September 5, 2023

From the Pastor

When you think of church and football, you might not see many similarities at first. But upon closer inspection, you’ll notice that both institutions share many commonalities.

Just like how football teams have a game plan and specific positions, churches have a plan for their worship experiences and specific roles for their members. But also both require teamwork and dedication to achieve success. And just like football fans come together to support their team, churchgoers come together to support their faith.

So, next time you’re watching a football game or attending church, remember that these seemingly different things are more alike than you might think.

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

Tommy

A new Sunday morning sermon series, "No Fair!" begins this Sunday, September 10. We will discuss how God's idea of fairness is very different from our own. Invite a friend and make plans to worship with us.

Sept 10: How to Fight Like a Christian (Matthew 18:15-20)

Sept 17: The Math of Forgiveness (Matthew 19:21-35)

September 24: A Fair Wage (Matthew 20:1-16)

When it comes to your relationship with Christ, would you say that you're a follower of Jesus or merely a fan? Join us for a new series where we consider what it really means to call ourselves Christian. 

Adventures In Learning will be held again this year at First United Methodist Church, 265 West Thompson Lane, Murfreesboro. As part of the initial program there will be a special “Remembering 9/11/2001” program on September 11 at 9:00 in the sanctuary. Registration blanks are available in the church office.

The SAGES Ministry Team will meet on Wednesday, September 6, 9:30 AM in Room 503-505.

The Alzheimer’s/Dementia Support Group will meet Thursday, September 28, at 1:30 PM. at the home of Cindy Flippin, 2714 Tower Drive, Murfreesboro, TN 37129-1176.

The SAGES are sponsoring a potluck luncheon on Friday September 22 at 11:30. Bring a dish and let’s have a lot of fun. The gathering will be in the narthex.

A very special Encore Event for SAGES is coming October 26. It will be held at Franklin First UMC. Please watch the next newsletter for further announcements, and details such as the appropriate time register for the event.

Coming Activities: September 24 - Senior Appreciation Day; 

Coming Activities: October 30 – Loveless Café;

Coming Activities: November 17 – Midway Diner.

Coming Activities: In December – Christmas at Beersheba ( December 4); Senior Serenity at 11:00 A.M. (December 9)

The Friday class at 10:30 AM resumes September 8 at 10:30. The class will view “The Chosen” series. You are welcome. The class meets in Room 505-505.

The SAGES will host services at Adams Place Tuesday, September 19 at 10:30 AM and at Rutherford Senior Care (Wednesdays 11:00 AM); Rutherford Assisted Living (Fridays at 1:30 PM); and American House Senior Living (Tuesdays at 2:30 PM) each week. We have been asked to consider services at Parkview Meadows and to offer SAGES’ Care at the Stones River Manor.

A schedule of SAGES activities for 2023 is posted on the SAGES Bulletin Board outside the church office.

SUNDAY MORNINGS AT 9:15!

Our Preschool (Ages 2 to PreK 5), Younger Elementary (Kindergarten to 2^nd Grade), and Older Elementary (3^rd Grade to 6^th Grade) children will meet for Sunday school to explore Spark: Activate Faith lessons. An activity-filled Sunday school curriculum that follows the salvation story from start to finish, helping kids explore key Bible stories from both the Old and New Testaments. The preschool class will meet in Room 305, the younger elementary class will meet in Room 214, and the older elementary class will meet in Room 212.

Spark helps kids learn at their level

Interact with the Bible in every lesson, helping kids navigate the story and begin to compare what they learn to their own life.

Focus on hands-on learning

Engage kids in the Bible story with lessons packed with activities, interactive games, and creative crafts.

Experience the Salvation Story arc

Help kids experience the Salvation story each year by exploring the Old Testament in the fall, and the New Testament in the winter and spring.

Frolic Nursery: Little Steps, Big Faith

Our Nursery-aged children (Birth to 1 year) will begin exploring Frolic Nursery lessons. Drawing on brain science as well as theology, Frolic was designed by early childhood experts to build faith through play in babies, toddlers, and young children from birth to age five. Frolic uses Bible lessons, music, and play to help build a firm Faith foundation. 

Start faith formation at birth

Uses a curriculum-based on early childhood best practices to help your little ones to take little steps to big faith—starting at birth.

Focuses on learning at their level

Frolic’s curriculum focuses on helping young children explore faith concepts in the way they know best— through play!

Equips caregivers to nurture faith

Equips leaders and parents to nurture faith in many ways—through storytelling, prayers, and music.

STARTING THIS WEDNESDAY!

Starting this Wednesday during Wednesday Night Together, join us for a 12-week Children’s study called “Joining God at Work in the World”! This time will include fun games, a lesson of the week, and an extra activity to help children join God at work in the world.

STARTING THIS SUNDAY AT 9:00!

Our children’s choir, Joyful Noise, starts back this Sunday at 9:00 AM in Room 211! Come join us as we begin to prepare for the children’s Christmas performance!

Please contact Hannah Pratt at hannah@stmarkstn.org

if you have any questions.

Follow our St. Mark’s Children’s Ministry Facebook page and Instagram @stmarkstn_kids for more information!

-On Sunday, September 10th, St. Mark’s Youth will be visiting Nashville Shores, departing from the Youth Wing at 1 pm and aiming for a return time of 6-6:30 (dinner included!). This trip is offered free of cost, but a $15 suggested donation would help to fund future Youth events and would be greatly appreciated. Please note that all St. Mark’s Youth members are required to complete and return the 2023-24 General Health & Photo Release Form in order to participate in St. Mark’s events and outings; click here to find a printable PDF version of the Release Form, or you can request a printed copy by sending an email to louis@stmarkstn.org.

-On Sunday September 17th, St. Mark’s Youth are invited to a very special panel discussion at 6:30 pm in the Youth Wing entitled “Pastor on the Spot”. Reverends Martha Touchton, Jim Clardy and Tommy Ward will all be joining us in an effort to address some of the lingering spiritual questions and concerns that our Youth may have about the glorious hope that we have in Jesus Christ. Don’t miss this opportunity to ask the most pressing spiritual questions on your heart! Youth Dinner will be served at 5 pm that night, as usual.

-On Thursday October 19th, St. Mark’s Youth will be traveling to Fall Creek Falls State Park for a Ranger-led hike. Special thanks to our volunteers Susan McElroy and Marrie Lasater for helping to chaperone this trip! This trip is offered free of cost to Youth members.

-You can find a printable PDF version of the Fall Events Calendar for St. Mark’s Student Ministry by clicking here.  

-St Mark’s Student Ministry needs adult volunteers! If you are reading this and thinking that you may be willing to serve our Student Ministry in some volunteer capacity, please follow this link for our Volunteer Signup Form: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e48a8a823abffce9-stmarks#/

-St Mark’s Student Ministry hosts a weekly "Bible Study Hall" beginning at 6:00 pm (starting with the Wednesday night “SOULFULL” Worship Service in the Gym, and moving to the Library around 6:30), and ending at 7:30 pm.

-To stay informed about what St Mark’s Student Ministry is up to, follow us on Instagram @stmarkstn_youth, or visit the landing page for all things related to St Mark’s Student Ministry: https://st-marks-umc-student-ministry.mailchimpsites.com/

-If you would like to join us for an evening of MTSU Football on Saturday September 23rd, St Mark’s Recreation Ministry is offering tickets in our group block within the Blue Raider "Family Fun Zone" for the deep-discounted price of $8 apiece. Kickoff is at 6 pm, and tickets will include access to free bounce houses, balloon artists, face painting, and carnival games for the kids, as the Blue Raiders take on the Colorado State Rams for their 2023 Homecoming game. Completed order forms with cash or check payments should be submitted to Dr. Louis Toedt by Sunday, September 3rd … Printed copies of the ticket order form can be picked up from either of the "St. Mark's Welcome Center" tables near the two Sanctuary entrances, OR you can order tickets via Google Forms by clicking here to access: https://forms.gle/31PnnM1ow629cohv7

-If you would like to come out and support St. Mark’s Co-Ed Softball team, they will play a season of 1-hour games in nightly double-header format at 6 and 7 pm respectively on Thursday evenings (through October 12th) at the Star*Plex Baseball Field Complex … A complete schedule can be found here: https://allprosoftware.net/murfreesborosoftball/aplsteam347.htm

-St. Mark’s Fall Golf Tournament will be held at 1 pm on Saturday October 28th at the Old Fort Park Golf Course. Signup sheets can be found in the hallway connecting the Sanctuary to the Narthex, or you may register using the Google Form linked here: https://forms.gle/cucQGun68LTQM8hm8

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.

The next four available Sundays are:

October 29 (one bouquet)

November 5 (one or both bouquets)

November 12 (one or both bouquets)

November 19 (one bouquet)

Habitat for Humanity continues to make a difference in our community by providing affordable housing in our neighborhood! You are invited to help install exterior blue/pink board and interior doors of a new home in Legacy Pointe sponsored in part by St. Mark’s members Tom and Robbie Hooper. 

The next workday is next Saturday, September 9th.

Shifts are 8:00 – 11:30 a.m. and 12:00 – 3:30 p.m.  Volunteers must be 16 years of age or older and can work one or both shifts. Thanks to those who serve faithfully! 

We are blessed to be working alongside the homeowner, Leah, from Smyrna. You can read more about her HERE.

Need more information about serving or want to volunteer? Contact meg@megvanpatten.com or martha@stmarkstn.org.

Wednesday Night Together provides a delicious, healthy meal along with opportunities for children, youth, and adults to grow closer to Christ and to one another. Nursery is available 5:45 – 7:00 p.m.

We will be offering some very different options for all ages this year! You are invited to take part, bring the whole family, and invite a friend!

These adult groups will be offered in the coming weeks, no reservations required!  

WNT MEALS ARE BACK!

Here’s What’s Cooking!

WNT meals are served Wednesdays, September – April, 5:00 – 5:45 p.m. followed by worship, study, and fellowship groups at 6:00 p.m. Reservations are requested by 12:00 Noon each Monday and can be noted on the attendance pads in the pews or called in to the church office at (615) 893-3455.

The regular price of WNT meals remains at $10/adult, with these improvements:

•     CHILDREN, YOUTH, & COLLEGE STUDENTS EAT FREE EVERY WEEK in 2023!

•     More kid, family, and diabetic-friendly menus

•     Soup and Salad Bar provided every week

•     Infant and Toddler seats available; Nursery open 5:45 – 7:00 p.m. during WNT     

Upcoming menus prepared by Chef Doug and served by St. Mark’s United Methodist Men include:

9/6      Grilled Ham and/or Cheese Sandwiches (regular or Mexican), plus Creamed Corn, Tomato Bisque Soup, Salad Bar, and Fruit with whipped cream and shortbread

9/13    Chicken and Waffles, plus Sweet Chili Green Beans, Vegetable Soup, Salad Bar, and Chocolate Mousse Cake

A new ministry exploring ways to connect and expand each Sunday Sermon Series into our Monday – Saturday discipleship through: 

Small and Large group experiences

Class studies 

Spiritual practices

Service projects

Books, movies, and more!

Look for the Cross Connections Logo which identifies upcoming events!

SEPTEMBER’S SERMON SERIES: NO FAIR!

Followers of Christ are called to model the kind of selfless love that Jesus exemplifies, even when people are undeserving of it. The amazing grace we so joyfully sing about for ourselves is not so easy to swallow when we watch someone else receive it, but this is the heart of Christian community. As we grow in Christ, we learn to love like Christ, even when it’s not fair. This series challenges our notions about church life, forgiveness, and grace.  Throughout this month, we will also focus on one of the most unfair concerns of our time, HUNGER.

MOVIE MOJO: Hidden Figures WNT, September 6, 6:00 p.m.

BOOKWORMS: Lessons in Chemistry by Bonnie Carmus. WNT, September 13, 6:00 p.m.

NO FAIR GAME NIGHT: WNT, September 20, 6:00 p.m.

SERVICE PROJECT: Pack Food Boxes. WNT, September 20^th, 6:00 p.m.

THE HUNGER GAMES: Dinner and simulations at WNT, September 27, $10/adult, College, Youth and Children eat free.

SPIRITUAL PRACTICE: Friday Fasts, September 15, 22, & 29

For more detailed information about these experiences or to participate, click here.

If you’d like to participate in the planning and implementation of future CROSS CONNECTIONS, email Rev. Martha Touchton at martha@stmarkstn.org. 

WHO: BlueCross BlueShield of TN and Walgreens Pharmacy

WHAT: Bring your insurance card

WHERE: St. Marks UMC Office Portico

WHEN: Saturday, Sept. 16, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m

WHO ELSE: You, family, & friends Ages 8+

Everyone welcome, including non-insured!

St. Mark’s is offering a Baldwin Acrosonic upright piano for sale to the highest bidder among our church members, friends, and their families.  

Baldwin is a very reputable American piano maker, and this model was top of the line when it came out in 1959. The piano has been in use at St. Mark’s for a very long time. Even so, all of the keys work, none of the keys are sticking, and all three pedals are functional. The outer cabinet is in reasonable condition, with only a few scratches and dings.  

This would be an excellent beginner’s piano. Prospective buyers are welcome to inspect and play the piano in the chapel across from the office. Offers will be accepted in the church office until October 1, 2023.

Wednesday, September 6

9:30 a.m. SAGES Meeting - RM 503/505

5:00 p.m. WNT Dinner - Banquet Room

6:00 p.m. SOULFULL Worship - Rec Center

6:00 p.m. WNT Programming

6:00 p.m. Youth Bible Study - Youth Center

7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir - RM 1119

Thursday, September 7

10:30 a.m. Knitting - RM 506

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

6:00 p.m. Softball at StarPlex #4

7:00 p.m. Softball at StarPlex #4

Friday, September 8

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

6:00 p.m. Pickle Ball - RC

Saturday, September 9

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

10:30 a.m. Chancel Ringers - Banquet Room

Sunday, September 10

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

11:30 a.m. Children's Leadership - Library

1:00 p.m. Youth to Nashville Shores

4:00 p.m. GriefShare - RM 405

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, September 11

9:45 a.m. Preschool Chapel

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

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

5:30 p.m. Big Book Group - RM 503/505

Tuesday, September 12

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

9:45 a.m. Preschool Chapel

10:00 a.m. UMW Mary Martha Circle - RM 501

Wednesday, September 13

5:00 p.m. WNT Dinner - Banquet Room

6:00 p.m. SOULFULL Worship - Rec Center

6:00 p.m. WNT Programming

6:00 p.m. Youth Bible Study - Youth Center

7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir - RM 1119

Thursday, September 14

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

6:00 p.m. Softball at StarPlex #3

7:00 p.m. Softball at StarPlex #3

Friday, September 15

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

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

Saturday, September 16

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

Sunday, September 17

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

4:00 p.m. GriefShare - RM 405

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

5:30 p.m. Disciple - RM 503/505

Monday, September 18

9:45 a.m. Preschool Chapel

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

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

5:30 p.m. Big Book Group - RM 503/505

Tuesday, September 19

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

9:45 a.m. Preschool Chapel

6:00 p.m. Trustees Meeting - RM 503/505

In Other News:

Thank You Note - To the St. Mark's Disaster Team, Your Team came to our house to help remove the down trees from our storm damage. My husband Dave and I are seniors. The work was extremely difficult, with huge trees down everywhere on our 7 acres. I praise God that you are showing your faith through your actions. A true witness, indeed. Thank you so much! Dave and "CK" Reece, Millington, TN.

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