For the Week of May 21 - 28, 2026

Any red banner, text, or icon that is linked to more detailed information will turn into a "pointing glove" when you scroll over it. When the pointer appears, click to be taken to the link.

Jesus said, "Let anyone who is thirsty come to me." Are you thirsty? ~ Pastor Alex

Pentecost - the Church’s Birthday! Pentecost is the 50th day after the resurrection. Jesus appeared to his disciples for 40 days and then ascended into heaven; then ten days later was the Jewish festival of the first fruits also called Pentecost. While believers in God from every nation of the known world were coming to Jerusalem, God poured out the Holy Spirit on the disciples and they proclaimed the Good News in all the languages of the people present. Some say this was the birth of the church because this is the first time that the disciples began carrying out Jesus’ commission to make disciples of all nations. It was the Holy Spirit, God with us, that God sent to strengthen, guide, empower and comfort the church, which made their bold proclamation possible. That same Holy Spirit is still with us enabling believers to live and proclaim the Gospel. The color red is used in worship to represent the fire of the Holy Spirit, which came upon the church at Pentecost.

  • Golden Corner Food Pantry
  • Ann Hope UMC Feeding Ministry
  • Collins Children's Home

LAST CHANCE TO TAKE THE

PLANNED GIVING SURVEY! 

WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU!


To date we’ve received 52 surveys. We’d like more of our disciples to click on the link below, scan the QR code in the Sunday Bulletin or pick up a paper copy after worship and share your thoughts on how to support Saint Mark into the future. IT ONLY TAKES 5 MINUTES.  


THANK YOU. THANK YOU. THANK YOU.


CLICK HERE to take the online survey by May 31st



CAMPS & RETREAT MINISTRIES


We continue exploring Saint Mark’s apportionments to better understand our support of the worldwide ministry of the church. Apportionments are the funds that Saint Mark UMC gives for the ministry of the larger United Methodist Church, and they would make up about 8% of our annual budget if we included them all. Today we are highlighting the apportionment for Camps and Retreat Ministries.


The “Camps and Retreat Ministries” fund provides for the development, operation, and maintenance of our three camps in SC. These are: Asbury Hills (one of the best United Methodist Camps in the country, and one of the best camps period in SC) is located near Table Rock and provides summer camps for children and youth as well as a retreat or event location in the mountains. Camp Providence on Lake Hartwell has facilities on the lake for events and retreats. Sea Islands is on the coast and also provides retreat and events facilities. These camps, on the coast, by the lake, and in the mountains, provide places for making disciples of Jesus Christ for all ages. For more information about Camps and Retreats in SC visit sccarm.org.


“Our-portion-ment” for Camps and Retreats ministries is $1,838 this year. Half of that has been included in the budget for 2026. Please give faithfully so that Saint Mark can hopefully support these apportionments in full.

CLICK HERE to email Pastor Alex with your prayer concerns.

TRINITY SUNDAY

NEXT WEEK


Next Sunday is Trinity Sunday: The doctrine of the Trinity is one of the most unique and characteristic doctrines of the Christian faith. It simply states that there is one God revealed in three persons: Father, Son and Holy Spirit. On the first Sunday after Pentecost, May 31st this year, we will celebrate the mystery of the Holy Trinity in our worship. Come join us, for God is truly great!

All Saint Mark Sunday School classes are invited to participate together in an intergenerational experience. On Sunday, June 7 we will gather in the Commons Room at 10am to share an interactive class for all ages. Reach out to Julie with any questions. 

Join the Berries for their popular Fish Fry event on Saturday, June 13th at 5pm in the Commons Room. As always, we will feast on delicious fish caught and prepared by Paul Herren & Eddie Rembert and fries prepared by David Powell. Please bring a side dish or dessert to share. We will provide water and iced tea. We will also play Trivia! Please RSVP to Diana Palmer by Saturday, June 6th.

CLICK HERE for the Family Ministry newsletter

to see all that's happening with children and youth!

  • May Birthdays
  • Pickle Ball Mondays
  • Church Directory on Your Mobile Device

Have you lost or misplaced your church nametag? Here is how to order a new one…

 

Located in the Atrium and Narthex are small manila envelopes with an order form label on the front. Fill out your name(s) and select the type of nametag backing you prefer -- pin, *magnet, or clip. (*Note specifications for a magnet-style badge.) Place the appropriate payment in the envelope and give it to a greeter at the service you attend. The greeter will deliver to the church office for ordering.

 

The office will place the order(s) with Ralph’s Trophy Shop, pick them up when ready, and contact you when it has arrived and where to retrieve it. Please contact the

church office if you have any further questions.

In recognition of Earth Day, the ReCharge! Committee has complied a list of recommended reading for Adults, Youth, and Children. Scan the QR code above to access the list.

 

Saint Mark UMC

616 Quincy Road

Seneca, SC 29678


Call us:

9 am - 5 pm (M-Th)

(864) 882-2603


 Click here to

send an email


Pastoral Care

Emergencies or after regular office hours call

(864) 882-2603

extension 104 

Have you moved, changed your phone number or email address?
Let us know!
Click on the icon above.


May 24, 2026


Pentecost Sunday


9:00 am

Celebrate! Contemporary Worship Service

@ Gym


10:15 am

Sunday School

(all ages)


11:15 am

Traditional Worship Service

@ Sanctuary


Worship services are 

Live Streamed

CHILDREN & YOUTH

SUNDAY SCHOOL


Children meet in Room A101 off the atrium. Youth meet in the Youth Center.

Have Information to Share with Your Church Family?


Click here to email Director of Media & Communications, Kristine Montgomery, or call her at (864) 882-2603 to have your info included in the next edition of the Heart Beat. The deadline is

3 pm Wednesday before the Heart Beat goes out Thursday

at 4 pm.


Please note: Office hours are Sunday-Thursday. Emails sent after 5 pm Thursday may not be seen until the following Sunday morning.

MAY 2026 ISSUE

Link to The Advocate for free! Click the icon above.

 

Click on the icon above to access the most recent edition of the Saint Mark Disciples Directory. The directory is password protected due to personal information. You should have received an email containing the password. If not, CLICK HERE to request the password. Printed directories can be obtained

by contacting the church office.


If you would like to submit a photograph or update your contact information, please email Kristine Montgomery.

The 2026 Saint Mark Ministry Guidebook contains information about church structure, leadership and ministries. Click on the icon above to access the complete document. The Guidebook is password protected due to personal information. CLICK HERE 

to request the password.

 

Saint Mark United Methodist Church

616 Quincy Road

Seneca, South Carolina 29678-3820

kmontgomery@smumcsc.org

864-882-2603

Open Hearts. Open Minds. Open Doors.