Saint Mark Church and Society Team
invites you to
Human Relations Sunday Worship
with Holy Communion/Love Feast
"Together As One: Common Ground"
bringing the message
Bishop Rico Aiken
(pastor Destiny Christian Center)
In-Person and Live Stream
THIS Sunday, February 7
10:15 am
We are excited because our two congregations, Destiny Christian Center and Saint Mark UMC will gather together this Sunday, February 7, to worship in one combined service, celebrating our common ground in Christ. We recognize that our two congregations are diverse in many ways - race, worship style, doctrines, theology - but we are totally united in our love of God, our commitment to the way of Jesus, and our desire to "serve in the spirit of excellence and with integrity and compassion for our community, the nation and the world." (from Destiny's welcome statement)
This year, our theme for Human Relations Sunday is "Common Ground". No one keeping up with the news can dispute that we live in a polarized country and world. The gaps between sides seem to get wider every day. Even Christians are deeply divided on far too many issues.
To be faithful followers of Jesus, we must sow seeds of hope and love - not hate and division.
This Sunday, our goal is to highlight what we share in common as God's beloved children - to emphasize that our call is to create beloved community - not just with people who look and believe like us, but with all members of God's human family.
|
Bishop Rico Aiken (pictured above) will bring the morning message. Pastors Todd and Shawna, Church and Society team members and Rev. Bob Stillwell will lead our worship experience. Laura Ritter and the Gospel According to Saint Mark Singers will provide the music.
This Sunday, we will celebrate the inclusive table that God has set for all of His children as we share in Holy Communion (if you will be worshiping in person), or a Love Feast (if you will be participating online.)
WILL YOU JOIN US?
|
This Sunday's Alms Offering
"Souper Bowl of Caring"
Last year at this time, we were planning our Super Bowl parties, and the youth of Saint Mark were preparing for their “Souper Bowl of Caring” special alms offering to benefit the food pantry.
This year, Super Bowl parties will look quite different (I’m planning the snacks Mike and I will enjoy while our dogs sit beside us, looking hopeful!), and the Souper Bowl of Caring will look different as well. We will still have an alms offering, this time to primarily benefit Our Daily Bread, whose volunteers continue to provide hot meals, Monday-Friday, to anyone who shows up needing something to eat.
But the Saint Mark in-person congregation will be much smaller, and many of you will be streaming the service from home, wearing your PJs and sipping your second cup of coffee. That makes it harder to drop your spare change or your $10 or $20 into the soup pot, doesn’t it?
Our alms offerings have been getting smaller and smaller as the pandemic drags on, but we have been using the reserves in our alms account to maintain the same level of support we have been giving to all our local agencies over the past few years, and we will do the same thing again this month.
In coming weeks, we will be sharing with you more information about how our alms offerings have made a difference in our community over the years, and sharing an idea for a new way to support the alms fund. Until then, though, we want to remind you that even though “church” looks different right now, the needs in our community look pretty much the same. Please consider dropping an offering in the alms basket this Sunday, or mailing a check marked “alms” to the church, or even giving online. That’s what I’ll be doing, right after I look up a new recipe for guacamole.
Thanks, as always, for your generous support.
Sincerely,
Jane Harlin and the Service Mission Team
|
We Extend Our Sincere Sympathies and Prayers to:
Anne Lee and family on the death of Anne’s husband Dixon Lee on February 2, 2021 in Anderson. Dixon recently had a stroke from which he did not recover. Dixon and Anne were married for 63 years. A celebration of his life and faith will be held in the Saint Mark Memorial Garden this Saturday.
Personal Prayer Notes:
Coronavirus – those with virus, those unable to work, healthcare workers, containment, vaccine distribution.
Kathie Ashley and husband, Wilbur – Kathie is Lavonne Sloop’s older sister. Both Kathie and Wilbur have contracted COVID. Wilbur’s case didn’t require hospitalization. Kathie’s situation is dire and complicated by diabetes, a variation of Parkinson’s that does not respond to medication, and she also has liver cancer. Kathie is now at AnMed Rehab waiting to be taken to Linley Park Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center on February 10 for longer term care. She is very weak. Thank you for prayers for comfort and peace for Lavonne, Wilbur and daughters Cheryl and Sylvia.
Jimmy Atkinson – Son-in-law of Joyce Atkinson – diagnosed with Pancreatic cancer that has metastasized to other organs and told he has 3 weeks to live. Please pray for Jimmy, wife Karen, and daughters Alissa and Sarah.
Nancy Cottingham – Mass located on remaining kidney with pain involved. Undergoing tests to determine treatment.
Patch Haley – family member of Lura and Woody Wyatt - Patch is not doing well after his Stem Cell Transplant. He is in PICU on a ventilator. His little body is so swollen with all the fluid he is retaining after his kidney removal and stem cell transplant. He and his parents are in need of lots of prayer.
Lou Hansen - Had a kidney stone removed by outpatient surgery on Wednesday, February 3.
Gloria Perry - step-grandmother of Jane Harlin, is on the mend. She has decreased her dependence on supplemental oxygen and has been moved to a rehab facility, where she is regaining strength and doing physical therapy to prepare her for returning home. Her son, Ken, who also had COVID, has returned home after a short hospital stay. Thank you for the prayers!
Rick Willingham – Friend of Alicia Spivey - Rick was severely injured in a farming accident last week and is in Greenville Hospital fighting for his life.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
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.
|
Today, February 4, is Donna Jaynes' Birthday!!!! Donna is the glue that holds Saint Mark together!!! Happy Birthday, Donna!
If you would like to send a birthday greeting to Donna, it is not too late! Click here. |
Thursday Morning Women's Bible Study
The Way of Blessedness (9-week study)
Thursdays at 10 am
via Zoom
The study began today, but it isn't too late to join
The Way of Blessedness invites readers to cultivate the dispositions of the soul as outlined in Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, which suit us for the reign of God while drawing us into its realm. Jesus portrays the reign of God in terms that are contrary to social hierarchy — in his time as well as our own. It is a realm of outlandish generosity and uncommon compassion.
This is a 9-week study of the spiritual practices that help us turn away from pride and fill us with God's abundant love. As we're transformed by God's love, we're able to become people who mourn with and for others and our world, who understand and live out Jesus' example of meekness, who hunger and thirst for holiness, who humbly offer and receive mercy, whose hearts are pure and able to see the imprint of God in all things, who seek peace, and who hold strong in our faith through adversity. The Way of Blessedness guides participants along a path that offers clarity to our way of life and the very life of God's kingdom.
For more information, or to sign up to participate in this Zoom study, click here to contact Sandy James. |
Ash Wednesday
Wednesday, February 17, 2021
Drive-thru - 11 am - 1 pm
(Saint Mark Memorial Garden)
Worship Service - 6:30 pm
(Sanctuary)
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 have two opportunities to receive the Imposition of Ashes on Ash Wednesday, February 17, 2021.
-
You can receive the Imposition of Ashes by a Pastor via drive-thru in the Memorial Garden circle just off Ben Hilda Drive from 11 am-1 pm. You have a choice of having the pastor impose the ashes, or you may do that to yourself.
-
You can also receive the Imposition of Ashes during a worship service for Ash Wednesday that will be held in the Sanctuary at 6:30 pm. You have a choice of having the pastor impose the ashes, or you may do that to yourself.
For those worshiping online, you are invited to pick up a small container of ashes for yourself and family members in the Sanctuary Narthex on February 17 from 10 am-5pm. Front door will be unlocked.
All COVID precautions will be observed
in our time together.
|
Lenten Faith Formation Study
To help Saint Mark disciples prepare for our Easter celebration on Sunday, April 4, 2021, a book study on Tom Berlin's Reckless Love: Jesus’ Call to Love Our Neighbor is being offered during the six weeks of Lent. Click here to order your copy of Reckless Love from Cokesbury Publishing. The cost of the book is $8.49.
Watch the promo video below to learn more about this important and timely study.
|
You will have two opportunities each week to participate in this study using the Zoom platform.
- The first opportunity will be led by Pastor Todd on Mondays each week from 12-1 pm beginning February 22.
-
- The second opportunity will be led by SMUMC Ministerial Intern, Victoria Arnold and Pastor Shawna on Tuesdays each week from 6-7 pm beginning on February 23.
If you would like to participate in this study, please click here to contact Pastor Todd.
|
Let's Get Our Beautiful Church Grounds
Ready for Spring!!
Please plan on helping with a church workday on Saturday, February 20 at 9 am. We will be spreading mulch and performing some light hedge trimming. Please bring wheel barrows, rakes, pitch forks, blowers, heavy brooms and hedge trimmers.
In case of precipitation, we will move the workday to the following Saturday February 27.
Please call Dal Poston at (704) 641-9521 if you have questions.
|
Do You Have a Heart for
Special Needs Adults?
If so, you may be the perfect person to serve as Saint Mark UMC’s local church representative/advocate for the South Carolina Annual Conference Aldersgate Special Needs Ministry.
Here’s what we need from you as our Local Church Representative:
- Have a heart for special needs adults.
-
Learn about the ministry by reviewing the Aldersgate Special Needs Ministry website. Click here to open the website. Click here to see the brochure.
- Help the church community to learn about this South Carolina Conference ministry.
- Share news, updates and engagement opportunities related to Aldersgate Special Needs Ministry with the church community.
- Advocate for the ministry by promoting the special offering Sunday, August 8, 2021, or an alternate date designated by the local church. This ministry does not receive funding through our conference apportionments.
- As Saint Mark’s Aldersgate Special Needs Ministry Local Church Representative, you will have support from the Saint Mark UMC Service/Missions team.
That’s it. By volunteering to serve as Saint Mark’s Aldersgate Special Needs Ministry Local Church Representative, you could help to make a big difference in the lives of some very special people. If interested, click here to contact Pastor Todd, or call him at the church office (864) 882-2603.
|
Director of Media and Communications
Position Available
Just a reminder that we are hiring a full time media specialist to guide us as we bring our technology up-to-date. Click here to see the complete job description. If you know someone who might be interested, please pass it along.
Cover letters and resumes should be sent to Debbie DuBose, Chair of our Staff/Parish Relations Committee. Click here. |
Funding the Mission and Ministries
of Saint Mark
During a Season of Uncertainty
The giving of your tithes and offerings is as important now as ever. To keep your giving up-to-date, you may mail your checks to Karen Holcombe at the church office - 616 Quincy Road, Seneca, SC 29678.
You may also give your tithes and offerings online. It is quick and easy. Click here to give safely and securely. |
Please note these upcoming events and meetings.
FEBRUARY 2021
Human Relations Sunday
with Bishop Rico Aiken
from Destiny Christian Center
Sunday, February 7
10:15 am
(In Person and Live Stream)
SPRC Meeting
Sunday, February 7
11:30 am
Zoom Meeting
Susanna Wesley Circle
Monday, February 8
12:30 pm
Zoom Meeting
Church and Society Team Meeting
Monday, February 8
5:15 pm
Zoom Meeting
Trustees Meeting
Tuesday, February 9
4:30 pm
Zoom Meeting
Thursday Morning Bible Study
Thursday, February 11
10 am
Zoom Meting
UMW Leadership Team Meeting
Tuesday, February 16
3 pm
Ash Wednesday
Wednesday, February 17
Drive-through Imposition of Ashes
11 am - 1 pm
OR
Worship Service
(In Person and Live Stream)
6:30 pm
Thursday Morning Bible Study
Thursday, February 18
10 am
Zoom Meeting
Saint Mark Child Development Center
Parents' Night Out
Friday, February 19
5:30 - 10 pm
Saint Mark Work Day
Saturday, February 20
9 am
Lenten Book Study - Reckless Love
Begins Monday, February 22
12 - 1 pm
with Pastor Todd
Zoom
OR
Lenten Book Study - Reckless Love
Begins Tuesday, February 23
6 - 7 pm
with Victoria Arnold and Pastor Shawna
Zoom
Thursday Morning Bible Study
Thursday, February 25
10 am
Zoom Meeting
MARCH 2021
Evangelism Team Meeting
Sunday, March 7
11:30 am
Worship Team Meeting
Monday, March 8
5 pm
Zoom Meeting
Mission/Service Team Meeting
Sunday, March 14
11:30 am
Zoom Meeting
Blood Connection Blood Drive
Wednesday, March 17
9 am - 12 noon
Council of Stewards (COS) Meeting
Monday, March 22
6 pm
For more dates and details, click here to view our church calendar on the Saint Mark website.
We have returned to more stringent restrictions due to the increase in COVID cases in our community. If you would like to schedule a Zoom meeting for your class, group or team, click here to contact Marla Fuller. |
Love Can Build A Bridge
written by Paul Overstreet/John Jarvis/
Naomi Judd
performed by Northland Church
Longwood, Florida
In preparation for Human Relations Sunday on February 7, (our theme for this year, "Common Ground") listen to this moving performance of "Love Can Build a Bridge."
I'd gladly walk across the desert with no shoes upon my feet
To share with you the last bite of bread I had to eat
I would swim out to save you in your sea of broken dreams
When all your hopes are sinking, let me show you what love means
Love can build a bridge
Between your heart and mine
Love can build a bridge
Don't you think it's time?
Don't you think it's time?
I would whisper love so loudly, every heart could understand
That love and only love can join the trials of man
I would give my hearts' desire so that you might see
The first step is to realize that it all begins with you and me
Love can build a bridge
Between your heart and mine
Love can build a bridge
Don't you think it's time?
Don't you think it's time?
When we stand together, it's our finest hour
We can do anything (anything)
Anything (anything)
Keep believin' in the power
Love can build a bridge
Between your heart and mine
Love can build a bridge
Don't you think it's time?
Don't you think it's time?
Yeah, yes I do
Ooh, love can build a bridge
Whoa, love and only love
Between your heart and mine
Between your heart and mine
How will you build a bridge of love . . . ?
|
February is Black History Month, a time to reflect on issues of race and religion and celebrate the important roles African Americans have played in the development of the United States. Recognition of those roles from a historical perspective is an important step in celebrating the contributions of individuals and the collective changes the African American community has brought about.
"Black History Month is with us because, for a variety of reasons, black history has been ignored, revised or distorted too often in our history books. We find it difficult to explore honestly the reasons a study of black history makes so many of us uncomfortable," the late Rev. Gilbert Caldwell, a retired leader who was active in the civil rights movement, wrote in a United Methodist News Service commentary a few years ago.
|
The late Rev. Gilbert Caldwell
"We know it is essential to be historically correct about the issues in England that energized the efforts that established the United States. We understand Israel exists in the main because of the history of the oppression of the Jewish people. However, there is difficulty for some people in admitting the existence of American slavery made necessary the abolition movement and the reality of racial segregation provoked and evoked the U.S. civil rights movement," he said.
If we do not remember accurately the negatives of the past, he said, we may repeat them. "Failure to remember the negatives deprives us of the opportunity to celebrate the magnificent progress we have made as a nation since slavery and legal racial segregation," he explained.
|
|
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) 888-7072
send an email
|
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.
|
Check Out Our Entire Church
Calendar of Events
|
Click here to see what is going on at Saint Mark this week and in the weeks to come.
|
Sunday,
February 7, 2021
Sunday
Schedule
10:15 am
Combined
In-Person Worship in the Sanctuary
AND Online Live Stream Worship
Destiny Christian Center
and Saint Mark UMC
11:30 am
SPRC Meeting
Zoom Meeting
|
Quick, easy and available HERE
|
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.
|
A Prayer for Unity
Lord Jesus, we pray today that You will unify us in purpose, understanding, and conviction! We pray against division among us. We ask that You help us to recognize that we are siblings in Christ . . . and then, with the guidance of the Holy Spirit, that each of us is called to live out of that reality - in love, grace and mercy.
Father, we pray for unity in our families, in our workplaces, in our communities and in our churches. Your power at work in us is the only way we can experience true unity. May we look to You, Lord Jesus, the Prince of Peace, as the Giver of all we need to be agents of unity in our spheres of influence.
Lord Jesus, You are our peace. You tore down the dividing wall between Jew and Greek. We need You now to tear down that dividing wall between races in our nation and around the world. Father, we repent of this heinous sin that has so stained Your Church. Through Your work on the cross, You tore down that dividing wall. Show us how to walk through the wall’s rubble and reach out to love our siblings of every race and ethnicity.
Bind us together, by Your Holy Spirit, to be the unified Body of the risen Christ, called and equipped to extend Your love beyond the walls of our church buildings and into a world in desperate need of You.
In the name and the spirit of Christ we pray, Amen.
|
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.
|
Saint Mark 2021 Ministry Guidebook |
Click here to view the entire Saint Mark 2021 Ministry Guidebook with information about church structure, leadership and ministries.
|
|
