The newsletter for St. Mark's UMC in Murfreesboro, TN | |
"The Messenger" Online Newsletter | |
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From the Pastor
This coming Sunday is Pentecost, often called “the birthday of the Church.” Pentecost commemorates the day the Holy Spirit descended upon the apostles, empowering them to spread the good news of God’s great love throughout the world.
The liturgical color for Pentecost is red, a symbol that is rich in meaning and tradition. Red represents the fire of the Holy Spirit that came down in the form of flames to rest upon each of the apostles, igniting the fervor and zeal in their hearts to preach the Gospel.
In celebration of Pentecost, we encourage everyone to wear red this Sunday. By doing so, we join together in a visual testimony of the Spirit’s presence and power in our lives. Between now and then, let’s pray expectantly for the ways that the Spirit will move among us.
It is a privilege to serve God as one of your clergy.
Tommy
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God at Work Sermon Series | |
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On Sunday, May 19, and Sunday, May 26, we will have the second and third of three stand-alone sermons in recognition of Ascension Sunday, Pentecost, and Trinity Sunday.
On Sunday, June 2, a new sermon series begins that we're calling God at Work. Focusing on 1 and 2 Samuel, we'll focus on how God's grace works in unexpected ways. We'll also seek to see evidence of God's grace at work in our lives today.
Upcoming Sermon Scriptures:
June 2, 2024: 1 Samuel 3:1-20
June 9, 2024: 1 Samuel 8:4-20
June 16, 2024: 1 Samuel 15:34-16:13
June 23, 2024: 1 Samuel 17:1a, 4-11, 19-23, 32-49
June 30, 2024: 2 Samuel 1:1, 17-27
July 7, 2024: 2 Samuel 5:1-5; 9-10
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May 19th is Confirmation Sunday!
Confirmation is a very special occasion in the life of the church, as young persons publicly confirm the vows made on their behalf at baptism and begin a covenant relationship with the church to live as a faithful disciple of Jesus Christ. We are excited to celebrate Confirmation in worship this Sunday, May 19th during worship, and encourage everyone to be present to support our confirmands.
If you have nurtured our Confirmands’ faith as a VBS leader/shepherd, Sunday School teacher/helper, nursery caregiver, or in any other way, we invite you to attend this Sunday’s worship service at 10:30 AM to show your love and support as they take this next important step in their faith journeys!
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June Communion Rail Offering to PT
On June 2, our communion rail offering will support Project Transformation, which offers literary programs to children in our community. PT helps children maintain or improve their reading level during the summer by using young adult interns and volunteers from local churches. The program takes place in area churches, introducing children and interns to the supportive environments of these communities of faith.
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This summer, St. Mark’s UMC will be hosting Food Truck Wednesdays, 4:30 – 6:30 p.m., featuring a different food truck every week. We are making a special effort to invite our neighbors, so please be present to welcome all who attend, and bring your friends and family for good food, fun, and fellowship!
A dining area will be provided with all welcome, whether you partake of the food truck or brown bag it. Menus and pricing for each week will vary. Water and lemonade will be provided in the Banquet Hall. The Grand Sweep weekly study will begin at 6:00 p.m.
Families are invited to bring their own blankets or lawn chairs or eat in our fully accessible Banquet Hall. The playground will be open to young children; all children must be accompanied and supervised by their parents. Additional fun and fellowship opportunities will be provided throughout the summer!
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St. Mark's Preschool's Restaurant Fundraiser!
Plan to eat lunch at Red Robin on May 15, 2024
Share THIS FLYER or simply mention the fundraiser to your server to have your sales counted toward the 20% of sales given back to St. Mark's Preschool by the Red Robin on 1986 Medical Center Pkwy, Murfreesboro, TN.
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Rallying to Record St. Mark's History
A Message from Tim Tackett
In October 1929, at annual conference, it endorsed the proposal that a new church be founded on Tennessee Blvd. in Murfreesboro. The new church, to become named College Place Methodist Church, had no property, no building, and no money appropriated. One month after Annual Conference adjourned, the New York Stock market crashed. – the worst depression in American history ensued. From the humblest of beginnings, the history of St. Mark’s is remarkable!
In 2002 “From Acorns To Oaks The Story of a Church was published. Author Florence Cox McFerrin was part of this history from day one – her brother, Rev. James Reed Cox, was appointed the 1st pastor. This remarkable book details the St. Mark’s story from 1929 through 2001. In her Introduction Florence writes “The church grew out of the highest Christian motives. Inspired by the love of Christ and recognition of the need for a new church to share that love in a growing community.” Florence loved St. Mark’s …
… and so do I. The history of this church does not end in 2001. Thus, 23 years later I am embarking on a journey to chronicle the great things God has continued to do at St. Mark’s 2001 – 2024. Florence acknowledges in her writing multiple people that contributed to her book. Likewise, I am soliciting your help in this endeavor. Stories, documents, pictures, significant dates and events would be appreciated. Though I don’t know at this time what form this document will be (I’m not committing to writing a book as Florence did), I want this to be as complete and accurate as possible.
If you have something to contribute please email it to me at tim.tackett@comcast.net. Thanks in advance for your input, encouragement, and prayers. To God Be The Glory!
Tim Tackett
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A Word from the SPRC
Dr. Louis Toedt, our Director of Youth, College and Recreation Ministries, has announced plans to return to teaching full-time in the fall. The Staff Parish Relations Committee is grateful to Louis for his ministry in our midst. Louis and his family have indicated that they plan to remain part of our church.
The search for a new Director of Youth, College, and Recreation Ministries will begin immediately, led by students, parents, and other stakeholders in this ministry area. In the meantime, Louis will continue to provide leadership during our search.
Please join us in praying for Louis as he transitions back into full-time teaching and for our church as we seek to identify our next Director.
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July 7 – 13 Mission Trip
We are so excited that 13 people have registered for this experience!
We can still take a few more people!
If you’d like to learn more about the mission trip, see the following:
Henderson Settlement Slideshow Presentation: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1h0EwtK48CdpiRmby6RRVbplKeBkWcLDio24Bp-ffFUc/edit?usp=sharing
Mission Trip Application Form: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfy1STNm6tgsghpZQRGjGw3y7yyRKLwj14NTGrzlQ3BF1WpvA/viewform?usp=sharing
A $50/person deposit is due now, payable to St. Mark’s UMC. Scholarships for all ages are available! For more information about the trips or available scholarships, contact Louis Toedt, Martha Touchton, or Hannah Pratt.
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Cedar Crest
Hiring for Summer
Cedar Crest Camp is currently hiring summer staff for 2024! College-aged students are encouraged to apply and serve as counselors for June and July. If interested in this opportunity, please contact Program Director Audrey Jordan at audrey.jordan@twkumc.org. You can also access the application here.
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St. Mark's Church-wide Picnic is Sunday,
June 9th following Worship in the gym!
Please bring a family-size side dish to share.
The Family Ministries Team will provide the meat. There will also be fun and games for all ages. Please RSVP by Sunday, June 2nd
by emailing Hannah Pratt or calling the church office.
Come enjoy a time of fellowship with your church family!
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THE BOOKS OF HISTORY:
Joshua - Esther
ADULT CHRISTIAN EDUCATION SPECIAL EVENT
Sunday, June 2, 9:15 – 10:15 a.m.
With The Reverend John Weaver
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The Rev. John Weaver, Director of the MTSU Wesley Foundation, came to MTSU in 2016 from the Wesley Foundation at Auburn University, where he served as associate director and director of the Auburn Parish, a campus ministry cooperative parish. John grew up in the Winchester/Manchester area and was ordained in the legacy Tennessee Conference, where he pastored several local churches before entering campus ministry.
Rev. Weaver studied education with emphasis in history and geography at Tennessee Tech and completed his Master of Divinity at Vanderbilt University Divinity School, where he received the Bishop Holland McTyerie award for servant leadership. He is also a Francis Asbury Award recipient, recognizing his significant contribution to fostering the church's ministries in higher education. John exudes energy, enthusiasm, and love for God and the people he serves, and has a deep love for scripture, especially the Old Testament.
John is married to Ella and together they have two sons, Huck and Bramblett. While they are primarily involved at Fellowship UMC, the family is frequently seen at St. Mark’s.
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Mark your calendar for these upcoming plenary sessions:
- September 22: The Books of Wisdom, with Diana Sanchez-Bushong, Executive Director, Worship Ministries; Director, Music Ministries, Discipleship Ministries of the United Methodist Church.
- December 1: 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
11:30 a.m. – 1:00 p.m., Final Celebration Luncheon
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The Sages Ministry Team met on Monday, May 13 for planning. It was a productive meeting.
The next meeting of the Alzheimer’s/Dementia Care Group will meet at 1:30, Thursday, May 23 at St. Mark's in room 503/505. All those caring for someone with dementia or Alzheimer’s are welcome.
On Wednesday, May 15 the Sages will be going to Falcon Rest in McMinnville for lunch and a tour. The bus will leave at 9:45 AM. Cost of the tour including lunch is $29.50 and bus is $5. Please make your reservations in the church office or the narthex. Look for the book!
Upcoming events include a visit to Granny Fishes, a show at the Cumberland County Playhouse, and to Leiper’s Fork.
This year we are again offering worship experiences at five different SAGES Assisted Living and Memory Care Centers.
Please join us for an outing. We believe you will enjoy it.
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SUNDAY MORNINGS AT 9:15*!
Our Preschool (Ages 2 to PreK 5), Younger Elementary (Kindergarten to 3rd Grade), and Older Elementary (4th Grade to 6th 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.
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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.
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Focus on hands-on learning
Engage kids in the Bible story with lessons packed with activities, interactive games, and creative crafts.
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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.
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* On Sunday’s when the Children’s Choir is rehearsing, Children’s Sunday School will begin at 9:30. | |
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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.
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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.
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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!
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Equips caregivers to nurture faith
Equips leaders and parents to nurture faith in many ways—through storytelling, prayers, and music.
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Save the Date for VBS!
Children's Registration is OPEN!
St. Mark’s Vacation Bible School will be June 24-27 from 9 AM – 12 PM. This year’s theme is Camp Firelight! Children ages 4 through 5th grade and younger children of VBS volunteers are welcome to attend. Click here to register your child for an unforgettable summer camp adventure with God!
Adult and youth volunteers are still needed! If you feel God calling you to serve in this ministry area, click here to register online or email Hannah Pratt at hannah@stmarkstn.org
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Important VBS Volunteer Dates!
Tuesday, May 21st at 6:30-8:00 PM in RM 503/505 - Safe Sanctuaries Training for any volunteers working with children, youth, or any other vulnerable persons. New volunteers and those whose training has expired are strongly encouraged to attend. Safe Sanctuaries training must be renewed every 5 years.
Tuesday, June 11th at 6:30-8:00 PM in the Banquet Hall - Final VBS Orientation for Shepherds and Leaders
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Beginning of Summer Bash - June 1 from 5-7pm!
All families are invited to celebrate the beginning of summer on Saturday, June 1st from 5-7 p.m. There will be a bouncy castle, water slide, food truck, popcorn, games, and more! Invite your friends, family, and neighbors to attend! Children must be accompanied by an adult at all times.
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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
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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! | |
- The theme of our Sunday Evening Youth Gathering on May 19th is Confirmation Sunday, meaning that this is the first Youth Gathering to which all 8 of the new Youth members (those who will have been Confirmed earlier that morning) will be invited. We ask that all current Youth members be present to greet them and make them feel welcome in our spiritual community! May 19th is also Service Sunday, meaning that after our fellowship meal we will be moving into the Food Pantry room in the office wing and packing food boxes for those in need in our community.
- For our recent Confirmands / Rising Youth and their parents, there will be a Youth Ministry Orientation Meeting from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm in the Youth Center on Sunday May 19th. This will be a short and sweet meeting where we get parents signed up for our communication channels, complete waiver forms and hand out copies of the Summer 2024 Youth Programming Calendar. If you are unable to attend on May 19th, there will be a Makeup Youth Ministry Orientation Meeting from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm in the Youth Center on Sunday May 26th.
- Due to popular demand, we will be doing another Youth Fishing Outing on Thursday 5/23 (no school for RCS students that day). We will meet in the St. Mark’s Youth Center at 8 am, pack bagged lunches for the road, and head out, with the intention of returning to St. Mark’s by approximately 3 pm. Youth participants are welcome to invite friends (provided that they are students in grades 6-12), and may choose to fish, or just hang out and enjoy some fun and fellowship. Please note that all participants who plan on fishing will need to email me a copy (louis@stmarkstn.org) of their valid Tennessee Fishing License prior to departure (don’t worry … fishing licenses are very easy and cheap to acquire. See the RSVP form linked above for instructions on how to get one). Prior signup is requested by Monday May 20th; please follow this link for the RSVP form: https://forms.gle/VJErMsgXDn6SZcZv7
- The results from the latest edition of our Youth Feedback Survey are in, and therefore our top programming priorities (as voted for by our Youth) are 1.) Missional Work 2.) Scenic Hikes 3.) Overnight Spiritual Retreats 4.) Water Parks 5.) Go-Karting. Reflecting these programming priorities, the first draft of our 2024 Summer Youth Programming Calendar is now here (see link below). Everything written in blue text represents an opportunity to participate in missional (service) work. If you would like to request that we shift the date of a particular outing or activity in order to better correspond to your availability, please send those changes to louis@stmarkstn.org by Monday March 20th. Link to Youth Programming Calendar: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ubhE1QaE_rmS9ybCqlZFyL-vnUZ0ClLBfnhX3GJLdIc/edit?usp=sharing
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- Congratulations to our Class of 2024 graduates Beth, Carly, L.C., Hank, Luke, Aidan, Landry & Elizabeth!!!
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- Our Confirmation Retreat at Cedar Crest Camp was punctuated by what some might call a genuine “God sighting”, as the Aurora Borealis made a surprise cameo appearance just after the conclusion of our worship! Special thanks to Bethany Cardenas & Sandeep Kuntam for serving as our very patient chaperones, and to Hannah Pratt for her practical & spiritual leadership!
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“...God’s invisible qualities … are understood through the things God has made” - Rom 1:20
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SAVE THE DATE: There will be a meeting for those participating in this summer’s Multi-Generational Mission Trip from 11:30 am to 12:30 am on Sunday June 2 in the Banquet Hall. We strongly urge all Youth who plan to participate in the Mission Trip (as well as their parents) to make attendance at this meeting a priority.
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SAVE THE DATE: St. Mark’s Children’s Ministry will be hosting its Beginning of Summer Bash at St. Mark’s from 5-7 pm on Saturday 6/1, and Youth & Families are both invited to this event. There will be a waterslide, food trucks, popcorn, games and more! Also, Youth Helpers are requested at 4 pm to set up games, etc. Please let me know if you are willing to volunteer your time to help with this event!
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SAVE THE DATE: For those who are willing to make Youth events & outings possible by offering their service as chaperones during the 24-25 school year, there is a Safe Sanctuary Policy Review Session in Room 503 / 505 on Tuesday May 21st. This will most likely be the only Safe Sanctuary training opportunity available in 2024, so please plan on attending!
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Disaster trips and Red Bird Food delivered
January 1, 2024 - April 30, 2024
Disaster trips - 3
Red Bird
Food Boxes - 192
600 pounds Seed Potatoes
5,000 pounds Sweet Potatoes
288 Tomato Plants
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Reeves Rogers Support
St. Mark’s has supported Reeves Rogers in many ways this school year.
Here is a highlight of our activities.
August – A Back to School Luncheon was held for 50 teachers and staff.
September – April – Classroom teachers and staff were treated to snacks, lunch, breakfast foods, and needed supplies by our adult Sunday School classes.
December - All K-5 classrooms received playground equipment consisting of soccer and playground balls, jump ropes, frisbees, sidewalk chalk, and ball pumps in personalized mesh bags. Teachers and staff received gift certificates to use for school related materials. A huge thank you to our church members for their support.
April - Volunteers served food to Reeves Rogers parents and students at their Spring Festival.
May - Teachers and staff were treated to breakfast in celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week.
Four members have mentored students during the past two years:
Deanna Shuppert, David King, Sarah Butler, and Sue Benton
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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:
May 5 (one bouquet)
May 26 (one bouquet)
June 9 (one or both bouquets)
June 30 (one or both bouquets)
Many other 2024 dates are available. Call 615-893-3455 for more information.
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Wednesday, May 15
4:30 p.m. Food Truck Wednesdays - Banquet Hall
6:00 p.m. Confirmation Rehearsal - Banquet Room/Sanctuary
6:00 p.m. Grand Sweep #1 - Banquet Room
7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir - RM 1119
Thursday, May 16
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
6:30 p.m. Walking Together organizing meeting - Library
Friday, May 17
10:00 a.m. Grand Sweep #2 - RM 503/505
11:00 a.m. Bible Study - RM 503/505
5:00 p.m. Murfreesboro Kingz basketball team practice - Rec Center
Saturday, May 18
8:30 a.m. AA Group - RM 503/505
Sunday, May 19
Confirmation Sunday
9:15 a.m. Christian Education
10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary
11:30 p.m. UMW Brave Women of Faith - Meet in Narthex
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, May 20
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
Tuesday, May 21
10:00 a.m. Note Writers - RM 506
10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting - RM 503/505
4:00 p.m. Preschool Ministry Board Meeting - RM 503/505
6:30 p.m. Safe Sanctuaries Training - RM 503/505
Wednesday, May 22
4:30 p.m. Food Truck Wednesdays - Banquet Room
6:00 p.m. Grand Sweep #1 - Banquet Room
7:00 p.m. Chancel Choir - RM 1119
Thursday, May 23
8:00 a.m. Youth Fishing Trip - 2018 Van
9:00 a.m. Women's Bible Study - RM 1203
10:00 a.m. Quilting Bee - Banquet Room/Kitchen
10:30 a.m. Knitting - RM 503/505
1:30 p.m. Alzheimer's/Dementia Support Group
6:30 p.m. ACOA Meeting - RM 503/505
Friday, May 24
10:00 a.m. Grand Sweep #2 - RM 503/505
11:00 a.m. Bible Study - RM 503/505
5:00 p.m. Murfreesboro Kingz basketball team practice - Rec Center
Saturday, May 25
8:00 a.m. Cub Scout Graduation - Banquet Room/Rec Center/Kitchen
8:30 a.m. AA Group - RM 503/505
9:30 a.m. Eagle Scout Court of Honor, Troop 398 - Banquet Room/Sanctuary
Sunday, May 26
SONlight Tour - Van 2018
9:15 a.m. Christian Education
10:30 a.m. Worship - Sanctuary
11:30 a.m. New Youth Orientation Meeting - Banquet Hall
4:00 p.m. Bible Study - RM 1203
4:00 p.m. Grand Sweep #4 - RM 504
5:00 p.m. Youth - Rec Center/Youth Center/Banquet Hall
Monday, May 27
Office Closed - Memorial Day
SONlight Tour - Van 2018
10:00 a.m. Watercolor Class - Banquet Room
5:30 p.m. Big Book Group - RM 503/505
Tuesday, May 28
10:00 a.m. Note Writers - RM 506
10:00 a.m. Staff Meeting - RM 503/505
6:00 p.m. Woodworkers - Banquet Room
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