"The Messenger" Online Newsletter
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Special Easter Offering to Pay Down Mortgage
Hopefully by now, you've heard that the Finance Committee is refinancing our church mortgage to take advantage of historically low interest rates. Before refinancing, the Finance Committee would like to pay down the principal as much as possible and they have invited our church members and friends to help. As of this writing, we've received approximately $30,000 for this "Special Offering" and our current mortgage is down to approximately 1.2 million.
Thank you to those who have already contributed. Should anyone else be led to help with a contribution above and beyond your normal offering or tithe, I assure you that no gift is too small. Yes, we'd love to eliminate all of the debt so that there would be no mortgage at all, but every little bit helps to lower our current monthly payments.
Please prayerfully consider helping as you are able.
Reservations Not Needed for Worship
On Sunday, I announced that reservations are no longer needed for worship. The whole point of requiring reservations was to make sure that we had enough space for social distancing and we currently feel good about being able to keep people socially distanced as we worship. We do ask that people continue to wear masks for the time being.
"Normal" Sunday Worship Opportunities Resume
As previously announced, we will resume our "normal" worship schedule on May 2nd with two opportunities: one at 8:30 a.m. and one at 11 a.m.. Again, we ask that worshipers wear masks.
Sunday Morning Christian Education
While Sunday morning Christian education classes aren't scheduled to resume enmasse until July 11, we have limited indoor spaces available should classes want to gather in a socially distanced setting. We also have several outdoor options at the church. Small groups might also choose to meet in/at homes where social distancing is possible. Please contact the church office for more information.
Thank You From the Wards
Staff Parish Relations Committee Chair Buddy Howell announced on Sunday that your clergy staff has been projected to return to St. Mark's for another conference year, which begins July 1. On a personal note, Hillary and I thank you for the ways you love and support us as your senior pastor family.
It is a privilege serving God as one of your clergy.
Tommy
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A Message from Buddy Howell, SPRC Chair |
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Bishop Bill McAlilly and the Nashville Area Cabinet of the Tennessee / Memphis Conferences recently worked prayerfully together to make missional appointments to every church in our Annual Conference.
On Sunday, April 11, each church in the Tennessee Conference of the United Methodist Church received news about their pastoral appointments.
Rev. Tommy Ward will be reappointed to St. Mark’s as our senior pastor. Dr. Jim Clardy and Rev. Martha Touchton will also be continuing their appointment to St. Mark’s.
Please join me in expressing gratitude for the ministries of Tommy, Jim and Martha, who continue to be servant leaders among us.
Let’s keep each of them and their families in our prayers as we begin the new conference year.
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SAGES News
Dr. Richard Gentzler is the Director of ENCORE Ministry in the Tennessee/Memphis Conferences of the United Methodist Church. ENCORE Ministry has a covenant with SAGES’ ministry to support and encourage the ministry in the Conference.
Dr. Gentzler recently wrote: “Growing old is no longer synonymous with dying and death. For many older adults, old age is not a disability nor a disease. Instead, it is a time of great opportunity for learning, growing, serving, and reimagining one’s life. As people live longer, the post retirement period can last 20 to 30 years or more. We are witnessing a historically unprecedented expansion of life.”
Recognizing the truth of Dr. Gentzler words, your SAGES Ministry Team is planning and implementing programs and adventures for all our SAGES. Please read this newsletter and other church communications for more information about these ministries as we continue to navigate the Covid pandemic.
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SPRING into our new Christian Education experience
For Children of all Ages and their Families
As we Build Back the Routine of Coming to Church!
Sundays, 9:45 – 10:45 a.m. in the Playground Circle
This time will begin with a brief, interactive Bible experience, and end with Snacks and lots of Play/Free Time
Children Must be Accompanied by a Parent!
No Drop-Offs Allowed
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Summer Camp at Cedar Crest |
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Cedar Crest is now registering campers for the 2021 Summer Camp Season. After a 2020 hiatus, Cedar Crest is back with camps available for elementary, middle, and high school students! Camps including Adventure Camp, Mini Camp, Two Week Camp, and Outpost Camp are open for the season to come as well.
St. Mark's will be coordinating shared transportation the weeks of St. Mark's will be coordinating shared transportation the weeks of June 13-18 and July 18-23. All St. Mark’s children who attend camp receive a generous scholarship. This summer, there are fewer camps available with a lower number of campers, so register early!
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The 11:00 AM service will be back on May 2nd. The Tech Ministry is looking for additional volunteers. We need 3 people for each service: Sound/Camera/Visual (screen). If you are interested in this ministry (experienced or no experience) please contact Tommy Walker or me (Hyelan@stmarktn.org).
I want to give a special thanks to Noel Hinote (Camera), Keith Latta (Visual), Dan Pearce, Molly Gilliland and Tommy Walker for faithfully running the tech booth every week during the pandemic.
Thank you for your help!
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Meet the Saints of St. Mark's |
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It's been suggested that our newsletter feature a segment where we can highlight the saints of St. Mark's. In the New Testament, all Christian people of every time and place are considered saints. That makes you one!
You can help our church family get to know each other better by sending us a picture and answering a few questions. We'll highlight individuals and families in future newsletters.
1. Name:
2. Occupation
3. How long have you been at St. Mark's?
4. Areas of Involvement at St. Mark's
5. What drew you to St. Mark's?
6. Interests Outside of Church
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Wesley Foundation Golf Tournament |
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The Wesley Foundation at MTSU will be holding their second golf tournament on April 24 at Old Fort Golf Course. The cost to play is $75 per person which includes lunch. We will take registrations as individuals or as a team. We are also looking for groups and individuals who will partner with us as a hole sponsor or other partner opportunity. Maybe your Sunday School would consider partnering with us?
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What Other Churches are Doing |
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New ministries are birthed every day with ideas and church members who are willing to implement them. Here is what one church is doing:
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in some people slowly falling away from small groups, worship opportunities, and even their faith. Here are some things that Fair Haven Baptist Church in Shelbyville is doing:
Small group leaders/teachers are reaching out to the people in their groups regularly, with the idea being that those contacted regularly will be less likely to drift away. They're also encouraging other group members not to look down on anyone who has drifted away; there may be some really good reasons for their absence. At the same time, it's important to let those who have drifted know that they're missed, that they're wanted, and that they'd be welcomed back warmly.
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National Infertility Awareness Week |
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National Infertility Awareness Week is April 18-24. Christian Education classes could covenant together to pray for those going through infertility, encourage people to participate in the #WearOrange campaign on Wednesday, April 21, to raise awareness of and change the conversation around infertility, send handwritten notes or flowers to people who are experiencing infertility, or connecting couples going through infertility with those who are on the other side of infertility.
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St. Mark’s UMC
Paperback Book Drive
for the
Rutherford County Jail
Give a Book. Plant a Dream. Grow a Life. April 4 – 25, Book Collection Box located near the church office. To learn more about the inmates’ need for new books, Click Here.
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Wednesday, April 14, 2021
7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir - Sanctuary
Thursday, April 15, 2021
9:00 a.m. Women's Bible Study Banquet Room and on Zoom
10:30 a.m. Knitting - RM 503/505
6:30 ACOA Meeting - RM 503/505
7:00 p.m. New Horizons Class on Zoom
Friday, April 16, 2021
6:00 p.m. Pickle Ball - Rec Center
Saturday, April 17, 2021
8:30 a.m. AA Group - RM 503/505
10:00 a.m. Praise Team - Sanctuary
Sunday, April 18, 2021
8:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary
9:45 a.m. Adult Sunday School on Zoom
9:45 a.m. Children’s P.L.A.Y. Christian Education on the Playground
4:00 p.m. AA Group - RM 503/505
4:00 p.m. Woman to Woman Class on Zoom
5:00 p.m. Chancel Ringers - Banquet Room
5:00 p.m. Mixed Blessings Class on Zoom
5:00 p.m. Youth - RC/YC
8:00 p.m. Children's Ministry Team on Zoom
Monday, April 19, 2021
6:00 p.m. God and Church
Tuesday, April 20, 2021
6:30 p.m. Cornerstone Class on Zoom
Wednesday, April 21, 2021
7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir - Sanctuary
Thursday, April 22, 2021
9:00 a.m. Women's Bible Study Banquet Room and on Zoom
10:30 a.m. Knitting - RM 503/505
6:30 p.m. ACOA Meeting - RM 503/505
7:00 p.m. New Horizons Class on Zoom
Friday, April 23, 2021
6:00 p.m. Pickle Ball - RC
Saturday, April 24, 2021
8:30 a.m. AA Group - RM 503/505
10:00 a.m. Praise Team - Sanctuary
Sunday, April 25, 2021
8:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary
9:45 a.m. Adult Sunday School on Zoom
9:45 a.m. Children’s P.L.A.Y. Christian Education on the Playground
4:00 p.m. AA Group - RM 503/505
4:00 p.m. Woman to Woman Class on Zoom
5:00 p.m. Chancel Ringers - Banquet Room
5:00 p.m. Mixed Blessings Class on Zoom
5:00 p.m. Youth - RC/YC
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In Other News:
The St. Mark’s United Methodist Church Spring Golf Tournament will be May 15, 1:00 PM, at the Old Fort Gold Course. A sign-up sheet is posted in the banquet room hall. For other information or to register please call Wendell Philpott.
Thank You Note - St. Mark's is such a caring church family, I have received so many cards, calls, prayers, visits, and food during my recovery from hip surgery. Thank you is really not adequate but thank you to each of you. A quote I like is "Friendships are hugs from God" and I feel so blessed to have received so many hugs. God bless each of you, Sandra Wilson
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