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To Be and Make Disciples of
Jesus Christ
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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 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.
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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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November 4, 2018
ALL SAINTS SUNDAY
Sunday
8:30 am - 12 noon
Mini Mission Auction
Atrium
9:00 am
Sunday School
9:55 am
Fellowship Time in the Atrium
10:15 am
Worship Service
with Communion
Sanctuary
10:15 am
Worship Service
with Communion
4:00 pm
Conversation on
"A Way Forward"
4:00 pm
TREK for Children
4:00 pm
Wings 'N Things
for Youth
5:30 pm
In His Eyes
for Youth
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Quick, easy and available
HERE
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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 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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Interested in LGBTQ+ Inclusion?
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Prayer Focus for This Week
A Prayer for Those
Who are Grieving
Thank you, Lord, for the remembrance of loved ones no longer with us;
for their inspiring words,
encouragement, love and support . . . an example for us to follow.
May their legacy be seen
in the people we have become, and may we always be grateful.
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Submit Your Prayer Requests
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.
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The Countdown Continues!
Four . . . three . . . two . . . one!
THIS IS THE SUNDAY
OUR SCHEDULE CHANGES!!
Sunday School will be at 9:00 am, as usual, but will end at 9:55 am instead of 9:45 am.
Fellowship Time in the atrium will begin at
9:55 am and continue through 10:15 am
BOTH Worship services will begin at 10:15 am
instead of at 10:00 am.
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All Saints Day - Why We Observe It
All Saints Day is an opportunity to give thanks for all those who have gone before us in the faith. It is a time to celebrate our history, what United Methodists call the
tradition of the church.
From the early days of Christianity, there is a sense that the Church consists of not only all living believers, but also all who have gone before us. For example, in Hebrews 12 the author encourages Christians to remember that a "great cloud of witnesses" surrounds us encouraging us, cheering us on.
John Wesley, founder of the Methodist movement, enjoyed and celebrated All Saints Day. In a journal entry from November 1, 1767, Wesley calls it "a festival I truly love."
Click here to learn more about the All Saints Day Tradition in the United Methodist Church.
Join us this Sunday, November 4, as we commemorate the lives of the "saints" and loved ones who have gone before us.
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Join Us for Worship
THIS Sunday, November 4
with Holy Communion
Two Services of Worship
10:15 am
Traditional Worship
in the Sanctuary
bringing the message
Rev. Todd Davis
"The holy catholic, communion of saints"
Celebration Worship
in the Saint Mark Center
bringing the message
Rev. Shawna Darnall
"Good Grief"
PLEASE NOTE: If you were not able to attend worship last Sunday, we were blessed with Pastor Todd's message about proportional giving and the importance of tithing; we were given the opportunity to make our personal commitment to Christ and to Saint Mark UMC through filling out and presenting our faith promise to support our 2019 ministry budget. If you have not already done so, there will be an opportunity during worship this Sunday to complete your faith promise - we need to hear from you!
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TONIGHT!!!!!
Come hungry to the Christian Life Center of Clemson United Methodist Church on Thursday, November 1, and join in the fun of the 16th Annual Clemson Area Ministers' Cook-Off. Ministers from 14 area congregations will be showing off their culinary skills in support of Safe Harbor shelter for victims of domestic violence. Pastor Todd and Pastor Shawna will be serving an appetizer (Crab Bisque) prepared by Cara's Creations. Unless there is adverse weather, WYFF meteorologist John Cessarich will broadcast "John On The Road" live from the Cook-Off. Tasting tickets are $1.00 each at the door
Please come out and show your support for Todd and Shawna! ALL PROCEEDS from the Cook-Off will be divided between the Oconee and Anderson County shelters.
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Mini Mission Auction
THE AUCTION IS ALMOST HERE - FINALLY!
Here are a few last-minute reminders:
DATE: THIS Sunday, November 4
TIME: 8:30 - noon
LOCATION: In the Atrium
More information: We will have 31 items for you to bid on, including some very nice Christmas decorations and some great items for all you Clemson fans.
Buy It Now: There will be hand crafted items and homemade food items on the
Buy It Now table, including some items that were popular last year
(Sand Art Brownie mixes and microwave pot holders) as well as a few items we haven't had before
(Ray Lanham's famous pumpkin bread, Happiness Jars, homemade chow chow and some beautiful hand-painted trivets and coasters).
Auction Tailgating Station: To entice bidders and buyers to stay after worship, we will be setting up an Auction Tailgating station at 11:00ish, so you won't go hungry while you are placing your bids and picking up some nice gifts at the
Buy It Now table.
All proceeds of the auction will be used throughout 2019 to support local and global mission projects.
Thank you in advance for your support of the outreach work done by Saint Mark UMC! For more information,
click here to contact Jane Harlin.
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Hurricane Relief Fund
The big blue bucket will be in the atrium one more time
this Sunday, November 4, during the auction. You can donate cash or make checks out to Saint Mark UMC with "UMCOR Hurricane Relief" in the memo line, and after the auction, we will add it all up and the church will send one big check to UMCOR to assist with their work in helping those affected by Hurricane Florence.
Thanks for your support, and remember, 100% of your donation goes directly to hurricane relief, as UMCOR's administrative expenses are covered by the One Great Hour of Sharing collection that is taken up every spring.
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The Commission on a Way Forward
is a task force, whose purpose is to do a complete examination and possible revision of every paragraph concerning human sexuality in the Book of Discipline, while exploring options that help to maintain and strengthen the unity of the United Methodist Church. The Commission will make its recommendations at a Special Called Session of the General Conference in February, 2019.
SO WHAT DOES THIS MEAN FOR SAINT MARK?
This Sunday afternoon, November 4, Pastors Todd and Shawna will help us to better understand the structural workings of our denomination. Please make every effort to be present as our pastors lead us toward empathy, understanding, and generative dialogue, as we continue to be the Body of Christ. Childcare will be provided.
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Memory Cafe
November Activity
Monday, November 5
1 - 3 pm
Commons Room
Memory Cafe is a place where family caregivers and their loved ones with beginning to intermediate stages of dementia can come together to learn, laugh, cry and meet others in a similar circumstance. It is a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where acceptance and friendships develop. It meets the first Monday of each month.
On
Monday, November 5, from 1 - 3 pm, participants will meet in the Saint Mark Commons Room. They will start off with an ice breaker to know each other better and have a chance to talk openly about concerns. Next, they will participate in fun and easy chair aerobics taught by a professional aerobic teacher. Later, they will enjoy a snack together, followed by making simple decorations for a 7' Christmas tree that will be provided by and displayed at Duke Power in December.
Come join in on the fun! Please pass this information along to persons who are family caregivers for loved ones with mild to moderate dementia.
PLEASE NOTE: five volunteers are needed at 10 am on November 5 to get a head start on making the decorations for the Christmas tree. The decorations will be tissue paper flowers. EASY!! Would you be willing to come and help? Lunch will be provided.
For more information,
click here to contact Bonnie Holmes.
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Saint Mark Annual Charge Conference
Wednesday, November 7
6:30 pm
Commons Room
Presiding: Rev. Steve Patterson
Anderson District Superintendent
For more information, click here to contact Pastor Todd Davis.
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Women's Day Apart
Holy Friendships
with Rev. Alice MacKeil
Saturday, November 10
10 am - 2 pm
Commons Room
Cost: $10
Including Brunch
We all need friends . . . people to do life with . . . other women who love and support us . . . who help to divide our burdens and multiply our joys.
It can be difficult to form and maintain friendships as our lives are ever changing; yet we recognize this innate need within us for we were created for life to be lived together.
With the leadership of Rev. Alice MacKeil we will discover new and ever-growing ways to live connected with God and connected with one another.
So let's spend a day deepening friendship
with our loving God,
and deepening friendship with one another!
As is our Saint Mark tradition, we will extend the grace we receive as we gather, into the world. You may remember the Homeless Period Project from our UMW fall gathering, and we have an opportunity to consider the ways we are called to be in holy friendship with all our Sisters in Christ, including women and girls currently homeless. Please consider bringing a donation of products that will later be assembled into feminine hygiene kits. Items needed are
pads, tampons, panty liners, and individually packaged non-alcohol cleansing wipes.
The deadline to make your reservation is this Sunday, November 4.
Click here to make your reservation online.
Childcare is available for children through the age of 4. Our paid childcare workers will be available to care for your youngest children. Older children (5+) will enjoy their own event. See below!
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Special Children's Event
J*A*M* (Jesus and Me)
Saturday, November 10
10 am - 2 pm
All God's children can enjoy a special day just to celebrate being kids. Saint Mark UMC invites you to bring your children to a spirit-filled morning, discovering God's Holy Friendship with pizza, a movie, crafts and more.
For questions
click here to contact our children's minister Lisa Kiser. Parents should check your child in at the nursery, behind the atrium steps.
RSVP by Sunday, November 4.
Click here to fill out the registration form.
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Be Soup-er Thankful!
The Golden Corner Food Pantry is very efficient at using donated funds to purchase food in bulk; however, for some reason, it has been difficult to find good bargains on canned soup. So for three weeks in November, we will be holding a
"Be Soup-er Thankful" canned soup drive.
What is your favorite? Chicken and Rice, Minestrone, Chunky Vegetable Beef? Whatever it is, would you consider buying a few extra cans to put in the containers in the atrium? They will be in place November 11, 18 and 25.
Thanks for supporting your local food pantry!
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November Gathering
Join us for "Mission Night"
Wednesday, November 14
5:30 pm
Saint Mark Center
"BE SOUP-ER THANKFUL"
that evening
Bring cans of soup when you come!
This will be our annual Saint Mark family
Thanksgiving Dinner
with turkey and dressing,
along with all of the trimmings!
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What a GREAT opportunity to learn more about the Wilderness Way Girls' Camp, a faith-based program designed to bring help and hope to hurting girls and their families!
We hope to shower the Wilderness Way Girls' Camp with paper products such as paper towels, toilet paper, napkins and 8.5 X 11 inch reams of copy paper - all daily necessities!
Everyone is invited to attend!!! Let's have a great turnout from Saint Mark!
You will not make your reservation through the church, but will make your individual reservation by contacting Wilderness Way Girls' Camp. The phone number is above.
If you need transportation to this event, click here.
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Everyone is invited to sing! For more information, click here to contact David Wilcox
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November Lunch Bunch
Tuesday, November 27
12 noon
Ye Olde Sandwich Shoppe
124 N Townville St. in Seneca
Join us for lunch out at a well known Seneca establishment - Ye Olde Sandwich Shop. We will have the back room to ourselves. After lunch, stay and enjoy an exciting game of Bingo. No reservations are needed. Just show up! Hope to see you there!
THERE WILL BE
NO LUNCH BUNCH IN DECEMBER.
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For more information, click here to contact Mona Fleming.
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EMS personnel use these stuffed animals when they encounter children who are sick, hurt, or have experienced trauma or loss. Your donated stuffed animals will provide comfort and love to a child in need. Thanks for your donations!!
For more information,
click here to contact Lisa Kiser.
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Someone's in the kitchen with Donna,
Someone's in the kitchen I know....
Someone's in the kitchen with Donna,
Rolling out the shortbread dough!
If you've been around Saint Mark on Monday mornings lately, you may have wondered about the delicious smells wafting up the stairs from the church kitchen! The UMW bakers and "Holy Rollers" are busy stocking the freezer with handmade cookies to sell on the first two Sundays in December. In addition to the traditional
Scottish Shortbread cookies that were available the past two years, the ladies will be adding a
Williamsburg Gingerbread cookie as a second selection.
Both kinds of cookies will
be attractively packaged and will sell for $8/package or two for $15. These little packages make great stocking stuffers, hostess gifts, or just a thoughtful gift for anyone! And the best part - all proceeds benefit local missions here in Oconee County!
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Join us for a covered dish lunch following worship. Fried Chicken and beverages will be provided. Sides and desserts are welcome! For more information, click here to contact Pastor Shawna Darnall.
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You will not want to miss this very special presentation by our Saint Mark children! It will be in the sanctuary immediately after worship on Sunday, December 9.
Parents, rehearsals have begun. Thanks for making sure your children attend the rehearsals on Sunday afternoons, if at all possible.
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RESERVE YOUR TICKET(S) SOON!!
Tickets are starting to sell, so don't miss out! The cost of tickets is $40 each.
After the show, we will enjoy supper together at Mezzaluna Brick Oven in Hendersonville, NC. Click here to see the menu.
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Church Office Closed for
Thanksgiving Holiday
November 21-23
Youth Christmas Party with Special Friends
Sunday, December 9
5:30 pm
The Gathering
CDC Christmas Program
Wednesday, December 12
5:00 pm
Saint Mark Center
Celtic Festival of Lessons and Carols
Sunday, December 16
4:00 pm
Sanctuary
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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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Turkey in the Hole
Wilderness Way Girls' Camp
Church-wide Event Sponsored by the Elderberries
Saturday, November 17
Campsite Tours 10:45 - 11:15 am
Dinner - 12:30 pm
Bring sides and desserts
Transportation will be available
Monthly "Lunch Bunch" Gathering
FOURTH TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH
Tuesday, November 27
12 noon
Ye Olde Sandwich Shop
A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Flat Rock, NC
Thursday, December 13
2 pm matinee
Followed by Supper at Mezzaluna Brick Oven
Hendersonville, NC
Cost of Tickets: $40 per person
Tickets are on sale now!
THERE WILL BE
NO LUNCH BUNCH
IN DECEMBER.
For more information about our Elderberries ministry or any of these events, click here to contact Marla Fuller
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Get Involved!!!
The Marvin's Kids Team wants to remind you of the many ways you can enrich the lives of families in Oconee County and feel the true joy of Christmas! As you prepare your Advent "To Do" list, consider adding one or two for Marvin's Kids!
Click on the image above to sign-up online. It is simple. Just check the box beside the Marvin's Kids activity(s) you would like to do to help. (e.g. Take a family to Walmart to shop, provide toys for Santa's Secret Shop, bake cookies, etc.)
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Jesus summed up our job as disciples in two tasks: Love God and love neighbor.
As Christians who live out our faith in the Wesleyan tradition, we are challenged to engage in this task throughout our lives, seeking to grow a little deeper in our love for God and neighbor each day. This growth occurs as we worship, spend time in the Scriptures and prayer, fellowship with other Christians, serve our neighbors - and join in God's redemption
Many of our congregations have an incomplete understanding of what evangelism means in our Wesleyan tradition. Are we talking about accepting a set of prescribed beliefs? Is evangelism welcoming the stranger? Is it engaging in intentional discipleship practices? Is it reaching out and helping our neighbors? Or, is it all of the above?
Commentary on Evangelism by the Rev. Heather Heinzman Lear
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Bishop Holston's statement on mass shooting at Pittsburgh synagogue
Bishop L. Jonathan Holston, resident bishop of the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church, issued this statement in response to the mass shooting at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on Oct. 27, 2018:
"We are horrified anew by the shooting deaths Saturday of 11 people gathered peacefully in a house of worship, as well as the wounding of at least six others - including four police officers.
We pray for the wounded, for the families of those lost, for the survivors who witnessed such carnage. We mourn the senseless loss of life.
In the heartfelt words of Bishop Cynthia Moore-Koikoi, resident bishop of the Western Pennsylvania Conference of the United Methodist Church, 'We groan because we do not have words to adequately express our grief, anger and anguish.'
As Christians and United Methodists, we abhor hate, bigotry, prejudice and violence in any form, and we must commit to doing the arduous work of making peace in our communities and around the world.
As we face the reality of yet another act of gun violence, we must remain resolute in our witness to the world, in our advocacy for peace and justice, in our prayer for healing, for compassion, for understanding.
Please join with me in prayerful support for Bishop Moore-Koikoi as she leads the people of the Western Pennsylvania Conference at this sorrowful time."
Grace and peace,
L. Jonathan Holston
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Come stretch and strengthen the
ESSENTRICS
way with Susan Ross at Clemson United Methodist Church on Sundays 5 - 6 pm in Room 308. Full body program for men and women 18 years+. Reverse the aging process, improving posture, relieve pain, increase ROM. $10 drop in fee/love offering. Bring mat & water. For more information
click here to contact Susan.
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Tuesday - Thursday
November 27 - 29
The Hospice of the Foothills Christmas Tree Festival will have a new home in 2018. Due to renovations underway in locations previously used by the Festival, organizers have moved all of this year's events to The Best Western University Inn and Conference Center in Clemson, located at the intersection of Highway 123 and Highway 28.
For information on all events, Click here for details. To purchase tickets, contact the OMH Foundation Office at 864 885-7912.
All proceeds from the Festival will go to the GHS Hospice of the Foothills Crippen Endowment.
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Candlelight Christmas Concert
Foothills Chorale
Sunday, December 2, 2018 at 5:00 PM.
Trinity Baptist Church
504 S Oak St., Seneca, SC
TICKETS: $20 each for adults
$10 each for students.
Get tickets from David Wilcox, Elaine Wilson,
and Jeff Weicksel, online or at the door.
It's not Christmas without the Foothills Chorale! The concert will feature winter and holiday-themed pieces with seasonal poetry in a "lessons and carols" format. The Candlelight Christmas Concert (held without applause) includes some of your favorite songs, such as "O Magnum Mysterium," "In the Bleak Mid-Winter" and "Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming."
We hope you'll join us for an evening of beautiful music to celebrate the start of the Christmas season.
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Thank You Saint Mark!
"Thank you" to all who attended, donated, cooked and helped in any way to make the Low Country Boil a great success. Thanks also to the Saint Mark Gospel Choir for providing the entertainment. As a result of your efforts, we raised
$3,000 for our mission work on the island of Eleuthera.
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November Calendar and Birthdays
Click here to check out what is going on at Saint Mark during the month of November. Also, find out those who are celebrating November birthdays. If you were born in November and don't see you name on our list,
click here to contact Jens Holley at the church office.
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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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