June 27, 2023

From the Pastor

When Rev. Martha Touchton's request to give up about a third of her compensation and transition out of children's ministry was approved by the Staff Parish Relations Committee back in February, I began praying that God would send us the right person to provide leadership to our children's ministry. I couldn't be more excited about how God answered that prayer.

On July 1, Hannah Pratt will begin her work as our Children's Ministry Director. Hannah came to St. Mark's as a ministry intern while pursuing her undergraduate degree at MTSU. After completing her Master's Degree at East Tennessee State University, Hannah returned to Murfreesboro to begin her career as a speech pathologist, even as she continued to wrestle with God's call upon her life. She began to explore what saying yes to God's call might look like and it led her not only to begin the ordination process in The United Methodist Church but to apply for our children's ministry position as well.

This Sunday, we will recognize and consecrate Hannah's commitment to children's ministry in our church and community. I hope you'll join me in welcoming and praying for Hannah as she enters this new chapter of her life and calling.

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

Tommy

The "God's Creative Communication" Sunday morning sermon series continues this weekend, although Pastor Tommy may opt to choose a different scripture this weekend, one that our children are learning at Vacation Bible School this week. If you're not out of town for the holiday weekend, please make plans to join us for worship. Even if you are out of town, you can always worship with us via live-stream or worship later at www.youtube.com/stmarkstn.

July 2: We trust God when we don't understand (Genesis 22:1-14)

July 9: God brings people together for lifelong relationships (Genesis 24:58-65)

On July 16, we start a new Sunday morning sermon series called, "BROKEN: Good News for Troubled Times."

The SAGES Ministry Team will meet July 10 at 9:30 in Room 503-505.

On July 12 the SAGES are going to Smithville to eat and shop. The meal will be at Cheryl’s Beau Bees located just off the courthouse square. Please sign up in the church office. Look for the book!

The Alzheimer’s/Dementia Support Group will meet July 27 at 1:30 PM. At the home of Cindy Flippin, 2714 Tower Drive, Murfreesboro, TN 37129-1176.

On August 15 the SAGES are going to the Cumberland County Playhouse to see “All Shook Up.” Lunch will be at Forte on the Square. Tickets are $29.00. Lunch is Dutch Treat. Please make your reservations in the office or the narthex.

Coming activities: September 22 – Senior Potluck Luncheon at 11:30 AM; September 24 - Senior Appreciation Day; October 30 – Loveless Café; November 17 – Midway Diner; In December – Christmas at Beersheba; Dec 9 - Senior Serenity at 11:00 A.M.  

The SAGES will host services at Adams Place Tuesday, July 17 at 10:30 AM and at Rutherford Senior Care (Wednesdays 11:00 AM); Rutherford Assisted Living (Fridays at 1:30 PM); and American House Senior Living (Tuesdays at 2:30 PM) each week.

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

Our Second Annual SOULFULL Summer Concert series is underway on Wednesday evenings at 6 pm in the gym. Each week, we'll feature a secular song and ask what that song might have to say to us as people of faith and what our faith might have to say to that song.

This Wednesday night, we'll feature "Kyrie" by Mr. Mister.

We'll take July 5 off and then be back on July 12.

Upcoming songs:

Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" (July 12)

Kris Kristofferson's "Why Me Lord?" (July 19)

The Beatles' "Help" (July 26)

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 Explore Great Stories of the Bible

This month in Celebrate Wonder Sunday School, our preschool children will explore well-known stories of the Bible including Noah and the Ark, Jonah and the Whale, and the stories of Daniel, including Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego.

Our theme word for July is “BIBLE.” As we study these familiar stories in the Bible, we give thanks for God’s Word that teaches us to know God and Jesus and informs who we are in relationship to God and Jesus! Our Bible Memory verse for July is “So our ancestors trusted God’s words; they sang God’s praise.” Psalm 106:12.



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

Coming This Summer!

Our Elementary children will join together for some extra fun and faith this summer! Sundays, 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. in Room 212.

JULY: DIARY OF A GODLY KID



Following, Attitude, Honor, and Time – what do these words have to do with being a disciple? Through this study of the life of Moses, we’ll learn how to be godly kids who live out our faith every day.

Join us for fun and/or lunch at some of the kid-friendliest places in town! We’ll meet at 10:00 a.m. and share in some fun activities; then we’ll head to lunch around 12:00 p.m. Come for the fun, for lunch, or for both! Come one Wednesday or every Wednesday! In case of inclement weather, meet at St. Mark’s and BYO sack lunch. All children must be accompanied by an adult; no drop-offs allowed. All ages and friends welcome!

Wednesday, June 28 – Lunch at Casa Blanca after VBS

Wednesday, July 5 – No Wonderful Wednesday

Wednesday, July 12 – Bake and Decorate Cookies to share with the residents of the Rutherford Assisted Living Center. We might play a few games with them too!

Wednesday, July 19 – Arts and Crafts Day

Wednesday, July 26 – Music Day – Make Your Own Instruments

Wednesday, August 2 – Pool Party at Beckman’s!

Watch our St. Mark’s Kid’s Facebook Page every week for more detailed information!

Thank YOU!

For supporting St. Mark’s VBS

With your Prayers, Presence, Gifts, Service, and Witness!

At VBS, more than 120 children plus 75 adult and youth helpers are learning how Jesus is our ultimate superhero, that there are heroes in our community helping people in many ways, and that we can all be a hero for Christ to the people our own neighborhoods!

St. Mark’S UMC

HERO HOTLINE VBS

HOMETOWN HERO

HOEDOWN

Thursday, June 29

CELEBRATE THE HEROES AMONG US!

5:00 – 6:30 p.m. FOOD TRUCKS, INFLATABLES, WATERSLIDE, FACE-PAINTING and More

6:30 p.m. CLOSING VBS WORSHIP

Including Holy Communion & Offering

As part of your preparation for

the sacrament of Holy Communion,

you are invited to donate canned and dry foods to

St. Mark's Food Bank every 1^st Sunday.

Collection tubs will be located just outside the Sanctuary,

or you can bring your donation to the

bins in the Narthex or Room 407/409.

The next Communion 1st Sunday is July 2^nd!

Please bring cans of Chicken Noodle Soup!

"For I was hungry

and you gave me food..."

Matthew 25:35

-Starting this Wednesday June 28th, St Mark’s Student Ministry will begin hosting a weekly "Bible Study Hall" beginning at 6:00 pm (starting with the Wednesday night “SOULFULL” Worship Service in the Gym, and moving to the Library around 6:30), and ending at 8 pm. This will continue on all future Wednesdays for the remainder of the summer unless otherwise announced (with the notable exception of Wednesday July 5th, in observance of Independence Day).

-RSVP REQUESTED: On Sunday July 2nd there will be a churchwide Fellowship Brunch at 9:15 am in the Narthex, which means that there will be no Sunday School that morning. After the 10:30 service and lunch on your own, Youth and their invited guests are welcome to meet back at the Youth Wing at 1:30 pm that afternoon in the Youth Wing for an outing to SkateCenter West! The closes at 5 pm, so we will plan on returning to St Mark’s by 5:30 that evening, at the latest. To RSVP, please text Louis at 773-699-2973 by Thursday 6/29.

-Our Instagram handle is @stmarkstn_youth - follow us to stay informed about what St Mark’s Student Ministry is up to!

-The landing page for all things related to St Mark’s Student Ministry can be found here: https://st-marks-umc-student-ministry.mailchimpsites.com/

What a beautiful day we had dedicating the Habitat home built for Mamii, and her sons Benoit and Benfait. St. Mark's is a "Full House Sponsor" of this home and many church members were involved in its construction. It was a great joy to hand the keys over to this family and be part of changing their future!

Attention College Students: St Mark’s is proud to host College Volleyball Night on Monday evenings this summer from 7:30-10 pm in the gym, thanks to the initiative of our own Georgia Touchton. No RSVP required - just come as you are!

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.

The next four available Sundays are:

August 27 (one bouquet)

September 3 (one or both bouquets)

September 17 (one or both bouquets)

October 1 (one or both bouquets)

Grief Support Group Available At St. Mark’s UMC This Fall

Looking for help and encouragement after the death of a spouse, child, family member, or friend?  Grief Share is a special weekly seminar designed to help persons rebuild their lives after losing a loved one. St. Mark’s group is led by caring individuals who have experienced grief and want to help others through the difficult days ahead.

Sundays, 4:00 – 6:00 pm for 13 Sessions. Orientation Sunday, August 6, 2023

Led by Cyndy Stone Allen and Paul Givens. Limit 10 participants. Open to the public. $20.00 Materials Fee Payable August 6. Scholarships available. Books will be distributed at the Orientation gathering Sunday, August 6. To register, click here.

Almost everyone knows someone going through grief: it might be a friend or a family member, a neighbor, or a coworker.  You are encouraged to invite them to GriefShare!



To learn more about GriefShare, click here: https://vimeo.com/70809708

Thanks for donating

50+ ties to MTSU’s

“Raider’s Closet!”

When I first approached Rev. Tommy Ward about relinquishing a portion of my annual salary for the purpose of hiring a Director of Children’s Ministries, our conversation included my desire to take sabbatical leave so I could not only enjoy some much-needed rest and time away, but also give the new person an opportunity to establish him/herself outside of my presence, to give me an opportunity to let go of Children’s Ministries, and to prepare my heart to take on something new.  

What a blessing it is that our denomination provides for such a leave! The Book of Discipline, ¶ 351 states:

“Clergy members in full connection who have been serving in a full-time appointment for six consecutive years, or in a less than full-time appointment equivalent to six consecutive full-time years, from the time of their reception into full or associate membership may be granted a sabbatical leave for up to one year. Whenever possible, the compensation level of the last appointment served before the leave should be maintained in the appointment made at the termination of the leave.”  

After completion of my 36^th Vacation Bible School, I will be on leave for the month of July, 2023, beginning after worship on Sunday, July 2nd and returning Tuesday, August 1st.  

I am greatly blessed to serve Christ with the congregation of St. Mark’s and to be a part of such a caring staff.  As our church continues to recover from the pandemic and I look forward to assuming the role of Minister with Adults and Missions, new and exciting opportunities for ministry will present themselves. I want to be at my best physically, spiritually, and emotionally, so that I might continue to give God and St. Mark’s my utmost attention and effort for all that God has planned for us.  

Sunday, July 2, 9:15 – 10:15 a.m.

(In lieu of Christian Education)

Featuring Patriotic Music by the DOTS and the MARKSMEN

Please Bring a Family-Sized Breakfast Dish to share

Coffee, Juice, and Milk Provided

Kitchen Help Needed!  8:45 a.m.

Contact Rev. Touchton (615) 893-3455

or martha@stmarkstn.org

10:30 a.m. Worship

See flyer HERE

Wednesday, June 28

9:00 a.m. Vacation Bible School

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

6:00 p.m. Youth Bible Study - Youth Center

Thursday, June 29

9:00 a.m. Vacation Bible School

10:30 a.m. Knitting - RM 506

5:00 P.M. VBS Closing Ceremony - Rec Center

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

Friday, June 30

6:00 p.m. Pickle Ball - RC

Saturday, July 1

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

Sunday, July 2

9:15 a.m. Fellowship Brunch

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

1:00 p.m. Youth to Skate Center West

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

Monday, July 3

10:00 a.m. Wings of Hope - Banquet Room/Kitchen

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

5:30 p.m. Big Book Group - RM 503/505

7:30 p.m. College Volleyball - Rec Center

Tuesday, July 4 - Independence Day

Office Closed

Thursday, July 6

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

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

Friday, July 7

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

Saturday, July 8

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

Sunday, July 9

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

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, July 10

8:00 a.m. Tennessee Hustle Basketball - Rec Center

9:30 a.m. SAGES Meeting - RM 503/505

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

5:30 p.m. Big Book Group - RM 503/505

7:30 p.m. College Volleyball - Rec Center

Tuesday, July 11

8:00 a.m. Tennessee Hustle Basketball - Rec Center

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

4:00 p.m. McFarlin Visitation - Sanctuary

6:30 p.m. McFarlin Celebration of Life - Sanctuary

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

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