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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In-Person and Pre-Recorded Worship
Commemoration of
ONE YEAR
Since the April 13 Tornado
THIS Sunday, April 11
10:15 am
It was just a year ago next Tuesday, April 13, when Seneca received a devastating blow as an EF3 tornado cut a path through the Adams and Utica neighborhoods. We will not soon forget the aftermath . . . including the hundreds of volunteers who poured into our neighborhood and community with trailers filled with large equipment, axes, chainsaws, drinking water . . . and hearts ready to extend God's love and compassion to those of us affected by the tornado.
God was faithful in the midst of it all. God could be found in the volunteers who swept in immediately after the tornado hit, to clear fallen trees and debris. God could be found in the Saint Mark disciples who reached out to the Utica community to help with relief and recovery efforts. God could be found in those of you who responded so generously on Donation Wednesdays. A year later, we see tangible signs of restoration around our campus, around our neighborhood and around our entire community.
Join us Sunday as we remember the devastation of April 13, but more importantly, as we commemorate God's faithfulness shown through the love and compassion of God's faithful people!
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We Extend Our Sincere Sympathies and Prayers to:
The family of SMUMC disciple, Dee Eaton who died on Monday, April 5, 2021. A celebration of Dee’s life and faith will be held in the Saint Mark sanctuary on Saturday, May 1, 2021 at 3 pm.
The family of Becca Williams, SMUMC Child Development Center Director, whose grandmother and first cousin died this week in South Carolina. Please pray for their family in this difficult time.
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 - Recovering at Lila Doyle from surgery on broken hip on March 25.
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.
Chad Duggins - recently hospitalized with cardiac issues.
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.
Nancy Wilson - Friend of Elaine Swanson - Has been diagnosed with lung cancer and is undergoing treatments.
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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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Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of heaven belongs.” Matthew 19:14
This week, we celebrate
the ministries of Saint Mark
that share the love of Jesus
with the children served by our
Saint Mark Child Development Center Chapel
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During Saint Mark’s Holy Week Chapel for the children in our Child Development Center, Pastor Todd and Ms. Laura (Ritter) led the children in a Palm Sunday Parade. Each child waved a palm branch cross and shouted “Hosanna! Praise the Lord!”
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Saint Mark Child Development Center
After-Schoolers enjoyed a morning
of painting with Ms. Lisa (Kiser)
during their spring break
Both the senior and junior classes created their own stained glass cross masterpieces. As the groups painted, they learned the different types of lines that are used to create shapes and compositions.
The Cross is a visual reminder of how Jesus gave his life at Easter to save us and show his love to the world.
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For more information, click here to contact Bob Graves. |
Children and Youth Ministries
Resume for April
Beginning this Sunday, April 11, children and youth programs will return for the entire month of April. We would love to see your children/youth join Pastor Shawna and our awesome interns!
Children's Gathering will meet at 2:30 pm
Youth Group will meet at 4 pm
For more information, click here to contact Pastor Shawna Darnall. |
Saint Mark Child Development Center
Parents' Night Out
Friday, April 16
5:30 - 10 pm
This year we will have new rates for Parents' Night Out.
One Child - $30
Two Children - $50
Three Children - $70
This is a set fee for the night. The CDC will still provide supper and fun activities.
To make your reservation, click here to contact Becca Williams, Director of our Child Development Center
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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
This year's Saint Mark Festival will be celebrated on Sunday, May 2, 2021. Worship will begin in the Sanctuary at 10:15 am, and we will be celebrating Saint Mark's faithfulness in making an impact on the world for Jesus Christ.
One special way Saint Mark's faithfulness will be highlighted is through our guest preacher for worship, the Rev. Paige Matthews Wolfe. Rev. Wolfe is the daughter of Saint Mark disciples, Jim and Susan Matthews. She grew up at Saint Mark, and being influenced in her faith through the ministries of Saint Mark, entered ordained ministry as an elder in the South Carolina Annual Conference. In addition, our worship will be enhanced with leadership from our Chancel Choir, Gospel Choir, Praise Team, and the Furman Brass Quintet. A Celebration of Holy Communion will be included in our time together.
We will be celebrating the work of our Council of Stewards who have created an "Affirmation of Life Together" - a congregational covenant which highlights our hopes and expectations of living out our faith, and changing lives together as Christ's church in this place. We will also be dedicating a new beautiful quilt highlighting the symbols of our faith made by Saint Mark disciple, Jane Harlin. We have plans for the quilt to be displayed in the church.
Following worship, everyone is invited to join together on the front lawn for a "Mortgage Burning," celebrating Saint Mark paying off our mortgage debt in February 2021. Our children's choir will sing for this celebration and all present will have an opportunity to symbolically light a copy of the mortgage pay-off notice.
The mortgage burning will be followed by a pizza party! You don't want to miss this great Sunday in the life of our great church!
We invite you to bring your lawn chairs for our outside activities following worship.
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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 line, or enclose a note, that the contribution is for the "Saint Mark UMC Mother’s Day offering."
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Attention Seniors!!
Festival of Wisdom and Grace
A CONFERENCE FOR FINDING PURPOSE AND RENEWAL
IN THE SECOND HALF OF LIFE
August 2-5, 2021
at beautiful Lake Junaluska
Theme: Living Abundantly
in the Second Half of Life
I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.
– John 10:10
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A Living Cross
If you weren't able to join us for worship on Easter Sunday morning, we want to share a photo of the beautiful Living Cross. Saint Mark disciples brought colorful blooms to add to the cross already filled with calla lilies and palm fronds. It made for a glorious backdrop for worship. Thanks to all who brought flowers. And thanks to Debbie Barton who took the photo.
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A Note of Thanks
Saint Mark disciple, Barbara Smith would like to thank her Saint Mark family for all of the thoughts and prayers as she underwent and is now recovering from knee surgery. She is in physical therapy and working hard so that she can return to worship in a couple of weeks.
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Above: Ann Collins, Diane Hirt, Robert Lowe and Richard Lowe. |
Thank You Saint Mark Disciples!
"Thank you" to ALL who made our 2021 Spring Fling possible. This year, we enjoyed a safer event with dinner and a movie in our Saint Mark Center on Wednesday, March 24.
Thanks to those pictured and those not pictured who made it possible for 82 to gather for a night of fun, food and fellowship!
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Hot dog chefs extraordinaire, Billy Boggs and Gary Baker. |
Hot dog servers, Pat Reynolds, Beth Baker, and Sally Boggs |
Alms Offering - Easter Sunday, April 4
Senior Pastor’s Discretionary Fund
If you were at worship on Sunday, you are aware that the alms offering during communion went to the 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.
In the past, because of your generosity, we helped one of our own disciples with much needed car repairs, so that this disciple could get to and from work.
We helped another disciple to pay their electric bill, so that their child could continue to learn online from home during the pandemic.
We assisted Oconee United Ministries in helping a disabled grandmother, on oxygen 24 hours a day, and raising three grandchildren, escape eviction by paying her rent. In fact, over $5,250.00 was given this past year to Oconee United Ministries from the pastor’s discretionary fund to help low income, and” at risk” families – all due to your generosity!
When the tornado hit Seneca last April, the Wilderness Way Girls camp lost months’ worth of food in the camp’s freezer. We helped to feed the girls in the camp for weeks during recovery efforts.
We assisted the United Methodist Committee on Disaster Relief with lunches for volunteers during tornado recovery.
We helped another United Methodist church in our district with costly mold remediation, so that they could continue ministry on their campus.
We purchased 48 Life Application Study Bibles for persons incarcerated in South Carolina prisons, so they could learn about Jesus Christ and have hope in their situations.
There isn't space to mention every opportunity we have taken to help others through the Pastor’s Discretionary Fund, and we don’t mean to overwhelm you with all the wonderful things that we have been able to accomplish because of your generosity.
We 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.
A personal note from Pastor Todd:
A special note of thanks for an incredible Pastors Discretionary Fund offering of $1606.00 on Easter Sunday! Thank you Saint Mark for your generosity! We continue to make a great difference in peoples lives for Jesus Christ!
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Emergency Disaster Response Training
Saint Mark disciples will certainly remember the United Methodist Emergency Response Teams from surrounding counties and states who descended on Seneca almost immediately after Seneca was hit by a tornado on April 13 of 2020. Were you inspired by their commitment to volunteer their services in Christ's name? Maybe you would like to be trained and dispatched into service when disaster hits.
If so, t raining will be offered next Saturday, April 17, 2021 from 9 am - 5 pm at Clemson United Methodist Church, located at 300 Frontage Road in Clemson, SC 29631 Click here to register. Got questions? Click here to contact Stephen Turner or call him at (864) 421-3986.
All ERT Basic Classes are from 9 am - 5 pm and the fees are $35 per person, which includes a manual, shirt, cap and badge. There is a $10 fee for renewals. Everyone also needs to do a background check (which is free) through UMCOR at https://tinyurl.com/umcorvv.
CDC COVID-19 Guidelines will be adhered to including social distancing and mandatory use of a mask. Please bring your personal mask and wear it. Temperatures will be taken. If you feel bad after registering then please cancel and we will refund your funds.
*If your UMCOR ERT badge expired this past year when we have not been able to have training classes then you are still considered current however we would encourage you to renew it soon as safely possible.
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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
Children's Gatherings
Sundays, April 11, 18, and 25
2:30 - 4 pm
Youth Group
Sundays, April 11, 18, and 25
4-5:30 pm
Abigail Circle
Monday, April 12
11:30 am
Zoom Meeting
Susanna Wesley Circle
Monday, April 12
12:30 pm
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
SPRC Meeting
Sunday, April 18
11:30 am
Saint Mark Center
Elderberries Planning Meeting
Monday, April 19
5 pm
Room A201
UMW Leadership Meeting
Tuesday, April 20
3 pm
Zoom Meeting
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. |
Do You Know About
the Doctrine of Discovery?
The Doctrine of Discovery established a spiritual, political, and legal justification for colonization and seizure of land not inhabited by Christians.
Foundational elements of the Doctrine of Discovery can be found in a series of papal bulls, or decrees, beginning in the 1100s, which included sanctions, enforcements, authorizations, explusions, admonishments, excommunications, denunciations, and expressions of territorial sovereignty for Christian monarchs supported by the Catholic Church.
Two papal bulls, in particular, stand out: (1) Pope Nicholas V issued "Romanus Pontifex" in 1455, granting the Portuguese a monopoly of trade with Africa and authorizing the enslavement of local people; (2) Pope Alexander VI issued the Papal Bull “Inter Caetera” in 1493 to justify Christian European explorers’ claims on land and waterways they allegedly discovered, and promote Christian domination and superiority, and has been applied in Africa, Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the Americas.
The General Commission on Race and Religion of the United Methodist Church has prepared a Doctrine of Discovery Conversation Guide that includes a video (see below) and discussion questions to help us understand the Doctrine of Discovery's impact on our history, and the issues we continue to face today. "We study the Doctrine of Discovery to listen to voices that have been silenced and disregarded for centuries. These voices tell a frequently overlooked story about the origins of the United States." It is important, especially as white Christians, that we understand how we "got here."
Click here to access the video and study guide. You may also click on the video below to view an enlightening conversation with experts that took place in November of 2020.
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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 11, 2021
Sunday
Schedule
9:00 am
Sunday School
10:15 am
In-Person and
Live Stream Worship
2:30 pm
Children's Gathering
4:00 pm
Youth Group
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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 On The One-Year Anniversary of the Tornado
Loving and faithful God, it has been just short of a year since we woke up to the news that a tornado had struck our beloved community.
Even a year later, we see visible evidence of the destruction caused by the EF3 twister that cut a path through the south and east ends of our city. There are still blue tarps on roofs. Trees that didn't fall look stark and barren. In the Utica community, homes still lay in ruins. Lives remain disrupted. We can't drive through these neighborhoods without being reminded of that terrible early morning that changed Seneca forever.
We pray for those who have been traumatized by this experience - who are still struggling to put their lives back together. Give them the resources they need and give them hope for a better future. Show us how we, as committed disciples of Jesus, can offer ourselves in service to those in need.
Even so, in the midst of it all, we see signs of hope and renewal. Neighbors are rebuilding and restoring their homes and their lives. Volunteers continue to reach out in love to come to the aid of countless people directly affected by the storm. Our church campus, although it looks different than it did a year ago, shows signs of new life - hundreds of trees purchased and planted - the loving care that has gone into beautifying our grounds again - a beautiful and meaningful outdoor celebration of new life and the resurrection of Jesus, our Lord and Savior this past Sunday. In spite of the challenges of the past year, many of us can claim that our hearts are finally beginning to heal.
God, thank you for your faithfulness through it all. Thank you for showing us that even in the darkness, there is a light that can never be extinguished - the Light of Your love, Your grace and Your mercy. May we carry Your Light with us into the dark corners of our community . . . and wherever our paths take us. We pray that the people we encounter will see Jesus in our words and actions.
In the name and the Spirit of Christ we pray, 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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