Update for the week of October 26 - November 1, 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 29, 2017
 
Stewardship Sunday 
 
Sunday 
Schedule 
 
8:30 am - 12:45 pm
Mission Auction
 
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
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 safety of all athletes (male and female) of all ages who put their health - and sometimes their lives - at risk on playing fields. Pray for all athletes who have sustained injuries that alter the course of their lives - especially those with brain injuries and concussions from blows to the head. Pray for improvements in protective equipment to minimize injuries. Pray for courtesy and respect between opposing sides on the field so that intentional injuring can be avoided. 
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 29

Stewardship Sunday 
 
Traditional Services 9:00 am and 11:15 am  
Sanctuary
Bringing the Message
Rev. Todd Davis 
 
Celebration Service 9:00 am
Saint Mark Center 
  Bringing the Message
Rev. Shawna Darnall   
 
Please note: Pastor Todd and Pastor Shawna will preach the same messages they preached on October 22, but at different services.  
 
During worship, you will have the opportunity to fill out your pledge card to faithfully support Saint Mark's ministry budget for 2018. 
THIS WEEK AT SAINT MARK 

Don't Forget!
This event is tomorrow!

 Final  Mission Auction Update!!

The Silent Auction for Missions is THIS Sunday, from 8:30 am -12:45 pm. Here's what you need to know:
  1. It is not too late to donate something - click here to contact Jane Harlin by FRIDAY, OCTOBER 27 (that's tomorrow!!) if you would like to donate something for the auction.
  2. We could still use a few volunteers to help with clean up after the auction. Contact Jane to sign up.
  3. If you can't be there, click here to see the list of items available, and find a "bidding buddy" to place bids for you by phone or text.
  4. Even though the Clemson/Georgia Tech game is the night before the auction, we still need you to come to church on Sunday morning for the auction and for Stewardship Sunday!! 

Thank you for supporting the great work of Saint Mark disciples in our community and world!  

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

This event for youth will be held at the home of Curt and Alice Evatt. The church van will leave at 6:15 pm. For more information, click here to contact Donna Poston. 

Make Sure You Have Made the Change!
   
Just a reminder - our previous staff email addresses (saintmarkumcseneca.org) will disappear forever on Tuesday, October 31.  Make sure you have made the changes in your email contact list/address books.  Our new domain is smumcsc.org.  Thanks! 

RENEW Schedule
Wednesday, November 1
    
RENEW Dinner 
5:15 - 6:15 PM
Saint Mark Center
Click here to make your reservations  
or call the church office at 882-2603
Menu  
BBQ Pork or BBQ Beef Sandwiches
Baked Beans
Cole Slaw
Potato Casserole
Dessert
Drinks
 
Kids' TREK (K4 - 5th grade) 
Worship Arts and Activities  
6:00 - 7:15 PM
Click here to contact David Wilcox
 
Youth Journey (6th grade - college) 
6:00 - 7:15 PM
Click here to contact Donna Poston
 
Moving Forward in the Wesleyan Way    
a time of learning, conversation,
and sharing in holy Communion for Adults  
(See details below)
 6:00 - 7:15 PM
Commons Room
  Click here to contact Marla Fuller 
 
RENEW Fellowship 
Feel free to just hang around in our gym to fellowship with friends - or make new ones!
6:00 - 7:15 PM 
Saint Mark Center

Next Wednesday, November 1 
Topic
Life-Transforming Small Groups 
Discussion and Holy Communion led by
Rev. John Evatt
LOOKING AHEAD . . .   

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.  Pastor Todd and Pastor Shawna will be serving Espresso Fudge - YUM!!!!

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. The deadline to order is THIS Sunday, October 29.

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!

Did you know that our Saint Mark library is hosting an Usborne Book Sale on November 12 - 15? Having quality books in the home is essential for children. Usborne books were designed so that children would enjoy reading at home. The books have humor, color, a wealth of information on all subjects, stunning illustrations and simple text in titles for younger children.   
 
If you want to get a head start on shopping, or if you can't be here November 12 - 15, you can shop online.  So you have 2 options: 1) shop in our atrium beginning Sunday, November 12, or 2) click here to order online (Click "Shop" and then click "St. Mark").
 
This book sale will allow our Saint Mark library to earn free children's books for our library.  Thank you for your support.

  Elderberries Is Sponsoring This Event  
for the Entire Congregation to Attend!

In addition to fun, great food and fellowship, you will have the opportunity to learn about local programs and ministries that serve our great community.  You will be able to talk with the representatives of each program/ministry about what they do, who they serve, and how you might plug in. 
 
Join us! Find your passion as a disciple of Jesus - then make a difference in the lives of our Seneca neighbors!
 
Meat, bread and beverages will be provided. Bring salads, sides, and desserts.  
 
Click here to let us know that you plan to attend so that we will have enough meat.  Thanks!

Elderberries December Trip
to Winston-Salem
December 4 - 6

Cost
$300 per person
 
Deadline for Reservation and $50 Deposit
NEXT 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. 
 
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  


Wings for the Lord 
will sing during morning worship  
at St. Andrew UMC in Easley
Sunday, October 29 
Contact: Donna Poston
 
 
Cluster Charge Conference
At Saint Mark UMC
Sunday, November 5
3 - 5:30 pm
Contact: Todd Davis  
 
 
UMW Annual Christmas Luncheon
Saturday, December 2
11:30 am
Commons Room
Contact: Mona Fleming 

Hanging of the Greens
Sunday, December 3
All 3 services
 
Marvin's Kids Santa Shop
Saturday, December 9
Contact: Sandy James
 
Children's Choir Christmas Program
Sunday, December 10
10:15 am
Sanctuary
Contact: David Wilcox
 
Foothills Chorale  
presents
Handel's Messiah
Sunday, December 19
3 pm
Trinity Baptist Church
Contact: David Wilcox for tickets
 
Special Friends/Youth Christmas Party
Sunday, December 10
5:30 pm
Saint Mark Center
Contact: Donna Poston
 
Festival of Celtic Lessons and Carols
Sunday, December 17
4:00 pm
Sanctuary
Contact: David Wilcox 
IN OUR COMMUNITY . . .    

Pedals, Pipes and Pizza

The Greater Anderson Chapter of the American Guild of Organists would like to invite regional piano students of all ages to attend our Pedals, Pipes and Pizza Event on Saturday, November 4 from 10:30 am - 12 noon at Fort Hill Presbyterian Church (101 Edgewood Ave., Clemson, SC  29631). Learn about the pipe organ, its operation and construction, and bring your music for a chance to play!  There is no cost for this program and there is no need to RSVP.  Parents and teachers are welcome as well! A free pizza lunch is included!  Click here to contact David Wilcox for more information.

You're invited!  
Wine Tasting and Silent Auction
benefiting the Foothills Chorale
Saturday, November 4
6:30-8:30 pm
Holy Trinity Episcopal Church Fellowship Hall
193 Old Greenville Hwy
Clemson, SC 29631

Click here for more information and tickets, or click here to contact David Wilcox.
CHURCH AND SOCIETY    

10 Things Every White (Person) Should Know When Talking About Race

During our excellent Rethinking Relationships conversation this past Sunday, October 22, Winston Holton, Field Coordinator of the very successful Call Me MISTER program, played a podcast by Angela Watson that was very helpful and enlightening. It was addressed to white teachers but can easily be applied to all white people.  Below are the ten points she made, followed by a link to the entire podcast, if you want to hear her more in-depth explanations of each point:  
  1. Racism is not necessarily about holding hate in your heart toward other people or consciously believing you are superior because you're white. Racism is about contributing to or looking the other way in the face of acts or systems that marginalize people of color.
  2. There is no such thing as reverse racism.
    It's just not possible, because racism cannot exist without a history of systemic oppression and marginalization. Racism is rooted in privilege and power.  People of color may hold prejudice toward white people or be biased against them. But prejudice and racism are very different things - it's not just semantics.
  3. There are different rules for white people and people of color when talking about race.
    The rules for survival and success in this country are not the same for all groups of people, and therefore the way different groups of people talk about race is not the same. 
  4.  It is not racist (nor is it "creating division") for people of color to talk about how they experience the world differently than white people. Colorblindness is not a thing to aspire to.
  5. If you have been told that it is racist to see or talk about color, that was probably in a situation where you were pointing out race in a completely irrelevant context. By only pointing out race for people of color and not ever saying "this white boy," a subtle message is sent that white is the norm and a person of color is an "other" or "different." So when race is irrelevant, don't mention it. (e.g. "a little black boy in my class today said the cutest thing." Is distinguishing that the boy is "black" relevant to the conversation? Probably not.)
  6. Use descriptors of race that are both inclusive and empowering. When it is appropriate to mention race, try to use race as an adjective, not a noun. Though you'll commonly hear people saying whites, blacks, Asians, etc., it's better to say white people, black people, Asian people, etc.
  7. Develop a listen-first ethic when a conversation turns to race, rather than insisting that race is irrelevant. "I am colorblind." White people have the privilege of "not seeing" race in an issue because it doesn't affect us personally. That does not mean it doesn't exist and people aren't really experiencing it. Avoid "whitesplaining."
  8. You can prevent knee-jerk defensiveness by actively working to de-center your experiences as a white person in conversations about race. 
    You are not responsible for what other white people have done, but you are responsible for whether you are currently upholding the systems that elevate white people over people of color. Listen. Learn. Empathize. Relate.
  9. When someone hits a sore spot and you realize you've said, done, or felt something that you didn't realize could be insensitive, avoid rationalizing your actions. The end. No defensiveness or denial. Owning it. Moving on.
  10. The solution is not to "stop making everything about race" and just all come together as one. We have to be anti-racism, not anti-talking-about-race. Healing comes when we as white people start to see our own privilege and dismantle systems built on white supremacy  that hold our lives and rights as being greater than those of other people.
Click here to listen to the entire podcast.   
FOR YOUR INFORMATION   

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! 

Sound and Projection Techs Needed!
 
We need additional sound techs in the sanctuary  and for Celebration service. We could use two more for the sanctuary and one more for the Celebration service.  
 
We also need additional video techs/projectionists for both services.   
 
Training is available!  Click here to contact Russ Poston.  

We Are Looking for  
3:20 Prayer Push Stories/Testimonies 
 
If you have been observing our 3:20 Prayer Push emphasis - an invitation to pray for the people and ministries of Saint Mark every day at 3:20, we want to hear the impact this prayer practice has had on you, your life and your experience of Saint Mark. Click here to send a brief paragraph to us to publish.

November Calendar and Birthdays
 
Click here to view the November calendar and list of November birthdays. 
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