September 13, 2022

From the Senior Pastor

As a preacher, it’s always a nice feeling when people take your sermons to heart. 

On Sunday mornings, I’ve been preaching a series based on “What Disciples Do.” In week one, the thesis of the sermon was “Disciples take faith seriously.” One couple greeted me at the back of the sanctuary after the service and said that they were going to look for a Sunday school class. Another individual said that they were going to start each day by reading a devotional book.

This past Sunday, the theme of the sermon was “Disciples seek people” and several people left church saying that they were going to reach out to people they haven’t seen at St. Mark’s in a while and let them know that they’re loved and missed.

Why are they doing those things? I am reasonably sure that it’s not because my sermons the past two weeks have been exceptionally good. They’re doing those things because that’s what faithful disciples of Jesus do.

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.

September 18: Disciples Resist Greed (Luke 16:1-13)

September 25: Disciples Practice Generosity (1 Timothy 6:6-19)

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. 

Saturday, September 17^th

9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

You do not have to have BCBST insurance to get your flu shot. All insurance is accepted. If you do not have insurance or forgot your insurance card, no worries, we got you covered.

Walgreens will be on-site to administer the flu shots. They will also have the high dose flu shot for those over the age of 65.

Thanks to everyone who supported September 11 as SAGES Day at St. Mark’s.

The next meeting of the SAGES Ministry Team will be Wednesday, September 14, at 9:30 A.M. in Room 503-505.

The Alzheimer’s/Dementia Support Group will meet again on Thursday, September 22, 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.

The upcoming SAGES Bar-B-Que event will be very special. The date is September 23 at 11:30 A.M. It will be in the St. Mark’s Banquet Hall. There is no cost for the meal but a love offering will be received. The meal includes pulled pork, potato salad, coleslaw, baked beans, rolls, and banana pudding. The program will be provided by musician and entertainer Bill Sleeter. Please make your reservations in the church office. Look for the book! Please sign up for the cookout by Friday, September 16.

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. 

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.. 

Adventures in Learning continues this year on September19, and 26. The classes this year are The Great Pacific War (1941-1946), The Eight Hundred Years Crusade, Tips and Tricks on How to Navigate Your Phone/iPad, Public Education, The Courts and the U.S. Constitution, Rutherford County History, and Books and Radio. The classes begin at 9:30 and some of them are repeated at 10:45. Lunch is served each of the three days. All these events for SAGES are being held at First United Methodist Church, Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Registration blanks can be found in the church office. Members of our SAGES serve on the AIL Planning Team.

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.

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.

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 September in Celebrate Wonder Sunday School, preschool children are exploring what it means to know we are chosen by God to do God’s work in the world. Our theme word is “CALL,” and our theme verse is 1 Samuel 1:3:10b, “Speak. Your servant is listening.” We will see how Hannah, Samuel, Saul, and David were all called by God, and how God still calls people into service today. We hope to see you in Room 305 at 9:15 a.m.!

This Fall, children in the Kindergarten – 2nd Grade will take a break from Celebrate Wonder and explore 12 Old Testament Stories using a new, video-based curriculum called Holy Moly. During September, we will study these stories:

• Abraham

• Abraham and Sarah

• Rebekah and Isaac

• Jacob and Esau  

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 embarking 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 September, the class will begin with these stories from Genesis:

Creation – Genesis 1:1-5  

The Fall – Genesis 3:1-7 

Suffering - Genesis 3:16-19

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

JAM SESSION 4^th/5^th Graders

Let's Go Bananas! 

BANANA GAMES, BANANA SPLITS & MORE BANANAS!

St. Mark’s 4th/5th Graders and Friends

Sunday, September 18, 3:00 - 5:00 p.m.

@ St. Mark’s

BANANA GAMES, BANANA SPLITS & MORE BANANAS!

Wear Yellow, Green or Brown and 

Bring a Banana to Share!

All Participants Must Have a Permission Form on File

RSVP to Rev. Touchton at martha@stmarkstn.org 

Sunday, September 18, we will enjoy a video of our children, youth, and college students who participated in Cedar Crest Camp this summer!  

This Sunday’s Coin Offering will go to replenish our Camp Scholarship Fund and support more children and youth attending camp next summer!  Campers are encouraged to wear their Cedar Crest t-shirts this Sunday!

UPCOMING dates for Children’s Ministries

• Sunday, September 18, 10:30 a.m. Worship

  Children’s Bible Presentation, Coin Offering for Cedar Crest Camp

• Sunday, September 18, JAM Session 4^th/5^th Grade Fellowship

  3:00 – 5:00 p.m., Bananarama in the Gym

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.

Sunday, September 25th in 10:30 a.m. worship, we will acknowledge and celebrate St. Mark’s UMC’s $40,000 gift to Habitat for Humanity which enables is to fully sponsor of a Habitat home!

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.

For Reeves Rogers

Please Donate New Sweatpants

with Elastic Waistbands 

for Boys and Girls

Children Sizes S, M, L and XL

September 4 – 25

in the Narthex Collection Bins

See the Flyer HERE

The Miriam’s Promise Golf and Walk Challenge has been scheduled for September 23 at the Old Fort Golf Club here in Murfreesboro. You can find out more information here. 

Miriam’s Promise offers hope and healing to expectant parents, birth parents, children and adoptive families coping with issues of grief, loss, and transition.

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.

As of this writing, we have openings on the following dates:

November 27 (one or both bouquets)

December 11 (one bouquet)

December 18 (one or both bouquets)

St. Mark’s United Methodist Church

5-7 PM

Room 1203

Meal and Study

September 18 - “Bible: Taking A Second Look At The Bible Of Jesus” - Rev. Michael O’Bannon

September 25 - “God’s Will: Does God Have A Purpose For My Life?” - Rev. Martha Touchton

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

Our new Sunday School class for College-age disciples, seekers and skeptics alike is now meeting during the Sunday School hour (9:15-10:15) in Room 504 (adjacent to the chapel room where the Young Adult class will continue to meet). Light refreshments will be provided. 

Our new Bible study group for both Youth and College-age young adults known as "Tough Questions" will once again meet in the St Mark's Library just off the narthex (not in the youth wing!) at 6 pm during Wednesday Night Together. WNT dinner will be served at 5 pm in the Banquet Halls. 

Wednesday, September 14, 2022

9:30 a.m. SAGES Meeting - RM 503/505

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 15, 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 16, 2022

10:30 a.m. Bible Study - RM 503/505

12:30 p.m. UMW Lois Shipp Circle at Through the Grapevine

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

Saturday, September 17, 2022

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

9:00 a.m. Drive Thru Flu Clinic

Sunday, September 18, 2022

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

11:30 a.m. Nominations Committee - Banquet Room

3:00 p.m. JAM Session - Rec Center

4:00 p.m. GriefShare - RM 405

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

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

Monday, September 19, 2022

8:30 a.m. Food Bank Workers - RM 402/404

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, September 20, 2022

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

9:45 a.m. Preschool Chapel

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

4:00 p.m. Disciple I - RM 503/505

7:00 p.m. Trustees Meeting - RM 506

Wednesday, September 21, 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 22, 2022

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

10:00 a.m. Quilting Bee - RM 1203

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

6:00 p.m. Coed Softball - Star*Plex #4

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 #4

Friday, September 23, 2022

9:00 a.m. SAGES Luncheon - Banquet Room/Kitchen/Narthex

10:30 a.m. Bible Study - RM 503/505

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

Saturday, September 24, 2022

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

10:00 a.m. Lolita Rawlins Visitation - Narthex

11:00 a.m. Lolita Rawlins Service - Sanctuary

12:00 p.m. Manna Ministries - Banquet Room

Sunday, September 25, 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. Children's Ministry Team - Library

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. Youth - Rec Center/Youth Center

Monday, September 26, 2022

8:30 a.m. Food Bank Workers - RM 402/404

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, 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. Woodworkers - Banquet Room

On Sunday, August 28^th, the St. Mark's Church Council unanimously supported the Traditional Worship Team's recommendation to continue with one Sunday worship experience at 10:30 AM for the foreseeable future.

The rationale for this decision is based on the following:

1. Since the pandemic, our in-person worship attendance has dropped considerably (from an average of 400 to 245). It is worth noting that this decline in attendance is consistent with what many other United Methodist Churches are reporting. Unfortunately, fewer people attending in-person has also resulted in fewer volunteers for important Sunday morning ministries.

2. Upon implementing our Summer Worship Schedule, our average attendance hasn't dropped much, but the spirit and energy of worshiping together in one service has increased exponentially.

3. We believe that guests worshiping with us for the first time also notice the fantastic energy and spirit of a larger crowd worshiping together in one service, making it more likely that guests will worship with us again.

4. One worship experience means that we will not have to split our chancel choir in half to lead us in congregational singing and to provide special music on Sunday mornings. 

5. One worship experience ensures that we will have enough volunteers for Sunday morning ministries (ushers, audio and video technicians, acolytes, children's sermon presenters, children's coin offering collectors, liturgists and greeters).

When Will a Second Service Return?

Research suggests that when a sanctuary reaches 80% capacity, churches should add an additional worship experience. Our sanctuary "uncomfortably" seats 500 people, but our ushers tell us that a more "comfortable" capacity is 450. Using that more "comfortable" number, when our average worship attendance reaches 360 people (80% of 450), the worship team and church council are open to bringing back a second Sunday morning worship experience. We can hasten that day's arrival by not only regularly participating in worship ourselves but also by inviting others to worship with us. Let us all covenant together to do both!

After a long break, the Rutherford County Laity Club will meet Monday, September 26 at 6:30 pm at Trinity UMC (2303 Jones Blvd, M'boro). A fellowship meal will be provided along with a program. We ask that diners above age 4 bring $6.00, and all money raised will stay with the host church. Pastors dine free. Contact Jamie Huffman for more information. 

In Other News:

The Friday Bible Discussion Group will resume on September 16. Meetings are at 10:30 A.M. in Room 503-505. The class will study “Ask: Faith Questions in a Skeptical Age” by Scott and Arthur Jones. Books are available in the church office. Everyone is welcome!

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