January 24, 2023

From the Pastor

Have you noticed the splash of green in our church sanctuary lately? The cloths on and around the altar are called paraments (from a Latin word that means "to adorn'' or "to prepare") and the colors of these paraments change depending on the season of the church year. 

Right now, we are in what is often called "Ordinary Time," when Christian churches focus on the life and ministry of Jesus. The color green represents the hope we feel as we witness the first buds of spring and it symbolizes a season of growth in our walk with God. The color of our paraments will remain green until Transfiguration Sunday on February 19, when our paraments will be changed to white, the color of purity and completeness, as we recall Jesus' face shining like the sun and his clothes becoming white as light in the presence of James, John, and Peter. 

As you take in the color green in our sanctuary over the next several weeks, I invite you to ponder how you've grown in your relationship with Christ or perhaps how you'd like to grow in that relationship in this new year. If I can be of help to you as you seek to grow, please let me know.

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

Tommy

Our current Sunday morning sermon series is entitled "New Year, Same Promises." People often make resolutions for a new year that they do not end up keeping. But when God resolutely states something, God keeps God's word! Let's begin 2023 by remembering and appreciating some of God's promises:

Upcoming Worship Scriptures:

January 29: Matthew 5:1-12 (God's Promise of Blessing)

February 5: Matthew 5:13-20 (God's Promise of Guidance)

February 12: Deuteronomy 30:15-20 (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 with Trust (Jan 25)

Starting with Rules (Feb 1)

Starting at the Cross (Feb 8)

Starting, Period! (Feb 15)

Recently, the SAGES delivered 30 poinsettias to 6 nursing homes in the area.

Some of the SAGES activities planned for this year are: Senior Valentines Luncheon (11:30 a.m. 2/10/23 - tickets are $12 per person); Trip to Bluebird Café (only 15 tickets available -5/8/23); Senior Serenity Luncheon (12/09/23). Everyone is invited to any or all of these SAGES activities.

You're invited to a reception in honor of Rev. Dr. Jim and Trish Clardy's 50th wedding anniversary this Sunday, January 29th, following our morning worship service. Congratulations Jim and Trish!

On February 5, the communion rail offering will support the scouting ministries at St. Mark's in recognition of Scouting Ministries Sunday on February 12.

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. 

“God, is this your will, yes or no?” The God question may well be the most important question we ask. “What are you guiding us to do or to be?”

God meets us at pivotal points in our lives and in the life of the faith community. Asking the “God" question has the potential to completely reorient our lives and ministries. 

Consider:

• How different would our life be if we had frequently and earnestly asked the question, “God, what is your will?”

• What would our church be like if at every important juncture, we consciously ask, “God, what is your dream for St. Mark's United Methodist Church?”

On Friday, Saturday, and Sunday Morning, February 24, 25, and 26, we will be offering a workshop on determining God's dream as we seek to remain a faithful United Methodist presence in our community and world. Following the weekend event, those who want to learn more can join a 6-week online experience where we will study, strengthen Christian community, and wake to God's dream for us as individuals and for our church.

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:

Jan. 29 The Sower – Matthew 13:3-9

Feb. 5  Mustard Seed – Mark 4:30-32

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:

1/29/2023      Baptism- Mark 1:9-11

2/5/2023        12 Disciples- Mark 9:33-37

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

2/19/2023      Healings- Mark 5:35-43

2/26/2023      Teachings- Matthew 7:24-29

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

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 Now Available in the Church Office.

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.

Sundays, 5:30 –7:30 p.m. in Room 405

Led by Beth Morris & Daniel Phebus

In cooperation with MTSU Wesley Foundation

12 Weeks of Old Testament, February – April

12 Week of New Testament, September – November

Materials Provided, Bring your own Study Bible

Orientation this Sunday, January 29^th, 5:30 – 6:30 p.m.

To register, email martha@stmarkstn.org

Let the Boy Scouts of St. Mark’s Troop 398 take care of your cooking on Super Bowl Sunday, February 12^th. We’ve smoked our own pork and turkey for over 20 years! Proceeds will go to fund troop operations for this year. Your order will be packaged and ready for pick up from 9:00 AM to 1:30 PM in the Banquet Room at St. Mark’s UMC on Super Bowl Sunday, February 12, 2023. You can choose from pulled pork $11/pound and/or sliced turkey $15/pound (order extra and freeze it for a treat later on!)  

Whole Boston Butts are available for $45 and boneless turkey half-breasts for $45. Ribs are $22/slab. To complete your feast, we offer 16 ounce sides of Cole slaw and baked beans for $5 each. Back by popular demand are our sauces: 12 oz. Hummingbird (mild) and Screaming Eagle (spicy) for $7. Please remember to place your orders in advance, since only limited quantities will be available for sale on February 12^th.

Tickets are currently on sale by troop members. Scouts will be available to take orders after the St. Mark’s service on Sundays thru Feb 5. Order forms are also available in the church office or you can place an order by calling or emailing Scoutmaster Mike Warren (615) 473-7076 or mike11345@aol.com. 

If you’d like to join us for an evening of MTSU Blue Raider Basketball on Thursday, February 16^th, St Mark’s Recreation Ministry is currently offering tickets in our group block for the discounted (47% off) price of $8 apiece. 

Tipoff is at 6 pm, and tickets include access to free bounce houses, balloon artists, face painting, carnival games for the kids, as well as the opportunity for the whole family to participate in a post-game group photo on the court. Ticket orders and cash or check payments should be submitted to Louis Toedt by next Sunday (1/29); you can find a copy of the ticket ORDER FORM HERE.

(This form can either be printed or downloaded and emailed to louis@stmarkstn.org once completed… just don’t forget to submit your payment directly to Louis) 

Because of your support, we were able to bring the Youth to Phazer Kraze this past Sunday for a fun-filled evening of laser tag and Bible trivia … congratulations to Kyle Anderson on winning the trivia competition, and big thanks to Caleb Lewis for leading us to victory in laser tag! 

Looking for an opportunity to serve God by pouring into others in 2023? Look no further than our own St Mark’s Student Ministry! 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.

Bible Study with Bishop Bill McAlilly

Thursday, February 16, 2023

6:00 p.m.

St. Mark's UMC

St. Mark's UMC has been invited to host a district-wide Bible study led by Bishop Bill McAlilly, episcopal leader of our area. Please make plans to meet our Bishop McAlilly and spend some time together studying the word of God.

The Wesley Foundation at MTSU at 216 College Heights is planning their Pancake Breakfast for Saturday, February 11, 2023. Breakfast is $10 for carry out or all you can eat and runs 7:00 tp 10:00 a.m. There will also be a silent auction and Breakfast Battle.

Wednesday, January 25

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, January 26

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

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

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

Friday, January 27

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

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

Saturday, January 28

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

9:30 a.m. Chrysalis Meeting - RM 406

Sunday, January 29

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

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

11:30 a.m. Clardy Anniversary Reception - Narthex

2:30 p.m. Rec Center Reserved

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, January 30

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

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

Tuesday, January 31

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

Wednesday, February 1

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 2

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

6:00 p.m. JAM Session Sexuality Seminar - RM 506

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

Friday, February 3

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

6:00 p.m. JAM Session Sexuality Seminar - RM 1203

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

Saturday, February 4

7:30 a.m. UMM Meeting & Breakfast - Banquet Room

8:00 a.m. JAM Session Sexuality Seminar - RM 1203

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

Sunday, February 5

8:30 a.m. First Sunday Fellowship - Narthex

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

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, February 6

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

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

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

6:00 p.m. SOULFULL Worship Team - TBA

Tuesday, February 7

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

10:00 a.m. Disctrict Ministers Meeting - Sanctuary/Narthex

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