucks will be available for individuals to purchase food (cash and cards accepted). We will also have a free foam party, inflatables, and more! Bring a towel! Join us at 6:30 p.m. for our VBS celebration featuring music by our VBS kids and a special VBS video in the gym.
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2026 VBS Mission
Throughout VBS, we will highlight and support the Murfreesboro Cold Patrol. This non-profit works year-round to support vulnerable neighbors living outdoors by connecting them with essential resources, care, treatment, and pathways toward stable housing. St. Mark's is excited to support their mission through our VBS mission and June coin offering!
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GriefShare
13 Sessions on Sundays, 4 - 6 p.m.
Beginning August 9th at St. Mark's UMC. $20 Materials Fee, Assistance Available. Orientation Sunday, August 2, 4 - 5 p.m. For the registration link, email martha@stmarkstn.org.
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St. Mark's Name Tags
Learning and using one another's names is a valuable way to build connections and show our love for our neighbors. This is why we provide name tags for our church family to wear at church events.
It may also help our new pastor as he puts names to faces during his transition!
If you want a name tag or need an updated one, please do one of the following: visit the welcome desk, contact the office, or fill out the Shelby form linked below.
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Save the Date!
Children and Youth families will have an opportunity to share a meal and meet our new senior pastor and his wife, Rev. Rickey and Becky Wade! July 22nd at 6:00 p.m. Nursery care will be available. Stay tuned for more information!
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Prayer Garden Blooms
The Prayer Garden flowers are blooming beautifully. Be sure to visit them and enjoy. Many thanks to our volunteer gardeners!
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Churchwide Potluck Brunch
Sunday, July 5th, 9:15 - 10:15 a.m. (in lieu of Christian Education). Please bring a family-sized dish to share. Coffee, Juice, and Milk provided.
Wear your Red, White, and Blue! Helpers Needed in the Kitchen at 8:30 a.m.
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The Orchard
Younger Adults, including current and recently graduated undergraduate and graduate students and early career folks, gather to explore current issues of faith and life, and grow together. The Orchard is a place to be nurtured, to grow in faith, and to bear fruit; all are welcome! This class is led by Trish Clark and meets in Room 502. Contact David Cowan (615) 893-3455 for more information.
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Welcoming Rev. Rickey Wade
Experiencing a change in lead pastors is a significant event in the life of any congregation; the Staff/Parish Team, church staff, and many lay people are working together to make this pastoral transition as smooth as possible. You are invited to join in as we welcome Rev. Wade and his family into our church family. Here are a few things you can do in the coming weeks to be an instrument of God’s grace in this time:
1) Pray. Pray for Rev. Rickey Wade, his wife Becky, and their family as they prepare to come to St. Mark’s. Please continue to pray for Tommy, Hillary, and Liliana as they prepare for ministry in a new setting and especially pray that their house will sell soon. Finally, pray for and encourage our staff as they go through this time of change. Together, we can trust that God will work through the decisions and processes of this transition in the best way possible.
2) Lend a hand. If you are willing to lend a hand at one of the special events happening in the coming weeks, please volunteer to Lisa Chappell or Rev. Touchton. Be listening for additional opportunities to help Rev. Wade as he moves into his new office space.
3) Give a gift card. You are invited to give a gift card to your favorite a local restaurant or other local business to welcome Rev. Wade. We will have a basket at his reception to receive your cards.
4) Plan to attend the Welcome Reception for Rev. Rickey and Becky Wade Sunday, July 12th, after worship. During this reception, there will be some creative opportunities for you and your family to help Rev. Ward and his family feel welcome in our church and community. This will be a special time you won’t want to miss!
Thank you for all you have already done to give your love and support to our pastors and staff. As we continue to move through this time of change, let’s join together to make it a fruitful time full of love and grace.
Josh Brown, Chair
St. Mark’s UMC Pastor/Parish Relations Team
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Milestones and Transitions
In the coming months, many milestones and changes are happening in the life of the St. Mark’s family, and the staff wants you to be prepared and participating as we celebrate each one together. Be sure and mark your calendar with the dates given below, and watch St. Mark’s various media so you can be fully engaged in all that is ahead. In the meantime, please be in prayer for each person and situation involved, as well as our church as a whole.
As we prepare for each of these special events, helping hands are needed. If you are willing to assist with any of the celebrations listed below, please volunteer to Rev. Martha at martha@stmarkstn.org.
May God bless St. Mark’s UMC in the days and weeks ahead!
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Save These Dates:
Sunday, June 28th – Reception and Celebration in honor of the commissioning of Hannah Underwood
Sunday, July 5th – Churchwide Potluck Brunch, 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. in lieu of Christian Education
Sunday, July 12th – Rev. Rickey Wade’s first Sunday preaching at St. Mark’s UMC, Reception following.
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The Parkinson Support Group will meet Wednesday, June 24 at 10:30 in Room 1203. Our guest present will be Dietician, Stella Hickson.
The Sages had a wonderful outing to Five Chefs Restaurant in Portland last week. Thanks to all who were a part of that adventure.
The Sages will meet July 13, 9:30 AM in Room 503-505. Patti Brison will be there giving us flower arranging tips.
July 30 we will stay in town and have lunch at Carrabas at 11:00. There will no bus. But rides will be provided if you need one - see Cindy or Connie.
And remember, each Monday SAGES deliver the Sunday altar flowers to our homebound and nursing home residents.
Our Communion Teams are scheduled to share communion with our homebound friends next on Sunday, August 2 or sometime during the following week.
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Summer Mission Trip
- Give financial assistance for our missionaries and projects
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Donate new packs of disposable diapers, baby food, sewing machines; and gently used fabric, children books, and shoes for all ages, all for distribution at Henderson Settlement. These donations are due Wednesday, July 1st and should be placed in the Narthex donation bins.
- Pray for these people as they prepare to be in mission:
YOUTH
Kyle Anderson
Sylvia Anderson
Connor Cahill
Brystol Christopher
Rachel Jones
Zoe Wright
ADULTS
Trish Clark
Cathy Cowan
David Cowan
Debb Hobbs
Butler Touchton
Martha Touchton
Hannah Underwood
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Red Bird Celebration of Life for Paul Givens on Thursday, July 2, 2026
Red Bird Mission will be hosting their Celebration of Life for Paul Givens on July 2, 2026 from 2:30-4:00 pm (Eastern Standard Time). The service will be held in the Cardinal House at Red Bird Mission, located at 70 Queendale Center, Beverly, KY 40913.
The service will be streamed live on Red Bird Mission’s Facebook page. Please contact Karen Alexander with any questions at 615-477-4244.
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Support the Mission Through Faithful Summer Giving
At St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, our mission of Making Disciples of Jesus Christ continues throughout every season of the year. Even during the slower pace of summer, the ministry of the church remains active through worship, children and youth programs, missions, pastoral care, and ongoing outreach to our community. While schedules change and many families travel during the summer months, the work of the church continues week after week.
Summer often brings a decline in attendance and giving, yet the financial responsibilities of the church remain steady. Ministry programs, mission commitments, staffing, and facility operations continue regardless of the season. Faithful giving during the summer helps ensure that St. Mark’s remains strong, stable, and fully engaged in serving others both within our congregation and throughout the community.
One of the easiest and most convenient ways to continue supporting the mission of the church while away is through our secure electronic giving system. Included are simple instructions for setting up a personal account, along with information outlining the many flexible ways financial gifts may be shared through St. Mark’s. If you have questions or would like assistance finding the giving option that works best for your situation, please contact Buddy Howell in the church office.
Thank you for your continued generosity and for the many ways you help sustain the life, ministry, and mission of St. Mark’s throughout the year!
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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:
July 26 (one or both bouquets)
August 16 (one or both bouquets)
August 30 (one bouquet)
September 20 (one or both bouquets)
Several more 2026 dates are available. Call the church office at 615-893-3455 for more information.
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Upcoming Calendar
Wednesday, June 24
Snowball Mountain Challenge VBS - All Rooms, Van 2018
10:30 a.m. Parkinson's Support Group - RM 1203/parking in sanctuary loop
7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir - RM 1119
Thursday, June 25
Snowball Mountain Challenge VBS - All Rooms, Van 2018
10:30 a.m. Knit Together - RM 503/505
5:00 p.m. VBS Closing Celebration - Preschool Circle/Gym/Banquet Hall
6:30 p.m. ACOA Meeting - RM 1203
Friday, June 26
10:00 a.m. Bible Study - RM 503/505
5:30 p.m. MT Triathlon Club - Parking Lot
Saturday, June 27
8:30 a.m. AA Group - RM 503/505
Sunday, June 28
9:15 a.m. Christian Education
10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary
11:30 a.m. Birthday Buddies
11:30 a.m. Reception and Celebration for Rev. Hannah Underwood's commissioning - Narthex
2:00 p.m. Sewing Class - RM 503/505
5:00 p.m. Youth Board Game/Video Game Night - Youth Center
Monday, June 29
10:00 a.m. Watercolor Class - Banquet Room
5:30 p.m. Big Book Group - RM 503/505
Tuesday, June 30
9:30 a.m. Note Writers - RM 506
10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting - RM 503/505
6:00 p.m. Woodworkers - Banquet Hall
Wednesday, July 1
1:30 p.m. Youth Day at Go Fun USA - Van 2018
3:30 p.m. Chair Yoga - RM 1203
Thursday, July 2
10:30 a.m. Knit Together - RM 503/505
1:30 p.m. Red Bird Mission's Memorial Service for Paul Givens - livestreamed on Red Bird Mission's Facebook Page
6:30 p.m. ACOA Meeting - RM 503/505
Friday, July 3
Office Closed - Independence Day observed
Saturday, July 4
7:30 a.m. UMM Meeting & Breakfast - Banquet Room
8:30 a.m. AA Group - RM 503/505
Sunday, July 5
9:15 a.m. Churchwide Potluck Brunch - Banquet Hall
10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary
11:30 a.m. Henderson Settlement Mission Trip - Wesley Van
2:00 p.m. Sewing Class - RM 503/505
Monday, July 6
Henderson Settlement Mission Trip - Wesley Van
10:00 a.m. Watercolor Class - Banquet Room B
10:00 a.m. Banquet Room A/Kitchen
5:30 p.m. Big Book Group - RM 503/505
Tuesday, July 7
Henderson Settlement Mission Trip - Wesley Van
2:00 p.m. Staff Meeting - RM 503/505
Wednesday, July 8
Henderson Settlement Mission Trip - Wesley Van
3:30 p.m. Chair Yoga - RM 1203
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