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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
9:40 am
Fellowship Time in the Atrium
10:00 am
Traditional Worship
Sanctuary
10:00 am
Celebration Worship
Saint Mark Center
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 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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Interested in LGBTQ+ Inclusion?
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Prayer Focus for This Week
Pray for all persons who have gotten caught up in the opioid epidemic . . . who in seeking pain relief, have become addicted to their medication. Pray for families who have been devastated by the death of a family member who overdosed on opioid medication. Pray for an answer to the serious crisis of opioid addiction.
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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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Join Us For Worship
THIS Sunday, September 23
Us and Them
bringing the message
Rev. Shawna Darnall
Traditional Service
10 am in the Sanctuary
Celebration Service
10 am in the Saint Mark Center
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Pastor Todd will be away for a few days of vacation Thursday, September 20 - Sunday, September 23. Pastor Shawna is available for pastoral care emergencies (864-784-2031).
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The Deadline to Order Has Been Extended for One More Week!
All you need is a $10 deposit to reserve your tree. For more information, click here to contact Donna Poston.
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Ladies, It's Not Too Late to
Join the Discussion!
The Wednesday Morning Bible Study is still welcoming any and all women who are interested in studying and discussing families in the Bible, their lives (and mistakes), how their lives are changed, and how God blessed them.
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Click here to contact Sandy James for more information.
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Are you 50+?
Another Elderberries Event!!!
Join us for a relaxing evening of fun, food and fellowship at beautiful Biggerstaff Retreat Center, right here in Seneca. The evening will begin at 5 pm with conversation and hors d'oeuvres, followed by our meal at 6:00 pm. Then we will move into an exciting game of trivia!
Plan to bring a dish to share (hors d'oeuvres, salad, side dish, dessert), plus $5 to cover meat, beverages and paper products.
Transportation is available, if you prefer not to drive there.
WE ALREADY HAVE 30+ PEOPLE ATTENDING!
LET'S HAVE A GREAT TURNOUT!!!
Click here to RSVP and to indicate that you would like to reserve transportation for that evening.
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Memory Cafe October Event
Trip to Denver Downs
Monday, October 1
10:30 am
Church Bus Will Leave at 9:45 am
On October 1, persons with dementia and their family caregivers will enjoy an afternoon
down on the farm, at Denver Downs in Anderson. Activities could include a hayride, a walk through the corn maze, decorating pumpkins, listening to music or simply enjoying the relaxing surroundings!
Upcoming Memory
Café activities include:
- A trip to Duke Power to decorate a Christmas Tree
- A game of Name That Tune
- A trip to Kilwins Chocolates, Fudge & Ice Cream
- A trip to Split Creek Goat Farm
And that's not all . . . Stay tuned!
For information about everything mentioned in this article,
click here to contact Bonnie Holmes.
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New Table Talk Sunday School Series
The Way Back to You
The Enneagram Journey
led by Marla Fuller
Begins Sunday, October 7
9 am
Room A206
What you don't know about yourself can, in fact, hurt you . . . and your relationships with family, friends, co-workers, acquaintances . . . and even God. Take a self-discovery journey and learn about the self-defeating patterns in your life that keep you from moving forward. Through the ancient wisdom of the Enneagram, learn about doable changes you can make that will get you on the road to your best and truest self.
Everyone is welcome! Simply show up!
For more information, click here to contact Marla Fuller.
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Please join us for a bit of lunch and an informative discussion of the "perils of procrastination" when it comes to end of life planning. No reservation is required to attend the event, however if you would like a bag lunch (turkey and cheese sandwich, chips, cookie, fruit, and drink is $8 per person - cash or check made out to Donna Jaynes on day of event), please click here to place your food order with Donna Jaynes.
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In honor of the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, the Faith Formation team will honor and celebrate the gifts of our beloved pets on Sunday, October 7 at 3 pm. Bring a pet, or a picture of your pet if he or she is difficult to transport, and join us for a great event!
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For more information,
click here to contact Donna Poston.
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An Elderberries Event
The Lettermen in Concert
Sunday, October 14
7 pm
Walhalla Civic Auditorium
Tickets are available now: $37 per person
Join us for supper at Puerto Nuevo Restaurant
in West Union at 5 pm
with Marla Fuller
Still
2 tickets left
They can be yours! Reserve your ticket today!
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For anyone with seafood allergies the shrimp will be cooked separate from the corn, potatoes, and sausage.
For more information,
click here to contact Kathy Graves.
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Elderberries
Lunch Bunch Kick-off
Tuesday, October 23
12 noon
Commons Room
Cost: $5
Join us as we kick off our new Lunch Bunch ministry for seniors. The plan is to meet for lunch on a monthly basis - sometimes at the church and, on occasion, at other locations. The purpose is to gather together around tables for food and for fellowship. Pastors and staff plan to join you for Lunch Bunch periodically, so don't be surprised when they show up.
Join us for lunch and conversation on Tuesday, October 23, featuring a variety of homemade soups, bread, desserts and beverages. Click here to make your reservation.
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PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE OF DATE!
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PLEASE NOTE THE CHANGE OF DATE!
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Fall Festival
Wednesday, October 24
5:00 pm
16th Annual Minister's Cook-off
Thursday, November 1
5:30 - 7 pm
Clemson United Methodist Church
Annual Charge Conference
Wednesday, November 7
6:30 pm
Commons Room
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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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Covered Dish Supper at Biggerstaff Retreat
Friday, September 28
5 pm - hors d'oeuvres
6:00 pm - supper
Followed by a Game of Trivia
Transportation will be available
The Lettermen in Concert
Sunday, October 14
7 pm
Cost: $37 per ticket
2 TICKETS ARE STILL AVAILABLE NOW!
Transportation will be available
We will gather for supper at
Puerto Nuevo Mexican and Seafood Restaurant at 5 pm before the concert.
Monthly "Lunch Bunch" Gathering
beginning on Tuesday, October 23
(4th Tuesday of each month)
12 noon
Commons Room
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
Tuesday, November 27
12 noon
Ye Olde Sandwich Shop
A Flat Rock Playhouse Christmas
Flat Rock, NC
Thursday, December 13
2 pm matinee
Cost of Tickets: $40 per person
PLEASE NOTE:
We could use a few more 50+ people to serve on our planning team. We meet once a month to plan our activities and trips.
We also need another bus driver or two to provide transportation to some of our social and educational events. You would drive one of our church buses. You do not need a special type of license to drive.
If you are interested in getting involved in this popular ministry for seniors at Saint Mark, please click here to contact Marla Fuller or call her at the church office Monday - Thursday from 10 am - 5 pm.
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The Church's Apathy to the Earth
Exposes the Gap in Discipleship
"A good man leaves an inheritance to his children's children, And the wealth of the sinner is stored up for the righteous. This world that we are stewards over is our inheritance to our children's children."
Proverbs 13:22
We must take this verse seriously. If we do not care, our unborn children will suffer the consequences of our indifference.
Our apathy and indifference towards matters related to justice will give birth to future burdens and challenges for our children. Our apathy and indifference to our earth exposes a gap in our discipleship.
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South Carolina Conference of the
United Methodist Church
Response to Florence Floods
Disaster leaders of our conference are ready for when they can jump in to help. Billy Robinson, state coordinator for the South Carolina United Methodist Volunteers in Mission Early Response Team, said volunteers are mobilized and eager to help when it is safe.
"We are ready to go and share and spread the love of Jesus to all those in dire need and let them see the hands and feet of Christ."
Click here to read more about how the United Methodist Church plans to address the challenge of assisting the many flood victims in our state and beyond. Read also about how you can help.
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Click here for more information or call (864) 654-5547
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Tent Revival
Ann Hope United Methodist Church
702 Goddard Ave
Seneca, SC 29678
October 7 - 10
6:30 pm
Sunday, October 7
Preaching: Rev. Matt Turner
Music: Gospel According to Saint Mark Singers
Monday, October 8
Preaching: Rev. Billy Myers
Music: The Dodrill Family
Tuesday, October 9
Preaching: Rev. Dan Mason
Music: The Clarks
Wednesday, October 10
Preaching: Rev. Derrick Cattenhead
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September is Dementia Awareness Month
The purpose of Dementia Awareness Month is to raise awareness and challenge the stigma that surrounds dementia.
- Dementia is a term used to describe different brain disorders that affect memory, thinking, behavior and emotion.
- Early symptoms of dementia can include memory loss, difficultly performing familiar tasks, problems with language and changes in personality. View the early symptoms.
- There is currently no cure for dementia, but a range of support is available for people with dementia and their family caregivers.
- Dementia knows no social, economic, or ethnic boundaries.
- Alzheimer's disease is the most common cause of dementia. Other causes include vascular disease, dementia with Lewy bodies and fronto-temporal dementia.
- There are currently estimated to be over 46 million people worldwide living with dementia. The number of people affected is set to rise to over 131 million by 2050.
- There is one new case of dementia worldwide every three seconds.
- The worldwide costs of dementia are estimated at US$818 billion. As a result, if dementia care were a country, it would be the world's 18th largest economy. If it were a company, it would be the world's largest by annual revenue exceeding Apple (US $742 billion) and Google (US $368 billion).
Dementia is often hidden away, not spoken about, or ignored at a time when the person living with dementia and their family caregivers are most in need of support within their families, friendship groups and communities.
The social stigma is the consequence of a lack of knowledge about dementia and it can have numerous long- and short-term effects, including:
- Dehumanization of the person with dementia
- Strain within families and friendships
- A lack of sufficient care for people with dementia and their family caregivers
- A lower rate of diagnosis of dementia
- Delayed diagnosis and support
The stigmatization of dementia is a global problem and it is clear that the less we talk about dementia, the more the stigma will grow. This World Alzheimer's Month we encourage you to find out more and play your part in reducing the stigma and improving the lives of people with dementia and their family caregivers in your community.
Saint Mark Memory Cafe
In support for persons in our community who suffer with dementia and in support of their family caregivers, we invite you to lend your support to our
Memory Cafe, a new Saint Mark ministry.
Memory Café is a social group for family caregivers and their loved ones with memory loss or any type of dementia.
The group meets once a month, usually the first Monday of each month. The purpose of the group is to keep caregivers and their loved ones from becoming isolated, and to promote support and socialization. It is a place where participants can laugh, cry, talk about their concerns and realize they are not alone. Memory Café will offer lots of fun activities throughout the year. These activities will be determined with participant input, and will all be free because Memory Café is sponsored by people who understand and appreciate the heroic role of caregivers, and want them to succeed.
Will YOU help our Memory Cafe succeed? You are invited to volunteer your time, talent and treasure to this worthy endeavor. If you would like to provide financial support, please make your check out to Saint Mark UMC and note that it is for our Memory Cafe.
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Just a Reminder . . .
We Are Soliciting Your Feedback
You have the opportunity to offer feedback about our current Sunday School/Worship Schedule. The deadline for your comments is Monday, October 1.
Click here to read the letter that was sent out to our Saint Mark family.
Click here to send your thoughts to Jeff Weicksel, or you can submit your written response to Pastor Todd Davis, placing it in his mailbox in the Administrative Hallway.
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Setting Up for Even Greater Success
Saint Mark continues to value our children as a vital part of our faith family. We are so grateful to have Lisa Kiser as our Minister of Children's Discipleship, and for the gifts and graces she has brought to Saint Mark!
As your Staff Parish Relations Committee, we are constantly seeking to ensure our children's ministry has the resources and support needed for it to continue to flourish. We are excited to share with you that from this point on, Pastor Shawna will be directly supervising Lisa, as we believe this sets up our ministry for even greater success.
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What Does the United Methodist Church Teach About Tithing?
Tithing
is commonly understood as the giving of one-tenth of one's income for God. This standard of giving comes from several passages in Scripture (e.g. Genesis 28:10-22).
The founder of the Methodist movement, John Wesley, offered an even higher standard for giving, and for our entire approach to living. It's found in Wesley's sermon,
"The Use of Money," which is among the Standard Sermons included in our doctrinal standards.
Here is Wesley's own brief summary which is the foundation of our teaching:
"Gain all you can.... save all you can... give all you can." As he develops each of these points in his sermon, his message is plain. We are to seek to earn all we can in ways that are helpful to ourselves and others, never harmful. We are to "save all we can" by being frugal in our expenses. And then having earned all we can and spent only what we must to care for our own basic needs and those of our family (which we are never to neglect!), we are to give everything else away.
Indeed, Wesley says,
"Render unto God, not a tenth, not a third, not half, but all that is God's." For some of us, after earning and saving all we can, while caring for our family's basic needs, there may not be much left over. For others, there may be much, indeed. Whatever that is, we say, give it all!
The United Methodist Church, in its
Book of Discipline, emphasizes tithing as a
"minimum goal of giving" and encourages local churches to find creative ways to become
"tithing congregations with an attitude of generosity." The church asks all those being ordained to
"teach and model generous Christian giving with a focus on tithing as God's standard of giving."
United Methodists value the tithe as a benchmark for giving, one we encourage our members to move toward and, once achieved, move beyond. We believe our giving should be both more challenging and more gracious to the whole world than simply trying to give a tithe of our income. We also believe that there is joy in giving, and the greater the generosity the deeper the joy.
Adaptation of an article by Rev. Ken Sloane, director of Stewardship & Connectional Ministries, United Methodist Discipleship Ministries
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Health Ministry at Saint Mark?
Are You Interested?
Would you be interested in starting a Health Ministry at Saint Mark? We are looking for RN's (or anyone interested in promoting congregational health) to promote whole-person health within our community of faith.
AnMed Health provides training/education, resources and support for Parish Nurses and/or Congregational Health Promoters. They have monthly meetings on the second Thursday of each month at 5 pm.
If you are interested, Please let us know! For more details about how to get started,
click here to contact Amy Goodson, Faith Community Nurse Coordination, AnMed Health. Or you may call her at (864) 512-2094.
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Volunteers Needed!
Volunteers are needed for three ministries:
1.
Dementia Concerns Advisory Group
Do you have a heart for persons with dementia and their families? This is the team for you. This team assists in the preparation of newspaper articles written by Bonnie Holmes intended to assist caregivers with information and advice. This team will also assist our new Saint Mark ministry, Memory Cafe. For more information or to offer your services,
click here to contact Bonnie Holmes.
2.
Library Planning Team
We have a great library and a talented Library Team. This team needs volunteers to help process books for shelving. Tasks could include gluing library card pockets on books to inputting information into the library computer.
Click here to contact Marla Fuller.
3.
Elderberries Planning Team
We need more active seniors to help us plan and put on social or educational events for our Saint Mark seniors (50+). Do you enjoy event planning? You will enjoy being part of this team.
Click here to contact Marla Fuller.
Our ministry teams become small communities that work together for the benefit of Saint Mark and our church family. Plug in! Get involved!
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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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