"The Messenger"
Online Newsletter
February 13, 2018
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From the Pastor
Sunday, January 28th, 25 members and friends of St. Mark's gathered at our warehouse to sort and sack 4000 pounds of sweet potatoes for hungry people in rural eastern Kentucky. Older adults, young people and even a child were hard at work to provide for others. A few days later, Paul Givens and Bill Campbell delivered the trailer full of potatoes to the Red Bird Mission where those in need were already lined up waiting for them.
The people of St. Mark's have been in ministry with Red Bird Mission for many, many years. The mission is part of the southeastern conference of the United Methodist Church which also includes Middle Tennessee. However our main motivation behind our ministry with the mission is to respond to Jesus' words to feed the hungry and lift up the downtrodden.
Sometimes a bag of potatoes is more than a bag of potatoes. Sometimes a simple gift of food can be an expression of love from the one who lifts up us all. Thank you to all who volunteered on the 28th and for everyone who shines the light of Jesus Christ here at St. Mark's. You really are making a difference!
With Much Appreciation,
Craig
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Feb. 18 The Uncertainty
of Faith
Feb. 25 The Uncertainty
of Forgiveness
Mar. 4 The Uncertainty
of Worry
Mar. 11 The Uncertainty
of Mortality
Mar. 18 The Uncertainty of Surrender
Mar. 25 The Uncertainty of Obedience
You are invited to engage life's uncertainties with courage and faith.
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SAGES News
The monthly meeting of the SAGES' Ministry Team was held at 9:30 A.M. on February 12 in Room 503/505. The SAGES worked on plans for the rest of 2018. You'll be hearing much from them soon.
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Family, Food, Fellowship, Faith, and Fun for the whole Family!
Wednesday Night Together offers a full menu of delicious food, warm table fellowship, and wonderful classes and groups for all ages!
5:15 - 6:00 p.m. Church Family Dinner
Current WNT Brochure is HERE
Reservations due by 12:00 p.m. Monday
$6.00/Adult, $2.00/Children and MTSU Students, $20.00/Family Max
For special information about this Weeks
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We just returned from attending Warmth in Winter at the Opryland Hotel this past weekend! There were 29 youth and 4 adults who went on this trip. Three of our youth helped in leading the Warmth in Winter event; Madison Beckman, Georgia Touchton and Helen Grace Daniel.
Great job girls!! During the weekend we had fun in worship, listening to the speaker, attending short workshops and playing Gaga Ball along with other games. We can't wait to go back next year!! Some Warmth in Winter photos are available HERE.
The senior high mission trip this summer will be in Chicago for some inner city community outreach and service, along with some fun excursions in this iconic city! We still have some spots open for this exciting opportunity to help others, learn about a different culture, and grow in faith. The cost is $400 per person, with scholarships available. Talk to Tyler Neale or any of the adult volunteers if interested! For the middle school mission trip, we are finalizing details and will announce those soon!
The adult leaders will be holding a parent's meeting this Sunday, February 18th at 4:00 PM in the youth center. We will introduce the volunteer team that will be leading our outstanding youth ministry in the interim while a new leader is sought. We will also provide an overview of events for the next several months and discuss opportunities to help in this ministry. Finally, this will also be a chance to ask any questions people may have about the ministry. We should be done by 4:50 - hope to see you there!
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24 Hours That Changed the World
During Lent, you and your family are invited to deepen your Christian faith and discipleship through experiencing one of the best studies available about the events of Jesus' final days, 24 Hours That Changed the World, based on the Gospel of Mark.
Adult, Youth and Elementary Christian education classes will participate in this seven-week study series Sundays,
February 18th
- E
aster Sunday, April 1st, 9:45 - 10:45 a.m..
Also, Lori Reynolds is teaching this same study Sundays, 4:00 - 5:15 p.m. February 11 - March 25, in Room 506. Anyone is welcome, including teachers who would like to experience the study prior to teaching it on Sunday mornings!
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St. Mark's Grades 3 - 6 to Attend "Be Retreat"
St. Mark's children in Grades 3 - 6 are invited to register now for a special Spiritual Life Retreat! We'll join other 3rd through 6th graders from across the Tennessee Conference Saturday and Sunday, March 10-11, 2018 at Beersheba Springs Assembly. Transportation will be provided. At least one parent from St. Mark's must attend with Rev. Touchton in order for the group to be able to attend the retreat.
Registration fee is $65.00 for students.
CLICK HERE
to register.
Learning and worship sessions will be led by high school and middle school youth who serve on the NEXT GEN Conference Council on Youth Ministry, including several members of St. Mark's UMC. The music, the messages, the fellowship, and more will all be facilitated for the 3rd through 6th graders by this dedicated group of youth disciples.
For more information about the retreat or to reserve your place on St. Mark's bus, contact Rev. Martha Touchton.
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February is Love Your Library Month!!!
The entire month of February is dedicated libraries of all sizes, books of all kinds and the people who love to read. There are three ways you can help celebrate St. Mark's library.
Read all about it HERE.
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Thank you for your contributions to T
he LOVE Movement Offering
collected at the Tennessee Conference Next Gen event, "Warmth in Winter," February 9-11 at Opryland Hotel, in memory of Adam Love. St. Mark's offering totaled $4000.
The purpose of The LOVE Movement is to provide seed grants to youth and young adults who want to love their neighbor, no matter what, just like Adam did. This seed grant will be administered by the Tennessee Conference Next Gen Ministries, and will be given to start a movement of LOVE by young people for their neighbors in the community where they live and/or where their church is located.
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St. Mark's Preschool Fall 2018 Registration
St. Mark's members have the opportunity to register for Preschool on Tuesday, March 6 from 8:00 to 9:30 a.m. Check the
preschool link on the church website for specific information regarding ages and classes offered, or call Sherrie Gilliam, preschool director, at (615) 895-1803.
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In Other News...
The Dementia/Alzheimer's Support Group for Caregivers will meet Thursday, January 25th at 1:30 p.m. in Room 1203. Our guest will be Molli Craddock, Director of Development at Branches Counseling Center. Molli is an ordained minister and has experience caring for nursing home patients. She will be discussing/reviewing the book
No Act of Love Is Ever Wasted, The Spirituality of Caring for Persons with Dementia. Plan to attend and bring a friend.
Golf Tournament
- Our spring golf tournament will be held at Old Fort Golf Course on April 14.
Mission Team News is
HERE
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