March 6, 2024

From the Pastor

Last week, I taught a class where the topic of personal and social holiness came up. John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, believed that both were essential to the Christian life.

Personal holiness is an individual's desire to become more like Jesus in thought, word, and action. It's not just about avoiding sin, but seeking to do good, to show love, and be of sincere heart and mind.

But Wesley didn't believe that a Christian’s duty stopped at personal spiritual growth. Our faith should also lead us to engage with the world around us. Part of being "holy" is to be deeply involved in the lives of others.

I didn't have to look far for a recent example of someone who embodies both personal and social holiness. Last week, our very own Steve Dix received the Good Scout Award for his contributions to enhance our community and world. And while the award acknowledges the way Steve exemplifies the spirit of the Scout Oath and Law, I respectfully note that Steve also embodies the mind and heart of Christ.

For Steve and all of you who strive for personal and social holiness, thank you.

It is a privilege to serve God in your midst.

Tommy

In the context of scripture, a covenant is often an agreement between God and human beings, where God makes promises to God's people and in turn expects a certain type of behavior or commitment from them. But even when people fail to uphold their end of the covenant, God remains faithful, a powerful testament to God's unbreakable love.

March 10: Ephesians 2:1-10

March 17: Jeremiah 31:31-34

March 24: Mark 11:1-11

TONIGHT

6:00 p.m.

SOULFULL Worship Plus Children, Youth, & Adult Ministries

Adult Ministries in March

The Grand Sweep Reflection Group

In the Banquet Room

General Announcements

Tony Henry to Retire

Tony Henry, one of our custodians at St. Mark's, has announced his retirement effective March 31. We are so grateful for Tony's twelve years of ministry in this capacity and pray God's best for him in the next chapter of his life.

Invitation to Men to join St. Mark's Men's Chorale

All vocal ability levels welcome

The St Mark's Men's Chorale invites all men of the church to join our group. 

• The group participates in the worship service approximately 4 times per year.
• Rehearsals are held in a 10-day window prior to each performance. 
• Choir membership is not required.
• We welcome all levels of vocal ability and experience.

The Men's Chorale is currently preparing for next Sunday's (March 17) service. Contact HyeLan Pearce or Tim Tackett for more information.

You enjoy St. Mark's music ministry ... IT'S TIME TO JOIN IN!      

Save the Date for VBS!

Youth and Adult Volunteers Needed

St. Mark’s Vacation Bible School will be June 24-27 from 9 AM – 12 PM. The theme this year is Camp Firelight! It takes many volunteers to make VBS safe and fun for all children. There are adult and youth openings in Bible storytelling, music, crafts, recreation, snacks, registration, hospitality, and shepherding a class. If you feel God calling you to serve in this ministry area, please register at www.stmarkstn.org/vbs or email Hannah Pratt at hannah@stmarkstn.org.

INTEREST MEETINGS: July 7 – 13 Mission Trip

Sunday, March 10, 4:00 p.m. in the Youth Center

Wednesday, March 13, 6:00 p.m. in Room 402/404

This is a Multigenerational Experience at Henderson Settlement in Frakes, KY

Learn more about this opportunity to serve Christ and neighbor!

Stones River District Mission Study

March 16, 9:00 a.m. – 12 p.m. in Banquet Hall

Led by Holly Neal, our TWK United Women in Faith Spiritual Growth Coordinator. Reservations due Sunday, March 10th to Robbie Hooper, hooper.robbie.m@gmail.com

Easter Lilies for $14 each

Would you like to Honor or Memorialize

a friend or loved one this Easter?

St. Mark's is offering you a way to do that with a lovely Lily in their name. They will be available for $14 each. They will adorn our Sanctuary on Easter and will be available for you to take home after service on Sunday, March 31st. You may purchase them by calling the church office or by marking your check in the collection offering "Easter Lily."

Wesley Foundation Golf Tournament

Registration and Sponsorships

The MTSU Wesley Foundation Golf Tournament is April 12, 2024. Lunch begins at 12pm and Shotgun Start at 1pm. $100 per person. Click here to register (check back later if the link hasn't been activated yet). You can also call 615-390-5585.

You and your business are also invited to be a sponsor for the day:

Title Sponsor: $7500; Club Sponsor: $5000; Shirt Sponsor: $2500; Sign Sponsor: $2000; Lunch Sponsor: $1500; Cart Sponsor: $1000; 19th Hole After Party Host: $700;

Putting Contest Sponsor: $500; Driving Range Sponsor: $400; Hole Sponsor: $150; Sponsor a Student to Play: $65.

Council on Ministries Meeting Overview

A message on the future of St. Mark's

Part of the discernment for this year’s Administrative Council is to bring back the role of the Council on Ministries which was part of the United Methodist Church for many years. The role of the Administrative Board is to handle the business of the church. The Council on Ministries was to dream, create, and bring ministries to the congregation. 

The Council on Ministries met last Saturday February 24, 2024, for a session to build relationship, build community and to begin the practice to dream about the future but also to have action plans to implement the dreams. The comments were positive, and the group went away excited about their plans and were to share these with staff to make sure we stayed coordinated. We will continue to facilitate new ministries created by and implemented by the congregation together with the capable staff we have been blessed with.

We will have follow-up sessions every two months and will be scheduling these sessions to build community, excitement, and build ways we can work together as a congregation to live out the dream we have for St Marks.

The Administrative Board is planned to meet quarterly and is always invited to participate in the planning done by the Council on Ministries.

The following is a visual that depicts the outcome from the discernment group who have faithfully asked the question, “What is God asking us to do or to be?”. This framework is a means to allow us to focus our efforts around one or two of the priorities while continuing our efforts and plans in specific areas. We will be sharing this framework with the various groups, boards, and with the congregation to help us focus our efforts together and to live into our call as a church.

We look forward to working with the different ministry groups, boards, and groups within the church.

If you have questions, please contact Alan Morris.

615-972-2971 or damorristn@gmail.com

Holy Week Coming Soon

Invite friends and family to celebrate with us.

Spread the word about the upcoming Maundy Thursday and Easter Sunday services.

Recreation Ministry

• St. Mark’s Recreation Ministry is looking for Men 18 and older who would like to play softball on Thursday evenings beginning in April @Sports Com (Double-Header Format, Typically 6 & 7 pm Start Times). If interested, please speak to Wendell Philpott or Louis Toedt. There is also a signup sheet in the music suite hallway.

• Our friend Bob Ingle will be leading a Spring Migration Bird Watching Walk at Cedars of Lebanon State Park on April 13th, 7 a.m. (2-3 hour walk). Participants will meet Bob at the Visitor’s Center, which is the first building on the right side of the road after entering the park. Limited spaces available! Contact louis@stmarkstn.org for more info or to reserve your spot.

• We want to hear your thoughts on the future direction of St. Mark’s Recreation Ministry! Click the following link to be redirected to a brief survey where you can tell us what you’d like to see more of from your Recreation Ministry in the future: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdMsxYWt5QdrHbrNzER0S9k21_QIDu2k1OrvrFUKZnJsVWHVQ/viewform

Adult Ministries

THE PENTATEUCH

ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION EVENT

Sunday, March 17, 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary with

The Reverend Rebecca Abts Wright, Ph.D.

The Rev. Dr. Wright, C. K. Benedict Professor of Old Testament and Biblical Hebrew at Sewanee School of theology, will lead us in an overview and wrap-up of the first five books of the Old Testament Sunday, March 17, 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. in the Sanctuary. While this special presentation is especially for those participating in The Grand Sweep, all adults are invited and encouraged to attend.

Dr. Wright, who holds degrees from American University, Wesley Theological Seminary, and Yale University, is an ordained United Methodist minister whose primary objective is for students to encounter and enjoy the depths of biblical study. She uses a variety of teaching methods, introducing her students to a wide range of perspectives, both ancient and contemporary, "traditional" and "non-traditional," for encountering biblical texts. Her teaching style not only helps students understand the Old Testament in its historical context, but also how it is relevant to the church today. 

Dr. Wright's presentation at St. Mark’s will be both informative and interactive! You are invited to submit questions to martha@stmarkstn.org by Wednesday, March 13.

Mark your calendar for these additional plenary sessions:

> June 2: The Books of History with Rev. John Weaver, Director, MTSU Wesley Foundation.

> September 22: The Books of Wisdom with Diana Sanchez-Bushong, Executive Director, Worship Ministries; Director, Music Ministries.

> November 17: Gospels and Acts with Dr. Amy Jill Levine retired professor of New Testament, Vanderbilt Divinity School, and renowned author.

> January 5 or 12, 2025: 9:15 – 10:15 a.m. Epistles and Revelation, TBA 

11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Grand Sweep Celebration Luncheon for all participants. 

FREE ONLINE LENTEN DEVOTIONAL RESOURCES

Prepare your minds for action; discipline yourselves; set all your hope on the grace that Jesus Christ will bring you when he is revealed. Like obedient children, do not be conformed to the desires that you formerly had in ignorance. Instead, as he who called you is holy, be holy yourselves in all your conduct, for it is written, “You shall be holy, for I am holy.”  1 Peter 1: 13-16, NRSV

Lent is a time of repentance, fasting and preparation for the coming of Easter. It is a time of devotion and scripture reading, self-examination and reflection for all ages.

Because so many in our congregation are using The Grand Sweep for their daily devotion, we will not be providing many paper devotional booklets during Lent. A helpful list of links for online devotionals, Lenten calendars, and other activities to help individuals and families practice spiritual discipline during the season of Lent can be found here.

Read To Succeed’s 2024 ONE BOOK Available at St. Mark’s

A trip is planned to Bell Buckle with lunch at the Bell Buckle Café on Friday, March 8 at 11:00 AM. Lunch is Dutch Treat. The church bus will leave St. Mark’s at 10:15 AM. Please make your reservation in the office or the narthex. Look for the SAGES registration book.

The next meeting of the SAGES Ministry team will be Monday, March 11 at 9:30 AM in Room 503-505. Joy Ash-Galland will be the guest for the first half of the meeting discussing memory care, assisted living facilities, and senior care matters.

The next meeting of the Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care Group will be March 28 at 1:30 at 2714 Tower Drive, Murfreesboro, TN 37129-1176.

Upcoming events include a tour of the historic Asbury-Babb House in Lebanon with lunch at Sammy B’s, a visit to Granny Fishes, a show at the Cumberland County Playhouse, the Falcon Rest Tour and lunch in McMinnville.

This year we are again offering worship experiences at five different SAGES Assisted Living and Memory Care Centers.

We are sending cards and delivers flowers and gifts. We make hospital calls and home visits. We support grandparent ministries. We attend Sunday School and worship.

Please join us for an outing. We believe you will enjoy it.

SUNDAY MORNINGS AT 9:15*!

Our Preschool (Ages 2 to PreK 5), Younger Elementary (Kindergarten to 3^rd Grade), and Older Elementary (4^th 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.

* On Sunday’s when the Children’s Choir is rehearsing, Children’s Sunday School will begin at 9:30.

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.

All children are invited to attend the Wednesday night children’s study, “Joining God at Work in the World”! Every Wednesday at 6:00 pm in Room 202 in the Children’s Wing.

Save the Date for the Children’s Easter Events!

• Sunday, March 24th- Palm Sunday Parade during the 10:30 AM Worship Service

• Sunday, March 31st- Children’s Sunday School Resurrection Scavenger Hunt at 9:15 AM

• Sunday, March 31st- Butterfly Parade during the 10:30 AM Worship Service

• Sunday, March 31st- Easter Egg Hunt following the 10:30 AM Worship Service

Help St. Mark’s be a Safe Sanctuary to all people entrusted to our care!

Ways you can help:

• Keep empty rooms locked
• Sign children in and out of classrooms
• Supervise your children at all times
• Accompany your children to the Restroom
• Help us observe the two-adult rule at all times by serving as a Safe Sanctuaries helper
• If you see any behavior that seems abusive or inappropriate, inform a ministry leader

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 @stmarkstnkids for more information!

• Wednesday Night Bible Study continues this week (3/6) beginning at 6:00 pm in the Library (just off the Narthex) and ending at 7:30 pm; Youth & friends in grades 6-12 are invited to join us as we explore the question of, “How do we put on the whole armor of God?”. Dinner will be served in the banquet hall at 5 pm, and is free for Children, Youth and College Students. ($10 for adults)

• On Sunday March 10th, there will be another Summer Mission Trip Interest Meeting at 4 pm in the Youth Wing. At this meeting, we will discuss the latest plans for the multi-generational mission trip being planned in collaboration with St. Mark’s Adult & Children’s Ministries for the week of July 7-13th at Henderson Settlement in KY. For anyone who may be interested but unable to attend this meeting, there will be an additional Summer Mission Trip Interest Meeting at 6 pm in Room 402/404 on Wednesday 3/13.

• Sunday March 10th is also Trivia Night at St. Mark’s Youth, with dinner provided by our friend Samantha Daniel (Baked Potatoes & Chili!) beginning at 5 pm in the Banquet Hall. After dinner, we will move to the Youth Wing, where our Trivia Night activities will commence.

• Sunday March 3rd was Karaoke Night at St. Mark’s Youth- special thanks to our volunteer leaders John McDaniel & Carrie Henderson, and to Becky Luse for providing a delicious fellowship meal! 

• There is ALSO no school for RCS Students on Monday March 18th due to a Parent / Teacher Conference Day, so St. Mark’s Student Ministry will be leading an outing to Chattanooga’s Lookout Mountain to visit either Rock City (if the weather is clear) or Ruby Falls (if the weather is bad). As with the Stone Door outing, St. Mark’s Youth (as well as any friends in grades 6-12 that you may want to invite) are invited to meet us at 8 am by the St. Mark’s Youth Wing, where we will assemble a bagged lunch for the road and hope to depart by 8:30 and return by mid-afternoon. Blackman UMC will be joining us for this outing, so please let me know ahead of time if you plan on coming along so that we can have an accurate headcount for transportation and ticket purchasing (louis@stmarkstn.org).

• If anyone is aware of any loved ones who will be graduating from High School, College or Graduate School this May and would like to see them honored by St Mark’s Student Ministry, please communicate this information to Louis Toedt and he will follow up with further instructions. Graduation Sunday will be observed on May 5th, 2024.

• You can find a printable version of the Spring 2024 St. Mark’s Youth Programming Calendar via this link: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1m-AZc7QprlSM_JRgk_Tao3jLciH2yvtQAk_EITGXUA8/edit?usp=sharing. You can also follow us on Instagram @stmarkstn_youth, or visit the Youth Ministry landing page for all things related to St Mark’s Student Ministry: https://st-marks-umc-student-ministry.mailchimpsites.com/

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 available Sunday is:

March 31 (one bouquet)

April 7 (one or both bouquets)

April 14 (one bouquet)

April 21 (one bouquet)

April 28 (one or both bouquets)

Many other 2024 dates are available. Call 615-893-3455 for more information.

Wednesday, March 6

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

6:00 p.m. Grand Sweep #1 - Banquet Room

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

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

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

8:30 p.m. Men's Chorale - RM 1119

Thursday, March 7

9:00 a.m. Women's Bible Study - RM 1203

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

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

Friday, March 8

10:00 a.m. Grand Sweep #2 - RM 503/505

10:15 a.m. SAGES to Bell Buckle Cafe - Van 2018

11:00 a.m. Bible Study - RM 503/505

Saturday, March 9

8:00 a.m. Cub Scout Pinewood Derby - Rec Center/Kitchen

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

Sunday, March 10

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

3:15 p.m. SONlight Youth Choir - RM 1119

4:00 p.m. Bible Study - RM 1203

4:00 p.m. Grand Sweep #4 - RM 504

5:00 p.m. Chancel Ringers - RM 1117

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

6:00 p.m. Men's Chorale - RM 1119

Monday, March 11

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

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

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

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

6:00 p.m. Sanctuary Ringers - RM 1117

Tuesday, March 12

10:00 a.m. Note Writers - RM 506

10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting - RM 503/505

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

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

Wednesday, March 13

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

6:00 p.m. Grand Sweep #1 - Banquet Room

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

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

6:30 p.m. Men's Chorale - RM 1119

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

8:30 p.m. Men's Chorale - RM 1119

Thursday, March 14

9:00 a.m. Women's Bible Study - RM 1203

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

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

Friday, March 15

10:00 a.m. Grand Sweep #2 - RM 503/505

11:00 a.m. Bible Study - RM 503/505

Saturday, March 16

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

9:00 a.m. United Women in Faith District Meeting - Banquet Room/Kitchen

10:00 a.m. Children's Leadership - RM 1203

Sunday, March 17

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

9:40 a.m. Men's Chorale - RM 1119

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

11:30 a.m. UMW Brave Women of Faith - Meet in Narthex

11:45 a.m. SPRC Meeting

4:00 p.m. Bible Study - RM 1203

4:00 p.m. Grand Sweep #4 - RM 504

4:15 p.m. SONlight - RM 1119

5:00 p.m. Chancel Ringers - RM 1117

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

Monday, March 18

8:00 a.m. Youth Ministry Outing to Chattanooga - Van 2018

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

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

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

6:00 p.m. Sanctuary Ringers - RM 1117

Tuesday, March 19

10:00 a.m. Note Writers - RM 506

10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting - RM 503/505

In Other News:

View Our Current Prayer List

See Our Full Event Calendar 

Missed a Sermon? Click HERE to go to our sermon's media page.

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