"The Messenger" Online Newsletter
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I hope you're enjoying the Advent devotionals that I've been writing. Don't be surprised to see other staff members contribute in the days ahead; they've been invited to write if the Spirit so leads. If you're not receiving the Advent devotionals and would like to, email stmarks@stmarkstn.org.
Many of you have asked about our Christmas Eve plans. As of this writing, our plan is to provide an outdoor Candlelight Communion Service at 4 pm in front of the church and an indoor Candlelight Communion Service at 5:30 pm.
In case of inclement weather, the outdoor service will be moved inside. Please note that seating is limited in the sanctuary and that social distancing and mask wearing are required.
Reservations are necessary so that we can have an adequate supply of candles and communion elements available at both services and so that we can ensure proper social distancing. Reservations can be made by clicking here.
Finally, please note the following office hours for the holidays: the church office is closed December 25 and 28 in observance of Christmas and January 1 in observance of New Year's. On December 29-31, the office will be open 8am-12 noon each day. Our regular office hours will resume on Monday, January 4.
It is a privilege to serve God as one of your clergy.
Tommy
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We are continuing our 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:
December 13: Luke 2:1-40
December 20: Matthew 1:18-2:15
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SAGES News
One thing our church appreciates about our SAGES Ministry Team is that they are always involved in a ministry of encouragement. AND HERE’S IS HOW THEY DO IT!
First, they REACH OUT. They make the effort and take the time to “reach out” to those around them to insure they are not forgotten. That is what Jesus did! Our Sages believe it is what Jesus wants them to do.
Second, they REACH UP. They don’t merely reach out to those around him, but they also “reach up” as they carry out the work God has given each one to do with his or her life. And they all together as the church find themselves fulfilling the mission of the church. And when they do, they serve as an encouragement to others to do the same.
Third, they REACH IN. It has been said, “The encourager possesses an internal ministry, a ministry to self.” Our Sages “reach in” -- take their own spiritual needs seriously needs. This then fuels their desire to be in ministry with the community.
Thanks to our SAGES Ministry Team for a wonderful year in spite of all the challenges. Merry Christmas!
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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, December 13, 11:00 a.m.
3rd Sunday of Advent, the Candle of Joy
Sunday, December 20, 11:00 a.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! Join us at https://zoom.us/j/98397352418?pwd=ekFWcVFoYXQwMlcrN2NFQitRZWNRUT09.
Please Note: Celebrate Wonder will not meet the Sundays of December 27 or January 3, 2021.
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Children Invited to Participate in Virtual Christmas Pageant
St. Mark’s Children’s Ministries is producing a Virtual Christmas Pageant to be viewed in worship during the Christmas season. Children can participate as animals, angels, shepherds, stars, and kings, playing one part or as many parts as they wish. There will also be about a dozen reading parts. For more information about how your child can participate, click here.
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BUFFET OF CONVERSATIONS Offers
ADVENT Study
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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. Study books are available in the church office for $10. The schedule is as follows:
6:00 p.m. Greetings, Announcements, Prayer
6:15 p.m. Class begins
7:10 p.m. Class ends
REGISTRATION IS 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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A Message from Buddy Howell... |
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St. Mark’s is blessed to have a staff that has many talents, years of experience and a dedication to service. One might think the COVID pandemic reduced their workload, but the opposite has been true. We can all be very proud of the way each member of our staff stepped up to provide safe worship opportunities and mission leadership during these unprecedented times.
Excellent job performance is often rewarded with a pay increase. Unfortunately, that will not be possible this year. Contributions to the General Fund are trending well below the budget need, making it necessary to reduce spending wherever possible. Accordingly, there will be no salary increase for any member of the St. Mark’s staff.
As an alternative, we are asking for staff Christmas gifts. With everyone’s help, we can provide a nice bonus for our staff and affirm our appreciation for the many things they do to support the work of our church. Cards, letters and notes will also be appreciated.
Please pray for our church and keep St. Mark’s in your year-end giving plans. In addition to a gift that will support all of our missions and operating needs, please consider submitting a “Staff Gift” by December 24th.
There are many ways to give and designate a gift. If writing a check, just note “Staff Gift” on the memo line. If giving online, select “General Budget” and type “Staff Gift” in the note space that pops up. While online, please consider setting up a recurring donation to fulfill your financial pledge to St. Mark’s next year.
This past year has been challenging in many ways, but we can still be optimistic by relying on our relationship with God. Thanks for all you do to make St. Mark’s a great church!
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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 this week!
Monetary donations to help purchase the bags and their contents are needed. If you would make a donation, 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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Response from the Conversation on Racism |
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It has been a huge blessing to be able to read and discuss very difficult material with Christian friends. While these social problems are not new, the current climate has forced me to take a deliberate deep look into the history and conditions that have created it for the first time. The material has challenged me to look at my assumptions and consider the assumptions of others in a new way. I am grateful for the ways these readings have changed me and my hope is that others, in light of all the conflict and unrest would open their hearts to the possibility that we all have so much more to learn that will deepen our understanding of racism and the impact it has on us all.
Lisa Chappell
October 26, 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, December 8
6:30 p.m. Cornerstone Zoom (Claudia Sherer)
Wednesday, December 9
6:00 p.m. "Buffet of Conversations" Online
Thursday, December 10
7:00 p.m. New Horizons Zoom (Natalie Beckman)
Saturday, December 12
10:00 a.m. Praise Team Rehearsal
Sunday, December 13
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)
11:00 a.m.Advent Candle Lighting
4:00 p.m. Woman to Woman Zoom (Claudia Hunter)
5:00 p.m. Mixed Blessings Zoom (Sherry Galloway)
6:00 p.m. Youth
Tuesday, December 15
6:30 p.m. Cornerstone Zoom (Claudia Sherer)
Wednesday, December 16
6:00 p.m. "Buffet of Conversations" Online
Thursday, December 17
7:00 p.m. New Horizons Zoom (Natalie Beckman)
Sunday, December 20
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)
11:00 a.m.Advent Candle Lighting
4:00 p.m. Woman to Woman Zoom (Claudia Hunter)
5:00 p.m. Mixed Blessings Zoom (Sherry Galloway)
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Thanks from Habitat for Humanity! |
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Dear St. Mark’s,
You have been a huge blessing to Habitat this season!
- Monetary Gifts
- Prayers
- Daily volunteers
- Meals
- Cookin’ to Build
- New Regular Volunteers
- Friendships
God’s timing certainly is the best! We hope this partnership continues to grow and that St. Mark’s can make its “mark” on Legacy Pointe. Special thanks to Meg Van Patten and Rev. Martha Touchton for their good work. We look forward to many more projects together!
Blessings,
Megan Hutchings, Volunteer Coordinator
Rutherford County Area Habitat for Humanity
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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 - I want to thank everyone who helped me through this year-long journey. My heart-felt thanks to the people that sent cards, phone calls, visits, prayers, food that was brought in, the many groceries that were delivered and the trips to the hospital and doctor's office. I could not have made it without you. Thanks again for everything. God Bless. - Pat Cooke
We celebrate the birth of Nolan Walter Gray, son of Brian and Haley Gray, grandson of Walt and Lori Gray.
Missed a Sermon? Click HERE to go to our sermons media page.
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