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St. Mark United
Methodist Church www.stmarkgreenwood.com
Volume 6 Issue 32
Non-Profit Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
GREENWOOD, SC
Permit # 190
St. Mark United Methodist Church
550 Hwy. 72 By-Pass NW
Greenwood, SC 29649
http://www.stmarkgreenwood.com Church Phone: 864.229.5416
Kids’ World Phone: 864.227.2776
RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
The Witness
This year’s Community Thanksgiving Service will be on Monday,
Nov 24th at 7:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church.
October 30, 2014 The Witness page 2 October 30, 2014 The Witness page 15
Record of Our Faithfulness
Year-to-Date
General Fund Balance $154,412.76
Contributions Year to Date $698,562.59
Expenses Year to Date $749,723.62
Net ($51,161.03)
Capital Accounts
Master’s Plan Year-to-Date from contributions and interest
$118,348.46
Master’s Plan Total $54,444.61
Sanctuary Fund Total $78,737.60
Chancel Furnishings Fund $240,081.40
Total $373,263.61
Weekend Meals School is back in session,
and we have resumed our weekend back-
pack meal program. Items that we need
are:
Protein source (Vienna sausages, beanie
weenie, mac and cheese and/or chef
Boyardee products)
Breakfast items (pop tarts, cereal
bars, granola bars, muffins and/or dry
cereal)
Fruit or pudding items (jello, pudding,
applesauce and/or fruit cups)
Snack items (crackers, chips, cookies
etc.)
Drink items (caprisun, juice box and/or
water)
No nut products or peanut butter.
If you choose to give a monetary donation
it will appear on your giving statement for
IRS purposes.
Other ways you can help are:
Help shop for these items on Monday
mornings at 10:00 AM, meeting at the
Bypass Campus (BPC).
Help pack bags on Tuesday mornings at
10:00 AM at the BPC.
Help deliver bags to schools on Tues-
day afternoons.
Spread the word (Put a collection bin in
your office. Share the need with civic
groups and social clubs. Ask your
friends to join you in donating.).
The next copy of The Witness will be
mailed on Tuesday, Nov 25th. We are
mailing it early due to Thanksgiving
Holidays. Deadline to submit information
for the newsletter is Tuesday, Nov 18th at
12:00 pm.
Most Americans will be able to
get an extra hour of sleep the
weekend of Nov 1st thanks to
the annual shift back to stand-
ard time. Officially, the change
occurs at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov 2nd, but most
people will set their clocks back before hit-
ting the sack Saturday night. Remember, it’s
fall back an hour on Saturday night, Nov 1st.
Otherwise, you'll be an hour early on Sunday
for church.
The church office will be closed on Thurs-day, Nov 27th and Friday, Nov 28th in observance of the
Thanksgiving Holidays.
Food Bank Sunday Remember to bring items
for the food bank Sunday,
Nov 2nd. Some popular
items that they are always
in need of are: hot or cold
cereal, powered milk, canned pasta, peanut
butter, pasta, canned meat, canned vegeta-
bles, canned fruit, canned soup, boxed maca-
roni and cheese, rice and instant mashed
potatoes.
Hanging of the
Greens service will
be on Sunday, Nov
30th at 7:00 PM at
the BPC.
Fran and I begin this message with a word of
thankful praise for your welcome to us. The past four
months have been a wonderful experience of settling
down, getting to know our way around, finding great
places to eat, and meeting the nicest people. Thank you
for being such an encouragement to us. Encouragement
finds its greatest expression in spurring others to do their
best. In the New Testament, Paul and Barnabas were
known for strengthening disciples and encouraging them
to remain true to the faith. Actually, Barnabas’ name was
Joseph, but he was such an encouragement to the Apostles
and to the believers in the early church that they called
him Barnabas – which means “son of encouragement.”
What a joy it is to be part of a church where the members seek to encourage one another! I
have witnessed innumerable acts of love, kindness, and compassion among our membership. St. Mark
is a church where the disciples truly care for one another and minister to each other. Many of these acts
are performed during times of loss or grief. The hugs, the handshakes, the food, flowers, prayers,
visits, and your presence during times of death, loss, and sickness are instruments of encouragement
that speak volumes about our growth in understanding Jesus’ call to love one another.
We also excel in encouraging one another in times of celebration. So many times, I have
witnessed our members celebrate good news with one another and start their prayers with the words
“Thank you Lord.” With the Thanksgiving Celebration upon us, I am firmly convinced that Christians
should always celebrate the joys of our faith, friendships, and the daily blessings of living and experi-
encing life together. Continue to encourage one another in the faith and develop lasting friendships
among others who cross your path.
Fran and I have been the recipient of encouragement throughout our life in the church, and can
give direct witness to the joy, peace, and fulfillment that such actions bring to our lives. For your en-
couragement and for spurring us on to be faithful, we offer thanksgiving and praise to God for all of
you.
Grace and peace,
Carl and Fran
A Service of Prayer and Healing Sunday, Nov 2nd at 6:30
pm in the sanctuary of the By-Pass Campus. All are Welcome.
Want to know
more about St
Mark UMC and/
or talk about
joining in
membership.
The first Sunday of each month meet in
Founders Hall at 10:00 am for chat and coffee
with the Pastor(s). This begins Nov 2nd.
October 30, 2014 The Witness page 14 October 30, 2014 The Witness page 3
Happy Birthday! Nov 1: Bootsie Babb, Kensley Cobb, Drax Holley
Nov 2: Betty Lightsey, Linda Sauerwein, Karen Elliott, Joe Boazman, Megan Pruitt, Lauryn Landrith, Maddie Frick
Nov 3: Chuck Day, Martha Hoole, Kent Rhoads, Kim Koncki, Rebekah James, Robin Saleme, Luke Godwin
Nov 4: Candy Gillian, Stacie Westmoreland, Wes Strawn, Ashley Alexander
Nov 5: Gayle O’Dell, Frank Addy, Jared Edwards
Nov 6: Joyce Campbell, Lamont Deloach, Lee Huntsberger, Patti Miller, Adair Pederson, Derek Stennett
Nov 7: Ted Long, Jim McColl, Susie Barker, Catherine Miller, Rusty Hughes
Nov 8: Kirby Deloach, Rob McAlister, Russell Zehr, Diana Carver, Billy Pitts, Jake Campbell
Nov 9: Connie Sanders, David Ross, Karen Inglese, Kay Davis, Mac Chapman, Kaleigh Frick
Nov 10: Tracey Burke, Greg Ferguson, Lake Kelley, Tyler Mapes
Nov 11: Harriet Hagen-McDonald, Derrell Gregory, Holly Skipper, Bob Roy, Todd Waldrep, Joseph Long
Nov 12: JoAnne Babb, Paul Camp, Campbell Babb
Nov 13: Mary Ann Riley, Linda Hagen, Jessica Clark
Nov 14: Andrew Tripp
Nov 15: Jennifer Sexton, Maxine Brown
Nov 16: Barbara Teeter, Fran Day, Jack Ward IV
Nov 17: Ada Stillwell
Nov 19: Sandra Cawood, Jessica Chapman, Joseph Corley, Stephen Bridgland
Nov 20: Gene Garland
Nov 21: John Roby, Paige Holley
Nov 22: Buddy Matthews, James Lollis, Mark Mapes
Nov 23: Zvi McManus, Laura Patterson, Kim Sparks, Melissa Kelley
Nov 24: Bill Sease, Jason Long, Brian Medlock
Nov 25: Cliff Arnett, Kathy McClinton, Marc Engeler, Michelle Harrison, Roy McGrath, Josh Moore, Anna
Trammell
Nov 26: Chuck Sexton, Tom McLaughlin, Caroline Marcengill, Caroline Farren
Nov 27: Aundrea Wilson
Nov 28: Tim Ethridge, Jeannie Price, Becca Murray, Elizabeth Butler, Banner Peksa, Austin Stone, Zoe Moore, Macy
Clem, Natalee Price
Nov 29: Millie Worthington, Grover Christian, Blake Goodman
Happy Anniversary! Nov 2: Mark and Teresa Warner
Nov 3: Steve and Margaret Owings; Thomas and Brooke Kirby
Nov 6: Rick and Susan Ward; Marcus and Elizabeth Moeller
Nov 7: Kim and Danny Goodman
Nov 10: Steve and Pam Garran, Chuck and Gwen Molenda
Nov 11: Chris and Sudie Clem
Nov 12: Todd and Connie Dalton, Scott and Denise Bailey, Craig and Kelly Glanton; Chris and Laura Boyd; Jim and
Mary Miskelly
Nov 13: Chuck and Janey Kelley; Wayne and Paula Burton
Nov 14: Todd and Cindy Markward
Nov 15: Cam and Uzma Monda
Nov 16: Edward and Jeannie McCallum; Harold and Patsy Price
Nov 18: Lewis and Holly Moss
Nov 20: Randy and Connie Smith
Nov 24: David and Velma Knight; Brad and Mary Jones
Nov 25: Kent and Vickie Rhoads
Nov 26: Richard and Nancy Morse; Coleman and Debra Robinson
Nov 27: James and Linda Chadbourne; Darren and Tracy Scott
Nov 28: Walter and Gay Marshall; Frank and Wanda Hill; Waddy and JoAnne Babb; Jimmy and Whitney
Marcengill; Kirk and Judy Alexander
Nov 30: Cliff and Carol Arnett
KREW—Kids Really Ex-cited about Worship!
We have three more KREWS left in November!
Nov. 2nd—We are having piz-za! Wear your favorite tie dye
shirt!! Nov. 9—BREAKFAST FOR
SUPPER! Wear your KREW shirt! Nov. 16—Pizza for team night! Rep your favorite
team!
The Play KREW, KREWKATEERS, and SUPER KREW will all learn what the Bible tells us
about gratitude this month! Sundays 5:00-6:30 at RSC! The 11th Annual Children’s Christ-
mas Pageant will be Sunday, De-
cember 6th, at 5:00. The pageant is
open to all children K5-5th grade!
If you would like to be a part of the
pageant, please contact Julie. Audi-
tions and sign ups will be Tuesday,
November 10, at 5:30 in the worship
center at RSC. ALL CHILDREN
WILL RECEIVE PARTS!
Rehearsals will be held as follows:
Monday, 11/17 5:15-7:30
Thursday, 11/20 5:15-7:30
Monday, 11/24 5:15-7:30
Monday, 12/1 5:15-7:30
Thursday, 12/4 5:15-7:30 - Dress
Rehearsal
Saturday, 12/6 10:00 - Wesley
Commons performance
If you are a current 2nd-5th grader, signup NOW
for CKJ! The camp is June 16-19, and space is
VERY limited! Contact Julie right away if you
want to go!
THE GATHERING is our Sunday morning children’s ministry for ages 2 through
3rd grade! Join us at 10:00 at the BPC! We also have a Sunday school class for
4th and 5th graders!
October 30, 2014 The Witness page 4 October 30, 2014 The Witness page 13
A HUGE THANK YOU to everyone for sup-
porting the St. Mark Youth Pumpkin Patch
Fundraiser!!!
Epic student ministry meets Sunday nights 6:30-8:00 at RSC!
November 2-16: Most of us measure how we’re doing by how eve-ryone else is doing. Not a day goes by that we’re not tempted to glance to the left and to the right to see how we meas-ure up to the peo-ple around us. This is especially true at school. We see everyone else’s grades, clothes, athletic ability, talent, and popu-larity. And it’s easy to feel like we don’t measure up. So we adjust course, try harder, spend more, and then compare again. It's exhausting. It's the difficult—but not impossible—challenge of escap-ing The Comparison Trap
Nov. 23 and December 7: What if you able to pull back the curtain and see past the picture-perfect silent night Christmas story? When we look closely, we find that the REAL Christmas story, the uncut, be-hind-the-scenes version, looks more like our own than we would have ever imagined. And the same God who scripted these imperfect characters into His story is calling us to join him there as well.
The HIGH SCHOOL EXTRA
BIBLE STUDY for high school
students meets 8:00-8:30 immedi-
ately following epic. 9th and 10th
graders are studying ACTS in the
Attic. Juniors and Seniors are studying Reve-
lation in the High School Room.
A dancing skeleton smiles up at me from the floor of the office, surrounded by a maze of white bags spilling over with colorful jack-o-lantern buckets and assorted Halloween prizes for children. Around the hallway to my left I hear a young, famil-iar voice exclaiming something I can’t quite make out. It’s the enthusiastic sound of a three year old preparing to go to the playground with his preschool class-mates. Outside, it’s a sunny autumn day, the kind that begins with much promise in the cool of the morning. The children are full of energy after their midday nap. I can tell even from here that they’re ready to run and climb, and use their ‘outside’ voices. Down the hall to my right I hear the more subdued voices of men and women and remember noticing them earlier, each of them wearing conservative attire and standing together, talking quietly. It is a gathering of friends and family waiting for a funeral to begin, waiting to pray together, and for the reverent cele-bration of someone I did not know. The contrast of emotion on either side of me brings reflection, a child’s jubilance tempered with the understanding of grief. I
turn my attention to the growing list of festival preparations lying on my desk, and I am aware of something else. It is gratitude. I am thankful to be an observer in this moment, within these walls, where His Presence weaves a thread binding us all to one another, extending across time or affiliation. Thank you, Emmanuel, God with us, for the moments we do not miss… and help us to be more present in your love and guidance each day, in our life at St. Mark, and with our families.
Susan Fennell Director, Kids’ World CDC St. Mark UMC Ministries
St. Mark gratefully acknowledges the following gifts:
To The Weekend Meals Fund in loving memory of Al Langley by Phil and Linda Lucas; Rev. and Mrs. Taylor Campbell; Mr. and Mrs. Marvin Christenson.
To The Master’s Plan Fund in loving memory of Al Langley by Mar-garet Kennerly; Mr. and Mrs. Bill Wedeking; Mr. and Mrs. Bud Search; Mack and Sharon Eubanks, Jr; Greer and Marissa Eubank, III; Mr. and Mrs. Billy Hoole; Sue Jaffe; Jean Burch; Mr. and Mrs. Dan Toole; Hew-ie Goff; Emmett and Edith Brooks; Mr. and Mrs. Jim Brown; Mr. and Mrs. Homer Sears; Mr. and Mrs. WO Scott; Mr. and Mrs. Frank Hill; Mr. and Mrs. Bob Wade; Robert Bailey; Joe and Diane Shaffer; C.G and Laverne Born; Audrey McDaniel; W.L. and Sara Hollingsworth; Mr. and
Mrs. Bob Templeton; Sylvia Goff; Carolyn Strom; Claire Wash.
To The Sanctuary Fund in loving memory of Al Langley by Jo Latham.
To The Master’s Plan Fund in loving memory of Bobby Hitt by Sylvia Goff; Hugh Tucker; Mary Tucker Thompson
October 30, 2014 The Witness page 12 October 30, 2014 The Witness page 5
This is a proposed logo for Young @ Heart Club. This logo will become important in branding and growing the Club in the coming year. Let Jim or Debra Robinson ([email protected]) know your thoughts.
The next Young @ Heart Club meeting will be held on Tuesday, November 11, at noon in Founders Hall. Everyone should bring a covered dish. The speaker will be Lee Robirds who is the Congregational Nurse at Main Street Methodist Church. Also, nominees for 2015 will be an-
nounced and voted upon at this meeting.
Ready for some Christmas shopping? A trip to the Holiday Fair in Greenville is being planned for December. Be prepared to shop for Christmas or, if you are crafty, collect lots of ideas you can bring back and create yourself. De-tails of this trip will be coming soon so keep an eye out.
Senior Saturdays – Our youth came up with an idea awhile back which they would like to revisit. This idea involved helping Senior members of the church with various tasks free of charge. They would like to pilot this with the Young @ Heart Club. It only requires that members of Young @ Heart offer up opportunities for the youth to help them with a home project on the designated Senior Saturday. This can be anything from cleaning the garage out, helping with home cleaning, yard work, minor repairs, etc. The youth are excited about this opportunity. So make that list of things you need done and let us schedule you some free help. Contact Julie or Debra at the church with your list. Look forward to hearing from you.
Below are some ideas for possible outings for the coming year. Please feel free to let us know of others you would like added to the listing.
Joys & Concerns: Sympathies are extended to Margie and Verne Logan on the death of their son-in-law. The Family of Bobby Hitt. December Trip: A trip to the Christmas Fair has been planned. We will go on Friday, Dec 5th leaving at 9:30 am from the parking lot of the BPC. Cost for this trip is $6 plus cost of your meal. RSVP by Nov 15th to Debra at [email protected].
Holiday Fair Craft Show Biltmore House Tour World of Coca Cola and Mayfield’s Dairy
The Odd Couple (Gwd Theatre) Charleston City Market Friends of Greenville Co. Library Annual Book
Sale
An Evening of Desserts Shag Lessons Murder Mystery Dinner Theatre in Aiken
Olde South Ball – Greenville Mar-
riott Callaway Gardens/Warm Springs Drive Baseball Game
Turkey Federation Columbia Zoo BMW Plant
Fuji Plant Stone Mountain Pigeon Forge
Genetic Center Carter & Holmes – Newberry Beach Trip
WOMEN’S NEWS
Women’s Circle or Group Information: Davis Circle will meet on Monday, Nov 10th at 5:30 pm in Founders Hall. Jean Burch is the hostess and will have the program.
JOY! Circle will meet on Wednesday, Nov 19th at 12:00 pm. Susan Hood is the hostesses.
Friends of Susanna Group will meet on Wednesday, Nov 19th at 6:30 pm in Founders Hall. Mary Jones has the devotion.
Proctor Circle will meet Wednesday, Dec 3rd at 9:30 am in Founders Hall. Anna Helms has the devotion.
Greenwood Council of Church Women will host a Worship and Prayer program, “ Day of Prayer for the World”, Friday, Nov 7th 12:15pm at Wesley Commons – Asbury Hall. Angel Tree Ornaments The UMW will sponsor the Angel Tree ornaments again this year. The cost is $4.00 and they may be given in honor of, or in memory of, a loved one. The list of names will be included in the bulletin December 21. The ornaments may be purchased at both the BPC and RSC on Sunday Nov 30th, Dec 7th and Dec 14th. Thanksgiving Pies St. Mark has a tradition of providing pies for the Soup Kitchen on Thanksgiving Day. If you would like to provide one (or more) pies for this event, please bring them to the BPC kitchen by 5:00 pm on Wednesday, Nov 26th. These may be homemade or store bought. They can use all we can give them. Cookbook Are you interested in working on a cookbook for the 50th Anniversary of St. Mark? Join a group of UMW members to participate in this project. You do not have to be a UMW member. Email [email protected] or call 942-1869 if you would like to be included.
RADA
The United Methodist Women will be placing a RADA order the middle of November. If you would
like to place an order, the catalog and order blanks are posted on the UMW bulletin board across from
Julie and Debra’s office. If you are not familiar with RADA, they have very good knives and other
cutlery (American made). They also have cooking utensils, stoneware, and “quick mixes” for dips, soup,
etc. This is a project of the UMW and any proceeds go towards Mission projects. If you have any
questions, check with Ann Staley (223-4413 or [email protected]).
The Worship Committee will be decorating for Advent at
the By-Pass Campus on
Sunday, Nov 23rd at 4pm. We will need bow fluffers,
wreath hangers and men
who can hang garland and put up our Christmon Tree.
Many hands will make light
work!
Special dates in November: Sunday, Nov 16th - Greenwood District Leadership Training 3:00 pm at the BPC- Sessions will be
available for members of SPRC, Trustees, Nurture, Growth and Sending Forth. Saturday, Nov 22nd - Bishop’s Road Show at 9:00 am at RSC. Resident Bishop Jonathan Holston is
touring every district reaching out directly to lay servants and lay leaders to share his thoughts about how to build healthy teams and churches.
October 30, 2014 The Witness page 6 October 30, 2014 The Witness page 11
Sisters of Shut-ins (SOS) A group of members concerned with those of our church no longer able to be active participants in church activities. Our purpose is to show them they are missed and loved. We try to do this by visits, cards, little gifts, calls, and by comforting them when they have the need whether it be by prayer or just holding a hand. In return we receive smiles on sight, hugs when we're within reach and many thanks. Currently we have 16 shut-ins and 10 members in our group. We meet on call so that we have more time to visit. We would like to extend this ministry to include members who are dealing with long term problems that keep them from attending church services. To do this we would need the congregation to let us know when there is someone we need to include. Also we would like to add family members of our Church members who may not actually be members of St Mark. To do this we will need more SOS members. We are already serving 3 people who would come from such a group. It is our joy to show love and compassion to those who are unable to join us in worship services and, we believe, what Jesus would have us do. Toni Ross, SOS Chair
WEDNESDAY NIGHT LADIES’ BIBLE
STUDY
“THE GREAT ESCAPE” By: Beth Moore
We will meet Wednesday, Nov 5th through Nov
19th in room 105 from 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm with
the video starting at 6:15 pm. Join Beth Moore in
a live Living Proof Event based on Psalm 124.
Beth titles this three session series, “THE GREAT
ESCAPE”, because an escape from the sins and
snares of the world can only be accomplished by
God through the power of Christ’s sacrifice on the
cross. There is no workbook or homework
involved!! A nursery can be provided for anyone
who needs it. Contact Candy Gillian for any
questions: [email protected] or 864-341-
6800(cell).
Chancel Choir Notes
The word ‘choir’ comes from the Greek word ‘choros’, which
simply means a group of singers. The Bible shows us that God
loves all humankind to sing to Him and choirs are featured in
the Bible’s own description of divine worship. When God
created the world, a chorus of angels sang for Him. God asked
Job if he was around to observe the magnificence of creation,
“while the morning stars sang together and all the angels
shouted for joy”. (Job 38:7)
St Mark is blessed to have choir members who have willing and
committed hearts for service. They love to sing and they strive to give their very best to God. This is
how we approach each rehearsal, with love, working to be the best we are equipped to be, not just
‘good enough’. I don’t believe God created Heaven and Earth
to be just ‘good enough’, he created a Masterpiece. While we
as a choir cannot create a masterpiece we certainly strive to
praise God with our very best.
As we move into the first Sunday of November we will cele-
brate All Saints Day. The choir will be singing “We Are Sur-
rounded” and the text is based on Hebrews 12:1-3. Taking the
time to read and re-read this passage will remind us all of the
faithfulness and encouragement we each have received from the
‘saints’ in our lives and it will encourage us all to keep our eyes
‘fixed’ upon Jesus daily, lest we stumble and fall.
The women of the choir are working on a new piece entitled “Psalm 8”. We hope to have it ready by
November16th and it will feature violin and percussion. We use the term ‘ostinato’ in music to signal
when there is a constant repeated line, both rhythmically and melodically. In this piece there is a con-
stant text repeated over and over, ‘Adonai, Adonenu’ pronounced Ah- doh- NAH-ee,
Ah-doh-NEH-noo and it can be translated loosely from Hebrew as “O Lord, Our Lord”. This constant
text takes on an ostinato - like quality and is wrapped around the text from Psalm 8:1, 3-4. It creates a
hauntingly ethereal feeling for the listener if done well. It is our hope to do this in praise.
The holidays are fast approaching and that means Advent,
specifically the First Sunday of Advent which this year falls in
November. Mark your calendars for the Hanging of the
Greens service that will be held November 30th at 7:00 pm at
the BPC. This is always a beautiful service that features the
choir, youth, children as well as church members. We again
will have the Greenwoodwinds returning to do pre-service
music. So come early to enjoy their beautiful woodwind
sounds of Christmas.
Blessings with music, Carol
MEN’S COMMUNITY
PRAYER BREAKFAST is on
Friday, Nov 21st, at 6:30
a.m. in Wayne Goff Hall
(WGH) at RSC. The cost for
the meal is $3.00. Robbie
Strickland is the guest speaker from God’s
Way Recovery Ministry.
This Sunday, All Saints Sunday,
we will remember our saints
from November 1, 2013 to
October 31, 2014.
Felix Peebles - November 16, 2013
Bob Alexander - November 28, 2013
Roger Noss - November 29, 2013
Ansel Talbert - January 3, 2014
Morris Tolbert - February23, 2014
Mary Lankford - July 2, 2014
Regan Chrisley - July 12, 2014
Humby Quintana - July 21, 2014
Al Langley - September 30, 2014
Mary Dorn - October 4, 2014
Upcoming Meetings Kids’ World Team will meet on Wednes-
day, Nov 5th at 5:30 pm in CrossTalk
Classroom (room 122).
Instruct Team will meet on Sunday,
Nov 9th at 2:00 pm in the Library at
the BPC. Enter through the double
doors at the end of the Education
Wing.
Worship Team will meet on Sunday,
Nov 9th at 4:00 pm in the Fellowship
Classroom at the BPC. Enter through
the double doors at the end of the Ed-
ucation Wing.
SPRC will meet on Sunday, Nov 9th at
5:30 pm in the old Disciples Classroom
at the BPC. Enter through the double
doors at the end of the Education
Wing.
October 30, 2014 The Witness page 10 October 30, 2014 The Witness page 7
Methodist Campus Ministry Update!
Last year, Pastor Ryan began the Methodist Campus Ministry (MCM),
our latest outreach to Lander University. After spending much of the first
year building a presence on campus, the ministry is off to a fast start this
year. “Small Group”—MCM’s weekly worship gathering—is averaging
twenty students, and the group just got back from its first-ever Fall Re-
treat. Ryan and his wife, Kyrsten, took a group of twenty students to
Montreat Conference Center above Ashe-
ville, NC, for a weekend of Sabbath rest,
devotions, and fellowship (highlighted by
an epic scavenger hunt in which students
competed for the Golden Pinecone). The
weekend’s theme was “Mountain Week-
end.” Participants studied God’s long history of encountering people on mountains to open
their own eyes to God’s presence in their midst.
If you drove by St. Mark on Tuesday night, you likely saw one of MCM’s favorite events:
the annual pumpkin carving, bonfire, and cookout night. Back this year by popular demand,
this night benefits our youth’s Pumpkin Patch as the students celebrate the true meaning of
Halloween—a remembrance of all the saints who have died in the faith (All Saints’ EveàAll
Hallows’ EveàHalloween).
In addition to worship and social events, MCM is beginning its community outreach. Last
week, students provided two games for children at Greenwood’s Boo Bash, and the ministry
is looking into ways to help-out at the Bowers-Rodgers Children’s Home.
Through his year-and-a-half of working with Lander Students, Pastor Ryan has become more convinced of the importance of
Campus Ministry. “College students are looking for something worth giving their lives to,” he says. “So, we must be on
campus presenting the Gospel in a way that is compelling, else we will lose the students. But, when we can show these stu-
dents how God is working through the Church—including how God is working through them—to redeem the entire world,
then we are raising up leaders who will guide the Church into God’s future.”
In addition to serving Lander Students, MCM is making its first connections with students at Piedmont Tech. Currently, two
students from PTC attend MCM on a regular basis, and the group hopes to grow on both the Lander and PTC campuses.
Thus, if you know of students at either school, please send their contact information to Pastor Ryan ([email protected]),
or direct them to either Small Group (meeting on Tuesday nights at 8 PM in Lander’s Science Building, Room 119) or
MCM’s Facebook group (facebook.com/groups/LanderMethodistCampusMinistry).
Calling all Lander Alums, Faculty, Staff, Parents, and Fans of Campus Ministry:
Keep the Methodist Campus Ministry Strong
When I began the Lander Methodist Campus Ministry in the summer of 2013, I was confident it would grow, but I never im-
agined it would grow as fast as it has this semester. We finished last year with a core group of 8 students, and, seemingly
overnight, we have become a group that averages 20 students. But, our growth is not just numerical. Last year, our program-
ming consisted of a weekly small group Bible study and periodic social events. This year, students are asking for retreats and
mission trips and service opportunities—all of which are crucial for their Spiritual development as they seek out God’s
callings on their lives.
This increased programming, however, brings with it an increased need for financial support. Therefore, I am asking you to
prayerfully consider a monthly, quarterly, annual, or one-time donation to the Methodist Campus Ministry. No gift is too
small. A team of givers, giving even $5, $10, or $20 a month, will cover most of MCM’s financial needs. Again, no gift is
too small for God to bless and use to transform the lives of our college students.
If you are feeling led to support our ministry on Lander’s campus, please make checks payable to “St. Mark UMC” with
“Methodist Campus Ministry” in the memo line and send them to the church office. These tax-deductible gifts will be
noted on your St. Mark giving statements.
Grace and peace always,
Ryan
Over the years, I have driven by Leath Correctional Institution
without much thought except to occasionally be thankful that neither I nor
any of my family or close friends was inside those walls. Then a few years
ago, Dale Campbell, and later JoAnne Babb, began talking to me about
their experiences inside those walls. They were involved in a Thursday
night Bible Study with some of the ladies on the inside. They tried to
convince me that I would enjoy the experience. They talked about the
ladies as if they were their friends, and also about how much each one
meant to them. I remember thinking that Leath was the last place I wanted
to be. It was all well and good for them to go, but I never wanted to
darken those particular doors. I had plenty of excuses, the main one being
that I was working and didn’t have the time or energy. They finally stopped inviting me to join them, but God
didn’t stop working on my heart. When the wonderful day came and I retired, my final excuse was gone, and God
had convinced me that this was a mission I should do. I decided to go, at least once. (I could always back out if it
wasn’t for me.) That first visit is one that I will never forget. Here were all these ladies locked in a prison (some
with no hope of ever leaving) singing and praising God with joy in their very beings. Needless to say, I was
hooked and have been going over two years now. I tell the ladies often (and anyone else who will listen) that they
inspire and encourage me far more than I could ever do for them. Before joining this mission, I could not
understand the closeness between Dale, JoAnne, and the ladies; now I see how blind I was. Their interaction with
the Leath Ladies inspired and aided me in this mission. Sue McFarland and Candy Gillian have also joined in this
time of worship and fellowship. Sue’s insights into some of the discussions have been invaluable to both the ladies
and to me. Candy, our newest member, shared an experience she had on her first visit. One of the ladies introduced
herself to Candy and proceeded to tell her a little about herself. She said that she has been incarcerated for the past
25 years, during which time she had to deal with cancer and many other losses in her life. Yet this was the same
lady who had stood in front of the group to help lead the praise and worship songs and who had radiated joy,
peace, and faith that God is who He says He is and will do what He says He will do!
Every week we pass around a notebook so that the ladies can write down their prayer requests. These
prayers so often amaze me with their praises to God and His blessings on them. They ask prayers for their families
and the families of others at Leath, as well as prayers for the officers and their families. A recent request went like
this: “I would like to say a prayer of thanks to God. I have been blessed with so much peace and love and
forgiveness and wish the same for everyone here at Leath and out in the world.” Another wrote: “Please pray for
my strength in the Lord. Pray that I stay focused on my life and correcting it to follow in Jesus’s way and stay
positive in God’s Word.” And still another wrote: “Pray for my children and their caregivers for their salvation and
their financial security. Pray for the officers and their families and all the people who are in harm’s way.” How
humbling these prayers are to us who have so much! The Leath Ladies are amazing, and they touch my life each
week and help me desire to be a better ambassador for Christ.
I realize that going to Leath and working in person with these ladies is not for everyone. About a year ago,
after hearing the ladies say over and over how much they wished they could hear from someone on the outside,
God laid another mission on my heart. It was to provide a Pen Pal Ministry between the Leath ladies and people on
the outside. It has not progressed as I had originally envisioned because I didn’t take into consideration that many
of the ladies who needed this ministry would not be able to write back. (Many of the ladies receive only 2
envelopes and stamps a month and have no money to purchase more.) Therefore, I am changing it to a One Way
Pen Pal Ministry. If you would be willing, send a card or note to one of the ladies, at least twice a month (not
expecting anything in return---but possibly receiving an occasional note) These ladies often tell us that they love to
have us come out there because we treat them like “real” people. That’s what I’m asking for these ladies, that they
can receive mail (some of them have not had mail in years) like anyone else. If you would be interested in joining
this ministry, please let one of the above mentioned volunteers know and we will provide you with a name. I
guarantee that you will be the one blessed. ***Your identity will not be in jeopardy.*** Some of the people
already involved in this ministry use fictitious names, and everyone is encouraged to use the church’s address
instead of their own.
Fran Brown
November 2014 Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat
2 All Saints Sunday
5:00 KREW 6:30 EPIC 6:30 Prayer and Healing Service 8:00 HSX
3 10:00 Fit 4 Ever Exercise Class 10:30 Staff Meeting 5:30 Westside AA
4 8:30 Ladies Bible Study 10:00 Weekend Meal Packing 6:00 Women’s AA
5 6:30 Men’s Small Group
9:30 Proctor Circle 10:00 Fit 4 Ever Exercise Class 12:30 Intercessory Prayer Group 5:30 Kids’ World Team Meeting 6:30 Blend Band Practice 6:30 Chancel Choir Practice 6:30 Genesis Study 7:00 MOPS at RSC
6 9:00 MOPS 5:30 Westside AA
7 10:00 Fit 4 Ever Exercise Class
1
8 The Gathering Place in use
9 2:00 Instruct Team 4:00 Worship Team 5:00 KREW 5:30 SPRC 6:30 EPIC 8:00 HSX
10 10:00 Fit 4 Ever Exercise Class 5:30 Westside AA 5:30 Davis Circle 5:30 Christmas Pageant Audi-tions
11 8:30 Ladies Bible Study 10:00 Weekend Meal Packing 12:00 Young at Heart 2:00 Good News 6:00 Women’s AA
12
6:30 Men’s Small Group 10:00 Fit 4 Ever Exercise Class 6:30 Blend Band Rehearsal 6:30 Chancel Choir Practice 6:30 Genesis Study
13 5:30 Westside AA
14 10:00 Fit 4 Ever Exercise Class
15
16 3:00 Greenwood District Leader-ship Training entire building 5:00 KREW 6:30 EPIC 8:00 HSX
17 10:00 Fit 4 Ever Exercise Class 5:15 Pageant Rehearsal 5:30 Westside AA
18 10:00 Weekend Meal Packing 2:00 Good News 6:00 Women’s AA
19 6:30 Men’s Small Group
10:00 Fit 4 Ever Exercise Class 12:00 JOY! Circle 12:30 Intercessory Prayer Group 6:30 Friends of Susanna Group 6:30 Blend Band Rehearsal 6:30 Chancel Choir Practice 6:30 Genesis Study
20 9:00 MOPS 5:15 Pageant Rehearsal 5:30 Westside AA
21 Paige’s Birthday (National Holiday) 6:30 Men’s Monthly Prayer Breakfast 10:00 Fit 4 Ever Exercise Class
22
9:00 Bishop’s Road Show at RSC
23 4:00 Decorating the BPC for Christmas
24 10:00 Fit 4 Ever Exercise Class 4:00 Founders Hall in use 5:15 Pageant Rehearsal 5:30 Westside AA 7:00 Community Thanksgiving Service
25 9:00 Newsletter 10:00 Weekend Meal Packing 6:00 Women’s AA 6:00 Wesley Class Men Turkey Fry
26
6:30 Men’s Small Group 6:30 Blend Band Rehearsal
27 Church Office is closed 11:00 Founders Hall in use 5:30 Westside AA
28 Church Office is closed
29
30 7:00 Hanging of the Greens Ser-vice
Worship Services are:
Traditional:8:45 am & 11:00 am
Blend: 11:15 am
Sunday School 10:00 am
Church office hours are:
Monday - Thursday 8:00 am -
5:30 pm
Friday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm