"The Messenger" Online Newsletter
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First of all, I want to thank those of you who have sent emails, cards, and texts in the days following my mother's stroke. She is still not eating or talking but remains non-verbally communicative as of this writing. She has started drinking fluids so there is a chance that she has not quite given up yet. In the meantime, I am traveling to Pulaski every day to spend time with her.
I am grateful to my colleagues on staff for handling the day-to-day opportunities for ministry while I'm with my mother. There's nothing like a mother's love but the love of my colleagues and my church family during these days has been pretty special.
Don't forget that we resume our 11 a.m. worship service this Sunday. No reservations are needed but we do ask that you wear masks and socially distance. See information below about our nursery re-opening.
It is a privilege to serve God as one of your clergy.
Tommy
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SAGES News
Some of you have read “The 36-Hour Day” by Nancy L. Mace and Peter V. Rabins. This book has been around for a while but is now in its 6th edition. It proposes to be a family guide to caring for people who have Alzheimer disease, other dementias, and memory loss.
Mace and Rabins state: “When people have difficulty in thinking, remembering, or learning or show changes in personality, it’s important that they undergo a thorough evaluation.”
Here are the things they say such an evaluation will tell you and the doctors:
1. The exact nature of the person’s illness
2. Whether the condition can be reversed or treated
3. The nature and extent of the disability
4. The areas in which the person can still function successfully
5. Whether the person has other health problems that need treatment and that might be making her mental problems worse
6.The social and psychological needs and resources of the person with a suspected dementia and the family or caregiver
7.The changes you can expect in the future.
These authors indicate that the evaluation my begin with a good physical examination.
Our SAGES team has been in prayer for all who are facing decisions related to the subject of “dementia.”
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SPRING into our new Christian Education experience
For Children of all Ages and their Families
As we Build Back the Routine of Coming to Church!
Sundays, 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. in the Playground Circle
This time will begin with a brief, interactive Bible experience, and end with Snacks and lots of Play/Free Time
Children Must be Accompanied by a Parent!
No Drop-Offs Allowed
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Summer Camp at Cedar Crest |
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Cedar Crest is now registering campers for the 2021 Summer Camp Season for elementary, middle, and high school students! Camps including Adventure Camp, Mini Camp, Two Week Camp, and Outpost Camp are open for the season to come as well.
St. Mark's will be coordinating shared transportation the weeks of June 13-18 and July 18-23. All St. Mark’s children who attend camp receive a generous scholarship. This summer, there are fewer camps available with a lower number of campers, so register early!
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St. Mark’s Nursery Facilities Available May 2nd
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St. Mark’s Nursery will be available during the 8:30 and 11:00 a.m. services beginning the first Sunday of May for children under 2 years of age.
Because most of our babies and toddlers have generally only been with their parents or other close guardians during the past year, we will offer parents and young children an opportunity to become accustomed to the space with their parents present, rather than experiencing the shock of being in a new space with completely unfamiliar people all at once. Thus children must be accompanied by their parents during the month of May; no drop-offs will be allowed.
During May, the nursery spaces will be available on Sunday mornings 8:15 – 9:45 a.m. and 10:45 – 12:00 p.m., so that parents or other guardians can be there with their children with only one or two nursery staff present. NEW TV’s are in place so persons in the nursery can keep up with the worship service via livestream. COVID safety protocols and procedures will be in place; you can read them here. All nursery staff are fully vaccinated. If you have any questions, please contact Anne Raymond (615) 218-1338 or Rev. Martha Touchton (615) 893-3455. |
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Sunday, May 23rd, 3:00 – 5:00 P.M.
Come celebrate the end of a very challenging school year!
All children and their families are invited to join together for friendly fun, good food and fellowship!
We’ll gather in the playground circle.
Bring a blanket or lawn chairs for your family.
Activities will include:
- Tie-Dye – Please bring a pre-washed, white 100% cotton t-shirt or tank top for each child.
- Inflatables
- Playground Fun
- Door Prizes for kids and adults
- Pizza and Popsicles
Masks and social distancing are required. Please reserve your family’s spot by emailing the number attending to Rev. Martha Touchton, martha@stmarkstn.org.
Friends and Newcomers Welcome!
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The 11:00 AM service will be back on May 2nd. The Tech Ministry is looking for additional volunteers. We need 3 people for each service: Sound/Camera/Visual (screen). If you are interested in this ministry (experienced or no experience) please contact Tommy Walker or me (Hyelan@stmarktn.org).
I want to give a special thanks to Noel Hinote (Camera), Keith Latta (Visual), Dan Pearce, Molly Gilliland and Tommy Walker for faithfully running the tech booth every week during the pandemic.
Thank you for your help!
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Thanks to St. Mark’s “Hometown Heroes” |
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During the past year’s pandemic, we have had some tremendously helpful and committed persons who have been incredibly faithful in leading and supporting children’s ministries:
Mr. Bobby Damron has faithfully come to the church every Wednesday afternoon for the past year to process and prepare the mailing for children’s Celebrate Wonder and carry it to the post office. Every week, Mr. Bobby wrote a beautiful letter summarizing the lesson of the week and encouraging the children in their faith journey. What a blessing he has been!
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Pam Forrest and Kathy Edwards have served weekly as leaders of the children’s Celebrate Wonder Zoom lessons for the past year, and continue to serve with P.L.A.Y.. They have also been active in preparing seasonal treat bags and items for mailing. Their dedicated leadership and relationship with the children has been a beautiful witness for Christ! |
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St. Mark’s UMC
Paperback Book Drive
for the
Rutherford County Jail
Give a Book. Plant a Dream. Grow a Life.
Last day to Donate: Sunday, May 2nd
Wow, what a Church! The Book Collection has far exceeded our expectations. Thanks so much for your generous contributions! Watch the next newsletter for a full report about this ministry.
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Mother's Day Photomontage - May 9, 2021 |
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In honor and/or memory of mothers.
or bring it to the church office by Monday, May 3rd
In honor or memory of mothers, bouquets of red and white carnations will adorn the altar on Mother’s Day.
Sponsored by St. Mark’s Family Ministries Team
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Young Adults Post-College Invited to Gather Sunday, May 2nd |
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We want to invite you to a new class that will start meeting this week, Sunday, May 2nd. This class is going to be for all young adults – Single, Married, Divorced, with children, without children (18-35ish). We know many of you and many we don’t, but we are excited to get to meet you and build community together.
Jeanette and I were married at St. Mark’s a few years ago (maybe in 1989) and we worked with the youth for many years. We are excited to be back at St. Mark’s and look forward to seeing you on Sunday May 2nd at 9:45 a.m. in room #405, in the adult hallway just past the library.
We have not decided what we are going to study just yet, so come be in on that decision and let’s get going. We’ll bring some food and drinks!
~ Noland and Jeannette Noffsinger
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Other Adult Classes and Groups Now in Session in Person |
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New Horizons, Sundays at 9:45 a.m. in Room 1205, studying The Sermon on the Mount.
Genesis Network, Every Other Sunday at 9:45 a.m. in the Prayer Garden, bring your own lawn chair.
Cornerstone, Sundays at 9:45 a.m. in the Banquet Room, study TBD
Knitters, Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. in Room 503/505
Watercolor Painting, Beginners meet 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Mondays, 12:30 – 2:30 p.m. in the Banquet Room. Spaces Available. Advanced Group meets 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 5th Mondays, 10:00 – 2:00 in the Banquet Room. This group is full.
ADULT GROUPS MEETING ONLINE:
Pastor’s Class, Sundays at 9:45 a.m. on Zoom
Woman to Woman, Sundays at 4:00 p.m. on Zoom
Mixed Blessings, Sundays at 5:00 p.m. on Zoom
Unless otherwise noted, newcomers are welcome in all classes and groups. For more information about these or other Adult Ministries, contact Claudia Hunter or Rev. Martha Touchton.
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Thursday, April 29, 2021
6:30 p.m. ACOA Meeting - RM 503/505
Friday, April 30, 2021
Saturday, May 1, 2021
Sunday, May 2, 2021
Monday, May 3, 2021
Thursday, May 6, 2021
6:30 p.m. ACOA Meeting - RM 503/505
Friday, May 7, 2021
Saturday, May 8, 2021
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In Other News:
The St. Mark’s United Methodist Church Spring Golf Tournament will be May 15, 1:00 PM, at the Old Fort Gold Course. A sign-up sheet is posted in the banquet room hall. For other information or to register please call Wendell Philpott.
Missed a Sermon? Click HERE to go to our sermons media page.
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