Part of our responsibility as believers is to stop and think about where our lives are headed and to consider the consequences of ignoring Christ's message. Humble Christians, who listen intently to Jesus' words and who strive to live by them, are building their lives on THE "solid rock" that will withstand the storms of life and the final judgement of Christ. Worship with us this Sunday to learn more. Pastor Todd
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SCOUTING MINISTRY CELEBRATION
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 13
Please join us for Scouting Ministry Celebration Sunday on Sunday, February 13, 2022 during the Celebrate! Worship Service at 9 am in the Saint Mark Center. Scouts and Leaders from the Troop which meet on Saint Mark’s campus will be helping to lead worship and will share some information about Scouting that make it an exciting ministry in our community.
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THANK YOU FROM DONNA
Saint Mark Family,
I can’t begin to express how much the love shown to me during my illness and recovery has meant. You fed not only my body, but my soul as well with the outpouring of food, cards, flowers, phone calls and texts. I am beyond blessed to be part of such a loving church family.
With a grateful heart,
Donna Jaynes
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WHYOMA DAVIS
Our deepest sympathies and prayers go out to the family of Whyoma Davis (93), who died on Monday, February 7, 2022. She is survived by her husband, Curt Davis. Both Whyoma and Curt have been long-time Saint Mark disciples. A celebration of Whyoma’s life and faith will be held in the Sanctuary at Saint Mark UMC at 2 pm on Monday, February 14, 2022. Visitation will be held in the Sanctuary from 1-2 pm. Graveside Committal to follow the service at Heritage Memorial Gardens on Hwy. 11.
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PLEASE DONATE BLOOD
IN
DAVID P. GARLAND'S NAME
Many Saint Mark disciples answered the call to donate blood when we first sent a message on January 10th, alerting folks of David Garland's health struggle with a rare blood disorder. We at the church thank you, and we know the Garland family is so very grateful, too. David is on day 45 at Prisma Health Greenville Memorial Hospital. He has received 30 units of blood so far and is still fighting to recover.
Blood supplies in general are critically low, and the Blood Connection can always use our help. We ask that blood donations continue to be made in David P. Garland's name at The Blood Connection, 1308 Sandifer Blvd. in Seneca.
Hours are 7 am to 7 pm Monday thru Friday and Saturday and Sunday 7 am to 5 pm. Click here to check your eligibility to donate. Thank you for making a difference.
You must mention the Code: 7DAB2 before donating in order for David to receive credit. Thank you!
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ReSHAPE REVEAL IS COMING!
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2022
On Sunday, February 27 – Transfiguration of Christ Sunday -- the Celebrate! and Traditional worship services will be devoted to sharing the transformational “Pathways” forward for Saint Mark that were revealed to the ReShape Coordination team during our discernment process -- pathways that emerged from your responses in our ReShape small groups. These pathways are truly a blend of things we want to continue, stop, and/or explore -- things we pray will “transfigure” Saint Mark as we move forward. We pray that these pathways truly reflect God’s call for our church family and our ministries here at Saint Mark and that He will continue to bless us as we move forward.
We will be sharing important information about how to access all of the information that we collected during the eight weeks of ReShape meetings – we encourage you to see and read it all for yourselves! We will share the plans developed by the Coordination Team, the Small Group leaders and your Council of Stewards to ensure that we walk these pathways into Saint Mark’s future, and how we plan to keep our church family informed as we move forward. And, we will announce several opportunities for you to meet with the Coordination team to have your specific questions answered.
The message of “Connections” is just beginning at Saint Mark -– the exciting work is just beginning, and we all need to be part of this! Come join us for worship on February 27!
Jeff Weicksel, Chairperson
ReShape Coordination Team
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SENIOR PASTOR'S DISCRETIONARY FUND
Many of you may not be aware that Saint Mark has a Senior Pastor’s Discretionary Fund, which allows the Senior Pastor to help persons in our church and community who look to the church to help make a difference in their lives.
Because of your generosity, in the past six months, we helped a Saint Mark family with unexpected funeral expenses after their loved one died from COVID-19 complications.
We helped another disciple to pay his electric bill, so that his child could continue to learn online from home during the pandemic.
We assisted our church custodian, Jimmy Hornsby and his family to cover medical expenses following his heart attack in October, 2021.
We assisted Oconee United Ministries in helping low income persons and “at risk” families in our community to cover utility payments totaling $2,250.00 – all due to your generosity!
We assisted the Tamassee DAR School with support for a new program that helps “at-risk” mothers with children to “start over” in a safe environment until they are ready to be on their own.
When Safe Harbor could not hold their annual Minister’s Cook Off to raise money for this important ministry, your generous donations ensured that they could still receive the financial support they desperately need.
We assisted the United Methodist Committee on Disaster Relief with financial support following the devastating tornadoes in Kentucky.
We supported the young adults who are part of the ministry of the Clemson University Wesley Foundation.
We supported our beloved ministry intern, Victoria Arnold, on her mission trip to Panama.
We helped a United Methodist church in our district with costly mold remediation, so that they could continue ministry on their campus.
We assisted a Saint Mark disciple to purchase a used vehicle following an automobile accident that totaled the family car.
We helped the Center of Faith Community with their “Widows Basket” Ministry.
We purchased 48 Life Application Study Bibles for incarcerated persons in South Carolina prisons, so they could learn about Jesus Christ and have hope in their situations.
I don’t have space to mention every opportunity we took to help others through the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund, but we have been able to accomplish many “blessings from God” because of your generosity.
I simply share these wonderful acts of kindness to say THANK YOU SAINT MARK. You are a church that seeks to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ.
The alms offering collected during Holy Communion on Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022 will be designated to support Saint Mark’s Pastor’s Discretionary Fund. Thank you for giving generously!
~ Pastor Todd
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ADVENT GIVING BOXES
SHARED IN OUR COMMUNITIES
This past Sunday we celebrated Saint Mark's tradition of preparing and dispersing Advent Giving Boxes for those in need within our communities. Click on the link below to watch the video.
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We appreciate all the Saint Mark disciples who donated items and helped to sort and distribute the Advent Boxes.
A special thank you to Carolyn Keese and Jane Harlin for helping to get the boxes where they needed to go!
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Ms. Patsy gratefully received some Advent Boxes for the folks she helps in the Utica community. They were especially low on cold weather gear. "God is good," she said. |
SWEET LITTLE GIRL NEW TO SAINT MARK |
The Saint Mark Aesthetics Committee has recently received a donation of the beautiful artwork (above) from disciples Debbie and Bob DuBose. The pastel drawing is by disciple Pat Sink and dated 2004. The sweet little girl depicted looks like an angel! Thanks to Debbie and Bob for this thoughtful gift to the church. |
We Extend Our Sincere Sympathies to:
Curt Davis on the death of his wife, Whyoma Davis (93), who died on Monday, February 7, 2022. A celebration of Whyoma’s life and faith will be held in the Sanctuary at Saint Mark UMC at 2 pm on Monday, February 14, 2022. Visitation will be held in the Sanctuary from 1-2 pm. Graveside Committal to follow the service at Heritage Memorial Gardens on Hwy. 11.
Personal Prayer Notes:
Coronavirus – those with virus, those unable to work, healthcare workers, containment, those who are working to distribute and administer vaccines.
Gene Bowers – Father of SMUMC Minister of Family Outreach, Maria Bowers – health issues.
Ann Cannon – Sister of Alicia Spivey – Having a hard time recovering from recent knee surgery.
Mark Davis - Brother of Jack Davis - Had stroke and brain bleed on January 20. Now in step down unit at MUSC.
David Garland - On day 45 at Prisma Health in Greenville. Slowly responding to treatments for Hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), a rare disease. With HLH, the body's immune system does not work normally. Certain white blood cells (histiocytes and lymphocytes) attack other blood cells, collecting in the spleen and liver, and causing these organs to enlarge.
Hilda McCurley (Mother of Sally Boggs) – Surgery for fractured hip successful. Recovering in rehabilitation facility 3-4 weeks.
Karen Suarez – Recovering from eye surgery on
February 2nd.
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Persons with prayer requests may click here to contact Pastor Todd.
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BUY SOUP TO BENEFIT SAFE HARBOR
The UMW will be selling (Not Too) Spicy Black Bean Soup Mix on Sunday, February 13 for $7/bag in the atrium and narthex following both services. Proceeds from the sale will benefit Safe Harbor, a local shelter for women seeking safe haven from domestic violence.
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COME SEE THIS IMPORTANT DOCUMENTARY |
Please join Saint Mark United Methodist Women to view the documentary, Zero Weeks, which shows real-life examples of the paid leave crisis and how it affects families across America.
Who: Our Congregation and Community
When: February 15 at 7:00 p.m.
Where: Saint Mark UMC Sanctuary, Seneca, SC
“Most Americans agree that family comes first, but we are the only developed country without paid leave. In one of the richest nations in the world, having a baby, a medical emergency or an aging parent can be a trigger into poverty. Weaving powerful personal stories with insightful interviews, ZERO WEEKS, explores America’s paid leave crisis and the cost of doing nothing.”
-- from ZeroWeeks.com
From United Methodist Women and Family Values at Work:
- Paid leave will allow people, regardless of gender, to cherish the first months of a child’s life and enrich the last months of a beloved parent’s; to heal and thrive after their own injury or illness; and to spur the recovery or ease the suffering of a loved one.
- Paid leave boosts productivity, reduces employee turnover and increases consumer spending, which leads to a healthy and competitive economy. It ensures coverage no matter where you live or work.
- Paid leave is critical to a living wage, ensuring no one earns $0 for having a baby, an illness, or a parent with cancer.
- Paid leave is critical for an effective health care system, so people can take the time they need for treatment.
- The question is not if, but when the United States will join the rest of the world in making it possible for people to provide for and care for their loved ones.
We hope to see you on February 15 at 7:00 p.m. for an evening of learning and courageous conversation on the issue of paid family leave in America!
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LENTEN BOOK STUDY/ SERMON SERIES
Our 2022 Lenten book study and sermon series will be based on Rev. Adam Hamilton’s, The Lord’s Prayer – The Meaning and Power of the Prayer Jesus Taught. In this new book, Hamilton boldly wakes us from the slumber of monotony. He shakes up our understanding of familiar passages, shapes our perspective, and invites us to experience The Lord‘s Prayer as more than a model of how to pray. It is a model of how to live. Jesus loves us enough to teach us the words for conversation with God. We hope you will be involved in this meaningful opportunity.
Sermon Series begins the first Sunday in Lent, March 6, 2022.
There are two opportunities to join a 6 week small group study of the book. Pastor Todd will lead an in-person study on campus on Mondays at 10:30 am beginning March 7, 2022. Please let Pastor Todd know if you will participate in this group – tdavis@smumcsc.org.
Pastor Shawna will lead a Zoom small group study on Mondays at 7 pm beginning March 7, 2022. Please let Pastor Shawna know if you will participate in this group – sdarnall@smumcsc.org.
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Monday, February 21, 2022
beginning 8:30 AM
SAINT MARK CENTER (GYM)
There is a simple, convenient way for you to get preventive health screenings and learn your risk for stroke, heart disease and other chronic conditions.
These painless screenings go beyond your regular checkup to identify dangerous plaque buildup or blockage, a major risk factor for stroke and heart disease. The screenings are accurate, affordable, and will give you valuable information about your health that you can share with your doctor.
We are pleased to host Life Line Screening, who will be on site on Monday, February 21, 2022 at St Mark United Methodist Church to conduct these valuable screenings.
These 5 vital screenings are offered for only $139 and take 60-90 minutes to complete.
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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JOIN US ON ASH WEDNESDAY
MARCH 2, 2022
EVENING SERVICE & GATHERING MEAL
Ash Wednesday begins the season of Lent, a time when many Christians prepare for Easter by observing a period of fasting, repentance, moderation and spiritual discipline.
Ash Wednesday emphasizes two themes: our sinfulness before God and our human mortality. Throughout scripture, ashes are used as part of rituals when people seek forgiveness and mourn their sin. Traditionally, the Imposition of Ashes on the foreheads of Christians marks the beginning of Lent.
As the ashes are placed on the forehead, words such as these are spoken: "Remember that you are dust and to dust you shall return," recalling God's words to Adam in Genesis 3:19.
You are invited to join us on Wednesday, March 2 for a 7 pm Ash Wednesday worship service in the Saint Mark UMC Sanctuary, which will include the Imposition of Ashes.
You are also invited to join us for a “Gathering Meal” beginning at 5:30 pm in the Saint Mark Center (gym). Breakfast will be served for dinner that evening. The cost is $5/person; $3/child age 5 years and older; children under age 5 eat free. Reservations are needed. You may
click here to make a reservation with Donna Jaynes.
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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 cteasley@sdoc.org. She would appreciate any help.
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Memory Café for February will be held on Tuesday, February 15, 2022. We will meet at 2:00 PM in the office building of Saint Luke United Methodist Church. The address is 607 E Main Street, Walhalla, South Carolina 29691.
The special event for the day is Chocolate Bingo. It is a bingo game in which when you win, you get chocolate in commemoration of Valentine’s Day. Come join us and make Memory Cafe a place where you and your loved one with memory loss can get together in a safe, supportive, and engaging environment. It is a place where you can interact, laugh, cry, find support, share concerns, celebrate, and encourage friendship and acceptance.
All meetings are free. Please come join us. Call Bonnie Holmes at (864-539-6069) for more information.
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Red = Events
Blue = Meetings
FEBRUARY 2022
Scouting Ministry Celebration Sunday
Celebrate! Contemporary Worship
Sunday, February 13
9:00 am
Gym
Service/Missions Team Meeting
Sunday, February 13
12:15 pm
A201
Susanna Wesley Circle
Monday, February 14
12:30 pm
A201
UMW “Zero Weeks” Documentary
Tuesday, February 15
7:00 pm
Sanctuary
Women’s Bible Study
Thursday, February 17
10:00 am - 12 noon
Commons Room
Elderberries - Bingo/Bunco
Saturday, February 19
3:00 pm
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
UMW Leadership Meeting
Tuesday, February 22
3:30 pm
A201
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
MARCH 2022
Faith Formation Team
Tuesday, March 1
5:30 pm
A201
Boating Safety
Tuesday, March 1
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Gym
Ash Wednesday
The Gathering
Wednesday, March 2
Meal 5:30 pm
Gym
Worship Service
7:00 pm
Women’s Bible Study
Thursday, March 3
10:00 am - 12 noon
Commons Room
Elizabeth Circle
Thursday, March 3
10:30 am
Event Center @ Keowee Key
CDC Lunch & Learn
Friday, March 4
11:30 am - 2:30 pm
Commons Room
The Lord’s Prayer Book Study Group
Monday, March 7
10:30 am - 12 noon
Commons Room
Abigail Circle
Monday, March 7
11:30 am
Commons Room
Deborah Circle
Monday, March 7
7:00 pm
A201
The Lord’s Prayer Book Study Group
Monday, March 7
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Zoom Meeting
Worship Meeting
Tuesday, March 8
5:00 pm
A201
Boating Safety
Tuesday, March 8
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Gym
Women’s Bible Study
Thursday, March 10
10:00 am - 12 noon
Commons Room
CDC CPR Class
Saturday, March 12
8:00 am - 12:00 noon
Commons Room
The Lord’s Prayer Book Study Group
Monday, March 14
10:30 am - 12 noon
Commons Room
Finance Committee Meeting
Monday, March 14
6:00 pm
Room A201
The Lord’s Prayer Book Study Group
Monday, March 14
7:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Zoom Meeting
Boating Safety
Tuesday, March 15
6:00 pm - 8:30 pm
Gym
Women’s Bible Study
Thursday, March 17
10:00 am - 12 noon
Commons Room
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Hopefully the COVID cooties will dissipate enough that we can gather for food, fun, and fellowship in February! To RSVP, click here.
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*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.
Check back to see upcoming events in the months ahead!
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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
Church Calendar
of Events for
the Entire Year
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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,
February 13, 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 are LiveStreamed!
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Children and Youth
SUNDAY SCHOOL
10:00 AM
Children meet in Room A101 off the atrium.
Youth meet in the
Youth Room.
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Do you need to reserve a room or other 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 any of the following ways to make sure your pledge remains up-to-date:
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place your donations in the baskets at worship.
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mail checks to Karen Holcombe at the church office: 616 Quincy Road, Seneca, SC 29678.
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set up bank draft by contacting Karen at the church office (864) 882-2603.
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give tithes and offerings online. Click here to give safely and securely.
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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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DID YOU MISS A SERVICE OR WANT TO SEE IT AGAIN?
Click here to watch last week's Celebrate! Contemporary Service.
Click here to watch last week's Traditional Worship Service.
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I pray that our eyes may be open
To be one another’s keeper
To look out for the children of the world
Offer a kind word, a book, an encouragement
I pray that we may teach our kids to hope
To be kind, to love, to stand against injustice
Because in teaching our kids humanity
We improve humanity
I pray we may remember we are the hands and feet of God
Without us, there is no life
Life is in a grant, a shared moment, a prayer, a classroom
May we always offer life to children
And may we take time to accept what children offer us
The magic of hope and love
— Donna Akuamoah, United Methodist Women International Ministries executive
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Submit Your Prayer Requests
We are pleased to receive your prayer requests for yourself or for friends and family. Click here to submit your request to Pastor Todd Davis.
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Saint Mark 2022
Ministry Guidebook
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Click here to view the entire Saint Mark 2022 Ministry Guidebook with information about church structure, leadership and ministries.
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Have 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 newsletter, the Heart Beat.
Click here to email Kristine or call her at the church office
(864) 882-2603.
Send your information to Kristine by 3 pm Wednesday before the Heart Beat goes out on Thursday afternoon.
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