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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Sixth Sunday in Lent
Palm/Passion Sunday
In-Person and Live Stream Worship
THIS Sunday, March 28
10:15 am
"If you could only sense how important you are to the lives of those you meet; how important you can be to the people you may never even dream of. There is something of yourself that you leave at every meeting with another person."
~Fred Rogers
We will bring our Reckless Love sermon series to a close as we highlight the importance of emulating the love that Christ freely offered during His time on earth.
Those attending worship will receive a palm branch to celebrate the entry of Jesus' triumphal entry into Jerusalem - an event that would set off a chain reaction of events over the next seven days, culminating in Jesus' torturous death on Good Friday and His glorious resurrection on Easter Sunday morning.
If you will be worshiping from home, you will receive a coloring page of a palm frond that you can color and wave on Sunday morning.
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We Extend Our Sincere Sympathies and Prayers to:
Joyce Atkinson on the death of her stepson, Jimmy Atkinson who died in Tallahassee, Florida on Tuesday, March 23, 2021 following a diagnosis of pancreatic cancer earlier this year.
Marian Stillwell and family on the death of Marian’s nephew, Jim Cotsakis, who died on Thursday, March 18, 2021.
Note from Marian: I want to thank the many disciples of Saint Mark who have prayed for my nephew, Jim Cotsakis, who spent two months in an Atlanta hospital before passing away on Thursday, March 18. He is in God’s company now, and we are thankful for the support and concern of so many in our congregation.
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 today, Thursday, 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.
Jane Donovan - Jane Harlin's aunt. In the hospital in Ohio, awaiting open heart surgery for a triple by-pass.
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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Holy Week 2021
Stations of the Cross
The Stations of the Cross will be open . . .
Sunday, March 28 following Palm Sunday worship
Monday March 29 - Wednesday, March 31
9 am - 3 pm
Maundy Thursday, April 1
9 am - 6:30 pm
Atrium
In recent weeks, as the children and youth of Saint Mark have been exploring the stories of Jesus’s last days, they have created Stations of the Cross for our faith family to utilize this holy week.
Using the outlines by artist Adam Walker Cleaveland, they have prayed over and colored fourteen images (the fourteen scriptural Stations of the Cross established by Pope John Paul II in 1991). These visual depictions of Jesus’s final days and hours will be set up around the atrium of Saint Mark so that you can come at your convenience and engage in this prayer practice in a physically distanced manner. A handout will walk you through each station with scripture and prayer.
Atrium will be open during the hours listed above.
For more information, click here to contact Pastor Shawna. |
Are You a Member of the
Aldersgate Sunday School Class?
The Aldersgate Sunday School class plans to return to meeting in person beginning this coming Sunday, March 28 at 9 am in their classroom - A203. Welcome back, class members!! It has been such a long time!!!!!
John Evatt will be teaching. Then the group will decide which Bible study they will use in future classes.
Anyone wishing to check out the class is more than welcome!
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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
Donations may be dropped off between now and April 4 (Easter Sunday) in the atrium entrances. Also, a table will be set up on the front porch of the church on Easter Sunday morning 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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Service of Holy Communion
on Maundy Thursday
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
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!!
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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Easter Is Coming!
We are planning a wonderful Easter celebration for 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 include fun for children, decorating our Living Cross with flowers, music with choirs and Praise Team, an Easter message, and Holy Communion.
Our brothers and sisters from Destiny Christian Center will be joining us for worship.
Another special part of our service will include Calla Lilies on the Living Cross that were purchased by Saint Mark disciples in memory and honor of loved ones in 2020, but not ordered due to the pandemic.
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. We will have lots of room to spread out so invite someone to join you!
If you are unable to join us in person on Easter 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.
Pastor Todd, Pastor Shawna, and Sally Boggs - Worship Ministry Team chairperson
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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 of 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 Case You Missed It . . .
"A Letter To Our Congregation"
from our Pastors
March 2021
Dear Saint Mark Disciples,
It was one year ago that we came to you with our first
“Mid-Week Message” at the beginning of the pandemic – WOW!
We want to say THANK YOU for all the ways you have continued the work of being and making disciples this past year. Your efforts and support have allowed mission and ministry at Saint Mark to not only continue, but expand.
We appreciate your flexibility and patience as we have navigated new ways of worshiping and gathering together, implementing live-streaming and zoom meetings. Here are some of the amazing things we have accomplished:
- 31 Donation Wednesdays (Golden Corner Food Pantry, Ann Hope Food Pantry, Saint Luke UMC Food Pantry, Baby Read, Oconee County Memorial Nurses and Staff, Blue Ridge and Northside Elementary Schools, and MORE).
- We have paid off our church mortgage (1.7 million dollars of debt).
- We filled 56 Advent Giving Boxes.
- We formed a Tornado Task Force, which helped 37 families.
- We are averaging 416 online views for weekly worship, with dozens from outside South Carolina.
- Our Saint Mark zoom account has hosted 292 meetings, small groups, and Bible Study gatherings.
- We have had total views on our Vimeo page of 31,415 – amazing!
As we mark a year’s time, we want to remind you that we are more committed to our mission than ever. The Council of Stewards, our top leadership, is in the process of committing energy and effort to ensure that we are being and making disciples of Jesus.
We are delighted to be in the stages of finalizing an Affirmation of Life Together, which outlines our commitment to the ways we will be the Church, and love one another, as we share God’s love with our community and the world. The process for creating this began over a year ago as the Council of Stewards committed many hours on multiple Saturdays, and we look forward to finally celebrating this work at this year’s Saint Mark Festival on May 2, 2021.
If you are not yet aware, we want you to hear from us that the United Methodist General Conference, the top governing body of our denomination, and the only group to officially speak for the UMC, has been postponed to early fall of 2022, with a one-day virtual gathering in May 2021 to do what has to be done to keep the Church functioning until then. We promise once more that we are committed to being your pastors and together navigating the ways we will love God and love people in the days to come. We will keep you informed of General Conference updates as they are shared with the denomination.
We are so excited to be finding new ways to be together this Spring, and are delighted that more and more of you have been vaccinated and feel comfortable being together in person again.
We hope that you invite friends and neighbors to our big outdoor Easter Worship Celebration on April 4th at 10:15 a.m.
May God bless you all!
Pastor Todd and Pastor Shawna
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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.
MARCH 2021
Stations of the Cross Individual Experience
Sunday, March 28 following worship
Monday March 29 - Wednesday, March 31
9 am - 3 pm
Maundy Thursday, April 1
9 am - 6:30 pm
Saint Mark Children's Gathering
In Person
Sunday, March 28
2:30 - 4 pm
Room A101
Saint Mark Youth Group
In Person
Sunday, March 28
4 - 5:30 pm
Youth Center
Lenten Book Study - Reckless Love - Davis
Monday, March 29
12 - 1 pm
Zoom Meeting
Lenten Book Study - Reckless Love - Arnold and Darnall
Tuesday, March 30
6 - 7 pm
with Victoria Arnold and Pastor Shawna
Zoom
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
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
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
Pizza Party - 11:15
followed by the Burning of the Mortgage
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. |
United Methodist Church Leaders
Decry Attacks Against Asians
Authorities continue to investigate the motive for the March 16 shootings at Atlanta area massage parlors that left eight people dead, including six Asian women.
The suspect in custody reportedly told investigators he shot the victims not out of race hatred but in response to his sexual addiction.
Still, some United Methodists are underscoring that the horrific violence occurred amid a well-documented rise in harassment and attacks against people of Asian ancestry in the U.S.
“The United Methodist Church has a moral obligation to be vocally and visibly outraged at these shootings and this precipitous rise in violence and hatred against the Asian American community,” said the Rev. John Oda, who directs The United Methodist Church’s Asian American Language Ministry Plan.
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Sue Monk Kidd
Sponsored by the
Anderson Forum for Progressive Theology
THIS Sunday, March 28
3 p.m.
“Spiritual and Theological Evolution: Personal Reflections and The Book of Longings”
Sue Monk Kidd was raised in the small town of Sylvester, Georgia, a place that deeply influenced the writing of her first novel, The Secret Life of Bees. An award-winning and international bestselling author, Kidd also authored The Invention of Wings and The Mermaid Chair, as well as several acclaimed memoirs, including Traveling with Pomegranates and The Dance of the Dissident Daughter.
Her book When the Heart Waits, published by Harper San Francisco in 1990, has become a touchstone on contemplative spirituality. In 1996, Harper published The Dance of the Dissident Daughter, describing Kidd’s journey into feminist theology, a memoir that had a ground-breaking effect within religious circles. Her newest novel, The Book of Longings, was published on April 21, 2020.
We will be able to hear about her spiritual journey since then and insights she might have for each of us as we navigate these challenging times.
This presentation will be virtual. Click here to register.
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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,
March 28, 2021
Sixth Sunday
In Lent
PALM/PASSION SUNDAY
Sunday
Schedule
9:00 am
Sunday School
10:15 am
In-Person Worship in the Sanctuary
AND Online Live Stream Worship
Following Worship
Experience the
Stations of the Cross
Atrium
2:30 pm
Children's Gathering
Room A101
4:00 pm
Youth Group
Youth Center
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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 to Love Like Jesus Loves
God, I have declared my love for You more times than I can count.
But I confess that I have failed to love others as Jesus loves me. You have called me to live like Jesus. More than any other characteristic or attribute, we know that Jesus loved. He loved authentically, sensitively, compassionately and selflessly. He set the standard high . . . and I consistently fall short.
Forgive me for the many times I have neglected to love like Jesus loves. He loved his family and friends, but He also loved strangers, foreigners, outcasts and even His enemies.
I want to love like Jesus loves, but sometimes it seems like the cost is too high, so I turn the other way, ignoring those who need to see, hear and feel Your love through me.
I need the presence and power of Your Holy Spirit to be able to open myself up enough to love - even the unlovable. I don't have the will or the strength to do it on my own.
Fill me with Your Spirit, Lord. Soften my heart. Transform my selfish mind. Give me the very mind of Christ so that I might emulate Him in all that I think, say and do.
In the name and the Spirit of Christ I 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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