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

"The Messenger" Online Newsletter

February 12, 2025

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From the Director of Children's Ministries...

Dear St. Mark’s Family,

In the United Methodist Church, each time a child is baptized, the congregation makes a sacred promise: to surround that child with love, guidance, and support so they may grow in faith and become disciples of Christ. This vow is not just a formality, it is a calling to nurture and support the children and families entrusted to our care. It is also a calling to recognize and affirm the sacred worth of children as full participants in God’s kingdom.

How Can We Live Out This Commitment?

Being Present: By prioritizing the voices and experiences of children in our worship and community life, we affirm their vital role in the body of Christ. How can we create space for children to lead and shape our faith community?
Teaching and Mentorship: Discipling children is not about simply imparting knowledge but about walking alongside them in mutual learning and growth. How can we cultivate relationships that honor the spiritual insights of children?
Prayer and Encouragement: Children are not just recipients of our prayers but also offer powerful prayers themselves. How might we invite and encourage their prayers for the church and the world?
Creating a Safe and Nurturing Environment: A high theological view of children demands that we protect and uplift them, ensuring their full inclusion and dignity. What barriers might exist in our church that prevent children from fully belonging?
Supporting Parents and Caregivers: Recognizing that parenting is a sacred vocation, the church is called to stand beside families and equip them for the holy work of raising children. How can we create a communal approach to raising and discipling children while also supporting families as they do this hard and holy work?

Thank you for the many ways you already affirm the sacred worth of children in our church community, by listening to their voices, empowering their leadership, and embracing them as co-laborers in God’s kingdom. As we reflect on our baptismal vows, may we continue to nurture and learn from our children, ensuring they always know they are not only loved but also essential to the body of Christ. Your dedication to this sacred calling is a blessing to our entire church family.

Grace & Peace,

Hannah Pratt

Director of Children’s Ministries

Thank you to all who signed up to attend the Valentine's Day Dinner! The dinner will be in the Rec Center at St. Mark's. We recommend entering via door 10 by the banquet hall, across from the playground. If you've not yet paid, there will be a station to pay at the Rec Center doors. 6-7 p.m. will be the dinner hour and 7-8 p.m. will include live entertainment! Volunteers to help set up, serve, and reset the room after the event would be very welcome!

Light to the Nations

The season of Epiphany is all about light and revelation. It celebrates how Jesus was revealed to the world as God's Son and as Savior for all people, not just a specific group. That's why our Epiphany Sermon Series is entitled "A Light to the Nations."

The word "Epiphany" means "a sudden realization" or "aha moment," and during this season, we will celebrate how Jesus came to bring hope and light to everyone. We'll also be invited to share the light of Christ with the world.

Upcoming Sermon Texts

Feb 16: Luke 6:17-26

Feb 23: Luke 6:27-38

Mar 2: Luke 9:28-43

Wednesday Night Together

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.

Upcoming Menu: 2/19

Baked Spaghetti, Roasted Zucchini, Garlic Bread, Salad Bar, & Dessert

The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts! - February 12, Room 403.

Discover a simple and effective way to strengthen your connections, so you, your heart, and your loved ones can experience greater joy and harmony in all of your relationships. Led by Rev. Tommy Ward.

Heart Health and More! February 12, 19, and 26

Are you doing all you can to care for your body and physical health? These sessions will help!

2/12 Heart Health for All Ages – Dr. Abu, Cardiologist, Room 402/404

2/19 Dreading Dementia – Dr. Paul Foster, Neurophysiologist, Room

2/26 Have a Heart – Join the Heart of Tennessee Chapter of the Red Cross to learn what Hands-Only CPR is and how to administer it. We will also complete a service project for the Red Cross. In Room 503/505.

Books of Faith: The Gospel of Matthew Join the conversation as we open the scriptures and dig deeper into the Gospels, beginning February 2^nd and continuing for 8 sessions. Led by St. Mark’s retired clergy in Room 405. Books available for $10 each.

A HEART FOR GOD February 19 & 26 How do we understand the sacraments of Baptism and Communion in the United Methodist tradition, and how do they affect our discipleship? Led by St. Mark’s clergy in Room 403.

News!

Information Meeting for 2026 Adult Mission Trip

Relief work goes on year-round at the historic United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) Depot in Sager Brown, Louisiana, where most anyone of any age or ability can contribute directly to disaster response around the globe. The work includes processing and shipping donated relief supplies including flood buckets and relief kits, repairing homes, serving in a women’s shelter or Food Bank, and tutoring young children.

Information about a trip in early 2026 will be shared Thursday, February 20th in Room 402/404 with Rev. Gary Wedgewood and Rev. Martha Touchton. Any persons interested in this mission trip are encouraged to attend!

Youth Dinner Sign Ups

Hello! Our youth meet on Sunday nights from 5-7 for youth group almost every Sunday. We eat with one another, fellowship and have fun with one another, and grow closer to God with one another. If you would be willing, we need folks to help us with food! I have created a sign-up genius with the dates food is needed. This is a great practice for anyone to do solo, or for families and Sunday School classes to be a part of! Thank you all so much!

Blessings and Peace,

David Cowan

Upcoming Dates Needed:

3/2, 3/9, 3/23

Project Transformation Summer Intern Applications

Apply here!

Cedar Crest Camp Hiring Young Adults for Summer 2025

If you know a young person looking for a job that will be faith-focused, fun, and relationship-centered, ask them to consider applying to work with Cedar Crest! Positions are open for those who have finished their junior year of high school to college graduates.

Contact Audrey Jordan at

audrey.jordan@twkumc.org for more information. Here is the link to the application: Cedar Crest Camp Summer 2025 Staff Application

Apply here, young persons!

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!

Books of Faith Studies Now In Session!

Join the conversation as we open the scriptures and dig deeper into the Gospels, beginning with Matthew and continuing for 8 sessions. This focused study will allow time to savor and enjoy the stories of Jesus and his disciples more fully.

Each study offers a guide for reading a few chapters of the Gospel each week and continues the devotional focus enjoyed with The Grand Sweep. Books are available for $10 each; see Rev. Touchton. To participate as a reader or join a study group, email martha@stmarkstn.org.

Groups currently meeting weekly include:

Sundays, 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. led by Rev. Martha Touchton in Room 504
Wednesdays, 6:00 – 7:00 p.m. led by our retired clergy in Room 405
Fridays, 10:00 – 11:00 a.m. led by Claudia Hunter in Room 503/505

SAGES News

Last week we lost Joyce Vaughn, a valued member of our Sages team. We continue to grieve her passing with deep appreciation for Joyce’s contributions to the Sages ministry and the spirit with which she participated.

The Sages Valentine Party will be Friday, February 14 at 11:30 AM, in the Banquet Hall. This will be a very special day with the food catered by Slick Pig.

The Alzheimer’s/Dementia Support Group will meet Thursday, Feb 27 at 1:30. That meeting is in Room 503-505.

Some of the upcoming SAGES activities include a visit to the Scarritt-Bennett Center in Nashville and “Helen On The Green” in McMinnville, as well as the Amish store in Morrison, Tennessee. Sign up to go either in the Narthex or the church office. Look for the book!

The next meeting of the Sages’ Ministry Team will be March 10 at 9:30 am.

Well-known Murfreesboro cardiologist, Dr. Abu, will be here on Wednesday evening, February 12, to share with us a topic of concern to us all, “Heart Health.” That will be a 6 PM.

Mission Team Updates

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 2 (one bouquet)

March 9 (one or both bouquets)

March 23 (one or both bouquets)

March 30 (one or both bouquets)

Several more 2025 dates are available. Call the church office at 615-893-3455 for more information.

Upcoming Calendar

Wednesday, February 12

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

5:00 p.m. Wednesday Night Together Dinner - Banquet Hall

6:00 p.m. Heart Health for All Ages – Dr. Abu, Cardiologist, RM 402/404

6:00 p.m. The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love that Lasts - Rev. Tommy Ward, RM 403

6:00 p.m. Youth Bible Study - Library

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

Thursday, February 13

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

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

10:30 a.m. Knitting - RM 503/505

4:30 p.m. DKG Meeting - RM 501

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

Friday, February 14

Preschool Closed - Professional Development

Bible Study - RM 503/505

11:30 SAGES Valentine's Day Luncheon - Narthex

6 p.m. Valentine's Day Dinner - Banquet Hall/Kitchen/Rec Center/Sanctuary

7:00 p.m. 18-week Big Book Study

Saturday, February 15

11:00 a.m. Scouts Blue and Gold Ceremony - Rec Center/Banquet Halls/Youth Center

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

Sunday, February 16

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

11:30 a.m. Brave Women of Faith - McAllister's on Medical Center

11:30 a.m. Children's Choir Rehearsal - Sanctuary Front Pew

12:00 p.m. Family Ministry Team Meeting - Library

2:00 p.m. Council on Ministries Meeting - Banquet Hall

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

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

4:15 p.m. SONlight Youth Choir - Choir Room 1119

5:00 p.m. Chancel Ringers - Music Room 1117

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

Monday, February 17

Office Closed - Presidents' Day

Preschool Closed - Presidents' Day

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

4:30 p.m. Cub Scouts - Banquet Hall/Rec Center/Youth Center

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

Tuesday, February 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

Wednesday, February 19

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

5:00 p.m. Wednesday Night Together Dinner - Banquet Hall

6:00 p.m. Dreading Dementia - Dr. Paul Foster, Neurophysiologist

6:00 p.m. A Heart for God - St. Mark's clergy, RM 403

6:00 p.m. Youth Bible Study - Library

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

Thursday, February 20

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

10:30 a.m. Knitting - RM 503/505

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

Friday, February 21

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

5:00 p.m. United Conference Youth Event - Van 2018

7:00 p.m. 18-week Big Book Study

Saturday, February 22

United Conference Youth Event - Van 2018

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

5:00 p.m. G.L.O.W. Kids Lock-in - Rec Center/Banquet Hall/Kitchen

5:00 p.m. Little Lights Make Valentines & Deliver to The Rutherford - Banquet Hall/Van 2018

Sunday, February 23

12:00 p.m. United Conference Youth Event Return - Van 2018