The newsletter for St. Mark's UMC in Murfreesboro, TN | |
"The Messenger" Online Newsletter | |
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From the Pastor
This Sunday marks the beginning of the Advent season and the start of a new Christian church year. Advent, meaning "coming" or "arrival", is a period of preparation for the festival commemorating Jesus' birth, which we call Christmas.
Advent basically refers to the coming of Christ in human form, the "Word made flesh." Its meaning has also been extended to include His coming in Word and Spirit into the hearts of believers and His coming in glory at the end of time. The season of Advent challenges us to fulfill John the Baptist's exhortation to "prepare the way of the Lord" (Matthew 3:3).
Your presence in church throughout this holy season will help us prepare and celebrate worthily the coming of the best gift that the world has ever known, Immanuel, "God with us."
It is a privilege to serve God as one of your clergy.
Tommy
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Upcoming Sermon Scriptures | |
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This Sunday, we begin the season of Advent with a new sermon series entitled "Songs of Advent." Each week, we'll look at a different "song" in Luke's gospel and what those songs might have to say to us during this holy season.
November 27: Mary's Song (Luke 1:46-56)
December 4: Zechariah's Song (Luke 1:67-80)
December 11: The Angels' Song (Luke 2:1-14)
December 18: Simeon's Song (Luke 2:25-33)
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!
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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.
SOULFULL is now a part of our Wednesday Night Together ministry and is one of several wonderful opportunities available each night.
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Last Tuesday the SAGES had a wonderful outing to Lebanon to see The Dancing Lights. Dinner was enjoyed at a restaurant earlier. Please come and join us for some of the SAGES’ activities.
SAGES will be going for Christmas at Beersheba on Monday, December 5. The bus will leave at 8:30. Please sign up ASAP in the church office. There will be a $5.00 charge for the bus. Registration for this event - which includes lunch - is $25.00.
Our Senior Serenity Luncheon will be December 10. Worship will be at 11:00 and lunch at 11:30 AM. The SAGES Team has been working hard to prepare for this special day.
The SAGES continue to celebrate birthdays, send cards, deliver flowers, make visits, complete projects, lead worship services, etc. God bless everyone for your participation.
Please remember. We have the opportunity to give memorials for friends who have joined The Church Triumphant. The family always receives notification when those memorials are given.
The Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care Givers Group will not have a meeting in December. Instead, there will be a “Christmas Get-Together” for the members on December 15 at 1:30 at the home of Cindy Flippin, 3714 Tower Drive, Murfreesboro, TN
You're invited following free Health Fair at St. Mark’s.
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JOIN US EACH WEEK FOR FAMILY FELLOWSHIP,
GOOD FOOD, FAITH & FUN!
5:00 p.m. Dinner
(Reservations Required)
6:00 p.m. Worship and Mission
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Tuesday, November 22: Thanksgiving Meal and Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary
Menu: Roasted Turkey, Cornbread Dressing, Green Beans, Sweet Potatoes, Cranberry Sauce, Dinner Rolls, Pecan Pie, Pumpkin Pie
Wednesday, November 30: Merry Mission Marketplace!
Menu: Spaghetti, Garlic Bread, Mixed Vegetables, Spice Cake
Wednesday, December 7: Packing 200+ Christmas gift bags for children in Grades Kindergarten – 2nd at Reeves Rogers Elementary School. This project is appropriate for all ages!
Menu: Sweet and Spicy Chicken, Roasted Potatoes, Green Beans, Cucumber/Watermelon Salad, Blueberry/Pineapple Caramel Parfait.
Reservations Due Monday Prior!
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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 November in Celebrate Wonder Sunday School, preschool children will explore the Old Testament prophets, including stories of Elijah and the Ravens, Elisha and the Widow’s Jars, The Call of Isaiah, and Jeremiah. Our theme word is “VOICE”, and our memory verse is, “My mouth speaks wisdom; my heart’s meditation is full of insight.” Psalm 49:3. We hope to see you in Room 305 at 9:15 a.m.!
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This December in Celebrate Wonder Sunday School, preschool children are exploring the stories of the Advent of Christ, including the angel’s visits to Mary and Joseph and the Nativity account from Luke 2. Our theme word is “HOPE,” and our memory verse is, “Look! I bring good news to you – wonderful, joyous news for all people,” Luke 2:10. See you in Room 305 at 9:15 a.m.!
This Winter, beginning Sunday, November 27, children in the Kindergarten – 2nd Grade are exploring 4 Advent and Christmas Stories.
11/27 The Annunciation Luke 1:26-38
12/4 Mary and Elizabeth Luke 1:39-56
12/11 Jesus Is Born Luke 2:1-20
1/8 The Magi Matthew 2:1-12
The Young Elementary children meet in Room 212 at 9:15 a.m.
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Grades 3 – 5 Studies the Birth of Christ
Children in Grades 3 – 5 are continuing 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.”
This Winter, beginning Sunday, November 27, children in Grades 3 – 5 are exploring 4 Advent and Christmas Stories
11/27 Annunciation- Luke 1:26-38
12/4 Nativity- Luke 2:1-7
12/11 Consecration- Luke 2:25-35
1/8/ Herod - Matthew 2:13-18
The Older Elementary Class meets in Room 214 Sundays at 9:15 a.m.
Note: Due to the Holiday schedule, Christian education classes will not meet December 18, 25, and January 1, 2023.
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UPCOMING dates for Children’s Ministries | |
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UPCOMING dates for Children’s Ministries
Sunday, December 4, 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. JAM Session
Ice Sakting at the Fountains
Saturday, December 24, 4:00 p.m. – “A Night Like No Other” Christmas Eve Worship Especially for Families with Children Including Candlelight Communion
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Children's Choir Rehearsals | |
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Music, Instruments, Singing, Movement, and more!
All Children are Welcome!
We have a new experience for Children’s Choir on Sunday mornings, 9:00 – 9:30 a.m. Parents are asked to sign their children into these rooms at 9:00 a.m.:
Preschoolers – Grade 1, Room 304 with Jan Crossett
Grades 2 – 5, Room 211 with Kathy Edwards
then go directly to Sunday school 9:30 – 10:15 a.m. The children will be preparing special Christmas vocal and instrumental music to share in the 10:30 a.m. worship Sunday, December 11th. This schedule will be in place November 13th – December 11th. There will be no Children’s Choir rehearsals or Sunday school December 18, 25 or January 1.
If you have questions about this change, please feel free to reach out to Rev. Martha Touchton or HyeLan Pearce.
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Thanks for all you do to support the ministries of St. Mark's! Year-to-Date Giving as of 11/20/22 = $1,098,274. YTD Budget need = $1,105,000.
An additional $186,726 is needed to fully fund the 2022 operating budget. Please keep St. Mark's in your year-end giving plans.
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What: Merry Mission Marketplace, where your dollar gives twice!
Date: Wednesday, November 30, 2022
Time: 6:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Where: St. Mark’s United Methodist Church Gym
At St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, we believe God can be present in every part of life, even in our Christmas gift shopping and gift giving! You are invited to shop and purchase your Christmas gifts at the Merry Mission Marketplace, a special sale where every purchase benefits a non-profit agency, mission, or ministry.
New and returning vendors will offer a unique array of gifts for all your gift-giving needs, including custom lettered ornaments, upcycled crafts, alternative Christmas cards, baby clothing, beautiful hand-painted cards, international gifts, handcrafted jewelry, homemade jams and jellies, ornaments, wood crafts, pet gifts, clothing, needlework, BBQ dry rub, cheese balls, specialty nuts, baked goods, cookbooks, and so much more. Your purchase will be a gift that gives twice – once to the person receiving the gift you’ve purchased, and again to those receiving the services of the non-profit mission or ministry which benefits from your purchase.
Also provided: Gift-wrapping and Live Music by “Proclaim” Praise Band in the Narthex
MAKE SHOPPING YOUR MISSION ON NOVEMBER 30TH!!!
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Thank you for signing up for the Altar Flowers and adding the beauty of God’s creation is a part of our service. The calendar is full through the remainder of 2022.
The 2023 Calendar is now open for signup. The notebook is at the reception desk. Please consider selecting your special day early. For 2023, the price will increase to $30 per arrangement or $60 for both arrangements.
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A Blue Christmas Service is offered especially for those hurting during the holidays.
Some come because they are mourning the death of a loved one. Some are far from home. Some suffer from illness, addiction, or estrangement. Some are lonely, struggling financially, or in conflict with another. Some hurt because of the great pain, need, and violence in our nation and world. The reasons for coming are many.
We gather in the midst of suffering to remember God is good. God is strong. God is near.
We are not alone, and we have every reason to hold on to hope.
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Adult Curriculum Library - Help Needed | |
For ten years, St. Mark’s has maintained a wonderful adult curriculum library that not only serves our church’s Christian education needs but is also used throughout the Stones River District. This Library needs some TLC! Specifically, we need to weed out some older, out-of-print resources and sell or give them away to make room for newer resources. If you would be willing to serve on a team for this endeavor in 2023, please contact Rev. Martha Touchton, martha@stmarkstn.org. | |
Celebration of Retirement | |
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Celebration of Retirement
For Sherrie Gilliam, Director
St. Mark’s Preschool
Sunday, December 11th
Following 10:30 a.m. worship, St. Mark’s UMC and St. Mark’s Preschool will join in a reception to honor and celebrate the ministry of Sherrie Gilliam. Please plan to stay for this special event!
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Holiday Worship and Education Schedule | |
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Wednesday, December 14
6:00 p.m. SOULFULL Worship
Sunday, December 18
9:15 a.m. Holiday Potluck Brunch – No Christian Education
10:30 a.m. Worship with “Handel’s Messiah”
Wednesday, December 21
6:00 p.m. SOULFULL Worship
Saturday, December 24
4:00 p.m. “A Night Like No Other” Christmas Eve Worship Especially for Families with Children, Candlelight & Communion
7:00 p.m. Traditional Christmas Eve Worship with Candlelight and Communion
Sunday, December 25
9:15 a.m. No Christian Education
10:30 a.m. Worship
Sunday, January 1
9:15 a.m. Expanded Coffee Bar, Bring a Goodie to Share
No Christian Education
Sunday, January 8
9:15 a.m. Christian education resumes
10:30 a.m. Worship
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Wednesday, November 23
10:00 a.m. College Basketball - Rec Center
Thursday, November 24
Office Closed
6:00 p.m. ACOA Meeting – RM 503/505
Friday, November 25
Office Closed
Saturday, November 26
8:30 a.m. AA Group – RM 503/505
7:00 p.m. College Volleyball Night - Rec Center
Sunday, November 27
9:00 a.m. Children’s Choirs – RM 304 & RM 211
9:15 a.m. Christian Education
10:30 a.m. Worship – Sanctuary
4:15 p.m. SONlight – RM 1119
5:00 p.m. Chancel Ringers – RM 1117
5:00 p.m. Youth – Youth Center
Monday, November 28
9:45 a.m. Preschool Chapel
10:00 a.m. Watercolor Class - Banquet Room
5:00 p.m. Cub Scouts – Banquet Room/Rec Center
Tuesday, November 29
9:00 a.m. Note Writers - RM 506
9:45 a.m. Preschool Chapel
4:00 p.m. Disciple I - RM 503/505
6:00 p.m. Woodworkers – Banquet Room
Wednesday, November 30
6:00 p.m. Merry Mission Marketplace – Rec Center
6:00 p.m. SoulFull Music - Narthex
7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir - RM 1119
Thursday, December 1
9:00 a.m. Women's Bible Study - RM 1203
10:30 a.m. Knitting - RM 503/505
6:00 p.m. ACOA Meeting – RM 503/505
Friday, December 2
10:00 a.m. Altar Guild - Sanctuary
10:30 a.m. Bible Study - RM 503/505
6:00 p.m. Pickle Ball - RC
Saturday, December 3
7:30 a.m. UMM Meeting & Breakfast - Banquet Room
8:30 a.m. AA Group – RM 503/505
11:00 a.m. PEO Cheeseball Pickup
Sunday, December 4
9:00 a.m. Children’s Choirs – RM 304 & RM 211
9:15 a.m. Christian Education
10:30 a.m. Worship – Sanctuary
3:00 p.m. JAM Session at The Fountains
4:15 p.m. SONlight – RM 1119
5:00 p.m. Chancel Ringers – RM 1117
Monday, December 5, 2022
8:30 a.m. SAGES to Beersheba
9:45 a.m. Preschool Chapel
10:00 a.m. Watercolor Class - Banquet Room
10:00 a.m. Wings of Hope - Banquet Room/Kitchen
4:30 p.m. Oakland Choir Concert - Sanctuary
5:00 p.m. Cub Scouts - Banquet Room/Rec Center/Kitchen
Tuesday, December 6, 2022
9:00 a.m. Note Writers - RM 506
9:45 a.m. Preschool Chapel
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