In Luke 4, we discover that Jesus came to the village of Nazareth, his boyhood home. He went as usual to the synagogue on the Sabbath and stood up to read the Scriptures. The scroll of Isaiah the prophet was handed to him.
That morning in the synagogue, Jesus boldly announced, “This Scripture has come true today before your very eyes!” Right there among his own friends, family and neighbors, Jesus was proclaiming himself as THE ONE who would bring this Good News to pass, but he would do it in a way that the people would not yet be able to grasp. So, just what did Jesus mean when he proclaimed this prophecy about himself?
Worship with us Sunday to find out .... Pastor Todd
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This week, Debbie DuBose, Chair of the Staff Parish Relations Committee, submitted a report summarizing Saint Mark's accomplishments during 2021. To read the report in its entirety, click here. |
So Sorry for Omission….
In the summary of Saint Mark’s 2021 accomplishments, the retirement of Donna Poston and the departure of Lisa Kiser were inadvertently omitted from the report. Please see below the corrected copy:
We have also hired a new Minister of Family Outreach, Maria Bowers, who will direct children, youth and family ministry. Maria replaces Lisa Kiser, who resigned in 2020, and Donna Poston, who retired in 2020. Both Lisa and Donna contributed so much to our children and youth programs respectively and paved the way for a successful new family ministry. Maria began her Ministry at Saint Mark in late September and has done a great job during her first three months.
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AN UPDATE ON RESHAPE
Thank you for your patience -- WE ARE ALMOST THERE!
The ReShape Coordination Team has been meeting almost weekly through December, the holidays, and into the month of January, and we will be ready to meet with the Council of Stewards as planned this coming Monday, January 24. Our discernment process has included an opportunity to share our thoughts with the ReShape Small Group Leaders in early January. Our deliberations have been challenging and spirited – you can rest assured that this Coordination Team has taken their responsibility to you very seriously.
The team is putting the finishing touches on the “pathways forward” that our Saint Mark disciples have identified through the ReShape feedback, including recommendations for action items, responsibilities for implementation, and a process of accountability that will keep the actual work of ReShape moving forward. We are excited to share all of this with COS and to determine the next steps for our Saint Mark family of faith. We will update you again after Monday’s meeting!
Jeff Weicksel
Saint Mark ReShape Coordination Team Chairperson
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We Extend Our Sincere Sympathies to:
SMUMC disciple, Bob Graves and Family on the death of Bob’s mother, Faith Graves, who died on Sunday, January 16, 2022. Mrs. Graves had just celebrated her 105th birthday in November.
Note from Bob Graves: Mom had a wonderful and full life as a pastor's wife, mother, missionary and teacher. She died peacefully in her room at the Assisted Living facility in Sarasota, FL. She had gotten COVID a week ago. God really did answer our prayer to take her in such a peaceful way. We’ll have a memorial service in Florida in the near future.
Personal Prayer Notes:
Coronavirus – those with virus, those unable to work, healthcare workers, containment, those who are working to distribute and administer vaccines.
Gary Baker (Beth) - SMUMC Lay Leader – Gary is home from hospital on a heavy dose of antibiotics to clear up infection around appendix. Saw surgeon Tuesday, January 18.
Anita and Vernon Bowen - Anita Lee Bowen is a former Saint Mark member and daughter of Thelma and David Lee. Her husband, Vernon, has multiple myeloma and was scheduled for stem cell treatment, but both Anita and Vernon have COVID, which has postponed the treatment for at least two months. Prayers are requested that they both recover from COVID and that the stem cell treatment will be completed soon.
Gene Bowers - Father of SMUMC Minister of Family Outreach, Maria Bowers - Fell on January 4, causing head injury and severely broken arm. Surgery on arm was successful, but recovery has been a struggle.
Randy Collins (Ann) - Recovering at home from surgery to correct protruding screw in lower back.
Lorraine Cosh – Sister of SMUMC disciple Frieda Phipps - Has breast cancer and will be undergoing surgery on February 9, 2022.
Sue Crane - Had surgery on January 19 and appreciates prayers as she recovers and rehabilitates.
Louise Ellenburg - Has entered into hospice care. She is 94 and resides at the Oaks of Seneca. Prayers for her peace and comfort from a merciful God are requested.
Timothy Ellenburg – Nephew of Lura and Woody Wyatt. Cancer has spread to his liver and other organs. Pray that pain will get better and he can find peace with this.
David Garland (Tammy) - David is in the hospital at Prisma in Greenville. He has been moved back to Bone Marrow transplant wing #5421. In extreme pain, please pray for relief.
Betty Guest - Fell and broke foot on December 17. Cast removed and will not have to have surgery. Recovering at home and doing well.
Florence Hanzel – Had heart ablation on Wednesday, January 19 in Anderson. From Florence: I am doing fine. I cannot lift anything for a week. Hope to be in church Sunday if the weather cooperates. Thank you for your prayers. It was a long surgery but everything went well.
Jayne Horne - Friend of Marlene Edlund, undergoing radiation for large sarcoma [cancer] in her left leg to prepare for surgery. Pray that the radiation will kill the sarcoma. Jayne has two other friends from Saint Mark -- Jane Gabe and Bunny Hickey.
Donna Jaynes, SMUMC Facilities Manager, hospitalized at OMH with pneumonia.
Tom Lund – Home recovering from hip replacement surgery at Oconee hospital on January 4.
Joe Tuttle – Skin cancer on leg removed January 10. Will have check up on February 3. Recently fell and sprained knee. Please pray for healing.
Youth and Leaders attending the Revolution Youth event in Columbia, SC on weekend of January 29-30.
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Persons with prayer requests may click here to contact Pastor Todd.
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Advent Giving Boxes will be sorted in the gym beginning at 12:15 after traditional worship this Sunday. |
It's time for the Super Bowl - and that also means the youth of Saint Mark are preparing for their “Souper Bowl of Caring” special alms offering to benefit a local food pantry!
Super Bowl parties will continue to look quite different, and the Souper Bowl of Caring will once again look different as well. We will have an alms offering, this time to primarily benefit Our Daily Bread, whose volunteers continue to provide hot meals, Monday-Friday, to anyone who shows up needing something to eat.
Whether you are worshipping in person or via livestream, please consider dropping an offering in the alms basket this Sunday - or soup pots on February 6 - or mailing a check marked “alms” to the church, or even giving online.
Look for more information as this opportunity to feed a hungry soul nears! Thanks, as always, for your generous support.
Sincerely,
Maria Bowers and the Saint Mark Service Mission Team
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JOIN US FOR SHORT STORIES BY JESUS
Join the Thursday Women's Bible Study Group beginning Thursday, February 10 as we study Amy-Jill Levine's Short Stories by Jesus. We meet from 10:00 am to 12 noon and will meet weekly through Thursday, March 24. In this study, we will explore a fresh and timely interpretation of Jesus' most popular teaching parables. Anyone interested in joining can contact Sandy James for more information. Click here to email or call 864-710-6798.
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WOMEN'S RETREAT 2022
Due to COVID concerns, the Women’s Retreat is being postponed. More information will follow.
Please click here to contact Pat Reynolds with any questions.
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Monday, February 21, 2022
beginning 8:30 AM
SAINT MARK CENTER (GYM)
Life Line Screening, the nation’s leading provider of preventive health screenings, will offer affordable, non-invasive and painless health screenings at Saint Mark United Methodist Church on Monday, February 21, 2022.
A package of five screenings to identify risk for stroke, heart disease and other chronic conditions will be offered:
Carotid Artery Screening (Plaque)
Peripheral Arterial Disease Screening
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
Atrial Fibrillation
Osteoporosis Risk
These 5 vital screenings are offered for only $139 and take 60-90 minutes to complete. Click here to see a detailed brochure.
Register by calling toll free 1-888-653-6441, text the word "circle" to 797979 or online at https://llsa.social/HSC
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TIME CHANGE FOR YOUTH
BEGINS THIS SUNDAY!!
The Sunday afternoon Youth Gatherings will be held following the 11:00 a.m. Traditional Service - from
12:00 - 2:00 p.m. - for a trial period starting Sunday, January 23rd. We will gather for fellowship and study and to feed our souls! For more information, click here to contact Maria Bowers!
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Many of you have requested it, and Saint Mark now has mass texting capabilities available through the Thryve texting platform!
If you would like to opt-in to receive texts from Saint Mark UMC, text 833-270-8930. Not only will we have general messaging, but we will have subgroups such as "Elderberries" and "Praise Team" so that you will receive messages pertinent to you.
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HAVE YOU SIGNED UP?
There are many dates yet available in 2022! Please sign up on the calendar outside the sanctuary or
864-719-0232.
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BLUE RIDGE BOOK FAIR NEEDS VOLUNTEERS
Blue Ridge Elementary School is seeking volunteers to help at their Book Fair Friday, February 11 through Thursday, February 17. Shifts are 7:30 am - 11 am or 12 noon to 3:00 pm. Please contact librarian Chambrike Teasley at [email protected]. She would appreciate any help. |
Red = Events
Blue = Meetings
JANUARY 2022
Ree Burke Funeral
Monday, January 24
10:00 am
Sanctuary
Elderberries Meeting
Monday, January 24
5:00 pm
Room A201
Council of Stewards
Monday, January 24
6:00 pm
Commons Room
CDC CPR Class
Saturday, January 29
8:00 am - 12:30 pm
Commons Room
FEBRUARY 2022
Faith Formation Committee
Tuesday, February 1
5:30 pm
A201
Elizabeth Circle
Thursday, February 3
10:30 am
Event Center @ Keowee Key
CDC Steering Committee
Thursday, February 3
5:30 pm - 7:00 pm
A201
Abigail Circle
Monday, February 7
11:30 am
Commons Room
Deborah Circle
Monday, February 7
7:00 pm
A201
Hospitality Committee
Monday, February 7
5:30 pm
Conference Room
Trustees Meeting
Tuesday, February 8
4:30 pm
A206
The Gathering
Wednesday, February 9
5:30 pm
Gym
Women’s Bible Study
Thursday, February 10
10:00 am - 12 noon
Commons Room
Scouting Ministry Celebration Sunday
Celebrate! Contemporary Worship
Sunday, February 13
9:00 am
Gym
Susanna Wesley Circle
Monday, February 14
12:30 pm
A201
UMW Meeting
Tuesday, February 15
3:30 pm
A201
UMW “Zero Weeks” Documentary
Tuesday, February 15
TBD
Sanctuary
Women’s Bible Study
Thursday, February 17
10:00 am - 12 noon
Commons Room
Human Relations Sunday (Rescheduled)
Sunday, February 20
Celebrate! Contemporary Worship
9:00 am @ Gym
Traditional Worship
11:00 am@ Sanctuary
LifeLine Health Screening
Monday, February 21
8:30 am
Gym
Church & Society Team Meeting
Monday, February 21
7:00 pm
Commons Room
Boating Safety
Tuesday, February 22
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Gym
Women’s Bible Study
Thursday, February 24
10:00 am - 12 noon
Commons Room
SPRC Meeting
Sunday, February 27
12:15 pm
A201
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ELDERBERRIES
*We are carefully monitoring the COVID trend as event dates get closer. The Elderberries committee will use its discretion on whether events should proceed as planned.
Elderberries events for January 2022 have been postponed in light of COVID protocols.
Check back to see upcoming events in the months ahead.
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The posting of a racist message on an electronic roadside sign in Sumter has prompted much dismay, anger and sorrow. Such use of hate speech has gained renewed acceptance in recent years, proving we have a long way to go in fulfilling God’s commandment to love our neighbors.
To read the full article, click on the link below:
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Saint Mark UMC
616 Quincy Road
Seneca, SC 29678
Call us:
9 am - 5 pm (M-Th)
(864) 882-2603
send an email
Pastoral Care
Emergencies or after regular office hours
call or text
(864) 882-2603
extension 104
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Have you moved, changed your phone number or email address?
Let us know!
Click here to let us know of changes in your contact information.
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Check Out Our Entire Church
Calendar of Events
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Click here to see what is going on at Saint Mark this week and in the weeks to come.
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Sunday,
January 23, 2022
9:00 am
Celebrate!
Contemporary
Worship
@ Gym
10:00 am
Sunday School
10:15 am
Destiny Christian
Center Worship
@ Commons Room
11:00 am
Traditional Worship
@ Sanctuary
Worship services will be LiveStreamed
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Children's and Youth
Sunday School
continues THIS Sunday
at 10 am
Children meet in Room A101, off of atrium.
Youth meet in the Youth Room.
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Visit our Saint Mark website! Click here. Check out our "Business of the Church" menu. |
Do You Need to Reserve a Room or Space at Saint Mark?
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There are multiple ways for you to practice the discipline of stewardship, and experience the joy of generosity. It’s your generosity that supports the many ministries of Saint Mark which are making a difference in the lives of many in our church and community each day.
To keep your giving up-to-date, you may use one of the following ways to make sure your pledge remains up-to-date:
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You can place your donations in the baskets at worship.
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You can mail your checks to Karen Holcombe at the church office -616 Quincy Road, Seneca, SC 29678.
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You can set up bank draft by contacting Karen at the church office (864) 882-2603.
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You may also give your tithes and offerings online. It is quick and easy. Click here to give safely and securely. PLEASE NOTE: You may now contribute your alms through the online giving app. It is one of the giving options on the drop-down menu.
Thank you!!
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Watch Last Sunday's Services of Worship Today
Due to inclement weather last Sunday, worship services at the church were cancelled.
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Grant us, Lord God,
a vision of your world as your love would have it:
a world where the weak are protected, and none go hungry or poor;
a world where the riches of creation are shared, and everyone can enjoy them;
a world where different races and cultures live in harmony and mutual respect;
a world where peace is built with justice, and justice is guided by love.
Give us the inspiration and courage to build it, through Jesus Christ our Lord.
Amen.
United Church of Christ
https://www.umcdiscipleship.org/articles/archive-praying-for-change-daily-prayers-for-anti-racism
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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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Saint Mark 2022 Ministry Guidebook |
Click here to view the entire Saint Mark 2021 Ministry Guidebook with information about church structure, leadership and ministries.
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Got Information to Share
With Your Church Family?
Do you have announcements, news, thank you notes you want to share with your Saint Mark family?
Send them to Kristine Montgomery, our Director of Media and Communications. She can include it in the next edition of the weekly Saint Mark publication, the Heart Beat. To contact Kristine, Click here or call her at the church office (864) 882-2603. Send your information to Kristine by Wednesday before the Heart Beat goes out on Thursday.
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