September 27, 2022

From the Executive Pastor

I don’t know how long it has been since a baby was born to “the parsonage family” at St. Mark’s United Methodist Church. I do know that the Reverends Touchton and Henry have had children as staff members.  

We do indeed praise God that Rev. Tommy Ward and Hillary are doing well, as is Liliana Opal, who was born Monday, September 26 at 11:29 P.M. Congratulations!!!

There is a “Meal Train” for the Wards. The website is https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/w9n821. Please go to this site and sign up for meals to be a part of the ministry of hospitality to our senior pastor and family.

Coming out of COVID, St. Mark’s has rebounded with significant ministries which have so many of us involved. These have included Habitat For Humanity, Reeves-Rogers, food distributions, grief ministries, in-depth studies, Red Bird projects, outreach with shelters for those without homes, counseling, and so much more. Let’s praise God and continue to give thanks for God’s grace and guidance. And for hope, faith, and love we are most grateful. (Let’s continue to pray for those who have COVID.)

Sunday, October 2, is World Communion Sunday. St. Mark’s will join with Christians all around the globe to celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. Jesus’ presence in the Sacrament which we will celebrate is available to us every day as a means of grace.

May God continue to bless us all.

Jim Clardy

Executive Pastor 

Our precious Liliana Opal has arrived and if all goes well, we'll be home by the time you are reading these words. Hillary and I give thanks to God for all the ways you have supported and loved us throughout the past nine months of our pregnancy and for the way you will help raise our baby girl in Christ.

With the encouragement and blessing of the Staff Parish Relations Committee and my colleagues on staff, I will be taking a few weeks off so that Hillary and I can welcome this precious gift of God into our home and our lives. 

Due to the high number of COVID cases in our community, the hospitalist suggests that we limit visitors at the present time. Thank you for understanding. 

It is a privilege to serve God as one of your clergy.

Tommy

This Sunday, we continue a new sermon series entitled "What Disciples Do." Although Christians are often identified by what we believe, Jesus seemed to care most about what his followers do. Faith practices, along with theological beliefs, are crucial to Christianity. This series will offer an opportunity to explore what disciples do: practice generosity, wrestle with God, and take their faith public, just to name a few.

October 2: Disciples Take Their Faith Home (2 Timothy 1:1-14)

October 9: Disciples Make the Best Of... (Jeremiah 29:1, 4-7)

October 16: Disciples Wrestle with God (Genesis 32:22-31)

October 23: Disciples Don't Judge (Luke 18:9-14)

October 30: Disciples Affirm Resurrection Hope (Ephesians 1:11-23)

November 6: Disciples Live by Faith (Job 19:23-27a)

November 13: Disciples Take Faith Public (Isaiah 65:17-25)

November 20: Disciples Give Allegiance to Christ (Colossians 1:11-20)

You’re encouraged to worship with us unless you’re sick or out of town. And if you’re out of town, consider finding a place to worship while you’re away!

SOULFULL worship is for those who can’t be in church on Sunday, for those who are looking for a different approach to worship, or for those who are looking for other opportunities to worship. It’s also great for friends and neighbors who don’t have much of a church background.

We’re currently in the midst of a series entitled “Alive in Christ.” Come and be reminded of the life that Christ longs for us to experience. 

SOULFULL meets on Thursday evenings from 6:30-7:00 in the Voorhees Recreation Center. It is our prayer that if you don’t arrive with your soul full, you’ll leave with your soul full. Please consider joining us. 

Thanks to everyone who supported the SAGES Bar-B-Que Luncheon and gathering last Friday. It was a big success.

The next meeting of the SAGES Ministry Team will be Wednesday, October 12, at 9:30 A.M. in Room 503-505.

The Alzheimer’s/Dementia Support Group will meet again on Thursday, October 27, at 1:30 in Room 503-505. The group is led by Cindy Flippin, Susan Green and Stephanie Treutlein. Caregivers for those with Alzheimer’s/Dementia are encouraged to attend.

On October 14 SAGES will be going to the Top Of The Rock Restaurant in Jasper, TN. Lunch will be Dutch Treat. The bus leaves at 9:30 A.M. There is a $5.00 fee for riding the bus.

On Sunday, October 16 from 2 PM – 4:30 PM St. Mark’s SAGES along with the conference Encore Ministry will host SAGES leaders from Rutherford County and the Stones River District. Church leaders who wish to start intentional older adult ministry and others who desire to grow an existing older adult ministry are invited. Dr. Dick Gentzler from Encore Ministry will be the guest presenter. 

The SAGES will be going to “Dancing With Lights” in Lebanon on November 15. The bus will leave at 4 PM. We will have dinner in Lebanon and proceed to the light show. Dinner will be Dutch Treat and there will be a $5 charge to ride the bus. Please make your reservations in the church office. Look for the book!

Some of the other upcoming events for the SAGES will be Christmas at Beersheba on Monday, December 5 and the Serenity Luncheon, December 10, 11:30 AM.. 

The reports from this year’s just completed Adventures in Learning are very positive. Thanks to everyone who supported AIL.

A benefit concert for “We Remember You: Caregiver Support” will be held on Sunday, October 16 at 2:30pm at First United Methodist Church in Murfreesboro. “We Remember You “ is an organization for caregivers of people with dementia-causing diseases. The program will be presented by the Mac Frampton Trio.

The SAGES continue to celebrate birthdays, send cards, deliver flowers, make visits, complete projects, lead worship services, etc. God bless everyone for your participation.

JOIN US EACH WEEK FOR FAMILY FELLOWSHIP,

GOOD FOOD, FAITH & FUN!

5:00 p.m. Dinner

(Reservations Required)

6:00 p.m. Groups and Classes

Wednesday Night Praise for children Ages 4 – Grade 5. Join in the fun with music, rhythm, crafts, games, and more! Our theme is “God’s Glorious Creation.”

St. Mark’s Student Ministries Bible Study

This small group time will provide a safe space for wrestling with faith and doubt, for both believers and skeptics alike. Topics that we address will include the most challenging and difficult questions that arise from Scripture as we seek to apply its lessons to the practical realities of everyday life.

ADULT MINISTRIES

Philippians: Christian Cooperation and Confidence Paul’s letter to the Philippians covers Christian unity and other less-doctrinal topics, expressions of joy regarding the church’s cooperation, and his confidence in Christ to complete the good work of salvation. Bring your Bible to Room 402/404, September 7, 14, 21 & 28. Led by Dr. Jim Clardy.

Beating Guns Uvalde. Parkland. Las Vegas. Sandy Hook. Charleston. The number of mass shootings in 2022 is greater than the number of days passed this year. Some people say it's a heart problem. Others say it's a gun problem. Perhaps it’s both. It doesn’t have to be like this. 

Shane Claiborne’s book Beating Guns: Hope for People Who Are Weary of Violence chronicles the history and growth of our nation’s gun culture, and calls Christians to live and act according to God’s Word, as faithful disciples of Jesus. Participants should purchase the book (available here on Amazon.com) and read the first three chapters for Session #1. Room 405, September 7, 14, 21 & 28. Led by Rev. Martha Touchton.

Coffee Talk Join us for casual conversation around a variety of topics (books, movies, music, current events) and occasional guest speakers. Led by Butler Touchton, in the Narthex.

Wednesday Night Together will observe

Spring Break on October 5^th!

Children have a natural sense of awe, wonder, curiosity and imagination that helps shape their spiritual lives. In Sunday school, we hear and reflect on God’s Word, experience spiritual practices, play games, Learn Bible skills, ask big questions, and help each other claim our spiritual identity as children of God.  

This October in Celebrate Wonder Sunday School, preschool children are continue to explore the stories of David as well as the stories of Solomon, including David’s playing of the harp, David and Goliath, David and Jonathan, and Solomon wisdom and construction skills.  Our theme word is “SEEKING”, and our theme verse is 1 Samuel 16:7b, “The Lord sees into the heart.”  We hope to see you in Room 305 at 9:15 a.m.!

This Fall, children in the Kindergarten – 2nd Grade are exploring 12 Old Testament Stories using a new, video-based curriculum called Holy Moly. During October, we will study the stories of Jacob, Joseph, and Naomi and Ruth, all Genesis accounts which are foundational to our faith!

Young Elementary meet in Room 212 at 9:15 a.m.

Grades 3 – 5 Explores Book of Genesis

The Book of Genesis provides the foundation of our faith. This Fall, children in Grades 3 – 5 are continuing on a journey through the Bible, connecting with God’s big story through videos, engaging Bible exploration, and hands-on projects through a new curriculum called “Connect.”

During October, the class will be studying these stories from Genesis:

Flood - Genesis 9:9-17

Tower of Babel - Genesis 11:1-9 

Covenant- Genesis 17:1-8

The Stories of Jacob - Genesis 27:21-29, and Genesis 32:22-31

The Older Elementary Class meets in Room 214 Sundays at 9:15 a.m.

Sunday, October 9^th

For Special Kids Therapy and Nursing Center

UPCOMING dates for Children’s Ministries

Wednesday, October 5 – No Wednesday Night Praise

Sunday, October 9 – Children’s Coin Offering

For Special Kids Therapy and Nursing Center

Saturday, October 15, JAM Session CampOut

Sunday, October 23 – Fall Festivities at St. Mark’s

Rev. Chip Hunter, Superintendent of the Stones River District, has set the St. Mark's United Methodist Church Charge Conference for Wednesday, November 16, immediately following our Wednesday night meal. Members of the Church Council are voting members of the Charge Conference and are expected to attend.

For those who are not interested in or a part of the Charge Conference, other programming will be available as part of our Wednesday Night Together.

As the sponsor church of a Habitat House, we have several opportunities to work with the family on completion of the house, and volunteers are needed every month! Shifts for these work days are 8:00 – 11:30 a.m. and 12:00 – 3:30 p.m., and you can work one or both shifts. Thanks to those who serve faithfully! Please volunteer for these additional dates of service:

* Tuesday, October 18^th– 10 volunteers needed

* Tuesday, November 8^th – 8 volunteers needed

Also, any classes or groups who would like to bring lunch to the workers on these days can sign up now!

Need more information about serving or want to volunteer? Contact meg@megvanpatten.com or martha@stmarkstn.org. 

We are blessed to be working alongside the homeowner, Mamii, her oldest son Benoit and younger son Benfait. You can read more of Mamii’s amazing, courageous story HERE.

The flowers on the altar each Sunday are available to be sponsored in honor of in memory of loved ones. To reserve a date, please call the church office or sign up on the Flower Calendar at the receptionist desk in the church office.

Each bouquet (there are two per Sunday) is $25 which can be paid by placing a check in the offering plate with "Flowers" on the memo line or contacting the church office for other arrangements.

St. Mark’s United Methodist Church

5-7 PM

Room 1203

Meal and Study

October 2 - No Class

October 9 - “Prayer: How Do You Know You Got Through?” - Rev. Loyd Mabry

October 16 - “Faith: Does It Really Matter What I Believe?” - Rev. John Hembree

"St Mark's UMC Day" at MTSU Football

Join us for "St Mark's UMC Day" at MTSU's Floyd Stadium on Saturday November 12^th as the Blue Raiders take on the UNC Charlotte 49ers.

DETAILS HERE.

Looking for an opportunity to serve God by pouring into others?  

Look no further than our own St Mark’s Student Ministry , as we are in need of volunteers this fall!  If interested, you can use our SignupGenius form to choose the date(s) of your service. MORE INFO.

St. Mark’s Student Ministry Bible Study Small Group

Our Bible Study Small Group is meeting in the St Mark's Library after dinner as part of Wednesday Night Together. READ ABOUT IT.

Wednesday, September 28, 2022

5:00 p.m. WNT Dinner - Banquet Room

6:00 p.m. WNT Programming

6:00 p.m. Youth: Tough Questions - Library

7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir - Sanctuary

Thursday, September 29, 2022

9:00 a.m. Women's Bible Study - RM 1203

10:30 a.m. Knitting - RM 503/505

6:00 p.m. Coed Softball - Star*Plex #3 

6:30 p.m. SOULFULL Worship - Rec Center/Kitchen

6:30 p.m. ACOA Meeting - RM 503/505

7:00 p.m. Coed Softball - Star*Plex #3

Friday, September 30, 2022

10:30 a.m. Bible Study - RM 503/505

6:00 p.m. Pickle Ball - Rec Center

Saturday, October 1, 2022

7:30 a.m. UMM Meeting & Breakfast - Banquet Room

8:30 a.m. AA Group - RM 503/505

Sunday, October 2, 2022

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

4:00 p.m. GriefShare - RM 405

4:00 p.m. AA Group - RM 503/505

Monday, October 3, 2022

10:00 a.m. Watercolor Class - Banquet Room

10:00 a.m. Wings of Hope - Banquet

5: 00 p.m. Cub Scouts - Banquet Room/Rec Center

Tuesday, October 4, 2022

9:00 a.m. Note Writers - RM 506

Wednesday, October 5, 2022

7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir - Sanctuary

Thursday, October 6, 2022

9:00 a.m. Women's Bible Study - RM 1203

10:30 a.m. Knitting - RM 503/505

6:30 p.m. SOULFULL Worship - Rec Center/Kitchen

6:30 p.m. ACOA Meeting - RM 503/505

Friday, October 7, 2022

10:30 a.m. Bible Study - RM 503/505

6:00 p.m. Pickle Ball - Rec Center

Saturday, October 8, 2022

8:30 a.m. AA Group - RM 503/505

Sunday, October 9, 2022

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

4:00 p.m. AA Group - RM 503/505

4:00 p.m. GriefShare - RM 405

4:15 p.m. SONlight - RM 1119

5:00 p.m. Bible Study - RM 1203

5:00 p.m. Chancel Ringers - RM 1117

5:00 p.m. Finance Team - RM 503/505

5:00 p.m. Youth - Rec Center/Youth Center

Monday, October 10, 2022

Office Closed - Columbus Day

9:45 a.m. Preschool Chapel

5:00 p.m. Cub Scouts - Banquet Room/Rec Center

5:30 p.m. PEO - RM 1203

Tuesday, September 27, 2022

9:00 a.m. Note Writers - RM 506

9:45 a.m. Preschool Chapel

4:00 p.m. Disciple I - RM 405

6:00 p.m. Trustees Meeting - Banquet Room

In Other News:

Note of Thanks - I want to thank all the past and present members of the Altar Guild and everyone who prepare flowers for each Sunday service. We could not have done all we did without you and your dedication. You have been, and are very special and vital in bringing creative ideas to fulfillment as an aid in worship.  I also want to say a special thank you to the church staff for their support and encouragement through the years. Thank you congregation for your support. Mary Leigh Beers.

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St. Mark's UMC | (615) 893-3455 | stmarks@stmarkstn.org