Your St. Mark's Newsletter is Here

The newsletter for St. Mark's UMC in Murfreesboro, TN

"The Messenger" Online Newsletter

September 14, 2021

Change Someone’s Future: Give to Habitat for Humanity

Last month, I had surgery on my right Achilles tendon, then was homebound for about 10 days. As I was convalescing, Butler and I were thankful to have a comfortable, private, quiet, accessible home where I could rest. The purchase of that home (and two previous homes) has enabled us to build equity and wealth over the course of our marriage, which will help us enjoy a secure retirement. This is a blessing and a privilege which we often take for granted, and one that means a great deal to a new Habitat homeowner and their family.

This year, our church is blessed to have two member families sponsoring homes at Habitat’s Legacy Pointe subdivision, homes for Desmond and his four young children, and a home for Lecia. Our church has committed to support these two homes with a $5000 donation, naming St. Mark’s a “Blueprint Sponsor” of each home. As you well know, facilities to house the homeless in our community are minimal as is available affordable housing, and rents are increasing at an alarming rate. Habitat provides a means for working individuals and families to afford to build and purchase their own homes, “a hand up, not a handout.”

The scripture teaches us, “We know love by this, that he laid down his life for us—and we ought to lay down our lives for one another. How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help? Little children, let us love, not in word or speech, but in truth and action.” ~ I John 3:16-18

In the past year, almost 40 St. Mark’s members and friends have served on building teams with Habitat for Humanity. Those builders have already given generously toward our church’s $5000 donation! You are also invited to give generously toward these homes. Your gift will change a family’s future and enable them to live with greater financial security and stability. Your donation can be given online at www.stmarkstn.org, placed in the Sunday morning offering plate, or mailed in to the church office; just be sure it is designated for “Habitat for Humanity.” We will have a special churchwide offering for Habitat this Sunday, September 19^th, please come prepared to give.

We are all so richly blessed. In response to the blessings God has given you, and in support of our church, our neighborhood and our community, I hope you will join me in this opportunity to give.

Habitat for Humanity Children’s Coin Offering

Sunday, September 19^th

During the past weeks, we have been counting our many blessings and filling up our Habitat for Humanity Giving Boxes! Hopefully this experience has helped our children see how truly blessed we all are, and how much we can share with others. The money from the Giving Boxes will help Desmond and his four children and Lecia experience those same blessings.

Please be sure to bring your filled Giving Box to church for our special Habitat for Humanity offering this Sunday, September 19th. Giving Boxes may be placed on the altar rail before worship or during the offertory.

Upcoming Sermon Scriptures

Here are the texts that our clergy will be preaching from on Sundays over the next few weeks. You're invited to read and reflect on them prior to each week.

September 19: John 9:1-12

September 26: Mark 1:40-45

October 3: John 21:15-19

October 10: Matthew 7:24-27

October 17: Isaiah 55:

Thursday Night Worship Opportunity

We're looking for people in our church family who, in addition to worshiping on Sunday mornings, would agree to temporarily serve as planted "seeds" to help us reach new people with an alternative worship experience. Join us on Thursday night at 6:30 p.m. and hear how you can help us help others get their Soul Full.

SAGES News

The next meeting of the SAGES Ministry Team will be Wednesday, October 13, at 9:30 AM in the Banquet Room.

The SAGES had a wonderful trip to the Midway Diner in the Deason Community on Wednesday, September 8. In addition to breakfast at the diner, we enjoyed great fellowship and all the landscape along the way.

The SAGES have delivered cakes and celebrated the 90^th birthdays of Austin Parker and Bill Carey, Sr. On Friday, September 17, a cake and birthday wishes will be delivered to Jack Jolly, who will be 90 years young the next day.

On Sunday, September 26 at both the 8:30 and 11:00 AM services our church will celebrate “Senior Adult Days. Noel Hinote will highlight many of the ministries and opportunities available to our Sages.

Ruth 4:15: “He will renew your life and sustain you in your old age.” Job 12:12: “Wisdom belongs to the aged, and understanding to the old.”

Children’s Christian Education

Children have a natural sense of awe, wonder, curiosity and imagination that helps shape their spiritual lives. In Celebrate Wonder, we hear and reflect on God’s Word, experience spiritual practices, play games, ask big questions, and help each other claim our spiritual identity as children of God.

This month, we are studying the wonderful story of Joseph – his brothers, his time in Egypt, and the reunion with his brothers. Our theme word is Reconciliation, which is to bring peace between persons who have disagreed. What a timely word for this day and age!

These classes begin at 9:45 a.m.:

Preschool (Age 2 – Age 5/Pre-K) – Room 305

Leaders: Trish Clardy, Leta Hood, Matt Rogers, Lane Marlatt, Cassie Cochran

Elementary (Kindergarten - Grade 5) – Banquet Room

Leaders: Pam Forrest, Eudora Hargis

LAST CALL TO REGISTER!

DISCIPLE is a life-changing, faith-growing, comprehensive Bible study for today’s Christians. This in-depth, 24-week study focuses on spiritual transformation and discipleship, not just the mastering of information. DISCIPLE groups prepare individually during the week, then meet weekly to grow and learn as a community of faith. You are invited to participate!

DISCIPLE is life-changing, faith-growing, comprehensive Bible study for today’s Christians. This in-depth, 24-week study focuses on spiritual transformation and discipleship, not just the mastering of information. DISCIPLE groups prepare individually during the week, then meet weekly to grow and learn as a community of faith. You are invited to participate!

This course will cover the Old Testament in the Fall and the New Testament in the Spring. Participants read 3-5 chapters of the Bible daily in preparation for the weekly meetings. In addition to St. Mark’s members, this DISCIPLE I class will include student leadership and participants from the MTSU Wesley Foundation. Manual cost $25/person, scholarships available.

New Time: Wednesdays, 6:00-8:00 p.m.

Beginning September 15^th in St. Mark’s Banquet Hall

led by Beth Morris and Andi Barker

To register or for more information,

email Rev. Martha Touchton, martha@stmarkstn.org

“If you make my Word your home, you will indeed be my disciples.”

- John 8:31, New Jerusalem Bible

St. Mark’s Thursday Women’s Bible Study will resume this Thursday, September 16th, 9:00 – 11:00 a.m., with the 7-week study of Galatians, “Now that Faith has Come,” led by Patti Daws.

Join Beth Moore and her daughter Melissa as they deep dive into Paul’s captivating letter to the Galatians. Come to know the letter’s original recipients. Study its original context and embrace its timeless relevance. Discover―or perhaps rediscover―what makes the gospel of Jesus Christ revolutionary to those who choose to believe. Find out how everything has changed, now that faith has come.

Books are available in the church office for $15. This study will gather in St. Mark’s Banquet Hall to practice social distancing; please wear a mask. Park behind the playground and enter the Banquet Hall from the playground circle.

Youth News

I hope everyone has started their week off on a good note!

Last night, we had an awesome night of worship and small groups! We started our series on Discipleship. We encouraged our students to think about how they integrate being a disciple in their life without even having to think about it. We can't wait for next week as we continue our series!

Don't forget our Fall Retreat dates are November 5-7, link to register is below! We will be going to Camp Cedar Crest and the cost is $100. If you have any questions please let me know!

It is going to be an incredible semester!

Also, I wanted to give y'all an update, starting this week we WILL require our students to wear masks. So please make sure your student is wearing a mask, if they come to Sunday Night Youth without a mask we can provide one. We are doing this just to remain safe. Thank you for understanding and if you have any questions please feel free to email Sean Orr.

This Week

Sunday School (9/19)
We will all start in the youth room for announcements!
9:45-10:45 a.m.
9-12th grade will be in the youth room!
6-8th grade will begin their Confirmation Journey in the banquet hall!
Sunday Night Youth (9/19)
Worship and Small Groups! 5-7 p.m.
SHOW UP AND BRING A FRIEND!

Next Week

Sunday School (9/26)
6-8th grade will begin their Confirmation Journey in the banquet hall!
9-12th grade will be in the youth room!
9:45-10:45 a.m.
Sunday Night Youth (9/19)
Sunday Night Youth!
Small Groups and Worship!
LASER TAG! BRING A FRIEND!

Get Your Flu Shot!

The 2nd Annual Drive Thru Flu Clinic will be held this Saturday, September 18^th from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. just outside the church offices. There is no charge for this service. Sponsored by Blue Cross/Blue Shield and Walgreens.

St. Mark’s UMC Park and Pray

Monday – Friday, 4:00 – 5:00 p.m.

September 27 – October 1

Let’s join our hearts together,

taking the Church into the World,

and PRAY FOR OUR NEIGHBORS:

St. Mark’s “Park and Pray” Week will allow each of us, no matter what age, to practice and give witness to our faith without gathering in person or on Zoom. Persons of all ages and families are encouraged to be present together and pray for the needs of our community from the safety of our vehicles. We will gather and pray for these concerns:

St. Thomas Rutherford Hospital & Emergency Room
St. Mark’s UMC & Preschool
Reeves Rogers Elementary School
Murfreesboro City / Rutherford County Government
Habitat for Humanity Legacy Pointe

For a detailed schedule and more information, click here.

Upcoming Calendar

Wednesday, September 15, 2021

6:00 p.m. Disciple Bible Study - Banquet Room

7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir - Sanctuary

Thursday, September 16, 2021

9:00 a.m. Women's Bible Study - Banquet Room

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

1:30 p.m. Alzheimer's/Dementia Support Group - RM 506

6:00 p.m. Coed Softball - Star*Plex #3

6:30 p.m. Soul-Full Worship - Sanctuary

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

7:00 p.m. Coed Softball - Star*Plex #3

Friday, September 17, 2021

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

Saturday, September 18, 2021

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

9:00 a.m. Drive-in Flu Shot Clinic

Sunday, September 19, 2021

8:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

9:45 a.m. Christian Education

11:00 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

4:00 p.m. AA Group - RM 503/505

5:00 p.m. Chancel Ringers - Banquet Room

5:00 p.m. Mixed Blessings Class on Zoom

5:00 p.m. Youth - Rec Center/Youth Center

Monday, September 20, 2021

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

12:30 p.m. Watercolor Class - Banquet Room

Tuesday, September 21, 2021

8:00 p.m. Young Adult Volleyball - Rec Center

8:00 p.m. Coed Softball - Star*Plex #3

Wednesday, September 22, 2021

6:00 p.m. Disciple Bible Study - Banquet Room

7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir - Sanctuary

Thursday, September 23, 2021

9:00 a.m. Women's Bible Study - Banquet Room

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

1:30 p.m. Alzheimer's/Dementia Support Group - RM 506

6:30 p.m. Soul-Full Worship - Sanctuary

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

Friday, September 24, 2021

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

Saturday, September 25, 2021

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

Sunday, September 26, 2021

8:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

9:45 a.m. Christian Education

11:00 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

4:00 p.m. AA Group - RM 503/505

5:00 p.m. Chancel Ringers - Banquet Room

5:00 p.m. Mixed Blessings Class on Zoom

5:00 p.m. Youth - Rec Center/Youth Center

In Other News:

The St. Mark’s Furniture Ministry is now open. Anyone who is wishing to donate furniture can do so by calling or texting the furniture telephone at (615)707-3166; photos of furniture will be requested. We will not be accepting any furniture “drop-offs” at the warehouse unless prior arrangements have been made with Karen Alexander or Paul Givens.

View Our Current Prayer List

See Our Full Event Calendar

Missed a Sermon? Click HERE to go to our sermons media page.

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St. Mark's UMC | (615) 893-3455 | stmarks@stmarkstn.org