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When we perceive something or someone to lack that quality of rightness or fairness, it bothers us. I am sure we have all had times in our lives when we felt someone had slighted us, cheated us, or disrespected us. And, I feel pretty confident that most of us have responded to this by exclaiming, "That's not fair!" In our Scripture reading for Sunday, God does the same! Worship with us to learn more! ~ Pastor Todd

GUEST MUSICIAN

LEA KIBLER

Join us this Sunday to hear guest musician Lea Kibler. Lea is on the music faculty at Clemson University. She is a graduate of Yale University with a degree in flute performance, and she performs in the Carolinas with various groups including the Amici Music chamber ensemble.

Monday, January 30th is Pastor Todd's birthday! You can CLICK HERE to send him well wishes.

The updated Disciples Directory is now available online! This will be a permanent feature in the Heart Beat, accessible by clicking on the graphic in the lower right hand column. It will also be added to the church website.

The directory is password protected due to personal information. You will receive a separate email containing the password. Printed directories can be obtained by contacting the church office.

If you would like to submit a photograph or update your contact information, please email Kristine Montgomery.

PLEDGE CAMPAIGN RESULTS REPORTED

During worship last Sunday, Stewardship Committee Chair Peter Salis reported the results of this year's pledge drive and the impact of those results on the church's 2023 budget. Click on the link below to watch the clip:

MISSION OPPORTUNITY FOR LENT

Pilgrim Seminary in Myrtle Beach, SC is organizing Prayer for Prisons for the season of Lent. There are 1,000 federal and state prisons throughout the United States. We have students in many of these prisons and hope to add more as the year goes on.

Would you (and your family) be willing to accept a short term missionary assignment as a Prayer Missionary? The Prayer Missionary's responsibility would be to pray for one specific prison each day from Ash Wednesday (February 23, 2023) to Pentecost (May 28, 2023). You can select the prison to pray for, or one can be assigned. Prayers will be offered for the believers in prison communities, as well as the believers-yet-to-be.

We need 1,000 men and women who are strong in faith and diligent in prayer to be part of this effort. Those willing to serve should email [email protected]. Details will be provided. Thank you!

www.pilgrimseminary.org

POLLY FEHLER FIGHTS FOR HER (and everybody's) RIGHTS

Saint Mark disciple Polly Fehler shares her important story about being scammed out of $20,000. We share her story with you this week so that you can protect yourself when it comes to scams like this. We are thankful for Polly‘s courage to help make a difference to others by sharing her story. Click on the link below to learn more:

https://www.wspa.com/news/upstate-scam-victim-takes-her-fight-for-more-protection-to-congress/

A NEW Sunday School Class will begin Sunday, January 29th at 10:15 AM in room A203. Although the name of the class is yet to be determined by the participants, it is targeted for adults ages 28-50 -- especially those whose children are in Sunday School during the 10:15 hour. 

The four facilitators hope to assist in spiritual formation and growth as we tackle this crazy world we live in. Class activities will vary throughout the month and potentially include an occasional Zoom meeting, definitely a monthly brunch, hopefully an occasional field trip in the afternoon, and a mission project.

As Lynn Dobson explains, the intent is to think creatively about ways to connect and be inspired by Jesus. Says Lynn, "Jesus was the most creative human we know. He was constantly challenging his followers to think out of their comfort zones, to reimagine life with a focus of love and connection."

The class will hold an official "kick off" brunch in A203 on Sunday, February 5th at 10:15 am for anyone interested. You are invited to stop by and learn more. Contact Lynn Dobson at 864-247-1320 with questions.

• GriefShare Support Group starts 2/7
• Lenten Bible Study with Pastor Todd starts 2/13
• Life Line Screening at Saint Mark 2/28

Due to increased food costs, prices for The Gathering have increased to the following: $10/per adult; $20/per family; $5/child; kids under 5 eat free. Please RSVP to

Donna Jaynes. CLICK HERE to see February's menu.

Please consider remembering, honoring, or celebrating someone by giving Sanctuary flowers for our worship time.

The 2023 Flower Calendar is available for sign up on the wall by the Music Suite. The month of March is currently blank, so please consider giving flowers in March. Thank you in advance.

And did you know? The flowers you give not only bless those you honor and the congregation in the sanctuary, but after worship service, those flowers are divided by members of the Caring Ministry and taken to Saint Mark disciples who are in medical or assisted living facilities to brighten their day. A blessing three times over!

Please contact Sarah Boylston with any questions.

• February Birthdays
• Pickle Ball Mondays
• Opt-In for Texting

• Mental Health First Aid Course at Zion UMC

CLICK HERE to read all the news relating to Saint Mark's Children and Youth Ministries!

The Greenville County Museum of Art is considered the premier American art museum in the South and is home to the world’s largest public collection of watercolors by iconic American artist Andrew Wyeth. The GCMA also has an impressive collection of paintings and prints by contemporary artist Jasper Johns, the largest institutional collection of pottery by enslaved artisan David Drake, and the largest collection outside the Smithsonian of works by South Carolina-born artist William H. Johnson. Ranging from Federal portraits to contemporary abstractions, the GCMA’s acclaimed Southern Collection invites viewers to survey American art history through works with ties to the South. 

We are confirming whether the church bus will be available; if not, we will carpool. We will also arrange to have lunch in Greenville after the museum visit.

Contact Kristine Montgomery with questions or to RSVP, or sign up online by CLICKING HERE.

CLICK HERE to visit the museum's website.

2023 Environmental Stewardship Challenge

Reduce . Reuse . Recycle . Rethink

The Saint Mark Church & Society Team hopes that you will join us in the 2023 Environmental Stewardship Challenge!

CLICK HERE to link to our web page for details and to sign up to participate (and possibly win a prize!)

Click here to view the entire Saint Mark 2023 Ministry Guidebook with information about church structure, leadership and ministries.