These ministries are dynamic and inclusive. They engage and empower their members in personal and spiritual growth, minister to the congregation, and offer opportunities for service within the church and community.

Our Chancel Choir helps lead worship each Sunday at the 8:45 a.m. and the 11:00 a.m. traditional worship services that meet in the main sanctuary. The choir, under the direction of Carol Jones, is open to all adults who love to sing. The music is a diverse repertoire covering the traditional, classical, and contemporary. There are opportunities within the group for ensemble singing as well as solo work. The choir meets each Wednesday evening from 7:00 p.m. to 8:15 p.m. Please call the church office (864-229-5416) for more information.

The Chancel Bells is a three-octave group open to anyone who loves music and has a desire to be a prt of the church music program but not serve musically each Sunday. It is important that one has music-reading experience but not necessarily bell-ringing experience to be a part of this group. The group meets each Wednesday evening from 5:45 p.m. - 6:45 p.m. for rehearsal. Please call the church office (864-229-5416) for more information.

Then he took his staff in his hand, chose five smooth stones from the stream, put them in the pouch of his shepherd's bag and, with his sling in his hand, approached the Philistine. I Samuel 17:40

One can only imagine the instant that David stood poised in front of Goliath, sling in hand. What emotions he must have felt before hurling a single smooth stone into the temple of such an overwhelming adversary! Stepping WAY beyond his comfort zone, David put his faith in God. He trusted the Almighty to help him accomplish what many deemed impossible. It remains an underdog story for the ages!

In today’s world, we Christians are surrounded by giants. Maybe we're not staring down a towering, ruthless warrior, but false teachings, misguided philosophies and worldly lifestyles plague our lives at every turn. God calls us to take up whatever arms we have and go to battle with these giants. It is with that calling that Five Smooth Stones was formed. 5SS is the praise and worship team for Sunday Morning Blend, St. Mark’s contemporary worship service. Drawing from a wealth of musical talent, its members seek to use their gifts and talents to engage our congregation and community in spirit-fueled worship to our Savior. By stepping out in front of our service, 5SS leads the charge every week as we commune together to battle the giants that we all undoubtedly face. The members have put their faith in God to help them spread the good news that Satan has been vanquished and that Jesus is King!

We invite you to come and celebrate that fact with us every Sunday at 11:15 a.m. at the Rivers St. Campus. Giants be warned!

Click on the picture to listen to Five Smooth Stones.

The drama ministry, under the direction of Don Tummons, is planning a new production for the Advent season. The cast is set, the lines are being memorized and the songs learned. For what? "Open Hearts in Bethlehem" a Christmas musical that tells the birth story of Jesus in a charming manner with original and some familiar songs. But this is not just a Christmas play we are going to have Dinner Theater this time around. So put these dates and times on your calendar - December 17, 18, and 19 with dinner starting at 5:45 and the show starting at 7:30. More information to come about tickets and how you can support the drama ministry here at St. Mark. All profits will go to a special project or mission. Look for updates and flyers as the time draws near.

The St. Mark Youth Praise Band, under the direction of Josh Campbell and Julie McLaughlin, meets for practice Sundays from 3:30 p.m.-4:30 p.m. in the Attic. The band will play for KREW, UMYF, and eventually, for Sunday Morning Blend! If you are interested in being a part of this band, please contact Julie (229-5416 or stmarkchildren@embarqmail.com)!