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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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9:00 am
Sunday School
9:55 am
Fellowship Time in the Atrium
10:15 am
Worship Service
Sanctuary
Messiah Sing-Along
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
Thank You for Your many blessings on us this past year . . . the ones we've seen, as well as the ones we haven't seen.
Thank You, God for the times You have said "no." They have helped us depend on You so much more.
Thank You, God, for unanswered prayer. It reminds us that You know what's best for us, even when our opinion differs.
Thank You for the things You have withheld. You have protected us from what we may never realize.
Thank You, God, for the doors You have closed. They have prevented us from going where You would rather not have us go.
Thank You, Lord, for the physical pain You've allowed in our lives. It has helped us more closely relate to Your sufferings on our behalf.
Thank You, Lord, for the alone times in our lives. Those times have forced us to lean in closer to You.
Thank You, God, for the uncertainties we've experienced. They have deepened our trust in You.
Thank You, Lord, for the times You came through for us when we didn't even know we needed a rescue.
Thank You, Lord, for the losses we have experienced. They have been a reminder that You are our greatest gain.
Thank You, God, for the tears we have shed. They have kept our hearts soft and moldable.
Thank You, God, for the times we haven't been able to control our circumstances. They have reminded us that You are sovereign and on the throne.
Thank You, God, for Your ability to take what we consider 'tragedy' and turn it into a treasure.
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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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Christ the King Sunday
THIS Sunday, November 25
Both Services at 10:15 am
Celebration Worship
in the Saint Mark Center
bringing the message
Rev. Shawna Darnall
"How Do We Walk?"
Traditional Worship
in the Sanctuary
bringing the message
Rev. Todd Davis
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First of all, THANK YOU to the many folks who have responded with their faith promises for the 2019 budget. Karen tells us that pledges are running $500-$600 higher than those of the current year - that is fantastic news!
The not so good news is that we still need to hear from about 50 families. The Finance Committee was unable to finalize a budget for 2019 at its meeting on November 20, and will meet again on December 11 to do so; thus we need to hear from those families by December 10. PLEASE support us in this endeavor and THANKS again to those who have already responded with your 2019 faith promise!
Your Stewardship Team
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So that our church staff can enjoy time with their families over the Thanksgiving holiday, the church office will be closed for the remainder of this week and will reopen on Monday morning, November 26 at 9 am.
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Become an Angel Partner
This summer, our Wings for the Lord youth will have a fantastic opportunity to attend YOUTH 2019, the National Gathering for United Methodist Youth, as part of our annual choir tour. YOUTH 2019 will take place in Kansas City, and will offer our youth four days of discipleship, worship, small group Bible Study, and service opportunities. Our own Pastor Shawna is on the planning team and will be leading the service projects for the week.
Since the registration fee for each participant is above our normal tour expenses, we would like to give you an opportunity to become an "Angel Partner". The registration of $300.00 for each youth and leader is due by January 1, 2019. Your $150 - $300 contribution will help fund the registration fee and will ensure that our youth can be a part of this life-transforming experience.
As an "Angel Partner" you will have opportunities such as joining our youth for special times, receiving special recognition during the Wings for the Lord Theater on March 3, and enjoying other surprise "goodies". To become a partner, you can sign up in the atrium through Sunday, December 9. You may also click here to contact Donna Poston, our Minister of Youth and College Discipleship
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Be Soup-er Thankful!
ONE MORE SUNDAY!
Your support of the canned soup drive for the Golden Corner food pantry has been "SOUP-ER"! In the first two weeks of the drive, we have collected
275 pounds of soup and other non-perishable food items. We have one more Sunday to go, so if you haven't had a chance to participate yet please bring your cans of soup to the atrium by this Sunday. Thank you for your support!
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Channel Your Inner Elf!
Will Ferrell is tied up on a movie set and the Elf on the Shelf is, well, sitting on a shelf! Santa needs YOUR help to stock his Secret Shop here at Saint Mark!
The big day for Marvin's Kids parents to visit and select toys for their children is Saturday, December 8 and it is quickly approaching. Will you volunteer to help by signing up to purchase toys? You can sign up in the atrium or Narthex this Sunday, November 25. It's easy - you don't even have to wrap the toys! Just select a child by age and sex and purchase three age-appropriate toys (one each valued at $5, $15, and $25) and bring them to the Commons Room now through December 2.
AS ALWAYS, THANKS FOR YOUR SUPPORT!
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Everyone is invited to sing THIS Sunday! For more information, click here to contact David Wilcox
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50 or Older?
Join us!!
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. Enter the ice cream/cashier side of the establishment and walk straight to the back. You will find us there!
After lunch, stay and enjoy a fun game of Bingo. We have prizes! No reservations are needed. Just show up! Hope to see you there!
THERE WILL BE
NO LUNCH BUNCH IN DECEMBER.
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Got questions?
Click here to contact Donna Poston.
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ALL Women are Invited to a
Traditional Christmas Tea
Annual UMW General Meeting
Saturday, December 1
11:30 am
Commons Room
DEADLINE TO MAKE YOUR RESERVATION
IS THIS SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 25
The United Methodist Women (UMW) invite ALL women of ALL ages to the annual December General Meeting. This year will feature a "Christmas Tea" in addition to the installation of the Leadership Team for the coming year, recognition of those who have completed the UMW Reading Program, and a report from Jean Rogers on her attendance at the National UMW Conference. The Gospel According to Saint Mark Singers will perform and lead us in song.
In lieu of a love offering, attendees are asked to bring new packages of socks or underwear for children ages pre-K through High School. The collection will be provided to Grace's Closet to help Oconee County school children in need.
Come and join us for a few hours of relaxing fellowship before the chaos of the season threatens to take over! The cost is $10 and reservations are requested by November 25. Nell Hodge will be in the atrium this Sunday, November 25 from 9:50 - 11:15 am to take your reservation. Or
click here to make your online reservation(s) with Nell Hodge.
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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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ALL Donors will receive
a "Blood Donor" sweatshirt
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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 - Baby Read, Fostering Faithfully,
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Hanging of the Greens
and Advent Traditions
We enter the holy season of Advent with a special service of worship in preparation for Christ's coming to us at Christmas. The hanging of greenery is traditionally associated with everlasting life. Greens such as cedar for royalty, fir and pine boughs for everlasting life, holly symbolizing Jesus' death and ivy representing the resurrection are used. There will be special music and and we will share in Holy Communion.
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n Sunday, December 2, we will gather as one family of faith at 10:15 am in the Sanctuary to welcome the Advent season and decorate our house of worship for this special time of year!
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The Celebration Continues . . .
Following worship on December 2, we will continue our time altogether with lunch and an activity in the Saint Mark Center. This year we will be equipping each household with an Advent Giving Box, which will guide us through the 22 days of this season, prepare our hearts for Christmas, and share the love of God with our community.
We Need Blue and White Wrapping Paper
We hope every household will be able to decorate a giving box on December 2, so we are in need of rolls of blue and white wrapping paper. Please consider picking up a few rolls, and dropping them off in the collection container in the Atrium between now and November 29.
PLEASE NOTE:
This is a separate collection from the wrapping paper and supplies needed for Marvin's Kids. The Marvin's Kids collection boxes are in the Atrium entrances. Both are needed.
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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. Mark your calendar now and stay after worship that Sunday. Thank you for supporting our wonderful children!!
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RESERVE YOUR TICKET(S) SOON!!
Time is running out!
Tickets continue to sell, so don't miss out! The cost of tickets is $40 each. The deadline for reservations is Monday, December 3.
After the show, we will enjoy supper together at Mezzaluna Brick Oven in Hendersonville, NC. Click here to see the menu.
Click here to make your reservation(s)! The bus is almost full. Check to see if there is space available to ride.
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There is a service for everyone!
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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
Children and Youth Activities Resume
Sunday, January 6
4 pm
Lay Leadership Training
Sunday, January 6
5:30 pm - meal
6:30 pm - Training
Human Relations Sunday
Sunday, January 13
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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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Monthly "Lunch Bunch" Gathering
FOURTH TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH
Tuesday, November 27
12 noon
Ye Olde Sandwich Shoppe
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.
Winter Fun Night
Covered Dish Supper and LOTS of Fun!!
Friday, January 18, 2019
6:30 pm
At Saint Mark
Watch for details!
Lunch Bunch
Potato Bar (Regular and Sweet), Salad
and Make-Your-Own Ice Cream Sundae Bar
Tuesday, January 22, 2019
12 noon
Commons Room
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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A Prayer of
Thanksgiving
for Diversity
O God, who created all peoples in Your image, we thank You for the wonderful diversity of races and cultures in this world.
Enrich our lives by ever-widening circles of fellowship, and show us Your presence in those who differ most from us, until our knowledge of Your love is made perfect in our love for all your children; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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Church and Society Team
Is Looking for More Team Members
In addition to our monthly features in the Heart Beat, you will be hearing more from the Church and Society Ministry Team in 2019. Watch for upcoming events beginning in January.
We are excited about the opportunity that we have to lift up the issues and problems in society that dehumanize and harm God's beloved children, especially those who live in the margins. Do you feel passionate about issues of social justice? Do you dream of making a difference? If so, prayerfully consider becoming a member of our Saint Mark Church and Society Ministry Team. Typically we meet every month or two on Sundays at 11:30 am. There is so much that we accomplish - together!
If you are interested, click here to contact Marla Fuller. |
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A Way You Can Help!
The United Way is looking for volunteers to help prepare income taxes for free for those families with income less than $60,000 through
VITA - Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program.
No experience is necessary. United Way will offer free training and certification for Tax Preparers, Greeters/Screeners Site Coordinators and Spanish Interpreters. There will be multiple tax prep sites (Seneca, Walhalla, Westminster, and possibly Salem).
If interested, contact United Way at (864) 882-9743 ext. 150 or
click here to send an email.
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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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For more information,
click here to contact Lauren Richardson or call Our Daily Rest at (864) 482-7040.
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Can you help?
Saint Mark participates in the worldwide efforts of the United Methodist Church through the line item in our budget called
apportionments. These apportionments allow us to aid in ministerial education, college funding at Methodist colleges and universities, interdenominational efforts, the funding of Africa University, and worldwide benevolences and relief efforts.
Saint Mark prides itself on paying 100% of its apportionments each year, which is an expectation of all United Methodist churches. The Saint Mark Finance Committee has been faithful to its commitment to pay apportionments, but during the summer months, it became a choice of paying bills or paying apportionments. This, unfortunately, has put us behind in our payments to the tune of approximately $35,000, and we have been unable to catch up. Your continued generosity will help us catch up, and put us back in good standing with the Conference.
Please make check payable to "Saint Mark UMC" and mark "for" line "2018 apportionments."
Thank you for your support!
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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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