The newsletter for St. Mark's UMC in Murfreesboro, TN | |
"The Messenger" Online Newsletter | |
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From the Pastor
Each week at our staff meeting, we begin with a time of "God Sightings," instances where we've seen God at work in our lives, in our church, and in our world. As we gather this week, I'll be lifting up the members and friends of St. Mark's collectively. I thank God for all of the ways you support me, our staff, and our church. I pray that you will have a very blessed Christmas and the very best of new years.
It is a privilege to serve God as one of your clergy.
Tommy
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New Sunday Sermon Series: New Year, Same Promises | |
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On Sunday Morning January 1, 2023, we begin a new sermon series that we're calling "New Year, Same Promises."
"New Year, New You" is a message that we often get from pop culture, year after year. We vow to make changes to our diet, to our exercise habits, our lifestyles, et. But in spite of these resolutions, most things stay the same. This may be cause for disappointment, but there is some consistency that we can celebrate. God's promises do not change. Let's spend the start of this new year appreciating God's unbreakable promises:
Upcoming Worship Scriptures:
January 1: Matthew 2:1-12
January 8: Matthew 3:13-17
January 15: Psalm 40:1-11
January 22: Matthew 4:12-23
January 29: Matthew 5:1-12
February 5: Matthew 5:13-20
February 12: Deuteronomy 30:15-20
February 19: Matthew 17:1-9
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New SOULFULL Sermon Series: Starting Point | |
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On Wednesday, January 4th, we begin a new series we're calling Starting Point. We will explore 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.
Week One (Jan 4): Where's Your Starting Point?
As we begin 2023, where is your starting point when it comes to faith? We all start somewhere.
Week Two (Jan 11) Getting the Script
The Bible is our script for life but why should we trust it.
Week Three (Jan 18) The Big Idea
There has to be something bigger to life than living and dying. We discover our greatest sense of purpose when we find our place in God's story.
Week Four (Jan 25) The Human Tragedy
If a perfect God created an imperfect world, then why is it so messed up?
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January 8 is Baptism of the Lord Day
Baptism of the Lord Sunday is January 8. On this day, the Christian church celebrates Christ's baptism by John and reminds all Christians of their baptism. It is a wonderful opportunity for those who have not yet been baptized to be baptized. For those who have already been baptized, we will offer an opportunity to reaffirm the baptismal covenant.
If you are interested in being baptized on January 8, please contact The Rev. Dr. Jim Clardy at jimclardy@stmarkstn.org or at 615-893-3455.
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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 Winter in Celebrate Wonder Sunday School, preschool children are exploring the stories of the Advent of Christ, including the angel’s visits to Mary and Joseph and the Nativity account from Luke 2. Our theme word is “HOPE,” and our memory verse is, “Look! I bring good news to you – wonderful, joyous news for all people,” Luke 2:10.
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This Winter, children in the Kindergarten – 2nd Grade are exploring 4 Advent and Christmas Stories.
1/8 The Magi Matthew 2:1-12
Beginning January 15, 2023, we will be studying 12 New Testament Stories.
The Young Elementary children meet in Room 212 at 9:15 a.m.
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Grades 3 – 5 Studies the Birth of Christ
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 through a new curriculum called “Connect.”
This Winter, children in Grades 3 – 5 are exploring 4 Advent and Christmas Stories:
1/8 Herod - Matthew 2:13-18
1/15 Jesus Authority as the Son of God
The Older Elementary Class meets in Room 214 Sundays at 9:15 a.m.
Note: Due to the Holiday schedule, Christian education classes will not meet December 25, and January 1, 2023.
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TBI agent Jason Wilkerson at St. Mark's | |
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TBI Agent Jason Wilkerson will be the guest speaker at the January 7 United Methodist Men's breakfast meeting to discuss human trafficking in Tennessee. We eat at 7:30am and the program will follow.
The United Methodist Men invite anyone interested to join them for breakfast and then Agent Wilkerson's program. Just call the church office by Thursday, January 5th if you plan to attend so that we can make sure to have enough breakfast and seats for everyone.
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Thanks for the many generous donations that have been received over the past few weeks. Because of you, we are on track to fully fund the 2022 budget.
Year-to-Date Giving as of 12/18/22 = $1,277,845. This is only $7,155 short
of this year’s giving goal. All gifts received by Friday, December 30, will be recorded as a 2022 donation.
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A Letter from Skip Ruzicka | |
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Dear Members and Friends of St. Mark’s:
Let me start by once again acknowledging and thanking everyone who has so generously shared their gifts of time, talent, and treasury in 2022. We knew going into our first full “post pandemic” year there would be challenges, but as always, God was good, and our church family was able to continue St. Mark’s mission in ways we have not been able to over the past two years.
Through your generous gifts, we were able to sustain, grow and pursue excellence in worship, Christian Education, and our missions. Outreach, such as our Reeves Rogers partnership and Project Transformation, was able to again work with kids face to face. Our level of engagement with Habitat for Humanity reached new levels and our food box program provided nourishment to families in need locally. Our Sages have been conducting services to at least three nursing homes this year and our Red Bird mission provides many families food and a Christmas they otherwise would not have had. Our Disaster Team remains ever vigilant our work in supporting the recovery community has improved lives and resulted in people finding a new, and in some cases first, church home. St. Mark’s is known for it’s Christian outreach. I cannot begin to list all the activities and missions of our church here in this letter. Volunteers are always needed and I hope you see something that “grabs” your heart to get involved with in 2023.
As you have noticed in our weekly church bulletin, we are very close to fully funding our 2022 operating budget. If you have not already, please consider a special year-end gift to St. Mark’s. All gifts must be received in the church office by close of business Friday, 12/30. Any gifts received after that date will need to be applied against 2023. As I was sitting in the Sanctuary Sunday listening to the beautiful Christmas Cantata, I was reflecting on how blessed I was to be a part of the St. Mark’s community. I wish you all a Merry Christmas and a blessed 2023.
Sincerely,
Skip Ruzicka
Team Leader, Stewardship & Finance
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Thank you for signing up for the Altar Flowers and adding the beauty of God’s creation is a part of our service. The calendar is full through the remainder of 2022.
The 2023 Calendar is now open for signup. The notebook is at the reception desk. Please consider selecting your special day early. For 2023, the price will increase to $30 per arrangement or $60 for both arrangements.
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Looking for an opportunity to serve God by pouring into others in 2023? Look no further than our own St Mark’s Student Ministry - Spring Volunteer Signup Forms are here! If you are interested in helping with Youth Activities in 2023, you can use our SignupGenius form in order to choose the date(s) of your service.
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A good time was had by all at St Mark’s Youth Christmas Party on Sunday December 18th, an event made possible by YOUR generous contributions to Youth fundraising events such as Merry Mission Marketplace! Please congratulate Laney Marlatt, Kendall Latta and Nathan Daniel on their victory in the 2023 “Reindeer Games” competition.
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Congratulations to our own Callie Berry on her graduation from MTSU on 12/10/22! Callie majored in Biology with a minor in Environmental Science Technology.
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Holiday Worship and Education Schedule | |
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Wednesday, December 21
6:00 p.m. SOULFULL Worship
Saturday, December 24
4:00 p.m. “A Night Like No Other” Christmas Eve Worship Especially for Families with Children, Candlelight & Communion
7:00 p.m. Traditional Christmas Eve Worship with Candlelight and Communion
Sunday, December 25
9:15 a.m. No Christian Education
10:30 a.m. Worship
Sunday, January 1
9:15 a.m. Expanded Coffee Bar, Bring a Goodie to Share
No Christian Education
Sunday, January 8
9:15 a.m. Christian education resumes
10:30 a.m. Worship
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You are invited the 2023 Epiphany Ring on a new day, and a new time!
SATURDAY, January 7, 2023 at 4:00 pm
Murfreesboro First United Methodist Church
Five church Hand Bell Choir groups will play
“Greensleeves”
“Ding Dong Merrily on High”
“Twas in the Moon of Wintertime”
“Gloria” and each Hand Bell Choir will play their own selection.
Admission is free - A love offering will be accepted.
Childcare provided.
Hope to see you there!
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We are so appreciative of our faithful nursery caregivers, and want to be sure they have time to be with their families this Christmas!
St. Mark’s nursery will be open during the 4:00 p.m. service on Christmas Eve, but will remain closed during the 7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve service and 10:30 a.m. service Christmas morning. The nursery will be open regular hours on New Year’s Day.
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Wednesday, December 21
5:00 p.m. inner - Banquet Room
6:00 p.m. SOULFULL Worship - Rec Center
7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir - RM 1119
Thursday, December 22
10:30 a.m. Knitting - RM 503/505
6:30 p.m. ACOA Meeting - RM 503/505
6:30 p.m. Eagle Board of Review - RM 506
Friday, December 23
Office Closed
Saturday, December 24
8:30 a.m. AA Group – RM 503/505
4:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Worship - Sanctuary
7:00 p.m. Christmas Eve Worship - Sanctuary
Sunday, December 25
10:30 a.m. Worship – Sanctuary
Monday, December 26
Office Closed
7:00 p.m. College Volleyball - Rec Center
Tuesday, December 27
9:00 a.m. Note Writers - RM 506
6:00 p.m. Woodworkers - Banquet Room
Thursday, December 29
10:30 a.m. Knitting - RM 503/505
6:00 p.m. ACOA Meeting – RM 503/505
Friday, December 30
6:00 p.m. Pickle Ball - RC
Saturday, December 31
8:30 a.m. AA Group – RM 503/505
Sunday, January 1
9:15 a.m. Coffee Fellowship
10:30 a.m. Worship – Sanctuary
Monday, January 2
Office Closed
10:00 a.m. Watercolor Class - Banquet Room
5:00 p.m. Cub Scouts - Banquet Room/Rec Center/Kitchen
7:00 p.m. College Game Night at Touchtons'
Tuesday, January 3
9:00 a.m. Note Writers - RM 506
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