The newsletter for St. Mark's UMC in Murfreesboro, TN | | "The Messenger" Online Newsletter | | |
Sisters & Brothers,
I would like to update you on our transition to Murfreesboro. First, the gifts, many volunteers, and staff of St. Mark’s are making this transition smooth and heartwarming. We cannot thank you enough for the outpouring of love we are experiencing.
The Lord willing, we will move out of our home in Tullahoma on Friday, July 24. Thanks to warm invitations, we have a place to stay. We then close on our Tullahoma home Tuesday, July 28, and we close on our new Murfreesboro home July 30. If all goes well, we will be Murfreesboro residents by the end of this month. We still have much to do with moving out, storage, moving in, et cetera. We also have those tasks of ending utilities and establishing new utilities and so on. I am so thankful for the wonderful staff and volunteers; they are keeping things in good order as I work through these necessary items. Becky and I look forward to getting settled in Murfreesboro and engaging in the many activities and ministries of St. Mark’s.
Becky and I continue to ask for your prayers as we move through this transition. Lord willing, we will bring this transition to a close soon. We are ready to do just that!
God bless,
Rick
| Sermon Series continuing this Sunday | |
Following Jesus
July 19 — Doing No Harm (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43)
July 26 — Staying in Love with God (Romans 8:26-39)
| Upcoming Series for August | | |
Staying Connected — You Give Them Something
August 2: Matthew 14:13-21 (Taste and See...The Lord is Good)
August 9: Matthew 14:22-33 (Put Yourself Out There)
August 16: Psalm 133 (Unity — How Good)
August 23: Matthew 16:13-20 (The Keys of the Kingdom)
August 30: Romans 12:9-21 (The Devil Made Me Do It)
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The Next Chapter - Investing in St. Mark's Future
For years, the St. Mark's community has faithfully answered God's call to worship, serve, and care for our neighbors. Every ministry we celebrate, from caring for children and youth, to supporting missions and caring for those in need, is made possible through the grace of God and the generosity and commitment of this congregation. As we look to the future, we have an opportunity to build upon that legacy in a meaningful way.
Retiring our remaining mortgage is about much more than paying off a loan. It is about freeing resources so they can be invested where they matter most, in ministry, mission, and the people God calls us to serve. Each month, more than $9,000 is dedicated to mortgage payments. Imagine the impact those resources could have when directed toward expanding ministries, caring for our facilities, responding to emerging needs in our community, and strengthening the mission of St. Mark's for years to come.
Recently, our mortgage interest rate adjusted from 3% to 6.5%. Paying off the remaining balance would save St. Mark's approximately $156,000 in future interest expense over the life of the loan. Those are dollars that could remain here, supporting ministry, serving our neighbors, and helping us continue to be the hands and feet of Christ.
Becoming debt-free would also strengthen our ability to care for the church campus that serves our members, visitors, and community. As our buildings continue to age, routine maintenance and capital improvements become increasingly important. A stronger financial position allows us to address these needs proactively while remaining prepared for new opportunities God may place before us.
Most importantly, retiring the mortgage is an investment in the future of St. Mark's. It is a way of ensuring that future generations inherit a church that is financially healthy, mission-focused, and ready to continue sharing Christ's love throughout our community. It is one more way we can faithfully build upon the foundation laid by those who came before us and leave a legacy that will bless those who follow.
Together, we have the opportunity to eliminate the debt, free resources for ministry, and sustain the vision God has for St. Mark's. We invite you to prayerfully consider a gift beyond your regular giving to help us retire the debt and open the next chapter of ministry at St. Mark’s. Please be sure to note “Building Fund” on any gifts designated for debt retirement.
With Gratitude,
Skip Ruzicka
Finance Team Leader
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Thursday Women's Bible Study
Thursdays, 9:00 - 11:00 a.m.
An 8-week study beginning August 13th. All women welcome! Led by Patti Daws in Room 1203. Please order your own book!
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GriefShare
Almost everyone knows someone going through grief: it might be a friend or a family member, a neighbor, a coworker, or it might be you. GriefShare can help.
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, a deeply caring individuals who has experienced grief and wants 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 9th. A brief orientation meeting will be held Sunday, August 2nd, 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 504. Limit 10 participants, open to the public. A materials fee of $20.00 is payable to St. Mark’s UMC by Sunday, August 2nd; 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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MTSU Wesley Pickleball Tournament
Wesley of MT is sponsoring its 3rd annual Pickleball Tournament on August 15, 2026. This recreational tournament has two divisions: "Just for the Fun of It" or "We're a little more competitive". Play begins at 9:30am at St. Mark's UMC. The cost is $50 per team. Please check the website at www.wesleyfoundationmt.org/pickleball-tournament for more information and to register.
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St. Mark's Name Tags
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 form linked below.
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What's On Your Mind?
As we plan for upcoming ministries, your church staff would like to hear about what’s on your mind and heart so we can respond to your needs more effectively.
You’re invited to respond to this brief questionnaire:
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New Pastor Meet & Greet!
Children & Youth Families are invited to a special Dinner & Game Night with Rev. Rickey and Mrs. Becky on Wednesday, July 22, from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at 2123 Shannon Drive.
The main course will be provided. Please bring a side dish to share. Childcare will also be available.
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St. Mark's Young Adult Classes Merge for the Summer
In light of busy summer travel schedules, the College, Young Adults, and Walking in Faith Classes have decided to merge for the remainder of the summer. All are invited to explore current issues of faith and life and grow together in the discipleship of Jesus Christ. The class is led by Trish Clark and Beth Morris and meets in Room 501. Contact Rev. Martha Touchton for more information.
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Milestones and Transitions: Many Thanks!!!
Thanks to all who had a hand in helping coordinate celebrations for the many milestones and transitions we have accomplished this summer, including:
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Lisa Chappell, who helped coordinate our hospitality and oversee our clergy receptions
- The Sweet Addiction, our caterer
- The United Methodist Men for their assistance with beverages, set-up, and clean-up.
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A host of other helpers who lent a hand.
May God bless St. Mark’s UMC as we continue to move forward for Christ!
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Save the Date: Love Serve Lead Day
Saturday, August 22
8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
At St. Mark's United Methodist Church, we believe that one of the best ways to demonstrate God's love is through service to our community. As part of that commitment, you are invited to join in service alongside local nonprofits, community organizations, and our own church family.
8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Serve in your chosen project. Options include:
- Family-friendly projects where children can participate alongside parents
- Seated or low-mobility projects especially for persons with physical limitations
- Hands-on or physically active projects for volunteers who enjoy outdoor work or more strenuous service opportunities
- Project sites include the MTSU Wesley, Nourish Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, Reeves Rogers, The Journey Home, and some of St. Mark's home-bound's residences, as well as the Red Cross Blood Drive.
Registration for projects will occur August 2 - 16.
Nursery Care for Infants - Age 4 provided at St. Mark's UMC
Please Reserve with Hannah Underwood
12:15 p.m. Ministry Celebration Lunch served at St. Mark's
| | | Watch our newsletter, bulletin and social media outlets for more information. This event sponsored by St. Mark's UMC Mission Team and coordinated by Meg Van Patten and Rev. Martha Touchton. | | | | |
The Parkinson Support Group will meet Wednesday, July 22, at 10:30 in Room 503/505. Linda Tackett will share with us some of the spiritual implications of Parkinson. Lunch following is optional.
On July 30, the SAGES 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. Our new pastor, Rickey Wade, will join us for this outing.
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.
The Sages will meet August 8, 9:30 AM in Room 503-505.
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Preschool Hiring!
Here are the positions we have open:
We have a M-F position open in our Twos and Toddler classes.
We have a teacher position open for the MWF toddler class.
We have 4 early care teacher positions open for 7:00-9:00 a.m.
We have 5 teacher positions open from 12:30-2:00 PM.
We have a support staff position who will be in charge after 3:00 p.m. open.
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Disaster Team
We are very thankful that we have not had any tornadoes in Tennessee in the last few weeks, but that doesn’t mean that we haven’t had storms that have caused damage. Members of the St. Mark’s Disaster Team have been cutting trees all across Rutherford County. The linked pictures show work done in Rockvale, Lavergne, and Murfreesboro.
If you are interested in being a part of our Disaster Team, please contact Nat Johnson at (615)504-9249.
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Drive-Through Food Box Giveaway - 7/11/2026
Paul Givens and Karen Alexander applied last fall for a one-time $5,000 grant from Encore Ministry Foundation to be used to help St. Mark’s food ministry meet the expanding needs in the Murfreesboro community. We were notified in March of 2026 that we were going to be awarded the money.
Using the grant money and contributions from our St. Mark’s Local Food Ministry and Disaster Team, volunteers packed 288 food boxes of non-perishable food on July 7, 2026 and July 9, 2026. On July 11, 2026, St. Mark’s held the drive-through food box giveaway for the Murfreesboro community. Despite the torrential rain and heat, we were able to give away half of the boxes that day.
The remainder of the boxes will be distributed to the families of the Rutherford County Atlas Program (homeless students), the Truth Ministry (homeless individuals), recipients of the St. Mark’s Furniture Ministry, First Things First Sober Living Homes, and the St. Mark’s Local Food Box Ministry.
The Mission Team would like to thank all the volunteers who picked up the food for boxes in Lebanon, helped unload food and pack boxes, and helped distribute boxes at the drive-through!!
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St. Mark's Community Blood Drive - Filling the Need!
One of the simplest ways we can share Christ's love with our neighbors is by giving the gift of life. St. Mark's United Methodist Church, in partnership with the American Red Cross, invites you to participate in our Community Blood Drive on Saturday, August 22, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. in the Sanctuary Foyer.
Every blood donation has the potential to help save multiple lives, bringing hope to patients undergoing surgery, receiving cancer treatments, recovering from accidents, and facing other medical emergencies. We invite you to prayerfully consider being part of this important ministry of compassion and care.
Please reserve your donation time today by clicking here: https://www.redcrossblood.org/give.html/drive-results?zipSponsor=stmarksmboro
Together through this partnership with the American Red Cross, our St.Mark's family can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others.
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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:
August 30 (one bouquet)
September 20 (one or both bouquets)
October 18 (one or both bouquets)
November 1 (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, July 22
9:15 a.m. Project Transformation - Meet at Cumberland Presbyterian in Murfreesboro
3:30 p.m. Chair Yoga - RM 1203
6:00 p.m. Children & Youth Families Meet & Greet with Rev. Rickey and Becky Wade - the Mitchell's
Thursday, July 23
9:15 a.m. Project Transformation - Meet at Cumberland Presbyterian in Murfreesboro
10:00 a.m. Quilting Bee - Banquet Room/Kitchen
10:30 a.m. Knit Together - RM 503/505
6:30 p.m. ACOA Meeting - RM 1203
Friday, July 24
Office Closed Summer Fridays
10:00 a.m. Bible Study - RM 503/505
Saturday, July 25
8:30 a.m. AA Group - RM 503/505
Sunday, July 26
9:15 a.m. Christian Education
10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary
11:30 a.m. Birthday Buddies - Narthex
11:30 a.m. Call Charge Conference - Banquet Hall
2:00 p.m. Sewing Class - RM 503/505
5:00 Youth End of Summer Bash - Youth Center
Monday, July 27
10:00 a.m. Watercolor Class - Banquet Room
5:30 p.m. Big Book Group - RM 503/505
Tuesday, July 28
10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting - RM 503/505
6:00 p.m. Woodworkers - Banquet Hall
Wednesday, July 29
3:30 p.m. Chair Yoga - RM 1203
Thursday, July 30
10:30 a.m. Knit Together - RM 503/505
11:00 a.m. SAGES meet at Carrabbas - Murfreesboro
6:30 p.m. ACOA Meeting - RM 503/505
Friday, July 31
Office Closed Summer Fridays
10:00 a.m. Bible Study - RM 503/505
Saturday, August 1
7:30 a.m. UMM Meeting & Breakfast - Banquet Hall
8:30 a.m. AA Group - RM 503/505
Sunday, August 2
9:15 a.m. Christian Education
10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary
2:00 p.m. Sewing Class - RM 503/505
4:00 p.m. GriefShare - RM 504
4:00 p.m. Preschool Board Meeting - RM 405
5:00 p.m. Youth - Rec Center/Youth Center/Banquet Hall
Monday, August 3
10:00 a.m. Watercolor Class - Banquet Room B
10:00 a.m. Wings of Hope - Banquet Room A/Kitchen
5:30 p.m. Big Book Group - RM 503/505
Tuesday, August 4
9:30 a.m. Note Writers - RM 506
10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting - RM 503/505
12:30 p.m. Reeves Rogers Back to School Luncheon - Banquet Hall/Kitchen/Narthex
Wednesday, August 5
12:00 p.m. Garden Club Event - Narthex/Banquet Hall/Kitchen
3:30 p.m. Chair Yoga - RM 1203
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