August 22, 2023

From the Pastor

A clergy colleague recently shared a humorous experience with me. He was preaching on the Exodus 8 passage about the plague of frogs sent by God in an attempt to get Pharaoh's attention. Prior to his sermon, he invited the kids to come down for the children's time. He shared with them that he wanted to talk to them about frogs.

"What's the first thing that you think about when I say 'frog'?" he asked. Without missing a beat, one of the children said, "God!"

Puzzled by the response, he asked the child, "Why does that make you think about God?" That's when she replied, "Because I know you didn't bring us down here to talk about frogs!"

I don't anticipate that you'll hear anything about frogs at either of our two worship opportunities this week (Wednesday and Sunday) but I do expect that you'll hear about the nearness of God. Make plans to join us for one or both of our worship experiences.

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

Tommy

A new Sunday morning sermon series, "No Fair!" begins on Sunday, September 10 where 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. There will be a special “Remembering 9/11/2001” program on September 11 at 9:00 AM in the auditorium. Then at 10:45 AM many classes will be offered. On September 18 and 25 the first period classes will be from 9:30-10:30 and the second period classes are from 10:45-11:45. Lunch is at noon in the Family Life Center. Cost for the event is $16.00 and meals are $12:00 each. Registrations are due by August 24. Registration blanks are available in the church office.

The Alzheimer’s/Dementia Support Group will meet Thursday, August 24, at 1:30 PM. at the home of Cindy Flippin, 2714 Tower Drive, Murfreesboro, TN 37129-1176.

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

The next meeting of the SAGES Ministry Team is September 6 at 9:30 AM in Room 503-509.

Coming activities: September 22 – Senior Potluck Luncheon at 11:30 AM; September 24- Senior Appreciation Day; October 30– Loveless Café; November 17 – Midway Diner; December 9 - Senior Serenity at 11:00 A.M.  

Christmas at Beersheba will be December 4. Cost for the day which includes lunch is $29. There is a $5 charge for the bus which will leave the church at 8 AM. Please sign up in the Narthex or the church office. Look for the book!

The SAGES will host services at Adams Place Tuesday, September 12 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.

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!

St. Mark’s Student Ministry would like to extend a special thank you to the dedicated volunteers who make this ministry possible, including but not limited to John McDaniel, Carrie Henderson, Karen Burrell, Kathy & Roland Edwards, Loyd Mabry, Susan McElroy, Tammy Walker and Stephanie Treutlein … your presence, prayers and efforts make all the difference in the world to us! 

If you are reading this email and thinking about serving our Student Ministry in some volunteer capacity or another, please follow this link for our Volunteer Signup Form: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0e48a8a823abffce9-stmarks#/

To those who were not able to attend the Fall Youth Orientation meeting on 8/13, 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 Youth events and outings. Click here to find a printable PDF version of the General Health & Photo Release Form, or you can request a printed copy by sending an email to louis@stmarkstn.org.  

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. This week’s lesson topic will be “Proverbs & the Path of Wisdom”, as we will address the age-old question of ‘What is wisdom?’ and how do we find it. 

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 with the framing of a new Habitat House in Legacy Pointe sponsored in part by St. Mark’s members Tom and Robbie Hooper. 

Workdays are Wednesday, August 23rd and Saturday, August 26th.

Due to the heat, this Wednesday’s work will begin at 6:30 a.m. and conclude by 2:00 p.m., and Saturday’s work will begin at 7:00 a.m. and conclude at 2:30 p.m. 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.

As a Body of Christ seeking to pastor our neighborhood, how well do we know our neighbors? How much more would learning about our neighboring community help us love God and love our neighbors better, and influence our mission and ministries for greater outreach?

Join us for a panel discussion about our neighborhood and community, including education, creation care, housing, and employment concerns.  Children and Youth will have the choice to attend the panel or participate in a Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt.  Our panelists include:

-         Natalie Hardiman, Principal, Reeves Rogers Elementary School

-         Thomas Rowe, Executive Director, Murfreesboro Housing Authority

-         Rev. Shawn Moses, Pastor, Community Servant, and Entrepreneur

-         Dr. Jeremy Aber, MTSU Geoscientist and Community Activist

Wednesday Night Together Kick-Off, August 30^th

5:00 p.m. FREE MEAL, 6:00 p.m. “HEY NEIGHBOR” Panel

plus Neighborhood Scavenger Hunt for Children and Youth. 

“Teacher, which commandment in the law is the greatest?” He said to him, “ 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind. ' This is the greatest and first commandment. And a second is like it: 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” ~ Matthew 22:34-40

WNT MEALS ARE BACK!

Here’s What’s Cooking this Fall!

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     

Wednesday Night Together provides delicious food with fun, fellowship, and spiritual growth opportunities for all ages. Upcoming menus prepared by Chef Doug and served by St. Mark’s United Methodist Men include:

8/30    Loaded Baked Potato Bar with all the toppings, including broccoli, cheese, bacon, sour cream, plus Classic Chili, Salad Bar, and Cookie Trio

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

Amplify is here! Come learn how you and your class can have access to 1000s of Bible study and small group videos at home or church.

Sunday, August 27, 11:45 a.m.

Adult and Youth Teacher Luncheon

and Hands-On Intro to Amplify

St. Mark’s Banquet Hall

Please Bring your Phone, iPad, or Laptop!

Menu: Chicken Salad, Croissants, Orzo Pasta Salad,

Carrots and Celery, Chips, and Ice Cream

Reservations due Wednesday, 8/23 to Martha@stmarkstn.org

WE ARE FED

THAT WE MIGHT

FEED OTHERS

As part of your preparation for

the sacrament of Holy Communion,

you are invited to donate canned and dry foods to

St. Mark's Food Bank every 1st Sunday.

Collection tubs will be located just outside the Sanctuary,

or you can bring your donation to the

bins in the Narthex or Room 407/409.

The next Communion 1st Sunday is September 3rd

Please bring small jars of Peanut Butter!



"For I was hungry and you gave me food..."

Matthew 25:35

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, August 23

6:30 a.m. Habitat for Humanity Workday

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

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

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

Thursday, August 24

10:00 a.m. Quilting Bee - Banquet Room/Kitchen

10:30 a.m. Knitting - RM 506

1:30 p.m. Alzheimer’s/Dementia Support Group at Flippins'

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, August 25

6:00 p.m. Pickle Ball - RC

Saturday, August 26

7:00 a.m. Habitat for Humanity Workday

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

Sunday, August 27

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

11:30 a.m. Adult Teachers' Luncheon - Banquet Room

3:00 p.m. JAM Session - Rec Center

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

Monday, August 28

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, August 29

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

Wednesday, August 30

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

6:00 p.m. Children/Youth Scavenger Hunt

6:00 p.m. “HEY NEIGHBOR” Panel - Rec Center

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

Thursday, August 31

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

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 1

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

Saturday, September 2

7:30 a.m. UMM Meeting & Breakfast - Banquet Room

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

Sunday, September 3

9:15 a.m. Christian Education

10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary

Monday, September 4 - Labor Day

Office Closed

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 5

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

6:00 p.m. Mid TN Choral Society - Narthex

In Other News:

Thank You Note - To the St. Mark's Disaster Team, Words are never going to be enough - but here it goes. THANK YOU for coming to Millington to help with our disaster. Our tree you cut down was a real worry for us. Christine and Bob Medearis.

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