February 7, 2023

From the Pastor

When I hear something over and over, I begin to take notice. And one of the things that I have heard over and over again in my time here as pastor is that "St. Mark's United Methodist Church is at its best when it has big dreams and goals in front of it."

That's the reason for the Waking to God's Dream weekend that has been planned for February 24-26 (see article below). We want St. Mark's to continue being a faithful United Methodist presence in our community and world for years to come.

I hope you'll consider joining us that weekend as The Rev. Dr. David Chotka provides us with a foundation for understanding God's vision for the present and future ministry of our church.

I also hope you'll be present on Thursday, February 16th as Bishop Bill McAlilly visits St. Mark's to lead the Stones River District in a Bible Study. This is the first time in my twenty-six years of ministry that an episcopal leader has visited the church where I pastor. Since we are hosting the event, I pray that our church will have a good representation present.

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

Tommy

Our current Sunday morning sermon series entitled "New Year, Same Promises," ends this Sunday. We will be examining Deuteronomy 30:15-20 and the theme is God's Promise of Freedom.

Whether you're new to the Christian faith, simply curious about it, or you're re-examining your relationship with God, sometimes it's good to start again or create a turning point. Come be a part of our Wednesday Night Together ministry by enjoying a meal at 5pm (reservations required) and SOULFULL worship at 6pm in the gym as we consider possible starting/turning points:

Starting at the Cross (Feb 8)

Starting, Period! (Feb 15)

The SAGES will host a Valentine Luncheon at 11:30 A.M. in the St. Mark’s Banquet Hall on Friday, February 10. Cost per person is $12. The meal includes a cucumber salad, chicken Marsala, herbed rice, roll and angel strawberry cake. The Marksmen will entertain the SAGES.

The monthly Alzheimer’s/Dementia Support Group meets the 4th Thursday of each month at 1:30 p.m. February 23 is the next meeting, and it will be held at Susan Green’s (615-828-4772) home at 3438 Northboro, Murfreesboro. This is open to all who are caring for those dealing with Alzheimer’s/Dementia.

On Friday, March 10, the SAGES will go to the Bell Buckle Café for a Dutch-treat lunch. The bus leaves at 10:45 AM from the church. Please sign up in the Narthex or the church office. Look for the book!

The next meeting of the SAGES Ministry Team will be Monday, March 13, in Room 503-505.

The SAGES continue to host services at Adams Place each month, and at Rutherford Senior Care, Rutherford Assisted Living, and American House Senior Living each week.

A schedule of SAGES activities for 2023 is posted on the SAGES Bulletin Board outside the church office.

What is Lent? Lent is a season of forty days, not counting Sundays, which begins on Ash Wednesday (February 22) and ends on Holy Saturday (April 8). Lent comes from the Anglo-Saxon word 'Lenten', which means "spring." The season is a time of preparation for celebrating Easter, also known as Resurrection Sunday (April 9). 

Historically, Lent began as a period of fasting and preparation for baptism by converts and then became a time of penance by all Christians. On Ash Wednesday, Christians confront their own mortality and confess their sin before God within the community of faith. While Ash Wednesday focuses on the dual themes of sin and death, it's done through the lens of God's redeeming love made known to us in Jesus Christ.

The first Sunday in Lent typically examines Jesus' temptation by Satan. The last Sunday in Lent (Palm Sunday) depicts Christ's triumphal entry into Jerusalem and his subsequent passion and death. Because Sundays are always little Easters, the penitential spirit should be tempered on those days with the joyful expectation of the resurrection. 

Holy Week is the week leading up to Easter Sunday and the community of faith journeys with Jesus from the upper room to the cross, to the tomb, and then to the garden to discover the empty tomb. 

Church Council Chairperson Alan Morris invites you to a weekend workshop geared towards our church waking to God's dream as we seek to remain a faithful United Methodist presence in our community and world. The weekend workshop is February 24-25 and will be led by The Rev. Dr. David Chotka.

Rev. Dr. Chotka is an author, prayer mobilizer, sought-after-media-guest and also an ordained clergy of more than thirty years. He has a doctorate in Spiritual Discernment and has led seminars/conferences both nationally and internationally. His book, "Hey! Are You There? It's Me, God" has been acclaimed by Jack Canfield (Chicken Soup for the Soul) as a "great read" and "an incredible book."

The schedule for the weekend is as follows:

Friday, February 24

5:30 Dinner

6:30 Opening Session

Saturday, February 25

8:45 Light breakfast

9:00 Morning Session

11:45 Lunch

12:30 Afternoon Session

1:15 Dismissal

On Sunday, February 26, Rev. Dr. Chotka will preach. Following worship, anyone interested in participating in Lenten Small groups on the theme of listening to God and waking to God's dream is invited to say for a fifteen minute introduction.

If you have any questions, please contact the church office. 

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.  



PRESCHOOLERS LEARN THE STORIES OF JESUS

This Winter in Celebrate Wonder Sunday School, our preschool children are exploring foundational stories of Jesus’ ministry, including walking on water, the “lost” parables of the sheep and coin, and the forgiving father. Our theme word for February is “KINGDOM,” and our memory verse is, “God’s kingdom belongs to people like these children,” Mark 10:13-16.

The Preschool children meet in Room 307 Sundays at 9:15 a.m.

GRADES K – 2 STUDIES THE STORIES OF THE NEW TESTAMENT

This Winter, children in the K – 2 Young Elementary Class are studying 12 New Testament Stories:

Feb. 12 Jesus and the Children – Mark 10:13-16 

Feb. 19 The Widow’s Mite - Mark 12: 41-44

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

GRADES 3 – 5 STUDIES JESUS MINISTRY

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.

This Winter, children in Grades 3 – 5 are studying Jesus’ ministry of teaching and healing:

2/12/2023      Parables- Matthew 13:10-17

2/19/2023      Healings- Mark 5:35-43

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

Children ages 2 – 5^th Grade are invited to join together for special games, crafts, and other hands-on activities that help us think about what it means to walk like Jesus every day.  

Each child will receive a devotional booklet and other items to guide them

on their walk with Jesus throughout the season of Lent. 

Join in the fun as we kick off our Lenten journey!  



Parents are welcome and encouraged to attend with their children!

Dear St. Mark’s Congregation,

As our society has changed and, in most families both parents work, more and more of the tasks and leadership associated with having a successful children’s ministry have fallen on staff rather than lay people. Although the number of children and young families attending our church has decreased, the importance of having a vital and active children’s ministry remains essential to the life and health of our church overall.

For several years, I have been encouraging the pastors and Staff/Parish teams of St. Mark’s to hire a part-time or full-time coordinator who would have the opportunity to focus solely on children’s ministries. Last month, I proposed to the Staff/Parish and Finance teams that my salary be cut by more than 1/3 to make this new staff position possible, and that offer was accepted.  

While this decision comes after much prayer and discernment, it is not without some regret that I step back from children’s ministries. I love our children and their families very much and will miss the creativity and challenge that are a part of the work of the Children’s Ministries Team. It is exciting and rewarding to see new families becoming involved in the life of our faith community and children growing in their faith and discipleship. Of course, ministering to children and their families is not just the job of one person or team, but the job of the entire church, especially if we want our church to thrive in these challenging times.

Thus, I am very excited about this new opportunity for myself and for our church! I will continue to serve at St. Mark’s, focusing more intently on ministries to which I feel deeply called: offering opportunities for adult spiritual formation, discipleship, fellowship, and missions. The Staff-Parish team will soon construct a search team to find a fresh face to give leadership in children’s ministries, and I will support that person every way I can. I hope you will join me in praying for that process and person, and for the new ministries and opportunities that will be possible because of this change.

I am thankful to continue to serve as one of your clergy,

Martha

This conference-wide spiritual life event for 3^rd - 5^th grade children will explore what it means to belong to the kingdom of God. Led by Cedar Crest staff, the retreat will be filled with music and worship, games, zip line time, small group discussions, night games, a bonfire, and free time activities. All participants will receive a retreat t-shirt!  Transportation will be provided by St. Mark’s UMC and all participants will receive a $20 scholarship from the church. Register by Monday, February 27 at https://tinyurl.com/BeRetreat2023 to guarantee your spot!

Let what you heard from the beginning abide in you.”   ~ 1 John 2:24 

How can we hold onto assurance of our faith? How can we discern the truth from a lie? How can we know God loves us? In three short letters, the apostle John reminds an early church facing division, deception, and doubt to hold fast to what they know and to live like they believe it. And he reminds us, as well. In this 10-session Bible study on the letters of 1, 2, and 3, John, Jen Wilkin helps you see how two thousand years later, his words call to Christians in similar challenges to recall a great salvation and to abide in the truth.

Thursdays, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m. led by Patti Daws beginning February 9, Room 1203.

Books with Video Access - $25 Available in the Church Office.

Those who attended our opening 1st Sunday Fellowship were blessed by the wonderful hospitality of our Young Adult class and the opportunity to share fellowship with both newcomers and old friends!  See you March 5th!

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

Christians are called to service in God’s kingdom and God has gifted each and every Christian with gifts for ministry. This study will help to identify your gifting and how to put it into practice.  

Rev. Loyd Mabry is a retired Elder in the Tennessee Conference. In addition to pastoring various churches, Loyd served as a District Superintendent and Director of the Conference Council of Ministries.

January 25, February 1, 8, & 15 in Room 402/404

What are the next steps for you or your loved one on this aging journey? The What Now? series was created to help people understand the inner workings of the Senior Industry and make educated versus emotional decisions on the senior journey.  This group will discuss Independent Living, Assisted Living, Home Health, In-Home Care, Skilled Nursing, Memory Care, Hospice, and more.  

Joy is a native of Rutherford County and has worked in the Senior Industry for many years.    

Casual conversation around a variety of topics (books, movies, music, current events) and occasional guest speakers. Led by Butler Touchton in the Narthex.

The sermon series “Starting Point” explores the Bible's grand story and where we fit into the narrative. Whether you're new to the Christian faith, simply curious about it, or are reexamining what it means to have a relationship with God, you'll appreciate this series.  SOULFULL is led by Proclaim in the gym.

If anyone would be willing to help lead a Youth Confirmation Class for 6 weeks this Spring on Wednesday evenings, please contact Louis Toedt at louis@stmarkstn.org or 615-893-3455, Ext. 20.  

February 5th was Service Sunday at St Mark’s Student Ministry, and we were able to assemble over 100 “Socks of Love”, which are essentially care packages containing snacks and toiletries, each wrapped in a warm pair of socks, which we will be distributing on a later date to our brothers and sisters who are experiencing homelessness.

Our inaugural St Mark’s Youth Karaoke Night on January 29th featured some very fine singers and some very fun performers … but most importantly, a fun time was had by all and we look forward to doing it again soon!

If you are interested in volunteering to help with Youth Activities in 2023, you can use our SignupGenius Form in order to choose the date(s) of your service.

The landing page for all things related to St Mark’s Student Ministry can be found here, including opportunities to serve as volunteers for Youth and College activities, classes and events: https://st-marks-umc-student-ministry.mailchimpsites.com/

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 $30 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.

As of this writing, the following dates are available:

March 12 (one or both bouquets)

March 19 (one bouquet)

March 26 (one or both bouquets)

April 2 (one or both bouquets)

St. Mark's United Methodist Church has been chosen to host a "Bible Study with the Bishop" for the Stones River District on Thursday, February 16th at 6pm in our sanctuary. Light refreshments will be served as part of the evening. 

Bishop William T. (Bill) McAlilly, episcopal leader for the Tennessee Western Kentucky Conference, will be present to share the Good News of God's great love with United Methodists from all over our area. 

As the host church for this event, let's make sure we have a great showing from St. Mark's. 

The MTSU Wesley Foundation is hosting their annual Pancake Breakfast this Saturday, February 11 from 7-10am. The Wesley Foundation is located at 216 College Heights. The cost is $10 for all you can eat or carryout.

There will also be a Breakfast Battle with representatives from area churches in a competition for best breakfast dish. Our own Dr. Louis Toedt, Director of Youth, College, and Recreation Ministries will represent St. Mark's. The battle takes place between 8-9:30 am so stop by and show your support.

There will also be a Silent Auction taking place throughout the morning with all proceeds supporting this important ministry in our community.

Call a friend, invite your Sunday School class, or load up the family and come enjoy a great time of food and fellowship.

Dear St. Mark's family, thanks to each of you who shared cards, text, messages, food hugs, time, and other expressions of love and care upon the passing of my mother, Virginia Hicks. Special thanks to the Staff Parish and Manna Ministry Teams for the beautiful reception given to celebrate my mom. Each of these acts of kindness was a comfort to our family. 

Mom was a tremendous force of love, laughter, encouragement, and faith in our lives. We miss her every day, but give thanks for her life and for God’s promise that she is resting in arms of our Savior.

Trish and I would like to thank the Staff-Parish Committee, the Staff, and all the members of the St. Mark’s United Methodist Church, for the wonderful reception given us on the occasion of our fiftieth wedding anniversary. Also, for all the calls, cards, conversations, and gifts we are most grateful. St. Mark’s is a very caring church and we are fortunate to call this our church home.

Wednesday, February 8

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

6:00 p.m. SOULFULL Worship - Rec Center

6:00 p.m. WNT Programming

7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir - RM 1119

Thursday, February 9

10:00 a.m. Quilting Bee - Banquet Room/Kitchen

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

6:00 p.m. “Waking To God’s Dream” Planning Group - RM 405

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

Friday, February 10

10:00 a.m. SAGES Valentine Luncheon - Banquet Room/Kitchen

10:30 a.m. Bible Study - RM 503/505

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

Saturday, February 11

7:00 a.m. Pancake Breakfast at Wesley

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

10:00 a.m. Cub Scouts Blue and Gold - Rec Center/Banquet RM/Kitchen

Sunday, February 12

9:00 a.m. Children's Choirs - RM 211, 304

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

3:15 p.m. Youth Praise Band Rehearsal - Youth Center

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. Youth - Rec Center/Youth Center

5:30 p.m. Disciple - RM 405

Monday, February 13

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

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

Tuesday, February 14

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

10:00 a.m. UMW Mary Martha Circle - RM 501

Wednesday, February 15

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

6:00 p.m. SOULFULL Worship - Rec Center

6:00 p.m. WNT Programming

7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir - RM 1119

Thursday, February 16

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

6:30 p.m. Bible Study with the Bishop - RC/BR/Sanctuary/Narthex

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

Friday, February 17

10:30 a.m. Bible Study - RM 503/505

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

Saturday, February 18

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

Sunday, February 19

9:00 a.m. Children's Choirs - RM 211, 304

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

2:30 p.m. Rec Center Reserved

3:15 p.m. Youth Praise Band Rehearsal - Youth Center

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. Youth - Rec Center/Youth Center

5:30 p.m. Disciple - RM 405

Monday, February 20

Office Closed - Washington's Birthday

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

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

6:00 p.m. Stratford Hall HOA

Tuesday, February 21

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

In Other News:

Note of Thanks - Thank you for making Christmas special for all our students. Your generosity of clothing, toys, quilts, etc. were so appreciated. I had some parents confide that your gifts completed their children's Christmas. The kindness you have shown is forever remembered! God Bless each of you.

Sincerely,

Debbie Collins Napier, Kindergarten Teacher

Red Bird Christian School

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