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The parable of the final judgement in which God separates the sheep and the goats is familiar to many of us. Maybe too familiar. What if we were able to reconsider this parable about the nature of God and where God is found to open our eyes to God’s overflowing grace—a grace that refuses to be contained or constrained by our all-too-human inclination to box it in and dole it out as we see fit. The challenge of this parable lies in what it convicts us of; the good news of the parable is what it reveals to us. This Sunday we’ll try to tease out both.

"Human Relations Sunday" is observed at Saint Mark on the Sunday nearest the birthday of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. On January 14th in both worship services, our guest speaker will be Dr. John Blevins, Director of the Interfaith Health Program in the Rollins School of Public Health at Emory University. Dr. Blevins, a graduate of Furman University and Duke Divinity School, received his Th.D. degree from Candler School of Theology at Emory. His work to alleviate the global HIV-Aids crisis, to do research, and to foster wholeness is no mere job. It is his way of living out his faith and caring for the least.

After traditional worship concludes, Dr. Blevins will join us for a "Lunch and Learn" in the Commons Room. To hear more about his pivotal work in global health and church-and-community health initiatives, please RSVP to

Bob Stillwell.

SUNDAYS AFTER EPIPHANY

In January we enter the season of the Christian year called "Sundays After Epiphany."  "Epiphany” is Jan 6th and is the day that the church has traditionally celebrated the visit of the Wise Men. An "epiphany" is an appearance of God; a moment when God is revealed. During the season after Epiphany, between Christmas and Lent, the early ministry of Jesus is the focus of the Gospel lessons.

The basic color for Epiphany is green, which represents Christian growth, but on special occasions, like Jesus' baptism (the first Sunday after Epiphany) and his transfiguration (the last Sunday after Epiphany), white is used to represent his holiness and glory. 

Keep your eyes open to see God reveals to you this Epiphany season! ~ Pastor Alex

CLICK HERE to send Karen a birthday message.

• Golden Corner Food Pantry

CLICK HERE to email Pastor Alex with your prayer concerns.

Rev. Alex Stevenson will teach a Bible study of the book of John beginning Monday, January 15. Each Monday morning at 11 am from January 15 until April 1 we will be working our way through the Gospel according to John. John is the most unique of the four gospels. It gives a moving and inspiring account of Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, and offers unique insights into the meaning of the Gospel. Please join us Mondays at 11 am. CLICK HERE to RSVP.

CLICK HERE to contact Sandy James.

Immerse yourself in the stories of Elijah and Elisha to discover a world and a calling not unlike our own. Though the narratives are replete with miracles and monumental events, the lives of these prophets also illuminate the need for discipleship/mentorship, a reference point to navigate the prophetic and political tensions in life and ministry, and a model to call a society (back) to covenant faithful with the LORD God. Join the men’s Bible study for spiritual nourishment and fellowship. We will meet on Thursdays at 11 am in room A201 for 12 weeks beginning Feb. 1st.

Josh Spoelstra will be facilitating this study. 

YOUTH PILGRIMAGE FUNDRAISER

Chef Eddie Rembert and his assistants will be cooking up some good southern fare on Sunday, February 4. Dinner is at 6 pm in the gym and is $40 per person. Funds raised will sponsor the Youth Mission Trip to Eleuthera on May 29 - June 5, 2024. Shrimp will be cooked separately for those with allergies.

You may sign up in the Atrium or contact Kathy Graves (864-364-0648) to RSVP.

CLICK HERE to read more about the mission trip.

CLICK HERE to email Jane.

JANUARY: "AMAZING GRACE"

by Laura Ritter

During 2024, we will be looking at one hymn each month and finding out more about it, both musically and theologically. January's hymn is undoubtedly the most popular hymn ever written, "Amazing Grace."  This hymn was written by John Newton, who was a slave trader on the African coast. During a perilous thunderstorm while at sea, Newton gave his life to Christ and began a journey that would take him from the slave trade to becoming an Anglican priest and penning this famous hymn. "Amazing Grace" reminds us that we all fall short of God's perfect way, but none fall far enough to be outside the grace that Jesus freely gives. "I once was lost, but now am found, was blind, but now I see."

Musically, the hymn falls into the 8.6 8.6 meter, which means the first line has 8 syllables, the second 6, and so on. This is a popular meter, which means there are many tunes to which the text can be sung. Try singing the words of "Amazing Grace" to the tunes of "O Little Town of Bethlehem", "O For a Thousand Tongues to Sing", and even the Gilligan's Island theme song. It works! The hymn tune that we know as "Amazing Grace" is NEW BRITAIN.

You'll be hearing different versions of "Amazing Grace" during the month of January. 

Please join us on Sunday, February 11 at 4pm in the Sanctuary for a concert featuring harpist Kari Novilla.

Kari has previously performed at Saint Mark and is always enthusiastically received. The concert is free, but a love offering is appreciated. CLICK HERE to read Kari's bio.

Introducing the “Exploring Social Justice” Book Conversations series presented and facilitated by the Church & Society team. Please join us throughout 2024 as we read and discuss select books to inspire our awareness and understanding of social justice matters including racism, sexual identity, able-ism, environmental sustainability and, finally, advocacy & action. Conversations will focus on how God calls us to love and act toward justice in these areas in order to experience and honor our faith in full. Choose to participate in some or all of the five books throughout the year, meeting to discuss each one during one 90 minute session. Books will be announced every six weeks or so.

Our first book is Small Great Things by Jodi Picoult, “a #1 New York Times bestseller with richly layered characters and a gripping moral dilemma that will lead readers to question everything they know about privilege, power and race.” This book will be discussed in February and facilitated by Kim Herren and Stacy Keelor. 

To register by the January 18^th deadline, please

CLICK HERE.

Questions? Please email [email protected].

CLICK HERE to see all that's happening!

Join the Berries for lunch and games in the Commons Room! We will provide sandwiches and drinks and ask that you bring a side dish or dessert to share. Please contact Richard Lowe to RSVP.

• January Birthdays
• Pickle Ball Mondays
• Drums Alive! Classes
• CPR Class Follow Up (Instructional Videos)
• Church Directory on Your Mobile App
• Fighting Fraud Booklet Available

The Flower Calendar for 2024 is now posted in the hallway opposite the sanctuary by the Music Suite. Please consider donating a floral arrangement in honor of a special someone or special occasion. Sign up on the calendar or call Sarah Boylston with questions at 864-650-0635.