Update for the week of March 1 - 7, 2018
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Our Mission Statement

To Be and Make Disciples of  
Jesus Christ 

Change of
Contact Information?
 
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Need to 
Contact Us?
 
Saint Mark UMC
616 Quincy Road
Seneca, SC  29678

Call us:
9 am - 5 pm (M-Th)
(864) 882-2603
Pastoral Care
Emergencies or after regular office hours

call or text
(864) 888-7072  

 Click here
to  
send an email
Saint Mark 2018 Ministry Guidebook 
Click here to view the entire Saint Mark 2018 Ministry Guidebook with information about church structure, leadership, ministries and our 2018 budget. 
Check Out Our Entire Church Calendar of Events 
Click here to see what is going on at Saint Mark this week and the weeks to come.
March 4, 2018

Third Sunday
 in Lent
 
 
Sunday 
Schedule 
 
9:00 am 
Come to the Table Worship
with Holy Communion  
Sanctuary 
  
9:00 am 
Celebration Worship
with Holy Communion 
Saint Mark Center 

9:15 am
Children's Church
Room A101 
 
 
10:15 am
Sunday School 
 
11:15 am 
Traditional Worship
with Holy Communion
Sanctuary

11:15 am 
Eleuthera Team Meeting

4:00 pm
Wings 'n Things

5:30 pm
In His Eyes 

Quick, easy and available HERE 

Join us every day at 3:20 pm to pray for Saint Mark - our people and ministries. 
Listen to Last Week's Sermon Today 
If you were not able to attend worship on any given Sunday, you can still listen to the sermon.   Click here to select and listen to sermons that you may have missed.
Got Information to Share in Next Week's Heart Beat?
Click here to send your Heart Beat post to us by no later than 12:00 noon next
Thursday.  On the subject line, please type in "Heart Beat" so that we can easily find your article among the other emails.
Got Good News To Share With Your Saint Mark Family?   
Good news lifts our spirits. Share your good news with us. We will publish your good news in our "People 'Neath Our Steeple" feature. Your news will be sent out as an email. Click here to share your good news (achievements, births, awards, etc.). Include pictures if you have them. 
Got Pictures? 
 
We are creating an archive of pictures taken at Saint Mark events and activities. If you have taken pictures and want to share them, please
click here and send them to us.

Or use our hashtag #stmarkumc and post your photos on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. 
Interested in LGBTQ+ Inclusion?

Click here for more information. 
Prayer Focus for This Week  

Pray for the students and teachers from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida who returned to school this week after the tragic shooting that claimed the lives of 17 of their fellow students and teachers. Pray that they will not experience the long term effects of such a trauma. Pray for the families of those whose loved ones died during the shooting. Pray that they will turn their grief into action. Pray for the shooter, 19 year old Nikolas Cruz. Pray that he will receive the help he so desperately needs. Pray that action will be taken to stop the senseless deaths of our precious children. 
Submit Your Prayer R equests
Saint Mark is pleased to receive your prayer requests . . . for yourself or for friends or loved ones.   Click here to submit your request to Pastor Todd Davis.
WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY  


 Third Sunday in Lent
THIS Sunday, March 4
  
"Marks of a Disciple: PRESENCE" 

 9 am "Come to the Table" Worship
11:15 am Traditional Worship
with Holy Communion
bringing the message
Rev. Shawna Darnall
Matthew 22:34-36


9 am Celebration Worship
with Holy Communion
bringing the message
Rev. Todd Davis
Romans 6:1-4
THIS WEEK AT SAINT MARK 

For more last minute information, contact Jody Gaulin at (864) 985-3107, or click here to send her an email.  HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!!!

A Reminder . . .

A memorial service will be held for Nickie Vassey (Alex Vassey's mother) at Oconee Memorial Park Mausoleum this Saturday, March 3.  Visitation will be from 1 - 2 pm and the service will immediately follow.

Book Sale 
to Support Primary Schools
on the Island of Eleuthera 

This is an ongoing mission effort that Saint Mark has supported for several years. Here is how it will work: 
  • Select and purchase the book(s) in the atrium this Sunday, March 4.
  • Sign the book plate(s).
  • Donate the book(s) back to the mission team who will deliver the books directly to the schools while they are in Eleuthera (March 10 - 17).

Thank you for your support of this important mission outreach! 


THIS Wednesday,
March 7
12 noon
Trinity Baptist
bringing the message
Rev. Matt Turner
Lunch will follow the service

Are you looking for something to do  
on Wednesday, March 7? 

We are seeking disciples to cook, serve and participate in fellowship at Ann Hope UMC (Feeding Ministry).
  • Cooks will meet at 2:30 pm at Ann Hope to prepare the meal.
  • The meal is served at 6 pm (you are welcome to come serve, eat and fellowship).
  • Clean up and head home by 7:30 pm.
Will you help?  Please click here let Cora Keese know if you want to participate in feeding the hungry in our community.  Or you may call Cora at (864) 324-2894.
LOOKING AHEAD

It's Kairos Cookie Time Again!

Kairos is God's special time.  The inmates at McCormick Correctional Institution for men will have the opportunity to allow God to change their hearts and their lives the weekend of March 15 - 18. That weekend, a Kairos Team will go in to the prison to extend God's love . . . and you can help. 

Saint Mark is committed to making these weekends as successful for Christ as possible.  Here are 2 ways you can help:
  • Bake several dozens of cookies and package them to be delivered to the prison for the weekend. Every inmate at McCormick will receive cookies as a gift of agape.  Click here for the important instructions about what kinds of cookies to bake and how to package them.
  • Write notes of encouragement to the inmates who will participate in the events of that weekend.  Remind them that they are beloved children of God.
These are such simple acts of discipleship, but may be the very things that turns someone's life around that weekend.

Please drop the cookies and/or notes to the church office by noon on Monday, March 12.

Help Our Saint Mark UMC
WINGS FOR THE LORD
YOUTH CHOIR
"Take Flight"
With Our Churchwide
GARAGE SALE
 
RECEIVING DONATIONS:
Sunday, March 11
9 am - 1 pm
  in the Commons Room 
Monday - Wednesday, March 12-14
9 am - 2:30 pm
in the Saint Mark Center (gym)
 
SNEAK PREVIEW FOR
CHURCH MEMBERS AND FRIENDS . . . 
Wednesday, March 14
5 - 7 pm 
in the Saint Mark Center (gym)
Bring your cash and shop!  
 
SALE IS... FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
March 16 and 17
8:00 am - 1 pm
in the Saint Mark Center (gym) 
 
WE NEED YOUR HELP . . .

PRICING/SET UP
 
March 12- 14  
9 am - 3 pm
Just show up and we will put you to work!
 
CASHIERS 
March 16 and 17  
7:45 am - 1:15 pm

Will you help???
Click here to contact Cara Davis  
or call her at (864) 539-5063 

It is time to place your order for one or more Calla Lilies that will adorn our sanctuary on Easter Sunday, April 1. We invite you to sponsor a stem or stems in memory or in honor of someone. Click here to place your order online, or you may fill out the form in your bulletin this Sunday morning.

The van will be available for those who want a ride to the event.  Click here to make your reservation.


This is our annual children's egg hunt.  Activities will begin in the gym with crafts, egg decorating and egg hunt. Candy donations can be brought to church office through Sunday, March 18. Thank you in advance for your support.

For more information or to volunteer, click here to contact Lisa Kiser, or call her at the church office (864) 882-2603.

Saint Mark UMC's Spring Fling is coming Wednesday, March 28
 
Mark your calendar now for this exciting opportunity to show the amazing gift of God's love and the amazing hospitality of our Saint Mark family to our community.
 
This church-wide event (for all ages) will take place on the front lawn of the church beginning at 5:30 pm (or in the case of rain will be moved into the Saint Mark Center). Join us for hotdogs, a fire pit with smores, games, bounce houses, and more!

Click here to sign up to donate or volunteer to help.
For more information, click here to contact Pastor Shawna, or call her at the church office at (864) 882-2603.


Mark your calendar now.

Join us as together we celebrate
the glorious resurrection of Jesus Christ!

In partnership with Clemson UMC, join us at Asbury Hills April 28-29 for a weekend retreat focused on living spiritually alongside the challenges of daily life. The retreat will be led by Rev. Shawna Darnall and Rev. Jim Morgan. The cost is $125 per person including lodging and all meals. Adults of all ages are welcome! For more information, click here to contact Pastor Shawna.
OTHER UPCOMING EVENTS 


Eleuthera Mission Trip
March 10 - 17
Contact: Bob Dobson 
 
The Gathering
Wednesday, March 21
5:30 - Supper
6:15 - Worship
Contact:  Rev. Shawna Darnall
 
Community Lenten Service
at Saint Mark
(followed by lunch)
Wednesday, March 28
12 noon
Contact: Rev. Todd Davis  


Easter Sunday Worship Celebration 
Sunday, April 1
3 services
Contact: Rev. Todd Davis 

Confirmation Retreat
Lake Junaluska 
April 13 - 15
Contact: Donna Poston

Spring Anderson District
Lay Servant Ministries School
April 14 - 15
Grace United Methodist Church
Williamston, SC
Contact:  Gwendolyn Brown   

The Gathering 
Wednesday, April 18 
5:30 - Supper
6:15 - Worship
Contact: Rev. Shawna Darnall 
 
Saint Mark Festival
with Rev. Susan Leonard-Ray
Sunday, April 22
9:30 am - Sunday School
10:30 am - Worship
Contact: Rev. Todd Davis 
 
ELDERBERRIES EVENTS (FOR 50+)   

ARE YOU 50+?
Here are some Elderberries Events
that might interest you.  Save the date(s) on your calendar. 
 
Greenville Swamp Rabbits Hockey Game 
Saturday, March 24
7 pm
Click here to make your reservation 
 
Day Trip to Hagood Mill
Greater Clemson Music Festival  
and Pickens County Sesquicentennial
Saturday, April 21
Click here for more information

Need Help With Your Electronic Devices? 
Saturday, May 19
10 - 2 pm (lunch included)

CHURCH AND SOCIETY     

A Statement by the
United Methodist Women (UMW)
Thank You, Florida Students for
Your "Faithful Witness"
 
In a recent statement that was published on their website, United Methodist Women publicly mourned the tragic school murders at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida. They commended the students' courage to speak truth to power. "They (the students) have urged forward a national movement, calling for commonsense gun reforms and long-overdue action to restrain the use of assault weapons like the one that killed their classmates. The Bible tells us that 'a little child shall lead them' (Isaiah 11:6). The youth of Parkland, and their fellow students around the country, truly are our leaders today. They are 'peacemakers,' and we call them as they are: 'children of God' (Matthew 5:9)."

The United Methodist Women go on to state that "militarizing schools" is not effective in keeping our children safe.

Click here to read the entire statement. 

Preserve the Civil Rights of
People with Disabilities
 
More than 27 years ago, Congress enacted the Americans with Disabilities Act. Now, they're considering The ADA Education and Reform Act (HR620), which weakens this landmark bill and undermines the civil rights of people with disabilities. Our faith calls us to take a stand against any law that would remove the consequences of noncompliance against businesses that discriminates against people with disabilities - excluding them from free access to shopping, dining out and any other activity that others can enjoy freely.

To learn more, click here to read the entire post by the General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church
In Our Community . . .  

Visiting Composer: Lloyd Larson

Mr. Larson will be visiting St. John's United Methodist Church in Anderson, SC on Saturday, March 3 and Sunday, March 4 for the premiere of a newly commissioned anthem especially for St. John's UMC.  In addition to his participation in the morning worship service on Sunday, there will be an informal concert of his music at 6 pm that evening in the church sanctuary.  The concert will include some of St. John's Chancel Choir's favorite Larson anthems, the Altamont Brass Quintet, congregational participation, and duets by Mr. Larson and the church organist, Fran Pinson. The concert is open to the public without an admission charge.

Holy Trinity Episcopal Church  
Fellowship Hall
193 Old Greenville Hwy
Clemson, SC  29631
Tickets: $30 per person

The event will feature wines from around the world, heavy hors d'oeuvres, light entertainment, and a silent auction.  All proceeds will support the mission and vision of the Foothills Chorale.

Click here to purchase tickets.

United Way of Oconee
Senior Home Repair Program

The United Way of Oconee County Senior Home Repair Program services seniors in the community with the goal of keeping them safe in their homes. To be eligible, community members must be 60 years of age or older, own the home where repairs are being requested, and live in Oconee County. Typical  project requests are: wheel chair ramps, exterior door replacements (leaking air), lawn clean-up, minor home repairs, etc. The United Way of Oconee County Senior Home Repair Program does not complete roofing, electrical, or plumbing repairs for liability reasons.

Do you qualify for assistance with your home? Click here to read the requirements for assistance. Click here to find the application form. 

If you would like to volunteer your time and gifts for doing construction work to help keep seniors safe in their homes, contact Kayla Westerbaan at the United Way office (864) 882-9743 ext. 104. 

This is a wonderful discipleship opportunity!
FOR YOUR INFORMATION   

An Employment Opportunity
Saint Mark Child Development Center
 
Saint Mark Child Development Center is growing!  They are taking applications for a full time position, and a part time position. You must be 18 years old, have a valid drivers license, pass a background check and pass a SLED check. Please come by the Center (616 Quincy Road) and fill out an application.  
  • The part time position is from 12 noon - 5:30 pm during the school year and full time during the summer.
  • The full time position is from 9 am -5:30 pm each day.
Applicants should love children and have a positive attitude.

For more information, click here to contact Becca Williams, CDC Director.

A Message from From the
Trustees Committee
 
In case you haven't noticed, our two Saint Mark buses are getting a little "long in the tooth," and they are used on a regular basis (they don't just sit in our parking lot). We need to put aside funds for the time when we will need to purchase another bus. For that reason, the Trustees Committee is increasing the cost per mile whenever either of our buses are being used.

The $.55/mile charge for groups and ministries has been increased by $.30. This additional charge will be added to the New Bus Capital Fund. Effective March 1, 2018, the cost per mile on both buses will be $.85/mile.

If you have questions, or need more information, click here to contact Peter Salis, chair of the Trustees Committee. 

March Calendar and Birthdays

Learn what is going on at Saint Mark during the busy month of March.  And find out who has March birthdays.  Click here!  If your name wasn't listed (or someone in your family), please let us know by clicking here.
SAINTS IN SERVICE
HELPING YOU PLUG IN . . . 

LET US KNOW HOW YOU WANT TO PLUG IN!
Click here to discover the many ways to serve at Saint Mark. Fill out the form and return it to Marla Fuller in the church office. We will get you plugged in!    
 


Saint Mark United Methodist Church

616 Quincy Road
Seneca, South Carolina 29678-3820
mfuller@smumcsc.org

864-882-2603    

Open Hearts, Open Minds, Open Doors