"The Messenger" Online Newsletter
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A woman complained to a friend, "I don't know what I have to be thankful for...I owe everybody money and I'm overdrawn at the bank." Said the friend, "Then be thankful you're not one of your creditors."
We all have things for which to be thankful, whether we realize it or not. Each November, I have developed the discipline of writing one note a day to express gratitude for someone or something, with a special emphasis on things or people that I may often overlook.
Why don't you join me? Why not ask God to help you see things and people for which to be thankful...and then express gratitude to/for them? Maybe it's the barista who makes your Pumpkin Spice Latte or the non-profit employee who gives more than she will ever receive. Maybe it's the neighbor who retrieves your trash can from the road or who feeds your dog when you're out of town.
Let's not let the chief symbol of our Thanksgiving be a dead turkey but rather a grateful heart.
It is a privilege to serve God as one of your clergy.
Tommy
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Now Streaming on Facebook Live |
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By now, you're all aware that we've been live-streaming and then archiving our worship experiences on YouTube. Recently, we began live-streaming on Facebook as well.
If you haven't done so already, go to facebook.com/stmarkstn and like our page. If you want to be notified when a live-stream begins, find this past Sunday's worship service and click it. The worship service will begin playing. On the top right hand side as the video is playing, you'll notice the church's name with a picture of a bell to the right. Click that bell to turn on or turn off notifications when we go live. You may also receive a prompt in the bottom left hand corner as the video is playing, asking if you'd like to receive notifications. Either way works!
We invite you to "share" our worship (either as it is live-streamed or after it has been archived) on your Facebook page so that others might have the opportunity to join us.
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November 29th is the First Sunday of Advent and we'll begin a new sermon series inspired by Amy Jill Levine's book, "Light of the World." Small groups are invited to study the book alongside the sermon series. The texts for each Sunday will be:
November 29: Luke 1:5-25, 52-79
December 6: Luke 1:26-56
December 13: Luke 2:1-40
December 20: Matthew 1:18-2:15
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SAGES News
The Bible’s Take on Aging
The Bible describes the aging experience as a sequence of the seasons of life. Such seasons or stages of life indicate common transitions from childhood to youth to maturity to elderliness. For example, in Jeremiah 6:11 life is pictured as childhood, youth, young “marrieds,” and the elderly. The Bible also defines a maximum life span as the fourth generation of a family, equating it with the life span of 70-80 years, as mentioned in Psalm 90:10.
Today many gerontologists speak of aging as “elderhood,” as a way of respecting Sages. Of course, many of our friends and family members today are living into their early and even late 90’s.
Members of your Sages Ministry Team are constantly reviewing their ministry vision. They are committed to not just the practical aspects of ministry but always examining the theological underpinnings for ministry with the aged.
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Children have a natural sense of awe, wonder, curiosity and imagination that helps shape their spiritual lives. St. Mark’s offers a Sunday morning children’s experience via Zoom, 9:45 – 10:30 a.m., including spiritual practices, opportunities for reflection, giving children a small space to ask big questions, and helping them claim their spiritual identity as children of God. Check our St. Mark’s UMC Children’s Ministries Facebook page for the Zoom link. See you then!
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You are Invited to Savor a
“BUFFET OF CONVERSATIONS”
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While we cannot gather in person for a shared meal and classes at Wednesday Night Together, this creative online ministry gathers adults who wish to help one another maintain connection to God, to the church, and to one another through a variety of short-term courses and activities. The schedule is as follows:
• 6:00 p.m.- Gathering in one large group: Greetings, Announcements, Prayer
• 6:15 p.m.- Groups and classes begin
• 7:10 p.m.- Groups and classes end
NOVEMBER OFFERINGS INCLUDE:
• Bel and the Dragon – this apocryphal book is a fascinating story about the Prophet Daniel in his dealing with the inanimate idol Bel and a living “dragon” worshipped by the Persians and others. Daniel has, by his faith in God, to demonstrate that both these are not worthy of human worship. There are many spiritual lessons to be drawn from this story! Join Dr. Jim Clardy at the Buffet of Conversations at 6:00 p.m. Wednesdays, November 8 and 15 to learn more about Bel and the Dragon.
• The Apostle’s Creed – a study led by Sean Gilliland
• Coffee Talk – discussion of current events and topics, led by Butler Touchton
• Fun and Games – Trivia, Jack Box and more led by Beth Morris
“INCARNATION” ADVENT STUDY OFFERED IN DECEMBER
His parents gave him the name Jesus, but the prophets, the shepherds, the wise men, and the angels addressed him by other names. They called him Lord, Messiah, Savior, Emmanuel, Light of the World, and Word Made Flesh.
In Incarnation: Rediscovering the Significance of Christmas, best-selling author Adam Hamilton examines the names of Christ used by the gospel writers, exploring the historical and personal significance of his birth. Join us on Zoom for this 4-week Advent Study at 6:00 p.m. December 2, 9, 16 and 23. To purchase a study book, ($10) email martha@comcast.net by Wednesday, 11/18.
For more information about participating in or leading a group, contact Rev. Martha Touchton at martha@stmarkstn.org.
“And let us consider each other carefully for the purpose of sparking love and good deeds. Don’t stop meeting together with other believers, which some people have gotten into the habit of doing. Instead, encourage each other, especially as you see the day drawing near.” Hebrews 10:24-25
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Smoked Thanksgiving Turkey |
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Boy Scout Troop 398 is smoking turkeys again for Thanksgiving to help fund our camping & canoeing high adventure trip to BSA’s Atikokan Canoe Base in Canada this coming summer.
We will take orders for boneless cherry wood smoked turkey breasts to be picked up (still warm out of the smoker) Wednesday, Nov. 25th in time for Thanksgiving Day on Thursday, Nov. 26th. Our smoked turkey will keep well if frozen for 6 months or more so order extra.
We sell half or whole breasts only. There will be no sliced pounds or sides or sauce offered.
A boneless (half) breast (averages 4 pounds and yields ten 6-ounce servings) sells for $35.00.
A whole breast or 2 half breasts (averages 8 pounds and yields twenty 6-ounce servings) sells for $65.
Orders will be ready for pick-up at the Eagle’s Nest behind St. Mark’s UMC from 4 to 7 PM on Wednesday, November 25th.
Order from one of our scouts or adult leaders, Kyle Anderson, Nathan or Fred Daniel, Steve Dix, Jesse Hofer or contact Scoutmaster Mike Warren mike11345@aol.com or (615) 473-7076. An order sheet will also be in the church office and in the foyer of the sanctuary.
All orders need to be turned in by Wednesday, November 18.
Pay when you pick-up your order. Card, cash or check to “BSA Troop 398”.
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Support St. Mark’s When You Shop at Kroger and Amazon |
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Did you know that you can support St. Mark’s United Methodist Church just by shopping at Kroger and/or Amazon? All you have to do is link the church to your Kroger Card or Amazon account. Each time you make purchases, they will make a donation to the church at no additional cost to you. Here’s how to do it: |
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CLICK HERE for instructions on setting up Kroger Community Rewards or Amazon Smile.
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If you have any trouble, please call the church office for assistance. |
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Habitat Work Days Available This Week! |
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“Habitat is helping meet a critical need for affordable housing in our community by building a whole neighborhood. It’s a great way to love our neighbors.” - St. Mark’s member Dale Slagle
St. Mark’s next work days at Habitat for Humanity’s Legacy Pointe are Friday, November 13th, and Saturday, November 21st, 8:00 – 11:30 a.m. and 12:00 – 3:30 p.m. Lunch will be provided by the Mixed Blessing’s Class (11/13) and by Drs. Wayne and Dorothy Murphy (11/21). For more information or to volunteer, email meg@megvanpatten.com.
“What a great opportunity to share our faith in helping someone find a home for their family! When you think about how grateful you are to sleep in a warm, comfortable bed each night it lets you better understand what it means to share, even if it is just an hour or two, helping someone else find that blessing in their lives. I’d encourage anyone to give it a try… there is a way all of us can participate. You will be blessed more than you know.”
- St. Mark’s member Bill Brison
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Thanks to everyone who came out to the Square for Habitat’s Cookin’ to Build fundraiser last Saturday!
Congratulations to Butler Touchton for winning 2nd place in Cookin’ to Build!
Thanks to the Mixed Blessing’s class for sponsoring St. Mark’s booth, and to Butler Touchton for entering his Sweet and Sassy Chili and Fire Crackers!
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St. Mark’s Provides Lunches to Visiting Habitat Missionaries
Last Thursday and Friday, November 5 and 6, St. Mark’s New Horizon’s class and Chancel Choir provided lunch for the mission team of the Hiss United Methodist Church, Parkville, MD, here working on a Habitat House in Legacy Pointe all last week. This is Hiss’ 11th year to volunteer for a week with Rutherford County Habitat for Humanity.
Special thanks to St. Mark’s servants Karen Clement, Rachel Reynolds and Dan and Hyelan Pearce for supporting this ministry!
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Response from the Conversation on Racism |
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On Tuesday, July 14, 2020 a group of St. Mark’s members and friends began a Conversation on Racism via Zoom; some persons were a part of the first book study but could not continue due to time constraints; others joined in for the second book. This group has been meeting faithfully since, almost every Tuesday afternoon, and has studied two foundational books in completion:
How to be an Anti-Racist by Ibram X. Kendi
White Fragility by Robin Diangelo
We have also read various articles, watched movies and listened to podcasts, Ted Talks and other media on the subject of systemic racism. Our discussions have been inspiring, heart-breaking, illuminating, theological, deeply honest, difficult, and nothing less than life-changing.
We are by no means experts at this time, nor will we ever be, but humble pilgrims on a journey of discovery. We desire to keep growing and learning and invite you to join us on this journey.
Rev. Bill Campbell
Lisa Chappell
Dr. Sherry Galloway
Jennifer Marlatt
Beth Morris
Rev. Martha Touchton
Greg Van Patten
Becky Waldrop
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I have been deeply moved to action and study about racism in the aftermath of the George Floyd murder. I have learned 3 things through discussions in a book club of Anti-Racism and White Fragility.
First, I never think about being white. This is white privilege. I need to identify my defensiveness and interrupt my privilege comfort.
Second, to be antiracist, I must be actively working, not just talking, to stop racism. I plan to get involved in organizations working for racial justice and break the silence about racism with other white people and in our church.
Third, I have a lot to learn and do. As the White Fragility book said, “It is a messy, lifelong process, but one that is necessary to align my professed values with my real actions.”
I challenge you to be a part of this learning and action with me as we learn more ways to show the love of God to all people.
Sherry Galloway
October 24, 2020
To learn more about the Conversation on Racism, or to join the conversation, email any member or martha@stmarkstn.org.
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Tuesday, November 10
6:30 p.m. Cornerstone Zoom (Claudia Sherer)
Wednesday, November 11
6:00 p.m. Buffet of Conversations (Martha Touchton)
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir
Thursday, November 12
9:00 a.m. Women's Bible Study Zoom (Patti Daws)
10:30 p.m. Knit Together
7:00 p.m. New Horizons Zoom (Natalie Beckman)
Friday, November 13
8:00 a.m. Habitat for Humanity Work Day
Saturday November 14
10:00 a.m. Praise Team Rehearsal
1:00 p.m. Altar Guild
Sunday, November 15
8:30 a.m. Worship
9:45 a.m. Adult Sunday school via Zoom (Tommy Ward)
9:45 a.m. Children’s Celebrate Wonder Zoom (Martha Touchton)
5:00 p.m. Mixed Blessings Zoom (Sherry Galloway)
5:00 p.m. Chancel Ringers
6:00 p.m. Youth
6:30 p.m. Woman to Woman Zoom (Claudia Hunter)
Tuesday, November 17
6:30 p.m. Cornerstone Zoom (Claudia Sherer)
Wednesday, November 18
6:00 p.m. Buffet of Conversations (Martha Touchton)
7:30 p.m. Chancel Choir
Thursday, November 19
9:00 a.m. Women’s Bible Study Zoom (Patti Daws)
7:00 p.m. New Horizons Zoom (Natalie Beckman)
Saturday, November 21
8:00 a.m. Habitat for Humanity Work Day
10:00 a.m. Praise Team Rehearsal
Sunday, November 22
8:30 a.m. Worship
9:45 a.m. Adult Sunday school via Zoom (Tommy Ward)
9:45 a.m. Children’s Celebrate Wonder Zoom (Martha Touchton)
5:00 p.m. Mixed Blessings Zoom (Sherry Galloway)
5:00 p.m. Chancel Ringers
6:00 p.m. Youth
6:30 p.m. Woman to Woman Zoom (Claudia Hunter)
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In Other News:
Thank You Note - Thank you for the wonderful cards which I received at the death of my mother, Kathleen Fraley. The delicious food was much appreciated. All the other ”kindnesses” were inspirational. Thanks for the memorial gifts. Mom would have been so pleased.
I am grateful to our pastor Tommy Ward for the many cards which I read Mom.
Patricia Clardy
Missed a Sermon? Click HERE to go to our sermons media page.
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