"The Messenger" Online Newsletter
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Thanksgiving Worship Service
There's a good chance that, in one way or another, COVID has changed your Thanksgiving plans this year. One thing that I pray will still be part of your celebration is an expression of gratitude to God and to the special people in your life for the way they bless you.
To help you create a space and a way for expressing thanks, we will offer a special online worship experience this afternoon at 4 pm. Don't worry; if you can't experience it in real-time, it will be archived on both our Facebook and YouTube pages for you to enjoy at a later time. Please be aware, however, that the archived version may not be immediately available; if you go to our social media sites and don't see it, just check back a little later. CLICK HERE for the Order of Worship.
Your church staff is grateful for the opportunity to serve God alongside you and we pray God's best for you at Thanksgiving and always.
Stewardship Report
We are grateful for your continued financial support of St. Mark's United Methodist Church. As of November 22, our Budgeted Needs Year to Date were $1,206,678 and we had received $1,057,541 (-137,343). It is my prayer that we will close this gap between now and the end of the year. Every gift, regardless of size, helps and is appreciated.
It is a privilege to serve God as one of your clergy.
Tommy
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November 29th is the First Sunday of Advent and we'll begin a new sermon series inspired by Amy Jill Levine's book, "Light of the World." Small groups are invited to study the book alongside the sermon series. The texts for each Sunday will be:
November 29: Luke 1:5-25, 52-79
December 6: Luke 1:26-56
December 13: Luke 2:1-40
December 20: Matthew 1:18-2:15
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SAGES News
A few years ago Karen O’Connor wrote a book entitled “Help, Lord! I’m Having A Senior Moment.” If you don’t have it, you can borrow a copy from the church.
O’Connor’s book is a reminder that, like it or not, senior moments happen. She says we might as well laugh about them and thank God for the way they add interest to our lives.
She closes the book by recognizing the challenges of old age. And here is her prayer: “Lord you have supplied all our needs in abundance even in old age” (Philippians 4:19).
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Outdoor Advent Candle Lighting
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Join in the Lighting of
St. Mark’s Outdoor Advent Candles!
Hope, Peace, Joy and Love are available to us through Jesus Christ!
Come and open your heart to welcome the Christ Child once again.
Sunday, November 29, 4:00 p.m.
1st Sunday of Advent, the Candle of Hope
Sunday, December 6, 4:00 p.m.
2nd Sunday of Advent, the Candle of Peace
Sunday, December 13, 4:00 p.m.
3rd Sunday of Advent, the Candle of Joy
Sunday, December 20, 4:00 p.m.
4th Sunday of Advent, the Candle of Love
Thursday, December 24, 4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Worship
Including the sharing of the Nativity Story, Holy Communion, Candlelight/Glow Stick Singing, and ornaments for the children
See flyer HERE for more information.
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Children have a natural sense of awe, wonder, curiosity and imagination that helps shape their spiritual lives. St. Mark’s offers a Sunday morning children’s experience via Zoom, 9:45 – 10:15 a.m., including spiritual practices, opportunities for reflection, giving children a small space to ask big questions, and helping them claim their spiritual identity as children of God. We have the best time! Check our St. Mark’s UMC Children’s Ministries Facebook page for the Zoom link every Sunday morning. See you then!
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Children’s Advent Packets on the Way!
Advent is the season that includes the four Sundays of Advent leading up to Christmas Day. Be watching your mail this week for a special Advent packet including all kinds of fun items to help you observe Advent at home:
- All About Advent Coloring Page
- Instructions for making your own home Advent wreath
- 25 Bible Verses to countdown to Christmas
- The WAY in the MANGER sticker book and poster
- Celebrate Wonder Winter Family Booklet
- Celebrate Wonder 11/29 Peaceable Kingdom Activity Pages
- Celebrate Wonder HOPE Coloring Page
Each of the following three weeks, your weekly mailing will also include a special Advent craft!
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You are Invited to Savor a
“BUFFET OF CONVERSATIONS”
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While we cannot gather in person for a shared meal and classes at Wednesday Night Together, this creative online ministry gathers adults who wish to help one another maintain connection to God, to the church, and to one another through a variety of short-term courses and activities. The schedule is as follows:
• 6:00 p.m.- Gathering in one large group: Greetings, Announcements, Prayer
• 6:15 p.m.- Groups and classes begin
• 7:10 p.m.- Groups and classes end
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“INCARNATION” ADVENT STUDY OFFERED IN DECEMBER
His parents gave him the name Jesus, but the prophets, the shepherds, the wise men, and the angels addressed him by other names. They called him Lord, Messiah, Savior, Emmanuel, Light of the World, and Word Made Flesh.
In Incarnation: Rediscovering the Significance of Christmas, best-selling author Adam Hamilton examines the names of Christ used by the gospel writers, exploring the historical and personal significance of his birth. Join us on Zoom for this 4-week Advent Study at 6:00 p.m. December 2, 9, 16 and 23. To purchase a study book, ($10) email martha@comcast.net by Wednesday, 11/18.
REGISTRATION REQUIRED!
For more information about participating in or leading a group, contact Rev. Martha Touchton at martha@stmarkstn.org.
“And let us consider each other carefully for the purpose of sparking love and good deeds. Don’t stop meeting together with other believers, which some people have gotten into the habit of doing. Instead, encourage each other, especially as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25
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Please make payments payable to
St. Mark’s UMC and designate for Poinsettia.
Bring order form and check to the church office or email and pay online. Order Deadline: Monday, December 14th. Cost: $12 per plant.
Poinsettia is ______ in memory OR ______ in honor
Of: __________________________________________________________
By:__________________________________________________________
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Season of Sharing with Reeves Rogers
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For several years, St. Mark’s individuals and families have shopped for and filled more than 200 gift bags for all Reeves Rogers children in the Kindergarten, 1st Grade and 2nd Grade classes.
Rather than asking our congregation to shop during the pandemic, the Reeves Rogers Leadership Team will purchase a few items for small gift bags to give the children. The bags will include several small, helpful things such as toothbrush and toothpaste, a pack of pencils, markers, gloves or mittens, a small toy and some candy. We will assemble 225 bags.
Monetary donations to help purchase the bags and their contents are needed. If you would make a donation in lieu of shopping, please send a check to the church with the memo “Reeves Rogers” or make an online donation at https://www.shelbygiving.com/app/giving/stmarkstn.
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Habitat for Humanity Thank You
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Thanks to All Those Who Have Served with
Habitat for Humanity This Fall!
We have had an exciting time working on the four homes currently under construction at Legacy Pointe. Due to the increase in COVID numbers, Habitat has suspended all volunteer work at this time, and will resume in 2021.
Builders:
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Scott Armstrong
Kyle Boyle
Bill Brison
Madison Causey
Kevin Clement
Luke Clement
Jan Crossett
Ken Crossett
Wes Dugan
Don Ferguson
Misty Ferguson
Molly Gilliland
Reid Henderson
Jeff Henry
Noel Hinote
Tom Hooper
Buddy Howell
Bob Ingle
Dennis Knudson
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Sandeep Kuntam
Jennifer Marlatt
Mary McAuliffe
William Mitchell
Beth Morris
Steve Poynter
Chris Reynolds
Rachel Reynolds
Claudia Sherer
Dale Slagle
Dylan Slagle
Sarah Sullivan
Caroline Van Patten
Greg Van Patten
Meg Van Patten
Garrett Pitts
Tommy Walker
Tommy Ward
Hillary Ward
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Lunch/Snack Providers:
Cornerstone Class, Dorothy and Wayne Murphy, New Horizons Class, Mixed Blessings Class, Woman to Woman Class, Pathfinders Class, Chancel Choir, Dimensions of Faith
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Response from the Conversation on Racism
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On Tuesday, July 14, 2020 a group of St. Mark’s members and friends began a Conversation on Racism via Zoom; some persons were a part of the first book study but could not continue due to time constraints; others joined in for the second book. This group has been meeting faithfully since, almost every Tuesday afternoon, and has studied two foundational books in completion:
How to be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi
White Fragility by Robin Diangelo
We have also read various articles, watched movies and listened to podcasts, Ted Talks and other media on the subject of systemic racism. Our discussions have been inspiring, heart-breaking, illuminating, theological, deeply honest, difficult, and nothing less than life-changing.
We are by no means experts at this time, nor will we ever be, but humble pilgrims on a journey of discovery. We desire to keep growing and learning and invite you to join us on this journey.
Jennifer Marlatt Greg Van Patten Lisa Chappell Beth Morris Becky Waldrop Dr. Sherry Galloway Rev. Martha Touchton
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During the past six months I have spent some time reading about race relations and racial inequality in America. I have also spent a great deal of time reflecting on my relationship to this problem. It turns out I had a lot to learn, and the biggest thing I have learned is that I still have a lot more to learn. As I have read and learned, several things have become very clear to me: (1) the problem of racial inequity is actually a set of numerous complicated and intricately intertwined problems; (2) it is very easy to not see the underlying issues if they don’t negatively affect you and you don’t deliberately look for them; (3) I don’t know all the answers, and I don’t think anyone does; and (4) fixing these problems will require many, many people to intentionally decide to act.
I plan to continue on this journey I’m on, and I believe the Church—the extended body of Christ on earth—can play a key role in progressing toward a better and more equal world. There is evidently much to be done, but I think a good starting point is getting educated about the issues, shedding light on the issues for others to see, reflecting on our faith, and asking how God wants his people to respond to these kinds of problems. The teachings of Jesus Christ can serve as a guide in this and can help us find the right path together.
Greg Van Patten
October 27, 2020
To learn more about the Conversation on Racism, or to join the conversation, email any member or martha@stmarkstn.org.
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Tuesday, November 24
Thanksgiving Service Online
6:30 p.m. Cornerstone Zoom (Claudia Sherer)
Sunday, November 29
8:30 a.m. Worship
9:45 a.m. Adult Sunday school via Zoom (Tommy Ward)
9:45 a.m. Children’s Celebrate Wonder Zoom (Martha Touchton)
4:00 p.m. Advent Candle Lighting - Outside
4:00 p.m. Woman to Woman Zoom (Claudia Hunter)
5:00 p.m. Mixed Blessings Zoom (Sherry Galloway)
5:00 p.m. Chancel Ringers
6:00 p.m. Youth
Tuesday, December 1
6:30 p.m. Cornerstone Zoom (Claudia Sherer)
Wednesday, December 2
6:00 p.m. "Buffet of Conversations" Online
Thursday, December 3
9:00 a.m. Women’s Bible Study Zoom (Patti Daws)
10:30 a.m. Knit Together - RM 503/505
7:00 p.m. New Horizons Zoom (Natalie Beckman)
Saturday, December 5
10:00 a.m. Praise Team Rehearsal
Sunday, December 6
8:30 a.m. Worship
9:45 a.m. Adult Sunday school via Zoom (Tommy Ward)
9:45 a.m. Children’s Celebrate Wonder Zoom (Martha Touchton)
4:00 p.m.Advent Candle Lighting
4:00 p.m. Woman to Woman Zoom (Claudia Hunter)
5:00 p.m. Mixed Blessings Zoom (Sherry Galloway)
5:00 p.m. Chancel Ringers
6:00 p.m. Youth
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Give Blood - Get a Shirt!
Blood Drive
North Boulevard Church of Christ
1112 North Rutherford Boulevard
Murfreesboro, TN 37130
Friday November 27, 2020
12:00 AM – 5:00 PM
All donors Receive Red Cross Long Sleeve Shirt
All Donations Tested for Covid 19 Antibodies!!!
Sign up ONLINE to donate blood.
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In Other News:
Thank You Note - During this time of Thanksgiving, our family has so much to be thankful for. We are thankful for your calls, messages, cards, food, and especially your prayers. We started out on December 23rd with 2 beautiful grandsons, Ike and James, born at 25 weeks weighing less than 2 pounds each. They remained in the NICU for 89 days. Thankfully, they are both growing and are busy little boys, trying to keep with their sweet cousin Mattie. In January, I was diagnosed with gallbladder cancer and after surgery, chemotherapy and radiation, I am happy to say that my 3 month scan was clear. We want to thank each of you for your concern and for your continued prayers as the boys development continues and as my health continues to improve. St. Mark’s is such a caring and loving Church. Our family wishes each of you a very Happy Thanksgiving!!! - Kathryn Wright
Missed a Sermon? Click HERE to go to our sermons media page.
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