"The Messenger" Online Newsletter
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Council Discusses Post-Pandemic Church
Our Church Council met on March 21 and I appreciate the feedback that our leaders provided as decisions are made for the immediate and future ministries of our church. It was especially helpful to receive input from three of our church's medical doctors as we seek to provide opportunities for spiritual growth while also doing our part to be as safe as possible.
Sunday Morning Christian Education Set to Resume in July
The general consensus of our leaders is that we are not ready to resume Sunday morning on-site Christian education at this time. We cannot provide adequate space for all classes to practice social distancing and social distancing remains a critical component in providing a safer environment. Furthermore, the majority of our teachers, after consulting with their class members, say that their classes aren't ready to return to onsite Christian education.
That being said, should a small group want to meet when a space conducive to social distancing is available, please contact the church and we will make every effort to accommodate your request. There are both indoor and outdoor options available for such gatherings at the church. Of course, there is also the option that small groups can choose to meet at someone's house.
As more people are vaccinated and as numbers of COVID cases decline, the goal is for our church to resume Sunday morning Christian Education classes on Sunday, July 11.
Two Services Resume in May
Because onsite worship attendance has been increasing as people get vaccinated, we do believe it is time to resume our regular Sunday morning worship opportunities of 8:30 and 11am. This will begin on Sunday, May 2, giving us enough time to secure ushers, technicians, a plan for sanitizing the sanctuary in between services, and special music offerings each week. People will still be asked to wear masks, remain seated, and to practice social distancing while attending those services.
Whether you're someone who thinks everything should have already been back to normal or whether you're someone who still isn't ready for whatever "normal" will look like, I thank you for your patience, understanding, and support. Please join me in continuing to pray for our church, its ministries, and each other.
It is a privilege to serve God as one of your clergy.
Tommy
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Maundy Thursday Worship, 6:30 p.m. in the Sanctuary with Holy Communion
Good Friday Worship, 6:30 p.m. on the Front Lawn. A Candlelight Vigil of Scripture and Darkness. (Candles/Glow Sticks Provided) featuring the music of Emily Rogers. Please wear a mask and social distance, bring lawn chairs, blankets, etc. No reservations required.
EASTER SUNDAY SCHEDULE:
7:00 a.m. Easter Sunrise Service led by St. Mark’s Youth at the Outdoor Worship Center near the Furniture building. No reservations required.
8:30 a.m. Easter Worship in the Sanctuary with Holy Communion. Registration is required for the two indoor services and space is limited to 100 people per service. Masks and social distancing are required. To register, click here.
9:45 a.m. Easter Worship in the Sanctuary with Holy Communion. This service is full.
10:30 a.m. Children’s Easter Egg Hunt on the front lawn! Bring your own basket. All hunters will receive a treat bag full of safe, allergy-free prizes and candy.. Reservations required – email martha@stmarkstn.org with family name and number attending
11:00 a.m. Easter Worship Outdoors on the Front Lawn
Bring a long-stemmed flower and/or your Alleluia Butterfly to place on the Resurrection Cross. Please wear a mask and social distance, bring lawn chairs, blankets, etc. No Reservations required.
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SAGES News
Here are a few interesting suggestions from social media on approaches for SAGES and their families to make Easter meaningful:
Here are the offerings of St. Mark’s United Methodist Church for Easter morning:
- 7:00 AM Easter Sunrise Service in outdoor chapel led by youth
- 8:30 AM Worship in sanctuary
- 9:45 AM Worship in sanctuary
- 1:00 Worship outside on North Rutherford Blvd side of sanctuary
Please call the church office and make reservations for the 8:30 AM and 9:45 AM services.
HAPPY EASTER!
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Good Friday Outdoor Worship for All Ages
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A Candlelight Vigil of Scripture and Darkness (Candles/Glow Sticks Provided)
6:30 p.m. Friday, April 2nd in the Front Yard, featuring the music of Emily Rogers. Please wear a mask and social distance, bring your own lawn chairs, blankets, etc. Everyone welcome, invite your neighbors!
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Easter Sunday, April 4
10:30 A.M. CHILDREN’S
EASTER EGG HUNT
Join us on the front lawn for an Easter Egg Hunt!
Bring your own basket.
All hunters will receive a treat bag
full of safe, allergy-free prizes and candy.
with family name and number attending by Monday, 3/29.
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11:00 a.m. Easter
OUTDOOR Worship
Bring a long-stemmed flower and/or
your Alleluia Butterfly
to place on the Resurrection Cross
Please wear a mask and practice social distancing, bring lawn chairs, blankets, etc. Everyone welcome; invite your friends and neighbors!
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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
Beginning Sunday, April 11th
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. After a 2020 hiatus, Cedar Crest is back with camps available for elementary, middle, and high school students! Camps including Adventure 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 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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Meet the Saints of St. Mark's
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It's been suggested that our newsletter feature a segment where we can highlight the saints of St. Mark's. In the New Testament, all Christian people of every time and place are considered saints. That makes you one!
You can help our church family get to know each other better by sending us a picture and answering a few questions. We'll highlight individuals and families in future newsletters.
1. Name:
2. Occupation
3. How long have you been at St. Mark's?
4. Areas of Involvement at St. Mark's
5. What drew you to St. Mark's?
6. Interests Outside of Church
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We have raised just over $6,000 in our fundraiser, we are so close to our $10,000 goal! Here is a video from our students to each of y’all! Thank you for giving!
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We are also selling our St. Mark’s Student Ministry sweatshirts for $20. You may have seen them on some of our students around the church but incase you haven’t here is what they look like!
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Wesley Foundation Golf Tournament
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The Wesley Foundation at MTSU will be holding their second golf tournament on April 24 at Old Fort Golf Course. The cost to play is $75 per person which includes lunch. We will take registrations as individuals or as a team. We are also looking for groups and individuals who will partner with us as a hole sponsor or other partner opportunity. Maybe your Sunday School would consider partnering with us?
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What Other Churches are Doing
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New ministries are birthed every day with ideas and church members who are willing to implement them. Here is what one church is doing:
A photographer from the congregation is offering front porch family photos in honor of Mother's Day. The photos will be delivered digitally just in time for Mother's Day.
If you are interested in implementing this idea or if you have an idea of your own, please contact the church office.
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National Infertility Awareness Week
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National Infertility Awareness Week is April 18-24. Christian Education classes could covenant together to pray for those going through infertility, encourage people to participate in the #WearOrange campaign on Wednesday, April 21, to raise awareness of and change the conversation around infertility, send handwritten notes or flowers to people who are experiencing infertility, or connecting couples going through infertility with those who are on the other side of infertility.
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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. April 4 – 25, Book Collection Box located near the church office. To learn more about the inmates’ need for new books, Click Here.
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Wednesday, March 31, 2021
Thursday, April 1, 2021
Friday, April 2, 2021
Saturday, April 3, 2021
Sunday, April 4, 2021
10:30 a.m. Children’s Easter Egg Hunt - Front Lawn
Monday, April 5, 2021
Tuesday, April 6, 2021
Wednesday, April 7, 2021
Thursday, April 8, 2021
Friday, April 9, 2021
Saturday, April 10, 2021
Sunday, April 11, 2021
9:45 a.m. Children’s P.L.A.Y. Christian Education on the Playground
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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.
Lois Shipp Circle's FIRST lunch together is planned for April 23, Friday at noon at Judy Stacey’s home 2310 Timberwoods Place. We will have box lunches from Through the Grapevine.
Missed a Sermon? Click HERE to go to our sermons media page.
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