I hear it every day from so many people. “Our daily lives challenge us in so many ways to refrain from being faithful to God’s call upon our lives.” It’s true! There are so many things that compete for our time and attention. But the truth is, there is only one thing that really matters – and as Jesus says, that one thing is making the kingdom of God our primary concern. Worship with us Sunday to learn more! Pastor Todd

CDC CELEBRATION SUNDAY!

Saint Mark will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the opening of the Child Development Center on Sunday, October 9. CDC parents and staff members will join us during the Traditional Worship service that day. Celebrate! Contemporary Worship attendees will be invited to a guided tour of the CDC immediately following the 9:00 service and may partake in the anniversary cake.

CDC students, trained by Debbie Barton and Laura Ritter, will take part in the Traditional Worship service through music. Immediately following the 11:00 service, the CDC staff and Steering Committee will host an Open House, showcasing the work completed to refurbish the facility over the last 18 months. The “Mystery of the CDC” will be revealed! Come see for yourself, enjoy a piece of birthday cake, and welcome our CDC families to worship!

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THANK YOU, SAINT MARK!

The disciples of Saint Mark have supported Epworth Children’s Home with generous gifts during 2022. $1,636 was received for the Mother’s Day Offering in May and $2,220 for the Annual Workday Offering. One individual contributed $200, which was sent in August. To date, the Mission Service Team has contributed $3,915 from their budget. That is a fantastic total of $7,971! In addition, the Mission Service Team approved a $200 expenditure from their budget that was used to prepare gift baskets which were given to fostering families at the Epworth Upstate Fostering Network Recognition Dinner. Thank you, Saint Mark!

CDC PODCAST:

The Response to ReShape Feedback

In anticipation of the Saint Mark Child Development Center's 25th Anniversary and Open House on October 9, the CDC Steering Committee has been sharing a series of videos highlighting this important ministry. This week we share an audio "Podcast" in which Becky Hazelwood, Chair of the CDC Steering Committee, addresses how Saint Mark has responded to ReShape Feedback about the CDC. CLICK HERE to listen. 

Look for the CDC Big Reveal video during worship services this Sunday!

Join us on Wednesday, October 12 for a special Gathering meal in the gym as we continue to celebrate the CDC's 25th anniversary. CDC families and staff will fellowship with us! The children will sing lively songs they learned in VBS this summer and treat us to a “Drums Alive” performance. 

Make your reservations with Donna Jaynes for “Italian Night” featuring Chicken Alfredo, Baked Spaghetti, Tossed Salad, Bread, and Dessert. $7/person; $14 per couple; $15/family of four; $3/child; children under 5 eat free. 

Disciples of Saint Mark UMC will recognize that October is the time when our Stewardship Ministry Team reaches out to our church family with the opportunity to pledge their financial support for the upcoming year’s ministry budget. Saint Mark disciples will receive their annual pledge card (Faith Commitment) in the mail the week of October 24-28, 2022. Please fill out your pledge card and bring it with you to worship on Sunday, October 30, 2022. As part of our celebration, we will have one worship service only in the Sanctuary at 11 am, where we will dedicate our pledges to God with prayer. Please also plan to join us for a Celebration meal in the Saint Mark Center following worship. Meat and drinks will be provided. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share.

All Saints Sunday, celebrated the first Sunday of November every year, is a time to honor the memory of loved ones in the faith who have passed before us. Again this year we will mark the occasion with displays of red roses for our worship. You are invited to remember your loved ones by reserving and naming roses for the displays. Reservation forms are included in the church bulletins this Sunday and online on the homepage of the church website. Click here to be taken to the online order form. The deadline to reserve roses is Tuesday, October 18th. 

• October Birthdays
• Pickle Ball Mondays
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Okay, disciples -- we have received only nine responses in three weeks! There are 466 of you who receive the Heart Beat and grapevines. Let's get your photos and information updated by December 31st so that we can have a new directory for 2023. Thank you for your cooperation. Click on the graphic above for details. 

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Our Fall Festival/Trunk-or-Treat is just around the corner! Get your costumes ready and plan to come out for some fall fun with your family and invite your friends! If you want to help with this event by decorating a trunk, please email Becca Williams or add your name to the sign-up sheet outside the church office. Candy donations are also needed! Please place bags of candy in the collection bins located at the Atrium entrances between now and Sunday, October 14th! Thank you for supporting Family Ministries in this way!

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