ocation • ss Un A it ss e e d r M P W e . I t N h C . N Wr E o S it

ing R d

• a i

nd s

s O

Pu v t

r b er

lic a A

o a ll

t t

ion s a s

c o

i

c

n

a

u

t

i

o m

n m o o f C

$2 February 2013

Seasons of Epiphany/Lent

S.C. UMCs achie8ve be7st ap%portionments in a decade Columbia District does 100% tionment giving that saw the best numbers istry this year than expected, the treasurer’s since 2003. office reports. By Jessica Connor S.C. United Methodist churches paid According to year-end figures provided by 87.02 percent of apportionments for 2012 – that office, the 87 percent translates to about South Carolina United Methodist pro - almost 3 percent higher than the 84.2 percent $15.5 million paid to the conference in 2012 grams and agencies have more money for they paid in 2011. of the $17,863,269 total budget. ministry thanks to a year-end push in appor - That translates to $341,110 more for min - See “87%,” Page 7 Upstate ministry helps woman get service dog Page 28 Forever Friends Special needs families find fun, welcoming worship

By Jessica Connor

FORT MILL – It’s Thursday night in Fort Mill, and a crowd is gathering in the bright open sanctuary at Grace Community United Methodist Church. Loud, fun praise music booms from the speakers, Clemson group while newcomers and long-timers alike are chatting aids in storm relief excitedly, catching up or just hugging and grinning. Page 13 Acceptance and courtesy are everywhere – some - one holds open the door for a woman with crutches or a man in a wheelchair. Autistic? No problem. Like to sing at will? Yes, please! The noise a little much? Here’s a quiet space right outside the door. Just walking in, you get the sense you’ve been there forever, and these are your very best friends who will do anything to make you feel at home. “I love coming to church,” says 18-year-old Katelyn Massey, carefully weighing her words, ‘We Care’ bears! adding with a grin that church has become her Page 26 “hobby.” “I like the music, and I like being able to spend time with people like me.” Massey and dozens of other special needs teens Ash Wednesday, and adults come to Grace Community on the third See “Forever Friends,” Page 8 Special needs adults enjoy a spirited, music-filled worship program once a Feb. 13 month at Grace Community UMC, Fort Mill. - - Church, Locks of Love help girl with alopecia By Jessica Connor Except when you’re begged last minute to acolyte at church and the only hat you ROCK HILL – For Tatum Brewer, 10, hav - brought looks silly with the formal robe. ing alopecia isn’t so bad. Except when it’s Except when the questions upon questions “Having July, and all the kids are asking why you’re start making you feel less like a helpful per - hair wearing a hat on the sweltering indoor play - son and more like an oddball. changed my life,” ground. “It would drive me a little bit crazy,” Tatum Except when it’s a sleepover, and all the Tatum admits, shyly taking a bite of her Brewer girls are French braiding their hair and tying said. satin bows. See “Locks of Love,” Page 9

2-3, Inside Feature Articles 14-15, Salkehatchie 22, Resource Center 3, Subcribe 16, Global News 23, Health News Index 4-6, Viewpoints 18, History 24-25, Seniors 10, Education & Youth 19,Obituaries 26, Classified Ads Scan this 12-13, Ministries & Missions 20-21, District & Local News 26, Upcoming Events QR code with your smartphone! Page 2, February 2013 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate

The church launched the service as its first worship experience in Hours/Location the greater Bluffton area Open Monday through Friday after several 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. S.C. United Methodist Conference years of vision - Center ing by leader - 4908 Colonial Drive, Suite 207 ship and the Columbia, SC 29203 congregation Deadlines are the 10th of each month. and working Contacting Us with the confer - Telephone: 888-678-6272 or ence Office of 803-786-9486 Congregational Fax: 803-735-8168 Development. E-mail: [email protected] (Photos by Matt Brodie) Submissions The Advocate encourages readers to submit for publication items of interest to South Carolina St. Andrew launches multisite concept United Methodists. There is no charge for running items involving activities or announcements. Items should be submitted as far as possible with Christmas Eve under the Stars in advance of the event’s date or the date of requested BLUFFTON – As worshipers welcomed publication. Since there is no charge for these items, they appear in the arrival of the Christ Child on Christmas the newspaper on a space-available Eve, members of Hilton Head Island’s St. basis. Deadlines are the 10th of each Andrew By-The-Sea United Methodist month for the following month’s paper. Church were also thanking God for His presence in a new worship service called Advertising “Christmas Eve under the Stars.” Display ads, classified ads and inserts The outdoor service shone a light on the can be ordered by contacting us at 888-678-6272 or 803-786-9486, ext. birth of a new multisite extension of the 338, or [email protected]. church into Bluffton, where approximately Deadlines are the 10th of each month 350 gathered for the holy night. for the following month’s paper. The church launched the service as its Subscriptions first worship experience in the greater The Advocate is delivered to mailbox - Bluffton area after several years of vision - es via U.S. mail every month prior to ing by leadership and the congregation and the first Sunday of the month. work in conjunction with the conference Attendees at Christmas Eve Under the Stars enjoyed two bonfires, where they could Subscriptions are $15/year for the make s’mores and warm up with coffee or hot chocolate before and after the event. print and online version, and $8/year Office of Congregational Development. for the online-only edition. Church Bluffton has been named the fastest-grow - there, the idea quickly was seen as a great in a Manger.” plans are available for as low as $1/member (online version) or ing city in the state, and the conference rec - opportunity for people to meet in a public “It was just so special to look out at all $10/member (print version with 10+ ognized the need for a strong United area without the fear of having to come the lit candles and see so many from all subscribers per church). To start your Methodist presence in previously unserved through the doors of a church, much like St. over the Bluffton area,” Burbage said. subscription, visit www.advocatesc. org, call with credit card to 888-678- portions of greater Bluffton over the past Andrew’s well-known Easter sunrise serv - “After much planning and many prayers, 6272 or 803-786-9486, ext. 335, or several years. ice at the public beach on the island. we were so blessed that God was using us send a check to Advocate, 4908 At the same time, St. Andrew began to Working with the developer of out there under the stars to include so many Colonial Drive, Columbia, SC 29203. seek ways to offer programs for members Buckwalter Place, for the Christmas Eve new people in giving thanks for the Christ Photographs living on the mainland, and to reach out as Service the church was able to use a vacant child.” Photographs can be submitted a missional church to the many in the area parcel in the blooming commercial and Both of St. Andrew’s worship services at to the newspaper for publication. who may not have a church home. The institutional center. A new Publix, the the sanctuary on Pope Avenue on Hilton High-resolution digital images are preferred. Photographs should be concept of creating a multisite campus, and police department, a state-of-the art bowling Head had record attendance, as well. in focus and should have proper expanding through a vibrant existing con - alley and other businesses have recently According to Burbage, the church plans to exposure. Color or black and gregation rather than just “parachute drop - sprung up at Buckwalter Place, which is follow up with an oyster roast and worship white photographs are accepted. People in photographs should be iden - ping” a pastor into the area, led the project accessed by two major thoroughfares. service in January, along with offering a tified with names and ages, and a to become the new church start for the con - Working with the Town of Bluffton, permits spring tennis league for kids, parenting contact person with a phone number ference for 2012. The church envisions hav - and permissions were granted to post signs workshops, missional opportunities and should be included in the information. ing a separate space in Bluffton in the promoting the event, and to erect a 30- x other studies and discussion groups already Accuracy Policy future, but continuing as one church in two 40-foot clear-top tent. meeting in Bluffton. The Advocate strives to produce locations. Seating under the tent topped out around A video report on Christmas Eve under error-free news reports. When mis - “We had absolutely no idea how many 100, but within minutes of the service start - the Stars, produced by Conference Director takes occur, it is our policy to correct them as soon as they are brought to would attend Christmas Eve under the ing (and despite showers just prior), hun - of Communications Matt Brodie, may be our attention. To request a correction, Stars,” said the Rev. Daniel Burbage who dreds more appeared. They enjoyed two seen on the conference website at call Jessica Connor at 888-678-6272 was assigned as an associate pastor at St. bonfires where they could make s’mores www.umcsc.org. or 803-786-9486, ext. 338, or e-mail [email protected]. In the event of Andrew in June. “We were amazed at the and warm up with coffee or hot chocolate errors in advertisements, the Advocate number and diversity of people who came. both before and after the event. Each fami - will be responsible only for the space It was awesome seeing all of the many ly attending was also given a star ornament occupied by the actual error. The pub - lisher assumes no financial responsi - families come together to worship Jesus. the church purchased through Ten bility for omissions. Our hope was to provide a safe, inclusive Thousand Villages. ADVERTISE space that all people would feel welcomed. The approximately 30-minute service, Back Issues The great response confirmed to us that led by Burbage and St. Andrew senior pas - The Advocate maintains copies of back issues for sale for up to one there is a need, and we were grateful to God tor the Rev. Neil Yongue, included the year, as long as the supply lasts. that these people who had never worshiped Christmas story in Scripture, brief medita - HERE When requesting by mail, back together before felt comfortable enough to tions, carols led by two musicians and the copies are $2 each, to cover postage and handling. To research or spend this holy and historic night with us.” singing of “Silent Night” while candles review articles published more than A special team for the multisite start had were lit. A manger scene was created near one year ago, bound copies of the been brainstorming ideas when one member the stage, and arriving children were given newspaper are available for review at [email protected] the Advocate office, Wofford College suggested a service on Christmas Eve animal and angel costumes so they could in Spartanburg and the South around a fire and under the stars. From fill the stable during the singing of “Away or 864-420-2074 Caroliniana Library in Columbia. The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate February 2013, Page 3 How can districts be more effective? District Study Task Force turns focus to strategy, not numbers By Jessica Connor Holston on district effectiveness and researching what other conferences are The mission of The United Methodist doing. UM print shop to close Church is to make disciples of Jesus Christ Now, they are perfecting the report they for the transformation of the world. So how will present at Annual Conference in June, By Jessica Connor ing costs and dwindling numbers, the can the S.C. Conference’s 12 districts be spelling out what they believe the confer - print shop – which operates downstairs most effective in helping congregations do ence should do, through its districts, to After more than a year doing every - in the United Methodist Conference that? make disciples for Christ. thing possible to turn itself around, the Center – announced a new business That is the latest focus of the District Earline Ulmer, a member of the task S.C. Conference’s Print Media Center plan to help it stay afloat. It had been Study Task Force, a conference-mandated force, said the streamlined focus on disci - will be closing its doors. operating at a deficit, losing $31,455 in group of clergy and laity across the state. ple-making will crystallize the role of the The Conference Council on Finance 2011 and $15,858 in 2010. Prestipino Originally formed in 2011 to explore UMC and its districts in this conference – and Administration announced Jan. 23 told the Advocate last year that success whether the current number of districts (12) and help clergy and laity be more effective. that the print shop will close March 1. would be breaking even. is too many, too few or just right, the task “I think there’s a problem of accounta - “Your support of the print shop over But while the print shop did break force’s work was expanded in 2012 to bility for lay and clergy to begin to focus on the last several years is very much even – and even earned about $9,500 study the organization of the entire Annual the main purpose of our existence of being appreciated, and this is not a decision in August and in September thanks to Conference. disciples of Christ and modeling that in our that was made lightly,” read a state - gains in customers, turnaround time While the group does need to look at communities,” Ulmer said. ment emailed to the Advocate and oth - and cost savings – questions remained things like district lines and numbers, She said districts need to help clergy and ers by Conference Treasurer Tony about whether the print shop would be Spartanburg District Superintendent Dr. laity refocus on our church mission and Prestipino. “The council is thankful for sustainable long-term. Printing indus - Paul Harmon, who chairs the task force, make sure we understand “just what it is the hard work of Melanie Dotson and try changes and aging equipment were said the group has realized the church is we’re all about.” Rhonda Foupht and all prior employ - two top concerns. better served if the conference pulls back “I hope it will revitalize our entire con - ees of the print shop. Please keep Prestipino has noted many projects and looks at the big picture, which will help ference so we can become the kind of Melanie and Rhonda in your prayers the print shop used to produce, like the the rest fall into place. church that is doing a lot of things, letting during this challenging transition.” conference journal, are now nearly all Harmon said that with more churches in the community know our presence and that Prestipino said information con - digital. South Carolina declining than growing, the we care about people,” Ulmer added. cerning new conference printing Foupht and Dotson have expressed task force is concluding the conference Task force member Freda Brock said options and vendors will be provided appreciation to all their loyal cus - needs to focus districts’ time and talents on she is really excited about focusing on the in February. tomers and friends as they prepare to strategies that will help turn around that true mission of the church rather than sim - A year ago, faced with years of ris - close. trend; simply exploring numbers and lines ply redistricting. won’t accomplish that. “We have our bishop on board with us, “A lot of the work the district office and he has a good pulse for where the building, accountability models and confer - trict boards of congregational development deals with is the tyranny of the urgent, church needs to be and the direction we ence support,” White said. and connectional ministries and congrega - rather than the mission of the church,” need to take,” Brock said. “We can’t do “Superintendents can be the first line in the tional specialists. It is faith and labor-inten - Harmon said. “We need to focus on creat - things the way we used to do them.” help, with additional help coming from dis - sive work.” ing ways to stay ahead of the curve and be Task force member the Rev. Sara White, proactive in stemming that decline.” director of congregational development for Harmon said the group is homing in on the conference, said the group is looking at two particular focus areas: the need to iden - everything from district resourcing of local tify congregations where radical revitaliza - churches to personnel who can do the tion will have the greatest impact, and the resourcing best, using data gathered from need to identify and take action in those year-end reports and census reports. White places where new congregations should be said the group noted the largest representa - planted. tion of churches within the data was “It’s strategy; it’s asking, ‘How can dis - churches in areas of population growth tricts be more effective in helping congre - whose worship attendance was stagnant or gations perform the mission of the declining. church?’” Harmon said. “To assist churches in the move outward Since Annual Conference, task force to the growing communities, rather than an members have been brainstorming with expectation of people coming into the each other and S.C. Bishop Jonathan churches, will require conversation, trust

Be a stronger United Methodist. Subscribe to Scan this QR code the Advocate. with your smartphone!

Name:

END GUN VIOLENCE – Flag of Honor provides a makeshift memorial for Mailing Address: the 20 children and six adults who died Dec. 14, 2012, at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. As church bells across the country City State ZIP E-mail address: tolled for those who lost their lives there, United Methodist Bishop Peter Church Name: Weaver and other religious leaders spoke about the need for compassion Pastor: District: and for safeguards against future gun violence. United Methodist and other interfaith leaders have sounded a recurring theme about the need for a safety This is a: Please make checks payable to: The Advocate New Subscription ($15) net for those trying to deal with mental illness and legislation to address con - and return to: One-Year Renewal ($13) 4908 Colonial Dr., Suite 207, cerns over handguns, assault weapons and ammunition magazines, said Columbia, SC 29203-6070 Weaver. The UMC will continue to work on the issue through Faiths United Two-Year Subscription ($24) Against Gun Violence. (A UMNS photo by Arthur McClanahan) Subscribe online: www.advocatesc.org • $15/year print and online; $8/year online only Page 4, February 2013 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate VIEWPOINTS Jessica Connor, Editor Bishop’s Corner

Now what? Bishop Jonathan Holston

While job security and the overall financial health of the nation seem to be on the upswing, I don’t think anyone expected the S.C. Conference to see its best year in apportionments giving since 2003. Little things make a big difference After all, the recession nearly crippled many in this state, and economy experts are “Let us throw off everything that hin - windows were still beautiful, but the calling this year’s Christmas shopping season the worst since 2008. Most people ders and the sin that so easily entangles, church had discovered its singular pur - expected something on par with last year, if we were lucky. and let us run with perseverance the race pose. The congregation found a ministry At least, that’s what they expected until the money started rolling in. marked out for us. Let us fix our eyes on that transcended its windows. Church after church was stepping up and paying apportionments – many for the first Jesus.” Recently, while searching through time in years. While the majority didn’t pay 100 percent, they were paying. And S.C. In a past issue of the Upper Room boxes of family pictures and documents, I ministries began to feel hope. devotional, the editor shared an excerpt found a booklet saved from our son’s time The Advocate’s front page screams “87%” and we want to take a moment and do a from the article, “Little Things Make a at the U.S. Naval Academy. It was a giant leaping back handspring to applaud the way United Methodist churches across the BIG Difference.” booklet titled “Faith Points for Protestant state stepped up and gave, even when it hurt. The Columbia District particularly Norwegian inventor John Vaaler Midshipman” given to him by a Navy deserves a huge nod for the way the churches came together at the 11th hour and patented the paper clip in 1899. For 114 chaplain. Within its pages was devotional helped the district reach 100 percent for the first time. years, the paper clip has had one singular material that was helpful to his growth Because of these church members who went the extra mile, South Carolina min - purpose: to clip paper. Whether it is a spiritually. istries have more money to do all the good they can, by all the means they can, in all multimillion dollar contract, a brilliant As I read some of the passages, I found the ways they can, in all the places they can, to all the people they can, as long as they thesis, a global treaty or a student’s home - a few statements helpful to all of us. ever can. work assignment, the paper clip never Inspirational quotes such as “taking the Imagine what a campus ministry could do with an extra, unexpected 3 percent – a loses its purpose – to clip paper. time to maintain a healthy spiritual life fun spring bash to cultivate new Christians into the fold? A funky marketing campus- Likewise, in a seminar for pastors and through regular worship, prayer, study, wide campaign? Help with a mission trip? lay persons, Bishop Lindsey Davis shared and fellowship with God’s people will Conference Treasurer Tony Prestipino says he expects a 4 percent increase next year, an address that spoke to congregations pay dividends” are words of motivation and I like his thinking. Let’s visualize success. Let’s set a goal and do everything we finding their singular purpose for min - for anyone. The booklet reveals truths that can to meet it. This isn’t corporate America, where the extra dollars line some bigwig’s istry. Sharing a story from an earlier pas - are evident; namely, that life is a challeng - pockets. These are dollars that feed the hungry, clothe the naked, provide shelter for the torate, Bishop Davis canvassed the com - ing race requiring endurance and faith – homeless, spread the Good News far and wide. This is priority. This is worth it. munity of his new assignment. He was faith in Jesus Christ. When we expect results, we get them. startled with the response; namely, It is the singular purpose that the writer So next year at this time, instead of ministries being pleasantly surprised with the “That’s the church with the beautiful of Hebrews 12 indicates is necessary for extra cash and having to figure out where to use it, let’s go into 2013 thinking we have stained glass windows.” There was no continued growth both morally and spiri - some extra ministry funding – now what? How can we best put it to use? And how can mention of its worship services or min - tually. First, we must remove hindrances; we plan for a surplus next year, and the year after, and the year after? All for Him. istry to the community. Only a comment let us lay aside every weight (Hebrews related to its windows. 12:1). Second, we must reject entangle - Letters Policy During the year, the local hospital ment; lay aside … the sin that so easily expressed a need for stuffed animals. ensnares us (Hebrews 12:1). Third, we We welcome letters to the editor. We urge brevity, as succinct writing often produces clarity. These teddy bears of all shapes, sizes and must enlarge our vision by keeping our Letters should be no more than 300 words . All letters are subject to editing as needed to meet colors would be given to children admit - eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:2). standards of grammar, space and interest. We will not publish anonymous letters, letters praising or criticizing businesses by name, endorsements of or letters from political candidates, fundrais - ted to the hospital or brought to the emer - Like the paper clip, the teddy bear ing appeals, or letters containing inappropriate language or personal attacks. All letters will be gency room for care. Through his leader - church or the “Faith Points” booklet, verified, so you must include a name, daytime phone number, church membership and home - ship, the congregation leaped into action. when we are true to the mission of mak - town. Letters should be sent to The Advocate, 4908 Colonial Drive, Columbia, SC 29203, faxed to 803-735-8168 or e-mailed to [email protected]. Deadlines are the 10th of each month. They established a “teddy bear collection ing disciples for the transformation of the never before experienced in the commu - world, we discover our singular purpose. nity. It was a rousing success.” Soon after, We lay aside weights and entanglements Bishop Davis recalled a visit to the gro - to enlarge a vision that propels us to grow cery store. After inviting the store manag - in a faith that translates our beliefs into er to Sunday worship, she responded, action. “That’s the church that gives teddy bears When the story of our faith follows the 4908 Colonial Drive, Suite 207, Columbia, SC 29203 to the little children!” path of our commitments, little things 888-678-6272 or 803-786-9486 What a difference. The stained glass make a big difference. [email protected] | www.advocatesc.org

Publisher The S.C. United Methodist Advocate Trustees The Rev. Steven King, chairperson; the Rev. Angela Nelson, vice chairperson; Letters to the Editor the Rev. Carleathea Benson, secretary; Carmen Faulkner, treasurer; Dyron V. Anderson; the Rev. Audrey Boozer; the Rev. Jerry Gadsden; Rhonda Jones; Gladys Lemon; the Rev. Evelyn Middleton; Skyler Nimmons; A chance to give back Dr. Ralph Ostrom; Dr. Phillip Stone; Diane Wilson; and the Rev. William Wrighten In the turmoil in McClellanville after marker on the piano. They wrote back, Editors emeritus M. Eugene Mullikin, Maryneal Jones, Willie S. Teague, Hurricane Hugo, a church on the New remembering us well, and even forward - Allison Askins, Karl F. Davie Burgdorf, Emily L. Cooper Jersey coast, First United Methodist in ed our letter to the minister who’d been at Staff Tuckerton in Ocean County, got in touch their church at that time. They said they Editor: Jessica Connor, [email protected] with us and contributed to our renewal lived near the ocean, too, and that Hugo Assistant Editor: Allison K. Trussell, [email protected] Editorial Intern: Brady Hammond with generosity and real spirit. had spared them, but they understood. Our Mission They sent new appliances for the par - Little did they know. Now, Ocean To communicate the message of the United Methodist Church and to connect United Methodists by sonage, they replaced the hymnals that County, N.J., is reeling from Sandy’s independently reporting news, engaging readers and providing a forum for dialogue. we’d recently purchased for the sanctuary damage and the shoe is on the other foot. Subscriptions and they sent us a piano. They put a brass The McClellanville United Methodist The individual subscription rate is $15/year for the print and online version ($13 for renewals) and $8/year for the online-only edition. To subscribe or for information about discounted church plan rates, marker on the front of the piano stating Women voted recently to send the kind call 888-678-6272, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.advocatesc.org. who it was from. people in Tuckerton half of the proceeds The S.C. United Methodist Advocate (ISSN 1078-8166) continues the Southern Christian Advocate, authorized by the General Conference A couple of years ago our substitute from our fall bazaar. We’ve sent them a of 1836. Publication began Annual Conference-July 24, 1837. The paper is published monthly by the S.C. United Methodist Advocate Trustees. We cannot be responsible for unsolicited manuscripts.Please direct all inquiries regarding commentary submissions to the editor, pianist wrote them to say she often had check for $2,226. 4908 Colonial Drive, Suite 207, Columbia, SC 29203-6070. 803-786-9486/ FAX 803-735-8168. Periodicals postage paid at Columbia, S.C. Postmaster: Send address changes to: S.C. United Methodist Advocate, 4908 Colonial Drive, Suite 207, Columbia, SC 29203. been comforted in her stage fright to read We wish we could do more, but we’re that marker and she wanted to thank them February 2013 • Volume 177 • No. 2 for all they’d done and for putting that See “Letters,” Page 5 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate February 2013, Page 5 LETTERS: Continued Connectional From Page 4 Conversation A better call to action By the Rev. Kathy James watched ushers and other church leaders meet to discuss emergency plans for their As a follower of Jesus and a citizen of congregations. And I have seen bewilder - this country, I find myself haunted by the ment tinged with despair. “What is the Newtown tragedy. The timing of the mur - world coming to?” we ask. der of 20 innocents along with others 10 Each of these expressions is an authen - McClellanville days before Christmas resulted in my tic individual response to the Newtown UMC recently experiencing worship during this holy sea - tragedy. We as the hands, feet and heart of gave back to a son in a completely different way. Jesus cannot stop with our grief, bewilder - New Jersey As the children’s choir at my church ment and worry. To be faithful to the One church that sang their little hearts out to the tune of who died because he loved the world, we helped them after “Away in a Manger,” I could not help but must respond in life-giving and hope-filled Hurricane Hugo. think about the congregations in Newtown ways when evil and violence make their who would watch their children’s choir presence known. a tiny church. We are delighted that In another church, we had a lesbian sing and notice who was missing. As one We may be afraid. We may want to wall recently we’ve had 30 people attending couple coming. This church was very lov - family lit the Advent candles during wor - off our church and keep the ones we know our worship service. But our hearts are ing and encouraging. One of the lesbian ship, I felt in my gut what it would be like safe by keeping all the strangers out. We large with the joy of reaching out to folks couple made a commitment to Christ. She for a Newtown family to be in a church may be so focused on keeping our church in such need. became one of the best leaders in the like mine watching a family light the can - doors open that we think we cannot afford Anne Knight Watson, secretary church. She also became one of the most dles, knowing they now had a permanent to do anything that might cause conflict McClellanville United loving persons in the church. The other hole in their family unit. within the body if it means people will go Methodist Women member of the couple did not make a On the very day of the shootings, it elsewhere. We may feel overwhelmed with McClellanville UMC, McClellanville response to the same loving church. struck me that my hearing of the story of all of our important activities, programs We had a former homosexual speak to Herod sending soldiers to kill the 2-year- and meetings that make up the business of My experiences the Men’s Club. He told us what caused olds in Bethlehem was forever changed. the church and think we do not have time A guest greeted me at the church door. him to be a homosexual. He became what The story is referred to in preacher-prepa - for anything else. “I am ____ and I am dying.” I responded, he called “a radical homosexual.” He said ration circles as “The Slaughter of the We may do absolutely nothing in “I hope you are ready.” that he did the homosexual marches and Innocents.” As a young minister on a response to the wake-up call the Newtown This began an extended time of talk, encouraged others to become a part of his church staff, I remember being angry with tragedy represents. And we will continue phone calls and letters. He was from New group. my preacher for spoiling the joyful on our path to becoming insular and irrele - England, and he said he had AIDS. He He told us what led him out of “the Christmas season by dwelling on that story vant to the society around us. did not go to church, said that he was not homosexual lifestyle.” He got married so soon after Christmas. My thoughts are Or we may choose to pick up a cross a Christian and did not own a Bible. I and is now a counselor. different today. and follow Jesus. gave him a Bible. There are many who are coming out of Even as I shed tears over the cruel reali - We may choose ask the uncomfortable He said that he belonged to a homo - the homosexual lifestyle. The best treat - ty facing the families of Sandy Hook question, “What does our faith teach us sexual support group. I asked him what ment is a lot of love. Elementary and the community of about how society should care for its chil - they did in the homosexual support Newtown, Conn., I was struck with the dren, and where does that faith commit - group. He said that they talked about their Rev. Farrell Cox, retired certain knowledge that children in our ment bring us into tension with our politics converts. He died later. Pamplico country, young children, die every day and patriotism?” from gunshot wounds. I read that every We may acknowledge we are a church year in the U.S., 3,000 children die from with few children, but recognize that our gunshot wounds and an additional 14,000 lack of children in the sanctuary does not are injured. How many families, I won - give us a pass on being in ministry with Annual Conference 2013 dered, are privately grieving the loss of a children and families in our community. young child to senseless violence, away We might move beyond setting goals theme, mission event set from the cameras and media spotlight? about how we will reach out into the com - This middle-class tragedy has captured munity and actually do the work. With a theme of “A More planning a Stop Hunger Now event our nation’s attention and has sparked a We might engage our faith community Excellent Way: A Story of Serving, on Tuesday, June 11. The conference necessary conversation. The magnitude of in wrestling with the question, “Why did Living and Giving,” hundreds of hopes to raise $72,000, which will the harm in this one school moves us to God put our church in this place and where United Methodist clergy and laity allow them to package and ship compassion. I find myself wondering why do we have a responsibility to be shining from across South Carolina will a tractor-trailer full of meals to peo - this tragedy has captured our attention and the light of Christ by loving our neighbors gather in Florence June 9-12 for the ple in need. so many smaller ones go unnoticed. I am even when they are not like us?” denomination’s Annual Conference. More details about Annual not pointing fingers; I haven’t noticed them Each of the above approaches involves Plans for the event and the official Conference will be available soon on either. What is the condition of our life that sacrifice. To do this work, we must be will - logo are still in the works, but organ - www.umcsc.org or in the March makes it easy to overlook small incidents ing to make ourselves and those in our izers have already been hard at work Advocate . of violence, even when we who follow churches uncomfortable. And we must do Jesus believe God weeps every time a the work that we discern, even when we child dies a violent death? do not particularly feel like doing it. Along with many, I waited to see how I believe God is in the redemption busi - our political system would respond to the ness. I do not believe God wanted or St. John’s UMC to host tragedy. I watched most of the NRA state - willed the Newtown tragedy to happen. I ment and was struck by the insistence that do not believe the children who were if we protect our president with guns, we slaughtered were murdered because God Equipping Institute ought to be protecting our children with wanted them in heaven or because God ROCK HILL – Are you looking to ing concrete plans made uniquely for guns. I understand protecting Second wanted to get my attention. motivate and inspire people in ministry each church. Amendment rights is about protecting free - I do believe God created the church to – or looking to move beyond theory The Equipping Institute will cover dom. I cannot help but think, however, that bring hope to the downtrodden and forsak - and build a plan for your church that 10 workshop discussions, from assess - a society that believes elementary school en. I question whether or not that is the role actually works? ing church culture and change readi - children require the same level of armed we choose to play in America today. St. John’s United Methodist Church, ness, to the value of ministry teams. protection as the leader of the free world is I also believe any congregation who Rock Hill, is hosting an Equipping Cost is $75 if registered by Feb. 1, not really a free society. We have much earnestly seeks God’s guidance in respond - Institute this March to address that and and $100 if registered by the final dead - work to do as a country. ing to Newtown by re-engaging their com - more. line of March 1. All throughout this season, I have lis - munities to bring love and hope will Set for March 7-9 at St. John’s, the Find more information about the tened for the reaction of sisters and broth - receive all they need from God to make a workshop will provide attendees with a event at www.stjohnsrh.org or call ers in faith. I have read strident calls for difference. better understanding of how to build 803-327-3113 or email info@stjohnsrh. banning assault rifles. I have seen tears and James is director of Connectional their churches’ ministries through creat - org. expressions of concern and worry. I have Ministries for the S.C. Conference. Page 6, February 2013 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate

What If? Clergy Tax It’s the Congregational Development Question Don’t let opportunities to save The 20 percent fund By the Rev. Sara White Orangeburg District $12,978; the Rock on taxes pass you by Hill District $14,119; the Spartanburg By Doug Neal, CPA who can be covered. What if the apportionment line item District $14,249 and the Walterboro 3. Personal Investment Plan for congregational development has its District $7,401. Editor’s Note: This is a multi- (PIP): Your PIP salary reduction first funding responsibility to return to The funds distributed in 2012 are month series during tax season plan allows you to put aside money each district a percentage of the funds received from the 2011 apportionments, designed to help clergy with their pre-tax for your retirement. For received? and the 2013 distributed funds from taxes. 2013, you are eligible to put into Twenty percent is a very important 2012 apportionment giving. 20 Percent Using the power of tax savings this plan up to $17,500 if youngr portion of the budget of congregational Funds are the first items funded from benefits available to clergy can save than age 50 and as much as $23,000 development in South Carolina. It’s the congregational development. hard-earned money from being if you are 50 or older. The money amount that every district in the annual Districts have used the funds to help taxed, and these tax savings can be you save in your PIP grows/earns conference receives from the apportion - with emergency physical plant needs, put to work for you now and in the tax deferred until retirement. At ment line item for use in local projects. to fund a new ministry or staff person, future. retirement, withdrawals for clergy When local congregations pay the to buy property and to move a congre - If you aren’t taking advantage of are treated as designated housing congregational development line item, gation into a new level of community these opportunities, you could be allowance money since it is coming 20 percent of every portion is returned involvement. The uses of the funds are making some financial decisions that from a denominational plan. This to the contributing district. For exam - as diverse as the local congregations might make you lose out on hun - means that you may be able to ple, in 2012, the Marion District who receive them. dreds of thousands of dollars by the exclude these withdrawals from received $19,492 for the district 20 For all of the congregations who time you retire. income and income taxes if they Percent Fund. That total represented 20 contribute to the apportionment line There are three primary tax- meet the housing exclusion rules for percent of the total apportionments for item for congregational development, advantaged benefits available to those years as you receive this congregational development received these funds are a local witness to the clergy: the Flex-Spending Medical money. from the Marion District in 2011. way that the connected churches of the Reimbursement Account, the What taxes do I save? All three of District committees receive requests district and annual conference support Dependent Care account and the these plans/programs save you feder - from local congregations and are one another. Personal Investment Plan salary al, state and SECA (Social Security responsible for distribution of the They were created in the initial pro - reduction plan. This discussion and Medicare) taxes. Depending on funds. posal for congregational development focuses on the tax benefits of these your marginal federal tax rate, this In 2012, the Anderson District had because someone thought to ask, programs and not specific details of really adds up by putting powerful receipts of $13,024; the Charleston “What if the congregational line item how they work. I will leave that tax savings dollars in your pocket. District $18,759; the Columbia District has as its first call the local congrega - explanation to each plan’s booklet For example: If you are in a 15 $35,520; the Florence District $8656; tions of each district?” for your review. percent federal tax bracket and a 7 the Greenville District $17,723; the White is the director of congrega - Before we get into the tax savings percent S.C. income tax bracket, you Greenwood District $11,275; the tional development for the S.C. scenarios, let’s briefly review each would be saving 22 cents on every Hartsville District $13,657; the Conference. benefit opportunity. dollar put aside pre-tax. 1. Flex-Spending Medical However, the taxes saved from Reimbursement Plan: This plan excluding this money from SECA allows you to put up to $2,500 aside, taxes could be as much as another pre-tax, to pay for qualified medical 13.6 percent (net SECA tax). This expenses that are not covered by tax savings adds up in this example insurance. This can be used for you, to a total of about 36 percent of your spouse and your dependents. every dollar put aside on a pre-tax Eligible expenses may include 1) basis. health care, vision and dental plan As clergy, you have one tremen - deductibles; 2) co-payments; 3) dous advantage on the money put amounts over the maximum your into the PIP that other taxpayers who plan allows (out-of-pocket amounts); use similar salary deferral plans, i.e. and, 4) braces for you or your chil - 401(k), do not have. dren. Please refer to your plan for Your contributions are excludable further details on eligible expenses. from Social Security and Medicare 2. Dependent Care Flex Spending taxes, whereas non-clergy taxpayers’ Account: This plan provides reim - contributions to their retirement bursements for your eligible depend - plans are not. ents’ day care needs. Under certain Perhaps you are reading this and circumstances, it also may be used do not have a dependent for whom to help pay for the care of elderly you can put money aside for care parents or a disabled spouse or expenses. Look to see if you are dependent. This plan helps you save maximizing your PIP contributions money on your child/dependent care and review your medical expenses to costs by allowing you to pay for see if your out-of-pocket health these expenses with pre-tax dollars. expenses would justify an increase You save on dependent care expens - in your flex-spending amounts for es incurred which make it possible health care. for you and your spouse (if applica - By minimizing your tax liability ble) to work. Such dependents and maximizing your retirement sav - include your child or relative under ings and letting it grow for the age 13 who lives with you for more future, that is really powerful stew - than half of the year and for whom ardship. you supply more than half of his/her financial support. It can even cover a Neal is president of The Neal disabled relative or disabled non-rel - Firm, CPA, PA, in Columbia and is a ative for whom you provide such member of Shandon UMC. He holds financial support. Again, refer to a Master of Taxation degree from your plan for details on eligible the University of South Carolina. expenses and qualifying dependents www.thenealfirm.com. The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate February 2013, Page 7 87%: Treasurer wants to see a 4% increase next year From Page 1 their own collections. unable to pay 100 percent of apportion - “It’s wonderful,” said Conference Apportionment Giving Not only did the district raise the need - ments in years past, and someone stepped Treasurer Tony Prestipino. “What’s amaz - 2012 87.0% ed $4,531, but they brought in $3,000 up for us in those days, so we just wanted ing was the excitement of the churches 2011 84.2% more, which the district voted to donate to to be a part of the connection and be able who contributed to that. When you see 2010 83.2% the Central Conference Pension Initiative to reach that goal and celebrate that,” that kind of excitement in the connection, 2009 84.0% to help pastors across the world. Horne said. that’s encouraging.” 2008 86.1% At 2.7 million total, the Columbia Suber Marshall Memorial UMC, Prestipino had expected the conference 2007 86.8% District’s apportionments “mean so much Columbia, also chipped in to help. They, would be on par with last year; typically, 2006 86.0% not only to the ministry of this district but too, have struggled financially, but the the treasurer’s office tells agencies that 2005 78.7% to the entire conference,” McClendon Rev. Phil Reynolds said the church really 2004 78.9% receive funding to estimate in the 83 per - said. “It does feel good that together we wanted to lend its support to this effort. 2003 87.8% cent range. But knowing apportionment – S.C. UMC Treasurer’s Office can do more, and I encourage church Reynolds said he could not commit to an payments were significantly higher than leaders – clergy and lay – to understand expenditure that was not in the church’s expected and the highest the conference the connection is a way we can make a budget, but when he first learned of the has seen since 2003 is especially good, McClendon had realized the district was bigger impact in the world. … What one opportunity to help the district, he took Prestipino said – not only because of the just two churches and $4,531 shy of church cannot do by itself, together we the request to his church, fully expecting extra money it brings for ministries, but reaching 100 percent. McClendon brought can.” to have to plead for $200 to contribute. because it shows churches are getting this before the district clergy meeting, and The Rev. Wayne Horne pastors But to Reynolds’ delight, the administra - healthier overall. the churches immediately seized the idea Trenholm Road UMC, Columbia, which tive council was instantly willing to pitch “I would like to see another 4 percent of helping the district achieve full pay - is one of many churches that stepped up in. In a matter of minutes, the council increase next year, and that’s possible,” ment. to help. He said quintupled that $200 and approved a con - Prestipino said. “You could feel Trenholm Road felt tribution of $1,000 to the district appor - He attributes the increase to more the palpable spirit of the $4,531 was not tionment cause. churches contributing – as well as a sur - excitement and col - an extravagant “As the pastor, it was and still is a truly prise success in the Columbia District. legiality throughout amount of money, awesome blessing to have been privileged the room,” and thus a reach - to watch this congregation from the side - Columbia District breaks a record McClendon said, “ able goal for the lines as they shared their gifts,” Reynolds What one church The Columbia District paid 100 per - describing how little district. They want - said. “It is an honor to watch a congrega - cent of its apportionments this year – by little, churches cannot do by itself, ed to be a part of tion respond almost instantly to the call thought to be a first for the conference. and pastors opened together we can. the network that for non-budgeted funding of large mission “To my knowledge, that’s the first time their wallets. One helped the district work. It is just way cool to be a part of that’s happened in that district and any pastor gave $40 achieve 100 per - watching God’s people fulfill His scrip - district,” Prestipino said, applauding the cash; a clergy cou - – Dr. Tim McClendon cent. ture of multiplying gifts so that the gifts commitment of Columbia District UMCs ple gave $175. “In the life of can continue to be shared (2 Corinthians in reaching that milestone. Several churches Trenholm Road, 9:6).” As 2012 wrapped to a close, Columbia decided to donate we’ve had seasons To see the ranking of giving by district, District Superintendent Dr. Tim extra money from ” when we were visit www.umcsc.org/home/?page_id=206.

Be connected. eBook now available! Be UMC. oonnllyy $$77..9999

Churches, sign up your members for the NEW Advocate church plan!

Print: $10/year per subscription with 10+ members subscribing Online: $1/member ($1,000 max) based on average weekly attendance as reported in the Conference Journal. Sign up today: AdvocateSC.org/home/images/churchplan.pdf Order hard copy and eBook online at Or call 888-678-6272, ext. 335 AdvocateSC.org or call 888-678-6272x335 Page 8, February 2013 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate

Those who come month after month for Forever Friends say the ministry has been life-changing. FOREVER FRIENDS: Now part of the church’s identity

From Page 1 Want to start a Thursday of every month for Forever Friends, a special needs program that Forever Friends includes worship, contemporary Christian program at your church? praise music, devotions, personal reflec - Grace Community wants to help tions, testimonies, games, skits, refresh - you. Call 803-548-4078 or email ments and more. The atmosphere is fresh [email protected] . and lively, and entirely catered to short attention spans and other challenges peo - ple with special needs often have. The church also hosts a Friendship enjoy church. Connection Sunday school class each “It’s hard to be myself in traditional week, as well as a welcoming and accom - church,” Hartness said, dancing to the modating Sunday morning worship expe - music as he talks. “Here, I’m meeting a rience. lot of friends, and it’s fun hearing the “It’s a very accepting church,” ministry singing and the praising and all that.” organizer Beth Austin said. “They praise Jeanette Lewis, who also has special God in their own way and are very wel - needs, said she loves how at Forever come in the church.” Friends, everyone likes and accepts her. “It’s a very accept - “I like going to church,” Lewis said, ‘We can do this’ ing church,” ministry “It’s a lot of fun, with the music and the Austin, who has a child with special organizer Beth praying. I wish a lot of churches would do needs herself, said it can be a battle for Austin said. Here, this.” families to fight for special needs pro - special needs J.R. Stevens attends both Forever gramming in schools, recreation and the adults and Friends and a biker church, and he loves community. Church is supposed to be a volunteers enjoy the feeling of being accepted in a relaxed, the program. welcoming environment, but many spe - spirited atmosphere. cial needs families feel unwelcome in needs to be a gift.” tiful to see these people worship. They’re “I enjoy the music, and I get to meet a worship because their child must endure The first time they held a Forever not trying to impress people. They’re bunch of new people,” Stevens said, a activities that are extremely difficult for Friends event, Madsen said they put out doing what feels right to them.” smile spreading fully across his face as he them: sitting for prolonged periods, no 30 chairs, thinking if they filled them all, “It’s zero-baggage worship,” Madsen talks about the fellowship and the fun he fidgeting, no talking or singing out of they would be blessed. Instead, almost agreed. experiences week after week. turn. Many families are unchurched 200 people came. because the traditional church experience “We were all in tears, and Forever Chunked-up Gospel Confronting the unknown is not a good fit. Friends has been going ever since,” works for attendees Clara Horton, who brings a friend with “They stay home – they don’t want to Madsen said. Those who come month after month special needs to the program almost every be turned down,” Austin said. “It can be The program is now in its fourth year for Forever Friends say the ministry has month, said that fellowship and fun are overwhelming for people.” and draws adults and teens with physical been life-changing. critical. When Grace Community first started, and mental disabilities from group and Melodie McLachlan’s twin sons, age “They need this; they can understand about six years ago, Austin went to the individual homes, as well as their friends 21, are autistic and have attention deficit it,” Horton said. “We don’t realize some - pastors with statistics on special needs and occasionally family members. disorder, which can make traditional wor - times the church doesn’t always welcome families in the area – and information Madsen said special needs families today ship rather trying. (people with special needs), and the fact about how many of them are typically represent about one-fifth of the Grace “They have the attention span of a that they can feel free to worship in their unchurched – and suggested the church Community’s congregation; he said spe - gnat, and trying to sit through a normal way is really important.” host some sort of program or ministry for cial needs ministry is one of the things at church service is very difficult,” Austin thinks more churches across the them. They visited Circle of Friends in the center of the congregation’s call and McLachlan said. conference would greatly benefit from Charlotte, brainstormed about ideas that identity. Not only is it hard to control their bod - including a special needs service in their would be good for Grace Community, Cathy Trotter, worship pastor, said ies and minds for that length of time, but offerings. She has seen the ministry trans - and prayed. being with the Forever Friends each it’s also really tough for them to under - form not only special needs families, but “We all said, ‘We can do this,’” Austin month lifts her heart and shows her the stand the sermon. But at the Forever everyone. recalled. true way people need to worship the Friends program, the Gospel is woven “People are afraid of the unknown,” “When we first started, even when we Lord. She calls the third Thursday nights throughout the service, chunked up into Austin said, noting that if we can teach were small and meeting in a gym, we at Grace Community “the place where we short, easy pieces that drive home the people more about difference and accom - always said we wanted to be a gift-orient - can get genuine heartfelt worship.” message in a fun, engaging, movement- modating that unknown, we reap greater ed church,” said the Rev. Randy Madsen, “It’s the true example of unconditional oriented way. The McLachlans have been rewards than we can imagine. noting they looked around and saw what love,” Trotter said. “They’re not embar - coming since the start, and they love it. “It’s contagious,” Austin added. “I real - God had provided. “We counted an inor - rassed. They walk in the door and they Dean Hartness said the exciting, bois - ly think God has His hand on where He dinate number of adults with special love it. They’re so free, so open. It’s beau - terous style of Forever Friends helps him thinks these things should happen.” The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate February 2013, Page 9 LOCKS OF LOVE: Girl finds transformation, hope From Page 1 sandwich while she chats about living with the hair-loss condition that has plagued her since she was a toddler. Tatum’s battle with alopecia began when she was 2, and a patch of scalp revealed itself on her otherwise hair-covered head. Eight years later, the girl has more patches than hair, and doctor after doctor and injection after injection cannot seem to bring a remedy. The young member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church, Rock Hill, took to wearing hats year-round until 2010, when she qualified for a free Locks of Love hairpiece. Inspired, a few Aldersgate members decided to donate their hair to Locks of Love in honor of Tatum. Aldersgate has designated Locks of Love as their February mission emphasis, and they will collect dona - tions for Locks of Love throughout the month in honor of Tatum, which Tatum said makes her feel “really happy.” “Having hair changed my life,” said Tatum, who was well known in the community for her ever-changing array of cute hats. “Everyone stopped asking questions, and I could braid my hair!” “Now she won’t even wear hats when it’s cold,” her grandmother, Sherilyn Brewer, teased. Tatum said before she had hair, most people were Janie Matson has been growing her hair out two years for Tatum. Currently, it is 11 inches long; hair must be “pretty nice” to her. Kids and even some adults would 10 inches before it can be donated to Locks of Love. (Photo by Jessica Connor) ask her questions, and the attention often made her feel extra special. But sometimes the questions were annoy - ing, or hurtful. She couldn’t wear braids, pigtails or ponytails like the other girls. People assumed she had cancer, and she had to worry about being chastised for wearing a hat indoors at school and other places they typically are not permitted. Brewer said Tatum has had to be remarkably strong in fielding questions from kids – and sometimes even mean-spirited ones who give her a hard time for being different. “Children question what they don’t understand,” Brewer said. Once, her mother bought her a wig, but unlike a Locks of Love hairpiece, which is suction-fitted to the scalp, the wig had nothing to attach to – plus it was made for an adult. “She looked like a 40-year-old 9-year old,” Brewer said. Aldersgate UMC member Yvonne Lautzenheiser is donating to Locks of Love the long braid she has been sav - Eventually, the family learned that Locks of Love ing since it was cut off her head in 1945, as well as two long braids she cut off her daughter, Kay, in the 1980s. will donate natural, custom-made hairpieces to qualified The braids have been preserved in a cedar chest and are another way people can donate hair to Locks of children like Tatum. Love. (Photo by Jessica Connor) Her church had already begun to help, pledging to support the family and promising to help raise money background in nursing. “You watch good friends go to buy Tatum a hairpiece. But hairpieces are expensive through chemo and lose their hair, and there’s a psycho - – approximately $2,500 to $3,000, and most children logical benefit to know they can be out in public and have to have multiple hairpieces throughout their grow - look like they’re normal, to be able to go out without ing years, as their head size changes. Tatum already is people asking, ‘What’s wrong with you?’” outgrowing her first hairpiece, and is beginning the Lautzenheiser herself has short white hair, but she is process for her next hairpiece; in March, she will have donating the long braid she has been saving since it was a mold made of her head from which the new hairpiece cut off her head in 1945, as well as two long braids she will be created. Locks of Love recipients can get up to cut off her daughter, Kay, in the 1980s. The braids have six hairpieces until they turn 18. been preserved in a cedar chest and are another way When Tatum was approved by Locks of Love and people can donate hair to Locks of Love. got her first hairpiece – a lush, thick, auburn-colored “It looks and feels soft, like I just washed it yester - glory that transformed her – her church was just as day,” Lautzenheiser said, stroking the soft honey-col - excited as she was. ored strands. Aldersgate member Janie Matson has been growing “Aldersgate has just been so supportive of Tatum … her hair out for two years for Tatum. Currently, it is 11 really incredible,” said Brewer, a lifelong member of inches long; hair must be 10 inches before it can be Aldersgate who is also a special needs teacher. donated to Locks of Love. “Especially with females, your hair is you. It’s so much Watching Tatum grow up in the church, and seeing a part of you, and it’s just not fair for this to happen, her become a beautiful young woman who always especially to a girl.” wanted to wear hats to mask her condition, motivated Tatum’s brother Andrew, 8, said he likes knowing Matson to grow her hair in honor of Tatum. some of his church family is donating their hair to “She always had the cutest hats to camouflage it, and Locks of Love in honor of his sister. I’m sure it bothered her, but she didn’t whine about it,” “I think it is pretty cool,” Andrew said. “It is hard to Matson said, who saw a huge change in Tatum after she find people as nice as the people at church.” got her Locks of Love hairpiece. “If I was in that situa - He said his sister is very happy now that she has tion, (hair) would make me more comfortable; I’d feel hair. like I fit in.” “It’s kind of like my lazy eye, but I got glasses for it; Fellow church member Yvonne Lautzenheiser said she has alopecia and got a hairpiece for it,” Andrew Tatum always had a smile, but she didn’t even want to said. “She is a happier human being or sister with it.” Plagued by alopecia since she was 2, 10-year-old be seen without her hat on. For more information about Locks of Love, or alope - Tatum Brewer took to wearing hats year-round until “I’ve seen a lot of people unhappy with a bald head, cia, visit www.locksoflove.org or www.childrensalope last year, when she qualified for a free Locks of Love (Photo by Sherilyn Brewer) especially women,” said Lautzenheiser, who has a ciaproject.org. hairpiece. Page 10, February 2013 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Education & Youth

Bishop Holston to speak as Foundations in Columbia College turns 158 Youth Ministry COLUMBIA – S.C. Resident Bishop Jonathan Holston will bring a message of inspiration and challenge at the Perseverance annual Founders’ Day service at By Daniel Griswold the many awkward conversations; Columbia College. walking with the teen who has thrown The service will be held Feb. 6 Editor’s note: The following is a new off their faith) mean there is a serious beginning at 1 p.m. at College Place regular column in the Advocate on burnout risk in the first year to 18 United Methodist Church, and all are youth ministry. months of ministry. Notice earlier that I welcome. Albert Einstein is quoted often, say - made a correlation between insanity Columbia College was established ing, “Insanity: Doing the same thing and youth ministry. You don’t necessar - by the S.C. Methodist Conference on over and over again, expecting differ - ily have to be insane to jump in, but Feb. 8, 1854. The college celebrates ent results.” over time, your heart has to be radical - Founders’ Day annually with a special He may have been a physicist, but it ly oriented toward care and love of chapel service. seems he knew a bit about youth min - those who so desperately need it. You Columbia College today is one of istry, too. Youth ministry is cyclical, will need to constantly refresh your only three United Methodist women’s and many elements remain the same: God orientation. Otherwise, you’ll burn colleges, and has evolved to also offer Holston our core truths and teachings, the litur - out. co-ed evening and graduate programs. gical calendar and the repetition of the How does one do youth ministry day In the National Survey of Student try. Columbia College is home to the cycles of middle and high school and after day, year after year, and dare I say Engagement, measuring the overall 2010-11 Carnegie/CASE U.S. then graduations. We are often doing decade after decade? The easy answer effectiveness of the college experience, Professor of the Year, as well as three the same things over and over (though is “just do it.” We all have to. Young Columbia College ranked among the National Honors Students of the Year in varying and extremely creative people are everywhere, and they need top-performing institutions in the coun - since 2003. ways). adult guidance. Case in point: I’m so sick of pizza, That helps me, but a more theologi - but each generation of young people cal response is that ministry to the seem to gravitate towards it. It blows young is a sacred responsibility given Spirit Singers auditions set my mind! to all of us. No one can say, “I’m not Here is a modification: “Youth made for this,” or “I’m too old.” God for February, March Ministry: doing the same things over has made us the stewards of not only Spirit Singers, the S.C. Conference and March 17 in York. and over again, expecting wildly differ - the earth, but of the cultivation of youth choir, are recruiting for Download the application form and ent results.” future generations. their 2013 choir. brochure from the conference web - Each person ministered to, whether Deuteronomy 6 says Teens who love to sing and praise site,www.umcsc.org. part of a large or small youth group, “Love the Lord your God with all your the Lord through song are encouraged For more information about audi - over time will own their faith in some - heart and with all your soul and with to apply. tions and the choir, contact Kathy Jo times extreme variations. I’m always all your strength. These command - Auditions will be held Feb. 16 in Long, director, at kj.joelong@ surprised by the energy that explodes ments that I give you today are to be Columbia, Feb. 23 in Mullins, March 2 gmail.com or Judy Suggs, choir dean, from empowered young people, and I on your hearts. Impress them on your in Charleston, March 16 in Columbia at [email protected]. love (absolutely love) seeing their ideas children. Talk about them when you sit become reality. at home and when you walk along the But the hard part of that same prin - road, when you lie down and when you ciple is the “doing the same things over get up.” Seminary and graduate-level and over.” There is a repetition to min - If the love of God is on your heart, istry, and to relationships in general. share it continually and meticulously scholarships available How many times do you ask, “How are with those who are young. The poten - Scholarships are available for semi - the Melvin Kelly and Mayme DuBose you doing this week?” “What’s up?” tial is great, and the results of your per - nary and graduate students. Medlock Ministerial Scholarship and “How’s the family” “What are your severance will change lives. Don’t look Scholarships include the S.C. the William Fletcher and Agnes plans for the holidays?” “Who are you at the short-term challenges (just face Conference Seminary Students Dawsey Rogers Scholarship. going to be?” “How can I help you them). The real rewards come at the Scholarship, the Bessie Bellamy Parker Application procedures, guidelines make your dreams reality?” “Where is back end. Memorial Scholarship, the Cook and deadlines are available via the S.C. my phone?” “Seriously! Who took my Scholarship Endowment Fund, the Fred Conference’s website, www.umcsc.org. phone? … and my backpack … with Griswold is youth director at St. E. and Janet Smith Plyler Scholarship, For more information, contact the my laptop?!” Andrew By-The-Sea UMC, Hilton Head the Gene Roger and Mildred Wimberly Rev. Roger Gramling at scumf@bell Monotony and the ordinary chal - Island. Follow him on Twitter Kizer Scholarship, the Lawrence and south.net or the Rev. Jeffrey Salley at lenges of this ministry (the almost @Dannonhill or check out his blog, Margaret F. McCleskey Scholarship, [email protected]. parental worry; safety during events; DanielGriswold.Wordpress.com. Bishop Holston tapped for Gammon board Bishop Jonathan Holston has been Theological Center, a consortium of appointed to serve on the Gammon six historically African-American Theological Seminary Board of theological schools. 5 for Trustees. Holston was elected to the episco - Gammon Theological Seminary is pacy and appointed to serve the S.C. the United Methodist constituent Conference of The United Methodist member of the Interdenominational Church in 2012. Pastors, b$e sure2 to sel5ect your !five for $25. Just pick five people you wish to receive the Advocate for a total of $25. That’s $5 each – $10 off the regular cost of $15/year. Email the Advocate at ADVERTISE HERE! [email protected] with their names and addresses, [email protected] or 864-420-2074 and we’ll take care of the rest. The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate February 2013, Page 11

GUEST COMMENTARY S.C. Conference launches effort to create God’s beloved community NORTH CHARLESTON – In 2013, the The training will end with a call to Targeted S.C. Conference Ethnic Local Church action to participants to engage in Concerns Committee, in partnership efforts with policy makers to fight poli - with the Districts Connectional cies that negatively affect ethnic By the Rev. Tony Rowell reached the river a mile or so below us, Ministries of the S.C. Conference and minorities and protect state and federal the young hotshot truly began to feel his the S.C. Association of Community anti-poverty programs from budget It was midmorning in mid-July. It oats and dropped just below the tree line Development Corporations, will host a cuts. promised to be one of those days when – for all intents and purposes like a rock series of community empowerment The coastal districts, in partnership the humidity and the temperature merge skipping on the surface of the river. trainings to help create God’s Beloved with the conference ELCC Committee together to produce just a hint of brim - It was an impressive display of Communities of Truth and Wholeness. and the SCACDC, will host the train - stone on the air. prowess made all the more exciting by This series of trainings will kick-off ing. I was sitting with my brother Mike in the fact that my Granny and my with the Coastal Community The SCACDC is the statewide trade an old rented wooden johnboat with an Grandma, the intended targets, remained Empowerment Training, set for March association of local community-based anchor at one end and an empty bait can unaware. 23 at the Korean United Methodist non-profit development organizations at the other for bailing purposes. We had He barreled down the river with dead - Church in North Charleston. working in poor communities to found ourselves the shade of a big ly focus and pinpoint precision with his The coastal training will involve empower individuals and families to cypress and settled there. affections set upon the two old ladies. At clergy, laity and community leaders achieve economic prosperity and social Mike was somewhere around 10 years the last moment I could almost hear his from the Charleston, Marion, justice. old, and I was a few of years behind maniacal laughing as he pulled up and Walterboro and Orangeburg districts of Additional information on registra - him. As we sat there with a couple of disappeared into the morning sky. the S.C. Conference. tion and training topics will be available cane poles apiece resting on the gun - First came the shadow. When the The coastal training will be a day - in the March edition of the Advocate . wales and our bobbers fanned out in sev - shadow passed over the target, both long event that will also focus on the For more information about the eral directions, we both silently prayed grandmas responded the same. They impact that racism, anti-immigration coastal training, contact Bernie Mazyck that nothing would bite. Neither of us responded just like a rabbit would should and poverty have on the local commu - and Kate Pratt at the SCACDC at 843- wanted to move. Even at that young age, the shadow of an owl traveling at Mach nities. 579-9855, [email protected] or the heat of the day had drained us, the One pass over. They had just enough Participants will receive information [email protected]. shade had called us and our lids were time to blink and begin their instinctive on the social and economic disparities For more information on the confer - heavy and working their way toward crouch when the shadow was quickly of ethnic minority groups; state and fed - ence ELCC initiatives, contact Rev. closed. followed by the sonic boom, which was eral policies that could help and hurt Carleathea Benson at Now, my Granny Tharpe and quickly followed by thoughts of the ethnic minorities; and federal, state and [email protected]. Grandma Rowell were sharing another coming rapture accompanied by straw local resources that are in place to fight boat and had hit upon a bream bed a lit - hats, cane poles, crickets and a few injustice, inequities and poverty. The tle ways down the river from us. They choice words being lifted into the air and training will also provide participants Advertise in the had tied off a bit from the bank to get a scattered over the waters. with tools to organize congregations better shot at it, and they ended up sitting Mike and I were beside ourselves and communities to achieve social jus - Advocate in the full sun. You see, when you come with excitement, joy and laughter. You tice. It works! upon a bream bed, even the heat of don’t see something like that every day, Satan’s breath will not deter a true fisher - and besides we revered anyone who man – or a couple of fisherwomen, in could get the better of Granny Tharpe. this case. Granny Tharpe’s response was pre - There is nothing like a bunch of biting dictable for her. When her color finally fish to bring a blue-blooded socialite and returned, she responded with her trade - blue-collared Rosy Riveter together. mark cackle of excitement at the rush They both had on their heads one of received from the sudden fear. Grandma those pointy straw hats that gave just a Rowell’s response was a bit more sur - hint of Far Eastern mystique, and I think prising to me. Apparently her blue blood it was the hats that caught the attention went white, and along with it her proper of the young pilot out for the day from language went south. Trust me, that Eglin Air Force Base. young whippersnapper got a world-class You see, down around the Chipola tongue lashing, and I learned a few new River it’s mostly catfish and cotton - words that morning myself. mouths, and the Air Force folks practice Now to tell the truth, I don’t know down there so as to not kill any civilians which gave Granny Tharpe more pleas - on the off chance that something goes ure: the excitement of being targeted or wrong. the satisfaction of witnessing Grandma Being a well trained pilot, he came in Rowell unravel. If I had to take bets, I from the East, with the sun behind him. would back the unraveling any day. Mike and I had heard him. Being little I’ll bet you’re wondering why I wrote boys we were fascinated by anything of this old memory of mine? I’ll tell you. fast, so the far-off sound caught our ears; It could be a lesson on how to respond to but Granny and Grandma were so the surprises of life, or it could a lesson focused on the fish that the muted noise on the human being and accompanying of the jet engine blended in with the frailties that lie just the beneath the calm cicadas all around them and went unno - facade of us all, but it’s not. ticed. I just thought that you might need a Our young eyes quickly located the minute’s rest from the worries of your gleaming jet fighter as it dropped like a world today. The Lord knows that we all falcon from the sky and settled a few do from time to time. feet above the trees down range. Fascinated, we watched as the pilot Rowell is senior pastor of Windsor approached our position. When he UMC, Columbia.

Leave A Legacy To Change Lives

The South Carolina United Methodist Foundation P. O. Box 5087, Columbia, SC 29250-5087 [email protected] Page 12, February 2013 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Ministries & Missions ‘Walking in the Light of God’ UMM to gather this month for annual spiritual retreat weekend

Here, attendees pray and sing at last year’s UMM Spiritual Retreat. (Photos by This year’s retreat is set for Feb. 22-24 and will feature Bishop Jonathan Holston, Jessica Connor) as well as the Revs. Michael Turner, James Friday and Will Malambri. With the theme “Walking in the Light of Central UMC, Florence. Herman Lightsey said this year’s event Prayer Line Ministry during the week - of God,” United Methodist Men across All of this year’s workshops will cen - promises to be incredible. end. South Carolina will head to Springmaid ter on the “Walking in the Light of “If I can get the men excited and get The Early Bird Retreat Registration Beach Resort in Myrtle Beach for the God” theme, examining each aspects of them down there, we can get them Fee (before Feb. 15) is $80 for an indi - S.C. UMM’s annual spiritual retreat. God’s light. stirred up, and then we can turn around vidual man or $95 for husband and Set for Feb. 22-24, the event will fea - The workshop format will change men’s ministry in this state,” Lightsey wife. After Feb. 15, the cost is $90 for ture a special message and workshop this year. On Saturday morning, there said, noting the weekend will be power - individual and $105 for couple. Rooms from new S.C. Resident Bishop will be three workshops to choose from ful from the kickoff through the work - and meals are an additional cost and Jonathan Holston. during the first two sessions. The third shops and messages. “I am especially should be made with Springmaid Beach Other keynote speakers include the session will be dedicated to Holston and excited about this because we have a Resort directly by calling 800-770- Rev. Michael Turner, pastor of Advent be held in the worship area. On Sunday new bishop who is excited about men’s 6895. UMC, Simpsonville; the Rev. James there will only one workshop session. ministry.” To register online, or for a printable Friday, Greenwood District superintend - Between the speaker lineup and the Men will also have an opportunity to registration form or more information, ent; and the Rev. Will Malambri, pastor bishop, new S.C. UMM President participate in UMM Upper Room visit www.ummsc.org.

Native American News Epworth News The SEJANAM 500 club The impact of an excellent relationship The Annual Conference $50 to $500, or any amount. When the S.C. Conference announced the tage partners has changed her and her circle. Native American Committee SEJANAM’S mission and theme for this year’s Annual Conference gather - “We have been very intentional about what and local church Native ministry include: ing, Mitzie Schafer, director of development for we do with the girls,” she said. “We recognize American representatives have • Creating and strengthening Epworth Children’s Home was excited. that we are adult Christians and it’s our goal to a great resource to Southeastern Native American ministries in “As I read the Facebook post announcing the model for them. We want our time together to Native American cultures and the SEJ theme, I immediately thought of so many of our be quality time and meaningful for the girls, and communities through • Providing opportunities for faithful UM church partners who are living this we feel it has been. What we didn’t expect is SEJANAM. Native Americans across the out for our children,” Schafer said. that this partnership has also drawn us closer SEJANAM, or Southeastern Jurisdiction to promote unity, The theme for the year is “A More Excellent together as a circle.” Jurisdictional Association for evangelism, service, and justice Way: A Story of Serving, Living and Giving.” DuRant and the rest of the women’s circle Native American Ministries, ministries in Native American Schafer and the other development staff at hosted a Halloween Party for the girls that was established by and for communities and churches Epworth work to recruit, train and match volun - included decorating cookies and making crafts. Native Americans in 1984 by • Sharing leadership, cultur - teers with the children who call Epworth home. Just before Christmas they all climbed on a bus the Southeast Native American al, spiritual and service gifts and For Schafer, the faithful United Methodist vol - and enjoyed a day at the Biltmore House. Caucus and the Southeastern graces for the edification of the unteers play a significant role in contributing to “The girls came to my office after their visit,” Jurisdictional Conference. whole church the excellent comprehensive care offered to the Schafer said. “Shay was trying to describe the SEJANAM is headquartered • Building bridges of under - children. Christmas tree ornaments they saw on their trip and works in partnership with standing with the church and During the summer of 2012, Schafer was and made up the word ‘ginormous.’ We all Lake Junaluska. SEJANAM is Native American spiritual and invited to Chapin United Methodist Church to laughed, but understood exactly what she not funded by any church cultural traditions. speak to a women’s circle that wanted to hear meant.” agency or structure and stands • Providing opportunities that more about how they could have an impact on For many of the girls it was their first time as a unique organization nation - nurture, encourage, and the lives of the children. After working through leaving South Carolina, and for others, it was ally. As such, SEJANAM oper - strengthen faith and hope the training process with Beth Caskey, their first time seeing mountains. There were ates on the contributions of its through trainings, seminars, Epworth’s volunteer coordinator, the women enough ladies from the women’s circle that each members and annual confer - outreach ministries and mis - were matched with the young girls in Stokes child had her own chaperone that day. ence voluntary contributions. sions. Cottage. Stokes is home to 10 upper elementary DuRant appreciated the opportunity to bond The 500 Club was initiated Funds can be sent to aged girls, and they were eager to meet their with Danielle, her special little girl for the day. as a means to becoming self- SEJANAM 500 Club, P.O. Box new cottage partners just before Halloween. “It was like having my daughter with me sustaining through fundraising 67, Lake Junaluska, NC 28745. “I was impressed with the way the ladies when she was that age,” she said. “We are fami - and contributions. The General Please indicate if you wish to from Chapin came in to meet the girls,” Schafer ly now.” Board of Global Ministries be added to the email news list said. “They were relaxed and joyful, but most Healthy, faithful, positive adults are vital to granted the 500 Club an and if you wish to receive a importantly, they listened to the girls.” the mission and ministry Epworth provides to Advance Special #791842. phone call to discuss the min - The first conversation included introductions the children. As they work to break the cycle of SEJANAM is requesting that as istry of SEJANAM. and an opportunity for the girls from Stokes to abuse, neglect and shame, it is imperative that each church holds their Native For more information: share with their new partners the types of activi - the children learn to trust and build relationships American Ministries Sunday [email protected] or ties they would like to participate in. with appropriate adults. that the church or individuals 843-217-0962. Linda DuRant, a member of the circle and DuRant said it best: “You just do what you donate to the 500 Club from – By Cathy Nelson president of the S.C. Conference United can do, and knowing that every bit of time you Methodist Women, confirms that becoming cot - spend with them has an impact.” The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate February 2013, Page 13 Ministries & Missions Clemson team journeys to New York to help after storm By Kelly Robertson

Editor’s note: Reprinted with permission of The Vision. When I think about college students and Christmas vacation, I see young adults going home to spend time with family and friends. But that was not the case for some 38 students from Clemson University. These college students and 27 members and friends of the Clemson United Methodist Church gave up their Christmas vacations to come to New York to help in the Hurricane Sandy recovery effort. They came full of energy, raw excitement and little experience. They were ready to do whatever was asked of them, no matter how dirty or insignificant it may have seemed. They did everything with exuberance, from gut - ting houses and removing debris to cleaning flooded The “Clemson Team” included university students, basements and removing mold. above, and families. These young people came in two different trips just new teams with the students. Bob McCormick and Eric before Christmas and right after. The first group was led Miller, experienced trainers from the Michigan teams, by Rev. Lane Glaze, campus minister for Clemson UMC taught the second group of students about mold removal and director of Clemson Wesley Foundation, and Rev. and the basics of gutting houses. Peggy Garland, pastor of Lawrence Chapel UMC in By the time they departed, the Clemson team was Central. experienced relief workers, and some great relationships College students and 27 members and friends of the Jad Taylor, the youth minister at CUMC, shepherded had been created. Clemson United Methodist Church gave up their the second team. McCormick, who has responded to a number of disas - Christmas vacations to come to New York to help in the Hurricane Sandy recovery effort. Glaze, who holds to the school of thought that you ters as an ERT, said, “This has been the best trip. These can only learn so much from a book, believes his stu - young people are so fired up and excited, it has just been Both the teams from Michigan and South Carolina dents need to experience life. He makes it a priority to contagious!” said they were grateful for all those in the NYAC who create what will be transformative learning experiences This was not planned; it just happened that both made the opportunity possible, especially Long Island for his students, whether it be a trip to New Orleans or groups showed up at the same time. East Disaster Coordinator Warren Ferry, Freeport Site New York. After a week of service on Long Island, none Glaze did not turn anyone away that wanted to come Manager Gus Segredo, Pastor Jeff Wells of Community of these students – or anyone who came in contact with and help, which made for a diverse group that included UMC and Pastor Bob Grimm at St. Mark’s UMC. them – will ever be the same. middle school and high school students. One couple, the Garland, pastor of Lawrence Chapel UMC, may have In a stroke of divine scheduling, Early Response Team Masons, brought along their three children. While mom summed it up perfectly when she was asked, “What can volunteers from Maine, Ohio and the Detroit and West and dad went out to work on demolition, the children one group do?” She replied, “Each group is like a drop Michigan conferences arrived to stay at St. Mark’s UMC stayed behind to help organize clothes and serve food. of water that is filling up a glass.” Help us fill this glass. in Rockville Centre, N.Y., while the Clemson crews were People were surprised that parents would bring their chil - Robertson is part of the NYAC disaster response team there. dren to see such suffering and devastation. However, the and is handling public relations and providing a UMC These seasoned ERTs, including several pastors, happiness and infectious delight that the children radiated presence in the long-term planning process in bonded quickly with the students and divided up to form soon stemmed the questioning. Connecticut. UMW legislative day to explore ‘Justice for our Neighbors’ Association of University Women; and the Rev. The event is cosponsored by S.C. Conference Registration deadline is Feb. 9 Emily Scales-Sutton. UMW, American Association of University Women United Methodist Women from across the S.C. Attendees will have the opportunity to choose of South Carolina and Church Women United. Conference will explore “Justice for our Neighbors” from one of three workshops: “Preventing Registration is $20 and includes materials, lunch at the group’s Legislative Advocacy Day this month. Bullying,” by Dr. Robert Stevens, Charleston and parking; postmark deadline to register is Feb. 9. Set for Tuesday, Feb. 19, at Epworth Children’s County Schools; “Immigration Advocacy,” by Space is limited to 400 attendees. There will be no Home in Columbia, the day will feature remarks by Barton; and “Women, Children & Healthcare,” by onsite registration. Carol Barton of UMW, Inc.; Dr. John Holler Jr., Sue Berkowitz, S.C. Appleseed Legal Justice For the registration form, visit www.umcsc.net/ president of Epworth; Ellie Setser of the American Center. Tours of Epworth will end the day. umw. For questions, call 803-754-0942.

S.C. Conference United Methodist Men elects new leaders The S.C. Conference of United boast, but to fast and pray, live a chaste Methodist Men has elected and installed life, know the word of God and be doers new officers. of God’s word. At their Oct. 6, 2012, business meet - New president Lightsey thanked ing, the S.C. UMM elected Herman Sherrin for his leadership and all of the Lightsey as president (Columbia outgoing officers for their work for the District), Marvin Horton as vice presi - ministry to men. He promised to work dent and Rock Hill District president, to improve the group’s ministry to disci - Chuck Sovick as treasurer and Columbia ple men for Jesus Christ. Lightsey has District president and Alvin Glen as sec - The new UMM officers will do all they can to disciple men back to the church. served in many capacities at the local retary and Walterboro District president. church, as the Columbia District UMM Rev. David Anderson, S.C. UMM Dale Sherrin, outgoing president, mation.) president and as vice president of the chaplin, officiated the commissioning thanked everyone for their support. S.C. Bishop Jonathan Holston has S.C. UMM. He is currently chairs the and blessing service, reminded the new Sherrin, who worked diligently to fur - appointed the Rev. James Friday, S.C. Conference Board of Pensions and officers of the faith and trust placed in ther the growth of the ministry of the Greenwood District superintendent, as Health Benefits. them by their fellow UMM and their UMM, will continue to serve as the Cabinet representative to the S.C. The purpose of UMM is to disciple expectation to exhibit leadership and to coordinator of retreats. He is currently UMM. Friday, who said he has a real men back to the church for Jesus Christ. acknowledge Jesus Christ as Lord. He making final plans for the UMM passion for ministry to men, brought a It is a ministry of Jesus Christ through also challenged the membership to sup - Spiritual Retreat, to be held at message at the UMM meeting based on men, and they believe the key to turning port them with their prayers, devotion, Springmaid Beach Resort Feb. 22-24. Matthew 7:24-29. Friday urged district the church around is to get men back in loyalty and cooperation. (See www.scumm.org for further infor - presidents and other members to not church. Page 14, February 2013 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Ready for Salkehatchie? Registration begins for 35th annual summer service camp ministry

By Jessica Connor dle Salkehatchie needs. This year, there are 48 in-state Registration has begun for camps, plus two other mission opportu - Salkehatchie Summer Service Camp, nities in conjunction with United which marks its 35th year of ministry Methodist Volunteers in Mission: June this year. 12 to Washington State and July 22 to Salkehatchie brings together youth El Salvador (both of these are led by and adult volunteers from all over the Kathy and Ivey Hart). state in a servant ministry to repair the Though there is a registration dead - homes of needy fam - line of March 30, if ilies. Nearly 50 serv - there is space avail - ice camps dot the able, people can reg - state, with a goal is ister up until the to unite “the least of week before the these” with volun - camp starts. teers willing to Salkehatchie has spend a week armed grown since its hum - with hammers, paint ble beginnings. In and caulk to reach 2012, Salkehatchie out to these families hit the million-dollar (and one another) in mark for the first Christian friendship. time, with The Rev. John $1,004,715 spent in Culp, who founded service camps. That Salkehatchie Summer Service for the number represents an average of S.C. Conference of the United $2,789.88 per site and $789,536 in Methodist Church in 1978 after minis - building supplies. tering to Lowcountry people living in In addition to the most money ever devastating poverty. spent in Salkehatchie service, the min - Registration forms and information istry also brought in the most money it about this year’s camps can be down - has ever seen in donations: $323,154. loaded at www.salkehatchie.org and “That is awesome,” Fulmer said. mailed in with a check. For those who cannot attend, “Try to register early, because it’s Salkehatchie is accepting donations, first-come, first-served,” said Tammy both monetary and supplies. Fulmer, S.C. Conference Connectional Scholarships may also be available. Ministries staff member who, with Gail For information, visit www.salke - Corn, works behind the scenes to han - hatchie.org or call 803-786-9486. Revolution: not too late to register Ready for Revolution? It’s not too door. late to register groups for the action- For more information about packed and Christ-filled youth spiritual Revolution, visit www.umcsc.org/revo - retreat, set for Feb. 15-17 in Columbia. lution. You can also follow the event on Youth grades six through 12 and Facebook and Twitter at their adult leaders are getting ready for SCUMCRevolution. Revolution 2013, a weekend that gives young people an opportunity to make a complete, radical change in their lives and join the Revolution for Jesus Christ. The S.C. Conference-sponsored event overlaps with the first Sunday of Lent. The Revolution early registration deadline was Jan. 15. The cost is now $50. Visit www.umcsc.org/revolution to sign up your youth group today. Registration details – including park - ing info, free time suggestions and devotional materials – will be sent to groups via email after they have regis - tered. Revolution will sponsor exciting mission opportunities again this year. Participants will collect flood bucket items throughout the weekend and will host a mass “Build a Bucket” event during Saturday’s free time. Registrations are also accepted at the

AdvocateSC.org The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate February 2013, Page 15

2013 Summer Service

2013 Camps Start Date Camps Director / Contact Person Start Date Camps Director / Contact Person Start Date Camps Director / Contact Person June 8 Blythewood John Covert June 15 West Metro (West Columbia) Bill Brown July 13 Clover Evelyn Cameron June 8 Lancaster David & Susan Hagins June 22 Bishopville Tommy Wilkes July 13 Fair>eld Frank Gravely June 8 Oconee (Seneca) Catherine Wylie June 22 Hartsville Greg Powell July 13 Lexington County Terry & Elaine Taylor June 8 Winyah Bay (Georgetown) Russell Jeffcoat June 22 Lake City Kent Daniels July 13 Moncks Corner Frances Wright June 15 Baker Creek (McCormick) Kellie Owans June 22 Piedmont Jo Hood July 13 Newberry Steve & Joyce Barrow June 15 Catawba (Fort Mill) Tony Carnes June 22 Sand River (Aiken) Bobby L. Coker July 13 Rock Hill Chuck & Tammy Hailey June 15 Chester Dan Bilderback June 22 Summerville Marty Gunter July 13 Santee (Clarendon County) Joe Long June 15 Horry (Loris) Sammy & Susan Johnson June 29 Foothills (Pendleton) Shawn Crews July 13 Upstate (Greenville) Steve McGahee June 15 J.E.T (Johnston-Edge>eld-Trenton) June 29 Pee Dee (Bennettsville) Neil Flowers July 20 Columbia Shaun Zarandi Dan & Deborah Henderson June 29 Walterboro Jason & Jessica Bryan July 20 Lake Murray Monica Crodian June 15 Laurens Emil Finley July 6 Bamberg Charlie Bellamy July 27 Shaw (Dalzell) Kevin Booth June 15 Lowcountry (Jasper County) Marie Wells July 6 Circuit Rider (Johnsonville) Richard Jayroe June 15 New Hope (Chester>eld) Carmen Wilks July 6 Edisto Fork Hayes Gainey June 15 Penn Center Steven brown July 6 Goose Creek Tom & Bonnie Chamberlin OTHER MISSION OPPORTUNITIES June 15 Rivertown (Conway) Jeff Davis July 6 Harvest (Dillon) Kathy Hart UMVIM Missions (below) June 15 Spartanburg Chris Snelgrove July 6 Middle Tyger (Lyman) Brian Gilmer 16 Years or Older June 15 Sumter Fran Marshall July 6 North Augusta James Dennis June 15 Union Don Brown July 13 Black Swamp (Hampton) Mimbee Baker Ray June 12 Washington State Kathy and Ivey Hart June 15 Wateree (Camden) Richard Hagins July 13 Calhoun Sherry Smith July 22 El Salvador Kathy and Ivey Hart

This year’s application and additional information can be found at www.salkehatchie.org Page 16, February 2013 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Global News U.S. Western United Jan. 10 for a bill that would allow Methodist group to meet same-sex marriage in Illinois. At the same time, she noted she would follow LAS VEGAS – A group of United church law that prohibits United Methodists in the U.S. Western Methodist clergy from officiating at Jurisdiction is gathering to follow up such unions. Dyck’s letter is the most on the jurisdiction’s statements that recent development in a debate that disapprove of the denomination’s has been simmering inside the church stance on homosexuality and on other and in society for decades. issues. The first gathering of the “Western Methodist Justice Movement” is scheduled Jan. 30 to Cokesbury store Feb. 1 at University United Methodist closings begin Church near the University of Nevada, JACKSON, Miss. – News of the Las Vegas. The group’s nine “action Jackson Cokesbury store’s closing on areas” range from ministries to fully Jan. 12 has prompted many questions include gay, lesbian, bisexual and for shoppers. The most frequently transgender people to immigration to asked question was not about the store the future direction of the denomina - itself but about the future of a popular tion. employee, Osman Grice, who has ALABAMA CHURCH SEEKS HEALING AFTER SHOOTING – Parishioners worked at Cokesbury for more than 14 pray together at Gardendale-Mt. Vernon United Methodist Church in Wesley to offer doctorate years. Cokesbury stores in Austin, Gardendale, Ala., during the first worship service after their pastor was track in chaplaincy accused of shooting and killing his wife and wounding their daughter. (A UMNS Texas; Charleston, W.Va.; Harrisburg, WASHINGTON – United Methodist- photo by Mike DuBose) Pa., and St. Louis also marked their related Wesley Theological Seminary last day on Jan. 12. is offering a Doctor of Ministry track in military chaplaincy designed to United To Prevent Gun Violence, a Winkler leaving social Religious leaders urge enhance the ability of chaplains to sat - coalition of more than 40 national advocacy agency Middle East action isfy both the operational needs of mil - faith denominations and groups repre - WASHINGTON – Jim Winkler, WASHINGTON – Three United itary leaders and the religious needs of senting tens of millions of Americans. who sometimes has been a lightning Methodists – Bishop Rosemarie soldiers and their families. Letter seeks advance notice rod for controversy in advocating the Wenner, president, United Methodist church’s social positions, will depart Council of Bishops; Harriett Jane Young adults invited to on any restructuring this year as the top executive for the Olson, top executive, United apply for mission program NASHVILLE, Tenn. – A group of United Methodist Board of Church Methodist Women; and the Rev. John NEW YORK – Young adults may now United Methodists has sent an open and Society. Winkler, who has worked McCullough, president, Church World apply for the 2013 class of Mission letter to the Connectional Table for the agency for 28 years, is ending Service — were among the U.S. reli - Interns and US-2s. Feb. 15 is the requesting it publicly release a draft of his 12-year term as the top executive. gious leaders signing a Jan. 7 letter deadline to submit application materi - any church restructuring plan by Jan. that asked President Barack Obama to als for these long-term mission assign - 31, 2015, more than a year before the “bring the full energies of your 2016 General Conference. The Bishop supports Illinois ments through the United Methodist same-sex bill Administration… to end the Arab- Board of Global Ministries. Connectional Table, which coordinates Israeli-Palestinian conflict.” CHICAGO – Chicago Area Bishop Organizations interested in being a the denomination’s mission, ministry Sally Dyck announced her support on placement site are encouraged to apply and resources, met Jan. 15-17 in – United Methodist News Service before March 24. Nashville. The group that sent the let - ter is DreamUMC, a grassroots move - ment that arose out of the 2012 Faith coalition commends General Conference discussions on Obama gun plan agency restructuring. WASHINGTON – A coalition of faith leaders formed to support policies that reduce death and injury from gun vio - Judicial Council sets lence commended President Obama spring docket and the administration for the plan to NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The United reduce gun violence that was Methodist Judicial Council has posted announced Jan. 16. “We believe the docket for its April meeting on the Congress has a moral imperative to council’s website. The meeting will enact the life-saving measures pro - take place in the denomination’s U.S. posed by the president and vice presi - Western Jurisdiction, but the exact Eight ways your dent,” said the statement from Faiths location has yet to be determined. church can connect Human trafficking coalition through the Advocate 1. Participate in the “Five for $25 Subscriptions” program. to host public meeting in Okatie 2. Participate in “Free Advocate for New Members.” OKATIE – The Lowcountry Coalition trafficking, whether as a country of origin, 3. Enroll your congregation in an online or print “Advocate Church Plan” and Against Human Trafficking will hold a transit or destination for victims. receive discounted pricing. meeting Feb. 1 to raise awareness about Planned speakers for this meeting what they call “a crime against humani - include Alan Wilson, S.C. Attorney 4. Encourage your members to buy an individual subscription to the Advocate ty.” General; Kelly Hall, attorney with the . The meeting is from 10 a.m. to noon at Attorney General’s office in Columbia 5. Invite the Advocate editor or a board member to come speak at your Church of the Palms United Methodist and coordinator of the statewide human church. Church, 1425 Okatie Hwy., Okatie. trafficking task force in charge of devel - 6. Steer people to the Advocate’s website (www.advocatesc.org) or to the According to LCAHT, human traffick - oping a state strategy for investigating and Advocate’s Facebook or Twitter page (@advocatesc) ing is recruiting, transporting, transferring, prosecuting human trafficking awareness; harboring or receiving a person through Shannon Erickson, S.C. House of 7. Advertise a job opening, church service, business or event in our pages. the use of force, coercion or other means Representatives District 124; and Duffie 8. Send the Advocate your church’s news, events or high-res photos. for the purpose of exploiting them. Every Stone, 14th Circuit Solicitor. Deadline is the 10th of every month for the following month’s edition. Email year, thousands of men, women and chil - The meeting is free. to [email protected]. dren fall into the hands of traffickers, in To register, contact Jan Dyer, president both their own countries and abroad. of LCAHT, at 843-681-6959 or www.advocatesc.org | [email protected] | 888-678-6272 Every country in the world is affected by [email protected]. The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate February 2013, Page 17

Marrow Christianity UM pastor details battle with lymphoma

By the Rev. Chris Barrett God’s saving acts through Jesus Christ laughter and call my wife over to the Want to read more? are alone sufficient for our salvation...but computer to laugh with me. Editor’s note: Barrett, pastor of St. for salvation to continue and permeate For my brother-in-law had just accom - Advocate James United Methodist Church in Check the March every part of our lives, it’s like we plished what in my family can only be for the next installments in Spartanburg, has recently been diag - depend on a functioning circulatory sys - described as a coup-de-grace. Barrett’s blog, or visit nosed with lymphoma. In this serial col - marrowchristianity.blogspot.com. tem—exercising the salvation helps it He had combined word play, my per - umn, pulled directly from his blog, spread from our hands to our feet and can sonal health history, my current health Barrett details his health journey. even spread it to our neighbors... crisis, my sometimes manic personality, Reprinted with permission of the So what happens when I’m holed up and in the space of five well-played sylla - Spartanburg Herald Journal. Read more the illusion of piloting anything and are in bed, unable to accomplish any of those bles, he had poked gentle fun at the at marrowchristianity.blogspot.com. holding on for dear life. I am, for the first sanctified or sanctifying activities? I think whole lot of it. Compromised by lymphoma, my own time, terrified. I am, for the first time, the hard thing for me is figuring out In my family, making a good play on bone marrow will soon be history. As I unsure. I am, for perhaps the first time whether the sola gratia principle makes words, a really good one, one that prepare to receive someone else’s mar - ever, suddenly and excruciatingly aware me feel better—i.e., I’m so glad we’re weaves together various layers of mean - row in a transplant, I wonder about the of my inability to do a damn thing to help saved by grace alone so that no matter ing and history—now that’s an accom - marrow of my faith. What’s solid? myself. what I can or can’t accomplish, Jesus can plishment. And my brother-in-law had What’s corrupt? Where are the signs of I have long relied on the words of redeem me and my life; or whether it just made a master stroke. So I did my new life and growth? lament in Psalms and prophets to be my makes me feel worse, because I realize best to parry. words in time of grief. I have long clung the extent to which my life to this point Now I can write a book, I wrote back Nov. 9 to Paul’s description of the Spirit inter - has been structured and operated under a between chortles—Living with We got into the lymphoma balloon ceding for us with “sighs too deep for philosophy of sola gratia (but not real - Lymphomania: A Very Short Story. without much warning. A perfunctory words.” But right now I am in a place of ly). The assumptions I’ve made, the Well, the conversation went on from visit to the hematologist, during which he delirium and want only to beat my head schedule I’ve structured, the model of there, and in your estimation, gentle read - admitted he was unimpressed with any of against the chest of God, to claim some - church life I’ve tried to shape. What er, it may have still had yet a ways to go my blood numbers. thing or to be claimed by something or would have been different about my life in order actually to arrive anywhere in “Since you’re here, though,” he said, somebody. to this point if I had actually given sola the vicinity of Funny. “I might as well examine you.” I winced I believe I am made for hope, but in gratia a try? But there’s something biblical, even as his tar-stained fingers prodded for a these moments I feel ill-fitted for it. Will That may be a question I need to theological, about a word like my broth - second on my left side. “Hmm. Your hope find me? Will I miss it as I hurtle address later. But for now, at this moment er-in-law coined that both names a reality spleen’s a little bit big. That might be at along between earth and heaven, adrift in in my life, and at this stage of my journey and laughs at it. least worth checking out.” this darkness? toward health, the only resolution I need Isaac, whose name means laughter, A week later, with scans in hand, the is this. I’m clinging to my well-worn was the embodiment of the absurd notion news: lymphoma. Nov. 12 phrases about empty hands getting filled. that life could spring from the dead— It would be weeks of surgery, bone While my white counts are low and And I’m trotting out (even if a little namely an old man and old woman who marrow biopsies, and scans before we I’m susceptible to infection, I’m staying unsteadily) the little bit of Latin I know – were long past child-bearing (much less knew which basket of which balloon we at my parents’ house. It removes the sola gratia says all I can or know how to child rearing!) age. were in. temptation to do too much with the chil - say about my life right now. The grace of Jesus, himself the Word made Flesh, By that time, we were in the Medical dren or to let down my guard and give parents caring for a grown son. The grace remade words and reshaped vocabularies University of South Carolina, and we our dog a big sloppy wet kiss. As you can of a wife who fulfills her vows every day, throughout his ministry: were feeling as good about the journey as imagine, moving in with my parents after honoring and keeping her husband in He teased Nicodemus by saying “Be was possible under the circumstances. I’d 38 years of life and 10 years of marriage sickness as she has in health. The grace born anothen.” Nicodemus heard it to be getting an experimental drug that had presents some challenges. of a doctor who gives me a cell phone mean be born “again,” though it could shown terrific promise in the first trials at Yet it’s one of the amazing blessings number and tells me to call, whatever the easily mean be born “from above.” MUSC and elsewhere. My job was to get of this journey to have both my parents hour. The grace of a church who keeps He nicknamed his star disciple “the in the basket of the lymphoma balloon working as diligently as they are in car - being church even while their pastor is Rock” without specifying whether it was and make any adjustments I was instruct - ing for me. Add to that a wonderful away. These are the signs I need, the out - a moniker of strength or a harbinger of ed to make along the way. mother-in-law who has been watching stretched arms and glowing countenances his later tendency to crack under high So I – and my family with me – piled our 3 children for the past week-and-a- that since Moses have communicated that pressure. in. We were both piloting the balloon and half by herself—and we’ve got an awful God’s love for us is sheer, unmitigated, He even nicknamed the two rowdy trapped inside it. It was not the vessel we lot to be thankful for. uncontrollable, unbelievable grace – sola brothers in his band, calling them “sons had chosen or even would have chosen Now, having gratefully and lovingly gratia – words I may one day live by, but of thunder,” which makes me think their (if given a choice); but once in it, we held acknowledged the work of others on my right now, they live for me, and fill other - fusses must have sometimes led to some on and acted like we knew how to steer. behalf (and I’ve only mentioned the top wise empty hands. grumbles, if not outright rumbles. Our journey took a turn two months into 3), I do have an additional observation: All of this leads me to the conviction treatment, as I was reappointed to a the one not doing a very good job right Nov. 15 that what my brother-in-law did for me is church in Spartanburg, closer to extended now is me. I don’t do well depending on Sixteen years ago, I was diagnosed something God’s been trying to help us family. There were some unpredictable others. I have difficulty making decisions with Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. After six do ever since Adam and Eve decided “to dips and even frightening moments, but to yield instead of push, to stay instead of weeks of radiation, it was history, and I get serious” about gardening by trying everything indicated the balloon was go, to ride instead of drive. And yet those had moved on with my life. some of the stuff God said was strictly going in the right general direction. are the decisions I am constantly facing Little did I know at the time, I’d one for God. To help us learn to laugh at our - The plan called for treatments to con - (and making) these days. day face its souped-up, muscular, and selves: our weaknesses, our fears, our ill - clude in October. We’d then land this At this point, what I think I’ve learned brutish cousin: Non-Hodgkin’s nesses, our sins. None of them, in the lymphoma balloon in mid-November, is that while my professed theology may Lymphoma. end, is strong enough to separate us from when a two-day battery of tests would start from a place of God’s grace alone, So about a month after my diagnosis God. God is like a parent watching a 2- confirm that the magic medicine had in reality, I’m pretty much a works-right - with this new and nastier lymphoma, my year-old stumble along with her father’s done its job. Then I’d just be a notch in eousness guy. How many times have I brother-in-law Thomas messages me on backpack, acting the whole time like “I MUSC’s research belt, and show up for said in inviting others to the communion Facebook to ask this question: got this.” God laughs at our attempts to scans every three months for three years. table that we come as beggars all—bring - What do you call someone who keeps prop ourselves up, to act like we’re get - Three weeks before my final scans: ing nothing to the table but our empty getting lymphoma? ting along just fine. And what makes God chaos. Drenching night sweats. Pain in hands? And yet, now that my hands have I don’t know, I replied, what do you laugh even louder and longer? When we my hips and shoulders. Scans showing been actually emptied of most meaning - call someone who keeps getting lym - get the joke, too. When we see that the massive involvement of the vertebrae. A ful work, and my life has been drained of phoma? joke finally is on death. drug-bleary midnight trip by ambulance any responsibility beyond negotiating my His reply: A lymphomaniac! And the punch line, delivered in to the Medical University. next trip to the bathroom, I find myself a Now I don’t know what your reaction Person by the Word-Made-Flesh two mil - Suddenly we’re no longer bringing poor practitioner of the sola gratia (grace is upon hearing a joke like that, especial - lenia ago, reverberates through the ages this thing in for a landing. We’re adrift alone) life. ly proffered over the cold blue and white like a deep and resonant laugh, inviting again, but this time it feels like our sup - On the one hand, I can blame our medium of a Facebook post, but my all who hear it to look into the darkness plies are already low. We’ve abandoned Methodist sanctificationist tradition; immediate reaction was to double over in and chuckle: Now that’s a Good One. Page 18, February 2013 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate History

FROM THE ARCHIVES METHODISM REVISITED How the church ‘Who is willing split in the 1840s to go?’ By Dr. Phillip Stone, conference archivist Bishop Andrew explained that first, By Rev. Bob Huggins “This is our one point, that Christ died he had inherited a slave from a woman for us, to live in us and reign over us in For nearly 100 years, the Methodist in Augusta, Ga., who had asked him to In 1768, with excitement of all things.” Episcopal Church was divided into care for her until she turned 19, and Methodist Societies growth and the call Richard Boardman spent much of northern and southern wings. Sixteen then emancipate her and send her to for help in building the John Street his time in New York and at John years before the southern states seced - Liberia, and if she declined to go, then Methodist Church in New York City, Street. As he wrote to Wesley, ed, the southern annual conferences he should make her “as free as the laws there was a need for ministers. A mem - Boardman found chosen people withdrew from the denomination and of Georgia would permit.” The young ber of John Street Church wrote to (Methodist) already in Canaan and formed the Methodist Episcopal woman refused to go, so she lived in John Wesley for help. receptive to the Methodist message: Church, South. her own home on his lot and was free After he shared with Wesley about eager hearers both black and white, What could have caused such a to go to the North if she wished, but the building of John Street Church, he civilian and military. Several weeks split? until then she was legally his slave. He went on to request the need for a after his arrival in Philadelphia, From its earliest days, Methodists also inherited a slave through his first preacher: “Dear sir, In regard to a Pilmoor gathered with a large number debated the issue of slavery. More pre - wife who would also be free to leave Preacher. If possible we must have a of serious people to read and explain cisely, they tried to decide what rela - whenever he was able to provide for man of wisdom, of sound faith, and a the Rules of the Society. In November tionship the church should have to the himself. Finally, his second wife good disciplinarian: one whose heart 1868, Pilmoor and Capt. Webb were peculiar institution in a country where brought slaves to the marriage, but he and soul are in the work.” He goes on able to acquire a shell of a building slavery was legal, and in some parts of disclaimed ownership of them. to say, Dear Sir, I entreat you for the from the “Dutch Presbyterians” the country, widely supported. “I have neither bought nor sold a good of thousands; to use your utmost (German Reformed) referred to as St. Methodist conferences even before the slave,” he told the General Conference, endeavours to send one over.” George’s. first General Conference spoke out “and in the state where I am legally a Likewise, a Swedish clergyman who As Pilmoor addressed and laid out against slavery, suggesting that clergy slaveholder, emancipation is impracti - had been visiting Lutherans in the Wesleyan order to the Philadelphia who held slaves should promise to set cable.” Philadelphia urged Wesley at a meeting society, he began to feel that maybe the them free. Several General A group of northern delegates pro - with him in London to send itinerants societies should be heading in a differ - Conferences struggled with the issue, posed a resolution that the bishop was to America. During the Conference at ent direction. A letter that was not first pressing traveling elders to eman - “hereby affectionately asked to resign.” Bristol in 1768, two of his own con - intended for Wesley to see upset cipate their slaves, then suspending Some took the position that the bishops verts that had just been involved in Wesley to the point that Pilmoor those rules in states where the laws did were officers elected by the General starting a new church were asked by records in his journal that Wesley treat - not permit manumission. By 1808, Conference and could be asked to Wesley, “Who is willing to go?” ed him as “the foulest offender and an General Conference threw up its hands, resign or deposed by majority vote. Because of the seriousness of the enemy to God and Mankind.” It was finding the subject unmanageable, and Others took the view that it was a con - undertaking, no one answered until the possible that the statement Pilmoor had gave each annual conference the right stitutional office and bishops could be next day, when Richard Boardman and made concerning ordination and the to enact its own rules relative to slave - removed only by judicial process. A Joseph Pilmoor consented with minds possibility of a separate church had holding. substitute resolution by one of the bish - prepared. Noting that Wesley is in no been seen by Wesley. The denomination remained divided op’s friends, an Ohioan, asked the bish - way working towards or envisioning Pilmoor had written a correspondent on the subject of slavery, with some op to desist from exercising his office the idea of establishing a new denomi - with which Mr. Wesley had visited on northern Methodists becoming more as long as he was a slaveholder. After a nation, he sends the first of four pairs several occasions. In one of the letters, convinced of slavery’s evil and some 12-day debate, other efforts at compro - of missionaries to America. Pilmoor Pilmoor writes, “Many people of southern Methodists more convinced mise, including one that would have and Boardman arrived in Philadelphia Superior rank come to hear the word that it was a positive good. Other allowed Andrew to serve wherever he on Oct. 22, 1769. and are very friendly. The chief diffi - southerners felt that any denunciation would be welcomed, failed when it In a letter to Wesley, Pilmoor writes, culty we labour under is want of of slaveholding by Methodists would became apparent that the New England “Rev. Sir, By the blessing of God we Ordination & I believe we shall be damage the church in the South. They conferences would secede if it passed. are safely arrived here, after a tedious Obliged to procure it by some means were caught, in effect, between church One of the prominent speakers in the passage of nine weeks. We were not a or other. It is not in America as it is in rules and state laws. debate was William Capers, who was little surprised to find Capt. Webb in England, for there is no Church that is The spark that caused the division the leader of South Carolina’s delega - town, a Society of about one hundred one Establish’d more than another. All came when Bishop James O. Andrew, a tion and a future bishop. members, who desire to be in close Sects have equal authority with the native and resident of Georgia and a The motion asking Andrew to desist connexion with you. This is the Lord’s Church of England; I do believe if we former member of the South Carolina from serving as a bishop ultimately doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes.” should form a Church we should soon Annual Conference, married a woman passed, 111-69. General Conference With the arrival of Pilmoor and have the largest congregations in these who had inherited slaves from her late then worked through the beginnings of Boardman, John Wesley had sent the two Cities. husband. Many northern Methodists a plan of separation. Annual confer - first two “official” missionaries to “The fields are white already, but were appalled that someone with the ences throughout the South sent dele - America. These two missionaries the labourers are very few, there are responsibilities of a general superin - gates to a convention in Louisville in began the task of organizing hundreds of Sinners in this Country tendent of the church could also own May 1845, where they formed the Methodism in America. They were not, who dont hear a Sermon above once a slaves. This was the main topic of Methodist Episcopal Church, South. however, explained Pilmoor, organiz - quarter & some for not half a Year, & debate when the General Conference For the next 94 years, the two strands ing something separate from the many of them would gladly hear, if convened in New York City on May 1, of the Methodist Episcopal Church Church of England. They were forming they had anybody to preach to them; 1844. The six-week session would be operated separately. societies for persons of all denomina - but in many places they have not a the longest General Conference in Their separation was one of the tions who “earnestly desire to flee from Minister of any Denomination for forty Methodist history. turning points on the road to the Civil the wrath to come” and who desire to or fifty miles.” Bishop Andrew learned of the War, for the Methodist Church was one “walk according to the Oracles of Huggins pastors St. John UMC, impending conflict as he traveled to of several national churches and insti - God.” Pilmoor concluded by saying, Sumter. New York, and he resolved to resign tutions that broke apart because it from the episcopacy. However, the could not withstand the growing ten - southern delegates persuaded Andrew sions surrounding the divisive issue of that his resignation would “inflict an slavery. Advocate Church incurable wound on the whole South Stone is the archivist for the S.C. and inevitably lead to division in the Conference of The United Methodist church.” When the conference con - Church, as well as the archivist for Subscription Plan vened, Bishop Andrew was asked for Wofford College. Read his blog at Online: $1/member. Print: $10/each with 10+ participants information on his connection with http://blogs.wofford.edu/from_the_ Email [email protected] for details slavery. archives/ The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate February 2013, Page 19 Obituaries

Rev. James Monroe Mrs. Hamilton is survived by her ter. two daughters and two sons. Obituary policy: Mary Lou Walter Munn Bradley Jr. The Advocate prints death notices of FLORENCE – The clergy and their immediate families and FLORENCE – Mary Lou Walter Munn, Rev. James Monroe Linda Hodge Hawkins laypersons who have served on confer - sister of the Rev. Ted Walter, died Jan. Bradley Jr., a retired WEST COLUMBIA – Linda Hodge ence boards and agencies or who work 17, 2013. Rev. Walter is a retired mem - Hawkins, sister of the Rev. Carolyn for the S.C. Conference of the United ber of the S.C. Annual Conference of member of the S.C. Methodist Church. Annual Conference Matthews, died Dec. 30, 2012. Rev. The United Methodist Church. Matthews is a retired member of the Funeral services were held Jan. 20 at of The United Whittaker Middleton, Vice President S.C. Annual Conference of The United Central UMC, with burial in Mount Methodist Church, for Institutional Advancement, Claflin Methodist Church. Hope Cemetery. died Dec. 28, 2012. University, 400 Magnolia Ave., Funeral services were held Jan. 2 at Memorials may be made to Epworth Prior to his retire - Orangeburg, SC 29115. Dr. Jenkins is Bradley Mount Hebron UMC, with burial in the Children’s Home, 2900 Millwood Ave., ment in 1997, Rev. survived by his wife, Carolyn Pearson church cemetery. Columbia, SC 29205. Bradley served the Beaufort-Wesley, Jenkins, daughter and son. West Camden, Wesley (Cheraw), Silver Memorials may be made to the S.C. Mrs. Munn is survived by her Hill-Asbury (Pacolet), Emmanuel Ovarian Cancer Foundation, 602 daughter and son. (Sumter), Trinity (Orangeburg), Wesley Meeting St. Ste. B, West Coumbia, SC Robert Hammond Johnson (Charleston), St. Mark-St. Matthew and 29169; or SCOA, 133 Stoneridge COLUMBIA – Robert Hammond Rev. Robert St. James (York) charges. He also Drive, Columbia, SC 29210. Johnson, father of Veronica Williams, Bradford Way died Dec. 31, 2012. Mrs. Williams is served as the Orangeburg District Mrs. Hawkins is survived by her ASHEVILLE, N.C. the administrative assistant for the superintendent. husband, George Glenn Hawkins, two – The Rev. Robert Columbia District Office. Funeral services were held Jan. 4 at daughters and two sons. Bradford Way, a Funeral services were held Jan. 5 at Cumberland UMC, with burial in the retired member of Trinity Baptist Church, with burial in Mayesville Cemetery, Mayesville. Dr. Alonzo Clark Jenkins the S.C. Annual Lincoln Cemetery. Rev. Bradley is survived by his wife, COLUMBIA – Dr. Conference of The Mr. Johnson is survived by his wife, Nellie Chambers Bradley, and son. Alonzo Clark United Methodist Etta Taylor Johnson, and three daugh - Way Jenkins, a former Church, died Jan. 8, ters. Diane Stone Douglas member of the S.C. 2013. Annual Conference CAYCE – Diane Stone Douglas, Prior to his retirement in 1984, Rev. of the United Sharon Rena Covington daughter of Rev. Kathryn Scarborough, Way served the Pinewood, Kershaw, Methodist Church, McTeer died Jan. 15, 2013. Rev. Scarborough is Gramling, Mauldin and Port Royal- died Jan. 4, 2013. DILLON – Sharon Rena Covington the pastor of Bethel United Methodist Laurel Bay charges. He also served in Prior to his 2007 McTeer died Jan. 7, 2013. Mrs. McTeer Church, Pelion. the Division of Chaplains from 1960- transfer to the Jenkins was the chair of the UMW Conference A memorial service was held Jan. 18 1978. Holston Annual Conference, Dr. Nominations. at Cayce UMC. A graveside service was held Jan. 11 Jenkins served the Aiken-Wesley, Rock Funeral services were held Jan. 10 at Memorials may be made to Cayce at Holly Hill Cemetery, Holly Hill. Hill Charge, York-St. James, St. Stephens United Methodist Church, UMC, 1600 Twelfth St., Cayce, SC Memorials may be made to the Charleston-Centenary, Johns Island with burial in Resthaven Cemetery. 29033. Children of Fallen Soldiers Relief Parish, Sumter-Emmanuel, Mount Mrs. McTeer is survived by her hus - Mrs. Douglas is survived by her hus - Fund, P.O. Box 3968, Gaithersburg, Zion-Kingstree and St. Andrew By- band, Vernoy McTeer, son and daugh - band, Devin Wesley Douglas, step - MD 20885-3968. The-Sea charges. He also served as the daughter, mother, stepfather, father and associate director in the Conference stepmother. Council on Ministries and as the Spartanburg District superintendent. In Minnie Bell Richburg the Holston Conference, he served as Hamilton pastor of First Broad Street UMC, MANNING – Minnie Bell Richburg Kingsport, Tenn., and as the Hamilton, mother of Itean H. Wilson, Morristown District superintendent died Nov. 29, 2012. Mrs. Wilson is the before being placed on incapacity wife of the Rev. Willie Wilson, a leave. retired member of the S.C. Annual Funeral services were held Jan. 10 at Conference of The United Methodist the Edward L. Tullis Arena, Claflin Church. University, Orangeburg, with burial in Funeral services were held Dec. 4 at Greenlawn Memorial Park, Columbia. Elizabeth Baptist Church, with burial in Memorials may be made to Science the church cemetery. and Technology Center, Attn: Rev. Page 20, February 2013 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate District & Local News Columbia District enhance its music ministry with the addition of a harpsichord. Last month , Congratulations to the Rev. Wayne a family in the church decided it was and Esther Horne on the birth of their time that this dream was fulfilled , and first grandchild. Harper Leann Horne negotiations were begun with an early was born Dec. 7 to Todd and Stephanie keyboard dealer in Atlanta . A Horne. Rev. Horne is the pastor of Zuckermann Double Flemish, custom - Trenholm Road UMC, Columbia. built by Dr. Adam Decker, was chosen The S .C. Chapter of the “Fellowship with a color (colonial green) and of United Methodists in Worship Arts” French paper design to compliment the will hold its Annual Convocation at sanctuary. The harpsichord was used Shandon UMC, Columbia, Feb. 8-9 . for the first time during the Christmas The event will feature sessions on Eve service. A dedication and concert adult choral music, music for children’s will be held later in the year to official - choirs, organ, handbells and reading ly welcome the harpsichord. sessions from music publishers. Clinicians for the sessions will include: Jane Kimbrel, organ; Kenny and Marion District Heather Potter, choral music; and Betty Surfside UMC, Surfside Beach, Meyers, handbells. For a complete began hosting “The Alpha Course ” Jan schedule and registration information, CHRISTMAS HANG-UPS – The Cherub and Wesley Treble Choir of First 24. The program will run each go to www.scfellowship . UMC, Conway, presented the Christmas musical “Christmas Hang-Ups ” Dec. Thursday until March 21 and will Chapin UMC, Chapin, will host 12 in the Family Life Center. Every chorister was costumed as a particular explore the meaning of life, voice con - the Secret Keeper Girl Live Pajama ornament with the set being an attic. cerns and opinions, and see how Jesus Party March 10. Secret Keeper Girls transforms lives. To learn more, visit encourages mothers of tween-age alphausa.org, or call 843-238-2734. daughters (ages 8-13) to teach their daughters to view themselves the way Greenville District that weatherizes and repairs homes. The WARM Project of Broad Street Walterboro District God views them and to teach them Jayne Jaudon Ferrer, a member of UMC, Clinton, was a huge success. On Dec . 15, the Sandhill UMC purity and modesty. For more informa - Berea Friendship UMC, Greenville, More than 100 volunteers made repairs (Ridgeville ) Mass Choir presented its tion, call 803-345-2801. has written a book, “The Art of Stone on 12 homes. Projects included rebuild - first Christmas Concert. While the Skipping and Other Fun Old-Time ing porch floors, masonry repair, elec - sanctuary was adorned with live poin - Games.” This is her fifth book. Florence District trical repair, wheelchair ramp, plumb - settias, greenery and the choirs’ attire Central UMC, Florence, and ing installation, window installation of red, green and gold, the choir sang Pisgah UMC, Florence, held the ninth Greenwood District and painting. To see a video: praises unto God. The choir sang tradi - annual Santahatchie Christmas Mission More than 250 people took part in www.broadstreet-umc.org. tional Christmas songs through the first Project Dec 26-30. Seven homes in the the 2012 WARM Project, which culmi - part of the concert; Part two was from community were repaired in five days nated in a celebration at Wightman Hartsville District the Sunbeam, Youth and Children’s by 45 youth, 48 adults and college stu - UMC, Newberry. More than 70 homes For many years now, Trinity UMC, Choir . The Mass Choir closed with dents and eight meal volunteers. were assessed for the annual ministry Darlington, has been wanting to contemporary worship songs.

HOPEWELL WOMEN HELPING OTHERS — The United Methodist Women of Hopewell UMC, Lancaster, recently made 35 dresses out of T-shirts for the United Methodist Appalachian Ministry Network. They also purchased backpacks for the Lancaster County Department of Social Services that were filled with items for children, plus pre - pared care packages with health and hygiene items for women deployed in the military. On Dec. 9, Hopewell consecrated these items prior to sending them on. Pictured here from left are the Rev. GLORIA ON THE COAST – The choirs of First UMC in Conway, Kingston David Inman, Peggy Belk, Presbyterian and St. Paul ’s Episcopal presented Vivaldi ’s “Gloria ” Dec. 9 at Madeline Belk and Betty Baker. First, accompanied by members of Long Bay Symphony and organ.

Rebuilding Lives for a Safer Community An Advance Special Ministry of the United Methodist Church that provides offenders, former offenders, the homeless, at-risk youth, veterans and their families the tools they need to become productive citizens. COLLABORATIVE CANTATA — Foster ’s Chapel and Bethlehem UMCs, in the Spartanburg District, came together Dec. 16 to perform their annual Your help is needed as a volunteer or member. Contact us today. Christmas cantata. The choir director for both churches is Donna Manus. www.alstonwilkessociety.org • 803.799.2490 (Photo from Tiffany Smith) The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate February 2013, Page 21 District & Local News Spartanburg District UMCs to gather for Day of Service Spartanburg District UMCs will hold flood buckets to help resupply the Each church has been given a list of After packing the buckets, there will a district Day of Service Feb. 24. United Methodist Committee on supplies to bring to New Beginnings be a short time of worship. Thirteen of the district’s churches Relief’s stock, which has largely been that day, and volunteers will pack the For more information, call the dis - will meet at New Beginnings UMC, used up during relief efforts after buckets so they can be delivered to trict office at 864-583-5109 or email Boiling Springs, at 3 p.m. to assemble Hurricane Sandy in November. UMCOR. [email protected]. Callahan to speak on church effectiveness March 5-7 at St. John’s Author, seminar leader to introduce latest book AIKEN – On March growing a congregation of 5-7, 2013, the devo - grace. Together, they will explore best tees of Dr. Kennon practices to help experience the grace L. Callahan will of God in their own lives. gather again at St. S.C. UMC Resident Bishop John’s United Jonathon Holston has participated more Methodist Church than once in Callahan’s seminars over SOCKS FOR SENIORS – St. Paul UMC, Saluda, under the leadership of the in downtown Aiken the years. Those who attend once often Rev. Judy Hames, had a giving month with Holiday Missions. With each to hear his advice return annually to share ideas. In the donation of $20, half went to Harvest Hope, one-fourth went to the Ronald Callahan McDonald House Charities of Columbia, and one-fourth to a campaign for the and forward-think - words of Callahan, “We will have a Saluda Nursing Center. Ann Forrest Watkins, program director, spearheaded ing ideas about the keys to effective wonderful time.” a campaign to get enough socks to give each of the 140 patients a pair. That churches. St. John’s pastor Dr. George Howle goal was exceeded, allowing each patient at SNC and two other facilities to This year, Callahan will introduce encourages pastors and key leaders to receive two pairs of socks and a bottle of lotion, plus hundreds of dollars his latest book, the number of which is attend, with 2 CEUs and a fee of $300, donated to Harvest Hope and the RMHC of Columbia. (Photo from Ann Forrest nearing 20 from this prolific author and with a discount for early registration or Watkins) seminar leader. This book is gathered multiple attendees from the same from his lifetime in Christian ministry church. and leadership, and explores “Living in For more information or to register, Classical music concert set Grace.” Twelve decisive events of contact Midge Rothrock at St. John’s at grace from his own experiences will [email protected] or 803- provide a helpful learning opportunity 648-6891, ext. 216. A historic down - for St. Andrew By-The-Sea about the grace of God. town hotel within walking distance HILTON HEAD the St. Andrew By-The- Attendees will find possibilities for offers a special rate for attendees. ISLAND – St. Andrew Sea Chancel Choir. By-The-Sea United The concert is free Methodist Church will and will include selec - Seminar for Pastors and Key Leaders host a concert featuring tions from Bach, Liszt, organist Debby Graves Schubert, Franck, presented by Dr. Ken Callahan and friends on Sunday, Dubois, Walton, St. John’s UMC Feb. 17, at 4 p.m. Grandjany and more. March 5-7, 2013, beginning at 9 a.m. Joining St. Andrew’s St. Andrew By-The- organist will be Phyllis Sea is located at 20 Pope Historic Downtown Aiken at 104 Newberry Street NW Mauney on harp, soprano Graves Avenue on Hilton Head This annual gathering (2 CEUs) provides an opportunity to learn, grow and Laura Floyd, Todd Smith Island. For more infor - meet 1:1 with this esteemed Christian thinker . on trumpet, St. Andrew’s Director of mation, call 843-785-4711 or visit Music the baritone Tim Reynolds and www.hhiumc.com. Attendees will share in these conversations in the light of Dr. Callahan’s newest book (19 th!) , “Living in Grace.” This just-published book is available for pur - chase at www.createspace.com/4086926 . Living in Grace Grace Filled Worship Reaching Today’s Children Congregational Decision Making

The seminar cost is $300. Register and pay on or before February 15, you will receive a discounted rate of $250. Bring other(s) from your congregation and the rate for them is $200, if paid by February 15.

Send your personal registration information and check (made out to St. John’s UMC) to: Midge Rothrock , St. John’s UMC, 104 Newberry Street, NW, Aiken, SC 29802.

Include your name, your name tag preference, the name and address of your church, and any food restrictions. For further information on schedule times and hotel discount, contact Midge at 803-648-6891,x216, or via email at [email protected]. Page 22, February 2013 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Other News

Granville Hicks Leadership Academy to explore churches’ Becoming More Vile place in a changing world Signs of God’s truth in the world at-large ORANGEBURG – Clergy and laity from churches across South Carolina which we’ve known will blow away with By the Rev. Jonathan Tompkins and beyond will gather at Claflin this new sun.” University to discuss the church’s role “Holland Road” is a slower, somber, in leadership. Editor’s Note: “Becoming More Vile” honest look at doubt and faith: “I still The annual Granville Hicks showcases God’s truth in the world-at believe, though there’s cracks you’ll see. Leadership Academy for Laity and large. When I’m on my knees I’ll still believe.” Clergy will be held on the Claflin cam - Because of various scheduling snafus “Ghosts That We Knew” continues to pus from Thursday, Jan. 31, to Friday, out of my control, I am now just getting slow things down and asks for “hope in Feb. 1. around to writing about Mumford & the darkness” that we’ll “see the light,” The featured speaker for this year’s Sons’ newest album, “Babel,” even only to be immediately sped up by academy is Dr. Albert Mosley, president though it was released back in September. “Lover of the Light,” encouraging us to of Gammon Theological Seminary in In a way, I’m glad I’ve had these past “love the one you hold, and that’ll be Atlanta. The theme for this year’s acad - Dr. Albert Mosley four months to listen though, because it’s your gold, to have and to hold.” emy is “Relevancy in a Changing taken me awhile to get into it – not “Hopeless Wanderer” calls to mind the World.” Angelin J. Simmons, senior pastor of because Marcus Mumford and his mates Prodigal Son singing “Come Thou Fount Dr. Johnny B. Hill will also speak. Johns Island Parish in Charleston. have radically changed up their rootsy, of Every Blessing”: “Hold me fast ‘cause Dr. Robin Dease, chair of the Mosley serves as the 15th president spiritual-bent, freak-folk sound, but I’m a hopeless wanderer, and I will learn Department of Religion and of Gammon, the world’s premier because they’ve kept it precisely the to love these skies I’m under.” “Broken Philosophy, said the focus will be resource for black religious scholarship same. Crown” gets a little angry, admitting that squarely upon how the church and aca - and faith-based solutions to spiritual When “Sigh No More” was released a sin’s pull is strong and the flesh is weak, demia can collaborate together to and socio-economic challenges facing few years ago, I had heretofore heard furiously shouting, “In this twilight, how increase opportunities for both entities. African-Americans. nothing like it, and it blew me away. With dare you speak of grace?” while simulta - “Unfortunately, we are experiencing Prior to arriving at Gammon, Mosley expectations so high for “Babel’s” neously pleading “hold my hand, consign a lack of students entering the min - was the chaplain and director of multi- release, who can blame anyone for being me not to darkness.” istry,” Dease said. “The Leadership faith studies program at Johns Hopkins less-than-astounded by an initial listen? “Below My Feet” comes right out and Academy will explore this topic thor - University. He was also the director of Because we’ve heard it before – the shine mentions JC – “I was told by Jesus all oughly to ensure we remain relevant in the Center for Civic Engagement and a is not as bright, the sound not as surpris - was well, so all must be well” – while the coming years.” professor at Drexel University. In addi - ing. But that’s not a bad thing. I’ve let asking for “eyes to serve and hands to On Feb. 1, a special panel discussion tion, Mosley serves as an assistant dean “Babel” sink in these past few months learn.” “Not with Haste” ends on a quiet, will examine this subject. The panel at Duke University and was the senior and have really sunk into myself. The yet hopeful and purposeful note, that “We will feature the Rev. Jonathan Holston, pastor of the historic Janes Memorial banjos, mandolins, kick-drums, foot- will run and scream, you will dance with bishop of the S.C. Conference of The UMC in Philadelphia. stomping and hand-clapping are all back, me, they’ll fulfill our dreams and we’ll be United Methodist Church; Claflin Registration is $100 per person. as is the God language, which now seems free. And we will be who we are, and President Dr. Henry N. Tisdale; To register or for more information, to permeate almost every song. they’ll heal our scars, sadness will be far Columbia College President Elizabeth call 803-535-5186 or email tawashing The opening title track talks of know - away. Do not let my fickle flesh go to Dinndorf; Mosley; and the Rev. [email protected]. ing our weakness as well as our voice, waste, as it keeps my heart and soul in its believing in “grace and choice,” and tear - place, and I will love with urgency but ing down walls, while “Whispers in the not with haste.” Dark” asks to “spare my sins for the ark” (Pick up the deluxe addition for the Changes of Appointment while admitting “I’m a cad, but not a added treat of three more songs, including fraud, I set out to serve the Lord.” “I Will a cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s “The Bishop Jonathan Holston has First, Myrtle Beach – Frank Griffith Wait” is a modern day Psalm, speaking of Boxer.”) announced the following changes of (RSY) kneeling down, head-bowed, and waiting Tompkins is associate pastor of First appointment: Effective March 4: Hartsville District: for You who “forgave and I won’t forget,” UMC, Myrtle Beach. Check out his blog Effective Jan. 1: Marion District: Curtis Wells, Ad-interim retirement with the hope that “these days of darkness at BecomingMoreVile.Wordpress.com Resource Center

Lenten Bible studies available from the Resource Hamilton took us on a Lenten journey tion of Jesus to life through dramatic storytelling and Center: through the last day of Jesus ’ life. challenging teaching and explores a universal theme 24 HOURS THAT CHANGED THE WORLD Now, in his inspiring follow-up book, that is relevant to our lives all year. Age: YAS. (DVD564=) Hamilton examines Christ ’s dying Author: Hamilton, Adam. 7 sessions with bonus hours and his final words as seen THE WAY: WALKING IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF session, 5-13 minutes/leader guide/2009. and heard through the eyes and JESUS (DVD1204B=) In this DVD we travel to the Holy Land with Adam ears of those who stood near the Author: Hamilton, Adam. 6 ses - Hamilton to visit the sites where those earth-shaking cross. This study contains seven sions, 8-13 min./leader ’s events of Christ ’s last days took place. We walk teaching sessions featuring Hamilton pro - guide/bk/reflection bk/2012. where Jesus walked and see what he may have viding fresh insight into Jesus ’ final words at the Travel with Adam Hamilton as he seen, along the road that led to the pain and triumph cross through the perspective of those who witnessed retraces the life and ministry of of the cross. The leader guide features two format the crucifixion. Then, he moves beyond the cross to Jesus Christ. Once again, options (60-minute and 90-minute) and suggestions Jesus ’ words to the disciples on the road to Emmaus Hamilton approaches his subject of ways to make the study a meaningful experience and to those who were witnesses to the matter with thoughtfulness and for any group. Resurrection. Age: YAS. wisdom, just as he did with Jesus ’ crucifix - Sessions include 1. The Last Supper (11:25); 2. ion in “24 Hours That Changed the World” and with The Garden of Gethsemane (6:57); 3. Condemned by THE EASTER EXPERIENCE (DVD577=) Jesus ’ birth in “The Journey.” the Righteous (9:15); 4. Jesus, Barabbas, and Pilate Author: City on a Hill/Thomas Nelson. 6 sessions, Using historical information, archaeological data, (9:10); 5. The Torture and Humiliation of the King 20 min. each/leader ’s guide/partici - and stories of the faith, Hamilton follows in the foot - (9:06); 6. The Crucifixion (12:54); 7. Christ the Victor pant ’s guide/2009. steps of Jesus from his baptism to the temptations to (11:10); Bonus: What If Judas Had Lived? (4:56) What if what happened then the heart of his ministry, including the people he Age: YAS. changes everything now? The loved, the parables he taught, the enemies he made Easter Experience is a spiritual and the healing he brought. Age: YAS. FINAL WORDS FROM THE CROSS (DVD971=) experience that has the power to The S .C. Conference Resource Center is your Author: Hamilton, Adam. 6 sessions, 9-10 change every member in a connection to VHS tapes, DVDs and musicals. They min./leader ’s guide/bk/2011. small group. Each episode are here to serve your church. To reserve resources: In “24 Hours That Changed the World, ” Adam brings the passion and resurrec - 888-678-6272 or www.umcsc.org/resourcecenter. The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate February 2013, Page 23 Health News

Karmel named To Your Health new staff By the Rev. Sandra King tab, then click on Grants from the drop- tions and communities. You can help by counselor at down menu and look under Board of getting the word out in your church about Do you or someone in your church Health and Welfare for the Golden Cross the Golden Cross opportunities, and by St. Andrew struggle to pay medical expenses? Is there Medical Assistance tab. Print out the making sure that the Golden Cross offer - someone in your congregation who is application form, complete it and follow ing is collected in your church every year. HILTON HEAD ISLAND – The St. pursuing a career in nursing or health care the instructions. Together, we can make a difference in Andrew By-The-Sea United and needs some assistance with tuition? 2. Making available a $1,000 scholar - the lives of people who need to know that Methodist Church Counseling Center The annual Golden Cross offering may ship to students enrolled in a higher edu - the church cares. now has a new staff counselor. be an answer to prayer if you answered cation program leading toward a degree in King serves as pastor at Leesville The counseling center steering “yes” to either of these questions. nursing or the health care field. Priority is United Methodist Church in Leesville. She committee and the Staff Pastor Parish It is recommended that this offering be given to students enrolled in nursing, but is a registered nurse with a master’s Relations Committee have hired Terry collected on the first Sunday in February, other health care degrees will be consid - degree in health nursing. Karmel, MFTI, as staff counselor. but if you have not made plans to do it ered based on availability of funds. You The counseling center is an out - yet, then you may choose an alternate must submit the completed application reach ministry of St. Andrew and pro - date. The important thing is to participate. form and two references, plus a recom - vides counseling for individuals, cou - The purpose of the Golden Cross offer - mendation by your pastor, by the deadline Did you know that you ples, adolescents, children and parents ing is to improve the health and welfare indicated on the form. You will find the can make a gift and who are experiencing emotional, rela - of United Methodists, and Golden Cross application on the conference website, receive guaranteed tional, psychological or spiritual chal - does this in two ways: www.umcsc.org. Click on the Resources income for life? lenges. Services are provided regard - 1. Providing as much as $1,200 toward tab, then click on Grants from the drop- less of race, faith or ability to pay in outstanding medical bills not covered by down menu and look under the Board of That’s exactly what dozens the caring environment of the church. Medicaid, Medicare and/or private insur - Health and Welfare for the Golden Cross of people have done since 1982 Karmel, a resident of Bluffton, has ance in the presence of financial hardship. Scholarship tab. Print out the application through Charitable Gift a degree in psychology from State You must submit two copies of the com - form, complete it and follow the instruc - Annuities with the South University of New York at Stony pleted application form, copies of your tions. Carolina United Methodist Brook, and obtained her Master of medical bills and documentation as to Golden Cross is a ministry of the S.C. Foundation. Science from Capella University in your financial need along with a letter of Annual Conference and is just one of the Minneapolis. Previously, she worked recommendation by your pastor and to ways in which we care for one another as Current One-Life Rates in human resources with Lockheed the Conference Connectional Ministries members of the connectional church. For Selected Ages* Martin. office by the deadlines indicated on the Through the Health and Welfare group of For more information or for an application form in order to be evaluated the Outreach Ministry Area of Conference Age 60 4.4% appointment, call 843-341-3029 and for this assistance. You will find the appli - Connectional Ministries and Golden Age 65 4.7% leave a confidential message. cation form on the conference website, Cross, we work to improve and protect Age 70 5.1% www.umcsc.org. Click on the Resources the health and welfare of our congrega - Age 75 5.8% Age 80 6.8% Age 85 7.8%

Two-Life Rates Available Upon Request * Rates are subject to change.

Gift Annuities with the Foundation provide guaranteed lifetime income at an attractive rate, immediate tax benefits for your charitable contribution, and a way to leave a legacy for the future. ------The South Carolina United Methodist Foundation, Inc. P. O. Box 5087 Columbia, SC 29250-5087 Per Member Send me information about a $1 Charitable Gift Annuity with the Foundation.

Name ______That’s how little it costs Address ______City ______your church to have a one-year State ______Zip ______online subscription to the Advocate

HOW IT WORKS : You send us $1 multiplied by the average weekly attendance as reported in the Subscribe Conference Journal. If you have 150 members as your average weekly attendance, then it’s just $150. (Big churches, don’t worry: $1,000 max.) Then every month, we email you the pdf of the Advocate, and you email it directly to your members. You retain control of your list – no sharing or pri - to the vacy issues! Advocate! It’s that easy! $15/year print Sign up today: www.advocatesc.org/home/images/churchplan.pdf $8/year online or contact us at 888-678-6272, ext. 335, or [email protected]. See page 3 Page 24, February 2013 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Seniors UM pastor’s book takes literal look at Revelation The Rev. Barry Brinson was confused Brinson spent several years studying when he first began to take a deeper look and expanding this theory before putting into the last book of the Bible in 2009. it onto paper. In 2010, he began a Bible Dr. John Ed Revelation is certainly enough to study exploring the implications of the Mathison, befuddle readers on its own, but even idea as he finished up the book, “We keynote for the commentaries left Brinson, pastor of the Win!” Older Adults Hendersonville Charge, Walterboro The book seeks to help anyone inter - Retreat Feb. 5- 7, speaks to a District, feeling lost. How could so many ested in better understanding the book of group at last scholars tell such different stories about Revelation and its significant message year’s Annual the meaning behind the book? that God has “a grand and glorious plan Conference. “There’s an answer in Revelation,” for the future where, in the end, we win,” (Photo by Matt Brinson said. “A sure answer.” Brinson writes. The book examines each Brodie) He decided to spend some time explor - of the four visions of John’s Revelation ing on his own, and with just the Word and maps out a literal interpretation there - and a Greek-English dictionary as his in, taking the Gospel message to its com - February Older Adult Retreat guide, he came up with an answer that is pletion: the new heaven and earth. often overlooked. He decided the book The book is available online at any to feature Dr. John Ed Mathison was meant to be interpreted literally. book retailer. Event registration accepted through Feb. 4 Speaking to a theme of “Living Life at His topics at the retreat will be the Next Level,” Dr. John Ed Mathison Redefine the Possible, Dressed Properly will lead this year’s Older Adults Retreat, for the Occasion, Principles for a More set for Feb. 5-7 in Myrtle Beach. Productive Life, and Watching Giants Reservations are going on through Feb. Fall. 4 for the annual spiritual retreat, which For room reservations, call 800-770- will again be held at Springmaid Beach 6895 (Reference ID# 11411). Commuters Resort. can reserve a meal ticket by contacting The Rev. Judy Hames will serve as Mindi at 800-770-7198. music director, and Ruth Hughes will lead A limited number of scholarships are activities. “Seniors Got Talent” is seeking available based on need. participants for the 2013 edition. For more information, contact Doris Mathison retired after 36 years as pas - Seals at 888-678-6272 or dseals@ tor of Frazer Memorial United Methodist umcsc.org, or B. Shuler at 803-496-3852 Church in Montgomery, Ala. or [email protected]. The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate February 2013, Page 25 Seniors

WRINKLES IN PARADISE

A bag lady (of sorts)

By Wanda Lane group. Having let my tennis skills lie dor - mant during our transition, I was ready to Editor’s note: Having found paradise in begin playing again. Eagerly I volun - the low country of South Carolina, United teered, and now, at least once a week, I Methodist Wanda Lane has also found her carry a designer tennis bag, color coordi - niche. Harboring a life-long love of writ - nated with my tennis outfits, of course, ing, she has turned her talents to the no- fully loaded with racquet, balls, gloves, rocking-chair-for-me generation, captur - water, towel, and arm brace. ing and sharing with others the unique Other bags in my life?...the dachshund aspects of senior living. Whether these themed canvas bags used to tote the piles moments be laughs or reflections that only of library books for my granddaughters’ the perspective of years can provide, the visits, the bright red straw bag I keep topics found in “Wrinkles in Paradise” ready for the pool, the smaller, khaki-col - are certain to strike a familiar chord. ored L.L. Bean (it goes with every outfit) I have known many roles in my life – tote bag that keeps sundry items corralled wife, mother, teacher, administrator, read - in the car when I run errands, the apple- er, crafter, friend – but one role I never green leather bag for my laptop when I expected, even remotely, to assume was attend writers’ meetings. that of bag lady. It was with an eye-widen - And, heaven help me, my conversion ing startle of awareness that I realized, if to bag lady is truly complete when two or truth be known, I had become a bag lady. more of my activities occur back-to-back. My demise into (or perhaps ascent) to On these occasions, the hallway leading to this exceptional category began almost the garage is one long baggage area. immediately upon my retirement, not as a Before leaving, I consult my bill of lading result of poor financial planning as one along with my schedule, re-check the con - Where Friendships & Traditional Values Meet might reasonably surmise, but because my tents of each bag imitating a pilot in pre- life was suddenly filled to overflowing flight preparation, and calculate load time with inviting opportunities. into the ETA at my activity. Seeking new life adventures and a Even though I have been nothing but change of scenery, my husband and I sold busy since moving to our “retirement” our home of 30 years and resettled in an community, I still manage to engage in active adult community. The growth of my that most famous (or is it infamous?) of all extra appendages began almost immedi - female pastimes – shopping. With new ately upon completion of this move. shops and locales to explore, I have divid - Eagerly I chose from the smorgasbord of ed and conquered and faced, undaunted, activities the community offered. the challenge of so many shops and so lit - I first joined the dance club. I had tle time. Needless to say, I return from my always wanted to be a dancer, and now, shopping safaris with bags stuffed to over - for the first time, I had the opportunity to flowing with treasures I cannot live with - pursue it. I chose tap and ballet. out. Obviously, tap and ballet classes require I would be remiss in this recitation, • Custom-built, all-brick patio homes tap and ballet shoes (and other parapherna - however, if I failed to mention two special • Spacious studio, one & two bedroom apartments • Basic utilities, property taxes, and insurance lia as I found out – pads for aching feet, situations in which bags play a critical • Weekly housekeeping, linen, and laundry service small notebook upon which to scribble role. Thanks to over-generous portions and • Home and lawn maintenance dance routines, pen, water bottle, etc.). restaunteurs determined to give me my • Restaurant-style dining with flexible meal plans Bowing to the age-related erosion of my money’s worth, rarely do I leave an eatery • Full daily calendar of recreation, social memory, I soon learned it was far easier to without the ubiquitous doggie bag in hand. & cultural activities group needed items together and keep And speaking of doggies – no excursion them at the ready than rely on last minute with Wolfie would be complete with - 2100 Twin Church Road, Florence, SC gathering – hence a Vera Bradley bag, out…er…uh…the indelicate, but neces - 843-664-0700 pink and green paisley, entered my life. sary, poop bag. I continued choosing from the activities Lastly, there are bags that I would glad - Patio Home – Independent Living Apartments – Assisted Living Suites – turntable. With great enthusiasm, I next ly leave at home, but, unfortunately, try as Alzheimer’s Care Center joined the sewing club. Having always I might, they accompany me everywhere – www.methodist-manor.com been intrigued with sewing, needle crafts the two puffy bags I wear under my eyes and fabrics, my new interest became scrap and the two saddle bags permanently booking and card making. Anyone even affixed to my hips. Oh, well. ... remotely familiar with these activities Indeed, I have become a bag lady, but, knows that the “stuff” required to produce unlike the unkempt, rag-tag woman spied the “oohhs” and “aahhs” as scrapbooks beside the road or glimpsed shuffling are shared or cards received is endless and through a parking lot, I have become a HELP US GROW forever multiplying. Twice monthly, our bag lady blessed with privilege and oppor - group gathers in the craft room necessitat - tunity. I am grateful and give thanks. ing, in this case not just any bag to contain Lane is a member of Church of the the supplies and equipment, but a bag on Palms United Methodist Church in READERS wheels. Hmmmm, sound similar to a gro - Bluffton, where she serves as worship cery cart piled high with stuff? chair. She also writes a senior life style Please share this copy with others and But my saga continues. Shortly after column, “Wrinkles in Paradise,” for The involving myself in dancing and scrap - Island Packet in Hilton Head and has encourage them to subscribe. booking, I overheard a friend discussing published a book by the same title. She (See box page 3 or www.advocatesc.org) tennis and the need for players to join her can be reached at [email protected]. Page 26, February 2013 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Upcoming Events January March Jan. 28 – Fundraiser for the Rev. Chris March 2 – Spirit Singers 2013 audi - Barrett, McAllister’s Deli, Dorman tions, Charleston. Go to www. Plaza, Spartanburg, 5-9 p.m. A umcsc.org/home/?page_id=1001 portion of the proceeds will go for information. toward Barrett, who is awaiting a bone marrow transplant. March 2 – ERT Training, Union UMC, Irmo. Contact Billy Robinson at Jan. 31-Feb. 1 – Granville Hicks 803-539-8429 or brpraisejesus@ Leadership Academy, Claflin aol.com. University, Orangeburg. Brochure can be found at www.umcsc.org/ March 8-10 – Confirmation Retreat PDF/upcomingevents/Granville Weekend, Lake Junaluska, N.C. Hicks.pdf. www.lakejunaluska.com/confirma tion

February March 9 – ERT Training, Bethany Black History Month UMC, Summerville. Contact Billy Robinson at 803-539-8429 or Feb. 1 – Lowcountry Coalition Against “WE CARE ” BEARS FIND NEW HOMES — Zion UMC brought in more than [email protected]. Human Trafficking meeting, 110 bears and other stuffed animals to be given to people in need. The dona - Church of the Palms UMC, tions were made to the Anderson Place Skilled Nursing Unit, The Sunshine March 11-14 – The Enduring Magic of Okatie, 10 a.m. House, Upstate Homeless Coalition Transition, Safe Harbor, The Forks Eugenia Price, Epworth By The Rescue Squad and the American Red Cross. (Photo from Pat Henderson) Sea, St. Simons Island, Ga. Feb. 3 – Golden Cross Sunday Details: www.epworthbythesea. org or call 912-638-8688. Feb. 3 – Souper Bowl Day of Caring Feb. 12 – Unveiling of Dr. Mary Feb. 22-24 – Hands and Feet McLeod Bethune license plate, Weekend, Asbury Hills. Go to March 15-17 – Confirmation Retreat State House Atrium, Columbia, 10 www.sccampsandretreat.org to Feb. 5-7 – Spiritual Life Retreat for Weekend, Lake Junaluska, N.C. a.m. learn more. Older Adults, Springmaid Beach www.lakejunaluska.com/confirma Resort, Myrtle Beach. Download tion brochure at www.umcsc.org/PDF/ Feb. 13 – Ash Wednesday Feb. 22-24 – UMM Spiritual Retreat, Springmaid Beach Resort, Myrtle upcomingevents/2013OlderAdult March 16 – Spirit Singers 2013 audi - Beach. Brochure.pdf or contact Doris Feb. 13 – Community Lenten Services, tions, Columbia. Go to Seals, 888-678-6272. followed by a light lunch, www.umcsc.org/home/ Feb. 23 – Annual Afternoon Tea and Lowcountry Presbyterian Church, ?page_id=1001 for information. Feb. 8-9 – S.C. Chapter of Fellowship Bluffton, 11 a.m. For more infor - Theater, Church of the Palms, Okatie, 2-4 p.m. of United Methodists in Worship mation, call 843-815-6570. March 16 – 2013 South Carolina Arts Annual Convocation, Singing in Memory of William Feb. 23 – Spirit Singers 2013 auditions, Shandon UMC, Columbia. Go to Feb. 15-17 – Revolution 2013, Carolina Walker 19th Annual Shape Note Mullins. Go to www.umcsc.org/ www.scfellowship.com for sched - Coliseum, Columbia. Contact Singing, Wofford College, home/?page_id=1001 for informa - ule and registration. Doris Seals, 888-678-6272. Spartanburg, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Email tion. [email protected]. Feb. 9 – Connectional Ministries meet - Feb. 15-17 – Tuning Up Your Marriage, ing, Virginia Wingard UMC, Epworth By The Sea, St. Simons Feb. 23 – ERT Training, Bethesda March 17 – Spirit Singers 2013 audi - Columbia. Island, Ga. Go to www.epworthby UMC, Great Falls. Contact Billy tions, York. Go to www. thesea.org/marriageretreatagen Robinson at 803-539-8429 or umcsc.org/home/?page_id=1001 Feb. 9 – ERT Training (Chainsaw), da.pdf [email protected]. for information. Union UMC, Irmo. Contact Billy Robinson at 803-539-8429 or Feb. 16 – Spirit Singers 2013 auditions, Feb. 24 – Black History Soul Food [email protected]. Columbia. Go to www.umcsc.org/ Feast, Jeremiah UMC, March 22-24 – Africa University 20th home/?page_id=1001 for informa - Hemingway, 11 a.m. Anniversary Celebration. Feb. 10 – Transfiguration Sunday tion. Feb. 24-28 – “John and Charles March 23 – Empowerment Advocacy Feb. 10 – Florence District UMM Feb. 18-21 – SEJ Disaster Academy, Wesley in Colonial Georgia,” Training, Charleston District. Quarterly meeting, Lake City Simpsonwood, Norcross, Ga. Go Epworth By The Sea, St. Simons UMC, 4 p.m. Contact Edd to www.ngumc.org/Events/Detail/ Island, Ga. Go to www.umcsc. March 24 – Palm Sunday Cunningham, 843-933-7201, or 6492 for details and registra- org/PDF/upcomingevents/Wesley James Williams, 843-625-9311. tion. flyer.pdf. March 28 – Maundy Thursday Classified Advertising 888-678-6272 • 803-786-9486 • [email protected]

Church Furnishings Church Furnishings Property for Sale

Pew Upholstering – Reversible Cushions FREE ESTIMATES New Pews – Pew Refinishing CHURCH FOR SALE – Anderson County – Audio/Video Systems NEW Steeple cleaning service 3600+/- square feet on 1.73 acres. www.churchinteriors.com Call Bob Martin, Prudential C. Dan Joyner Co. New Pews • Pew Upholstering • Pew Refinishing • 864-979-9544. Pulpit Furniture • Carpet • Steeples/Baptistries • Chime Systems • Stained Glass • Classroom Furniture • Office Furniture • Social Hall Furniture • Budget & Project High Point, North Carolina Analysis • Project Management 1-800-289-7397 Moving? Nu-Idea Don’t forget Church Furnishings Sumter, South Carolina to send us Subscribe today! 1-800-922-0424 your new go online to www.advocatesc.com www.nu-idea.com address! or call Allison at 888-678-6272 “Serving South Carolina’s churches since 1921” The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate February 2013, Page 27 International Bible School Lessons

would vote in a particular way. The woman.” The world says, “It won’t hurt matter whom we encounter or what By Rev. Carleathea Benson endless chatter of “How can you you to watch a little pornography every sitauation may arise, our countenance believe this? What made you vote like now and then…it’s just entertainment.” my bring others to a new understanding Benson pastors Fairfield that?” was given with some good inten - But as one who has professed Jesus and relationship with God. UMC, Anderson District, tion. Christ as Lord and Savior, you must Granted, we may not always be and is on a number of conference boards and Even though this text has nothing make sure that your life’s spiritual clos - graceful in our speech (even Moses committees, including explicitly to do with our electoral sys - et is filled with those things that are of became tongue-tied), but if our inten - the Advocate’s. tem, it gives us something to think God. You should be clothed in Jesus tions and words are grace-filled, we about in how we live. Paul chooses an Christ. Remember who you are in Jesus can still attract others to the revelation Feb. 3 interesting metaphor by telling follow - Christ. You’re Christ’s elect. of the mystery of Christ. The Supremacy of Jesus ers to be “rooted and built up” (2:7). John 15:16 says, “You did not In the text, Paul is calling followers Christ The seed has already been planted choose me, but I chose you and to a new life through reformed think - within; now it’s time to water through appointed you that you should go and ing: a new mindset that challenges the Lesson Scripture: Colossians 1:15-20 faith and allow the fullness of Christ to bear fruit.” Your life should be holy, reader to come to a new sense of con - Background Scripture: Colossians grow and dwell within. which means your life should be “sepa - sciousness in how they are to be in 1:15-20 Although there is nothing to tell us rated” from the world and “dedicated” ministry with each other and those who Key Verse: Colossians 1:19, “Because the philosophies Paul is exhorting fol - to God. You’ll be different. You’ll want have yet to fully know or understand all the fullness of God was lowers to avoid, in our current world your spiritual closet to have love, kind - the gifts of God. pleased to live in him.” and surrounding, we are still called to ness, humbleness of mind, gentleness, If we choose to devote ourselves to be wise as serpents. Perhaps Paul is meekness, longsuffering, peace and prayer and thanksgiving, and temper Here Christ reveals an unseen God seeking action through diligence in thankfulness. our words and actions with grace, then to us through His likeness or image. keeping the noise of the world from Love is listed first, because in 1 we will find the tools needed to com - Christ is the exact likeness, or muffling our relationship with Christ Peter 4:8, we are told that “love wipes plete the tasks given to us by God. image, of God. Hebrews 1:3 says, by turning our attention to things that away many sins.” May each of us begin to reflect upon “And He is the perfect imprint and very are not from above. ways in which we can more fervently image of God’s nature.” Christ does In what ways have you allowed the pray for guidance, illumination and more than show us what God looks Feb. 24 world to muffle your relationship with revelation in the lives of those we love. like; He makes God’s essence known to Spiritual Disciplines for New Jesus? Have there been times when you Further may we, like Paul, be more us. He pictured and personified the thought about praying, helping another, Life intentional in encouraging those who Father in every way. volunteering at church or for a nonprof - Lesson Scripture: Colossians 4: 2-6, may be struggling with their faith and In John 14:8-9, Philip said to Jesus, it, but allowed worldly thoughts and 17 mentoring those who may be seeking. “Lord, show us the Father.” Jesus said desires to lead you in a different direc - Background Scripture: Colossians to him, “He who has seen Me has seen tion? 4:2-17 the Father.” I remember when my girls were in Key Verse: Colossians 4:17, “And say Christ is “firstborn of all creation” grade school, and the kids were wear - to Archippus, ‘See that you com - Free Advocate (1:15). As the “firstborn of all cre - ing what was called No Fear apparel. plete the task that you have ation,” Christ is the head of the church Mostly shirts, hats with some bumper received in the Lord.’” subscription and over all creation. He is the “King and window stickers with various of Kings and Lord of Lords” quotes and sayings could be seen seem - I cannot recall where the statement for new church (Revelations 19:16). Christ inherited ingly everywhere one turned. For years was made, but U2 lead singer Bono is everything. Christ said, “The Father my oldest daughter clung to one of the quoted as saying something to the members! loves the Son, and has given all things shirts that read, “Everyone who lives effect that we should stop praying for into His hand” (John 3:35). dies, but not everyone who dies has God to bless our efforts and to get on In addition, when Christ came to Churches, please e-mail lived.” Through Christ, we are cleansed board with what God is doing, because the with names earth in the form of a human being, Advocate of our sins and made new. It’s here that those things are already blessed. and addresses of your new born of a virgin, the Father issued a we are able to find freedom and full - Each of us – like Paul, Archippus members, and we’ll be command: “And when He again brings ness of joy. In Christ we find any and and others named in Scripture – have glad to send them a the first-born into the world, He says, everything we’ll need to truly live. been given a task/purpose in life where complimentary one-year and let all the angels of God worship we serve as the hands and feet that subscription. him” (Heb. 1:6). So Christ is not a cre - Feb. 17 bring good news. It is in these times ated being. He is not an angel. He is that we can evoke David’s prayer for [email protected] God Himself, the Creator of all things. Clothed With Christ pure hearts and a right spirit so that no Christ is the true God, who created Lesson Scripture: Colossians 3:5-17 everything “in heaven and…in earth, Background Scripture: Colossians visible and invisible” (1:16), including 3:1-17 angels. This means that Christ reigns Key Verse: Colossians 3:14, “Above supreme over all rulers, principalities, all, clothe yourselves with love, dominions and powers. He made every - which binds everything together LIKE US. thing and He holds everything together. in perfect harmony.” When God wanted us to know who He was, He came to earth in the form of a My question for you to ponder: man. He took on our sin debt and paid What’s in your spiritual closet? the price of that penalty by dying on FOLLOW US. No, I’m not speaking of the clothes that cross in our place. If you believe in your closet. I’m asking about how that and receive it, you will receive you’re clothed in Jesus Christ. As eternal life. Christians, we should be very careful about how we represent ourselves in VISIT US. Feb. 10 the world. The world doesn’t make any Connect with the Advocate and the S.C. Conference online. Full Life in Christ pretentiousness about itself. Lesson Scripture: Colossians 2:6-15 The Scripture begins by lifting the Background Scripture: Colossians things that Christians should put to facebook.com/advocatesc 2:6-15 death: sexual immorality, moral corrup - facebook.com/SCUMC Key Verse: Colossians 2:10, “And you tion, lust, evil desire and greed, which have been filled by him, who is is idolatry. You must also rid yourself the head of every ruler and of anger, wrath, malice, slander, resent - @advocatesc authority.” ment, hatred, bitterness and abusive or @UMCSC obscene language. The first thing that came to mind, Pay close attention to the order of after reading this passage, was the elec - the list. Television glorifies sexual AdvocateSC.org tions of 2012 and how politicized reli - immorality. The world says, “It’s UMCSC.org gion became – and how only those with alright for a single man or woman to “correct” theology or love of God step out with a married man or Page 28, February 2013 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Upstate UM ministry helps woman get service dog SPARTANBURG – way, which could $2,500 needed. weekend, and training will begin as soon A woman in need of take anywhere Asher brought Shults her dog the next as she has healed from the accident. a little help got a lot from eight months more than she to a year, would be expected when her considerably cheap - s we explore the central church pitched in for er because he theme, each aspect of Gods light will be exam - the cause. wouldn’t have to be A ined. As Christians we all begin Claudia Shults, of responsible for by experiencing the Light – we Startex United housing and feed - walk in the light, share the light Methodist Church, ing the dog during and eventually become part of had been having the training the light. At registration you problems with very process. Bottom will pick up your “Goody Bag” sudden drops in her Claudia Shults and Robert Asher hug line: He would pro - and be given the workshop list blood sugar levels. OH OH the dog. vide her with a dog and room assignments for each Even though she was and training for workshop. on medications for diabetes, these quick $2,500. (is year the workshops will look a li+le different. On drops in her sugar levels began occurring The Open Hearts Open Hands ministry Saturday morning there will be more frequently. of the Duncan-Startex-Loree Charge of the three workshops to choose Her diabetes consultant suggested she Spartanburg District had been planning to from during the *rst two ses - get a service dog to alert her to these sud - have a fall festival in November to raise sions. We know all of us want to den drops, but there was a problem. The money for the ministry. Then tragedy hear from our new Bishop so cost of a well-trained service dog was struck. Shults was driving home from the third session will be dedi - going to be in the neighborhood of dropping off her daughter and grandchil - cated to Bishop Holston and be $10,000, and she just couldn’t afford that. dren when her sugar dropped. She ran off held in the worship area. Her insurance did not cover the cost, so the road, totaling her car, breaking her leg she began investigating if there were other and foot, and bruising her knee and side. Speakers: sources for service dogs and if there was When Open Hearts Open Hands found anyone who could help her pay for one. out about the wreck, they decided to help She found a man in Anderson, Robert Shults in any way they could. They decid - Asher of Big Dog Foundation, Inc., who ed to use the fall festival fundraiser to raise was in the business of rescuing unwanted money for the service dog. They sold dogs from pounds and cruel situations. baked and canned goods and offered a chili Bishop Rev. James Jonathan Friday Asher told Shults he finds suitable dogs lunch. Asher came to the fundraiser with Holston that have been rescued and places them his wife’s service dog to show what Shults NEW with people in need of service dogs. He could expect, and everyone who was there provides training for the person in need was shown what the dog could do. who would then become the trainer of the After the festival, Open Hearts Open dog. In this way, during training, the dog Hands had almost raised enough to pay for Rev. Will Rev. Michael would become familiar with that person’s the dog. After news spread, by the middle Malambri Turner particular nuances and habits. Training this of that week, they had raised more than the