Change in Guidelines
As COVID cases decline and because many more of our Saint Mark disciples are fully vaccinated, or in the process, we have relaxed some of our guidelines for keeping our church family safe. We have removed the following precautions from the list:
- We relaxed the requirement for 6’ distancing
- We relaxed the requirement to refrain from hugging and shaking hands
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We modified the mask requirement, requesting that masks still be worn in worship and in large groups, but small groups (Sunday School Classes, UMW circles, ministry teams and committees, etc.) can decide whether or not they will require masks when they are meeting.
Please read the guidelines carefully. Keeping our church family safe is our number one priority. Thanks for understanding.
We will notify you of changes as time goes on.
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Easter Sunday
A Celebration of the Resurrection
of our Lord and Savior
In-Person and Pre-Recorded Worship
THIS Sunday, April 4
10:15 am
We are planning a wonderful Easter celebration for THIS Sunday, April 4, 2021 and hope that you and your family will join us! Worship will be on the front lawn beginning at 10:15 am. We will have a large event tent. Please plan to bring lawn chairs and blankets. Of course, we will wear masks and practice social distance.
Our Easter celebration will begin with an Easter Egg hunt for children at 9:30 am in the church playground, followed by worship at 10:15.
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We hope you will plan to bring live cut flowers with you to worship so that we can decorate our Living Cross with the beautiful flowers of spring. The flower-covered cross will include the Calla Lilies that were purchased for Easter 2020 by Saint Mark disciples in memory and honor of loved ones, but not ordered due to the pandemic.
Worship will feature music with our choirs and Praise Team, an Easter message, and Holy Communion.
Our brothers and sisters from Destiny Christian Center will be joining us for worship.
Since the pandemic kept us from being together on Easter last year, we especially want to celebrate this year with everyone in our family of faith who feels safe coming to church on Easter. Since we will be outside in our front yard, we will have lots of room to spread out, so invite someone to join you!
PLEASE NOTE: If you are unable to join us for in person worship this year, we will be offering a pre-recorded Easter service on Sunday morning, which will include a Love Feast. Watch for email to arrive at 10:15 am, our normal worship time.
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Easter Alms Offering
The Easter alms offering will be deposited into the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund, which Pastor Todd uses throughout the year to help local residents in crisis. He may pay for a night or two in a motel for a family being evicted, or give an Ingles gift card to help a family buy food. Sometimes he helps with gas money or to cover an unexpected medical expense. He does not give out cash, but pays for the emergency expense directly.
The Easter alms offering is the only formal collection received for this fund during the year, but disciples are welcome to contribute to the fund at any time. Thank you, as always, for your generosity.
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We Extend Our Sincere Sympathies and Prayers to:
Don Taylor and family on the death of Don’s father, Robert F. Taylor who died on Sunday, March 28, 2021. Robert resided in Altamonte Springs, Florida.
Personal Prayer Notes:
Coronavirus – those with virus, those unable to work, healthcare workers, containment, those who are working to distribute and administer vaccines.
Ginny Argue - Underwent surgery for a broken hip on Thursday, March 25. Is hoping to go to rehab soon.
Kathie Ashley - Sister of Lavonne Sloop - Her Endocrine cancer has spread, and she does not want to continue the treatments. She has moved to Hospice. We ask for continuing prayers for peace and comfort in the time she has left, surrounded by a family who loves her dearly. The family is at peace with her decision.
Jane Donovan - Jane Harlin's aunt. In the hospital in Ohio, multiple serious health issues have been discovered, working with health care team to decide on next steps.
Bob and Gwen Fink – Friends of Alan and Marlee Price. Bob is a long-time friend, former Rabun County Commissioner, and a great man. Has COPD and numerous medical challenges, COVID among them, and is in final stages with Hospice of Rabun County.
Patch Haley – family member of Lura and Woody Wyatt. Patch finished his 12th day of radiation. The next step is 6 rounds of immunotherapy starting in a few weeks. Unfortunately, Patch has some diminished heart function so they are waiting for medications to reach a therapeutic dose to be sure he is healthy enough to start this immunotherapy. Thanks for your continued prayers and thoughts.
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We suspect that there are other needs that we aren't aware of at this time. Thank you for your patience as we get through this time of recovery and social distancing. We are trying to stay on top of the needs as we become aware of them. Click here to send your prayer requests to Pastor Todd.
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Eight backpacks were delivered to Debra Andrews, Director of The Salvation Army Oconee County Service Center last week by SM disciples, Carol and Charlie VanOver, representing the Faith In Action Class.
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Faith In Action Class
Puts Their Faith Into Action
Many good things are going on behind the scenes at Saint Mark! Saint Mark disciples are reaching out to be the hands and feet of Jesus Christ our Lord. The Faith in Action Sunday School Class is putting its faith into action by undertaking a mission project each month. The mission projects usually involve donating items and/or services to various churches and agencies in the area, who are in need of assistance.
The Faith In Action Class collected and donated over 150 pounds of food to Ann Hope United Methodist Church’s food pantry in February. Ann Hope feeds neighbors in the Seneca community who are hungry through this food pantry.
The Faith In Action Class also recently assembled and donated (8) backpacks to The Salvation Army for distribution to homeless families in our area. Each backpack contains items that will make life a little easier for those who find themselves in difficult circumstances, and with few resources.
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Many thanks to the disciples of the Faith In Action class. If you would like to be part of this class’s ministry efforts, click here to contact Sandy James.
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Service of Holy Communion
on Maundy Thursday
THIS EVENING, Thursday, April 1
6:30 p.m.
In Person in the Sanctuary
Join us for a twenty-minute service of Holy Communion as we remember the night that Christ shared his last meal with the disciples and instituted for us this Holy Meal. Following Communion, you will be invited to remain in the posture of prayer in the sanctuary as we transition into our 7 p.m. service.
Maundy Thursday Worship
Journey through the Stations of the Cross
THIS EVENING, Thursday, April 1
7 p.m.
Live Stream and in person in the Sanctuary
Join us for a worship service of readings and music featuring the Saint Mark Chancel Choir as we experience together the traditional Stations of the Cross and the stripping of our sanctuary.
For more information, click here to contact Pastor Shawna.
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Yippee!!
Children of All Ages
Join us Easter Morning!
We are having an Easter Egg Hunt on Easter Sunday morning, April 4 at 9:30 am, before worship begins at 10:15 am. Children, meet us at the playground and bring your Easter basket!!
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Safe Harbor Donations Drive
Sponsored by
United Methodist Women (UMW)
As you might imagine, needs for emergency shelter and services for victims of domestic violence have increased as the COVID pandemic has dragged on. Coupled with the cancellation of normal fundraisers, Safe Harbor resources have been spread thin. Saint Mark has a long history of supporting Safe Harbor, beginning with a “house warming” when the shelter opened in 2014.
Once again, we have an opportunity to support women, children, and youth being served by the shelter. The UMW is sponsoring a drive to collect items needed to serve the residents of Safe Harbor during their stays. You can participate by donating the following items:
- Hair products for all hair types/ethnicities
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Large purses to create welcome kits
- Birthday boxes (large shoebox size) with following contents:
- Cake mix and frosting
- Cupcake Liners
- Party supplies (plastic tablecloth, small pack of plates, streamers, candles, etc)
- Party decor
- Birthday card
Bring your donations THIS Sunday! A table will be set up on the front porch of the church on Easter Sunday morning, April 4, so you can leave your donations then.
Got questions? Click here to contact Becky Hazelwood or call her at (770) 633-2434.
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For more information, click here to contact Bob Graves. |
VERY Special Birthday Wishes!!!!
John Glenn will celebrate his birthday on Tuesday, April 6! Let's celebrate with him! Click here to send him a birthday greeting!
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United Methodist Women
Virtual “Day Apart”
Theme: District Bright Lights
via Zoom
Saturday, April 17 at 10 am
Guest Speaker for the Day Apart: Brigitte Stephens, Executive Director of Helping Hands of Clemson. Brigitte will share how the money and donations are used to benefit the children they serve.
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You can pre-register for the Day Apart at adumwcc@aol.com. When you do, a Zoom link will be sent to you.
There are UMW members out there that would like to share a BRIGHT LIGHT PROJECT - something your group does to benefit missions. Many projects abound and we would love to hear your joy explaining your project to other district members. Please contact me if you would like a few minutes to share during our Day Apart Zoom meeting on April 17th. What a good time to share.
To share your circle's mission project, contact Elizabeth Finley at (864) 508-2470.
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The UMW Annual Spiritual Retreat
Will be Online!
Saturday, April 24
10 am
Speaker: Rev. Wendy Hudson-Jacoby
Pastor of Two Rivers UMC in the Charleston District
Miriam sang the refrain back to the women: "Sing to the Lord for this overflowing victory." Exodus 15:21
Ladies, click here to register. Or contact Toni Love at (704) 560-2853. |
Celebrate the Mission and Ministry
of Saint Mark UMC
Sunday, May 2
Mark your calendar now. Sunday, May 2 is going to be a big day in the life of our church.
Our own Paige (Matthews) Wolfe will bring the morning message. Paige is the daughter of Jim and Susan Matthews. She went through our youth program and felt the call to ministry. She is currently serving as Minister of Christian Education and Programs at Central United Methodist Church in Spartanburg, SC.
Following worship we will enjoy a pizza party with our Saint Mark family. We will also feel the exhilaration and joy of watching the ceremonial burning of our church mortgage.
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In conjunction with our Saint Mark Festival on Sunday, May 2, there will be Saint Mark's second quarterly Blood Drive, this time with The American Red Cross. Donors who have already received the COVID-19 vaccine, whether the first shot or both, are still able to donate. You just need to know which vaccine you have received (Pfizer, Moderna, etc.)
For more information click here to contact Saint Mark disciple, Sarah Weaver. |
Transform a Child's Future
Epworth Children's Home
Mothers Day Offering
Sunday, May 9
Each year, Epworth Children’s Home provides care to children in our own communities who have experienced abuse, neglect, and loss. Epworth’s care breaks the destructive cycle and encourages children to aim higher in life. The physical, emotional, academic, and spiritual care they receive transforms their lives.
On Sunday, May 9th, 2021, our congregation will support Epworth by collecting the Annual Epworth Mother’s Day Offering. We invite you to give generously to the children who call Epworth home.
Epworth does not receive apportionments from the United Methodist Conference. This offering is our opportunity to support this vital ministry. There are several ways to give.
- Special envelopes will be handed out during service.
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You can give an online donation by clicking on this link: https://www.epworthchildrenshome.org/give/ (select Designation: Other - then type in Mother’s Day offering)
- Checks can be mailed to Epworth Children’s Home, PO Box 50466, Columbia, SC 29250. Please write on the check memo or enclose a note that the contribution is for the Saint Mark UMC Mother’s Day offering.
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We Are Expanding Our
Beautiful and Meaningful
Gallery of Crosses
The Aesthetic Committee will be collecting crosses for the Gallery of Crosses, located in the hallway behind the sanctuary. Crosses may be donated in memory or honor of any family member and/or friend. The crosses received prior to May 1 will be hung for the Saint Mark Festival on May 2.
Crosses received after May 1 will be hung as soon as possible.
If you have any questions, please click here to contact Joyce Carney, or call her at (864) 882-4256 |
Sound, Projection and Live Stream Volunteers Needed
for Worship Services
Volunteers are needed for the control booth to help our worship services run smoothly. Behind the scenes jobs for camera, projection, sound and lights are needed immediately. Each worship service requires one person for each of these volunteer positions. That is four volunteers for each worship service every Sunday. The plan is to utilize volunteers on a rotating schedule, so you wouldn't work every week.
If we can get enough volunteers to help we may be able to resume the contemporary service sooner rather than later. No experience is required and training will be provided in order to step right into one of the four operating positions.
If you are interested, please call Jens Holley at the church office at (864) 882-2603 and volunteer your services at your earliest convenience.
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Saint Mark Child Development Center
Is Now Hiring
Our CDC is in need of a full-time worker and a part-time worker. Applicants must be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma.
The hours for the full-time position are 9 am - 5:30 pm Monday through Friday.
The hours for the part-time position are 2 - 5:30 pm
Monday through Friday.
Pay is based on experience.
To apply, please stop by the Saint Mark Child Development Center:
Saint Mark United Methodist Church
616 Quincy Road
Seneca, SC 29678
A background check and registry will be required.
To make an appointment, click here to contact Becca Williams, CDC Director. |
Funding the Mission and Ministries
of Saint Mark
During a Season of Uncertainty
First, thank you, thank you for your generous tithes and gifts during this unprecedented time of uncertainty. We wouldn't be able to support the mission and ministry of Saint Mark without your one-time or regular giving.
The giving of your tithes and offerings continues to be as important now as ever. 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.or by putting the required info into this link, on line credit and debit card, etc. 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.
Again, thank you!!
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Please note this complete list of upcoming events and meetings.
APRIL 2021
Easter Holiday - Church Office Closed
Thursday, April 1 - Monday, April 5
Thursday Morning Bible Study
Thursday, April 1
10 am
Zoom Meeting
Elizabeth Circle
Thursday, April 1
10:30 am
Keowee Key Picnic Shelter
Holy Communion
Thursday, April 1
6:30 pm
Sanctuary
Maundy Thursday Service
Thursday, April 1
7:00 pm
Sanctuary and Live Stream
Easter Egg Hunt
Sunday, April 4
9:30 am
Playground
Easter Sunday
Outdoor service in front yard
Sunday, April 4
10:15 am
Faith Circle
Monday, April 5
10:00 am
Zoom Meeting
Deborah Circle
Monday, April 5
7:00 pm
Room A201
Trustees Meeting
Tuesday, April 6
4:30 pm
Saint Mark Center
Abigail Circle
Monday, April 12
11:30 am
Zoom Meeting
Susanna Wesley Circle
Monday, April 12
12:30 pm
Zoom Meeting
Church and Society Team Meeting
Monday, April 12
5:15 pm
United Methodist Women
Virtual “Day Apart”
via (Zoom)
Saturday, April 17
10 am
Earth Day Observance
Sunday, April 18
UMW Leadership Meeting
Tuesday, April 20
3 pm
Library Team Work Day
Tuesday, April 20
4:30 pm
Library
The UMW Annual Spiritual Retreat
Online
Saturday, April 24
10 am
Stewardship Committee Meeting
Sunday, April 25
11:30 am
Room A201
MAY 2021
Red Cross Blood Mobile
Sunday, May 2
8:30 am - 1 pm
Acts Sunday School Class
Resumes Meeting In Person
Sunday, May 2
9 am
Room A204
Saint Mark Festival Worship and Pizza Party
Burning of the Mortgage
Sunday, May 2
Worship - 10:15 am
Burning of the Mortgage - 11:15
followed by a Pizza Party
If the information above about your class, group or meeting is not correct, please click here to contact Marla Fuller.
Although we have lifted some of our restrictions regarding meeting in-person, Zoom meetings are still an option. If you would like to schedule a Zoom meeting for your class, group or team, click here to contact Marla Fuller.
If your class, group or team plans to return to meeting in person, please click here to notify Donna Jaynes so that she can make sure the room is available and so that she can add it to the building usage calendar. Thanks for your help!
For more dates and details, click here to view our church calendar on the Saint Mark website. |
A Self-Guided Course for United Methodists
Implicit Bias: What We Don't Think We Think
Thoughts and feelings are “implicit” if we are unaware of them or mistaken about their nature. We have a bias when, rather than being neutral, we have a preference for (or aversion to) a person or group of people. Thus, we use the term “implicit bias” to describe when we have attitudes towards people or associate stereotypes with them without our conscious knowledge. A fairly commonplace example of this is seen in studies that show that white people will frequently associate criminality with black people without even realizing they’re doing it.
Instructor:
The Rev. E. Michelle Ledder works for GCORR (the General Commission on Religion and Race) and serves as their Director of Equity and Anti-Racism. She focuses on writing curriculum and facilitating workshops which teach the United Methodist Church, at all levels, how to live into increasingly honorable forms of anti-racism including but not limited to: implicit bias; anti-racist covenants; the skills to interrupt racism in real-time; economic redistribution and racial equity; and dismantling racism in language, relationships, policy, and systems. Rev. Ledder is an ordained elder in the AME (African Methodist Episcopal) Church and serves as an Assistant Minister at Metropolitan AME Church in Washington DC, where the Rev. William H. Lamar, IV is the pastor. Michelle is finishing up work toward earning a Ph.D. at Emory University with a focus on homiletics (preaching) and pedagogy (teaching). Her dissertation is titled: Preaching Truth: An Anti-Racist Anti-Racism Homiletic for 21st Century White Preachers. She lives in Baltimore with her Schnoodle, Webster.
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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) 882-2603
extension 104
send an email
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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,
April 4, 2021
Easter Sunday
Sunday
Schedule
9:00 am
Sunday School
9:30 am
Easter Egg Hunt
Church Playground
10:15 am
In-Person Worship
Front Yard Under
a Tent
AND Online
Pre-Recorded Worship
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Visit our new 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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Quick, easy and available HERE
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Watch Last Sunday's Service of Worship Today
If you were not able to attend worship on any given Sunday, you can still watch and enjoy the entire service of worship by clicking here.
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A Prayer for Holy Week
God of all seasons of our lives, six weeks ago we began our Lenten journey. We reflected on our mortality, on our need for each other and on our never-ending need for You.
Since that day of ashes, we have journeyed with Jesus, day by day, to Jerusalem,
to the procession of palms and hosannas,
to the temple and to the streets,
and tonight, to the Garden of Gethsemane and what lies beyond.
It has not always been an easy journey. We have been stretched and challenged, as we will continue to be in the days to come. But we know that there is no glory without suffering.
We are grateful, God, that we have not been alone on this journey.
We are grateful that You have been with us all the while, supporting us even as You remind us of when we have fallen short.
And we are grateful that we have had each other as traveling companions, even if we haven't been able to be together in person.
You have created us to be in community with each other, and in difficult and challenging weeks like this, we know why.
Thank you for this sacred community, cast in Your image, shaped by Your love. Help us, as we follow Jesus together, to broaden our concept of community,
to include not only those we know and love, but also strangers both near and far, and, yes . . . even our enemies and those who hate us.
Capture our hearts and minds with a vision of Your Kingdom, and inspire us to work tirelessly to bring glimpses of Your Kingdom to this broken world that so desperately needs You.
You have shown us, God, what is right and just; You have shown us what it means to love as You love. Very soon, we will be reminded of the depth and breadth of that love as we remember Jesus' final night with His disciples, and the dark day He gave Himself up on a cross.
In Christ, You have shown us what it means to give everything to this call to discipleship - to live lives of radical obedience, radical humility and radical love.
Lord, may we live our lives with such determination and focus
that we might find the courage to lay aside
the pleasures, comforts, and needs of our own lives in order to give life to others — indeed, abundant life for all.
In the name of the crucified and risen Christ, Amen
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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 2021 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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