"The Messenger"
Online Newsletter
August 28, 2018
|
From the Pastor
 |
|
|
Rev. Tommy Ward |
Since the Wednesday Night Together (WNT) schedule was announced, I've had several questions about the class that I'll be teaching on the Enneagram. The Enneagram is an ancient spiritual tool that allows individuals to better understand themselves, their behavior, and the motivation behind their behavior.
The Enneagram is a map in the shape of a geometric form that outlines nine fundamental personality types. Each of us falls within one of these nine types. The word Enneagram comes from the Greek ("enna" means nine and "gramos" means figure). The Enneagram is not a belief system or a religion; it's simply a tool of self-discovery that I think you'll find helpful in advancing your own spiritual journey and your relationship with others.
Of course, there are other WNT small group opportunities. My prayer is that there is something for everyone in our programming and that you plan to join us for WNT. If you have questions about any of the other offerings, please contact the church office.
I'm excited about kicking off WNT at the MTSU Wesley Foundation this Wednesday. The founder of the Methodist movement, John Wesley, is quoted as saying that the "world is our parish." It's good for us to go outside of our church to be reminded of the greater calling to see and serve others.
It is a privilege to serve God as one of your clergy. Have a blessed week.
Tommy
|
|
|
|
SAGES News
If you want to reserve a niche in the Columbarium, please check at the church office for the proper paper work. Thanks to our Columbarium Committee whose members are Bob Richardson, Mary Leigh Beers and Josh Brown. The beautiful statue in memory of Mary Huhta is now in place next to the Columbarium.
The SAGES Ministry Team will meet Wednesday, September 12 at 9:30 AM. in Room 504. Note this change from the second Monday to the second Wednesday.
Yes, thirteen members of the SAGES had a great time at the Festival of Wisdom and Grace at Lake Junaluska, NC. The worship, workshops, dramas, and fellowship were wonderful. Next year the Festival begins on August 5.
The Dementia/Alzheimer's Support group will met in Room 1203 on September 27 at 1:30 P.M.
For SAGES who would like to attend the UMM meeting it will be Saturday, September 8 at 7:30 A.M. There is breakfast and a special program by a representative from the General Church who will talk about scouting.
Adventures in Learning will be held again this year at First United Methodist Church, Murfreesboro, on the mornings of September 10, 17, 24. This year there are thirteen classes to choose from. Registration blanks are in the church office. Please register as soon as possible.
SAGES will provide the meal for the Fisher House on September 13.
The Senior Adult Conference sponsored by the Older Adult Ministry Team of the Tennessee Conference will be held again this year at St. Mark's on Tuesday, September 18. Go to tnumc.org and you will be able to register for the conference. Guests are staff and students from Martin College who will share about their outreach to the church and community. The registration fee includes lunch.
|
Our Sermon Series continues this week. We will explore the book of James in worship and Christian Education. The author of James is believed to be the brother of Jesus. It doesn't take much to believe that James may have been asked throughout his life, "Why can't you be more like your brother Jesus?" James wasn't always a disciple of his brother; in fact, scripture tells us that Jesus' family thought that he was "out of his mind." But once James became a disciple of Jesus, he wanted to be more like his brother, and he desires the same for us. Being a disciple requires hearing and doing the will of God. Join us Sundays in worship at 8:30 and 11:00 and in Christian Education at 9:45 as we explore discipleship lessons from James!
|
Our Fall programming is in full-swing now! Normal Sunday evening youth is 5:00-7:15 pm, with lots of different activities and discussion topics planned. We also will be starting Wednesday Night Together programming for the youth starting September 5th at 6:15 pm in the Youth Center. Come check out the fun and enriching activities we have planned.
We will not have Sunday night youth this coming Sunday because of Labor Day. Sunday school in the morning will still be offered.
We are working on planning a camping trip for October to give everyone a chance to enjoy the outdoors and grow closer as a group. We will announce more details as the plans firm up!
Look for an announcement on details for our annual Fall Retreat! While the dates are not officially set, it will be in the beginning of November. We are working on finalizing those details.
Finally, thank you to everyone for showing up to our various meetings the past few weeks. The youth group is only as good as the effort that is put in by everyone who is a part of it, and we are tremendously appreciative of everyone's support. The future for this group is bright thanks to the commitment of everyone involved!
|
WEDNESDAY NIGHT TOGETHER!
Family, Food, Fellowship, Faith, and Fun for the whole Family!
Wednesday Night Together offers a full menu of
delicious food, warm table fellowship, and
fun and formative weekly classes, groups and events for all ages!
5:15 - 6:00 p.m. Church Family Dinner
Reservations due by 12:00 p.m. Monday
$6.00/Adult, $2.00/Children and MTSU Students, $20.00/Family Max
WEDNESDAY NIGHT TOGETHER KICKS OFF AUGUST 29th WITH
WEDNESDAY AT WESLEY!
We are excited to deepen our relationship with the MTSU Wesley Foundation by partnering with them for our opening WNT Celebration!
Join us at 216 College Heights Avenue for
A Night of Fun, Faith and Fellowship for the Whole Family!
|
In just a little over a week, Wednesday Night Praise (W.N.P.) starts back! What is Wednesday Night Praise? This fall at
Wednesday
Night
Together (W.N.T.), children will participate in a rotation of creative activities including singing, instruments, creative movement, Bible lessons, arts and crafts, and more... all designed to help our young people grow in their faith through creative expression. Children four years old through sixth grade travel with their age group through a rotation of children's activities on
Wednesday
evenings from 6:00-7:15 p.m. Please note that the children's program begins fifteen minutes earlier than adult W.N.T. programs. Register your children today!
|
Get Connected to God and Others
through Adult Christian Education
St. Mark's Adult Christian Education classes provide opportunities to meet friends, explore Scripture, raise questions, share insights, express needs, pray, serve, and connect with others travelling the journey of Christian discipleship. All classes are open to newcomers! To learn more about St. Mark's Adult Christian education, CLICK HERE to see a detailed brochure, or contact Adult Ministries Coordinator Brian Seadorf or Rev. Martha Touchton.
|
Deep Blue Christian Education Classes
St. Mark's UMC Children's Ministries
Deep Blue Christian Education Classes
Sundays, 9:45 - 10:45 a.m.
|
|
Africa University Highlight
On Sunday, September 9, from 9:45-10:45 the Pairs and Spares Sunday School Class will host a special presentation on Africa University. One of the presenters will be Mrs. Margaret Makadzange of Zimbabwe who serves on the Africa University board of directors and chairs the board's infrastructure committee. She is also a very successful entrepreneur. She is often asked questions about the Zimbabwean economy and political environment and their impact upon Africa University's transforming ministry. Mrs. Makadzange will be available to speak to those issues.
Anyone who wishes to may come and join the Pairs and Spares for the day. Remember that September 9, 9:45-10:45 in Room 402-404.
Read more about our presenters
HERE.
|
St. Mark's
Habitat for Humanity
Work Day
Thanks to everyone who came out to help with the Habitat Work Day. Here are some photos from the event. (Click on "Image" for full size.)
|
"POSITIVE PARENTING"
Free Classes
Hosted at St. Mark's
September 6 - November 1
The way we parent our children moment-to-moment, day-to-day has a huge impact on a child's future behavior and health. Despite this fact, very few parents receive training for the most important job they will ever have-being a parent. The Family Center works alongside parents to build connection and empathy with their children. Parents learn about the developmental stages of their child, strategies for modifying behavior, and how to connect with their child in a deeper way. Who benefits from attending a parenting group? Everyone!
Positive Parenting uses education, skill building, and personal insights to help moms, dads, or other family caregivers be the best parents possible!
The Family Center is excited to partner with St. Mark's United Methodist to offer an 8-week Positive Parenting Program. Parents also have an opportunity to bring their children during this time. While the parents learn new skills, our wonderful children's coaches work with the children to build their knowledge on a variety of topics like emotions and safety.
We invite you to join us or invite someone you know! The program will begin, Thursday, September 6th.
Registration is now open at
http://www.familycentertn.org/programs/positive-parenting
or call 615-890-4673 (Murfreesboro) or 615-333-2644 (Nashville).
|
In Other News...
Children's Coin Offering -
Sunday, September 2nd b
enefitting our St. Mark's/Reeves Rogers Elementary School Partnership
Help Needed Moving Couch -
A church member needs help moving a couch. If you can assist her, please contact the church office at 615-893-3455 or emailing
[email protected]
.
Golf Tournament
- The St. Mark's Golf Tournament has been rescheduled for Saturday, October 13th at Noon at Old Fort Golf Course.
Thank You Note - I am not sure I can find the words to express how much gratitude I feel for the generosity St. Mark's has shown to Reeves Rogers!!! We feel so loved and cared for as a school by the church!!! The supplies for our hygiene kits are such a blessing. We have so many children who do not get their basic needs met at home and St. Mark's is helping us meet those needs. Again, thank you for supporting us with supplies and so much more!!!! We feel your love and support everywhere!!!! Thank you Thank you Thank you!!!!!!! - Riki Webb
Missed a Sermon? Click
HERE to go to our sermons media page
|
|
