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

"The Messenger" Online Newsletter

August 2, 2026

Visit our Website

Prayer List

Event Calendar

Past Sermons

Adult Ministry News

Student Ministry News

Children's Ministry News

From Your Pastor...

Sisters & Brothers,


It is official, Becky and I have moved to Murfreesboro, sort of! That is all of our belongings are in one place at 2525 Hollis Dr. That is not to say we are all moved in – we have a path through the boxes, and we continue to look for this item or that. Just this morning, as I was leaving, Becky exclaimed, “I found my lamp!” We have been looking for the lamp that goes on her bedside table for two days. Oh, the joys of moving; it is like Christmas in July (or August in this case). We continue to look for things we know are there somewhere, and we are finding things we forgot we owned – those things are new to us all over again.


All of this discovery is like watching an old movie that you last saw twenty years ago, and you are surprised by the ending once more. However, it is also like that wonderful experience of reading a familiar verse of Scripture and God speaks through that verse in a new and meaningful way. It never ceases to amaze me how I can read the Word (maybe for the 1000th time) and it comes to me with fresh insights. As we grow in Christ and move through this life of sanctification and on to perfection (remember, we Methodist believe in moving on to perfection), the movement of time opens new doors, brings new meaning, and positions us to hear God afresh. In this way, moving is good and change is what allows us to grow.


May God speak to each of you afresh in the coming days!


God bless,

Rick

Sermon Series continuing this Sunday

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)


This week, August 9, we will talk about taking risks for the cause of Christ and what it means to step out onto the tumultuous waves and raging sea of life. The following week will be a bit of a surprise – we will take a bit of a risk (nothing too out there). I pray this will draw your attention and provide just a bit of anticipation as we prepare to worship the Lord in the coming weeks! I’ll see you in church – God bless. 

News!

Choose Your Project Today!

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 and shine a light on God's love is through hands-on service to our community. To that end, St. Mark's Love ● Serve ● Lead Day, a church-wide day of service in our church and community, will take place Saturday, August 22 from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 a.m. Twenty opportunities for service to local helping agencies, ministries, and our own church members are available, including:


  • Family-friendly projects where children can participate alongside parents
  • Seated or low-mobility projects for adults with physical limitations
  • Hands-on projects for volunteers who enjoy more strenuous or outdoor work

Registration for projects will occur August 2 - 16.


8 or 9 a.m. - 12 p.m. Serve at your chosen project's time & location

Nursery Care for Infants - Age 4 provided at St. Mark's UMC

Reservations required - see Rev. Hannah Underwood

12:15 p.m. Ministry Celebration Lunch served at St. Mark's

Learn more about the projects, make your selection, and sign up today via the button below. Registration open through Sunday, August 16th.
Register for a Project!

This event sponsored by St. Mark's UMC Mission Team and coordinated by Meg Van Patten and Rev. Martha Touchton.
 

Adult Involvement Opportunities with Youth!

If you would like to be involved in anything this semester, there are a ton of ways you can volunteer. We would love to see you on a Sunday night, take you with us on a trip, or eat at your house for our progressive dinner! You are also more than welcome to sign up to provide a meal for one of our Sunday night meetings. You can bring something as an individual, as a family, or even as a Sunday school class. If you would like to volunteer in any way, please let me [David] know! And if you would like to provide a meal, you can sign up at the link below.


As always, thank you all so much for the support you offer this ministry. We can feel your prayers, your donations and your presence. We have an amazing group of young people here at St. Mark’s that is made better by your constant love and support! Please let me know if you have any questions!
Youth Dinners Sign Up

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!

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.  
Register

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.
Request a Name Tag!

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.

Little Lights and G.L.O.W. Kids Kick-off August 30th!

Little Lights

This service/fellowship group is for families with children age birth to 2nd grade. This is a family friendly group! Adults must remain with their child throughout the duration of the event. Invite a friend!


Little Lights Kick-Off-Pool Party @ 4-6 p.m. on August 30th. Pizza will be provided. Please bring a drink or dessert to share. Location TBD.

 

G.L.O.W. Kids

This service/fellowship group is for children in 3rd – 5th grade. Invite a friend!

 

G.L.O.W. Kids Kick-Off- Boat Day from 1-7 p.m. on August 30th. Please meet at the church van by 12:45. Don’t forget to pack your swimsuit, sunscreen, and a snack to share. Drinks will be provided. Thank you to Alan & Beth Morris for hosting us! 

Save the Date!

If you don't already have a copy of the 2026-2027 Children's Ministry Calendar, you can access it here. We hope your family will join us at these upcoming events!
Children's Ministry Calendar

Reeves Rogers Back-to-School School Supply Collection

Support St. Mark's neighborhood children by providing school-needed supplies. You are invited to donate the following items:


Wide-Ruled Loose-Leaf Paper

No. 2 Pencils

Glue Sticks

Colored Pencils

Wide Expo Markers

Child and Adult Scissors


All donations can be placed in the donation bins in the Narthex by Sunday, August 23rd.
 

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.
Let us know you'll donate!

SAGES News

The Parkinson Support Group will meet Wednesday, August 26, at 10:30 in Room 503/505. Thanks to Linda Tackett for leading us in a very good gathering last month. Lunch after the meeting is optional.

 

On July 30, the SAGES had a wonderful outing to Carrabas Thanks to all who attended.

 

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

 

Our Communion Teams are sharing communion with our homebound friends this week.

 

The Sages will meet August 8, 9:30 AM in Room 503-505.

Missions Updates

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!
How to Create a Giving Account
 

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:

October 18 (one or both bouquets)

November 1 (one or both bouquets)

November 15 (one bouquet)

November 22 (one bouquet)


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

Upcoming Calendar

Wednesday, August 5

12:00 p.m. Garden Club Event - Narthex/Banquet Hall/Kitchen

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


Thursday, August 6

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

6:30 p.m. ACOA Meeting - RM 1203


Friday, August 7

Office Closed Summer Fridays


Saturday, August 8

Flying Solo goes to Chattanooga Aquarium

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


Sunday, August 9

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

11:30 a.m. Flying Solo Fellowship Lunch - Meet in Narthex

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

4:00 p.m. GriefShare - RM 504

4:00 p.m. SONlight - RM 1119

5:00 p.m. Youth Messy Night - Rec Center/Youth Center/Banquet Hall


Monday, August 10

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

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

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


Tuesday, August 11

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

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

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


Wednesday, August 12

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


Thursday, August 13

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

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

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

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


Friday, August 14

Office Closed Summer Fridays


Saturday, August 15

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


Sunday, August 16

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

11:30 a.m. Brave Women of Faith - Brunch & Brew Cafe

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

4:00 p.m. GriefShare - RM 504

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

5:00 p.m. Youth - Rec Center/Youth Center/Banquet Hall


Monday, August 17

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

5:00 p.m. Cub Scouts - Banquet Hall/Rec Center/Youth Center/Kitchen/212/214/302/303

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


Tuesday, August 18

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

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

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

7:00 p.m. MTCS Envelope Stuffing - RM 503/505


Wednesday, August 19

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

7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir - RM 1119
 
Facebook  X  Instagram  YouTube

St. Mark's UMC | 615-893-3455 | www.stmarkstn.org
 

St. Mark's UMC | 1267 N. Rutherford Blvd. | Murfreesboro, TN 37130 US

Unsubscribe | Update Profile | Constant Contact Data Notice

Constant Contact