Update for the week of October 19 - 25, 2017
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Our Vision Statement
To be a church aglow, ignited by the fire of God's Holy Spirit, lighting the way in our community and warming the hearts of those we meet.

Change of
Contact Information?
 
Click here to fill out an online form to help us update your information for our records.
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 2017 Ministry Guidebook 
Click here to view the entire Saint Mark 2017 Ministry Guidebook with information about church structure, leadership, ministries and our 2017 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.
  
October 22, 2017
 
Sunday 
Schedule 
 
9:00 am 
Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary
 
9:00 am 
Celebration Worship 
Saint Mark Center  
 
9:15 am
Children's Church
Room A101 
 
  10:15 am
Sunday School 
for all ages
 
11:15 am 
Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary
 
4:00 pm
Rethinking 
 Relationships  
 
4:00 pm
Wings 'N Things
 
5:30 pm
In His Eyes
Rehearsal
 

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 many residents of Puerto Rico whose circumstances after Hurricane Irma have deteriorated a month after the storm decimated their island. Pray that safe water will arrive for those who have no clean water to drink. Pray for the local economy, where jobs have disappeared and there is no source of income. Pray for restoration of the lives and livelihoods of these desperate people. Pray for more help and relief.  
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.
WORSHIP THIS SUNDAY 

Worship With Us This Week
Sunday, October 22

Personal Discipleship 
 
Traditional Services 9:00 am and 11:15 am  
Sanctuary
Bringing the Message
Rev. Shawna Darnall
 
Celebration Service 9:00 am
Saint Mark Center 
  Bringing the Message
Rev. Todd Davis 

Stewardship Emphasis Puts "Pause"  
on Our Discipleship Series

October 22 and 29, messages from the pulpit will be devoted to stewardship emphasis as that time of year is upon us.  The message on both Sundays will focus on "personal discipleship" instead of the fall emphasis on individual disciples.

Pastors Todd and Shawna have each prepared a sermon that they will preach both Sundays, so you will have the opportunity to hear both of their messages if you attend the same service each week. 

This Sunday, October 22, Pastor Todd will preach during Celebration and Pastor Shawna in both Traditional services.  On Sunday, October 29, Pastor Todd will bring his same message to the Traditional services and Pastor Shawna to the Celebration service.

During worship on Sunday, October 29, you will have the opportunity to fill out your pledge card to faithfully support Saint Mark's ministry budget for 2018.

Speaking of Worship . . . 
Do you want to make a real impact  
as we carry Christ's mission  
into the future?
 
We are in need of Children's Worship volunteers to make it possible for our children to worship on Sunday mornings in the ways most meaningful to them! We are establishing a rotation of volunteers for both the 9:00 and 11:15 services. It is just a once a month commitment and no preparation is needed. You simply show up on your week of the month ready to help shepherd our children while they learn about God on their own level! Sign up through the links below:
 
Click here to become a Worship Shepherd for the 9 am services.
 
Click here to become a Worship Shepherd for the 11:15 am service.  
 
Click here to contact Rev. Shawna Darnall for more information. 
THIS WEEK AT SAINT MARK 

Oooops!
We gave you the wrong time  
in the last Grapevine Notice!!  
 
JOIN US TOMORROW EVENING at 5:30 pm,  
not 6:30 pm!

Join us THIS Sunday afternoon for meaningful conversation, food and fellowship.

Special guests will be Winston Holton and students from the Call Me MISTER® program at Clemson University.  Click here to learn more about Call Me MISTER®.

Kairos Cookies Needed!

We had such a wonderful response with a whole counter filled with cookies baked by you, and packaged for the men's Kairos weekend just a couple of months ago. This time, lots and lots of cookies are needed for the next Kairos weekend - this time at Leath Correctional Institution for Women. Please bring your home-baked cookies to the church office by Monday, October 23.  Click here for baking and packaging instructions.  For more information, click here to contact Mona Fleming.

Don't Miss This Annual Fall Event!
 
Mark the date on your calendar! This event will include supper beginning at 5:30 ($10 per family and $4 per individual adult), followed by "Trunk or Treat" for the kiddos (around 6 pm).   
 
Saint Mark family, we will need your trunks, games, and treats.  Let's come together to make this a fun-filled evening for the children, our church, and our community.   
 
If you or your class/small group would like to provide a decorated trunk with games and treats, click here to contact Pastor Shawna.    
 
PLEASE NOTE: We will not have our regular Wednesday RENEW activities on October 25.  The regular schedule of events and classes will resume on November 1.

Fall Festival Dinner  
For the Entire Family 
Wednesday, October 25 
Beginning at 5:15 pm     
Saint Mark Center
 
Click here to make your reservations  
or call the church office at 882-2603
 
Menu  
Cheeseburgers with Toppings
Chicken Tenders
Potato Chips
Baked Beans
Ice Cream Sandwiches
Drinks 
LOOKING AHEAD . . .   

Mission Auction Update
 
Get ready to bid! The silent auction to support Missions is NEXT Sunday, October 29, but you can start emailing your bids to Jane Harlin at any time! Click here to see the current list of items that are available.  Then click here to place your bid.

Please note that we will also have a "Buy It Now" table with some nice gift items that you can buy outright next Sunday. No bidding necessary!

Also, if you have been meaning to donate something to the auction, it isn't too late! Click here to contact Jane Harlin right away, and she will add your item or items to the list.

And remember, if you can't be here next Sunday, find a "bidding buddy" who will keep you updated and get your bids by text or phone! Thanks in advance for your support of the Silent Auction for Missions at Saint Mark.

Donors, please check your items to make sure the description is accurate! Jane will be printing these for distribution this Sunday. Next Sunday, more complete descriptions will be posted on the signs accompanying your items. Thanks for donating so much great stuff!!

As always, if you have any questions, please click here to email Jane Harlin or call her at ( 201) 835-3007

Halloween Party
(Grades 6 - College)
at the home of Curt and Alice Evatt
Sunday, October 29
Bring food to share
6:30 - 8:30
Van will leave Saint Mark at 6:15
 
For more information, click here to contact Donna Poston.

Save the Date!
Support Our Pastors!

Tickets are $10.  You can purchase your ticket at the door, or at our church office Mondays - Thursdays, 9 am - 3 pm.

All Saints Day 2017

  All Saints Day is an opportunity to give thanks for all those who have gone before us in the faith. Sunday, November 5, we will remember those in our community of faith who have entered the church triumphant since All Saints Day 2016. You have the opportunity to remember your loved ones who have died over the years by reserving a red rose(s) in honor of your deceased loved one(s). Together, the roses will be displayed in all three services. The cost is $3 per rose. Click here to reserve your rose(s) online. 

UMW Sponsored Coat Drive
Sunday, November 5 through
Sunday, November 19

Our Saint Mark United Methodist Women (UMW) are sponsoring a coat drive.  Ladies, look through your closets and see if there are lightly used coats that you would be willing to donate to this important outreach. Donations will to go the women and children at the Safe Harbor. You may drop your coats off in the atrium entrances. Give the gift of warmth!

Do Your Christmas Shopping Here!

Get a head start on Christmas Shopping for the children in your life!  Books are always a great gift. Once again, your Saint Mark Library Team is sponsoring an Usborne Book Sale early in mid-November.  You will be amazed at the number and variety of books that will be available for your shopping pleasure between Sunday, November 12 and Wednesday, November 15.   
 
Our Library will benefit from the sale of the books you purchase by receiving a selection of Usborne books for the children's section of our library - based on the number of books sold.  Everyone benefits!  

Elderberries December Trip
to Winston-Salem
December 4 - 6

Cost
$300 per person
 
Deadline for Reservation and $50 Deposit
Wednesday, November 1

For more information, click here to contact Becky Hazelwood.  Click here to make your reservation(s). 

ELDERBERRIES EVENTS (FOR 50+)   

ARE YOU 50+?
Here are some Elderberries Events
that might interest you.  Save the date(s) on your calendar. 
 
Halloween Costume Party and Chili Cook-off
Friday, October 20 at 5:30 pm
 
Party with a Purpose
Covered Dish Supper
Friday, November 17 at 6 pm
 
Trip to Winston-Salem
 Monday, December 4 - Wednesday, December 6
 Cost:  $300/person
 
Christmas Outreach to Seneca Residential
Lunch and Christmas Gifts
Tuesday, December 12, 12 noon - 1:30 pm
 
2018
 
Bellamy Brothers Concert
followed by dessert and coffee at the church
Saturday, January 20
7:30 pm
Walhalla Civic Auditorium
Cost: $29.00 per person  

EVENTS CALENDARS  


United Methodist Men 
Saturday, October 21  
10 am  
Full Breakfast Meeting
Ann Hope UMC in Seneca 
Contact: Rev. Dick Waldrep 
 
Stewardship Series
Sundays, October 22 and 29
Contact: Rev. Todd Davis
 
Wings for the Lord 
will sing during morning worship  
at St. Andrew UMC in Easley
Sunday, October 29 
Contact: Donna Poston  
 
Youth Halloween Party
Sunday, October 29
Time TBD 
at the home of Curt and Alice Evatt
Contact:
 
 
Cluster Charge Conference
At Saint Mark UMC
Sunday, November 5
3 - 5:30 pm
Contact: Todd Davis 

IN OUR COMMUNITY . . .    

Another Way To Be a Disciple  
 
Saint Mark supports Northside Elementary each year in their annual Pumpkin Prance 5K and One Mile Race by donating snacks for the participants.  This year's race is October 28.  Please bring your donations to the church office by Thursday, October 26.   
 
Click here to contact Ami Edwards if you have questions. Thanks for your support!

Eat and Support a Worthy Cause!! 
 
J oin the Seneca Lion's Club for a Chicken Barbecue to help the Lions Club provide glasses for children and adults.  Over the past 5 years, over 100 people received glasses from our Lion's Club.  Will you support this worthy project? 
 
To reserve your tickets, click here to contact Dean Garland.
CHURCH AND SOCIETY    

From Saint Mark UMW  
(United Methodist Women)

Be gracious to me, O Lord, for I am in distress. . . I have become like a broken vessel. . .
But I trust in you, O Lord; I say, "You are my God."
                                        -Psalm 31:9-14

October is
Domestic Violence Awareness Month

One in four women will experience domestic violence in her lifetime. An estimated 1.3 million women are victims of physical assault by an intimate partner each year. Eighty-five percent of domestic violence victims are women, with women aged 22 to 24 being at the greatest risk. More than three women and one man are murdered by their intimate partners in the United States every day. According to the National Domestic Violence Center, only one-fourth of physical assaults against females by intimate partners are reported to the police. Surveys indicate that domestic violence occurs in 28 percent of all marriages.

Domestic violence refers to a pattern of violence and coercive behavior by one adult in an intimate relationship over another. It is not "marital conflict," "a lovers quarrel" or "private family matter." It may consist of repeated, severe beatings or subtle forms of abuse, including threats and control. The four
basic types of domestic violence are physical assault,
sexual assault, psychological assault and attacks
against property and pets. In spite of its prevalence,
blatant impunity for violence against women still
exists-too often rooted in a misinterpretation of
biblical texts and a patriarchal view of relationships
toward women and children that asserts control over
cooperation and mutuality.

Our (UMW) Vision
Reconciliation and the building of community affirm
the value and quality of every member of the human
family and his or her right to respect and freedom
from violence. Our task is to work for a world free of
destructive stereotypes and to work for laws that
protect women and children who are victims of abuse
and hold abusers accountable while at the same time
creating opportunities for their counseling and
rehabilitation.
FOR YOUR INFORMATION   

Welcome, New Saint Mark Disciples
Ray Lanham and Martha Lang
 
It is a joy to welcome new Saint Mark disciples, Ray Lanham  and Martha Lang, who officially joined our family of faith on Sunday, October 15. They come to us by transfer of discipleship from Dallas First Presbyterian Church in Dallas, Texas.  Both Ray and Martha have plugged into our music ministry - Martha in our Chancel Choir and Ray in the Gospel Choir.  Please reach out to Ray and Martha when you see them, and make them feel at home! 

Thank You For Your Response!!
 
Many of you participated in one or both of the two Eleuthera Fundraisers - The Sunset Cruise on September 30, and the Low Country Boil on October 8.  Because of your great response to these two events, we will be able to send $4000 to One Eleuthera that will go directly to the Cancer Society of Eleuthera to purchase materials for a much needed new roof.  
 
THANK YOU, SAINT MARK!!!   

Marvin's Kids Toy Shoppers Needed
 
The Marvin's Kids ministry is off and running for 2017!  Through work with Oconee County's elementary school guidance counselors, 36 families and 135 children have been selected to participate in Marvin's Kids this year. Your help is needed in getting "Santa's Secret Shop" fully stocked with toys from which parents can choose their children's Christmas gifts.  
 
You can sign up to buy gifts with a Marvin's Kids volunteer on Wednesday evenings at Wednesday RENEW or Sunday mornings in the atrium. Gifts do not have to be wrapped and need to be brought to Saint Mark by Monday, December 4. More information about other ways you can assist Marvin's Kids will be coming in the next few weeks. Thanks for supporting this ministry! 

Celebration Service Assistants Needed!
 
We now need two disciples to set up chairs (on a rotating schedule) for Sunday morning worship.  You will not have to put the chairs away after worship.   
 
We also need someone familiar with the computer to serve as a projectionist - to project words, slides and videos on the screen in the Saint Mark Center. 
 
If you would be willing to serve in either of these capacities, click here to contact Bob Dobson. 

Saint Mark Children's Ministry 
Sunday School  
Substitute Teachers Needed 
 
We are truly blessed to have Sunday School teachers lined up to teach "the faith" to our children.  We now need several substitute teachers who will be available in the event that the regular teacher can't teach any given Sunday. Are you that person?  
 
Click here to fill out an information form so that the regular teachers will know how to contact you.  Got questions?  Click here to contact Rev. Shawna Darnall. 

Sunday School Class or Individual(s) Needed to Provide  
Sunday Atrium Refreshments!

Would you consider helping with this special time of hospitality and fellowship?

You would prepare simple snacks ready to be set out and served by 9:30 am on your designated Sunday.  Currently we have 8 classes or individuals so you would only be required to serve once or twice per quarter.  This would start in January.

If interested please click here to contact Lavonne Sloop by early December so that she can get the new year's schedule out.

Thanks for all you do to make Saint Mark a welcoming church! 

Attention Young Professionals  

A suggestion has been made to the Adult Council that there is a need for more gathering and fellowship opportunities for young professionals who have not yet started families. One option for a gathering time/place is to meet weekly at Saint Mark during the Sunday School hour.  Do you have other ideas? If this is something that interests you, click here to contact Faith Holley. 

This Piano Could Be Yours
at NO Cost  

Dave and Donna Shaner have sold their home and have to empty it by next Thursday, October 26. They have a console piano that has been tuned and is ready for someone to take ownership at no cost. Are you interested?  Special thanks to Dave and Donna for making it available to our church family.  If you are interested, click here to contact the Shaners, or you may call them at (864) 944-0745.   
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