October 12, 2022

From the Pastor

St. Mark's will observe All Saints Sunday on November 6, 2022. On that day, we will name and remember those from our church family who have joined the Church Triumphant since All Saints Sunday 2021.

Remembering those we love is an expression of our love for God and our commitment to further the ministry of the church they loved. If you would like to make a special contribution in memory of any of our recently departed saints, please use the pew envelopes and indicate your gift in memory of the person(s) named.

We invite you to check the list below and let us know if someone in our church family has died since November 7, 2021 (last year's observance of All Saints Day) and is not listed:

Bill Rogers (12/7/21)

Craig James (2/11/22)

Mary Katherine Shirley (4/12/22)

Dorothy Gehrke (4/29/22)

Wayne Love (5/19/22)

Phil Smith (5/26/22)

Helen Stephenson (6/3/22)

Martha Polny (6/5/22)

Mike Carper (6/16/22)

Bill Carey, Sr. (6/27/22)

Lolita Rawlins (9/9/22)

Families of these saints should receive a letter in the mail this week about specific plans to honor these women and men of God.

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

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

October 30: Disciples Live by Faith (Job 19:23-27a)

November 6: Disciples Affirm Resurrection Hope (Ephesians 1:11-23)

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 on "Doubt."

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. 

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

On October 14 our 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.

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 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. Thanks to Laura and Noel Hinote for their dedicated leadership with the adventure.

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 and a $5 admission fee to see the lights. 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.

Thanks again to Jeff Henry and all the Adventures in Learning Team for a very meaningful workshop. Planning begins soon for next year. They covet our prayers.

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

SIGNS AND WONDERS: THE MIRACLES OF JESUS

October 12, 19 and 26, Led by Dr. Barry Culbertson in Room 402/404

Written by Vanderbilt’s New Testament Scholar Amy-Jill Levine, this video series explores selected miracles of Jesus in historical and theological context, and helps the learner understand how past witnesses would have understood the events, but also how today’s readers can draw meaning from Jesus’ words and actions.

Dr. Culbertson, a retired UM pastor and chaplain, will lead us discussing the impact of Jesus’ signs and wonders on our faith today.

IS AMERICA DRYING UP?  Led by Greg Denton, Room 405, October 12 Only

The appearance of a global water crisis has been in the forefront of the news this summer, with some areas of the world getting too much rain and others areas getting almost none. In North America, Europe, and China, important rivers and lakes are at their lowest levels in memory, greatly impacting the people who depend on them.  Droughts are natural phenomena, but are people making them worse?  What is the situation in Tennessee? 

Greg Denton, a retired manager and biologist with the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation, will lead a discussion on what we can do to help protect our water supply.

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.

Make Plans Now to share in St. Mark’s UMC Church Family Thanksgiving Dinner and Worship 

Tuesday, November 22nd, 5:00 p.m. Dinner, 6:00 p.m. Worship 

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 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 – 2^nd Grade are exploring 12 Old Testament Stories using a new, video-based curriculum called Holy Moly. During October, we are studying 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.

Children’s Coin Offering

Sunday, October 16th 

For Special Kids Therapy and Nursing Center

UPCOMING dates for Children’s Ministries

Saturday, October 15, JAM Session CampOut at Cedar Crest Camp

Sunday, October 16 – Children’s Coin Offering

• For Special Kids Therapy and Nursing Center

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.

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

Sunday, October 23^rd, 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.

St. Mark’s Playground Circle and Back Yard

Join the Fun and Fellowship! 

BBQ, Slaw, and Drinks Provided

*Bring a Family-Size Side, Salad or Dessert to Share*

Hayrides, Games, Treats, Inflatables

S’mores at the Campfire, and more!

Bring your Own Lawn Chairs or Blankets

Donation Requested, $5/per person

Happy, Non-Violent Costumes, please!

Bring a Friend!  Everyone Welcome!

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, volunteers from HISS United Methodist Church in Baltimore, MD will be working for Habitat for Humanity at Legacy Pointe, and we have the opportunity to provide lunch for them (18-20 people) on these dates: 

Monday, October 31, Tuesday, November 1, Thursday, November 3 ,and Friday, November 4.

If your class or group is willing to provide lunch for one of these work days, contact Rev. Touchton.

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. 

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 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.

You may have noticed the addition of welcome center stations just outside the back doors of the sanctuary. Each week, we invite first-time guests to stop by and receive a small gift as they leave worship. It includes a QR code that takes guests to our church website. 

Do you have a welcoming spirit or a gift of hospitality? Would you be willing to be in the rotation to be a welcome center greeter? If so, please contact the church office at 893-3455 or stmarks@stmarkstn.org.

Wednesday, October 12, 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, October 13, 2022

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

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

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

5:00 p.m. DKG - RM 402/404

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

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

Friday, October 14, 2022

9:30 a.m. SAGES to Top of the Rock

10:30 a.m. Bible Study - RM 503/505

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

Saturday, October 15, 2022

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

4:00 p.m. JAM Session Camp Out at Cedar Crest

Sunday, October 16, 2022

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

12:30 p.m. Youth to Zoo

2:00 p.m. County-wide SAGES Meeting - Banquet Room

4:00 p.m. GriefShare - RM 405

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

5:00 p.m. Bible Study - RM 1203

5:00 p.m. Chancel Ringers - RM 1117

Monday, October 17, 2022

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, October 18, 2022

8:00 a.m. Habitat for Humanity Workday

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

9:45 a.m. Preschool Chapel

4:00 p.m. Disciple I - RM 503/505

6:30 p.m. SPRC Meeting - RM 503/505

Wednesday, October 19, 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, October 20, 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 21, 2022

10:30 a.m. Bible Study - RM 503/505

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

Saturday, October 22, 2022

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

Sunday, October 23, 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

4:00 p.m. Fall Festival

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

5:00 p.m. Finance Team - RM 503/505

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

Monday, October 24, 2022

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, October 25, 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

In Other News:

View Our Current Prayer List

See Our Full Event Calendar 

Missed a Sermon? Click HERE to go to our sermons media page.

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