Your St. Mark's Newsletter is Here

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

"The Messenger" Online Newsletter

December 6, 2021

From the Pastor

Several years ago, I read an article in the newspaper about the founder of Dell Computers. It was his practice of visiting the sales floor at his company's Austin, TX headquarters to take random phone orders from customers during the Christmas season. The people on the other end of the line had no idea that the polite man who sold them a computer was none other than the company's founder.

The article didn't really say why the owner of Dell Computers decided to do this. My guess is that he wanted to show his employees that he knows what it's like to be a phone salesperson during the busiest time of the year for the company. What kind of impression do you think it made on his employees that, even if only for a moment, Michael Dell was willing to become "one of them"?

As we continue this journey through Advent, we too are reminded of One who wanted to show those He loves that He knows what it's like to live in this world. That's why we celebrate Christmas- because He was willing to become one of us. He learned firsthand what it was like to suffer, to be alienated, to be rejected, to be ridiculed, to be hurt.

Michael Dell knows what it's like to try to sell computers during the Christmas season. Jesus knows exactly what it's like to be you and me.

A Message from Buddy Howell…

My message at this time of year is usually sent on behalf of the Staff-Parish Relations Committee (SPRC). This year is different…

Following the unexpected loss of our beloved Kathryn Wright, I assumed the role of interim business administrator. My goal was to 1) help St. Mark’s during a very difficult period, and 2) better understand requirements of the position before fulfilling my SPRC duties to lead the search for a replacement.

In addition to developing a more detailed understanding of our office operations, I’ve had an opportunity to witness our staff carrying out their various responsibilities. Our clergy and other staff members are collectively working most every day of the week. Their work hours range from early morning to late night. It’s been enlightening to see how everyone on the staff works together to diligently fulfill the many missions of our church.

On the other hand, it’s been difficult to see trends that must be considered when managing the business operations of our church. Total contributions to St. Mark’s have been relatively flat for several years. The 2021 giving trend has been particularly troubling. For this reason, there will be no increase in the base pay for any staff member in 2022.

On a more positive note, plans are in place to provide a financial reward for our staff in early 2022 to show appreciation for their service. A one-time award avoids the ongoing burden on our operating budget. The amount of the reward will depend on several factors. One factor is the extent to which year-end giving supports the budget plan. Year-end giving designated for “Staff Gifts” is another factor.

In addition to making a year-end gift to support the many missions of St. Mark’s, please consider submitting a staff gift by Monday, December 20^th. If writing a check, just note “Staff Gift” on the memo line. If giving online, select “General Budget” and type “Staff Gift” in the note space that pops up. If you’re new to online giving, please consider setting up a recurring donation to help St. Mark’s throughout the new year. Please let me know if you have questions about your giving options. I will be happy to help.

In closing, let me ask that you keep St. Mark’s in your prayers this holiday season. We have many good things going on in our church. By working together, we can make 2022 our best year ever.

Sincerely,

Buddy Howell

SPRC Chair / Interim Business Administrator

Email: buddy@stmarkstn.org

SAGES News

The SAGES will be attending Christmas at Beersheba Thursday, Dec. 9. The bus will leave the church at 8:00 A.M. Again this year our SAGES will serve as hosts and hostesses and provide some festivities including songs, games, and fellowship. After the meal at noon, we will lead the worship in the Beersheba Chapel.

The SAGES prepared Christmas bags for our homebound and nursing home residents last week. They are now in the process of delivering them. Thanks to all who volunteered.

After the New Year the SAGES will visit the Maple Street Grill in Eagleville. Please keep reading the newsletter for more details. Many other activities are planned. Stay tuned!

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

Children’s Christian Education

Special Advent Series, Sundays, 9:45 – 10:45 a.m.

December 5, 12 and 19, The Heart that Grew Three Sizes:

We don’t know why the Grinch hated Christmas, we just know that he did, and that his heart changed. During Advent, we are exploring the faith themes in How the Grinch Stole Christmas to see how our own hearts can grow three sizes this Christmas!

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

Leaders: Trish Clardy, Matt Rogers,

• Young Elementary (Kindergarten - Grade 1) - Room 212

Leaders: Eudora Hargis, Connie King

• Older Elementary (Grades 2-5) – Room 214

Leaders: Pam Forrest, Tracy Read

Note: No Sunday School December 26^th and January 2^nd

CHRISTMAS EVE OUTDOOR WORSHIP

ESPECIALLY FOR FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN

“MIRACLE IN THE MANGER”

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 4:00 P.M.

This service, held on the front lawn, includes music, readings, drama and prayers led by our children and their families, plus communion and candlelight singing. Children who are willing to read or lead a prayer are invited to volunteer to Rev. Touchton. Families are invited to volunteer to serve as greeters, ushers and communion servers.

The Christmas story will be told through a “Grab and Go” spontaneous Christmas pageant with all the children participating as animals, angels, shepherds, kings, and stars. The service will conclude with communion and candlelight singing (using glow sticks, fiber optic light wands and candles!). Each child present will receive a beautiful glow-in-the-dark Christmas ornament keepsake.

For more information, see full flyer HERE.

Final WNT of 2021 on December 8th

5:00 p.m. Fellowship Meal, 6:00 p.m. Showcase

Reservations Required, Donations Appreciated

Wednesday, December 8 – Christmas Musical Showcase

Come enjoy Christmas music shared by your favorite St. Mark’s Musicians.

Menu: Smothered Pork Chops with Mashed Potatoes, Peas-n-Carrots, Salad Bar, Banana Cake.

Reservations Due Monday Prior! Donations Accepted!

Wednesday Night Together will resume in 2022! Watch your newsletter for more information.

Save the Date!

Youth News

WHAT AN AWESOME WAY TO END OUR SUNDAY NIGHTS! Last night was fun and festive and got us prepared for Christmas! We crowned our third Reindeer Relay champion! Team BLITZEN: Kendall, Laney, Becca, and Jacy! They crushed it!

This week we will be having a pancake study hall, which will be on Tuesday 4 - 6 p.m.! Show up bring something to study or don't and have some pancakes! We will be in the youth room! At the end of this week or next week, we will be putting out our spring calendar! We can't wait for January and it is right around the corner! Here are some pictures from last night!

This Week

Study Hall and Pancakes!
Bring something to study or don't!
Come and hang out from 4-6 p.m.
Sunday School (12/12)
Confirmation in the Banquet Hall, 6th-8th grade
High School in the Youth Room!
9:45-10:45 a.m.
NO Sunday Night Youth (12/12)
WE WILL BE BACK IN JANUARY!

Next Week

Sunday School (12/19)
All together Sunday school
NO Sunday Night Youth (12/19)
WE WILL BE BACK IN JANUARY!

Expanding the Use of the Gymnasium

We are nearing the completion of the technology updates for the gymnasium that will be available for the Soul-Full Worship Service and Youth, Christian Education and Preschool activities.

The updates include: Sound deadening panel installation to reduce echo in the sound system, High-Definition projection, and new audio and lighting control equipment. The existing amplifiers and speakers have been confirmed to be in good working order. The updates are designed so that the equipment can be unplugged and removed from the gym so that sports and indoor play activities will be able to continue without interruption. We look forward to these improvements allowing the gymnasium to be used for additional church and community events in the coming years.

We want to express our appreciation for the financial contributions and volunteers who have made this upgrade possible. We also deeply appreciate the volunteers who have weekly setup and tore down for the Soul-Full Service in the sanctuary for the last six months.

SOUL-FULL Moves to Gymnasium December 23

In previous articles we shared new about significant tech updates to our gymnasium. With those improvements, we are pleased to announce SOUL-FULL is moving to the gymnasium on December 23 at 6:30PM.

Please come for our opening service to celebrate with us this new use of the gymnasium.

Christmas Cantata “Festival of Christmas”

We are so excited to announce that we are going to have a live Christmas Cantata with orchestra in our sanctuary in December 19th Sunday at 8:30AM and 11:00AM.

Other Christmas Concert Opportunities near us!

• Music City Bronze Hand Bell Concert - "Joy, Hope, and Peace"

December 9th, 7:00 p.m. at Woodmont Christian Church (Nashville)

December 13, 7:00 p.m. Connection UMC (Nashville)

All concerts free and open to the public. Donations accepted.

• Epiphany Ring 2022

Several local area churches combine with our own Chancel Ringers for a Christmas hand bell concert on January 9, 2022 at St. Mark's at 7:00 p.m.

Upcoming Calendar

Wednesday, December 8, 2021

5:00 p.m. WNT - Rec Center, Kitchen

5:30 p.m. Cub Scouts - RM 1203

7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir - Sanctuary

Thursday, December 9, 2021

8:00 a.m. SAGES to Beersheba

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

5:30 p.m. Cub Scouts - RM 1203

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

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

Friday, December 10, 2021

11:00 a.m. ACA - Family Tradition - Chapel

4:00 p.m. Cub Scouts Lock-in - Rec Center

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

Saturday, December 11, 2021

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

10:30 a.m. Cantata Rehearsal - Sanctuary

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

Sunday, December 12, 2021

8:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

9:45 a.m. Christian Education

11:00 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

12:00 p.m. WNP Meeting - Library

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

5:00 p.m. Bible Study - RM 1203

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

Monday, December 13, 2021

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

5:00 p.m. Cub Scouts - Banquet Room

6:00 p.m. PEO - RM 1203

7:00 p.m. College Volleyball - Rec Center

Tuesday, December 14, 2021

12:00 p.m. UMW Lois Shipp/Mary Martha at Through the Grapevine

Wednesday, December 15, 2021

5:30 p.m. Cub Scouts - RM 1203

7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir - Sanctuary

7:00 p.m. Youth at Beckmans'

Thursday, December 16, 2021

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

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

5:30 p.m. Cub Scouts - RM 1203

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

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

6:30 p.m. Eagle Board of Review - RM 506

Friday, December 17, 2021

8:30 a.m. City Schools Central Office Brunch - Narthex/Banquet Room

11:00 a.m. ACA - Family Tradition - Chapel

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

Saturday, December 18, 2021

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

10:00 a.m. Cantata Rehearsal - Sanctuary

Sunday, December 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. Bible Study - RM 1203

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

Monday, December 20, 2021

10:00 a.m. Watercolor Class - Room 503/505

5:00 p.m. Cub Scouts - Banquet Room

7:00 p.m. College Volleyball - Rec Center

In Other News:

View Our Current Prayer List

See Our Full Event Calendar

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