|
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. |
|
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
|
|
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.
|
February 26, 2017
Sunday Schedule
9:00 am
Traditional Service
Sanctuary
with Rev. Todd Davis
9:00 am
Celebration Service
Saint Mark Center
with Rev. Tony Medlin
9:15 am
Children's Chapel
10:00 am
Atrium Fellowship
with beverages and refreshments
10:15 am
Sunday School
for all ages
Classrooms
11:15 am
Traditional Service
Sanctuary
with Rev. Todd Davis
11:15 am
Lenten Workshop
12:30 pm
Covered Dish Lunch
(bring a dish
to share)
1:00 pm
Lenten Workshop
4:00 pm
Wings 'N Things
5:30 pm
In His Eyes
|
Quick, easy and available
HERE
|
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 Wednesday. 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.
|
|
Interested in LGBT Inclusion?
|
|
Prayer Focus for This Week
Pray for men, women and children across our nation and the world suffering from this year's strains of flu viruses. Pray for those who have lost loved ones to this potentially deadly illness. Pray for the health and protection of medical personnel and caregivers who have been exposed to the virus.
|
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.
|
|
|
THIS WEEK'S THOUGHTS TO PONDER
|
|
What is Lent? Why Do We Observe It?
We are approaching the holy season of Lent. Many of us grew up thinking that Lent was only for Catholic and Orthodox Christians, but United Methodists observe Lent, as well. Lent is a time of repentance, fasting and preparation for the coming of Easter. It is a time of self-examination and reflection. In the early church, Lent was a time to prepare new converts for baptism. Today, Christians focus on their relationship with God, often choosing to give up something or to volunteer and give of themselves for others. Click here to learn more about Lent from a United Methodist perspective. We invite you to take the opportunity to be intentional about your observances this Lent. Participate as much as possible as an individual, and as part of our Saint Mark community.
Reflection:
How would you describe the current state of your spiritual life and your relationship with God? Lent is the perfect opportunity to deepen your faith and strengthen your discipleship. How will you plan your Lenten observance this year?
|
|
THIS WEEK AT SAINT MARK . . .
|
|
Lenten Book Study, 2017
Creed: What Christians Believe
and Why
by Adam Hamilton
PURCHASE YOUR COPY THIS SUNDAY,
FEBRUARY 26
A number of you have already purchased a copy of the book that we will be exploring throughout the holy season of Lent. This Sunday, February 26, someone will be available in the Atrium between services and Sunday School, and in the Narthex after the 11:15 service, so that you can purchase your copy of the the book,
Creed.
The cost is $16. You may also pick up a copy in the church office during the week.
Below are ways that we will be exploring the content of this new book by Adam Hamilton:
- You are invited to simply read and digest the book during the 40 days of Lent.
- All of the Sunday sermons throughout Lent will be based on the content of this book.
- Online Daily Lenten Reflections will be taken directly from the book.
- Beginning on Sunday, March 5, five of our Sunday School Classes have chosen to study the book during Lent (Aldersgate, Outreach, Table Talk, Faith in Action and Misfits Classes). You are invited to participate in the discussions in any of these classes.
- At 6:15 pm on Wednesday evenings, beginning on Wednesday, March 8, two groups will focus on the book: RENEW Conversation (casual discussion) and RENEW Heart and Mind (classroom format with video). Everyone is welcome to attend.
Remember that Creed is also available on Kindle.
|
Worship With Us
THIS Sunday, February 26
This week's text
Sanctuary
"Who Do You Say Jesus Is?"
with Rev. Todd Davis
Celebration Service
9:00 am
Saint Mark Center
"Embracing the Mystery"
with Rev. Tony Medlin
|
A Conversation with
Dr. Mokhlis Zaki
"The Middle East Situation"
THIS Sunday, February 26
10:15 am
Watch for information about where the discussion will be located.
Table Talk extends an invitation to anyone who would like to attend another timely discussion this Sunday morning, February 26. Dr. Mokhlis Zaki, Professor of Economics, Emeritus from Northern Michigan University, will lead a discussion on the broader issues that face the Middle East. Dr. Zaki is no stranger to Saint Mark. He is a Coptic Christian and has just returned from Egypt, so he will have special insight into what is going on in that region of the world.
|
Lenten Workshop
(for ALL ages)
THIS Sunday, February 26
11:15 am
OR 1:00 pm
Commons Room
You won't want to miss out on the ways we will journey through Lent, toward Easter! If you weren't able to attend the Lenten Workshop on Wednesday evening, February 22, make plans now to attend one of our two remaining workshops THIS Sunday, February 26.
All ages are invited to come create a personalized Lenten calendar as a guide through this season of preparation and anticipation. Click here to contact Pastor Shawna Darnall for further information.
|
Lenten Workshop
Covered Dish Lunch
THIS Sunday, February 26
12:15 pm
Saint Mark Center (gym)
This Sunday, between our two scheduled Lenten Workshops, join us for a time of food and good fellowship. Plan to bring food to share. Bread and beverages will be provided.
If you can help with setup or cleanup of the Saint Mark Center before and/or after the luncheon, please click here to contact Becky Hazelwood or contact her by phone at (770) 633-2434.
|
Click here to make your reservation for our
Shrove Tuesday Pancake Supper. Or call the church office at (864) 882-2603.
|
Week One
Community Lenten Service
Wednesday, March 1
12 noon
Trinity Baptist Church
Rev. Jim Morgan (preaching)
Lunch will follow
immediately after the service (no cost)
|
Ash Wednesday Service
Wednesday, March 1
6:30 pm
New Harmony UMC
207 West South 2nd Street
Seneca, SC
Mark the beginning of the holy season of Lent as we gather together with our brothers and sisters from
New Harmony UMC for the imposition of ashes.
Rev. Todd Davis will bring the message.
There will be no RENEW supper or activities that evening. We will return to our regular schedule on Wednesday, March 8.
|
Stop Hunger Now
Meal Packaging Event
Saturday, March 4
8:00 am - 10:00 am
and 10:30 am - 12:30 pm
Saint Mark Center
Click here to learn about the work of Stop Hunger Now and to sign up for one or both of our two packaging sessions. You will also be able to sign up in the atrium and Narthex (12:15 pm only) for one more Sunday.
|
Donate Your Cross(es)
Beginning Next Sunday, March 5
and Continuing Through Lent
During the holy season of Lent, we invite you to consider contributing one or more crosses that will be displayed in our Gallery of Crosses in the hallway between the sanctuary and atrium. Beginning on the first Sunday of Lent, March 5, and throughout Lent, there will be someone in the atrium to receive your cross(es).
Click here to read the guidelines for donating your cross(es).
The
Gallery of Crosses will be unveiled on
Sunday, May 14.
For more information,
click here to contact Joyce Carney.
|
Help
Wings for the Lord Youth Choir
Take Flight!
Church Wide Annual Garage Sale
Friday, March 10 and
Saturday, March 11
7 am - 12 noon
Saint Mark Center (Gym)
Sunday, March 5
Donated items will be received
in the Commons Room
9 am - 1 pm
Monday, March 6, Tuesday, March 7
and Wednesday, March 8
9 am - 2 pm
Donated items will be received
Commons Room
Use Driveway off Ploma Drive
LOOK FOR SIGNAGE
Church members and friends
are welcome to come and help price
Wednesday, March 8
5 pm - 7 pm
SNEAK PREVIEW SALE
for Saint Mark members and friends
(Purchases are welcome!)
Friday, March 10
7 am - 12 noon
Garage Sale
Saturday, March 11
7 am - 12 noon
Garage Sale
Tax forms for donations will be available.
Click here to contact Donna Poston for more information.
|
Parsonage Furniture for Sale
during the
Wings for the Lord Garage Sale
Friday, March 10 and Saturday, March 11
7 am - 12 noon
Included among the items for sale for the
Wings for the Lord Garage Sale, our Board of Trustees will be selling items that had previously furnished our parsonage
(the home provided to our pastor). For more information,
click here to contact Trip Jones, a member of our Board of Trustees.
|
|
Kairos Cookies Are Due
Monday, March 13
Spring Youth Retreat
Look Up Lodge
Ann Hope UMC Annual Church BBQ
702 Goddard Ave.
Seneca, SC
Saturday, March 25
11 am - 2 pm
All proceeds to benefit Ann Hope's
Wednesday night feeding ministry
Tickets: $10 a plate
Contact: Philip Kalchthaler
(864) 710-6242
Palm Passion Sunday
Sunday, April 9
all 3 services
Easter Egg Hunt
Maundy Thursday Communion
and Tenebrae Service
featuring the Saint Mark
and Clemson UMC Choirs
Thursday, April 13
7:00 pm
Saint Mark UMC Sanctuary
Holy Friday Tenebrae Service
featuring the Saint Mark
and Clemson UMC Choirs
Friday, April 14
7:00 pm
Clemson UMC Sanctuary
Easter Sunrise Service
followed by Breakfast
Sunday, April 16
6:30 am
Saint Mark Memorial Garden
Easter Sunday Celebration
Sunday, April 16
all 3 services
Contact: Todd Davis
Saint Mark Festival
Leadership Training
SHIFT: Three Big Moves
for the 21st Century Church
with Mark Tidsworth
Saturday, April 22
9:30 am - 3:00 pm
Contact: Todd Davis
Saint Mark Festival Worship
with Mark Tidsworth
Sunday, April 23
ONE Combined Service
10:30 am
Contact: Todd Davis
Saint Mark Festival Luncheon
sponsored by Saint Mark UMW
Sunday, April 23
12:30 pm
Saint Mark Center
Contact: Mona Fleming
|
 |
A Message from our Senior Pastor . . .
I am feeling especially blessed to be part of the Saint Mark UMC faith family! There are so many wonderful things going on in the life of our church. Hearts are being renewed, and this is being evidenced in the renewal of our world as we reach out in Christ's name. A few years ago, I became especially concerned about the decline of membership in the United Methodist Church, and about how our culture seems to be moving away from church being an important part of a person's life. Perhaps you have felt the same way.
In 2016, I discovered a book written by Rev. Mark Tidsworth, who is President of Pinnacle Leadership Associates (http://www.pinnlead.com/home.html) in Columbia, SC. The title of Mark's book is
SHIFT: Three Big Moves For The 21st Century Church.
If you have felt like me, we post-modern Christ-followers realize that something has changed. Our experience tells us so. Our intuition and feelings tell us so. Yet our understanding of what's happening in congregations, and to congregations, is not clear.
Reading SHIFT helped my understanding catch up with my experience. The church needs input, insights, information, and examples of how our culture is affecting church life in today's world. Reading SHIFT provided me with a new perspective and hope for Christ's church in the days ahead. To better understand the changes occurring in our culture, and to better discern the exciting days ahead for us as a church family, Rev. Mark Tidsworth will lead our staff and church leaders through a SHIFT experience on Saturday, April 22, 2017 in The Commons Room from 9:30 am to 3:00 pm. A special invitation has been e-mailed to all ministry team and administrative committee leaders by Pastor Todd.
If you are interested in joining this group for our time together with Rev. Tidsworth, please click here to contact Rev. Todd Davis or call him at
(864) 882-2603. Lunch will be provided. If you need childcare, please click here to contact our Children's Minister, Lydia Dever
by April 12, 2017. You must RSVP to Pastor Todd to attend the Saturday event. If you plan to attend the event, Pastor Todd will provide a copy of Rev. Tidworth's book, SHIFT: Three Big Moves For The 21st Century Church to you at no charge. Our hope is that you will have completed reading the book prior to our time together on Saturday, April 22, 2017.
In addition, this year's Saint Mark Festival will be held on Sunday, April 23, 2017. We will have ONE combined worship service that day at 10:30 am in the Saint Mark Center with Rev. Mark Tidsworth as our guest preacher. Worship will be followed by a luncheon provided by our United Methodist Women (UMW Missions fundraiser). It is my hope that you will want to invest this time together for the future of our great church!
Gratefully, Pastor Todd
|
|
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!
|
|
|
|
|
