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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.
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Change of
Contact Information?
Click here to fill out an online form to help us update your information for our records. |
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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
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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.
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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.
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October 1, 2017
World Communion Sunday
Sunday
Schedule
9:00 am
Traditional Worship in the Sanctuary
9:00 am
Celebration Worship in the 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
2:30 pm
Blessing of Pets
4:00 pm
Wings 'N Things
5:30 pm
In His Eyes Rehearsal
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Quick, easy and available
HERE
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Join us every day at 3:20 pm to pray for Saint Mark - our people and ministries.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
Or use our hashtag
#stmarkumc and post your photos on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram.
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Interested in LGBT Inclusion?
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Prayer Focus for This Week
Pray for the people of Puerto Rico who are living without the basic daily necessities after a second hurricane left the island paradise in shambles. Pray for relief to arrive quickly so that food and clean water will get to the many residents and visitors who are struggling to survive.
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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.
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Worship With Us This Week
World Communion Sunday
Sunday, October 1
Three Services
Meet the Disciple
Thaddeus
John 14:18-27
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. Ken Minton
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This Sunday's Alms Offering
The alms offering this Sunday will support the work of the
Wilderness Way Girls Camp. The camp, located here in the Upstate, is a residential, small-group program that seeks to help girls who are failing to thrive in their families, their schools and/or their communities. Campers stay from 18-22 months, and within the camp setting, which includes outdoor adventures and "friendship therapy", they learn to set goals, work as a team, and find their own self-worth. They build relationships and gain life skills that will help them succeed when they return to their homes.Thank you for supporting this important local mission.
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Our Saint Mark youth and their adult leaders will be heading to the mountains this coming Saturday for a time of retreat to focus on God and on living as disciples. We ask your prayers for each youth and adult attending this holy time away:
Amelia, Emma, Austin, Colleen, Lacey, Madison, Erin, Adrian, Charlie, Camille, Haylinn, Destiny G., Lance, Emily, Mary, Elizabeth, Bryanna, Scott, Erica, Angelina, Eva, Hayley, Berti, Destiny E., Noah, Lee Ann, Donna, and Shawna.
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LAST CHANCE!
This is your last chance to make your reservation for our
Sunset Charity Cruise this coming Saturday, September 30. Contact Kathy Graves today and you can pay when you arrive on Saturday.
As a reminder, the address below is where you will board for our cruise.
Life's II Good
900 Gap Hill Road
Six Mile, SC
Boarding time 5:30 pm to 5:45. Boat departs at 6:00pm
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Disaster Relief
It's Not Too Late to Hellp!
So far, Saint Mark has contributed 126 Health kits and 14 cleaning kits to the relief effort. Pastor Todd delivered them on Monday, Septmeber 18.
You still have three more days to help! The needs are still there!
Click here to learn how you can help with the relief efforts through
UMCOR (United Methodist Committee on Relief) in areas affected by Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, Jose and Maria.
The deadline for the collection of cleaning kits and health kits has been extended to THIS Sunday, October 1. Drop off your donated items at Pastor Todd's office. Will you help?
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Come Join us THIS Sunday!
During this annual event, we honor and celebrate the gifts of our beloved pets. This is a great event for children, youth and adults!
Information about the Oconee Humane Society will be available. There will also be t-shirts that you can purchase for only $10, and all of the proceeds will go to the care of homeless animals. You will be able to pick up some other "goodies" as well.
Invite your friends and neighbors!
Click here to contact Marla Fuller for more information.
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Attention Ladies!
If you haven't already plugged into one of our seven United Methodist Women circles, below is the schedule for October.
Monday, October 2
10:00 am - Faith Circle
11:30 am - Abigail Circle
Room B212 - Music Wing
7:00 pm - Deborah Circle
Room A202 - Parlor
Tuesday, October 3
3:30 pm - Ruth Circle
Conference Room
6:30 pm - Manibus Christi Circle
local restaurants
Thursday, October 5
10:30 am - Elizabeth Circle
Event Center at Keowee Key
Monday, October 9
12:30 pm - Susanna Wesley Circle
Conference Room
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This new ministry begins next week, and will provide
socialization opportunities for individuals with mild to moderate Alzheimer's and networking for care partners. Share your stories and socialize with others who have worries about their memory. Studies confirm that b
eing active physically, socially and mentally is good for the brain!
Light Refreshments will be served.
For more information, click here to contact Diane Caster, or call her at (864) 972-4736.
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RENEW Schedule
Wednesday, October 4
RENEW Dinner
5:15 - 6:15 PM
Saint Mark Center
or call the church office at 882-2603
Menu
Baked Ham
Grilled Chicken
Mac 'N Cheese
Lima Beans
Salad
Rolls
Dessert
Kids' TREK (K4 - 5th grade)
Worship Arts and Activities
6:00 - 7:15 PM
Youth Journey (6th grade - college)
6:00 - 7:15 PM
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
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
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Next Wednesday, October 4
Topic
The Uniqueness of Wesleyan Theology (The Quadrilateral)
Discussion and Holy Communion led by
Rev. Shawna Darnall
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This celebration will take place at two of our three services of worship - 9 am Celebration and 11:15 Traditional. The 9 am Traditional Service will be our normal order of worship.
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Mark your calendar now. For more information, click here to contact Kathy Graves.
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Are You 50+?
Join us for an evening packed full of fun, food and fellowship. This event starts at 5:30 pm and includes:
- "Happy Hour" with Hors D'oeuvres and Mocktails
- A Pumpkin Carving Contest with prizes (pumpkins will be provided)
- A Chili Cook-off Competition with prizes (prepare your favorite recipe)
- Covered Dish Chili Supper
- A Costume Competition with prizes
- Music and dancing
You will be able to make your reservations beginning next week. For more information, click here to contact Becky Hazelwood.
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The newly formed Church and Society Ministry Team (combination of former Interfaith/Intercultural and LGBTQ+ teams) invites you to gather on October 22 to continue the important conversation about racial relations.
Special guests will be Winston Holton and students from the Call Me MISTER program at Clemson University. The mission of the Call Me MISTER® (acronym for Mentors Instructing Students Toward Effective Role Models) Initiative is to increase the pool of available teachers from a broader more diverse background particularly among the State's lowest performing elementary schools. Student participants are largely selected from among underserved, socio-economically disadvantaged and educationally at-risk communities. Click here to learn more.
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Don't Miss This Annual Fall Event!
Mark the date on your calendar! This event will include supper, followed by "Trunk or Treat" for the kiddos. Saint Mark family, we will need your trunks, games, and treats. Let's come together make this a fun-filled evening for the children our church, and our community.
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Mission Auction Update
The mission auction is October 29th! This auction supplements the regular budget to support a
variety of mission projects, including many local organizations. Once we see how much money is raised, the Service Mission Team will allocate the funds to support as many acts of discipleship as possible!
We are ready to begin accepting donations, which will be kept in the closet of Room A202. When you leave your donation, please complete one of the little donor forms, telling us who you are and what you are donating, including the value and minimum bid, if applicable. Donations are welcome from Sunday School classes, other small groups, and individuals, and may include themed baskets, handmade items, antiques, sports tickets, gift cards, or any other item of value, OR a service, such as baking, babysitting, voice lessons, lawn care, etc.
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Elderberries December Trip
to Winston-Salem
December 4 - 6
Here Is What You Need To Know
- Estimated cost per person is $300 per person, based on hotel double occupancy room and a minimum of 40 participants. Included in this price is transportation, 2 nights lodging, all meals except lunch, luggage handling, and planned tours (three or four tours will be included in the itinerary).
- Travel from Seneca will be on a 54-seat motor coach, provided and driven by Ionosphere Travel, an Anderson, SC company.
- We plan to depart from Saint Mark on Monday, December 4 at 12:00 noon. Please eat lunch first, or you can bring a bag lunch or snack with you. Drinks must be in a container with a lid to minimize spills. No milk or ice cream. We will plan a rest stop about half way to Winston-Salem. It is about a four-hour trip, plus a short rest stop.
- Lodging will be in the historic Brookstown Inn, voted by Southern Living as one of the South's 25 best hotels in 2016. The building in which the inn is housed was Winston-Salem's first factory, commissioned by the Moravian Congregation as the Salem Cotton Mill in 1837. Twenty years later, the building was converted to the Wachovia Flour Mill and ultimately served as a warehouse until the 1970's. Brookstown Inn opened in late 1984.
- The inn will welcome us with a wine and cheese reception each evening, and milk and cookies at bedtime. The hotel is located ½ mile from Old Salem Museums and Gardens.
- Tentatively, tours and activities include:
- Krispy Kreme donut reception and overview tour by Winston-Salem Tourism
- Evening visit to Festival of Lights at Tanglewood Park
- Old Salem Museums and Gardens tour
- Reynolda House Museum of American Art Tour "A 1917 Christmas"
- Tour of Korner's Folly, a unique Victorian era home in Kernersville, NC, decorated in period Christmas décor
- Stop at Mrs Hanes Handmade Moravian Cookie factory on the way back home. This is the only factory that makes all of their cookies totally by hand.
- Expected return to Seneca will be on Wednesday, December 6 no later than 5:00 pm.
- A non-refundable deposit of $50/person will be required by November 1 so the bus can be reserved.
For more information, click here to contact Becky Hazelwood. Click here to make your reservation(s).
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ELDERBERRIES EVENTS (FOR 50+)
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ARE YOU 50+?
Here are some Elderberries Events
that might interest you. Save the date(s) on your calendar.
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Halloween Costume Party and Chili Cook-off
Friday, October 20 at 6 pm
Party with a Purpose
Covered Dish Supper
Friday, November 17 at 6 pm
Trip to Winston-Salem
Monday, December 4 - Wednesday, December 6
Estimated Cost: $300/person
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Lay Servant Ministries School
October 7 and 8
Pendleton United Methodist Church
United Methodist Men
Saturday, October 21
10 am
Full Breakfast Meeting
Ann Hope UMC in Seneca
Stewardship Series
Sundays, October 22 and 29
Wings for the Lord
will sing during morning worship
at St. Andrew UMC in Easley
Sunday, October 29
Youth Halloween Party
Sunday, October 29
Time TBD
at the home of Curt and Alice Evatt
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A Discipleship Opportunity
The Salvation Army Advisory Board of Oconee County is recruiting new members. The Board meets 9:00 - 9:45 am on the third Thursday of each month at the Salvation Army Church in Walhalla. If you are interested in serving on this Board, please contact Rev. Todd Davis at 864-882-2603 or
click here to send him an email.
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Be a Salvation Army Bell Ringer
The Salvation Army needs volunteers to ring bells for their annual Red Kettle Christmas Campaign. To ring bells in Seneca, SC visit
redkettlevolunteer.org and sign up! Bell Ringing starts November 17. Thanks for your support!
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Celebration Worship Assistants Needed
If you have moderate IT skills, we need YOU! We need a projectionist to take one Sunday per month running the computer for the displays in the Celebration Service. It takes about an hour to set the program up (you can do this from your home!), 45 minutes pre-service for warmups/run throughs, and an hour for the service. We need your help!
We also, as of the end of this year, need someone to set up the chairs once per month - takes about 30 minutes - can do anytime Thursday-Saturday.
Please step up and help us!
For more information, or if you would like to serve in one of these ways, click here to contact Bob Dobson, or call him at (864) 723-1854.
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UMW Shortbread Cookie Fundraiser
for Local Mission
We love that you loved our cookies! Once again, the UMW will bake and sell traditional Scottish shortbread as our fall fundraiser for local missions. You may know that we sold out last year in less than two hours! Because of the unexpected demand, we are taking pre-orders for persons wishing to buy 6 or more packages only. If you want to place a bulk order, please
click here to contact Becky Hazelwood, or call her at (770) 633-2434.
Pre-orders will be accepted until October 15.
The cookies will be $8 per package, or two for $15 and may be purchased in the atrium on Sunday, December 3.
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We are looking for someone with an IT background and experience to assist in the maintenance and updating of our computers, and related equipment. If you would like to volunteer to join our IT team,
click here to contact Todd Davis.
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We Are Still Looking . . .
We are still looking for a new
Minister of Children's Discipleship. The job description has been updated this week. We are looking for just the right person to fill that position - someone who is qualified, and who will lovingly and faithfully serve the children and families of Saint Mark. If you are interested in this position, or know someone who might be interested,
click here to see the revised job description.
Resumes should be submitted to Mary Ann Schrecengost.
Click here.
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October Calendar and Birthdays
Click here to find out what is going on at Saint Mark during October, and who in our church family are celebrating birthdays.
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SAINTS IN SERVICE
HELPING YOU PLUG IN . . .
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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!
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