St. Mark United Methodist Church
"Leading, Lifting, Loving"- Since 1955
THE TEAM
Senior Pastor
Rev. Mike Bruce
Pastor Mike was born and raised in Bennettsville, South Carolina. His faith journey was lived out in his home church, First United Methodist Church. It was through their youth ministry that he heard and accepted his call to ministry at the age of 15. From there he attended Spartanburg Methodist College graduating with and AA Degree in 1974, then Pfeiffer College graduating with a BA in Psychology in 1976, then Chadler School of Theology, Emory University with a Masters of Divinity.
Pastor Mike was ordained Deacon in 1978 and then ordained Elder in 1981. He has served appointments all over the South Carolina Annual Conference including the Waccamaw Circuit, Conway-1979-1982, Centenary UMC, Conway-1982-1985, Quinby UMC, Quinby-1985-1993, St. Paul UMC, New Ellenton-1993-March 1999, St. Mark UMC, Charleston-March 1999-2003, Highland Park UMC, Florence-2003-2007, Aldersgate UMC, Greenville-2007-2012, Ashland UMC, Columbia-2012-2016, and John Wesley UMC, Charleston-2016-2020. Pastor Mike retired in 2020 but continued to serve as a Retire Supply Pastor at the Lebanon Charge-Ridgeville-2020-2024. In 2024 Pastor Mike was appointed to return to St. Mark, which he considers returning home.
Music Arts Director
Barbara Vena
Barbara Vena brings over 40 years of music ministry experience to her role as Director of Music at St. Mark UMC. She has led children’s choirs, chimes, handbell and vocal ensembles across several congregations. She finds joy in pursuing excellence in choirs of all ages in praise and worship. Praise be to God for music!
St. Mark Dayschool Director
Stacey Shealy
Stacey Shealy is the Director of St. Mark Day School. She, along with her husband, Kevin and daughters Ashlyn and Addison have been a part of the St. Mark UMC family for more than 30 years. "My love for the LORD and for education have made this outreach program one of the best decisions of my life." The Day School Program is for children 12 months- 4 years old. Monday-Friday 9:00am-1:pm
Church Admin
Jamie Ackerman
Jamie Ackerman is the Church Admin of St. Mark United Methodist Church. Jamie and her son Malachi joined St. Mark UMC when her mother, Dawn Ackerman, left the Church Admin position in May of 2024. After transitioning into the position, her dedication to the church has grown and her love for the St. Mark Family is unwavering. She believes in a quote written by Francis Asbury, "My desire is to live more to God today, than yesterday, and to be more holy this hour than the last."
Organist
Chuck Long
Chuck Long has devoted his life to music, education, and nurturing young performers. A retired educator of 34 years and longtime organist/choirmaster, he brought the same passion for excellence to the classroom that he did to the choir loft. Today, he continues that legacy through the nonprofit performing arts company he founded, teaching vocal performance and drama to students in grades 1–12 and helping them grow into confident, creative young people onstage and in life.