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Good news! When the Son of God stepped into the waters of the Jordan River to be baptized by John, he was identifying himself and his ministry with the hopes and heeds of all of us. ~ Rev. Bob Stillwell

WELCOME OUR NEW CDC DIRECTOR LISA SIMMONS

It is with great excitement that the SPRC announces our new Saint Mark Child Development Center Director, 

Lisa Simmons. Lisa has 24 years of Education experience and began sharing that experience and knowledge with our CDC on January 2. 

Lisa earned a BA in Elementary Education and Early Childhood Education from Clemson University and has a Master of Education from Southern Wesleyan and a Master of Arts in Education in Administration and Supervision from the University of Phoenix. 

Lisa began her education career in 1999 and since that time she has served as a First Grade Teacher, a Kindergarten Teacher, an Assistant Principal and a Reading Interventionist. She was the Principal at Tamassee-Salem Elementary School from 2011 to 2013 and the Principal at Blue Ridge Elementary School from 2013 to 2018. Most recently she served as the Assistant Superintendent of Instruction (Pre-School Intervention Program - 12th grade) for the School District of Oconee County from 2018 to 2023 when she stepped down to focus on a family health issue. 

"To say that we are fortunate to have someone of Lisa's experience and talents interested in directing our Child Development Center is an understatement," said Debbie DuBose, Chair of the Search Committee. "We are excited to see how our center will flourish under Lisa's guidance and with her enthusiasm." 

"I am honored to serve my church as the CDC Director and anxious to get to work," Lisa said. "We have a good foundation and I am eager to get to know the staff, children and parents and work together to make sure we are providing the very best experience possible for our CDC families." 

Lisa and her husband Brett are faithful Saint Mark members. They have two children, Connor and Kensey, and live in Seneca. 

SPRC also wants to thank Kristen Shaver, interim CDC Director and the staff for all of their hard work during the past four months as we were searching for a full-time Director. Their efforts and loyalty are greatly appreciated.  

Once Lisa gets settled in, reach out to her to welcome her to our staff. I know she will appreciate your support.  

Debbie DuBose, Chair

SPRC

CLICK HERE to send Pastor Alex well wishes.

CLICK HERE to send Karen a birthday message.

• Golden Corner Food Pantry

CLICK HERE to email Pastor Alex with your prayer concerns.

It's comfort food for cold weather this month: Vegetable Beef Soup, Potato Soup, Salad, Grilled Cheese Sandwich, Drinks, and Dessert. RSVP to Donna Jaynes.

The planned activity is a multi-generational bout of Jeopardy! Fasten your thinking caps and join the fun!

HUMAN RELATIONS SUNDAY

WITH GUEST SPEAKER

DR. JOHN BLEVINS

"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.

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.

GOOD COUNTRY COOKIN' TO

SUPPORT YOUTH PILGRIMAGE

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.

Sign ups begin Sunday, January 7 in the Atrium or you may contact Kathy Graves (864-364-0648) to RSVP.

CLICK HERE to read more about the mission trip.

HIGHLIGHTING MARVIN'S KIDS

This past Sunday our Ministry Celebration Moment featured Marvin’s Kids ministry outreach. Click on the video link above if you missed it or to watch it again.

It was a joy-filled experience that allowed us all to share the love of Christ and bring the kingdom of God to earth this Christmas. ~ Sandy James

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. 

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.