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$2 July 2013 Serving, living, giving S.C. United Methodists gather for mission- and business-filled Annual Conference

S.C. UMVIM ERTs help after tornado – Page 18

Camps & Retreats inaugural golf tourney! – Page 17

Photos by Matt Brodie Index Appointments...... 8-12 Classifieds...... 34 Health & Fitness...... 30 History...... 31 International Bible Lessons...... 35 Obituaries...... 26 Seniors...... 32-33 Viewpoints...... 4, 5, 25, 28-9 UMVIM...... 18 Upcoming Events...... 34

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Clockwise from top left, AC2013 fused everything from worship by Bishop Jonathan Holston, to a Stop Hunger Now meal-packing, to passionate speeches on resolutions, to music by Brett Younker’s band, to inspiring words from top college quarterback Dylan Thompson. By Jessica Connor of church business, including approving Connectional Ministries Director the Rev. the statewide UMC budget and decisions Kathy James, new Congregational Devel- FLORENCE – Blending good-natured on numerous weighty issues, such as opment Director the Rev. Sara White, and wisecracks and uplifting spiritual mo- pensions for part-time pastors and half a even a new layout for the conference floor ments with a full slate of conference busi- dozen major resolutions (see page 6). (a more intimate horizontal setup). ness and hunger mission, more than 3,000 This year’s theme, “A More Excellent Given that, many in attendance mar- S.C. United Methodists gathered June Way – A Story of Serving, Giving and veled at how seamlessly the event seemed 9-12 for the denomination’s yearly meet- Living,” was laced throughout the event to progress. Business ended on time and ing in this state – Annual Conference. lineup, with worship, mission and business often early at sessions throughout the Held at the Florence Civic Center, the peppered with ways United Methodists gathering, and humor punctuated proceed- four-day event featured a new bishop, can be stronger disciples for Christ. ings. Several commented on the event’s inspiration from a Gamecocks quarter- It was a year of firsts for the S.C. Twitter feed, #umcsc13, that the bishop back, a full day of hunger relief ministry Conference: a new leader in Resident was “funny” and “gutsy,” and how much and a contemporary Christian concert. Bishop Jonathan Holston, new Conference That was in addition to the heavy slate Secretary the Rev. Karen Radcliffe, new See “Annual Conference,” Page 3 Page 2, July 2013 Annual Conference Advocate Advocate Annual Conference Page 3, July 2013

ANNUAL CONFERENCE: Budget, pensions, mission, more A 4:12 Story From Page 1 After two years of major study and data collection, the conference’s District Youth worship service features Gamecocks QB Dylan Thompson, Brett Younker a sense of humor helped keep holy Study Task Force recommended to the conferencing and fellowship at the body that there be no changes to the Band, Wofford Rhodes Scholar Rachel Woodlee, hunger advocate Davis Crews forefront. When Radcliffe mentioned current arrangement in district number at the end of the event that a walker or lines. By Jessica Connor was among the many items in lost and Two years ago, the conference es- found, Holston joked that the Holy tablished the task force because some Hours/Location FLORENCE – What do you get when you Open Monday through Friday Spirit really was at work this year. felt the current number of districts (12) 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. mix a top college quarterback, a Rhodes Also new this year was a major were too many and that South Carolina S.C. United Methodist Conference Scholar, a 13-year-old hunger advocate, conference-wide undertaking, the S.C. Center would benefit from a close look at our 4908 Colonial Drive, Suite 207 a leading Christian rock band and thou- Hunger Project, which was a three- district structure. But in their research, Columbia, SC 29203 sands of Spirit-filled youth and adult pronged effort on Tuesday of Annual which involved querying and studying Deadlines: 10th of each month. worshippers? Conference involving thousands of numbers of other conferences across You get God-sized worship at Annual Contacting Us United Methodists – all working to the jurisdiction and beyond, Task Force Telephone: 888-678-6272 or 803-786- Conference. put a dent in global and local hunger. Chair Dr. Paul Harmon said their group 9486 That’s exactly what happened at the Three shifts of people, including more Fax: 803-735-8168 found a large “divergence of opinions.” E-mail: [email protected] Florence Civic Center June 11 when, after than 500 youth, gathered that day to One large study conducted by Donald a full day of hunger mission work, United pack 285,000 meals to send to Haiti House, in Texas, noted that when you Submissions Methodists gathered for a youth-themed through Stop Hunger Now. More than reduce the number of districts, you Photos by Allison Trussell The Advocate encourages readers to worship service that featured a host of big submit for publication items of interest 8,000 pounds of non-perishable food increase the number of churches per Conference Secretary the Rev. Karen Radcliffe, Bishop Jonathan Holston and Parliamentar- to South Carolina United Methodists. names to inspire and unite, all in the name items also were collected that day for district. ian Dr. Tim McClendon (from left) listen onstage. There is no charge for running items of the Lord. distribution to Harvest Hope Food Bank involving activities or announcements. “The study said when you did this, Items should be submitted as far as “It was more than we ever expected,” and other food pantries across S.C., and initial results were positive, but almost possible in advance of the event’s date said Chris Lynch, conference youth staff many local churches not able to par- invariably after a few years, church or the date of requested publication. person. “When the bishop talks about Since there is no charge for these ticipate in Florence held hunger relief budgets began to decline and even vital items, they appear in the newspaper on a God-sized vision, it was just that – a efforts Tuesday in solidarity. statistics began to suffer,” Harmon said. a space-available basis. Deadlines are God-sized vision that became a God-sized Holston announced on the final Harmon noted that when the task the 10th of each month for the following reality.” Photo by Matt Brodie month’s paper. day of business that S.C. had raised force gathered anecdotal evidence, “It The Gamecocks’ Dylan Thompson, “It was more than we ever expected,” said Chris Lynch, conference youth staff person. “When the bishop talks about a God-sized vision, it was just that – a God-sized vision that became a $145,359 for hunger. Of that, $72,000 was all over the board: one person gave Advertising junior quarterback from the University of God-sized reality.” went to Stop Hunger Now and more glowing reports, and another would tell Display ads, classifieds and inserts can South Carolina, served as keynote speak- be ordered by contacting us at 888- than $73,000 will go to hunger efforts horror stories about the confusion and 678-6272 or 803-786-9486, ext. 338, or er, bringing his testimony of faith and player, he turned from what he had been of being a woman of God and passionate in all 12 districts in the conference. chaos.” [email protected]. Deadlines are commitment to Jesus before the crowd. taught as a child. about serving, sometimes she had a hard “I hope this is only the beginning of The task force recommended that the the 10th of each month for the following Thompson told the Advocate he was “I rebelled against God,” Thompson time embracing childlike faith. month’s paper. what God is going to do,” Holston said conference should instead find ways highly impressed with the turnout for the told the crowd. “Freshman year, I did “I’ve never been one of those people to wild applause. to be more effective in the existing Subscriptions worship service and the S.C. Hunger Proj- everything in the world, the whole college who automatically sees God’s fingerprints Here are some highlights of Annual structure, particularly in enabling dis- The Advocate is delivered to mailboxes ect mission event, held earlier that day. thing, everything you can think of.” all over my life,” she said. via U.S. mail every month prior to the Conference 2013: trict offices to be more helpful to local first Sunday of the month. Subscrip- “It is awesome to see so many serving Then in April 2011, he heard a pastor But then she realized she was seeking churches. Plenty of people voice their views. The acolyte lights candles. tions are $15/year for the print and not just for people, but for Him,” Thomp- preach a message from Matthew 7:21. big moments, when all along, God was $16.6M budget passes online version, and $8/year for the son said. “It’s all about how can we show Right then, he said, “I was convicted. right there in the small. online-only edition. Church plans are One of the more contentious items Other major happenings available for as low as $1/member Jesus through what we do.” I’d hurt God so much with my sin, (and “God was there y’all!” she said. “If on the floor is often the S.C. Conference In addition to the above, Annual (online version) or $10/member (print Leading Christian music artist Brett I knew) it was only His grace that could you start looking for whispers instead of budget, but the 2014 budget passed so version with 10+ subscribers per Conference 2013 included: church). To start your subscription, visit Younker and his band served as worship save me.” earthquakes, it will change the world. … quickly that many commented on how • A decision on pensions for part- www.advocatesc. org, call with credit leader, bringing the crowd of teens, kids, Reading Matthew 4:18-22 for the If you start looking at the world through a smoothly and easily things were rolling time pastors (Part-time pastors will card to 888-678-6272 or 803-786-9486, adults and even the elderly to their feet to crowd, Thompson said he’d heard the different lens, that still small voice in your ext. 335, or send a check to Advocate, along. have a new pension plan beginning in 4908 Colonial Drive, Columbia, SC praise God through drum-pounding song. passage all his life about Jesus calling heart, that’s when you will start seeing With no discussion or debate, the January. See article page 14.) 29203. Younker told the Advocate the oppor- Simon (Peter), Andrew, James and John God in your life. That will make all the body passed a $16,602,092 budget for • Resolutions (The body voted in all tunity for his band to lead worship was from their boats to be fishers of men, and difference.” 2014 that represents a 16.17 percent Photographs of the resolutions before them except a Photographs can be submitted to the simply amazing, especially because the immediately they left their boats and fol- average net funds factor. The budget is resolution to prohibit guns at church- newspaper for publication. High- service included generations of people all lowed him. Davis Crews $256,000 less than the 2013 budget and sponsored activities. See article page 6.) resolution digital images are preferred. there to praise and celebrate God. “I want to focus on the word ‘imme- In 2011, Crews was part of a youth Photographs should be in focus and reflects a 1.5 percent reduction. • Youth worship service, “A 4:12 should have proper exposure. Color or “That’s the church – it’s not just young diately,’” Thompson said. “Jesus calls us group from Advent UMC, Simpsonville, “Wow, if you weren’t paying atten- Story,” featuring Dylan Thompson, a black and white photographs are ac- people, not just older people, it’s every- in this life to be big-time performers. Not who journeyed to Youth 2011, where he tion, you would have missed the budget junior quarterback for the University of cepted. People in photographs should body,” Younker said. just hang out a bit and cruise and cruise participated in a Stop Hunger Now meal be identified with names and ages, and all together!” commented Melissa Allen South Carolina Gamecocks; a concert a contact person with a phone number Words from Rachel Woodlee, recent and cruise. … I think He’s calling us to packing. on Twitter. by Brett Younker and his band as wor- should be included in the information. Wofford College graduate and Rhodes step up, whether we’re age 6 or age 66. “On the way home on the 11-hour bus The conference is working toward 15 ship leader; words from Rachel Wood- Scholar, and Davis Crews, a 13-year-old Everyone in here has a role to play for Je- trip, we were held captive by the parents, percent of average net funds by 2015, Accuracy Policy lee, a United Methodist and recent Wof- The Advocate strives to produce error- freshman who helped mobilize thousands sus. Step up and get into these God-sized who asked what we learned on our trip,” and Conference Council on Finance and ford College graduate who was named a free news reports. When mistakes to pack meals for Stop Hunger Now, visions.” Crews shared. “I learned that 1 billion Administration Chair the Rev. David Rhodes Scholar this year; and words by occur, it is our policy to correct them rounded out the night. He said when he was asked to do a people in our world are hungry. Every as soon as they are brought to our Surrett said that while 16.17 percent is Davis Crews, a high school freshman Be a stronger attention. To request a correction, call Bible study for his teammates, at first he day, 25,000 die from hunger. Every 6 sec- not quite at the goal, CF&A anticipates who helped mobilize the Stop Hunger Jessica Connor at 888-678-6272 or Thompson: Step up for God was hesitant, thinking he was not quali- onds, a child dies of malnutrition.” “being very near there by next year.” 803-786-9486, ext. 338, or email jcon- Now event. United Methodist. [email protected]. In the event of errors Thompson, who is known across South fied because he didn’t know the Bible as That’s when hunger advocacy seized As for the percentage of churches • Ordination of 35 clergy members: in advertisements, the Advocate will be Carolina and beyond for being a top ath- well as he wished. But he stepped up and him – and the rest of his youth group. that pay their apportionments, Sur- 16 as full elders, 17 as provisional responsible only for the space occu- Subscribe to lete not afraid to share his faith, laid his said yes, and from those Bible studies, 10 Upon their return, the youth group de- rett noted the conference achieved Scan this pied by the actual error. The publisher elders and two associates. QR code assumes no financial responsibility for testimony before the crowd that night to of his teammates have come to Christ. cided to host a Stop Hunger Now event 87 percent paid for last year, and said • A memorial service preached by the with your the Advocate. smartphone! omissions. thundering applause and encouragement. “It’s not about what Dylan Thompson at Advent, which eventually grew into a Holston is charging the full conference Rev. Lillian Washington. While he grew up in church learning has done; it’s about what Jesus Christ is Greenville District-wide event, which in to increase that 5 percent this year. He Back Issues • A retirement service celebrating 36 Name: The Advocate maintains copies of back all the Bible stories, as a youth, he said doing through a person,” Thompson said April 2012 resulted in the district packing expects to see at least 92 percent of ap- retiring clergy. Mailing Address: issues for sale for up to one year, as he was a religious person who had no real to roaring applause. “God can do huge a tractor-trailer load (285,000 meals) for portionments paid when the conference • An awards breakfast. long as the supply lasts. When request- relationship with Jesus. While he walked things through each and every one of us. I the hungry. ing by mail, back copies are $2 each, closes its 2013 books. City State ZIP to cover postage and handling. To down the aisle to accept God at age 8, he pray tonight that you ask God, ‘What are They packed another 48,000 meals “That’s a God-sized dream,” Holston AC2014 dates, location set research or review articles published lived more for himself than for God. you calling me to do tomorrow so I can that fall, then this April, packed another E-mail address: said, indicating that is what the confer- Annual Conference 2014 will be Church Name: more than one year ago, bound copies “As a young man growing up, my further impact your kingdom?’ Not the Stop Hunger Now tractor trailer, and then of the newspaper are available for ence needs to strive toward. June 1-4, remaining at the Florence Pastor: District: review at the Advocate office, Wofford whole dream was to play professional next day or next week, but tomorrow.” hours before the youth worship service, “We thank you, we thank you, we Civic Center. This is a: College in Spartanburg and the South sports,” Thompson said. “I can classify And then, he said, go and do it. finished yet another. thank you over and over,” Surrett told Caroliniana Library in Columbia. New Subscription ($15) Please make checks payable to: The Advocate that as a God-sized vision, but it had noth- He encouraged those in attendance churches regarding their commitment to For more on Annual Conference, find One-Year Renewal ($13) and return to: 4908 Colonial Dr., Suite 207, ing to do with Jesus.” Woodlee: Finding God in the whispers to step out on faith and do their part to connectional support. photos and articles throughout these Two-Year Subscription ($24) Columbia, SC 29203-6070 His freshman year in college, flounder- Woodlee shared stories about her mis- help God in whatever way they’re pages, and also visit www.umcsc.org ing while seeking his footing as a nascent sion adventures and admitted that in spite called. Redistricting: no changes and www.advocatesc.org. Subscribe online: www.advocatesc.org • $15/year print and online; $8/year online only Page 4, July 2013 Advocate Advocate VIEWPOINTS Page 5, July 2013 Viewpoints Connectional Conversation by the Rev. Kathy James Editorial Bishop’s Corner My hopes and prayers for AC2013 write this morning with anticipa- voices on issues can help us hear God’s by Jessica Connor by Bishop Jonathan Holston tion for an uplifting and meaning- voice threaded through the conversa- ful Annual Conference. I am writ- tion and debate. Holy conferencing ing before it has begun, and you requires us, however, to listen as well Can I God-size that? A more excellent way Iwill be reading this after all is finished. as we speak. I hope that we will ex- uddenly, that’s all I’m hearing: God-sized vision. God-sized dream. The theme for annual conference is “A perience genuine dialogue rather than God-sized goal. God-sized reality. God-sized worship. Popularized “And what does The Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kind- More Excellent Way: A Story of Serv- posturing and pontificating at Annual by Bishop Jonathan Holston, the phrase was repeated everywhere at ness and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8 ing, Giving and Living.” Conference this year. Annual Conference – in conversation, on the stage, on the floor, in the Here are some of my hopes and I hope that we have guests and STwittersphere. on Walters, the vice president of church relations for Salem Media of prayers: visitors join us on Tuesday through the Correction And I’ve got to say, the phrase really works. Georgia Inc. shared this story about Baseball Hall of Famer Mickey I hope that the decisions we make canned food drive, the Stop Hunger I mean, how big is God? Infinite. Massive. Awesome. (Insert favorite adjec- Mantle, saying: illustrate our mission and purpose, that Now event and the celebration worship tive here.) When I use the phrase God-sized, there’s no question I’m talking “Few ballplayers have ever played the game as Mickey Mantle they move us forward with intentional- service. I pray that the way we receive In the June Advocate retirees section, ing. about bigger than anyone can possibly imagine. There’s no question I’m step- Rdid. He launched home runs like missiles. As a switch hitter, he was dangerous ity. I pray that they are not rooted in them among us gives them a view of we should have said it was the Rev. We apologize for this error and strive ping out on faith, and expecting in that same faith for it to be so. from either side of the plate. Because of his enormous power, cautious infielders “the way we have always done things” the vibrancy of our church rather than Athon Melton Arant Sr. (not Jr.) retir- to set the record straight. It doesn’t matter what I’m talking about: boosting the numbers of men gath- would take a few steps backward as he stepped to the plate. And, as if playing thinking. our dysfunctionality. ered for a United Methodist Men Retreat. Getting 92 percent of United Method- tricks, Mantle would often lay down a bunt. He ran with the speed of a chee- I pray that the way we make our This morning I ran across this quote ist churches in South Carolina to pay their apportionments. Filling the Florence tah – graceful yet powerfully. His throwing arm held runners in check. He was decisions and conduct our business will from John Wesley’s “A Plan Account of Becoming More Vile Civic Center with thousands of youth and adults, all to worship God. as complete a player as ever was. But getting Mickey to the big leagues took be guided by our three general rules: Christian Perfection”: God-sized. Bigger than big. The impossible dream made possible. All be- more than raw talent. It also took the advice of someone whose feet were firmly Do no harm, do all the good you can “One of the principal rules of reli- cause of Him. planted on the ground. and stay in love with God. I hope that gion is, to lose no occasion of serving by the Rev. Jonathan Tompkins So as I prepare to send this edition of the Advocate to press, 24 hours after “During his first spring training, this young 19-year old farm kid from the rule “do no harm” will guide the God. And, since he is invisible to our returning from Annual Conference, I’m doing my own Advocate God-sized Oklahoma hit nine home runs in his first 11 games. Baseball came so easy. The way we speak to one another and about eyes, we are to serve him in our neigh- The kid who didn’t really lose dreaming. I’m imagining the impossible made possible: What if our newspaper media dubbed him a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame. This young man with this one another, on the conference floor bour; which he receives as if done to could be read by every single United Methodist in our state? What would it be enormous talent began to swagger. Mantle’s enormous talent had been matched and amongst friends walking to the himself in person, standing visibly was introduced to Zach Sobiech’s I’ll keep on trying. Dry your tears up, like if not just the 50,000 but 250,000 read about the work of Jesus through the only by a newfound attitude and he had never played a real Major League game. parking lot. before us.” music on the day he died. all your crying cannot fix me up my hands and feet of His people across South Carolina? “Then a postcard arrived from home: Mickey, now that you’ve made the I pray that as a whole, we will rec- Christian perfection in our tradition Zach was 18 and had osteosar- darling.” Wow! headlines, why not settle down and make the team. Strut less and focus more. ognize the damage it does to our life is about growing in our capacity to love coma, a type of bone cancer that “Coffee Cup” also offers a Psalm-like Try it yourself: What would it be like if your church jumped from 200 mem- Love, Dad.” together and to our witness to the world perfectly, as Jesus loved. I pray that the Imostly affects children. I saw a few cry of despair, undergirded by hope that bers to 2,000? What if your backpack ministry fed not just eight schools but There’s a big difference between looking good in spring training and per- when individuals and groups make decisions we make, the actions we take Tweets about him that linked to his the soul cannot be killed: “What’s the 800? Keep going. forming well over the long haul; that’s true in any sport. Swagger won’t get it winning their point or getting their way and the way we relate to one another video for his song “Clouds,” and imme- use of marching to the beat of your own Can I God-size that? done. Never has, never will. Performance is what counts. the top priority, no matter the cost. will indeed be done in a more excellent diately was drawn to lyrics and the tune. drum when you’re out of tune and have My dad said it this way: “Proper preparation prevents poor performance.” One of our historical commitments way! Listen to “Clouds” and I guarantee it no rhythm and you’re all torn up? Well, This is true of ministry, as well. We properly prepare ourselves when we as United Methodists is to holy con- James is director of Connectional will be in your head after the first listen. Father, if it is your will then please just “humbly or fervently” serve the Lord and fight the good fight of faith.This is ferencing. At our best, hearing diverse Ministries for the S.C. Conference. When Zach found out his cancer was take this cup. … Time to listen, time to Letters Policy We welcome letters to the editor. We urge brevity, as succinct writing often produces clarity. nothing new to the people of God. terminal, he decided to channel his feel- learn. Time to rise up from these ashes Letters should be no more than 300 words. All letters are subject to editing as needed to meet While the 2013 session of the South Carolina Annual Conference held in ings through music. “Clouds” was first of my burned and broken life that I led standards of grammar, space and interest. We will not publish anonymous letters, letters praising Florence is now history, it was evidence to me of our willingness to serve, to released on YouTube and went viral, to save my soul no longer dead.” or criticizing businesses by name, endorsements of or letters from political candidates, fundraising The Congregational appeals, or letters containing inappropriate language or personal attacks. All letters will be verified, give and to live in a more excellent way. generating millions of hits. Soulpan- “Sandcastles” points to eschatologi- so you must include a name, daytime phone number, church membership and hometown. Letters In the weeks ahead, you will hear the celebrations and reports shared from What If? Development Question cake, a website started by Rainn Wil- cal hope: “We’ll build our little sand- 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. the delegates nominated, elected to serve and who represented the 1,050 church- son (Dwight Shrute on The Office) to castle in a far off land where no one gets es across this Annual Conference. highlight positivity in the world, made hurt and no one dies, and your tears are When planning for Annual Conference 2013, we wanted to dream “God- by the Rev. Sara White a short documentary about Zach that scared of leaving your eyes. So grab the sized” visions. An anonymous writer speaks to the risk entailed in God-sized is featured on Soulpancake.com’s “My shovel and start digging deep, ‘cause our thinking, namely: Try a different perspective Last Days” section, and many tribute little sandcastle is all we can keep.” “To laugh is to risk appearing the fool. videos came as a result, including one “Clouds” speaks of falling down To weep is to risk appearing sentimental. hat if we only need to And one piece of coaching has made by a bevy of celebrities. Zach, into a dark hole but immediately offers To reach out for another is to risk involvement. look in the other direc- proven to be invaluable. along with his friend and singing partner the hope that “we’ll go up, up, up, but To expose your feelings is to risk exposing your true self. tion? As Jim talked to a group of new Sammy Brown, formed a band called A I’ll fly a little higher, we’ll go up in the 4908 Colonial Drive, Suite 207, Columbia, SC 29203 888-678-6272 or 803-786-9486 To place your ideas, your dreams, before the crowd is to risk the loss. I have a coach, Jim church pastors who were moving into Firm Handshake and released an album, clouds because the view’s a little nicer.” [email protected] | www.advocatesc.org To love is to risk not being loved in return. WGriffith who is founder of Griffith years three, four and five of congre- “Fix Me Up” (you can download on Take a listen and you’ll understand why To live is to risk dying. Coaching and who works with Path1 gational life, questions focused on Publisher iTunes, with proceeds going towards it went viral and why it was such a fit- The S.C. United Methodist Advocate Trustees To hope is to risk despair. (the United Methodist area charged making decisions for moving forward. cancer research). ting song for the congregation to sing at The Rev. Steven King, chairperson; the Rev. Angela Nelson, vice chairperson; To try is to risk failure. with congregational establishment and Jim’s coaching was simple: When you Zach’s musical style is reminiscent Zach’s funeral. the Rev. Carleathea Benson, secretary; Carmen Faulkner, treasurer; Dyron V. Anderson; the Rev. Audrey Boozer; Bill Click; Deena Flessas; the Rev. Jerry Gadsden; But risks must be taken because the greatest hazard is to risk nothing. vitality). think you know what needs to be done, of Jack Johnson-like sun-pop, which In the video documentary, Zach was the Rev. Dean Lollis; the Rev. Evelyn Middleton; Skyler Nimmons; Those who risk nothing do nothing, and are nothing. I asked for the coach in the early stop and look at a 180-degree different belies the emotional weight of his songs’ asked what he wanted to be remembered Dr. Ralph Ostrom; Dr. Phillip Stone; Diane Wilson; and the Rev. William Wrighten They may avoid suffering and sorrow; days of my new position because of a perspective. subject matter. “Fix Me Up” deals for: “I want to be remembered as a kid Editors emeritus But they simply cannot learn, feel, change, grow, love, live. need to connect with available resourc- See if the opposite direction from honestly with terminal illness: “Twisty, who went down fighting, and didn’t re- M. Eugene Mullikin, Maryneal Jones, Willie S. Teague, Chained by their own fears, es and to root myself in the opportu- what you think you know is a better turning, winding path, I could listen to ally lose.” Amen to that. Allison Askins, Karl F. Davie Burgdorf, Emily L. Cooper They have forfeited freedom. nities that the new position offered. opportunity. your laugh as we tiptoe on these humble Tompkins is pastor of Travelers Rest Staff Only a person who risks is free.” And honestly, I would not have been This was life-changing for me. Don’t truths, I don’t want to lose you,” as UMC, Travelers Rest. Check out his new Editor: Jessica Connor, [email protected] disappointed if he could have given me simply adjust, but look at an entirely Zach urges and reassures: “Never give blog at http://becomingmorevile.word Assistant Editor: Allison K. Trussell, [email protected] Editorial Intern: Caitlin Russell, [email protected] Ultimately, to risk our feelings, love, ideas and dreams allows us to learn, a road map of exactly how to get the new view! How uncomfortable for me up, never look back, I won’t give up. press.com. feel, transform, grow and live. Therefore, special thanks are extended to those most out of my opportunities. in my preconceived wisdom. What I Our Mission who organized and planned our 2013 Annual Conference; to the delegates who Coaching hasn’t worked out like a thought was the best choice might be To communicate the message of the United Methodist Church and to connect United Methodists by independently reporting news, engaging readers and providing a forum for dialogue. were attentive and participated in our time of Holy Conferencing; to those who GPS. I have not received daily to-do the opposite of the needed one. worked diligently to make our time enjoyable and productive; to the 1,500 lists to guarantee success. I have re- What if when we consider our next Subscriptions ceived questions that frame proven de- steps we look to that 180-degree hori- The individual subscription rate is $15/year for the print and online version ($13 for renewals) and volunteers (laity and clergy, youth and adults) who packaged 287,000 meals; to $8/year for the online-only edition. To subscribe or for information about discounted church plan the congregations contributing 7,000 pounds of nonperishables for local food velopment principles with the particular zon – and see what a different perspec- rates, call 888-678-6272, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.advocatesc.org. banks, as well as the many disciples across the Palmetto State who helped raise circumstances of S.C. United Method- tive offers us?

The S.C. United Methodist Advocate (ISSN 1078-8166) continues the Southern Christian Advocate, authorized by the General Con- $143,000 to address the issue of hunger in Haiti and in communities across ist congregations. Most of the directive That’s what coach says. ference 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 submis- South Carolina. advice I have received has been given sions to the editor, 4908 Colonial Drive, Suite 207, Columbia, SC 29203-6070. 803-786-9486/ FAX 803-735-8168. Periodicals postage paid at Columbia, S.C. Friends, I am so excited that South Carolina United Methodism is answering to others who are new church planters White is the director of congrega- Postmaster: Send address changes to: S.C. United Methodist Advocate, 4908 Colonial Drive, Suite 207, Columbia, SC 29203. the clarion call to find opportunities to practice the faith and witness in excellent or leaders in congregations seeking tional development for the S.C. Confer- July 2013 • Volume 177 • No. 7 ways. Truly, this is a day of doing ministry in a more excellent way. revitalization. ence. Page 6, July 2013 Annual Conference Advocate Advocate Annual Conference Page 7, July 2013 AC2013 passes resolutions on education, poverty, Medicaid expansion, mother-child health Congratulations

By Jessica Connor in generational poverty. Per the resolu- tion, the conference will work on seven 2013 Annual Conference Award Winners FLORENCE –South Carolina United major goals to achieve improvements Methodists said “yes” to five resolu- and healing for the poor in this state: in- tions dealing with poverty, Medicaid crease by 2 percent service to the poor (Far left from top to bottom): expansion, education and more, but in the conference through the Advance Willie McLaughlin accepts the Joseph B. Bethea Award. “no” to a resolution prohibiting guns at Ministry mission institutions; train an church-sponsored events. advocate for the poor in the confer- Kit Adkins is the 2013 Denman Evangelism Passed June 12 during Annual ence; work with international partners Award winner for Laity. Conference, three of the six resolutions to reduce by 66 percent malaria-related Dr. Bob Howell is the 2013 Denman Evan- passed with little to no debate, while the deaths of children under the age of 5; glisem Award clergy recipient. three others involved passionate discus- develop opportunities for more in the sion, and sentiment on the gun resolu- annual conferences to become involved The Rev. Lane Glaze receives the Francis tion was so divided it required a written with advocacy for health issues such as Asbury Award. ballot vote, ultimately failing 628-540. access to health care, disease and infant The Rev. Franlklin Buie was honored with mortality; find people on the edge of the Herbert Hucks Individual Award. Resolution on Minimally Photos by Allison Trussell society not currently being addressed Adequate Education Brad Parham speaks in support of the resolution to prohibit guns at church-sponsored in UMCs; provide short-term mission (Left): Davis Crews accepts 2013 Denman The body passed with no activities. The resolution failed. experiences for young people to explore Evangelism Award for his work with Stop √ Hunger Now. debate this resolution authorizing the and reflect on professional Christian Annual Conference to call for passage service; and build a network of pro- (Below, left): Henry Brunson is the 2013 of an amendment to the state constitu- phetic pastors and lay members around recipient of the Barbara Boultinghouse tion that would mandate South Carolina the conference and provide them with Bridge Builders Award. to offer a “high quality education” to all opportunities to work for advocacy and (Below, right): Sonya Floyd accepts the children to replace the current standard social justice. Michael C. Watson Volunteers in Mission of “minimally adequate education,” and Award. further urge the General Assembly to Resolution Responding to the fully fund existing education formu- Proposed Changes to High Photos by Matt Brodie. las regarding financial support for all √School Equivalency Testing: A public schools. It was submitted by the Rallying Cry for Action in S.C. Advocacy Ministry Area of the S.C. The body supported referring to Con- Conference. nectional Ministries this resolution from Sentiment on the gun resolution was so divided it required a written ballot vote, ultimately Greenville District Connectional Min- Resolution to Support failing 628-540. istries, which calls for the conference to Affordable Care Act and for the Advocacy Ministry Area, which resolution with fact and no emotion. advocate through Conference Connec- √Medicaid Expansion sponsored the resolution, said his “The Pew Research Center released tional Ministries and its 12 DCMs for The body also passed this resolution group believes the resolution sends a data this year said national rates of a more affordable and non-computer- to encourage legislators to declare that statement that our Annual Conference gun homicide are strikingly lower now based high school equivalency test, and participation in Medicaid expansion believes in the least of these: “the very than in their peak in the 1990s,” Powell create a conference-wide task force that is necessary to the state’s economic poor, the very unfortunate, those person said. “Concealed weapons training and will develop a plan for local churches growth and welfare and to the health, listed by Medicaid expansion in S.C.” permits have risen exponentially, and to become high school equivalency test wellbeing and livelihood of hundreds of violent crime has declined.” centers, plus offer preparation. thousands of South Carolinians. Under Resolution to Prohibit Jerry Burns said he objects because Several spoke for and against the the resolution, S.C. UMCs will accept Guns at Church-Sponsored many people host church events at their resolution, which easily passed after Archives & History Red Bank UMC, Columbia District: Girl Scout Trinity Conway UMC, Conway responsibility for becoming actively Activities homes, where they might possess a gun debate. Steve Mann said that while his Bicentennial Churches Troop 2323, Girl Scout Troop 1030, Cub Scout Wesley UMC, Hartsville X (Founded 1813) Pack 518, Boy Scout Troop 518 Wesley UMC, Pinopolis involved at all levels in the develop- By a vote so close Bishop Jonathan for defense or livestock. church operates a successful volunteer Nazareth UMC, Saluda, Greenwood District, Shiloh Charge (Asbury & St. John UMC ), Florence Wightman UMC, Prosperity ment of support systems for health care Holston had to call for a written bal- According to this resolution, Burns GED program, it is time-consuming and Emory-Nazareth Charge District: Girl Scout Troop 517 in the community; educate and motivate lot, the body struck down by 628-540 a said, a person with a gun for that reason difficult, so he is against the resolution Jerusalem UMC, Elloree, Orangeburg District, Buncombe Street UMC, Greenville District: Boy Denman Evangelism Award members to follow a healthy lifestyle resolution to prohibit the presence and “cannot host a church function now because not all churches can handle Elloree Charge Scout Troop 9 Davis Crews Zion UMC, Prosperity, Greenwood District Trinity UMC, Orangeburg District: Cub Scout Pack Kit Adkins reflecting our affirmation of life as possession of guns at church-sponsored because he has a gun at his house.” such an undertaking: “We need to be Mount Elon UMC, Jefferson, Hartsville District, 190, Boy Scout Troop 190 Rev. Dr. Robert Howell Jr. God’s gift; become health advocates; activities both on and off church prop- Holston called for a vote by hand, very careful we don’t vote for some- Jefferson Parish and continue support and provision of erty. but it was too close to determine a ma- thing we may not be able to do.” Center UMC, Mullins, Marion District, Center- Bishop Five Star Award Francis Asbury Award Nichols, Tranquil Charge Aaron Temple UMC, Bennettsville Rev. Lane Glaze direct-health services where needed. The Rev. Karen Jones, represent- jority. Then he asked people to stand, Cindy Sailor also spoke against the Advent UMC, Simpsonville Several people spoke for and against ing the conference Board of Church but that also was too close. After a resolution, saying she did not like that Centennial Churches Asbury UMC, Lynchburg Joseph B. Bethea Award (Founded 1913) Bethel UMC, Columbia Willie McLaughlin the resolution on the floor. and Society, said her group sponsored paper vote, the resolution failed. the resolution enables churches to help Oak Grove UMC, Swansea, Orangeburg District, Bethel UMC, St. Stephens “I am totally against supporting the resolution to extend the already- people take the GED through paper and Calvary-Oak Grove Charge Boone Hill UMC, Summerville Michael C. Watson this,” said Louise Geddings. “I don’t established United Methodist policy of Resolution to Support Global pencil: “It is sending our state back- Wilkes Chapel UMC, Cheraw, Hartsville District, Broad Street UMC, Clinton United Methodist Voluteers in Mission Award Wilkes Chapel-Bethesda Chapin UMC, Chapin Sonya Floyd trust the IRS or the federal government. churches being weapon-free zones to Maternal and Child Health wards. Paper and pencil tests are a lot Dunean UMC, Greenville, Greenville District, Cherokee Springs UMC, Spartanburg Do you remember when the federal offsite activities. through the Healthy Families, more expensive, take a longer time to Dunean-Brandon Charge Clemson UMC, Clemson Scholarships √ Cayce UMC, Cayce, Columbia District Damascus UMC, Kershaw South Carolina Conference government wanted to give everyone “The primary concern was for chap- Healthy Planet Project grade and have a longer turnaround, but First UMC, Clover Seminary Students Scholarship a house? … We had a recession. If we erones for church and youth events off The body passed this resolution en- most importantly, if this is an equiva- Herbert Hucks Award First UMC, Laurens William Wallace Culp implement this health care, we will church property; the concern was that dorsing the “Healthy Families, Healthy lence to a high school diploma, today’s Local Church Awards Greater St. Paul UMC, Cross Elizabeth Adams Murray Tabernacle UMC, Lancaster Hemingway First UMC, Hemingway James Derrick Cattenhead have a Great Depression.” these churches wanted chaperones to Planets” initiative, a project of the students must exhibit some equivalency Shandon UMC, Columbia John Wesley UMC, Charleston John Kelly suggested the S.C. be armed to take the youth to bowling UMC’s General Board of Church and (by being able to use a computer).” Pisgah UMC, Aynor Lake Point UMC, Lake City Bessie Bellamy Parker Scholarship Conference support an alternative to alleys and movie theaters,” Jones told Society to educate and mobilize United Others strongly disagreed, stating Mountain View UMC, Taylors Lawrence Chapel UMC, Central Rhonda Penelope Jones Asbury Memorial UMC, Columbia Lebanon UMC, Eastover the Affordable Care Act: the many free the body. “The church’s safety can be Methodists on maternal health and the that many who take the GED are older Little River UMC, Little River Liberty Chapel UMC, Spartanburg T. Dennie Smith Scholarship community health clinics scattered guaranteed in other ways that are nonle- importance of international family plan- adults who do not have the skills neces- Little River UMC, Little River Brian Edward Preveaux across the state. thal and nonviolent.” ning. sary to take a computer-based text. Individual Award Mauldin UMC, Mauldin Timothy Soucy Rev. Franklin B. Buie Mays UMC, Ninety Six Sheri Yvette White But Patsy Patterson asked, “Who Brad Parham was one of the people It also calls for the conference Unit- Greg Riley, who also spoke for the Mount Carmel UMC, Ninety Six is looking at this matter from a poor who spoke for the resolution, noting ed Methodist Women and other relevant resolution, said the conference should Publication Award Mount Zion UMC, Bishopville Students In Mission (SIM) “In the World, Not of the World: 175 Years of the New Life UMC, Walterboro Alice Griffeth person’s view? The poor need a voice. he appreciates the way “this resolution boards to work together in awareness, do all it can to help people in this mat- South Carolina United Methodist Advocate” St. James UMC, Myrtle Beach Erica Lowery What is going to happen if we did not strikes a balance between on one hand, education and advocacy. ter, including financial assistance. Shandon UMC, Columbia Antonio Martin have Medicaid?” ensuring safety at church-sponsored “Let’s do everything we can to make Barbara Boultinghouse Bridge Builders Award St. John UMC, Lynchburg Javon Etheredge Henry Brunson St. John UMC, Sumter Keifer Whitt And Dot Scott noted, “There are peo- functions, and at same time recognizing Resolution Eradicating Poverty the GED accessible to all the people St. Luke UMC, Walhalla Jennifer Hall ple who are already in a recession and certain legal requirements.” in South Carolina in South Carolina who need that high Bishop’s Award of Excellence Surfside UMC, Surfside Beach Sean Thrasher a Depression, and we need to support Others spoke against it, including the With no discussion, the body school diploma to be successful.” Stallsville UMC, Charleston District: Girl Scout Tabernacle UMC, Lancaster Octavio Goio √ Troop 53, Cub Scout Pack 750, Boy Scout Trenton UMC, Greenwood expansion of this Medicaid (for them).” Rev. Rodney Powell, of First UMC, Ea- passed this resolution to help release the For full text of the resolutions, visit Troop 750 Trinity UMC, Greenwood The Rev. Amiri Hooker, convener sley, who urged people to consider this million-plus South Carolinians locked www.umcsc.org. Page 8, July 2013 2013 Ministerial Appointments Advocate Advocate 2013 Ministerial Appointments Page 9, July 2013

SOUTH CAROLINA ANNUAL CONFERENCE, THE UNITED METHODIST CHURCH Greene Street – David L. Anderson 2 Pope, Lewis Carroll – Fair Lawn CC 11 Mount Vernon – C. Nicholas Lyerly (PL) 5 DIACONAL MINISTRY I. DeQuincey Newman – Jack C. Washington (RSY) 1 Dodds, Roger – Mount Pleasant CC 8 HEMINGWAY: Diaconal Ministers: None MINISTERIAL APPOINTMENTS Journey – George A. Ashford 7 RETIREMENT Ebenezer – Cliff Glimer (RSY) 2 Retired Diaconal Ministers: None Lebanon – Mark F. Williams (PE) 4 Retired Ministers: First – Milton L. McGuirt (RSY) 6 DEACONESSES Main Street – Joe Cal Watson 12 Adams, James C. Good Hope – SY (Graham Bennett) Active: None By authority of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church I hereby fix these appointments for the South Carolina Annual Conference for the 2013-2014 Mill Creek-McLeod – Sharon L. Long (PL) 3 Aiken, Clyde M. Old Johnsonville – Colin Moore (PL) (1/4) 2 Retired: None conference year. As commissioned, licensed, consecrated, or ordained members of the covenant of ministry, let us offer ourselves without reserve to the responsibilities North Columbia Charge – John Jordan (PL) 2 Alexander, Robert E. JOHNSONVILLE: (Mount Pleasant, St. Luke, St. John) Alley, Joseph W. Johnsonville – Hasford John Cribb Jr. (RL) 2 GREENVILLE DISTRICT and opportunities of these appointments. Northeast– David W. Day 4 Barnes Jr., Rudolph C. (RL) Johnsonville Circuit – Richard C. Jayroe (PL) 16 Rehoboth – Douglas O. Benton Jr. (OA)(346.1) 3 Bauknight, Bill (Brown’s Chapel, Trinity, Vox Memorial) (58 charges; 72 churches) Shandon – Michael L. Guffee Sr. 16 Bauknight, John M. JORDAN: MARY V. TEASLEY, DS 2 Associate – Joshua T. McClendon 2 Bell, Michael C. Jordan – Carl F. Ritter II 6 Associate – Julie S. Belman 5 Bigelow, Archie R. (Jordan, Union, Bethlehem) EASLEY: Minister of Music and Arts – Donald E. Huss Jr. 3 Borom, W. Robert KINGSTREE: North Easley Charge – William N. Harper 2 L. Jonathan Holston St. James – Neal “Lex” McDonald (HL/PL) (359.2) 3 Branch, Charles S. Elijah – Kay A. Best 4 (Dacusville, Antioch) St. Mark – W. Robert Borom (RSY) 2 Britt, W. Donald Friendship – Warren Murdock Sr. 2 FORK SHOALS: Resident Bishop Suber Marshall Memorial – Robert H. Walker (PL) 1 Brooks, Boyce F. Jeremiah-Mount Seal – Joe E. Wilson (PE) 1 Lebanon – Patricia Diane Boyer (PL) 4 South Carolina Annual Conference Trenholm Road – J. Michael Smith 1 Buff Jr., L.H. Jerusalem-St. Luke – Louis R. Ashley (PL) 1 Pisgah-Oak Hill – Matthew E. Greer (PL) 2 Associate – Mollie L. Bame 8 Buie, Franklin B. Kennedyville – Cheryl Johnson (PL) 1 FOUNTAIN INN: June 12, 2013 Music Associate/Church Organist – Sarah T. Fletcher Bynum Jr., F. Bundy Kingstree – Joe L. Blackwelder 4 Trinity – Laura L. Canine 2 (FD) 5 Carlson, W. Paul Kingstree Circuit – James D. Marchant (PL) 4 GRAY COURT: Virginia Wingard Memorial – John W. Culp 9 Clary, Carl D. (Millwood, Cedar Swamp, Beulah) Bramlett-Owings – Renee K. Garrison 6 ABBREVIATION KEY Washington Street – William R. Childs 4 Colton, Kenneth R. Kingstree East – Jerry Dicks (PE) 1 Dials-Shiloh – Frances S. Connell (PE) 1 Wesley – John B. Dicks Sr. 8 Cooper, Wiley (Asbury, Bethel) Gray Court-Trinity – Fred Treaster (RSY) 4 AF...... Affiliate Member OE...... Elder Member of other annual conference RA...... Retired Associate Member Wesley Memorial – Jeri Katherine Warden-Sipes (PE) 4 Cothran, Lee J. Mount Zion – J. Jeannetté Cooper 2 Green Pond – Robert P. Keely (FL) 2 AM...... Associate Member OF...... Full Member of other denomination RD...... Retired Deacon in Full Connection Whaley Street – Reginald D. Wilson Jr. (PL) 2 Cox, Albert L. St. Mary – Larry McCray (PL) 5 GREENVILLE: DM...... Diaconal Minister OP...... Probationary Member of other annual conference RE...... Retired Full Elder Windsor – Stephen D. Gaither 1 Culp, Karin B. St. Michael – Samuel B. Cooper (RSY) 4 Aldersgate – Nelson L. Stokes 2 DR...... Retired Diaconal Minister OA...... Associate Member of other annual conference RL...... Retired Local Pastor ELGIN: DeDonato, David M. St. Paul – James Charles Lane 6 Associate – Michelle D. Cockcroft 2 FD...... Deacon in Full Connection PD...... Probationary Deacon RP...... Retired Provisional Member West Kershaw – James S. McDowell (PL) 1 Dunn, Charles L. LAKE CITY: Berea Friendship – David A. Brown 4 FE...... Elder in Full Connection PE...... Probationary Elder RSY...... Retired PE, AM, or Full Member supplying a charge (Ebenezer, Salem, Smyrna) Edwards, Charlie A. Lake City – Samuel Earle Marcengill 3 Bethel (West Greenville) – Laura H. Whitt (PL) 5 FL...... Full-time Local Pastor PL...... Part-time Local Pastor SY...... Supply GILBERT: Ellis Jr., Edgar H. Lake City Circuit – Amari Hooker 1 Brandon – SY (Marilyn Boyer) 1 OD...... Deacon Member of other annual conference PM...... Probationary Member TBS...... To Be Supplied Beulah – Anthony S. Rowell 1 Evans, John D. (St. John, St. Luke, Ninevah) Buncombe Street – Jerry E. Temple 7 Gilbert – Greg P. Davis (PL) 1 Evans, William F. Lake Point – James Williams (PL) 1 Associate – Joseph D. Cate 3 Pond Branch – Michael S. Bingham 4 Frazier, Joseph Mount Beulah – William T. Dargan 3 Minister of Education – Gayle Jordan Quay (OD) APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES Associate – Katherine A. Brock (PD) 3 Other Valid Ministries: ANDERSON DISTRICT Rehoboth – Noble F. Miller Jr. (RSY) 1 Gadsden, James S. Wesley Chapel – Jerry Louis Gadsden 8 (331.8) 17 Within the Connection: John Wesley – Gary D. Phillips 6 Jeffries, Nicholas A. (FD) – Camp Chestnut Ridge, Pro- Shiloh – Christopher Greene 2 Griffin, M. Kathryn LYNCHBURG: Minister of Adult Ministries – William Grover Putnam (50 charges; 74 churches) Leonard-Ray, Susan. – District Superintendent, Anderson Associate – Kathy P. Hudson 2 gram Director, Efland, NC, Bethlehem-Prospect CC 7 IRMO: Gunn, James H. Lynchburg Charge – Jimmy M. Ridenhour (RSY) 21 (FD) 13 District 4 Midland Park – Leonard C. Ripley III (FL) 4 Mazyck, Bernett (PD) – President and CEO, South SUSAN LEONARD-RAY, DS 4 Salem – D. Mitch Houston 8 Harmon, Samuel K. (Lynchburg, St Luke, Trinity) Director of Social Ministries and Mission Outreach – Approved by United Methodist Endorsing Agency: Mount Carmel – Carlton J. McClam Sr. 4 Carolina Association of Community Development Shady Grove – Robert M. Vincent 4 Hays Jr., Lawrence F. Lynchburg Parish – Blondell Miller (PE) Jerry M. Hill (FL) 14 Shugart, Steven L. – Senior Army Chaplain, SC National New Francis Brown – Harold G. Gordon 8 Corporations, Murray CC 1 ABBEVILLE: Union – R. Wayne Horne 1 Holmes, Eugene C. Associate – Franklin D. James (PL) 1 Christ – Larry G. Smith (PL) 13 Guard, First Easley CC 4 North Charleston – Wendy Hudson-Jacoby 3 White Jr., Charles L. – National Director of Field Opera- Bells – Kevin B. Lindley (PE) 2 Associate – Mallory J. Forte (PE) 2 Hutchins, Charles A. (FD) (Warren Chapel, New Haven, Disciples – Debra Griffis-Woodberry 8 Other Valid Ministries: None Old Bethel – Timothy J. Bowman 8 tions, NAACP, Wesley, Hollywood CC 14 Grace – Jason G. Wilson 4 LEXINGTON: Jones, Phil M. St. Paul-Wisacky, St. Paul-Elliott) Dunean – Jerry M. Hill (FL) 1 ATTEND SCHOOL – None St. Andrews Parish – William B. Gray 2 APPOINTED TO ATTEND SCHOOL – None Main Street – Randy M. Taylor 8 Boiling Springs – Phil H. Reynolds (PL) 1 Jones, Thom C. MANNING: East Greenville – Christopher Lee Thompson (PE) 3 APPOINTED IN OTHER ANNUAL CONFERENCES St. Mark – Scarlett T. Hester 5 APPOINTED IN OTHER ANNUAL CONFERENCES – None Sharon-Smyrna – Frederick J. Shepard 3 Faith – W. Donald Britt (RSY) 9 Kinnett, William R. Manning – David D. Marcy 2 (Wesley Chapel, Allen View) Walley, Erin (PD) – Minister of Christian Education, First Trinity – Daniel Flessas 4 LEAVE OF ABSENCE ANDERSON: Lexington – Kenneth D. Owens 4 Knowles-Tuell, James MORRISVILLE: Esperanza Mission Congregation – TBS UMC, Glen Ellyn, IL 4 Washington – William M. Wrighten (PL) 3 Byrd, Thomas Clifton 1 Anderson Circuit – Wade A. Wyatt, Sr. (FL) 4 Associate – Miyoung Paik 15 Laney, Sterling S. St. Paul – Gracie L. Singletary (PL) 2 Francis Asbury – Howard D. Addis (RSY) 1 LEAVE OF ABSENCE – None Wesley – Anna G. Miller 2 Ratledge, Jacki Sue 3 (Mount Pleasant, Mount Sinai, Emmanuel) Mount Horeb – Jeffrey G. Kersey 20 Lare, Marvin I. NEW ZION : Greenville Parish – Brenda R. Washington (PL) 5 FAMILY LEAVE – None CROSS: Teagan, Deborah Luther 4 Anderson Cooperative Parish – Kurt L. Stutler (OF) Associate – Brian T. Rainwater (OE)(346.1) 11 Lavender, Phil C. New Zion – Joanne Lockard-Hawkins (FL) 1 (Minus Chapel, New Beginnings Mission) SABBATICAL LEAVE – None Cross – Barbara L. Reid 3 FAMILY LEAVE (346.2)(1/2) 3 Associate – Faye J. Stephens 5 Lazar, Julian (New Zion, Trinity) John Wesley – Marvin Caldwell 2 INCAPACITY LEAVE (Jerusalem, Zion) Smith, David S. 3 North Anderson Charge – Kurt L. Stutler (OF)(346.2) Minister of Congregational Care – Edward H. Mc- Linder, Alice D. OLANTA: Laurens Road – Laura R. Bratton 3 Mitchell, Paul 4 Friendship – Michael Wood (PL) 1 SABBATICAL LEAVE – None (1/2) 3 Dowell Jr. (RSY) 1 Long, Happy W.L. Nazareth– David W. Canine (PL) 4 McBee Chapel-St. John – SY (Charles T. Owens) 15 Petry, Scott 3 Greater St. Paul – Alfonza Jones Sr. (FL) 6 INCAPACITY LEAVE SY (Carol Burdette) 3 Red Bank – W. Russell Freeman 3 Massey, Reese PAMPLICO: Monaghan – George H. Donigian (OE)(346.1) 2 RETIREMENT EDISTO ISLAND: Taylor, Marvin 4 (John Wesley, Toxaway, Sandy Springs) WEST COLUMBIA-CAYCE: Matthews, Carolyn Bethlehem – O. Julius Hadden 4 Northside – Donald R. Brown (FD/FL) 2 Retired Ministers Edisto Island-Wesley Memorial – J. Scott Efird 4 RETIREMENT Bethel-Homeland Park Charge – Scottie R. Bramlett Brookland – J. Wayne Smith 4 McDowell Jr., Edward H. Pamplico – Miriam G. Hadden 2 Piedmont Park – Paul David Wilmer (PL) 3 Ashmore, E. Warren FOLLY BEACH: Retired Ministers: (PL) 2 Cayce – Joseph R. James Jr. 2 McEachern, Theodore B. (Pamplico, Prospect) Salem – Christine M. Matthews 7 Bowling Jr., Ralph T. Folly Beach-St. John’s – Stephen A. Williams (FL) 2 Alewine, James Edwin Marshall Memorial-Ebenezer Charge – Charles N. Mount Hebron – Timothy J. Rogers 2 McKeown, Robert E. PINEWOOD: South Greenville – Cassandra P. Jackson 7 Bryant Jr., T. Lee GOOSE CREEK: Anderson, William F. (RL) Brookshire (PL) 2 Associate – Mandy T. Young 6 McWilliams, Edward L. Pinewood – George Gain (RSY) 1 (Bethlehem, Laurel Creek) Bynum, William H. Goose Creek – Frances Debra Dowdle (AM) 14 Belec, J. Peter New Hope – Joyce G. Murphy 5 Minister of Counseling – Kenneth W. Barwick 31 Middleton, Evelyn C. (Pinewood, Paxville, Andrews Chapel) St. Mark – Rance Sprayberry (RL) 6 Carlisle, Robert N. St. James – A. Judson King 2 Blackwell, Theodore E. (RL) St. John’s – Dan L. Batson 4 Platt Springs – Rebecca J. Shirley 4 Miller Jr., Noble F. SCRANTON: St. Matthew – Steven Brown 2 Claytor, Robert B. HOLLYWOOD: Blocker, R. Richard Thompson Centennial-Bethlehem – Henry Ravenel Sr. Shiloh – Matthew D. Rucker (RSY) 2 Mims, John W. Scranton-St. John – SY (John Q. Hooks II) 1 St. Paul – Murray A. Snow 4 Cleasby, Bruce Ravenel – R. Glenn Davis Sr. (RSY) 9 Boone Jr., John D. (PE) 8 Trinity – Robert D. Reeves 1 Montes, Grace Lovell (Scranton, St John) Trinity – Carol D. Allison 2 Cox, H. Michael Wesley – Keith Hunter 5 Brinson Sr., Barry F. (RL) Trinity – Paul D. Frey 7 New Church Start - West Columbia Hispanic Ministry – Moore II, Raymond L. SHILOH: GREER: Durham, Joe D. HUGER: Brisbon, David A. Zion – Shawn G. Armstrong 3 TBS Morris, Franklin D. Shiloh – Pattie E. Gordon 4 Jackson Grove – John Rush (RSY) 6 Ethridge, Bobbie R. (FD) St. Thomas Charge – Steven L. Love 4 Busch, George P. BELTON: WINNSBORO: Nates, James H. (Asbury, St. John) Covenant – Darren C. Hook 7 Eubanks, Robert L. Associate – JoAnn Garrett (PL) 4 Cash, H. Carroll (RL) Latimer Memorial – D. Jeffery Roper (PE) 5 Fairfield Circuit – Terry A. Roof 4 Nelson, Jerry P. SUMMERTON: Associate – Linda M. Guthrie 5 Farley, William B. (New Hope, Stewart Chapel, Zion) Clendaniel, Donald Union Grove – Amy D. Bratton 2 (Bethel, Cedar Creek, Monticello) Nichols Jr., George H. Summerton – Randall Eugene Bowers (FL) 5 Faith – Robert I. Goulart (PL) 1 Ferguson, Clifford, F. ISLE OF PALMS: Cubie, James (RL) CALHOUN FALLS: First, Winnsboro – J. Bart Sistare III 5 Pearson, John C. TIMMONSVILLE: Few’s Chapel – Joseph L. Cole (RL) 3 Ford, Julian R. First – Thomas Smith 1 Davis, Gloria R. Calhoun Falls – Franklin D. McCoy (RSY) 4 Gordon Memorial-Greenbrier – Walter C. Ballenger III 7 Pfeiffer, Charles G. Mount Zion – James Derrick Cattenhead (PL) 2 Grace- Zoar – Robert L. Cox 2 Franklin, E. Herbert JAMESTOWN: Davis Sr., R. Glenn (RA) CENTRAL: Reese Jr., Fred M. St. Luke – Jimmie W. Duncan (PL) (1/4) 26 Greer Circuit – Audrey Boozer 2 Freeman, John M. Jamestown – David N. Phillips (PL) 5 Derrick, Barbara A. Mount Zion – James E. Elder (AM) 1 APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES Ruth, E. Devon Timmonsville-Salem – Thomas R. Bailey 4 (Bethel, St. Paul) Hartsell, Franklin D. (Mount Zion, New Hope, St. James) Edwards, Annette C. CLEMSON: Within the Connection: Spears, R. Wright TRIO: Greenville Korean Mission – TBS Hendry, Joyce S. JOHNS ISLAND: Fender, Genevieve M. (RL) Clemson – Keith D. Ray II 4 Anderson, David L. – Executive Assistant Pension and Simmons, Colin E. Trio – SY (Charles Etheredge) 1 Liberty Hill-Woods Chapel – C. Davon Harrelson (FL) 4 Holroyd, Thomas W. Johns Island Parish – Leonard Huggins, Jr. 1 Fowler, F. Barney Associate – Patrick H. Kelley (RSY) 2 Benefits (Conference Benefits Officer), CC 9 Steil, W. Edwin (Trio, Earle, Sutton) Memorial – Joe L. Curtis 2 Kelley, Patrick H. Associate – Tony B. Richardson, Sr.(PL) 3 Gibbs Sr., Joe (RL) Pastor of Spiritual Formation – Megan D. Arant, James S. (FD) – Congregational Specialist Green- Summers, Thomas A. TURBEVILLE: Mountain View – Judith A. Alford 4 Lewis, Sinclair E. (Bethlehem, New Webster, St. James) Harper, James O. Augustine (PE) 1 wood/Orangeburg, Lexington CC 25 Teague, Willie S. Turbeville – John Patrick Bolin 5 Sharon – Matthew L. Yon 6 McAuley, Robert E. Wesley – Cathy D. Mitchell 3 Hendricks, J. Kirkwood Campus Minister – Steven P. Simoneaux Jr. 1 Gramling, Roger M. – Pres., S.C. United Methodist Foun- Walter, Ted H. (Pine Grove, Shiloh) Slater – Joel Andrew Watson (PL) 4 McCoy Sr., Franklin DeWitt LADSON: Holler, Adlai C. Lawrence Chapel – Peggy J. Garland 3 dation, Ashland CC 29 Washington, Jack C. UNION: Victor – Leslie E. Gardner (PL) 11 Marsh, Ed C. Wesley – Julius L. McDowell 5 Hughes, Elizabeth C. DUE WEST: Holler, John E. – President and CEO Epworth Children’s Watson, J. Austin Union-Elim Charge – Michael Written (PE) 2 MAULDIN: Marsh, Eileen C. McCLELLANVILLE: Hughes, Jessie Clark Gilgal-Shiloh – William H. Bynum (RSY) 2 Home, Trenholm Road CC 8 Way, Robert B. (Union, Elim) Mauldin – Clarence E. Kanipe Jr. 7 Medlin, Anthony Steele Sewee Santee Charge – James O. Harper (RSY) 7 Ivey, Ruth Ann (FD) EASLEY: James, Katherine L. (FD) – Director, S.C. Conference Westerkam, Diana C. PIEDMONT: Mitchell, W. Terry (McClellanville, Ocean Grove, Wren’s Chapel) Jefferson, Ethel Gethers Arial-Tabor – Roger M. Gwinn (PL) 10 Connectional Ministries, Cayce CC 2 White, Toni L. APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES Augusta Road – Christopher M. Lollis 3 Morgan, Steven D. MONCKS CORNER: Johnson, Franklin H. Bethesda – Stephen P. Taylor 2 McClendon, W. Timothy – District Superintendent, Colum- Williams, J. Tom Within the Connection: Piedmont – Justin M. Gilreath (FL) 8 Murphy, A. Wesley Centenary – Darlene M. Richardson (PL) 4 Knight, Norman Lee (RA) Easley Charge – Velma M. Haywood 6 bia District, Washington Street CC 8 Williams Jr., Thomas M. Etheredge-Manly, Angela Marie (FL) – Director, Francis SIMPSONVILLE: Nicholson, Joseph R. Joshua – Mae Frances Taylor 8 Kulik, Roye Lynn (Easley Chapel, John Wesley) Moseley, Diane A. – Executive Director of Killingsworth, Retired Missionaries: None Marion Wesley Foundation 2 Advent – Michael A. Turner 2 Norris, Robert J. Moncks Corner – Michael Rouse 1 Locklair, Josephine M. Fairview-St. Paul – L. Daniel Mason (PL) 3 Lexington CC 38 DIACONAL MINISTRY Hipp, John Wesley – District Superintendent, Florence Associate – Laura-Allen Kerlin (PE) 1 Padgett, Clarence D. Smyrna – Larry W. Rodeffer (RSY) 3 McFadden, Vivian First Church – Rodney K. Powell 2 Nelson, Kenneth L. – Congregational Specialist for Afri- Diaconal Ministers: District 2 Bethel-Ebenezer – Burton Ott 1 Patterson, Stanley B. MOUNT PLEASANT: Mills, F. David Minister of Programs – Ronald E. Bentley (FD) 7 can American Ministries/Congregational Specialist Brandes, Laurie G. – Minister of Christian Education, Ep- Approved by United Methodist Endorsing Agency: Hopewell – Christopher E. Arries 5 Pearce, Roger Wayne Hibben – James C. Hunter 7 Myers, John David St. Andrew – Cynthia C. Taylor 2 Columbia and Hartsville Districts, Francis Burns CC 7 worth Memorial UMC, Asbury Memorial CC 21 Morrison, David Todd – Chaplain, United States Army, Simpsonville – Joel L. Jones 2 Pridgen, Joseph W. Kathryn O. Hunter 7 Nix, A. Robert Zion – Steven Matthew Turner (PL) 1 Radcliffe, Karen H. – Coordinator of Clergy Services, Lex- Retired Diaconal Ministers: Highland Park CC 5 Director of Children’s Ministries – Deana Gentry (FD) Quarles, Calvin (RL) Point Hope – Walter J. Cantwell (PE) 3 Rodeffer, Larry William HONEA PATH: ington CC 2 Carter, R. Fletcher, Virginia Wingard CC Other Valid Ministries: None (1/2) 4 Ray, Jack E. PINOPOLIS: Rogers-Berry, Richard Chiquola-Donalds – W. Terry Mitchell (RSY) 2 Wall, Tom H. – Director, Wesley Foundation, USC, Wash- Quackenbush, Lillian – College Place CC APPOINTED TO ATTEND SCHOOL – None Minister of Educ. and Volunteer Ministries – Patricia Shattuck Sr., Leslie J. (RL) Pinopolis – James A. Grubb 4 Seignious, Richard E. Trinity – Gayle M. Summey 2 ington St. CC 24 Walker, Cheryl – Wesley CC APPOINTED IN OTHER ANNUAL CONFERENCES – None Gannaway (FD) 12 Stillwell, Robert E. Wesley – Lee C. Bines 8 Simmons, Angelin J. IVA: White, Sara A. – Director of Congregational Development, Watson, Carol Hart, Main Street CC LEAVE OF ABSENCE – None TAYLORS: Stout, Phillip E. RIDGEVILLE: Stanton, Talmadge Bethel-Ruhamah – Joe D. Durham (RL) 3 Windsor CC 2 DEACONESSES FAMILY LEAVE – None Lee Road – Douglas W. Gilliland 2 Thompson, Leon E. Lebanon Charge – Kenneth C. Burr (FL) 3 Stockman, Roy M. Brenda W. Durham (PL) 3 Approved by United Methodist Endorsing Agency: Active: None SABBATICAL LEAVE – None St. Mark-St. Matthew – Telly Gadson 1 Thompson, Morris C. (Lebanon, Spring Hill) Sumter, Wendell W. (RL) LIBERTY: Chong, Yu Fong – Chaplain, Agape Senior Community, Retired: None INCAPACITY LEAVE – None TRAVELERS REST: Vandiver, Michael L. New Hope – Randall W. Horres (FL) 5 Tanner, Robert W. Liberty – Jonathan W. Donnald (FL) 2 Ashland CC 9 TRANSITIONAL LEAVE – None North Greenville – Shirley P. Gordon (FL) 1 Workman, George M. ST. STEPHEN: Tanner Jr., William (RL) PENDLETON: Collier, Elizabeth Jane – Coordinator Chaplain, Center for RETIREMENT Travelers Rest – Jonathan E. Thompkins 1 Retired Missionaries: None All Saints Charge – Tarnishia Jenkins-Jackson 2 Wilson Jr., Harlan E. FLORENCE DISTRICT Pendleton – A. Melton Arant Jr. 1 Spiritualcare, Alexian Brothers Med. Ctr., Elk Grove Retired Ministers WOODRUFF: DIACONAL MINISTRY (Cordesville, New Light) Wilson, Rufus L. (RL) Pendleton Charge – Calvin L. Smith 7 Village, IL, Union CC 10 (61 charges; 99 churches) Adams, Gary B. (RA) Emma Gray – Brenda T. Curtis (FL) 2 Diaconal Ministers: Bethel – Cindy S. Shaw (PL) 4 Younker, Ellen A. (Bethel, Central) Dixon, Walter – Chaplain, Presbyterian Hospital, NY, As- Bailey, Donald R. Grace – Lynn G. Pennington (PL) 2 PICKENS: Brashear, Carolyn Elaine – Program Director, Director of Mount Nebo – Shirley Williams Dingle (FL) 12 Retired Missionaries: None bury Memorial CC 6 JOHN WESLEY HIPP, DS 2 Barr, Willie Joe (RL) Grace – James McCoy-Bruce 2 Christian Education, Trinity CC 16 St. Stephen Charge – Bonnie F. Miller (PL) 7 DIACONAL MINISTRY Evans, John D. (RSY) – Pastoral Counseling, Licensed Bradley, James M. Mount Bethel-Porter’s Chapel – Richard W. Waldrep 2 Retired Diaconal Ministers: (Rehoboth, St. Stephen) Diaconal Ministers: None Marriage and Family Therapist, Columbia, Washing- CADES: Bragdon, Dannye O. APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES PIEDMONT: Fuhr, Ann Barton – Lawrence Chapel CC 11 Jehovah – Clarence L. Mitchell (PL) 1 Retired Diaconal Ministers: None ton Street CC 19 Bethesda – Robert L. Shuler 8 Brown, Jonathan (RA) Within the Connection: Fairfield– Carleathea M. Benson (PL) 4 DEACONESSES SUMMERVILLE: DEACONESSES Middleton, Nichole – Chaplain, Federal Bureau of Pris- Cades-Cameron – Gusta Ger Ganes (PL) 4 Brown, Matthew C. Childers, R. Clayton – Program Director, Annual Confer- Shiloh – Perry D. Evatt 4 Active: New Church Start - Ashley Ridge – Jennifer L. Williams Active: None ons, Bennettsville, SC, Trenholm Road CC 4 Faith – Donald E. McAllister Sr. (FL) 7 Brunson, Ashley C. ence Relations GBCS, Emma Gray CC 13 SALEM: Edens, Mary Lou – Deaconess for Local Mission, Tracey 5 Retired: None Williams, Robert T. – Chaplain, U.S. Navy, Virginia Wing- Hebron-Cades – Ashley Brunson RSY 1 Cooper, Samuel B. Dawsey, James M. – Professor, Emory and Henry Col- Salem – J. Timothy Whited (PL) 7 Jackson Program of G.I.F.T., Main Street, Abbeville Bethany – Robert J. Howell Jr. 16 ard Memorial CC 27 (Hebron, Pergamos, Bethesda) Cousar, George Raymond (RA) lege, Oak Hill CC 6 SENECA: CC 12 Associate – Mark E. Fentress (ROE) 8 COLUMBIA DISTRICT Other Valid Ministries: COWARD: Cox, G. W. Farrell Joens, Cathy Louise W. (FD) – Congregational Specialist Retired: None Associate – Adriane M. Burgess 5 Ann Hope- Friendship – James L. Morgan (FL) 1 (58 charges; 66 churches) Kennerly, Kenneth R. – Counselor V.A. Medical Center Ad- St. Paul-Coward – John M. Altman (PL) 9 Cribb, Hasford John (RL) GV/AN, Covenant CC 5 New Harmony-Robinson Chapel – Lorenza Bell II (PL) 2 Boone Hill – Kelli Taylor 4 diction Treatment Unit, Columbia, Trinity, West Columbia FLORENCE: Gibbons, W. Murray Johnson, Angela Reneé (PD) – Director, Georgia State St. Mark – David C. Surrett 1 CHARLESTON DISTRICT Enoch Chapel-Grove Hall WILLIAM TIMOTHY McCLENDON, DS 8 CC 34 Central – William F. Malambri III 2 Graham, Iverson Wesley Foundation Staff-Lithia Springs UMC, (Enoch Chapel) – Victoria Richardson (PL) 9 Minister of Congregational Care – Jeffrey W. (61 charges; 79 churches) APPOINTED TO ATTEND SCHOOL – None Joshua L. Blackwelder (PE) 2 Graham, L. Junior (RA) John Wesley CC 1 Childress (FD) 9 (Grove Hall) – Virginia B. Stafford (PL) 10 BLYTHEWOOD: APPOINTED IN OTHER ANNUAL CONFERENCES Cumberland – Anthony Hodge 2 Kaney, Ralph S. McCutcheon, Edward – Director, Wesley Foundation, Fur- STARR: PATRICIA J. PARRISH, DS 6 Knightsville – Keith Stewart (FL) 1 Trinity – Catherine Jamieson-Ogg 13 Brum, Sonia Ely – Executive Secretary for Racial Highland Park – Michael B. Henderson 2 McClam, Louis J. man University 5 Starr Charge – Robert E. Eubanks (RSY) 2 Stallsville – David D. James 8 Upper Richland Charge – Charles L. Wilbanks (PL) 2 Ethnic Ministries, Mount Hebron CC 1 Liberty-Friendship – John Henry “Jack” Vickers III 2 McClenan, George A. Teasley, Mary V. – District Superintendent, Greenville (Hebron, Starr) BONNEAU: Summerville Parish – Judith Knox 1 (Beulah, Oak Grove) Compton, Dawn McGahee (FD) – Minister to Children, Tim- Mars Bluff – Darren J. McClam (PL) 4 McFadden, Roosevelt M. District 2 TOWNVILLE: Berkeley Circuit – J. Peter Belec (RSY) 2 (Murray, Wesley) Zion – Debbie H. Miller (PL) 7 berlake UMC, Lynchburg, VA, Ashland CC 3 (Mount Zion, Bowers Chapel) McGuirt, Milton L. Approved by United Methodist Endorsing Agency: Dickson Memorial – Paul M. Cheezem Sr. 4 (Berea, Eccles) CHAPIN: Fowler, Vivia L. (FD) – Dean and Vice President of Academic Pisgah – James Michael Arant 4 McLeod, Edward C. (RL) Gillespie, Steven D. – Staff Counselor and Coordinator, WALHALLA: Ebenezer-Hood’s Chapel – William H. Tanner (RSY) 5 APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES Chapin – Joseph D. Flowers 13 Affairs, Wesleyan College, Macon, GA, Main Street CC 6 Quinby-Bethsaida – Gerald L. Truluck (FL) 9 Mills III, Grady W. (RD) Middle Tennessee Pastoral Counseling Center, Me- St. Luke – Richard H. Reams 4 CHARLESTON: Within the Connection: COLUMBIA: Henry-Crowe, Susan – Dean of the Chapel & Religious St. Paul – G. Dane Moorehead 8 Moore, Hurd (RL) morial CC 17 WESTMINSTER: Aldersgate – S. Aaron Meadows 4 Hawkins, Lisa C. – Director, Charleston Wesley Founda- Asbury Memorial – Stephen M. McCormick 4 Life, Emory University, Wesley CC 23 Salem – Joyce M. Chiles 3 Pietila, Thomas C. Hayhurst, Michael – United States Air Force Chaplain 4 Double Springs- Rock Springs – Ronald J. Massey Asbury-St. James – Timothy G. Shaw (PL) 8 tion, Centenary, Charleston CC 13 Ashland – W. Michael Bruce 2 APPOINTED IN OTHER METHODIST DENOMINATIONS – Tabernacle-Dawsey – Angela Marie Etheredge-Manly Poston, Joseph A (RA) Other Valid Ministries: (PL) 9 Bethany – Michael C. Walker 3 Parrish, Patricia J. – District Superintendent, Charleston Bethel – Henry M. Davis IV 5 None (FL) 2 Sellers, John A. (RA) McCoy-Bruce, Ashley N. – Upstate Gleaning Coordinator Hopewell – Louis M. Mims Jr. (RSY) 1 Bethel – John L. Warren Jr. 4 District 6 Bluff Road – Leatha W. Brown 6 LEAVE OF ABSENCE Wesley – Ernest W. Frierson (PL) 3 Stullenbarger, Harry R. – Society of Saint Andrew (1/2) 4 Zion Charge– Earl H. Gunsallus (RLOE) 9 Centenary – SY (Lorenzo Moses) 10 Approved by United Methodist Endorsing Agency: College Place – Tiffany D. Knowlin 6 Lee, Young In “David” 4 GABLE: Thomas, John Pinckney (RL) APPOINTED TO ATTEND SCHOOL – None Westminster-Chicopee – Joseph E. Allinder (RSY) 2 Charleston Korean – Yon Taek Bae (PE) 3 Grant, George Henry – Director of Research in Faith and Columbia Korean – Luke MoonTaeg Rhyee 5 FAMILY LEAVE – None Lewis Chapel-Zoar – Karen E. Starr 2 Wagnon III, Leon L. APPOINTED IN OTHER ANNUAL CONFERENCES – None WILLIAMSTON: Cherokee Place – Ellen A. Younker (RSY) 4 Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, Bethel CC 14 Epworth Memorial – Susan D. Culler 2 SABBATICAL LEAVE – None GREELEYVILLE: Watson, Jerry M. LEAVE OF ABSENCE Grace-Pelzer – Marguerite “Kempie” Shepard 3 Cokesbury – Megan L. Gray 2 Moses, Lorenzo – Chief Chaplain, Ralph H. Johnson VA Fair Lawn – Scott M. Bratton 2 TRANSITIONAL LEAVE Greeleyville-Lane – Harry R. Stullenbarger (RSY) 10 Williams, G. DeVere (RA) Treece, Cameron Y. 3 Williamston Charge – Clara M. Gary (PL) 4 Epworth – Benjamin O. Burt (PE) 2 Medical Center, Centenary CC 20 Francis Burns – Ernest C. Etheredge 2 Arant, Ruth (FD) 1 Greeleyville Parish – Richard McClary (PL) 7 Wilson, Willie Matthews, Mary Katherine Brown – Mauldin CC 8 (New Golden Grove, Moores Chapel, St. James) Grace – Richard A. Broomall 4 Rowell, Eldridge – Chaplain, Medical University of SC 6 Grace – Rebecca M. Wilkins 3 INCAPACITY LEAVE (Wilson Chapel, Long Branch) Retired Missionaries: None SABBATICAL LEAVE – None Page 10, July 2013 2013 Ministerial Appointments Advocate Advocate 2013 Ministerial Appointments Page 11, July 2013

INCAPACITY LEAVE Mount Carmel – SY (Thessa Goodwin Smith) 1 First Church – Kurt Anthony McPherson 1 DIACONAL MINISTRY Daniel, Edmond (FL) – Trinity, North Myrtle Beach CC 9 PELION: KERSHAW: Golightly-Tabernacle – Louis D. Jamison (RSY) 7 Pearce, Pricilla F. (PE) 4 NORTH AUGUSTA: Mount Olivet-Pleasant Grove – Billy Lee Lynch Jr. 4 Diaconal Ministers: None George, Samuel B., III – Belin Memorial CC 7 Pelion – Patricia P. Mayfield 2 Kershaw Charge – Hope R. Avins (PE) 3 DUNCAN: Summey Jr., Charles E. 2 Grace – James D. Dennis 4 Wilkes Chapel-Bethesda – Elizabeth Ashley Lowder Retired Diaconal Ministers: None RETIREMENT Assistant – Kathryn W. Scarborough (PL) 4 (Damascus, Kershaw, Hanging Rock) Duncan-Startex-Loree – Richard D. Lewis (FL) 3 FAMILY LEAVE – None Associate – Tyler Strange (FL) 1 (PL) 2 DEACONESSES Retired Ministers: (Bethel, Pelion, Sharon) LAKE WYLIE: ENOREE: TRANSITIONAL LEAVE – None POMARIA: CHESTERFIELD: Active: Adams, Quay W. PROVIDENCE: Good Samaritan – Jason D. Everson 5 Trinity-Enoree-Patterson Chapel – Kevin R. Bishop RETIREMENT Mount Pleasant – Mat Brewington (FL) 2 Chesterfield Parish – Deloris Tart Inman (PL) 2 Smith, Selena Ruth – Fire Prevention Educator, Sumter, Brittain, Thomas N. Providence – Terry C. Martin 2 LANCASTER: (FL) 1 Retired Ministers: Pomaria Charge – Kathy L. Carr (PL) 2 (Mount Tabor, Wesley Chapel) SC Fire Department 2 Clardy, Samuel O. (RA) ROWESVILLE: Bethel – Fredericka Whaley Phipps (PL) 1 GAFFNEY: Addis, Howard D. (Caper’s Chapel – New Hope) Shiloh – Debra A. Armstrong 3 Retired: None Clemons, Robert B. Rowesville Charge – Curtis L. Felkel Jr. (PL) 8 Camp Creek-Bethesda – Michael E. Catoe (PL) 3 Mesopotamia-Asbury – Angelia P. Price (RSY) 5 Bedenbaugh, Eugene H. PROSPERITY: St. Paul – Emmanuel Bruce Adams 2 Crews, Rowan Assistant – SY (Sandra E. Whetsell) 1 Church of the Good Shepherd – Mary E. Green 3 Buford Street – Linda J. McNatt 2 Brown, Barry L. Wightman – S. Dean Lollis 2 Zoar – Francis Edward Traxler Jr. (FL) 1 MARION DISTRICT Dyer, Cynthia H. (Bethel, Cattle Creek, New Hope) First Church – Charles Phillips 2 Dunton – Lillie K. Davis (PL) 3 Callahan, John P. Zion – David Carroll Taylor 2 DARLINGTON: Felder, William H. Rowesville Parish – Wyatt C. Minton III 2 Minister to Youth and Children – Shelly Ann Limestone Street – James Ronald Singleton (1/2) 10 Cavin, Donald E. RIDGE SPRING Indian Branch-Epworth – Philip N. Watry (RSY) 1 (59 charges; 94 churches) Fenner, Jack L. (Central, Prospect, Mayes Chapel) Holder (FD) 1 Trinity – SY (Alester McKinney) 30 Cole, Joseph L. (RL) Ridge Spring Charge – SY (John E. Kneece) 19 New Providence – Alfred Valentine Griffin Jr. 2 RICHARD H. KNIGHT, DS 4 Gardner, Carlos O. ST MATTHEWS: Grace – Brian Humphries (FL) 2 GRAMLING: Crooks Jr., Marion B. (Ridge Spring, Spann) Pine Grove – Paul Ballard (RSY) 1 Gilmer, Clifford R. Calhoun Charge – Robbie V. Hall (FL) 3 Hopewell – David C. Inman 3 Gramling – Benjamin Wade Herlong Sr. 6 Elliott, Nicholas SALUDA: Shiloh – Lindora Flemming James (PL) 1 ANDREWS: Hall, James L. (Andrew Chapel, Wesley Chapel) Lynnwood – Elizabeth McKay Timms Hudson (PL) 2 INMAN: Elliott Jr., Richard F. Bethany-Zoar – Kenneth Freeman (OF) 2 St. James – Morris Waymer Jr. 4 Trinity – Ben M. Gafford 2 Harris, Carl N. St. Matthews Charge – Mark A. Altman (PL) (3/4) 5 St. Luke-Salem – William H. McCown III 2 Aldersgate – Gary B. Byrd (RSY) 4 Errington, Joseph R. Bethlehem-Gassaway – William Hightower (PL) 6 St. John-Wesley Chapel – Bobby Shaw 1 AYNOR: Harris, Gene A. (RL) (East Bethel, West Bethel, Mount Zion) Tabernacle – Heather B. Humphries 2 Inman – Ronald Lee Leonard Sr. 10 Fortier, Robert A. (RL) ˙ Butler-Shiloh – Lee Cothran (RSY) 9 Trinity – Thomas Harmon Norrell 4 Aynor – William F. Heustess 1 Hemingway, John T. (RL) St. Paul – Suzanne B. Walker (PE) 2 Trinity – Pat McCain (RSY) 2 JONESVILLE: Gilliam Jr., James O. Emory-Nazareth – Frank Copeland 5 West Darlington – Taylor F. Coates (PL) 3 Pisgah – Jane A. Pearce 2 Hucks, F. Levon SALLEY: Zion – Wallace Michael Burgess (FL) 1 Jonesville-New Hope – James W. Ivey (RSY) 6 Goewey, Harry St. Paul – Judy Correll Hames 2 (Bethel, Wesley Memorial) Rehoboth-Zoan – John P. Watts (AM) 8 Hughes, William Steve (RL) Clinton – Grayson L. Blackwell Sr. (FL) 2 RICHBURG: Kelton Charge – Glenn Williams Ribelin Sr. (FL) 2 Griffeth, James Ellis TRENTON: HARTSVILLE: BENNETTSVILLE: Hyatt, James L. SANDY RUN: Mount Prospect-Ebenezer – G. Douglas Chambers (Bethlehem, Foster’s Chapel) Hall Jr., Robert A. Trenton-McKendree – Cheryl Dyke Toothe 4 Bethlehem-Prospect – Troy Lane Metzner (PE) 1 Bennettsville First – Frederick S. McDaniel 2 Inabinet, Charles R. Beulah – Bruce E. Rucker (FL) 2 (PL) 6 LANDRUM: Haton, Donald S. VAUCLUSE: Centenary-Kingsville – James Ronald Cannion 1 Bennettsville Circuit – Shawn Weeks 5 Jennings, Charles T. (RA) SPRINGFIELD: Richburg-Pleasant Grove – Linda Tedder Jenkins (PL) Jacksons Grove – Michael E. Bowers (3/4) 11 Hicks, Granville A. Vaucluse-Pentecost – Clifford C. Binion (PL) 3 Kellybell-Sandy Bluff – Raymond Frank Cook Jr. (PL) 12 (Aaron Temple, Ebenezer, Level Green) Land, Kenneth S. Springfield Charge – Otis DeWitt Livingston (PL) 4 14 Landrum – Kevin F. Dalton 1 Huff Jr., A.V. WARE SHOALS: Mount Beulah-New Hope – Brenda J. Thomas (PL) 3 Bennettsville Parish – Ebbie S. Abraham (FL) 3 Lawson, Willie (Neeses, Salley, Springfield) ROCK HILL: LOCKHART: Hunter III, James E. Mount Bethel-King’s Chapel – Heather S. Baird (PE) New Market-Tabernacle – Myrna Kay Westfall (AM) 4 (Shiloh, Smyrna) Lewis, Harold P. SWANSEA: Adnah – David D. McManus Jr. 3 Lockhart-Wesley Chapel – Donna Stone Eidson (FL) 2 Joens, Janet C. (3/4) 4 St. Luke – Eugene Lloyd Feagin III 1 Christ-Antioch – Wade H. Everett 2 McIver, Leslie H. (RD) Calvary-Oak Grove – Deborah C. Gibson (PL) 2 Aldersgate – Pamela G. Ledbetter 4 LYMAN: Johnson Sr., Charles L. Ware Shoals-Harmony– Tina A. Thomas 7 Twitty – SY (Carole Roberts Wilson) 1 Marlboro Charge – Rebecca L. Forrest (FL) 2 Newton, J. Leon WAGENER: Antioch – Philip E. Chandler (RSY) 1 Lyman – Christopher Brian Gilmer 4 Lee, Dennis WATERLOO: Wesley – Frances McMahon Elrod 4 (Bethel, Boykin, Ebenezer) Norris, Gene A. Wagener-Swansea – Scott W. Smoak 3 Bethel-Philadelphia – Emily Scales Sutton 2 PACOLET: Leppard, James F. Waterloo – Blaine S. Hudson (RSY) 7 JEFFERSON: Marlboro Circuit – Daniel M. Hall (PL) 6 Osborne, Jean O. (RD) WILLISTON: Catawba-El Bethel – Beth Drennen 2 Pacolet-White Stone – Donald G. Upson (PL) (3/4) 2 McAlister, J. Richard Soule Chapel – SY (J. William Quarles) 2 Jefferson – Stephen Ray Jordan 5 (New Hope, Oak Grove, Pleasant Hill) Reynolds, Daniel T. (RA) Williston – Cynthia Raski Fuller (RSY) 8 Cornerstone-Epworth – Irvin Plowden Jr. (FL) 3 Karen L. Upson (PL) (1/4) 2 McKinney, E. Donald (Fork Creek, Jefferson) Shiloh-Smyrna – David E. Reed (PL) 15 Tart, Walter (RL) Assistant – Thomas S. Summers (RSY) 8 Friendship-Heath Memorial – Nellie Gray Cloninger 1 Montgomery Memorial – Bette Ann Hedden (FL) 1 McNeill, William W. APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES Jefferson Parish – Robert Lee Malachi 5 St. Michael – Ardell Washington (PL) 7 Timmons, W. Gordon (Blackville, Williston) India Hook – Robert Anthony Adams 1 ROEBUCK: Miller, John Teague Within the Connection: Associate – Maye Malachi (PL) 1 Trinity – Jeffrey Salley 4 Wicker, William T. (RL) Mount Holly – Kim M. Strong 3 Walnut Grove – Chris B. Snelgrove (FL) 7 Mixon, Forest D. Copeland, Jennifer E. – Director, Wesley Foundation, (Hopewell, Mount Elon, Sandy Grove, Wesley Chapel) BLENHEIM: Williams Jr., John M. APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES Rock Hill Central Charge – Jackie R. Carter-Harris (FL) 5 SPARTANBURG: Patterson, James F. Duke University, Broad Street CC 14 LAMAR: Parnassus – SY (Alexander J. Stoops Jr.) 6 Williams, Seth W. (RP) Within the Connection: (Mount Olive, New Hope) Beaumont – Darrell C. McNeill (PL) 1 Pittman, Clarence O. Friday, James L. – District Superintendent, Greenwood Lamar – Melvin Wilbur Flail Jr. 13 CLIO: Williamson, Needham R. Gibson, Jack – Chaplain, The Oaks 1 Rock Hill South Charge – Ronnie Lee Jeffcoat (PE) Ben Avon-Roebuck – Jones Lester Brewer (FL) 7 Riser, George M. District 2 Lamar Circuit – William Edward Herlong (PL) 12 Asbury-Clio – Willie Lawson (RSY) 4 Retired Missionaries: None McGee, James R. – President/CEO, The Oaks, Clinton (1/2) 3 Bethel – David E. Nichols 8 Rogers, Cyrus “Cy” D. Wray, Carol Peppers – Chaplain, Wesley Commons, Main (Elim, Newman Swamp, Zion) Trinity (Clio) – Berea (McColl) – Emily H. Davis (FL) 2 DIACONAL MINISTRY CC 9 (Bethel, Harmony) Associate – David B. Smith 12 Rush, John Street CC 14 Lamar-Ebenezer – Fadetra Deonka Harrington 2 CONWAY: Diaconal Ministers: None TBS – Orangeburg Wesley Foundation, Campus Minister St. John’s – Debra Quilling Smith 4 Cannon’s Camp Ground – Paul McLaughlin Kinnett 2 Scott, Gareth Approved by United Methodist Endorsing Agency: (Ebenezer, John Wesley, Sandy Grove) Antioch – James L. Hyatt (RSY) 1 Leave of Absence: Middleton, Whittaker V. – Vice Pres. for Advancement, Associate – W. Everette Haselden IV 4 Central – Scott Alexander Stevenson 3 Scott, George W. None LUGOFF: Brown Swamp-New El Bethel – Neal Y. Woods 4 Holt, Kimberly S. (DM) – Conway First CC 10 Claflin University 2 Spiritual Director – Miriam Mick (FD) 9 Minister of Christian Education – Karen Lail Jones Shaw, Charles S. Other Valid Ministries: None Lugoff Parish – Briant S. Mungo (PL) 2 Centenary – Dennis J. Devorick (PL) 1 Retired Diaconal Ministers: Yebuah, Frederick N. – District Superintendent, Orange- Woodland – G. Eddie Usher 2 (FD) 5 Smith, Woodrow M. APPOINTED TO ATTEND SCHOOL (Mount Joshua, Mount Prospect, Shiloh) Conway First – Kyle D. Randle 2 Carter, R. Fletcher burg District 2 SHARON: Cherokee Springs-Liberty – Brian James Arant 4 Sprayberry, Rance (RL) Adrienne Finkham (PE) 1 St. John’s – Michael Steven Leonhardt 1 Joseph B. Bethea – SY (George E. Olive) 1 DEACONESSES Approved by United Methodist Endorsing Agency: Western York Charge – SY (Monica Tilley) 3 Church of the Covenant – William Danford Blair 4 Stanley, Dwaine C. (RL) ˙ APPOINTED IN OTHER ANNUAL CONFERENCES – None Unity – Augustus Rodgers 7 Poplar-Salem – Stanley E. Weber Jr. (FL) 1 Active: None Collingwood, Robert B. – Coordinator of Pastoral Care, (Sharon, New Zion, Shady Grove) El Bethel – Jack Austell Caldwell (RL) 8 Stoehr, Lorna Lee Curtis LEAVE OF ABSENCE LYDIA: Trinity – Sandra Stevens-Poirel 4 Retired: None V. A. Hospital, St. Louis, MO, Main Street, CC 25 YORK: Fairmont – William L. Thompson (PL) 2 Strait, George E. Byrd, Thomas C. 2 Wesley Chapel – Gregg Scott Varner (FL) 1 Union – Scott A. Johnson 6 Other Valid Ministries: Kings Mountain Chapel-St. Paul – Brian E. Preveaux Foothills Charge – Freddie W. Parker (PL) 1 Sullivan, Patricia A. (FD) FAMILY LEAVE – None MCBEE: DILLON: ORANGEBURG DISTRICT Williams, Edwina Juliette (FD) – Trinity CC 13 (FL) 3 (Campobello, Liberty) Thomas Jr., Van B. SABBATICAL LEAVE – None McBee Charge – Charles Gary Compton (RSY) 9 Dillon Parish – Barry S. McFadden 4 APPOINTED TO ATTEND SCHOOL – None Trinity – Robert Edward Dunn 1 Gravely Memorial – Scott Stephen Gilmer (FL) 6 Thompson, Elizabeth A. TRANSITIONAL LEAVE – None (Hebron, McBee) (Beulah, St. Luke, St. Stephen) (55 charges; 94 churches) APPOINTED IN OTHER ANNUAL CONFERENCES – None York-St. James Charge – Sheila LaMar Elliott 2 Reidville Road – Danial Allen Wiley 1 Treaster, Fred INCAPACITY LEAVE Union – Steven M. Todd 4 Little Rock Parish – Ronald I. McCall (FL) 17 FREDERICK N. YEBUAH, DS 2 LEAVE OF ABSENCE (Hopewell, St. James, Wesley) Silver Hill Memorial – Eddie Calvin Williams 1 Waddell, Bobby G. Timmerman, Ken 1 OSWEGO: (Bowling Green, McCoy Chapel, New Holly) Ponds, Grady Bernard 3 Skylyn-Arcadia – James B. Carter (RL) 9 Watson, John H. (RL) Honorable Location: Bethel – Jeremy Lawton Howell 1 Main Street – Bruce A. Sayre 1 AIKEN: FAMILY LEAVE – None APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES Spartanburg Parish – Rufus Horace White (PL) 3 Wood, Patricia S. John Newell 5 Oswego Circuit – TBS Oakland-Manning Chapel – T. Michael Summerlin (PL) Charles Wesley – SY (Paul Rideout) 2 SABBATICAL LEAVE – None Within the Connection: (Allen Chapel, Florence Chapel, Pleasant View) Wright, Alfred T. (AM) RETIREMENT (Clark, Mount Moriah, St. Mark) 3 St. John’s – George K. Howle 9 INCAPACITY LEAVE – None Howell Jr., Richard Reber – Director, Wesley Foundation, St. James – Robert Christopher Barrett 2 Retired Missionaries: None Retired Ministers: PAGELAND: GEORGETOWN: Associate – Raymond Litts 2 RETIREMENT Winthrop University, St. John’s Rock Hill CC 2 St. Luke – James Harrison (RSY) 1 DIACONAL MINISTRY Anderson, Vernon O. Oro – Annie Hair Sistrunk 2 Duncan Memorial – Dora R. Gafford 2 Associate – James T. Bennett III (RL)(1/2) 3 Retired Ministers: Long Jr., Joe N. – District Superintendent, Rock Hill Dis- St. Paul – Frank E. Lybrand 7 Diaconal Ministers: None Ballard Jr., Paul McKinney Pageland – Nena Ruth Reynolds (RSY) 5 Herbert Memorial – Marie E. Nuckles 3 Trinity – Larry R. Parker Sr. 2 Belangia IV, Washington W. trict 2 Trinity – Adlai Stephen Holler 5 Retired Diaconal Ministers: Bickley, Hugh Salem – Allen Nesmith (FL) 6 Oak Grove-Sampit – John M. Williams Jr. (RSY) 4 Wesley – Walter E. Strawther (PL) 2 Bell, John M. Richardson-Frick, Kristen – Program Officer, Rural Church UNION: Orr Jr., Freeman R. Bradley, Dan Zion-Zoar Charge – Robin Audrey Griffeth 3 Wayne-Bethel – Daniel W. Chamblee (PE) 5 BAMBERG: Chewning, J. Boyd Division, Duke Endowment, Philadelphia CC 2 Bogansville – Donald E. Alexander Jr. (FL) 2 DEACONESSES Campbell, J. Taylor REMBERT: LAKE VIEW: Bamberg Circuit – Thomas Ray Sims (PL) 9 Clyburn, Robert B. Approved by United Methodist Endorsing Agency: None Union Charge – Merritt R. Wentz (FL) 2 Active: None Canaday, DeArmond Rembert-St. John – Patricia Bundrick Amick (PL) 2 Lake View Charge – Louis O. Perez (PL) 2 (Bethel, Mount Zion) Cowart, William G. Other Valid Ministries: (Bethel, Duncan Acres) Retired: None Charles, Ada A. (Beulah, McLeod Chapel, St. John) (Lake View, Union) Claflin – Bobby Gordon (PL) 4 Davis, Gerald Edwin Smith, Jonathan Edward – Director, Portage County Grace – David Derrick Bauknight 2 Cunningham, Ben RUBY: Hopewell – Rebecca R. Collier (PL) 1 Main Street – Washington W. Belangia IV (RSY) 3 Dill, Elizabeth C. (FD) Pastoral Counseling Service, Kent OH 2 Sardis-Unity – Robert Lee Allen 2 GREENWOOD DISTRICT Curry, Eugene L. Bethel-Ebenezer – Michael Steven Phares (PL) 1 LATTA: Mount Carmel – William H.D. Bowser Jr. 1 Evans, John Wesley APPOINTED TO ATTEND SCHOOL – None WELLFORD: Friendship-Mount Croghan – Christine MacDonald Farmer, Zach R. APPOINTED IN OTHER ANNUAL CONFERENCES Immanuel – Jane D. Jenkins (RSY) 1 (57 charges; 84 churches) Davis, James Ray Latta Charge – Walter Tart (RL) 10 Orange Grove – Louise B. Wright (PL) 1 Dudley, Charles G. Wechsler (RSY) 1 (Andrew Chapel, St. Phillips) Trinity-Pleasant Hill Charge – Carol Rexroad Cannon 4 Gilliam, Thomas C. Jeter, Narcie M. – Director, Wesley Foundation, University WHITMIRE: JAMES L. FRIDAY, DS 2 Eaddy, A. Eugene SUMTER: Latta-Mount Andrew – Jerry L. Phillips Jr. 8 Robert T. Cannon (3/4) 4 Heape, Ernest M. of Florida, St. John’s Rock Hill CC 2 Whitmire-Carlisle – Amie P. Shaver (PL) 2 Epps, John L. Aldersgate – Washington Belangia V 4 LITTLE RIVER: BARNWELL: James, Robert E. LEAVE OF ABSENCE – None Dalzell – Wanda Diane Altman (FL) 4 Key, Willie J. (RA) FAMILY LEAVE – None BATESBURG: Gamble, D. Lamar Little River – Stuart R. Smith 8 Barnwell Charge – Michael J. Hood 4 APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES Emmanuel-Mt. Zion – Doris Regina Bright (FL) 3 Lewis Jr. William Morgan (RL) SABBATICAL LEAVE – None St. John’s – Steven M. King 4 Griffith, John P. Associate – Ann D. Kovan (FL) 2 (Barnwell, Siloam) Within the Connection: North Sumter – Lawrence Cantey Jr. (PL) 3 Mack, James (RL) BELVEDERE: Grigsby, James A. Wampee – Ben Wilson (PL) 1 BOWMAN: INCAPACITY LEAVE Harmon, Paul Wesley – District Superintendent, (Antioch, Shepherd) Manigo Jr., George F. Ashworth, Mary Susan – St. John’s, Rock Hill CC 8 Belvedere – Alice Loving Deal 2 Hudson, Blaine S. LONGS: Bowman Charge – Marie E. Ray 3 Spartanburg District 4 St. James – Mary Louise Johnson 3 Mullikin, M. Eugene Hall, April Lee – St. John’s, Fort Mill CC 17 CLINTON: Jenkins, Larry A. Ebenezer – JoAnna M. Fallaw 5 (Ebenezer, White House, Wightman) Pace, Phillip Lynwood, Jr. – Chaplain, Oxford College, St. John – Joseph Robert Huggins (FL) 5 Nesmith, Harry V. (RL) Taylor, Debra W. – Bethel-Armenia CC 2 Broad Street – Kitty Cooper Holtzclaw 4 Lupo, C.J. Minister of Discipleship – Sarah W. Branyon (PD) 2 New Covenant – Janice L. Frederick-Watts 1 Emory University, St. James CC 5 Parker, Jere Keith EDGEFIELD: Lusk, T. Joseph St. Mark – Geneva Geraldine Stafford 1 LORIS: Pineville-St. Stephen – James Phillip Smith 6 TRANSITIONAL LEAVE Sloan, Candice Yeary – Chaplain and Director of Church Pettit, Ronald A. Edgefield – Barry Webb Cannon 2 Medley, James D. St. Mark’s – Randall Lynn Haase 1 Camp Swamp – Glen W. Dameron (RSY) 1 BRANCHVILLE: Bentley, Marsha R. (FD) 1 Relations, Spartanburg Methodist College, St. James Trinity – James Kevin Gorry 4 Poole, Jack A. GRANITEVILLE: Morton Jr., Ted R. Loris First – Grady W. Corder (FL) 3 Branchville – William M. Burke (PL) 2 Kluever, Karen Trogdon (FD) 1 CC 12 Minister of Education – Angela Halter Marshall (FD) 4 Preer, John C. RETIREMENT St. John-Warrenville – Alan N. Quarles (FL) 6 Osborne, Billy Ray (RL) MARION: CAMERON: Approved by United Methodist Endorsing Agency: Rucker, Matthew D. GREENWOOD: Palmer, Bruce H. Centenary-Central – Virgil M. Seaber (RLOE) 13 Cameron – Roger C. Goupil (RSY) 7 Retired Ministers: Bennett, Traci S. (FD) – Chaplain, Piedmont Hospice, Shrawder, Kermit O. Blackmon, Charles Aldersgate – George T. Thomas Jr. (FL) 9 Peurifoy, Harvey O. APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES Marion First – Henry A. Altman 1 (Jericho, Shady Grove) Cannon’s Camp Ground CC 6 Stapleton, John Mason Chandler, Philip E. Bethlehem – James Ray Davis (RSY) 3 Pickens, John Gerald Within the Connection: Marion Parish – James Elbert Williams (PE 1/2) 2 COPE: Franklin, E. Herbert, Jr. – Chaplain, United States Army, Stiltz, Edward James Cloninger, John Scott Branch Hill-Martha’s Chapel – Alexander Thomas (PL) 4 Polk Jr., N. Keith Dease, Robin – District Superintendent, Hartsville (Bethel, Pleasant Grove, Springville) Canaan – Walter Harley (PL) 2 Bethel (Spartanburg) CC 12 Stonestreet, Millard Cooper Correll, James L. Cokesbury-Hodges – R.T. Bowling, III 5 Rogers, Paul H. District 1 Shiloh – J. Tom Williams (RSY) 1 Edisto Charge – Lois J. Helms 2 Other Valid Ministries: None Summers, Thomas S. (RA) Cross, William Kelly Ebenezer – SY (Mike Evans) 1 Rogers, Sheila D. Nelson, Millie – Congregational Specialist Florence-Mari- McCOLL: (St. John, Union, Wesley Grove) APPOINTED TO ATTEND SCHOOL – None Watson, George W. Drennen, Lowry T. Greenwood-Ninety Six Charge – LaSheila Wyatt (PL) 2 Rogers III, William F. on Districts, St. Matthew, Camden CC 4 Main Street – Pine Grove – Ann Dease Everett 2 Edisto Fork – Hayes T. Gainey 16 APPOINTED IN OTHER ANNUAL CONFERENCES – None Williamson, David Fuller, Walter Gene (Mays, Trinity) Stephens Jr., Herbert Approved by United Methodist Endorsing Agency: MULLINS: DENMARK: SABBATICAL LEAVE – None Retired Missionaries: None Gibson, John Richard Lowell Street – Mary Jane Shoemaker 2 Swett, N. McDonald (RL) Other Valid Ministries: Center-Nichols-Tranquil – C. Edward Collier (FL) 1 Bethel Park – Rebecca J. Hughley 2 LEAVE OF ABSENCE – None DIACONAL MINISTRY Hook, Samuel Scott Lupo Memorial – Paul H. Rogers (RSY) 2 Templeton, David T. Ross, Rosetta Everna – Associate Professor of Religious Macedonia-Pleasant Hill – Thurmond K. Thomas 7 Franklin-Orange Grove – Alexander Baker (PL) 1 INCAPACITY LEAVE None Hopper, Robert C. Main Street – Phillip Carlisle Thrailkill 2 Vines, William Joseph Studies, Spelman College, St. Mark CC 20 Mullins Charge – Anthony Alford (PL) 4 ELLOREE: Diaconal Ministers: Swofford, Cynthia L. – Inman CC 7 Retired Diaconal Ministers: Hovis, Doris N. (RL) Mathews-Harris – J. William Harris (OF) 6 Wiggins, Elwood Holler APPOINTED TO ATTEND SCHOOL (Beulah, Shiloh) Elloree – Barry A. Allen 1 FAMILY LEAVE Williams, Geneva B. Jenkins, Larry Alfred Mount Carmel – SY (Myra E. Taylor) 6 Younginer Jr., John M. Turner, Emily Dawn – Garrett University, Chicago, IL 4 MURRELLS INLET: (Elloree, Jerusalem) Barrett, Mary Elise – St. James CC 7 DEACONESSES Massey Jr., Reese Martin Mount Lebanon-Kinards – Robert F. Gilbert (PE) 1 Retired Missionaries: None APPOINTED IN OTHER ANNUAL CONFERENCES – None Belin Memorial – Boyd McIver Alexander Jr. 9 EUTAWVILLE: TRANSITIONAL LEAVE – None Active: McCain, Pat Panola – William Johnathan Payne (OF) 2 MINISTRY OF DEACONS LEAVE OF ABSENCE – None Associate- Maurice E. Nason Jr. 7 Eutawville – William M. Lewis Jr. (RL) 1 RETIREMENT Williams, Geneva B. – Associate Chaplain/Director of Phillips Sr., Jerry L. Rehoboth – Keith D. Sweat (PL) 6 Active: FAMILY LEAVE – None Brookgreen – Charles Thomas (FL) 5 Silas – SY (Whittaker V. Middleton) 1 Retired Ministers: Religious Life-Power Hour, Claflin University, Trinity Rumford, John R. (RL) St. Mark – Barrett T. Alewine 8 Adrienne Hamm Fink (PD) 1 SABBATICAL LEAVE – None (Brown Chapel, Heaven’s Gate, St. James) Target-Gerizim Charge – Edward J. Stiltz (PL) 1 Anderson, Thurman W. CC 13 Smith Jr., Franklin Oscar Associate – Ryan Greasor Spurrier 2 Retired: TRANSITIONAL LEAVE MYRTLE BEACH: HOLLY HILL: Barnes, Larry A. None Steele Jr., Thomas Fant Tranquil – Edgar Reynolds 1 Bennett, Hazel Vance, Margaret Hutcherson (FD) Christ- Jeffrey B. Dunn 16 Holly Hill – Millard Cooper Stonestreet (RSY) 7 Retired: Barrett, Charles D. Warwick, Samuel S. Troy – N. Keith Polk Jr. (RSY) 8 Taylor, Bobbie Opal INCAPACITY LEAVE Myrtle Beach First – William H. Phillips 1 JACKSON: Bobo, Kenneth G. Watson, James Bert JOANNA: Bowman, Charles Lee (FL) – Oro CC 5 Associate – Jonathan D. Harris (PE) 1 Jackson – Eugene A. Aiken (FL) 4 ROCK HILL DISTRICT Bowling, Douglas A. Wells, Curtis E. Epworth-Springdale – John Gerald Pickens (RSY) 4 Orr, Patricia Pepper – Bethlehem, Hartsville CC 7 Socastee – Ray K. Smith 11 (Bethel, Wesley Chapel) Brown, Joe K. (45 charges; 70 churches) None JOHNSTON: HARTSVILLE DISTRICT RETIREMENT NICHOLS: LIVINGSTON: Retired Missionaries: Brown, Will Rogers Johnston-Harmony – Steven Paul Keck 4 (66 charges; 105 churches) Retired Ministers: Floyds – SY (Donna L. Kropidlowski) 2 Livingston-Pine Hill – Brandon L. Fulmer (FL) 3 JOE N. LONG JR., DS 2 DIACONAL MINISTRY Byrd, Gary B. None KINARDS: Ammons, Gene Sarvis NORTH MYRTLE BEACH: NEESES: Diaconal Ministers: Caldwell, Jack A. (RL) ROBIN DEASE, DS 1 None Hopewell-Sharon Charge – SY (Mitchell Wray) 2 Ballard, Paul McKinney Trinity – Michael D. Ritter Sr. 2 Rocky Swamp Mission Congregation – SY (Z. Tracy CHESTER: Retired Diaconal Ministers: Clyburn Jr., David A. LANGLEY: Beckom, Terry Martin PAWLEY’S ISLAND: Pender) 4 Bethel-Armenia – Allen D. Wolfe 2 DEACONESSES Coble, William K. None Langley-Bath-Capers Chapel – John McKinley Wil- BETHUNE: Boatwright Sr., Donald W. “Bud” St. Paul’s Waccamaw – C. Nels Ledwell 8 NEW ELLENTON: Chester Circuit – C. Bryson Williams (PE) 2 Active: Culp, Dorothy N. None liams III 2 Bethune – Barbara Rogers Segars (PL) 9 Brown, Larry Richard (RL) SURFSIDE BEACH: St. Paul – Jacqueline Connelly 2 (Capers Chapel, New Hope) Retired: Culp, Wayne A. LAURENS: (Bethel, Sandy Grove) Compton, Charles Gary (RL) Surfside – Scott H. Wachter 6 NORTH: Wesley Memorial – Arthur D. Vick Jr. (PL) 4 Dillard, Jimmy W. Central-Sandy Springs – SY (Tenny Hutchison BISHOPVILLE: Davidson, Edward Laney Associate – Lisa Kim Eanes 7 Orange Circuit – SY (Daniel Clendaniel) 1 CLOVER: SPARTANBURG DISTRICT Duncan, Jason C. (RL) Rupnick) 1 Bethlehem – Lawrence Allan Watson 1 Dean, Dewey Levan TATUM: (Ebenezer, North, St. John’s) Clover Parish – Sharon Spann Gamble (FL) 2 (52 charges; 76 churches) Ervin, David F. (RA) First – Alice Elaine MacKeil 3 Bishopville Circuit – Calvin Burdell Washington 5 Griffith, Frank J. Tatum Parish – Samuel O. Clardy (RSY) 8 St. Mark – Thomas J. Bowman, Sr. 2 (Clover Chapel, Green Pond, Mount Harmony) Fields, George D. St. James – Charlie H. Short 17 (New Haven, Springhill) Lawson, Willie (Ebenezer-Hebron) Trinity-Limestone – SY (Donald R. Studerbaker) 1 First, Clover – Thomas B. Wilkes III 3 PAUL WESLEY HARMON, DS 4 Fisher, A. Mickey LEESVILLE: Hebron – Jerry Cal McManus Sr. (PL) 1 LeMaster, E. Edwin NORWAY: Associate – Drew C. Martin (PE) 3 Gavalas, Anthony N. Leesville – Sandra Lynn Smith King 4 Mechanicsville – Kenneth Neal Carter 7 McDowell Sr., Edward Homer APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES New Beginning – Arthur Rose, Jr. (OF)(346.2) (1/2) 6 FORT LAWN: BLACKSBURG: Griffin, Betty S. (RD) McCORMICK: Mount Zion – Angela Ford Nelson (PL) 3 Morris, James Michael Within the Connection: Norway – Thurmond O. Flowers (FL) 2 Fort Lawn-Van Wyck Charge – Karen J. Richmond Blacksburg Charge – Don Boshell (FL) 6 Hill Jr., Thomas H. (RL) McCormick – Paul A. Wood 1 St. Matthew Circuit – Kimberly Norbeck Evans (FL) 3 Parsons, Barbee Olis Knight, Richard H. – District Superintendent, Marion (Lebanon, St. John’s) (PL) 2 (St. John, Sardis) Holt, Arthur Plum Branch Charge – Justin Ritter (PL) (3/4) 1 (Ashland, Concord, St. Matthew) Reece Jr., Earnest J. District 4 OLAR: FORT MILL: BOILING SPRINGS: Hood, James F. (Republican, St. Paul) CAMDEN: Reynolds, Nena R. Approved by United Methodist Endorsing Agency: Olar – William M. Burke (PL) 1 Belair-Osceola Charge – Harry Kyle Gindhart 2 New Beginnings – Terry Fleming (PE) 1 Hope, Donald J. NEWBERRY: Camden First – Ellis White Jr. 6 Rivers Sr., Lindsey Eugene (RL) None (Kearse, Mizpah, Salem) Grace Community – Randall Aabye Madsen 8 BUFFALO: Hopper, Richard D. Central – Tresco E. Shannon 2 East Camden – Constance Nelson Barnes 5 Scoggins, Eugene King Other Valid Ministries: ORANGEBURG: Philadelphia – William Kevin Cooley 8 Buffalo – Ronald D. Towery (FL) 1 Hyder, Larry Epting Memorial-Lebanon Charge – Fred Vance Bu- (Emmanuel, St. Matthew) Thackston, Thomas Reginald Heustess, Kathy T (FD) – Executive Director, Coastal New Light – Norman A. Brown 10 Pleasant Hill – Joel William McMakin 2 CHESNEE: Ivey, James W. chanan Jr. 3 Good Hope Wesley Chapel – Thurmond Williams (PE) 4 Thomas Jr., Eddie (RA) Samaritan Counseling Center, Myrtle Beach, Myrtle North Orangeburg – Lillian H. Washington 1 St. John’s – Carlton W. Hunsucker 4 Chesnee-Fingerville – Frances Lee Roper (FL) 6 Jamison, Louis D. Lewis Memorial – James Counts Jr. (PL) 4 Lyttleton Street – Steve Allen Patterson 3 Thomas Jr., Theodore Brandon (RA) Beach First CC 11 Orangeburg Circuit – Joanne Walker-Brown 6 Director of Music – Carrie Ann Wright (OD)(331.8) 7 Friends in Christ – Hal Bruce Johnson (PL) 7 Jenkins, Jane D. O’Neal Street-Ebenezer Charge – Richard C. Goldie St. Paul – Franklin R. Garrett 8 Thompson, Robert (RL) APPOINTED TO ATTEND SCHOOL – None (Bethlehem, Mount Nebo, St. John) GREAT FALLS: COWPENS: Johnston, James W. (PL) 4 West Camden – Debra Anderson-Joe (PL) 5 Townsend Sr., David Kenneth APPOINTED IN OTHER ANNUAL CONFERENCES – None Orangeburg Parish – Frank V. James 4 Mount Dearborn-Heath Chapel – David Owens Ussery Cowpens Charge – John David Howle (FL) 2 Kyllonen, Mitchell W. Trinity-New Chapel Charge – Hugh J. Bickley (RSY) 12 (Rockspring, St. Peter) Watry, Philip N. LEAVE OF ABSENCE – None (Cedar Grove, Forest Chapel, St. Stephen) (PL) 2 (Salem, St. Mark , St. Andrews) LeMaster Jr., James E. NINETY SIX: CHERAW: Wechsler, Christine MacDonald FAMILY LEAVE – None St. Andrews – Karl David Caughman 2 HICKORY GROVE: CROSS ANCHOR: Long, Allen E. Cambridge – Daniel R. Smyth (AM) 4 Cheraw Parish – Redonia McKnight Thomas (PE) 2 Wright, Virgil G. SABBATICAL LEAVE – None St. Paul’s – Gary A. Peterson 2 Hickory Grove Charge – Linda Bodie Dunn 1 Cross Anchor Charge – SY (Brian P. Williams) 2 Monson, Robert C. St. Paul – Valerie Mireb 1 (Bethel, Mount Zion, Wesley) Retired Missionaries: None INCAPACITY LEAVE Trinity – Larry D. McCutcheon 10 (Canaan, Mount Vernon) (Hebron, Cross Anchor Yarborough) Moore, James Elliott Page 12, July 2013 2013 Ministerial Appointments Advocate Advocate Annual Conference Page 13, July 2013

O’Dell, Donald R. Fisher Chapel-St. Stephen – Rufus Snowden (AM) 2 St. Paul-Tillman Charge – Alvin Monroe Shiflett (OF) Walterboro Parish – Major Brown III 8 Price, Angelia P. (RA) Waters Edge – Coleman Lane Glaze 1 (346.2) 1 (Cumberland, Isaiah) Rawlinson, Carol M. Port Royal – Anne Gregory Bridgers (PL) 3 (St. Paul, Tillman) Rickenbacker, Luther H. Wesley – James Albert Ross (PL) 4 RIDGEVILLE: APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES Ropp Jr., John Wesley COTTAGEVILLE: Canaan-Sand Hill – Mack C. McClam 6 Within the Connection: Rush, James P. Cottageville Charge – Sidney W. Mims III (PL) 7 Associate Minister of Congregational Care – Paige Pearson Jr., Thomas J. – District Superintendent, Senn, C. Allen (Cottageville, Rehoboth) C. Roper (PL) 4 Walterboro District 2 Skinner Jr., Talmage B. Jericho – Jerry Harrison Jr. 6 New Hope-St. Paul Charge – Willie F. Dicks Jr. 4 Approved by United Methodist Endorsing Agency: Smith, Dwight Moody Macedonia-Wesley Grove – Paul Yvone Thomas (PL) Ridgeville Charge – H. Jack Bailey (RSY) 3 Byrd, Laura Caulder – Chaplain United States Navy, Strother, Robert G. 6 (Cypress, Mount Tabor, Trinity) Carteret Street CC2 Teague, Charles P. DORCHESTER: RUFFIN: Other Valid Ministries: Tillerson, Elbert S. (RL) Dorchester Circuit – Ronald L. Brewer (PL) 4 Adnah-Williams Charge – Frederick Ronald Davis Wolfe, Paige Matthews (PD) – Agape Hospice of White, Lloyd E. (Salem, Zion) (RSY) 2 Walterboro (1/2) 1 Wilkes, Molly F. (RA) Dorchester Parish – Mark D. Mitchell (FL) 17 Bells Parish – James Bernard Grant (PL) 7 APPOINTED TO ATTEND SCHOOL – None Wilkes Jr., Thomas B. (Oak Grove, St. John) (Red Root, Sykes Savannah) APPOINTED IN OTHER ANNUAL CONFERENCES Wofford, Robert M. EHRHARDT: Mount Pleasant – SY (Kendrick Williams) 2 Quarles, Alice J. – North Carolina Conference, Trinity, Retired Missionaries: None Ehrhardt – Lewis Christopher King III (PL) 10 Ruffin Circuit – Wayne R. Major 4 Jacksonville, NC CC 13 DIACONAL MINISTRY (Wesley Chapel, St. James, Zion, Lodge) (Bethel, St. John, Tabor) LEAVE OF ABSENCE – None Diaconal Ministers: None Ebenezer-Rizer’s Chapel – Ollie Mae Boyd (PL) 3 Ruffin Parish – Sheri Yvette Base White (PL) 1 FAMILY LEAVE – None Retired Diaconal Ministers: Friendship-St. Luke – Vivian Remona Lingard (PL) 4 (Buckhead, Hickory Hill) SABBATICAL LEAVE – None Miller, Mary Lou HAMPTON: Smoaks Circuit – Kevin Paul Stroop (OE) 2 INCAPACITY LEAVE – None DEACONESSES Estill-Black Swamp – James W. Lewis Sr. (PL) 3 (Green Pond, Little Swamp, Trinity) RETIREMENT Photo by Matt Brodie Photo by Allison Trussell Photo by Allison Trussell Active: None (Estill, Furman, Mount Carmel, St. John) Springtown – Albert Middleton 7 Retired Ministers: Richard Reams is ordained an elder. Bishop Jonathan Holston addresses the group. Fadetra Harrington is ordained an elder. Retired: Fairfax – David L. Fields (PL) 3 ST. GEORGE: Bailey, Harold Jack Miller, Mary Lou (Bellinger Chapel, Brunson) Grover Charge –John Melvin Bell( RL) 1 Barnes, Benjamin B. Hampton-Varnville Charge – Edward Rossiter Chellis 4 (Grover, Providence) Branan Jr., Roger Leo WALTERBORO DISTRICT Toby-Mount Nebo Charge – Muriel L. Scott (PL) 4 Indian Field – John Preston Grimsley 3 Cox, David W. HARLEYVILLE: New Grace – Charles K. Wilson 2 David, Frederick R. (50 charges; 99 churches) Bethel-Duncan Chapel – Robert E. Lee (AM) 17 St. George – Theron Walker Smith Jr. 1 Geddis, Roosevelt 35 commissioned, ordained at AC2013 THOMAS J. PEARSON JR., DS 2 (Bethel, Duncan Chapel) St. George Parish – Otis Scott Jr. 3 Gilliard, Arthur M. First Church – Kelly Lee Gallamore 1 WALTERBORO: Goff Jr., Mack ALLENDALE: Harleyville Parish – Davie Demetrius Sanders Jr. 4 Bethel – Ben Lincoln Barnett 1 Graham Jr., Hoyt By Jessica Connor Holston shared a story about a group of girls at a “God looks beyond our faults and sees our needs.” Allendale – SY (James Allen Vaught) 1 (Jerusalem, Morris Chapel, St. Daniel) Bethel-Red Bank Charge – Jimmy Washington (FL) 4 Thomas, J. Herbert middle school who every day would paint on heavy Always remember whose you are, he urged. (Gillette, Swallow Savannah) HILTON HEAD: Colleton Circuit – Curtis J. Young (PL) 9 Wilson, Clark Thomas (RA) Central Circuit – Joseph Abram, Jr. 12 Bluffton – Joseph A. McDonald 4 (Bethel, Heaven Gate, Trinity) Retired Missionaries: None FLORENCE – Reminding them that love is at the lipstick and then plant bright lip prints on the bath- “Your calling you need not be scared of, because (New Hope, Simpson, Union) Church of the Palms – Peter Kent Berntson (FL) 3 Hendersonville Charge – Robert Eugene Hoover DIACONAL MINISTRY crux of their call to ministry, Bishop Jonathan Holston room mirror, which created a lot of work for the love will be in the midst of your heart, and everything BEAUFORT: St. Andrew By-The-Sea – Neil M. Yongue 7 (PL) 1 Diaconal Ministers: None Beaufort Circuit –Tracy Paulette Colleton-Glover (PL) 3 Associate – Daniel Burbage 2 (Ebenezer, Ritter; Ebenezer, Yemassee; Salem) Retired Diaconal Ministers: None commissioned and ordained two associate members, school custodian. that matters will be cast out,” he said. (Bethel, John’s Chapel) RIDGELAND: New Life – Dwight Arnold Nelson 5 DEACONESSES Carteret Street – B. Susan Ulmer 8 Hardeeville-St. Luke Charge – Richard M. Smith 8 Walterboro Charge – Timothy Eugene Soucy (PL) 4 Active: None four provisional deacons, 13 provisional elders and 16 Finally, the principal decided to call the girls all Elected as associate members for service within the Associate – Andrew Roy Wolfe (PE) 2 (Hardeeville, St. Luke) (Mount Carmel, Peniel, Sandy Dam) Retired: None elders at Annual Conference June 10. together. She introduced them to the custodian, Miss annual conference were Daniel Ray Smyth and Myrna Preaching on “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” Bessie Thompson. Then she turned to the girls and Kay Westfall. Holston told the group of 35 that there has been some- said, “I wanted you all to know that this is our custo- Commissioned as provisional deacons for service Congregational development Conference organizing trip to one in this room who has loved each and every one of dian, and I want you to know she cleans these mirrors. within the conference were Adrienne Hamm Fink, them, and cared for them and prayed for them. Miss Thompson, will you please show them how?” Bernett William Mazyck, Martha Ann Nichols and at AC2013: striving for success Johannesburg, Africa University “God found something in you and called to you, Miss Thompson took her squeegee, dipped it into Margaret Hughey Wilkes. The Rev. Sara White, conference direc- noted a paperweight on her desk that reads, and you were able to hear that word and yet stepped the toilet, and she went to work and cleaned those Commissioned as provisional elders for service Registration is going on now The itinerary includes visits to tor of congregational development, gave her “What would you attempt to do if you knew out into a world you didn’t even know, and now mirrors. And from that point on, there were no more were Yon Taek Bae, Frances Sarah Connell, Jerry for a S.C. Conference-sponsored the Apartheid Museum, the Fair- office’s report, lifting up the 80 or so pos- you could not fail?” you’re here,” Holston said. lip prints. Lewis Dicks, Robert Fritzgerald Gilbert, Jonathan trip to Johannesburg and Africa field Children’s Home and the sible congregational development projects, But it takes some significant first steps, He told them love has absolutely everything to do “It seems the information delivered allowed them David Harris, Laura Allen Kerlin, Kevin Bruce Lind- University, set for Jan. 13-20, Nelson Mandela House, as well including five new shared ministry sharings, she said. She asked Bishop Jonathan Holston with their call and the work that will consume the rest to make an informed decision,” Holston said wryly. ley, Troy Lane Metzner, Blondell Stephenson Miller, 2014. as Africa University itself. 17 possible new congregation starts, 20 ex- how one puts a giraffe in the refrigerator. of their lives. That story illustrates what he hopes the new mem- Christopher Lee Thompson, James Elbert Williams The Rev. John Culp organized More information is available panded ministry possibilities, seven possible Holston said you have to take the elephant “God’s love and mercy desires something more bers, provisional and elders will remember, he said: and Joseph Alva Wilson II. the trip, and Bishop Jonathan at www.EO.travel.find_trip by cooperative parishes, etc. out first, then put the giraffe in. “Our first than just doing the right thing, being in the right place; Like the school principal, they are helping people Ordained as elders were Laura Ramsey Bratton, Holston will lead it. Dr. Jim entering AF14 for tour, 011314C This summer begins the creation of scaf- step is to open the door and let the elephant it calls us to understand God’s unconditional love for make an informed decision about their lives – by of- Donald Ralph Brown, Michelle Dellinger Cockcroft, Salley will also be going. Spaces for date, and 50255 for ID num- folding for these projects, White said. She out,” White said. each and every one of us,” Holston said. “You must fering Christ. Jason Daniel Everson, Fadetra Deonka Harrington, are available. ber. love the Lord thy God with all your heart, mind and He also reminded the group that everything points Judith Ann Knox, Alice Elaine MacKeil, David Dean soul, and to love your neighbor as yourself, and my to God. McManus Jr., Kurt Anthony McPherson, Rich- friends, that is what you’re called to you.” “It’s not our church; it’s God’s church. Not our ard Hancock Reams, Davie Demetrius Sanders Jr., You will be in places that test your love, he said, people; they are God’s people. And God loves us Frederick Johnson Shepard, Steven Paul Simoneaux but push on – keep love at the core, and everything regardless of who we are, regardless of all our spots Jr., Scott Walter Smoak, Ryan Greasor Spurrier and will work out just as God intended. and blemishes, whatever they may be,” Holston said. Calvin Burdell Washington. Thank you, retiring pastors Annual Conference celebrates 36 retirees with service, video

By Allison Trussell retiring class are to be caught and car- ried by them. FLORENCE – “Practice what you Holston closed the service, “With preach and preach what you practice,” love, we send you forth in the spirit of advised the Rev. Ed McDowell Jr. John Wesley: May the world be your “Don’t think you’re the one building parish.” the church because all ministries are Retiring pastors include Athon built upon what’s been done before,” Melton Arant Sr., John Melvin Bell, said the Rev. George Gain. Katherine Halsey Bostrom, Philip “Always keep your eye on the Loren Bostrom, T. Lee Bryant Jr., mission of the church,” said the Rev. James Bowen Carter, Philip Evan George Olive. Chandler, Joe Darsey Durham, George These are just a few of the words of Ronald Gain, Joyce Arlene Hendry, advice from the 2013 class of retiring John Emory Holler Jr., Larry Richard United Methodist clergy. The 36 men Hyder, William Simon James, Jane and women were honored June 11 in a Driver Jenkins, Roberta Cabbagestalk service at Annual Conference. Josey, Phil Clyde Lavender, Carolyn After receiving certificates and Rampley Malphrus, Edward Homer recognition from Bishop Jonathan McDowell Jr., James Rochelle McGee,

Holston, the pastors returned to their Photo by Matt Brodie John Walter Mims, Louis Marion Mims seats to watch a video of their memo- Retiring clergy Angelin Simmons passes the mantle to new elder Scott Walter Smoak. Jr., Forest Dean Mixon, James Elliott ries and advice for the conference. Moore, Steven Douglas Morgan, James “My first act of ministry was catch- Michael Morris, George Everette Olive, ing hogs!” remembered the Rev. John time drove her crazy. go by very fast. Enjoy every opportu- Carolyn McGinty Rawlinson, Jimmy Holler. He advised new pastors to visit The Rev. Joe Durham advised, nity.” Michael Ridenour, George William others with a genuine heart. “Don’t be afraid to make a mistake or At the end of the service, Simmons Scott, Angelin Jones Simmons, Mary The Rev. Angelin Simmons said laugh at yourself. I try to be who God passed the mantle from her shoulders to Ann Snowden, William Henderson while she enjoyed the various charge intended me to be.” those of the Rev. Scott Walter Smoak, Tanner Jr., Samuel Simpson Warwick, conferences she went to as a district The Rev. John Mims warned young- reminding incoming pastors that the Curtis Edsel Wells, Toni Louise White superintendent, appointment-making er pastors that “the ride is short; it’ll responsibilities and dedication of the and George Mowry Workman. Page 14, July 2013 Annual Conference Advocate Advocate Annual Conference Page 15, July 2013 Memorial service celebrates 34 souls Fowler personifies Bible’s By Jessica Connor Holston prayed. “Grant that we may women in AC2013 study walk slowly, pausing often. Let us not be By Allison Trussell seem to side with FLORENCE – With a call to rejoice, disturbed by memories that come unbid- her husband, forc- rejoice, even when you are racked with a den, but let Christ speak our unspoken FLORENCE – Dr. ing her to swear an sadness of heart that seems unbearable, words. In grief may we be gentle with Vivia Fowler creat- oath and drink a the Rev. Lillian Washington delivered a one another and recognize your presence ed vivid first-person concoction of dust, memorial service June 11 “for those of among us.” accounts of women holy water and ink us left behind.” He closed the service reminding all of the Bible in an from a scroll. Lifting up the names of 34 active gathered to hold tight to their memories Annual Conference “The law says and retired pastors, spouses and surviv- and keep their faces turned toward God. Bible study. no guilt will attach ing spouses, Washington drew from “Each day a piece of them goes with Focusing on the to my husband, but Photo by Matt Brodie Philippians 1:12-21 in her message, “A us,” Holston said. conference theme women shall hold Bishop Holston preaches opening worship to start AC2013. Celebration of Life.” Those souls celebrated at the me- of “A More Excel- the penalty of guilt. “Have you ever been to an airport morial service passed on since the last lent Way – A Story … I pray that my and watched people say goodbye?” she Annual Conference. Active ministers Holston on Christian challenge of Living, Giv- child will be a girl. asked the crowd, noting each one does who died: Jerry Mitchell James. Retired ing and Serving,” Photo by Matt Brodie She’ll be raised to it differently – some quickly, unable to Photos by Matt Brodie ministers who died are D. Anita Bozardt, for AC opening worship Fowler paid hom- Dr. Vivia Fowler leads the body in Bible be independent and stand long, drawn-out farewells; some James Monroe Bradley Jr., James Wake- age to her back- study during AC2013. faithful to God, By Jessica Connor Echoing the theme of this year’s clinging to each other until the very last field “Jim” Covington, Iverson Graham ground in campus and I will call her Annual Conference, “A More Excel- moment. “I always thought it was easier Jr., James Arthur Graham Sr., Charles ministry by weaving stories of students Deborah.” FLORENCE – Calling on South lent Way – A Story of Giving, Living for the person leaving on the plane. Ariel Graves, William Thomas Holroyd, and women in the Bible. With one of the first campus min- Carolina United Methodists to say, and Serving,” Holston said we also They’re going on to a great adventure, Edward Lawrence Mainous, Edward Each lesson began with a story of a isters, Laura Askew Hagood, as her “Yes, Lord, I will!” Bishop Jonathan are called to take up the cross in a an exciting adventure, while the ones Crosland McLeod, Thomas Leonard Departed souls student, and then Fowler brought to life guide, Fowler took on the role of Phoe- Holston delivered his first Annual more excellent way, to have what he left behind return to an empty home.” were remem- McMinn Jr., George Clay Owens, a biblical character, offering a mono- be, commended by Paul as the guardian Conference sermon at the helm of has deemed “God-sized visions.” Like travelers, the 34 departed souls bered with a Charles Gate Pfeiffer, Thomas Glenn logue of her life and community. of the Letter to the Romans (16:1-2), on the S.C. Conference. “We need to wake up and think have now begun an exciting adventure, service featur- Rogers, Mary Alice Eskew Rowell, ing preaching When called on for help by Kelly, the final day, and offered a view of the Preaching opening worship June 9 about, ‘What has God called me to Washington said – “gone to a beautiful Robert Bradford Way, George Wightman from the Rev. a former student, with her work with role of women in leadership positions. with the theme, “Are You Up to the do this day that is so big we must do word as yet unknown to us.” Lillian Wash- Whitaker Jr. and Lewe Scott Woodham. abused women, Fowler turned to the While some quote Paul as denying Challenge?” Holston said God gives it together?’” he said. Yet for those left behind, the survi- ington (left), Spouses who died are Margaret Ann fifth chapter of Numbers and imagined leadership positions to women, Phoebe us a dream that says “can do,” but 99 And we need to remember that vors, hearts are often heavy with grief a banner with Williams Dudley, Mildred Ammons slips of names, what a typical woman might go through had worked with and ministered with percent of the time, when someone even when we are tested, when we and loneliness for the one they lost. Fields, Betty Ellen Hucks Harris, Cyn- a harpist and at the hands of Jewish law. him and was a deacon in her church. says “I can’t,” they really mean “I are down in the valley, we still have While our faith teaches we shall meet thia Yvonne Reynolds and Betty Roper bagpipes. Kelly’s clients had been told by their “In this very letter to the Romans, he don’t want to.” obligations to the Lord. and know our loved ones in the here- Strother. churches to love their husbands; wives says the one who is righteous lives by “We need to say ‘I will do, I can “If you really love Jesus and are after, sometimes it is difficult to do as But Washington reminded the crowd ful,” Washington preached. “We look Surviving spouses who died are Bliss must obey husbands. Fowler portrayed faith. He appeals to all of us to present do, all things through Christ who willing to follow him, deny yourself Paul instructs the Philippians – “rejoice that Paul was no stranger to suffering. At forward to the future with our Christian Janette Stanton Amspacher, Clara Bright a woman who married a jealous man our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy strengthens me,” Holston said to and take up your cross, then you in the lord always” – when your heart is the time he wrote this letter, he was en- assurance of eternal life on the other side Cole, Thelma Lloyd DuBois, Gwen who accused her of being unfaithful. and acceptable to God. So that is what I wild applause from thousands of are ready for the challenge, because breaking. during an imprisonment that lasted two of death.” Sanders Gosnell, Carol McDaniel Hipp, Dragged before the priests, they, too, want to do.” United Methodists gathered at the there’s nothing, absolutely nothing, “Always?” Washington asked. “Paul, Susan Lallage Blanton Jones, Alma years. Even through hardship, Paul urges In his opening at the memorial Florence Civic Center to begin four that can separate you from the love do you mean that?” Combs Shepherd, Lillie Mae Shumpert, people to rejoice, remembering Christ’s service, Bishop Jonathan Holston urged days of holy conferencing. of God,” Holston said to a sea of Many times, we feel we can rejoice Mary Ellen McKee Turner and Dorothy sacrifice for us all, and the great prize those gathered to rejoice even as we Holston told the crowd this state clapping and “amens.” in the Lord when things are going well, Eileen Zoller. ahead of us in the Kingdom of God. mourn, and to fully experience our loss ‘Joyful’ Carter lifts up has much work to do as we all move “We are about to do some great when we’re not too busy, when we’re A former member of the conference, “Death is not the end of all things; as a part of life. forward together, but he is excited things, South Carolina!” Holston healthy, when our finances are in order – the Rev. Alonzo Clark Jenkins, also died It is the door that leads from this world “Help us not to hurry as we walk about the opportunities God has giv- closed his sermon. “We are going to but rejoice always? since the last annual conference. local pastors at luncheon into a world more vast and beauti- with grief; it does not help the journey,” en us and will give us in the future. do some things that will blow your By Allison Trussell “God didn’t say it would be easy “Jesus clearly states anyone mind, that will challenge you … but or fun. … Even disciples felt sorrow prepared to be his disciples must be if you are willing to go, I’ll go with AC OKs new pension plan for part-time pastors FLORENCE – Keep your joy! That at some point,” he said, noting Jesus cross-bearers,” Holston preached. you, and we’ll make a difference.” By Jessica Connor a fair thing – we can continue to take care of them but Changes in health care, too was the message the Rev. Ken Carter comforted his disciples, saying, “Ask, Sometimes in our growth as people, Opening worship also included just a little different.” The BPHB also told the body that active rates for told local pastors and associates during and you shall receive, that your joy will we leave the cross out, he said, music from The Junaluska Singers, FLORENCE – In January, part-time pastors in the S.C. The General Church will administer the plan; the health care would increase. They were slated to go their annual luncheon June 11 at Annual be full” (John 16:24). “But we are called to be more than as well as a welcome and prayer United Methodist Church will have a new pension local church would need to agree to participate. up 8 percent, Lightsey said, but they decided to raise Conference. If your joy is taken – and only you who we are; we are called to be like from the Rev. Thomas Smith and an plan. “It will protect churches and protect clergy and their the deductible from $750 to $1,000, so now rates will Carter, pastor of Mechanicsville can allow it to be taken – you become Christ. My friends, it is important for opening prayer from Conference Lay Currently, part- and full-time United Methodist pas- families,” Lightsey said of the new plan. increase just 6.5 percent. United Methodist Church, Bishopville, worn out, stressed out and mean to us to know that you and I are up for Leader Barbara Ware, who implored tors get health insurance and pension paid by their local Full-time clergy will continue on the Clergy Retire- Also, retired S.C. pastors, and the conference asked attendees to remember when they others. Joy allows you to add things to the challenge when we take up the that those gathered will do God’s church; the pastor does not have to put any money to- ment Security Program, or CRSP. However, the CRSP itself, will pay a lot less for health insurance next first received their call. your ministry. cross of Christ.” will, not their own, and embrace ward his or her pension account. But as was approved formula used to calculate pastors’ pension benefits will year under a new vendor, AmWINS, a major national “Do you remember the excitement He reminded pastors they aren’t in As we focus on growing our wisdom and discernment over the at Annual Conference, part-time pastors will contribute change slightly in 2014. The General Board is imple- provider of retiree health benefits, instead of the plan you felt when you started this journey?” the ministry to satisfy people, but to churches, we need to remember the next few days. “Let the business of at least 3 percent toward their pension beginning in menting a 20 percent reduction in the formula starting offered through the general board. he asked. glorify God. cross and our role as disciples fore- the church never be more than the 2014; the church would match this by 9 percent. in 2014. The reduction will not impact current retirees, Other conferences are moving to this company; in While ministry can be challenging “If God calls you, you can’t quit,” most, and always be willing to testify beauty of the church,” Ware prayed. “I think we’ve done the right thing for the churches only pastors who retire after Jan. 1, 2014. In 2014, the S.C., SCANA uses AmWINS for their retiree health and the people, paper and political is- Carter said. “Since you can’t quit, you and share our testimony about how “Guide us to see the oneness to and the pastor; we’ve decided to put them in a 403b formula will change to 1 percent, times the Denomi- plan. sues can frustrate you, you need to hold might as well keep joy and keep doing God has set us free. which all your people belong.” plan, which is what most of laity who work for the national Average Compensation, times the post-2014 The change will provide the same benefits for less on, he said. things.” church have,” said Herman Lightsey, chair of the S.C. years of service, plus 1.25 percent, times the DAC, money, plus allow the conference to take advantage of Conference Board of Pension and Health Benefits. “It’s times the years of service between 2007 and 2014. Medicare Part D. Bishop on ‘What Really Matters’ for AC2013 closing worship Blankenbaker lifts up hope, heart for mission at UMVIM luncheon By Jessica Connor derstand there are things important to us; we find out morning, it simmers all day long, and the seasonings there are things that really matter.” get in all the way to the bone. By Jessica Connor that not only included Blankenbaker’s she has encountered in various coun- you being here gives us hope.” FLORENCE – Jesus has given us rules for the road, But what really matters, beyond anything, is the “The life of a disciple is one who wants to live message, but also words from Derial tries around th world, such as the tiny She shared another tale of a woman in and all we need to do is follow them. Gospel. fully for the sake of Christ,” Holston said to thunder- Bringing a word Ogburn, Nick Elliott, Lee McMillan older woman in South Africa who stood war-torn Cote d’Ivoire, who was strug- That was the word from Bishop Jonathan Holston, “The good news of Jesus Christ calls us to a bet- ous applause. on hope and having and others committed to S.C. UMVIM’s inside a 500-square-foot tin shed that gling to find peace and a bright future preaching on “What Really Matters” at closing wor- ter way of life, a way that becomes a spiritual wor- He called the body to remember two critical things a heart for mission, work to be the hands and feet of God served as her community’s church. The during tremendously difficult times. ship for Annual Conference June 12. ship. Jesus calls us to live in a more excellent way,” as we continue on our journey: one, to always ask Jeanie Blankenbaker throughout the world. church had a hard-packed earth floor Another woman reached out to her in a Drawing his message from Luke 9:23-27, Holston Holston said. “My faith walk is easier when I focus ourselves if we are making disciples of Jesus Christ spoke before scores Blankenbaker talked about how when and picnic benches for pews, yet the hug and rocked her, singing boldly – and reminded the body that Jesus himself said that to be on doing God’s will and less on doing my own will, for the transformation of the world, and two, to dem- of dedicated S.C. Blankenbaker she first started coordinating mission op- worshippers were happy and the woman getting the message of hope through in his disciple, one must take up the cross and follow and less on worrying about what others think. … And onstrate that love is the most powerful thing in the United Methodist portunities, she was only going to do it was so proud of her church. Blanken- spite of her despair. Him at all costs. what really matters most is we live faithfully, worship world. Volunteers in Mission for one year; that turned into eight, and baker promised the woman she would “Today, United Methodists still con- “You’ve got to follow the road,” Holston said. faithfully, serve faithfully and give faithfully.” “The greatest gift is in your heart,” Holston closed June 11. today, she still coordinates Ubuntu for take their need back to the U.S., and the tinue to give hope,” Blankenbaker told “Sometimes we find ourselves in places we don’t Some people live their faith like a microwave – put his message, urging all to remember what is written in UMVIM members gathered for a United Methodist Women. woman told her, “It doesn’t matter if you the UMVIM crowd. “God loves you and belong. There are challenges for clergy, lay, all of us. it in, boom, done. But Holston said what we really 1 Corinthians, that while faith, hope and love abide, luncheon during Annual Conference She shared several stories of hope come back or not with volunteers. Just I love you is still good news.” And when we undertake challenges in life, we un- need is a crockpot religion, where you put it in in the “The greatest of these is love.” Page 16, July 2013 Annual Conference Advocate Advocate Annual Conference Page 17, July 2013 S.C. Hunger Project Pre-AC Golf Tourney a success

Trophies were handed out. A team from Highland Park UMC won first place.

S.C. Camps and Retreats Minis- tries held its inaugural Pre-Annual Conference Golf Tournament June 8, the day before AC2013 began. The event featured a hole-in-one contest with prizes including a

Bishop Jonathan Holston pitches in, doing his part to help Fellowship and lots of laughter, all for a good cause, were a big part of the day’s events. Volunteers packed in three shifts. church bus donated by King Cadil- fight hunger. Most youth came during the third shift. lac in Florence, a trip to Nevada, a TaylorMade driver and more. A une 11 was an exciting day for hunger relief ministries as more than silent auction rounded out the fun. 1,100 people gathered to help pack 285,000 meals at Annual Con- King Cadillac, Knight Furniture ference through the hunger-relief organization Stop Hunger Now. and IGA were the main sponsors, Volunteers packed in three shifts throughout the day, with more than Photos by Matt Brodie and proceeds from the tourna- J500 youth coming to Florence for the final shift. More than $145,000 was Arthur Spriggs, director of S.C. Camps and Retreats Ministries, takes a swing. ment will support scholarships for raised for the event, with $72,000 going to Stop Hunger Now and the rest to Asbury Hills. The district traveling be distributed among the 12 districts across South Carolina. In addition to trophy goes to the Florence District packing meals, volunteers also brought non-perishable food items, collect- Office this year, as a team from ing more than 8,000 pounds of food to donate to Harvest Hope Food Bank Highland Park UMC, Florence, and food pantries throughout the state. Here are scenes from the day of were the first place winners of the mission. tournament, with players including Mike Messier, Donald Hewitt, Mike Prosser and Lee Burnett. Here are scenes from the event.

United Methodists also donated more than 8,000 pounds of non-perishable food items dur- ing the hunger relief effort.

Where will the extra money go? The amount raised beyond the Smiling volunteers handed out water bottles and other Conference Secretary the Rev. Karen Radcliffe takes the official first swing. Photos by Matt Brodie, Allison Trussell and Ronald Friday $72,000 for Stop Hunger Now (ap- refreshments to golfers. Nearly triple the number of youth came to the Stop Hunger Now meal-packing than organiz- proximately $73,000, as the Advocate ers expected. goes to press) will be divided by 12. The district offices will be notified soon of the amount they will be able to dis- perse – roughly $6,000 per district. Groups and churches involved in hunger ministry in the district must ap- ply in writing to the district to request money. They will need to describe what they do, their annual budget and what they intend to use the money Above, Bishop Holston dons his Stop for. Those requesting money need to Hunger Now hair net onstage to show his contact their district office and find out support for the conference-wide endeavor. if they have an application form or if Below, people of all ages packed meals. they simply need to write a letter. The District Connectional Ministries is responsible for deciding how to At left, donated food is prepared for distribution. disperse the money among the appli- Above, teams have fun singing and chatting during cants. They will inform the treasurer’s the meal-packing. office of how to allocate their district’s portion, and the treasurer’s office will disperse the money. Any money not dispersed through the district process by Oct. 1 will be dispersed by the conference Board of Global Ministries through their regular hunger offering application process. This is to ensure all money is distrib- The warm day made for lots of fun and fel- Carolyn Lucas makes a putt while her Above, Florence District Superintendent the Rev. John Stop Hunger Now meal packets are a nutrious mix of rice, soy and vitamins. uted as soon as possible. lowship. partner looks on. Hipp takes aim. At right, a golfer barely misses a putt. Page 18, July 2013 Advocate Advocate Annual Conference Page 19, July 2013

Photos by Billy Robinson Rev. Melvin Bell cuts with chainsaw while Darrel Briggs The team works (ERT Trailer in foreground) at a house on Troy Thomas and Kent Blocksome nail down a tarp on the Questions and clarification on the floor. waits to help remove debris. Ebenezer Road. damaged roof of a home on Easterlin Road. UMVIM ERTs help after tornado strikes The Junaluska Singers get the crowd in full Spirit. Photos by Matt Brodie By Billy Robinson Volunteers said it was an honor and Communion during opening worship. privilege to be used as God’s hands and Three disaster response trailers and feet to help others. 13 volunteers from S.C. United Meth- Team members were Mendel Infin- odist Volunteers in Mission’s Early ger, Betty Wilson, Kent and Bettie Response Team headed to the Ebenezer Blocksome, Darrel Briggs, Frankie Road Area of Orangeburg County out Whetstone, Bruce McIntire, Billy Rob- of Bowman, in the aftermath of an EF-1 inson, the Rev. Ken Phelps, the Rev. tornado that struck on the afternoon of Melvin Bell, Jerry Harris, Troy and June 4. Renee Thomas. Beginning June 5, ERT volunteers The stage display reflects a hunger mis- The next ERT training classes are sion theme. worked side by side with homeowners June 29 in Sumter and Aug. 3 in North. and community volunteers in an effort All interested are invited to email to help the community clear debris [email protected] or call 803-539- from homes and establish access. They 8429. Carla Steel signs for the crowd. Rev. James Friday cheers and claps. also placed tarps on damaged roofs to Robinson is S.C. ERT UMVIM disas- prevent further rain damage. ter coordinator. They rescued a vehicle that was completely covered with a tree and as- sorted debris, and a rabbit whose cage Photo by Billy Staley Considering becoming was crushed under debris but emerged Team members were Mendel Infinger, Betty Wilson, Kent and Bettie Blocksome, Darrel an UMVIM ERT? unharmed and was handed to a grateful Briggs, Frankie Whetstone, Bruce McIntire, Billy Robinson, the Rev. Ken Phelps, the Rev. Learn more: [email protected] family. Melvin Bell, Jerry Harris, Renee and Troy Thomas. or call 803-539-8429 Conference Lay Leader Barbara Ware ad- Volunteers were dedicated and provisions for them to work out of one together to help a community in need. dresses the body. Dr. Charles Johnson reads God’s word. hardworking as always, but the commu- of Bowman’s fire departments. nity also helped, coming together with ERT efforts continued through June chainsaws, heavy equipment and help- 6, when Orangeburg County Emergen- ing hands to accomplish a great amount cy Services informed the team about a of good in a short period of time. home that needed to have a wide hole in County Emergency Services personnel, its roof repaired before the next tropical including fire departments and S.C. De- storm. They immediately went to fix partment of Transportation, cleared the this structure. roadways and performed assessments A total of five homes had tarps that UMVIM was able to work from. placed on their roofs before heavy Orangeburg County Emergency downpours began. Four homes required Services Director Billy Staley provided moderate to major chainsaw work to updated information, took volunteers gain access. out to help do assessments and made People of all walks of life came Page 20, July 2013 Annual Conference Advocate Advocate Annual Conference Page 21, July 2013 Dease lifts up African American Clergy Women at AC2013 AC2013 honors dozens with significant conference awards By Caitlin Russell called how her mother always left dinner wrapped in By Allison Trussell of the church by working as summer aluminum foil waiting in the oven for the children. No missionaries at various sites across FLORENCE – South Carolina’s African American matter how late they got home, there would always be FLORENCE – The S.C. Conference South Carolina. Clergy Women of The United Methodist Church something to eat. celebrated its 2013 award winners with This year’s SIM workers going to marked their 20th anniversary with an Annual Con- “What God has for you is there, too,” she said. a special breakfast ceremony on Tues- Rural Mission Inc. are Alice Griffeth, ference luncheon June 10 featuring wisdom from Dr. “What’s yours is yours, and it’s waiting wrapped in day at Annual Conference. member of Aldersgate UMC, Green- Robin Dease. aluminum foil with your name on it. Trust God and The winners were honored for their ville; Erica Lowery, member of Gray- Drawing from Ruth 1:19, Dease explained how the know that it is waiting on you.” missional, evangelical and connectional son UMC, Grayson, Ga.; and Antonio story of Ruth and Naomi is not only about women, but The Rev. Tiffany Knowlin presided over the gather- service. Martin, member of Winthrop Wesley. also about “where God is when there are no dreams, ing, which also featured a soulful performance by the The Commission on Archives and Those going to Camp Providence are visions or prophets.” Brown Chapel Praise Dancers and the powerful voice History presented awards to those Javon Etheredge, Francis Burns UMC, Dease called for women to model Naomi in of Wanda Slate. churches who had centennial or bicen- Columbia; Keifer Whitt, New Hope strengthening their bonds with each other, saying, Also at the luncheon, the women recognized their tennial celebrations in 2013. UMC, Anderson; Jennifer Hall, Cayce “With the support of a sister, a sage, a friend, Ruth ordinands, the Revs. Fadetra Harrington, Judith Knox The centennial churches are Oak UMC, Cayce; and Sean Thrasher, New Photo by Allison Trussell was able to make bold choices filled with strength.” and Blondell Miller, as well as their retirees, the Grove UMC, Swansea; Wilkes Chapel Hope UMC, Anderson. Octavio Goio, In the verse, Naomi is called Mara, a name mean- “What’s yours is yours, and it’s waiting wrapped in alumi- Revs. Angelin Simmons and Roberta Josey. Simmons UMC, Cheraw; Dunean UMC, Green- a student from the Methodist Student num foil with your name on it,” Dr. Robin Dease tells the ing bitterness. Dease explained how many people feel crowd celebrating 20 years of S.C. African American Clergy thanked God for her journey and sang a few bars of ville; and Cayce UMC, Cayce. Network at the University of South bitterness toward God for dealing harshly with them Women. “Trust God and know that it is waiting on you.” “My Way,” by Frank Sinatra. Bicentennial churches honored were Carolina, will serve at Epworth Chil- instead of trying to bloom in the situations where they Josey said she didn’t know what she would do after Nazareth UMC, Saluda; Jerusalem dren’s Home and the Washington Street have been planted. hurt you,” she told the crowd. she retired but, as Dease said, she knew God had it UMC, Elloree; Zion UMC, Prosper- Photo by Matt Brodie Soup Cellar, both in Columbia. “The God I serve has plans to prosper you, not to To emphasize the reality of God’s love, Dease re- “waiting in the oven” for her. ity; Mount Elon UMC, Jefferson; and The Hucks Award publication recipient was the Advocate and Michael Wolfe for the book “In The 2013 recipient of the Joseph B. Center UMC, Mullins. the World, Not of the World: 175 Years of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate.” Bethea Award is Willie McLaughlin. The commission also offers Herbert Affectionately known as Mr. Mac, he is AC2013 discontinues four churches, changes charge lines for others Hucks Awards for Historic Preserva- Wightman UMC, Prosperity. help all persons experience the trans- a member of Trinity UMC, Greenwood, By Allison Trussell Charge line changes charges, the Ruby Charge (Bethel, Eb- churches and Poplar and Salem forming tion and Intepretation. Local churches The 2013 Francis Asbury Award, forming love through Jesus Christ,” where he serves as superintendent of Nine of the 12 districts will experi- enezer, Friendship and Mount Croghan a charge. receiving this award were: Tabernacle given by the Division of Higher Educa- wrote Marilyn Murphy in her nomina- Sunday school and is the lay member FLORENCE – “We come to a high ence charge line changes when pastors UMCs) and Pine Grove-Epworth The Ebenezer-Wampee Charge was UMC, Lancaster; Shandon UMC, Co- tion of The United Methodist Church, tion of Adkins. She works with minis- and delegate to the Annual Conference. and holy moment,” the Rev. Tim Mc- move June 26. Charge. Bethel UMC is attached to dissolved, leaving both congregations lumbia; Pisgah UMC, Aynor; Mountain was presented to the Rev. Lane Glaze, tries involved in a woman’s prison, a He is known through his city and com- Clendon said in the resolutions before The conference took action to dis- Ebenezer UMC to form the Bethel- as station churches. View UMC, Taylors; Asbury Memo- director of Clemson Wesley and Cam- crisis center, community garden, food munity for his dedication and service. Annual Conference to discontinue four solve the Hopewell-Zion Charge in the Ebenezer Charge, and Friendship and The existing Lake View Charge was rial UMC, Columbia; and Little River pus Minister of Clemson UMC. pantry, Bible club for children and out- Despite poor eyesight, Sonya Floyd United Methodist churches. Anderson District, with both churches Mount Croghan are attached to form a dissolved, with Hopewell UMC becom- UMC, Little River. Under Glaze’s leadership, Clemson reach for the disabled. She is a natural has been the unofficial missions com- Cameron UMC, Orangeburg District; becoming station churches. charge. Pine Grove and Twitty UMCs ing a station church, and Lake View and The Individual Hucks Award was Wesley has soared from 20 participants leader with Main Street’s prayer minis- mittee at New Beginnings UMC, Old Galilee UMC, Marion District; The Gilbert Charge in the Columbia become station churches, and Epworth Union UMCs continuing as the Lake given to the Rev. Franklin Buie, a 12- to more than 200 and is in contact with try and has participated in international Boiling Springs, for the past three years Calvary UMC, Greenwood District; and District was dissolved, and both Gilbert is attached to Indian Branch to form the View Charge. year member of the commission, 6-year 750 to 800 students each year. Addi- and national mission trips. years. She is the winner of the 2013 Union UMC, Anderson District were all and Rehoboth UMCs will become sta- Indian Branch-Epworth Charge. In the Orangeburg District, the chairperson and former president of the tionally, 50-60 students regularly attend Dr. Robert J. Howell Jr., Bethany Michael C. Watson United Methodist formally recognized by the conference tion churches. Marion District also had multiple Franklin-Orange Grove Charge was Conference Historical Society. Buie is Clemson UMC Sunday services. Four- UMC, Summerville, is the clergy Volunteers in Mission Award. She has and will be discontinued as of June 26. Ebenezer and Old Johnsonville changes. The Blenheim Charge was dissolved with both churches becoming a retired member of the S.C. Annual teen former students have gone on to recipient of the Denman Award. He’s coordinated major food drives, worked Following the approval of the four UMCs dissolved their charge in the dissolved, making Parnassus a station station churches. Conference of The United Methodist seminary, with two being ordained el- been in ministry for 35 years, with the to make Imagine No Malaria, Divine resolutions, Bishop Jonathan Holston Florence District, becoming station church and attaching Manning Chapel St. Luke-Beaumont Charge in the Church. ders and one commissioned during this last 15 at Bethany, and he endeavors to Holistic Ministries and the Heifer Proj- led the conference in prayer: “We pray, churches. to Oakland to form the Oakland-Man- Spartanburg District was dissolved, The 2013 Publication Award re- annual conference. Under his direction, bring as many as possible to a closer ect successful Lenten projects, coordi- Lord, as we move into a new chapter Greenville District dissolved the ning Chapel Charge. with both churches becoming station cipient was the Advocate and Michael the ministry is heavily led by students relationship with Christ. However, his nated Christmases for 97 children and for those who were part of these con- Dunean-Brandon Charge, with both Old Galilee UMC was discontinued, churches. Wolfe for the book “In the World, Not who frequently participate in national work doesn’t stop with the laity. His food for their families, and many other gregations that they will not lose faith churches becoming station churches. leaving Shiloh and Smyrna UMCs The Foothills Charge was realigned of the World: 175 years of the South and international mission opportunities; leadership in The Wesley Fellowship, outreach efforts. She believes her heart in making and being disciples of Jesus In the Greenwood District, the remaining on the Bennettsville Parish to create the Chesnee-Fingerville Carolina United Methodist Advocate.” have renovated the Clemson Wesley a group of committed, faithful pastors, for missions comes from the support Christ. Let us remember the history of Calvary-Mount Carmel-Ninety Six Charge. Charge. That change attaches Finger- The Bishop’s Five-Star Award of Ex- building; and have benefitted in the has helped the group reclaim and renew and encouragement she has received these congregations and communities Charge was dissolved, with Calvary Both the Antioch-Poplar and Jo- ville UMC to Chesnee UMC to form cellence is given to churches who have ways of servant leadership. the Church for its future. from her church families. to which they belonged. … Bless these being discontinued and Mount Carmel seph B. Bethea-Salem charges were the new charge, with Campobello and increased membership, attendance and The Bishop’s Award of Excellence The T. Dennie Smith Scholarship The Barbara Boultinghouse Bridge- folks and these memories, we pray. becoming a station church. dissolved, with Antioch and Joseph Liberty UMCs remaining as the Foot- ministry and who have paid their ap- was established to recognize congre- was created to assist “any young man builders Award is given to the one Amen.” Hartsville District dissolved two B. Bethea UMCs becoming station hills Charge. portionments in full or by a 25 percent gations and units who extend their or woman … who intend(ed) to devote person or organization who has “built increase over the previous year. ministry to children and youth through their lives to the ministry in the Meth- bridges of understanding by promot- This year’s honorees were: Aaron scouting. odist Church.” Three of these scholar- ing the equity and inclusiveness of all AC2013 approves amendments BMCR holds worship at AC2013 Temple UMC, Bennettsville; Advent The following congregations were ships were awarded this year: Brian persons, without regard to race, gender, UMC, Simpsonville; Asbury UMC, honored this year: Stallsville UMC, Edward Preveaux, a student at Hood age, handicap or economic condition.” Black Methodists for Lynchburg; Bethel UMC, Columbia; Summerville, Girl Scout Troop 53, Theological Seminary; Timothy Soucy, This year’s recipient is Henry to UMC constitution Church Renewal gathered Bethel UMC, St. Stephens; Boone Cub Scout Pack 750 and Boy Scout also a student at Hood Theological Brunson, a member of Latta UMC, Lat- By Allison Trussell nale is that this would better accommo- after the AC2013 youth Hill UMC, Summerville; Broad Street Troop 750; Red Bank UMC, Red Bank, Seminary; and Sheri Yvette White, a ta. From a bulletin board posting asking date younger delegates and those with service June 11 for a wor- ship featuring a powerful UMC, Clinton; Chapin UMC, Chapin; Girl Scout Troop 2323, Girl Scout student at Hood Theological Seminary. for financial help, a mission was born. FLORENCE – Four amendments to the parental duties. sermon by the Rev. Calvin Cherokee Springs UMC, Spartanburg; Troop 1030, Cub Scout Pack 518 and The S.C. Conference Seminary Cooks for Christ has cooked many a constitution of The United Methodist The third amendment changes the B. Washington (left). Led Clemson UMC, Clemson; Damascus Boy Scout Troop 518; Shiloh Charge Students Scholarship was established chicken bog to raise money, first for Church were approved during the first name of Lay Speaking Ministries to by the Rev. Franklin Gar- UMC, Kershaw; First UMC, Clover; (Asbury and St. John UMCs), Lynch- in 1991 to assist students from South paper mill employees and then at vari- business session of the 2013 Annual Lay Servant Ministries. It would re- rett (bottom left), St. Paul UMC, Camden, the service First UMC, Laurens; Greater St. Paul burg, Girl Scout Troop 517; and Trinity Carolina. This year’s recipients are: ous churches and now regularly at the Conference. move the “connotation that leadership opened with Hymn 133, UMC, Cross; Hemingway First UMC, UMC, Orangeburg, Cub Scout Pack William Wallace Culp, a member of West Florence Fire Department. Cooks The amendments were approved by training is only about preaching” and “Leaning on the Everlast- Hemingway; John Wesley UMC, 190 and Boy Scout Troop 190. Lee Road UMC, Taylors, and a stu- for Christ holds seven events each year, the 2012 General Conference and must would emphasize that skills and spiritu- ing Arms.” The Rev. Annie Charleston; Lake Point UMC, Lake The Denman Evangelism Award is dent at Wesley Theological Seminary; is set up to accommodate as many as be approved by a two-thirds affirma- al gifts of the laity should be developed Sistrunk (bottom right), Oro City; Lawrence Chapel UMC, Cen- a national award given annually to one Elizabeth Adams Murray, a member of 6,500-plus plates and has raised as tive vote of the aggregate number of and enhanced. It affects Division Two, UMC, Pageland, brought Scripture from Job 1:6- tral; Lebanon UMC, Eastover; Lib- clergyperson and one layperson for Whaley Street UMC, Columbia, and a much as $51,000 in one benefit. voting annual members before they are Section VI, Paragraph 32, Article 1. 12. Washington brought a erty Chapel UMC, Spartanburg; Little “responsible evangelism in the local student at Duke Divinity School; and ratified. The results of the S.C. Annual The final amendment would give an- strong word, “Picked Out River UMC, Little River; Mauldin church.” This year, an award was also James Derrick Cattenhead, a student Conference ballots were not reported to nual conference boundary decisions to to be Picked On,” for the UMC, Mauldin; Mays UMC, Ninety given to an outstanding youth. at Gammon Theological Seminary and the conference. jurisdictional and central conferences. dozens of United Method- ists gathered. For more on Six; Mount Carmel UMC, Ninety Six; Davis Crews, a member of Advent pastor of Mount Zion UMC, Timmons- The first amendment added the word Division Two, Section VII, Paragraph BMCR’s in S.C., call 803- Mount Zion UMC, Bishopville; New UMC, returned from a national youth ville. “pray” after “it will” in Division One, 40, Article 1 is the affected portion of ADVERTISE Photos by Jessica Connor 682-3928. Life UMC, Walterboro; St. James convocation inspired and convicted to The Bessie Bellamy Parker Memo- Paragraph 6, Article VI, “acknowledg- the constitution. UMC, Myrtle Beach; Shandon UMC, feed the hungry. He became the voice rial Scholarship was created in honor ing God’s action in conferring the gift Columbia; St. John UMC, Lynchburg; and face of Stop Hunger Now, convinc- of Rev. Parker, the first woman to IN THIS of the Church by including praying for St. John UMC, Sumter; St. Luke UMC, ing the district connectional ministries be ordained in the former 1785 S.C. unity among the tasks of the Church.” Walhalla; Surfside UMC, Surfside to adopt it as its Great Day of Service. Conference. This year the award went The second amendment, affecting SPACE Beach; Tabernacle UMC, Lancaster; During the Stop Hunger Now event at to Rhonda Penelope Jones, a student Division Two, Section II, Paragraph 14, Trenton UMC, Greenwood; Trinity Annual Conference, he reached his goal at Gammon Theological Seminary and Article II. would allow General Con- [email protected] UMC, Greenwood; Trinity Conway of packing 1 million meals. member of Buckhead UMC, Ruffin. ference to meet at any time during the UMC, Conway; Wesley UMC, Harts- Kit Adkins, a member of Main Street Students in Mission encourages 803-786-9486 ext. 338 calendar year, rather than limiting it to Photo by Allison Trussell ville; Wesley UMC, Pinopolis; and UMC, Greenwood, “actively seeks to young people to learn about the mission the months of April or May. The ratio- Tellers tally results of the vote. Page 22, July 2013 Annual Conference Advocate Advocate Annual Conference Page 23, July 2013 27 local pastors licensed Twenty seven local pastors and Bette Ann Hedden, Sean Michael associate members were licensed at Kilpatrick, James Stewart McDowell, Annual Conference Monday morning, Darrell Christopher McNeill, Clar- June 10, in a time led by the Rev. Ken ence L. Mitchell, Colin Alfred Moore, Nelson, chair of the conference Board James Lawson Morgan, Briant Stan- of Ordained Ministry. ley Mungo, Lynn Griggs Pennington, In his prayer during the Order for the Michael Steven Phares, Fredericka Examining and Licensing of Local Pas- Whaley Phipps, Justin Lee Ritter, tors, Bishop Jonathan Holston prayed Edward Tyler Strange, Thomas Michael over the new local pastors that, regard- Summerlin, William Lewis Thompson, less of the situation, they will go when Steven Matthew Turner, Robert Harry they hear God’s call. Walker Jr., James Williams and Michael “May they be true to your word, true David Wood. Photos by Matt Brodie to the faith, true to the opportunities Conference Lay Leader Barbara Celebrating local church ministries! they have before them,” Holston said. Ware, Board of Ordained Ministry The pastors include Louis Randolph Chair the Rev. Ken Nelson, and Chair Photo by Allison Trussell United Methodist churches from across South Carolina gathered June 10 for the Celebrating Local Church Ministry Luncheon at Annual Conference. Conference Ashley, Kevin Richard Bishop, Gray- of the Fellowship of Local Pastors Africa University – 20 years of success Lay Leader Barbara Ware and other members of the Lay Leadership team featured son Louis Blackwell Sr., Wallace Mi- and Associate Members the Rev. John Dr. Jim Salley lifts up Africa University on the floor, reminding South Carolinians that mission and ministry partnerships of local churches across the conference. Keynote chael Burgess, Tracy Paulette Colleton- Cribb participated in the order for they were an integral part of founding the institution. Noting AU receives just 29 cents speaker was Bishop Jonathan Holston, who lifted up the good works of S.C. church- Glover, Grady William Corder, Gregory examination and licensing, which also per member of the Annual Conference each year, he showed a slideshow of many of Photo by Matt Brodie es, both small and large. “Through you God is living and breathing and doing great the university’s success stories. “Not bad for an institution that some said would never things,” Holston said to huge applause from the more than 400 people gathered for Phillip Davis, Scott Stephen Gilmer, featured the hymn, “Are Ye Able.” happen,” he said. AU marks 20 years of existence. He encouraged anyone feeling Reception honors Holston at AC2013 the luncheon. He urged all to remember we are all each other’s neighbor and to cover called to come visit AU during a conference-sponsored trip with Bishop Jonathan Bishop Jonathan Holston greets clergy and laity during a reception at Annual Confer- each other in love, help and protection. Holston in January 2014. ence hosted in honor of his family by the conference Committee on Episcopacy.

Staying healthy Advocate Editor Jessica Connor gets a free health screening during Annual Conference, doing her part to take charge of her health. Screenings were offered by the Confer- ence Benefits Office to members of the confer- ence health plan.

Cabinet ‘excited’ about God’s

Photo by Matt Brodie Photo by Allison Trussell Cynthia Williams (left), convener of Confer- Also during the Connectional Ministries work in South Carolina Photo by Allison Trussell ence Connectional Ministries, is joined report, the Rev. Emily Scales Sutton urges onstage by the Rev. Kathy James, director people to advocate for just and humane The Rev. Dickie Knight, dean of such as direct billing, but to carry out a Campaign for Children of Connectional Ministries. immigration reform. the Cabinet, joined by the Rev. Su- united ministry across the state de- Martha Thompson shares with the body the work the S.C. Conference is doing to san Leonard-Ray, lifted up at Annual signed to make better disciples for the help with the Pan-Methodist Campaign for Children in Poverty. The campaign began in 1996 when bishops from Methodist denominations – including African Method- Connectional Ministries reports Conference the new direction the S.C Kingdom. ist Episcopal, Christian Methodist Episcopal, United Methodist and others – came Conference is heading in. “We can’t be satisfied with business together in solidarity. She noted that children cannot vote and they have no money, so Applauding the leadership of Bishop as usual,” Knight told the body. “Do- if we don’t do it for them, who will? “They need someone to hold their hand, nurture on activities around the state Jonathan Holston, Knight noted that ing ministry the way we have always them, care for them,” Thompson said, lifting up this conference’s commitment to help “the Cabinet cares” – for each other, for done it is just not going to cut it, folks. and reminded all about Children’s Sabbath in October. “They need to know they are FLORENCE – “To God be the about his personal transformation from loved by God.” Some statistics: in South Carolina, 14 percent of children don’t have glory,” Conference Connectional one who had little to no involvement pastors and for all the congregations in We’ve got to seek a more excellent way access to any kind of health care; 28 percent live in extreme poverty; 48 percent of Ministries Convener Cynthia Williams in immigration advocacy to one who South Carolina. of serving, giving and living. … I am poor children are not ready to learn by age 5. told Annual Conference, lifting up the gladly shoulders the great responsibility He said clergy and laity must work excited about what God is going to do massive amount of work done by the 12 involved. together not only to combat issues, here in South Carolina.” District Connectional Ministries groups “Most of the voices at our political and the foci of the four CCM ministry table represent those with the means to areas: Advocacy, Outreach, Discipleship speak or have other people to speak for and Lay Leadership. them,” Reams said. “We’re here to talk South Carolina During the report, they called the about the reality of a Kingdom, which Rev. Emily Scales Sutton, of the implores me to find the voice being ig- Methodist Conference Refugee and Immigration Ministries nored, forgotten, and find space for that Team, to speak to the body about their voice to be heard.” Credit Union work advocating for just and humane They encouraged people to call Sen. immigration reform. The Rev. Rich- John Cornyn and urge him to support a ard Reams, also on the team, spoke pathway to citizenship for immigrants. Yes You Can Join our Credit Union! Membership is now open to all United Methodists in South Carolina. Photo by Allison Trussell Lay leadership – a team approach Conference Lay Leader Barbara Ware gives her team’s report before Annual Confer- Visit us at ence. “It’s been a year of firsts – a new bishop, new Connectional Ministries structure, new lay leaders, new conference lay leader,” she noted, explaining they uphold a team approach of getting things done that exemplifies the connectionalism of the SCMCCU.ORG UMC. Also during the report, Donald Love praised the hugely attended Local Church Mission Luncheon held June 10. “We’re seeing the fruits” of a commitment to a more P.O. Box 11335 • Columbia, SC 29211 connectional church in South Carolina. Direct: 803.691.0037 • Toll Free: 800.532.8814 Page 24, July 2013 Other News Advocate Advocate Viewpoints Page 25, July 2013 Assistant treasurer retires from ‘best job I’ve ever had’ Children in Poverty Guest Commentary By Allison Trussell She said she’ll miss the people most with S.C. UMVIM to educate people of all. “All of us had the same mindset,” about the mission work done here at For 15 years, the friendly voice of she said. “I never felt that anyone was home and abroad. by Bishop Kenneth L. Carder by the Rev. Keith D. Ray II Lee McMillan has been answering ques- pushing their way up the ladder. We Aside from staying active in UM- tions in the treasurer’s office. work together to achieve good things.” VIM and her local church, Salem UMC, What is ‘good news to the poor’? Disaffiliation? Responding to the “So many Methodists don’t know While she spent many a day making Ballentine, McMillan plans to spend her how their church works and how things debits and credits in the office, the job retirement with her five grandchildren Editor’s note: As Carder is the release to captives and comfort to the Boy Scouts of America in the church of Jesus happen,” said McMillan, assistant trea- opened up opportunities in other areas and traveling with her husband, Don. primary author of the foundation docu- brokenhearted. surer. “I’ve had fun sharing and help- of ministry. Conference Treasurer Tony Prestipi- ment of the Episcopal Initiative on Chil- But he did more! He welcomed the hurches are lining up these failure of acceptance in the family, soci- ing them understand how their money United Methodists Volunteers in no said McMillan will be missed. dren and Poverty, the S.C. Task Force outcasts into the circle of God’s love, days to distance themselves ety outside the family will be even less works. It’s not just about conference Mission became a passion for her and “She has been a great resource to on the Pan-Methodist Campaign for touched the untouchables, announced from the Boy Scouts of accepting. This also pertains to the find- expenses, but monies go to missionar- allowed her to travel abroad to Russia, me and so many in the conference,” he Children in Poverty asked him to write forgiveness to sinners, and challenged America after the organiza- ings that show suicide rates being sig- ies, to ministries around our church that Panama, Haiti, Costa Rica and Brazil. said. “I truly appreciate her work ethic, a series of articles on the biblical and those who exploited the weak and vul- Ction lifted its ban on allowing homo- nificantly lowered when there is support show God’s love to the world.” UMVIM is another one of those min- leadership, guidance and friendship for theological foundation for engagement nerable. sexual youth to join and participate in of adults, such as parents and teachers, McMillan retired from the “best job Photo by Matt Brodie istries that folks don’t hear about, she the last three years that we been able to in ministry with children and the poor. He so closely identifies with the poor its programming. Almost immediately present in response to an adolescent’s Lee McMillan is surprised with a retirement some clergy, including some in our sexual orientation. Important adult I’ve ever had” at the end of May. gift from her friends at UMVIM. said, and she’ll continue to work closely work together.” This is next in a series. and vulnerable that what is done to them is done to him. own United Methodist Church, began figures may be more highly valued hen Jesus returned to his Mvame Dandala of South Africa to move toward the removal of the than peers by adolescents; therefore, hometown synagogue, said, ”The opposite of poverty is not Boy Scouts from their congregation’s the acceptance of sexual orientation by ‘One-room Sunday school’ revitalizes program at Asbury St. James he was invited to select wealth. It is dignity.” Good news to ministries. these figures may be significantly more a reading from the scroll the poor is having enough food to live, Richard Land, former president of crucial to the mental health stability in By Caitlin Russell “We are a society that is so in tune Wof Isaiah. enough clean water to survive, enough the Southern Baptist Ethics & Religious adolescents.” to social media that when I bring up a He chose this passage: “The spirit shelter to remain dry and safe, enough Liberty Commission, told CNN that I remember the day long ago as I was CHARLESTON – Asbury St. James subject on the news or the Internet and of the Lord God is upon me, because opportunity to contribute to others and there was a “100 percent chance” that watching my son play baseball and my UMC has come up with a way to revi- apply it to Scripture, it works really the Lord anointed me; he has sent me enough dignity to be who God created there would be a resolution about disaf- cell phone rang. It was a student from a talize Sunday school for ages 4-94. well,” Shaw said. “I pray ‘Lord, put it to bring good news to the oppressed, to us to be. filiation with the Scouts at the Southern ministry I was leading at a nearby uni- Each Sunday at 9:30 a.m., they hold on mind and my heart what you want bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim Included in the good news Jesus Baptist convention and that there was a versity. He had shared with me that he the ASJ Cafe, where everyone is invited me to say,’ and that works.” liberty to the captives, and release to the brings to the poor is dignity! “100 percent chance” that “99 percent was telling his parents about his sexual to come for breakfast and to have a People hear the lesson while sit- prisoners; to proclaim the year of the Here is the Gospel, the good news! of people” would vote for it. identity. He called to tell me how they large-group Sunday school lesson. ting around tables, and Shaw promotes Lord’s favor”(61:1-2). Every human being has worth, dignity Tulsa, Okla.’s largest UMC is con- responded. He was no longer welcome The ASJ Cafe began when the Rev. group discussions, has led acting scenes Isaiah 61 comes from the period after and a rightful place at God’s table of sidering similar action: “We’re leaning into their home or family. Like the re- Timothy Shaw realized Sunday school and invites people to ask him questions the exiles returned from Babylonian abundance. We are created in the image in that direction. I don’t know exactly sponse of many Christian communities attendance had declined to just a few about the lesson. The response from the captivity. Believing God had liber- of God, redeemed in Jesus Christ and what we’ll do,” said the Rev. Tom Har- today, he was “disaffiliated,” according regular attendees. He tried many dif- congregation has been overwhelming, ated them for a purpose, they sought incorporated into God’s beloved family. rison, senior pastor of Asbury UMC. to his parents. And I received his tears ferent approaches to get more people with attendance ballooning to nearly 40 to identify and claim their mission. That is our identity! That is the So, dear churches and clergy, how that day aware of the pain their rejec- involved, but nothing was successful people regularly attending. The prophet proclaimed they had been source of our worth and dignity! Not will you respond when the question tion brought to this young man. until he came up with the ASJ Cafe last Shaw cites Jesus feeding the 5,000 divinely anointed to bring good news to our looks, our possessions, our titles, comes, “What will your church do in Perhaps the Boy Scouts of America year. as his inspiration for the project: “When the poor, mend broken hearts, free cap- our productivity, or our economic or light of the decision of the Boy Scouts is aware that one of the gifts they might Shaw presented his idea to the trust- did Jesus have his largest audience and Members of Asbury St. James UMC enjoy food and fellowship at the ASJ Café. tives and announce God’s justice. social status. to allow homosexual youth to partici- bring to adolescents who are dealing ees and asked them for $200 to cover what did he do with them? When he fed By selecting this text, Jesus declared We proclaim good news by relating pate in its programs?” with a variety of developmental and the initial cost of food. Herb Spear, a the multitudes and preached to his larg- the Spirit had anointed him to embody to those who live in poverty as beloved My answer is: “We will say, ‘Thanks social issues is a safe place to explore program and youth director with a pas- est group of people.” and fulfill the ancient prophet’s vision sons and daughters of God with inher- be to God!’” one’s identity without fear of reper- sion for cooking and presenting food, for the restored nation of Israel. ent worth and dignity. Several years ago, while writing a cussion from being open and honest. took charge of preparing breakfast. He clearly imitates the God who sees We imitate the God of the Exodus paper for a Doctor of Ministry course, Maybe the leadership knows that all Shaw said breakfast is “like going the suffering of the oppressed, hears who was incarnate in Jesus the Christ I came across a mound of literature youth need adult mentors and friends through the buffet at the Hilton Garden their cries, knows (enters into) their by loving the poor and welcoming them handed to me from a Clemson Univer- as they grow and mature, regardless of Inn every Sunday morning.” Volunteer suffering and comes to deliver (Exodus into the circle of our friendship and sity professor related to the suicide rate sexual orientation. groups rotate helping to cook breakfast, 3:7-8). He declared that his mission was concern. Therefore, faithful ministry of homosexual youth and young adults. Perhaps, too, this is what the UMC’s and money is collected in a donation to bring good news to the poor, release with the poor involves entering into The studies showed a much higher rate Book of Discipline is getting at when it bucket – whatever people are willing to captives, sight to the blind and to sustained relationships of mutuality and of suicide in the population compared says, “We implore families and church- and able to give. Since the initial $200, announce the arrival of God’s love. to their heterosexual counterparts, and es not to reject or condemn lesbian and the ministry has been self-supporting justice. Sixty-two years ago a shy 10-year- much of the material suggested that the gay members and friends. We commit and no additional church money has What is good news to the poor? old son of Appalachian tenant farmers difference could be explained by the ourselves to be in ministry for and with been necessary for food. Good news is to have enough food to and mill strolled hesitantly into a small lack of support from influential adults. all persons.” After people enjoy a spread that eat, adequate shelter from the heat and rural Methodist Church. He was met at I recently read a similar finding in a I am blessed to serve in a place includes fresh fruit, Charleston grits, cold, access to medical care, resources the entrance in the children’s Sunday published paper by Arianna Schaaff, where the youth ministry is vibrant and oatmeal, an omelet bar, cereal, yogurt to educate the kids, opportunities to school classroom by Mrs. Mahoney, a student at the University of New the people are warm and accepting. and doughnuts, Shaw presents a lesson contribute to society. These are basic who welcomed him with a gentle hug. Hampshire, wherein she states clearly Indeed, one of the questions we ask per- that he describes as “one-room Sunday requirements for surviving and flourish- The lesson that day was the story of the the challenges of homosexual youth sons in our baptismal liturgy is: “Will school.” In the pulpit, Shaw preaches ing. Good Shepherd who searches for lost and young adults when it comes to you serve as Christ’s representative in from the lectionary, but at the ASJ Cafe, Let us remember that for millions of lambs and welcomes them home. Then increased rates of suicide: the world?” “We will,” we say so easily. he focuses on what is happening in the While sitting around festive tables, people our sisters and brothers, the promise of she said, “God is like that shepherd who “Rejection from parents is signifi- Perhaps it’s time for us to remember world that week and how to respond to discuss the Sunday school topics for the the bare necessities for survival would always searches for us and cares for cantly tied with increased suicide rates our baptisms and offer the same care day. it in a Christian way. be welcomed good news! us.” among homosexual adolescents. … for our youth and young adults as we There are other components of good It was the first time the youngster This may be so influential on the mental see in the divine embrace of Jesus. The news to the poor that Jesus brings and who bore the scars of poverty had heard health of adolescents because parents Boy Scouts are inviting us to welcome Your help is needed as calls us to deliver. Mother Teresa, who that God was like a shepherd who are expected to express unconditional all of our youth into the embrace of our a volunteer or member. spent her life among the poor of Cal- seeks and welcomes lost lambs; and it love, despite the actions of the child. churches. And I can only say: Thanks Contact us today. cutta, stated: changed his life. If an adolescent reveals his/her sexual be to God. www.alstonwilkessociety.org “We think sometimes that poverty I was that shy lad! I heard the good orientation to a parent and is rejected, Ray is senior pastor at Clemson (803) 799-2490 is only being hungry, naked and home- news to the poor and began the journey they may feel as though because of this UMC, Clemson. 3519 Medical Drive, Rebuilding Lives for a Safer Community less. The poverty of being unwanted, toward a sense of dignity, self-worth Columbia, SC 29203 unloved and uncared for is the great- and devotion to the Good Shepherd. est poverty. There is a terrible hunger Mrs. Mahoney was not God, but she I came to the Alston Wilkes as a resident of their adult re-entry for love. We must have the courage to was a pretty good imitation. program. It was there that case managers worked intently recognize it. The poor you may have ADVERTISE IN THIS SPACE! with me to become self-sufficient and obtain independent right in your own family. Find them. Carder is a retired United Method- living. Through their efforts and from the many programs they Love them.” ist bishop now living in South Carolina [email protected] offered, I was able to obtain a great job and an awesome Jesus brought good news to the and a member of the S.C. Task Force home. I am grateful for the second chance Alston Wilkes has poor in the form of food to the hungry, on the Pan-Methodist Campaign for 88-678-6272, ext. 338 given me in rebuilding my life. – Anthony Bryant healing for the sick, sight to the blind, Children in Poverty. Page 26, July 2013 Obituaries Advocate Advocate Other News Page 27, July 2013

Earl Wofford burg Regional Home Health Services, leois Ministry, 29 Eula St., Greenville, 120 Heywood Ave., Spartanburg, SC Obituary Policy SC 29609 designated for Spirited Heart Lake Junaluska gearing up Brewington Sr. The Advocate prints death notices of Resource Center GREENWOOD – Earl Wofford Brew- 29303. Ministry for children with heart prob- Mr. Garner is survived by his wife, clergy and their immediate families lems; or to Varnville UMC, P.O. Box ington Sr., father of the Rev. Mat Brew- and laypersons who have served on for centennial celebrations Teresa Allison Garner, his mother and conference boards and agencies or 45, Hampton, SC 29924. ington, died June 11, 2013. Rev. Brew- by Betty Stalnaker LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. – On June United Methodist retreat center and ington is the pastor of Mount Pleasant sister. who work for the S.C. Conference of Mrs. Ware is survived by her three The United Methodist Church. daughters and son. 25, 1913, after five years of planning residential community. Today, Lake United Methodist Church, Pomaria. and development, Lake Junaluska Junaluska looks to a future as a place A graveside service was held June 12 Frances Inabinet The Storyteller Cafe 29330. hosted its first events. At the time, Lake of Christian hospitality, where lives are at Edgewood Cemetery. Harvey McLeod “Ponnie” Holman Mr. Pridgeon is survived by his wife, hen the lights are out and scary encounter with lions. It teaches Junaluska consisted of Stuart Audito- transformed. Memorials may be made to the “Mr. ISLE OF PALMS – Frances Inabinet Macie Meredith Pridgeon, two daugh- Williamson Sr. the door is locked, the us to trust in God no matter what, even rium, which was an open-air structure Lake Junaluska will be hosting a se- B” Automotive Technician Scholarship, “Ponnie” Holman, mother of Paula Ca- NORWAY – Harvey McLeod Wil- ters and two stepdaughters. toys come alive at the when things get tough and the right de- with a dirt-covered floor, a man-made ries of signature centennial events June The Piedmont Technical College Foun- nine and grandmother of the Rev. Laura liamson Sr., father of the Rev. David Storyteller Cafe! cision is not the popular decision. Join lake and a small number of homes. 30-July 7. Full information about the dation, P.O. Box 1467, Greenwood, SC Canine, died June 6, 2013. Mrs. Canine Williamson, died May 19, 2013. Rev. Lillian McDonald Sweat WThis DVD series for children brings Pete and the gang as they discover bibli- Over the past 100 years, Lake Ju- event lineup can be found at www.lake- 29648-1467. is the wife of the Rev. David Canine, Williamson is a retired member of the the Bible to life in a new, engaging way cal truths in a most unusual manner! naluska has grown into a much beloved junaluska.com/100 or 800-222-4930. Mr. Brewington is survived by his pastor of Nazareth United Methodist DAYTONA BEACH, Fla. – Lillian S.C. Annual Conference of The United as the toys re-enact treasured stories The Storyteller Cafe: The Rebel two sons. Church, Olanta. Rev. Laura Canine is McDonald Sweat, mother of the Rev. Methodist Church. from the Bible. If you’ve been looking (DVD1135C): In “The Rebel,” a daring the pastor of Trinity UMC, Fountain Keith Sweat, died May 27, 2013. Rev. A memorial service was held May Native American Ministries News for just the right DVD series for your rescue goes underway after one of the Inn. Sweat is the pastor of Rehoboth United 23 at St. John’s UMC, with burial in Jerry Leroy Caskey Methodist Church, Greenwood. children this summer, they will not only toys falls into the Cafe fish tank! After LANCASTER – Jerry Leroy Caskey, Funeral services were held June 8 at Norway Cemetery. A memorial service was held May 31 be delighted by the friends at the cafe, all the toys are safe and dry, they all All about the Native American Committee father of Amy Cooley, died May 22, First UMC – Isle of Palms. Memorials may be made to St. with burial June 1 in Volusia Memorial but also enriched by their message. settle in for the Bible story of Jonah and 2013. Mrs. Cooley is the wife of the Memorials may be made to First John’s UMC Cemetery Fund, 217 St. The Native American Committee, of justice and ministry needs, NAC Park, Ormond Beach. The Storyteller Cafe Series the whale. Children will learn how dis- Rev. Kevin Cooley, pastor of Philadel- UMC – Isle of Palms, 12 21st Ave., Isle John Ave., Noway, SC 29113. established in 1992, is largely composed strives to keep United Methodists aware Memorials may be made to the (DVD1131C=) 9 DVDs/30 min. each. obedience to God can have very serious phia United Methodist Church, Fort of Palms, SC 29451. Mr. Williamson is survived by his of American Indian people, with direct of the news relating to our Native broth- Wounded Warrior Project, www.wound- Join Pete the WWII pilot, Tex the consequences. Join Pete and the gang as Mill. Mrs. Holman is survived by her two two sons. contact and input from many of the ers and sisters. edwarriorproject.org/donate. lasso-wielding yo-yo, Gallop the happy- they dive into biblical truths in a most Funeral services were held May 25 at daughters. tribes in South Carolina. In addition to the monthly Native Mrs. Sweat is survived by her three go-lucky horse, Tina the tutu-wearing unusual manner. Grace UMC. The committee is supportive of and American Newsletter, NAC dissemi- sons and daughter. elephant and a myriad of other fun The Storyteller Cafe: The Secret Plan an advocate for the tribes. Its mission is nates timely information to district su- Walter Lamar Pridgeon Did you know that you characters in this animated Bible story (DVD1136C): “The Secret Plan” is a SPARTANBURG – Walter Lamar Prid- Bess Dowling Ware “to promote inclusion of Native Ameri- perintendents, local pastors and Native Jack Turner Garner can make a gift and re- series for ages 4-12. Age: PeE. thrilling show about the children of Is- UNION – Jack Turner Garner, son of geon, father of the Rev. Amie Shaver, VARNVILLE – Bess Dowling Ware, The Storyteller Cafe: Beyond the rael’s journey to the Promised Land and cans in the S.C. Conference; explore and American Representatives via an email Louise Kelly Garner Cribb and the late died May 22, 2013. Rev. Shaver is the mother of Barbara Ware, died May 29, ceive guaranteed income Manger (DVD1131C): “Beyond the the fall of Jericho. It reminds us of the implement awareness of and apprecia- group. In recent months, that email Jack G. Garner, died May 31, 2013. pastor of Whitmire-Carlisle Charge, 2013. Mrs. Ware is the conference lay for life? Manger” is a thrilling show about Jesus’ importance of trusting in God and not in tion for Native American presence, his- group has provided information about Mrs. Cribb is the wife of the Rev. John Whitmire. leader of the South Carolina Annual birth, life and His victory on the cross. our own strength. tory, traditions and spirituality; promote registration for Native American Rep- Cribb, a retired member of the S.C. An- Funeral services were held May 25 at Conference of The United Methodist That’s exactly what dozens It teaches us that there is so much more The Storyteller Cafe: The Storm Native American Ministries Sunday and resentative Training, the conference of nual Conference of The United Method- Salem United Methodist Church, Cow- Church. of people have done since 1982 to Easter than just eggs and bunnies and (DVD1137C): “The Storm” is a delight- dispense the funds contributed on Na- the Southeastern Jurisdictional Associa- ist Church serving Johnsonville UMC. pens, with burial in Greenlawn Memo- Funeral services were held June 1 through Charitable Gift An- explains how they became a part of the ful show about Noah’s construction of tive American Ministries Sunday.” tion for Native American Ministries at A memorial service will be held at a rial Gardens. at Varnville UMC, with burial in the nuities with the South Carolina celebration. Jesus died and rose again the Ark and the promise that God made One of the functions of the NAC of Lake Junaluska, electronic delivery of later date. Memorials may be made to Salem Brunson Cemetery, Brunson. United Methodist Foundation. for all of us! to all of us in the form of a rainbow. the S.C. Conference is to communicate the Native American Newsletter and the Memorials may be made to Spartan- UMC, 5425 N. Main St., Cowpens, SC Memorials may be made to the Te- The Storyteller Cafe: The Battle The Storyteller Cafe: Seven Baths current news and information concern- scheduling of Native American Minis- Current One-Life Rates (DVD1132C): In “The Battle,” when a (DVD1138C): “Seven Baths” is an ing Native Americans. Whether the tries Sunday in local churches. For Selected Ages* box marked “Dangerous” shows up on exciting show about the importance news is about the history and activities Any United Methodist can submit the counter at the cafe, the curious toys and power of following God’s direc- of the almost 30 tribes in South Caro- news items or request a subscription to Age 60 4.4% quickly regret opening the box, as the tion. Naaman, though a great warrior, lina, the celebration of Native American the NAC newsletter by contacting the Age 65 4.7% “Danger” part of “Dangerous” turns out found himself fighting for his life as Ministries Sunday, the American Indian coordinator, Sandy Nesbit, at edcons@ Age 70 5.1% to be an angry, giant gorilla! The Bible he searched for a cure for his illness. Scouting Association or the many issues bellsouth.net. Age 75 5.8% story of David and Goliath unfolds, He discovered that by listening to God Age 80 6.8% demonstrating that even the most un- amazing things happen, including Age 85 7.8% likely heroes can be mighty conquerors miracles! with God’s help. Join Tex as he trades in The Storyteller Cafe: Selfish Brother Two-Life Rates Available his lasso for a slingshot to go up against (DVD1139C): “Selfish Brother” is a Read it. Upon Request a giant! humorous story about a son’s desire for * Rates are subject to change. The Storyteller Cafe: The Gift money, freedom and adventure. When (DVD1133C): It’s Christmas at the Sto- given everything he wants, he discovers Gift Annuities with the Founda- ryteller Cafe! Come meet the lively and that faithful friends are hard to find and Use it. tion provide guaranteed lifetime lovable toys and play along with them that home was not so bad after all. He income at an attractive rate, – but shh! Don’t wake the Baby Jesus! learns that a father’s love never fails. immediate tax benefits for your “The Gift” is a wonderful reminder to The S.C. Conference Resource charitable contribution, and a celebrate the life of Christ all year long, Center is your connection to VHS tapes, way to leave a legacy for the not just at Christmas. DVDs and seasonal musicals. We are Connect. future. The Storyteller Cafe: The Lion’s here to serve your church family. To $1 ------Den (DVD1134C): “The Lion’s Den” reserve resources, call 888-678-6272 or Per Member The South Carolina is a thrilling show about Daniel and his visit www.umcsc.org/resourcecenter. United Methodist Foundation, Inc. P. O. Box 5087 That’s how little it costs Columbia, SC 29250-5087

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by the Rev. Michael Henderson by the Rev. Len Ripley by Dr. John Evans by Caitlin Russell Hunger is not the problem Do kindness and love justice? You can make a difference Stop Hunger Now and world hunger know I’m going to get into trouble time. But it changes the future. “He has told you, O mortal, what is mother was one of them. She was a iolence in America is part of blame, label and scapegoat escalate the ith music playing and effect on soil erosion. Soil erosion in saying this, and will probably be There are a few situations where good; and what does the Lord require very young Jewish girl by the name of a worldwide problem that cycle of violence? What role do we play people talking, laughing Haiti has been identified as one of the misunderstood by a lot of people, people are overfed and undernourished. of you but to do justice, and to love Cecile Lehman who emigrated from raises questions about our as American citizens in violence? If we and calling out to each primary causes of many of Haiti’s agri- but hunger is not the problem. At This, too, is an educational issue. The kindness and to walk humbly with your Hamburg, Germany, and ended up in beliefs and challenges our are not involved in the de-escalation other, it’s a stark contrast cultural and economic difficulties. Ileast not in our country, and maybe not April 9 issue of The State newspaper God?” (Micah 6:8) Charleston. She married a Methodist, Videas. of violence, are we not playing a role Wto the quiet of business sessions going Haiti, which was agriculturally inde- in the world. (Columbia) had an article, “Eating and the rest is history! Those immi- Bloodshed, hatred and saber-rattling in its continuing existence? How can on in the rest of the building. pendent not so long ago, now imports Maybe. Don’t get me wrong; I fully Healthy on a Food Stamp Budget.” A y friend, the late Rev. grants, my forebearer included, were are widespread in more than 200 coun- one person respond to the problem of The atmosphere is alive, filled with over half of the food consumed in the support all our hunger ministries. Food nutritionist walked through a local gro- Clark Jenkins, preached a looking for freedom and a better life in tries, including Afghanistan, Iraq, Israel, violence without becoming part of the joy, as everyone is united for a common country. Over two-thirds of Haiti’s popu- banks and food pantries, soup kitchens, cery store and was able to buy healthy sermon on this text many a land that could give them just that. Libya, Pakistan and Syria. continuing vicious cycle? One way is goal: ending hunger. lation is involved in agricultural produc- meals served to the needy. I give, urge food for a family of four for $118. The years ago at the Annual They weren’t looking for a handout. With the exception of the Civil War, to become involved in movements like Every so often, someone rings the tion, but farmers can’t afford the higher- my church to give and get up early to go maximum weekly benefit for a family MConference of S.C. United Methodists. They were willing to work. They were Americans have not experienced war in “Moms Demand Action.” They have a gong and an announcement is made – yield crops or mechanical processing to a parking lot in a poor section of town of four is $135. Of course, you have to His theme was how we often transpose willing to sacrifice. our homeland. We think of ourselves as commonsense approach that promotes we’ve packed 115,000 meals so far! We equipment necessary to compete with once a month to give a hot breakfast to cook, and that takes time and planning, the text to read something like this: “but Today, there is another group of a “peaceful nation.” Extreme violence responsible gun laws. all cheer, then resume our process: first imported food. They have been reduced 200 people (the number is growing). and for some hungry families, that is to do kindness and love justice, instead immigrants who wish for some of the happens in other places, not here. And As I have reflected on the Sandy the vitamin packet, then the soy and to a near-subsistence lifestyle that is the But hunger is not the problem. At hard. But that is where being a part of a of doing justice and loving kindness!” same things that drew so many to our yet, recently we have experienced un- Hook atrocity, it has had a significant vegetables, and finally the rice. Scoop by poverty cycle at its worst. least, not in most cases. Hunger is a church that cares for each other, as well I have never forgotten his sermon. shores in past centuries. precedented acts of homegrown violence impact on my worldview and the role I scoop, we package meals to be shipped In order to truly help countries like symptom, not the problem. Just like sore as for those outside the church, can help. He was right! It’s so much easier to However, they have not been af- in the United States. play in violence. It is clear to me: If I am around the globe. Haiti, we need to do more than sim- throat, high fever and aching muscles What would it be like if this prob- practice doing kindness and loving jus- forded the same opportunities since our The Boston Marathon bombings not part of the solution then I become At the Stop Hunger Now event at ply send them food. Well-rounded aid are symptoms of the flu, they are not lem were addressed by members of a tice than the way the prophet Micah in- borders were closed shortly after World and multiple shootings include Colo- part of the problem. As I rethink my part Annual Conference, we packed 285,000 programs allow for the many different the problem. The flu is. And hunger is a local church, helping those in need? Of tended it to be practiced. For me, that’s War I and only certain privileged and rado, Florida, Connecticut and New in the use of guns as tools and symbols, meals. If my math is correct, that means issues surrounding poverty to be ad- symptom of a greater problem. course, it’s still easier if we just give still the struggle the church wrestles sponsored persons were allowed to en- York. These assaults have shaken up I have been compelled to ask myself: that we fed 260 people three meals a dressed. One of the best ways in which Think of it this way. If hunger were someone a box of food. with. I think it affects everything we ter the United States. They now live in our reality. If we examine our national tools and symbols of what? Can tools day for a year. Not bad for a day’s work. Stop Hunger Now is working toward the real problem, and we gave people And I hate to mention this one, be- do as Christians and as a community the shadows in our communities. They consciousness, we must admit we are and symbols be reinterpreted through It’s great to be able to take a few hours this goal is by implementing school enough food to last a month or two and cause this is the only thing some people of faith when we get it wrong. Sure, I are working for little or nothing. They among the most violent societies in the imaginative compassion? out of the day, pour rice into plastic feeding programs as a means for food they never showed up again, we would will focus on. But it must be dealt with. appreciate the acts of mercy the local are supporting their families on much world. There is not room for us to boost To create a more compassionate bags while chatting with some wonder- distribution. Nearly half of Haiti’s have solved the problem. But people There are some people who will not church performs on a regular basis. less than any of us would ever or claim we are a peaceful nation. world, we must think outside the box, ful people, and go home knowing that population cannot read or write, but the show up, over and over again. We feed work, whose job is to go from one place They are indeed marvelous and needed. imagine. Dwight D. Eisenhower spoke to our reconsider what non-violence means and we’ve helped put a dent in world hunger. promise of a nutritious hot meal encour- the hungry people. They are satisfied, at to another finding someone else to take Yet as a church we are so, so hesitant Yet they aren’t complaining. They national conscience: “Every gun that is find new ways to meet today’s challeng- Unfortunately, our meals are not ages parents to send their children to least for a while, but then show up again care of their symptoms. Paying utility to get involved in the difficult justice are a happy and family oriented group fired signifies in the final sense a theft es. Faith groups and law enforcement enough. Haiti, where these meals are school, giving them the hope of a better needing food. and rent bills, food and clothing, gas issues that face our church, nation and of undocumented workers who wish for from those who hunger and are not fed, agencies across the country are joining destined, has 6.7 million people who are future through education. The problem may be economic. and transportation issues. Once again, the world. three things: To be allowed to stay here, those who are cold and not clothed.” hands to promote volunteer weapons considered food insecure. There is no perfect program for People may not have jobs, or the ones hunger is not the issue. It is the symp- For some reason I can’t explain, I work and someday earn their citizen- “We the people” are part of a democ- give-back or buy-back programs. The Approximately two-thirds of Haiti’s ending hunger, but Stop Hunger Now they have do not pay enough to help tom. Responsibility, or lack thereof, is have been doing a lot of reading and ship. racy that is a nonstop flow of fears and collection of weapons are then smelted population does not have formal jobs, provides opportunities for us to under- them maintain a “minimally adequate” the problem. And while some people study about immigration and, in par- I think Sen. Lindsey Graham under- contradictions. We are bogged down down and made into works of art or and 80 percent of the population lives stand the true extent of hunger in our lifestyle (to use a phrase loved in South have been pressed down so hard that ticular, Ellis Island. The History Chan- stands this. And, even though I don’t in multiple dilemmas that do not yield tools. below the poverty line. Rice is one of world and for us to make a difference in Carolina). Or it could be economic they have given up, the answer comes nel did a 153-minute vignette called agree with all of his proposed Immigra- to conventional logic. The question is, There are many ways you can use Haiti’s traditional agriculture exports, helping to end it. in that people are not taught how to in helping them to take responsibility, “Ellis Island.” I found it insightful and tion Reform Legislation, at least he is “Can we solve the problems we have your imagination to make a difference in yet Haitian-grown rice has drastically Participating in Stop Hunger Now manage their money, so they may have even standing with them until they can moving. I have also watched “Island of offering something. It’s a start. Under created at the same level of thinking we reducing violence. Give it some thought decreased in production because of the inspired me to find out more about the enough money but not be planning well. stand on their own. And for those who Hope, Island of Tears.” his plan, it will be a difficult journey, had when we created them?” and get involved – in your schools, pub- introduction of cheaply imported rice situation in countries like Haiti. Events Economic development and education absolutely refuse to take responsibility, I have read untold articles that tell and much will be required to fulfill this Hard problems drive us to think lic forums and in the church and society from the United States. like this should cause us to question the are the answers to these problems. Both they must face the consequences of their stories of fear, bravery and finally free- new path to citizenship. We need to deeper about new solutions. Questions committee. You can initiate cultural The struggle of Haitian farmers to impact that our efforts have on these are sorely needed in South Carolina, and actions. Children and the elderly, who dom. I have been drawn to the stories pray for Sen. Graham and his vision. like, how do my present ideas of free- changes through discussion and action. compete with subsidized U.S. rice dur- countries so that we can ensure it is the – I would guess – in most of our country. are usually part of these families, too, of the hundreds of thousands of immi- We also need to read and embrace dom, liberty, justice, rights and democ- You can make a difference. ing the past 20 or 30 years has led to best way to help those who need it most. I rode through a “ghost town” near need to be protected. But people find grants who streamed into this country the prophet Micah’s words, and this racy contribute to the systemic nature Evans is a retired United Methodist an increase in unsustainable cultivation Russell is the Advocate’s editorial Florence recently. Buildings are boarded self-worth when they are able to take during the late 19th and early 20th time, get it right. of violence? How does our tendency to pastor living in Columbia. techniques, which has had a catastrophic intern. up, the streets are terrible and there are responsibility for their life. centuries. Did you know that about half And oh yes, thank you, Clark Jenkins only a few stores and no industry. There Jesus talks about the kingdom in of the present population of the U.S. is for once again reminding me of what are lots of people still living in the area, Matthew 25 and says, “I was hungry and descendant of those who entered this is required of each and every one of us UMWomen: Turning faith, hope, love into action folks who cannot afford to move, but you gave me something to eat.” Yet, in country through New York Harbor and who call ourselves “Christian.” also can’t afford to stay and eat. They John 6 when he feeds the 5,000, the next Ellis Island? Ripley is pastor of Midland Park are trapped. Many of them are hungry. day when they coming looking for him My own great, great, great-grand- UMC, North Charleston. by Maureen Thomas Food will help for a day. Economic de- and another free meal, he does not feed velopment will help for generations. them. Instead he talks about feeding on Where does the money go? People have often stopped by my him, the “bread of life.” The response? ithin the purpose of the United Method- to UMW’s national office for mission with women, • Deaconesses and regional missionaries (An oppor- office looking for help with food. I have Most of the people leave. eBook now available! ist Women are four mission foci: to be children and youth. The conference retains a desig- tunity for laity in The United Methodist Church who sat with many and talked about their in- I wonder if a modern-day translation a community of women, to know God, nated percent to be used for district and conference ad- feel called by God to a full-time vocation in service come and expenditures. An overwhelm- of Matthew 25 would read, “I was hun- to develop a creative and supportive ministration and membership development expenses. with those who are marginalized and in need in the ing number have become trapped in gry, and you helped to develop work for only $7.99 Wfellowship and “to expand concepts of mission through Funds from the members support programs and world today, to be part of a supportive community in title-loan prison, always going from one me so that I could eat, feed my family participation in the global ministries of the church.” projects, such as the following: connection with the UMC) place to another, putting off the inevita- and live decently.” The heart of our participation is in our giving. And • National and international institutions (Killing- • Response Magazine (the voice of women in mis- ble payment of outrageous interest. They All this is not to say there are not peo- that giving is above and beyond what we give to our sworth, Spartanburg Methodist College, Bethlehem sion) have mortgaged their future on credit ple who are in need. And it is definitely local churches. Center-Spartanburg and Rural Mission Inc. are nation- • UMWOnline cards, and rarely ask the question “can I not to say that we should stop feeding Many often ask, “Just where does the money go?” al institutions located in South Carolina) afford this?” but ask the question “what the hungry. There are times when people The mission journey begins at the local unit/church, • Programs (reading, deaconess and home missioner In addition to the national and international pro- are the payments?” need help getting through a rough time. when individual members make a Pledge to Mission. ministry (UMW Methodist Women has been challeng- grams and institutions, the S.C. Conference UMW sup- These are good people, children of Medical emergencies occur, job loss Order hard copy ($25) The member’s Pledge to Mission is the amount a ing social injustice for more than 140 years) ports the Wallace Family Life Center and the Columbia God, who have not been taught how to happens, other unexpected events cause and eBook ($7.99) woman gives to her local unit to help fulfill the UMW • Membership support and leadership training (of- Bethlehem Community Center. deal with their money. Budgets, they us to need help. purpose. There are no requirements as to the amount ficers are expected to participate in training for their Funding is vital to our organization. It’s what pro- think, are for someone who has more But until we address the real prob- online at a member pledges. From the individual pledges, the specific responsibilities; it is vital for the growth of the vides a cow bank in Nicaragua that empowers women money than they do. We usually give lems, until we ask, “Why do we have AdvocateSC.org local units determine what is budgeted for Pledge to individual and the organization) and feeds their families. It provides hope to prevent them food, because it is easier than hungry people?” and follow it up with, or call Mission, local mission and administration and develop- • Education and spiritual growth (UMW equips domestic violence. It helps UMW as individuals trying to help them learn to budget and “What can we do about that and when ment. The local unit forwards its Pledge to Mission to members for reflection and informed action through recognize their calling through education and spiritual live within their means, or increase will we do it?” we will never stop hun- 888-678-6272x335 the district organization of UMW. The district pledge is education opportunities and resources, such as Mission growth. their means. “Here’s a box of food. God ger. Not now. Not ever. then based on the total pledged from the local units. u (formerly School of Christian Mission) Where does the money go? Around the world and bless you. We’ll see you again in a few Henderson is pastor of Highland Once the district pledges are tallied, the conference • The Reading Program (a study opportunity that back again, serving the least of these. months.” Education is hard. It takes Park UMC, Florence. UMW prepares a budget and pledges a specific amount should lead to action) Thomas is treasurer of the conference UMW. Page 30, July 2013 Health & Fitness Advocate Advocate History Page 31, July 2013 To Your Health Guest Commentary From the Archives Methodism Revisited

by the Rev. Sandra King by the Rev. David L. Anderson by Dr. Phillip Stone, conference archivist by the Rev. Bob Huggins Storm disaster kits The Journey: Notes from along the way William Capers: S.C. Bishop ‘Burly’ Jesse Lee ornadoes and floods and fruit and meat/tuna; made the announcement that I setting goals. This means that goals leading clergyman in the S.C. n the journal and book, “Memoir in his new home in North Carolina. It hurricanes, oh my! This has • Baby food, formula and diapers if would attend the Clergy Wellness should be Specific, Measurable, At- Conference in the early 19th of Rev Jesse Lee,” Lee writes, was said he was profoundly humbled certainly been an active year you have small children; Institute at the Clergy Gather- tainable, (have a) Reward and (have a) century, William Capers was “‘May we hold a service in your by the new responsibility that accompa- when it comes to weather, and • One lightweight blanket or survival ing and made a commitment to Time frame. After all, it took me a long one of the leading voices in house? We were told you might let nied ministry and preaching the Gos- Tmany of us are unprepared if a natural blanket per person; Iimprove myself. time to get like this, so I cannot magi- Athe division of the Methodist Church in Ius meet here.’ pel. During his early ministry he met disaster were to happen where we live. • Plastic gloves, garbage bags and I asked the clergy gathered there to cally turn into a body Adonis overnight. 1844. His life tells us something of the “Burly Jesse Lee was as polite as Francis Asbury. Asbury immediately Tornado season generally lasts closure ties for bags; be my accountability group and support We found out we were going to have hardships and struggles of the itinerant could be. The woman in the doorway saw the potential and passion that Lee through June in South Carolina, and • Toilet tissue, antiseptic wipes, hand me. I realized I was the chief sinner to keep food journals or diaries. Man, I life before the Civil War. shook her head. ‘My husband isn’t at possessed. hurricane season continues until the end sanitizer, assorted Band-Aids, gauze among them with all my physical is- didn’t have time to do this project! We Born in St. Thomas Parish in 1790, home right now, but before he left, he On Feb. 17, 1785 while travel- of November, but weather emergen- pads, medical tape, scissors, tweezers; sues. I am obese and out of shape and had to weigh every day and record it. I Capers grew up in Georgetown. His said he didn’t want you preaching in ing with Asbury to Charleston, South cies don’t always follow the expected • Antibiotic cream, non-aspirin pain need to practice better self-care. So I didn’t even want to do that! We had to mother and father were descended from our home.’ Lee replied, ‘Well, I’d rather Carolina. Francis Asbury wrote in his meteorological schedules. Given the reliever, Benadryl (diphenhydramine made the commitment to attend. record our exercise activity and send Huguenots, and his father had fought preach in the road than make trouble Journal, “When at the Cheraw Hills, we severity of storms so far this year, it hydrochloride), burn ointment, eye- So off I went to Lake Junaluska with this to the institute staff for them to fol- with Gen. Francis Marion in the Ameri- between you and your husband. But thought of going to____’s, but he was makes sense to be prepared in case the wash; the first cohort of attendees. We were low our progress. can Revolutionary War. Educated in how about that old house over there not at home. A family which had moved unthinkable comes to pass. • Change of clothes for each person six South Carolina clergypersons who I did not think I would have time. Georgetown and in Stateburg, at age – it’s empty.’ The woman was adamant, from Virginia sent after me an invitation Emergency preparedness experts including socks and shoes in large Zip- made this commitment of our time But as the television commercial says, 15, Capers enrolled at the new South ‘No, Sir.’ Lee turned away.” to come and dine.” An employee of this recommend every household make and loc/waterproof bag; and effort to improve first our personal “There is an app for that.” I found an Carolina College, now the university. As a Methodist trying to open a merchant in Cheraw that had invited the He spent about three years in college, work in Puritan New England, he had traveling group was a young man from maintain a basic emergency kit that will • Soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, selves, and to be better at our calling to application for my cell phone on which William Capers was one of the leading offer essentials to keep them healthy one washcloth and towel per person in ministry. I could record all these items and send withdrawing to study law with an at- voices in the division of the Methodist expected opposition. And here it was. Massachusetts who described the poor and safe in the event of a weather large waterproof bag; OMG, I could not believe it! I them in. torney. Church in 1844. It was just past four in the afternoon on circumstances of religion in his native emergency. Keep in mind you may not • A Bible, devotional and/or prayer stepped on the scales at the fitness That’s when things really started The revivalism of the first decade this day, June 17, 1789. The sun was state. be at home when an emergency occurs, book, and a journal; center during the second week of the to fall into place. I can eat, plug it in of the 19th century affected the young lina College, but ultimately, he chose still hot and some kind of shade was When Jessie Lee heard this he re- so it is a good idea to keep a kit in your • Enough essential medications (in- Clergy Wellness Institute. There was and go on. I can do that! I can log my Capers and his family. He remembered to remain in the church. He became necessary. Ahead was an orchard. Lee solved that he must go to New England. car and at your workplace as well as in sulin, nitroglycerin, heart meds, etc.) to no way I could be that heavy! I knew I morning and evening exercise into the attending several camp meetings, superintendent of the missions to the turned aside and asked the old lady who As their relationship grew, Asbury your home. get you through at least three days and had been slowing down, but I attributed application very easily. witnessing those in attendance react slaves in the Lowcountry, and in 1837, owned it and if the handful of people became convinced of the need to ordain At a minimum, you will need the fol- preferably two weeks. that to getting older. After all, I am over During the week we also studied powerfully to the frontier-style preach- he became the founding editor of the who had gathered to hear him might use Lee. In 1789, Lee formally became a lowing supplies in your kit: • Chargers for your essential elec- 60 years old and a “Pop Pop” now. But Beth Prissman’s book, “The Leading ing. Some worshipers would fall to the Southern Christian Advocate. In 1841, it. “No. You’ll trample the grass,” said licensed local preacher. Lee and Asbury • Copies of your driver’s license, tronics in case cell towers aren’t dam- that really got my attention. and Feeding of Shepherds.” This book, ground in convulsions (referred to in he became the southern missionary the woman. Lee led the 20 people to an became traveling companions and the Social Security card, insurance cards, aged. My thoughts went back to when based on Psalm 23, made me look at contemporary accounts as “the jerks”) secretary for the Methodist Episcopal apple tree that overhung the road. When two quickly moved from acquaintances will, other important papers, a small Store all of these supplies in a seal- the Clergy Wellness Institute was an- different ways to lead and feed both and others would fall senseless or life- Church, a position he held for four the first lady saw that Lee really meant to true friends. In 1790, Asbury took amount of cash, prescription medication able container such as a hard plastic nounced. I thought I needed to support myself and those whom look to me for less for hours. He joined the Methodist years. to preach outdoors, she changed her the opportunity to push Lee further numbers and dosages; tub or oversized Ziploc bag and place it this effort by participating. After all, I leadership. Episcopal Church in 1808, and soon, Capers was a delegate to the 1844 mind. “You can use our old house,” she along his ordination track. It was during • A list of phone numbers of people in a basement or interior room in your am the conference benefits officer, and There were more lessons than I the Rev. William Gassaway invited General Conference and was acknowl- said. “I think it would be better for us to October of that year that Lee agreed to you will need to contact: family, home, and keep an extra kit in your of- we do need healthier clergy to help con- can list here, but this experience has him to meet him in Camden and ride edged as a leader in the faction that de- stay where we are,” said Lee. become a deacon in the church. Fol- friends, employer, insurance agent, doc- fice and car. At the beginning of storm tain costs for our health benefits pro- given me hope that I can sustain a new, the circuit with him. While traveling fended Bishop James O. Andrew on the And that is what they did, there in lowing his ordination as a Deacon he tor, credit card companies, etc.; season each year, wash towels and gram. But now I knew this program was healthier lifestyle. And perhaps that is the Santee Circuit with Gassaway, at question of slavery. His speeches were, Norwalk, Conn., on this day, June 17, was appointed to serve primarily in the • Old eyeglasses, extra car and clothing and check expiration dates on a way God’s grace, working through where stewardship should begin. We a camp meeting at Knight’s Meeting in the words of a historian of the day, “a 1789. That was the beginning of Lee’s Lynn, Mass., area. Lee’s passion for the house/office keys, police whistle, safety foods and medications. Replace any- others, could make a difference in my need to care for ourselves. God gave us House on Fork Creek, he felt a call to vindication of the Southern view of the major push to win converts to Method- salvation of the people within the New flare; thing that needs to be freshened. stewardship of my body: the temple of the gift of life, and we need to be able the ministry. Within a few months, the question.” When the southern confer- ism in New England. Of all the circuit England states earned him the nickname • Weather radio (either one you can Hopefully you will never need to use the Holy Spirit living through me. to live so we can glorify God in all that 18-year-old Capers was licensed to ences withdrew from the Methodist riders to have come and gone across “The Apostle of New England.” crank or battery operated) and extra your disaster kit, but it never hurts to The first two weeks are hard to de- we do. preach and recommended for admission Episcopal Church, he joined them, and the history of American Methodism, a By 1794, he and a helper were riding batteries; have it ready and handy just in case you scribe. Classes were held on everything Now, I sit here only a month re- to the conference, which he joined in in 1846, he was elected as a bishop in handful have over time become legend- 17 circuits in the New England states. • Powerful flashlight (crank type or are hit by some unexpected emergency. from nutrition to time management. moved from that mountaintop experi- December 1808. the Methodist Episcopal Church, South. ary. There are few greater than Jesse Lee was such a big man that he had to battery operated with extra batteries), You don’t need to waste precious time We learned how eating and exercise ence at the lake, and you may want to Capers had a long and influential He and Robert Paine were the first Lee. take two horses wherever he went, so manual can opener, candles and water- hunting for important items, so keep impacted our bodies and mind, were know if I have been able to continue the ministry in South Carolina, North Caro- two bishops elected by the new de- Lee was born in the early spring that when one was worn out he could proof matches; your kit packed and ready for emergen- introduced to ways to exercise and how experience. With God’s help, I am tak- lina and Georgia. He was ordained elder nomination, and they were consecrated of 1758 in Prince George County, Va. switch to the other. After 26 years of • Bottled water: 1 gallon per person cies. Better safe than sorry! Have a safe to plan for exercise, and learned how to ing it one day at a time. My wonderful in 1812 at Bethel, Charleston by Bishop by Bishops Andrew and Soule, who Along with the rest of his family, Jesse itinerant preaching, he turned to writing per day for three days; and happy summer. work together. We shopped for grocer- spouse, Maria, has helped me in more McKendree and appointed to Wilm- had been elected before the separation was baptized into the Anglican Church. and became the new church’s first his- • Nutritious food items such as gra- King pastors Leesville UMC, Lees- ies as a group; we planned and cooked ways than you can imagine. We start ington. At various times, he served in and who had chosen to adhere to the As a young adult he became interested torian as in1810 he authored, “A Short nola bars, raisins, peanut butter crack- ville. She is a registered nurse with a a meal together. The group learned every day by walking together for at Charleston, Orangeburg, Columbia, southern church. He served throughout in the Methodist class meetings and History of the Methodists in the United ers, unsalted nuts, juice boxes, canned master’s degree in health nursing. the value of planning to eat the right least 30 minutes, and we have been able Savannah and Milledgeville. In 1821, the region for eight years. Since the pursued Christian studies. An interest in States of America.” Even though he was foods and to exercise, and how to care to end each day the same way. We are he was appointed to as a missionary in church had only four bishops and 19 the ministry was tested at an early age eager to retire, he found a new opportu- for ourselves in ways I had never done planning meals and executing our meal the Conference “and to the Indians.” He annual conferences, that kept each of as war brewed between England and nity to minister. before. plans, grocery shopping and shopping continued this work for four years, in the bishops busy traveling. In his first the Colonies. During the Revolution- In 1809, he was appointed as chap- I began exercising and walking. This for healthier things. I have been able to both South Carolina and Georgia. year, he visited the Virginia, Holston, ary War, Lee found himself enlisted. lain of the U.S. House of Representa- was a start. Blake, our coordinator, reach my first goals of losing 10 percent In 1825 he returned to Charleston, North Carolina, South Carolina, Geor- With the same conviction in which he tives until 1814, when he was appointed told me over and over again during the of my body weight and have set new where he became the editor of the gia and Florida conferences, which took pursued his faith, work and studies, his chaplain of the Senate until 1815. He initial phase, “Start where you are, not goals, and I am working hard toward Wesleyan Journal, the first attempt at him from October to February. In his conviction was not to fight. It was with was the first Methodist minister to serve where you want to be.” So day by day, another 10 percent. God is good – all a conference newspaper. Within two second year, he traveled to the west to that firmness of mind that Lee declared in this capacity. The fact that Lee’s per- I began to walk and exercise. I was able the time! years that publication merged with an- hold conferences in Missouri, Arkansas, himself a pacifist and refused to pick up sonality was filled with wit and blunt- to increase my exercise almost every I will keep you informed of my other, and he was named the presiding Indian Territory and Texas. This also a weapon. After a brief jail term for his ness probably kept him from the episco- day at the institute. progress through these columns for the elder of the Charleston District. In the took several months of fairly arduous failure to do so, he spent the remain- pacy, yet upon his death in September One day I could not do some of the next year, and we can celebrate the joy 1820s, he was selected several times as travel. der of his military time assigned in the 1816, he was buried in the Bishops’ Lot exercises because I reached too far to of stewardship together. a delegate to General Conference, and The life and work of a bishop took noncombatant wagon service. in Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Baltimore. obtain an unrealistic goal, and this rein- Anderson is the S.C. Conference in 1828, General Conference selected its toll on Capers, and just days after In March 1778, after the war had Huggins pastors St. John UMC, forced the lesson to be SMART about benefits officer. him as a representative of American his return to his home in Anderson from come to an end, he became an exhorter Sumter. Methodism to the British Methodist presiding over the Florida Conference, Conference. he was taken ill and died, three days In the 1830s, his influence continued past his 65th birthday. to grow. He was offered professorships Stone is the archivist for the S.C. ADVERTISE IN THIS SPACE! Subscribe to the Advocate in several colleges, but he declined Photo by Allison Trussell Conference of The United Methodist Give blood, help others them all to remain in the pulpit min- Church, as well as the archivist for [email protected] Annual Conference members take some time during the gathering to save lives by $15/print, $8 online istry. He was actually appointed in Wofford College. Read his blog at 88-678-6272, ext. 338 donating blood for the American Red Cross. The Red Cross said each donor can save AdvocateSC.org | 888-678-6272, ext. 335 Columbia in 1833 in anticipation of his http://blogs.wofford.edu/from_the_ three lives, and the need for blood donations is constant. becoming a professor at South Caro- archives/ Page 32, July 2013 Seniors Advocate Advocate Seniors Page 33, July 2013 ‘Don’t let age stop you’ Wrinkles in Paradise

Conference commissions woman, 70, as oldest pastor to-date by Wanda Lane By Jessica Connor the Scranton-St. John Charge in the Florence District. Westfall had been a Rock of Ages Myrna Kay Westfall, 70, would certified lay speaker, and soon she en- never have imagined 10 years ago tered Asbury Theological Seminary and elieve it or not, rocks have home with a family – all at the whim of that she would be pastoring two small became a licensed local pastor. played a significant role in Ainsley’s and Kaylin’s imaginations. I churches in the Hartsville District of the Six years later, she is commissioned. my life. await each metamorphosis with curios- S.C. Conference. Her husband, whom she calls her During my childhood, the ity and delight. But on June 10, the great-grandmoth- soulmate, along with her three children, Bpark near my house had two walking Often intriguing and picturesque, er became the oldest person this confer- five grandchildren and two great-grand- paths: a high trail and a low trail. Sand- sometimes comedic, these rocks – de- ence has ever commissioned as a pastor. children, all think it’s great that she was wiched in between was a gray rock of spite their various roles in my life – are Westfall was commissioned an associ- called to the pulpit later in life. mammoth proportions, which intrigued not those with significant influence. ate member during ordination service “Go for it,” she advises older people me. At the top, I played king of the This distinction resides with my par- at Annual Conference, joining 34 other who are contemplating their own call. mountain; At the bottom, I stood in awe ents, husband, family and friends. associate members, deacons, provi- “There isn’t anyplace in the Bible that of its monolithic grandeur and pictured But each of these persons significant sional elders and elders commissioned says you get to a certain age and you my flattened remains should I fall from in my life had a rock in their lives too. or ordained before the body. have to stop doing it. Noah was 800 Photo by Matt Brodie the top. The rock uber alles, the Rock of Ages Westfall, who serves the New years old when he got the call to build “Go for it,” the Rev. Myrna Kay Westfall (left) advises older people who are contemplating In my teens, I became a rock hound upon which all else is built, was the Market-Tabernacle Charge in the Harts- the ark. God’s plans are better than our their own call. “There isn’t anyplace in the Bible that says you get to a certain age and you with my father, searching beaches and building stone for them. So steadfast, ville District, has had more than her plans. … People should not let age stop have to stop doing it. Noah was 800 years old when he got the call to build the ark.” riverbeds for geodes and semi-precious constant and unselfish were they, their share of health problems. She suffers them.” stones. I adopted a family of pet rocks actions could only have been inspired from Parkinson’s disease, fibromyalgia, The Rev. Ken Nelson, chair of the – rabbits – which lived on my night by worship of a gracious and loving spinal stenosis and chronic obstructive S.C. Conference Board of Ordained stand to keep me company. God. This Rock – the one that was, is pulmonary disease. But when she got Ministry, said the journey of becom- Never having been a hard rock fan, I and always will be – formed the spiri- the call to ministry six years ago, she ing a United Methodist clergy can be have always been a fan of hard rocks – tual pillar that led them to lives of faith never even considered saying no. long and tedious, and the educational “a girl’s best friend variety” – and worn based on love. “Every morning, my prayer is, ‘God, requirements and demands made upon proudly Bob’s diamond-inlaid fraternity How grateful I am that because God whatever you have to do for me, send a candidate’s time, resources and family pin and the solitaire he gave me for was the foundation stone upon which my way; I’m ready, willing and able. can be daunting, yet Westfall was never engagement. As an adult, I have visited they built their lives, I have the solid, He calls, and you have to answer!” deterred by any of that. rock and stone formations in the great immutable Rock of God in mine. Westfall said, smiling. “If you’re doing “Myrna’s perseverance is a testimo- Southwest, stood in awe of spectacular Lane is a member of Church of God’s will, He gives you the strength ny that in every station and stage in life, mountains around the world and visited the Palms United Methodist Church and energy to do what He needs you to God continues to call and use persons the Rock of Gibraltar with its resident in Bluffton, where she serves as wor- do. He never fails.” for God’s glory and the wellbeing of monkeys. ship chair. She also writes a senior life God called – literally – through the church,” Nelson said. “Myrna’s love Now my granddaughters and I style column, “Wrinkles in Paradise,” Westfall’s former district superintendent for God and enthusiasm for the work culminate our neighborhood walks at for The Island Packet in Hilton Head in Florence, the Rev. Janice Frederick- of ministry are a real gift to the church, a large rock perfectly suited for play. and has published a book by the same Watts, who phoned to ask if Westfall and we are blessed by her service Right before my eyes, that rock morphs title. She can be reached at thelanes@ would prayerfully consider pastoring among us.” from pirate ship, to school bus, to a hargray.com. GCFA rolls out new term life program Leave A Legacy To Change Lives NASHVILLE, Tenn. – The General The program includes options for Council on Finance and Administra- members to designate any or all the The South Carolina United Methodist Foundation tion’s Office of Corporate Partnership benefits to the church to support local P. O. Box 5087, Columbia, SC 29250-5087 is offering a new program that has the and global ministries, provide a perpet- [email protected] potential to benefit local churches, ual gift for investments and/or contrib- members and their families, they said. ute to bereavement funds of the The term life insurance program, church. The Dream Company, provides a finan- Learn more about the program at cial security tool for church members. www.insuring-umc.com.

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803-786-9486 | [email protected] | AdvocateSC.org Page 34, July 2013 Upcoming Events Advocate Advocate International Bible School Lessons Page 35, July 2013

June Aug. 14 – Spartanburg District Yah-Yah Now-Aug. 11 – Lake Junaluska Sum- Fun Day, St. James UMC. $12, mer Worship Series, 10:45 a.m. deadline Aug. 5. Bernice Lewis, From a temple restored to its many gifts each Sunday, Stuart Auditorium. 864-583-0358; Carolyn Turner, 864-426-3032; Nancy Becker, June 26-30 – Harambee! Claflin Uni- 864-587-6535 by Rev. Richard R. Howell Jr. versity, Orangeburg. $280. Helen Allen, [email protected] Aug. 18 – Call to Ministry Sunday July 7 finally at an end. there. In addition to other returning there was concern over whether such an We love you, Temple Restored Because of a number of circumstanc- Jews, Ezra is accompanied by a tremen- invitation might influence the congrega- es, the entire process took more than dous amount of wealth given by the tion to focus on the physical rather than June 30-July 7 – Lake Junaluska John Wesley! Lesson Scripture: Ezra 3:8-13 Homecoming: Celebrating 100 September Background Scripture: Ezra 3:8-13 four years. Understandably, there were king as an offering to God. His retinue on the spiritual. years of transforming lives, Lake Becca Boyer and Kate Tringali Hispanic Heritage Month times along the way when the congre- must travel through potentially danger- In the end, the invitation remained celebrate John Wesley Day with Key Verse: Ezra 3:11 – “And all the Junaluska, N.C. party hats and other fun May 24 (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) people responded with a great gation became discouraged, impatient ous territory bearing children, families open but with two essential points com- to mark the day Methodism’s shout when they praised the Lord, and even angry at the outside (and and valuables tempting to bandits. municated to the congregation: 1) The Sept. 2 – Labor Day founder realized that God’s love because the foundation of the inside) forces that seemed to bar the Compounding the problem, Ezra is church was the people, not the build- is for all people. On that basis, July house of the Lord was laid.” path to completion. However, when the too proud to ask for protection after ing, but care for and furnishing of the July 1 – Friends of the Lake Golf Wesley began to preach across Sept. 8 – Work Day Offering for Ep- day finally arrived for the first service boasting of God’s ability to defend facilities was a collective responsibility; the country and founded the worth Children’s Home Tournament, Lake Junaluska in the new facilities, all of the negative those who are faithful. Ezra finds him- and 2) Everything given to the church Golf Course. www.lakejunaluska. Methodist movement. Boyer and I once pastored a church during the Tringali are part of the United emotions seemed to melt away when self in a place of weakness and uncer- would not be the possession of the com/friends-of-the-lake; Melissa Sept. 15 – Youth Service Fund Sunday rebuilding of its facilities after a fire. Methodist college group Common Aldridge, 828-454-6680. (offering) Throughout the process, the congrega- confronted with the recognition of what tainty, but his response to the situation giver but rather would be considered to Ground, which is a joint ministry God had accomplished. reveals much about his faith, as well belong to God. of Wesley Memorial and Shan- tion experienced emotions ranging from July 4 – Independence Day don UMCs, Columbia. Sept. 26 – “Better” leadership confer- grief over the loss to excitement over In the time between the events of as the nature of God: “So we fasted Following their time of fasting and ence, Chapin UMC. better2013@ new possibilities. At the groundbreak- Ezra 3:8-13 and Ezra 6:13-22, the and petitioned our God for this, and he praying, Ezra further prepares his en- July 9 – Understanding Dementia train- chapinumc.com ing service there was plenty of celebrat- governing authorities had halted, de- listened to our entreaty.” tourage for their journey to Jerusalem Board of Discipleship, Buncombe nial theatrical production) Lake ing, Meal Time: What an Experi- ing, but also tears over what had been layed and then eventually endorsed the The practice of fasting, as demon- with two noteworthy decisions. First, Street UMC, Greenville. Email Junaluska, N.C. ence, Methodist Manor, 2-4 p.m. and would never be again. efforts of the people of Israel to rebuild strated here by Ezra and throughout the he divides the considerable amount of Adelle Stanley, leader. 843-664- [email protected] October the Temple in Jerusalem. When the Bible, is an intentional act of weakening wealth in his possession among a num- Hispanic Heritage Month Our passage from Ezra 3:8-13 de- 0700. Aug. 3 – Light of the Lake (centen- time to finally dedicate the completed ourselves and submitting to God. What- ber of “leading priests.” July 25-28 – Immerse, Lake Junaluska, nial theatrical production) Lake (Sept. 15-Oct. 15) scribes a similar experience had by the structure arrived, it would have been ever the situation, the idea is to embrace This is probably a security measure, July 12-14 – UMM National Gathering, N.C. Junaluska, N.C. Jews who had returned to Jerusalem to Nashville, Tenn. Oct. 6 – World Communion Sunday rebuild the Temple years after the Baby- understandable for the Jews to dwell on our brokenness, trusting God’s ability to but it establishes collective responsibil- July 28-30 – 46th Annual Conference, Aug. 10 – School of Christian Mission (offering) lonians had burned it and exiled many their negative experiences and harbor work powerfully in, through and around ity for that which has been entrusted to July 20 – 9th Annual Boatload of Fun Church and Synagogue Library Youth Event, location tba. of the Jewish people. The foundation grudges towards the forces that had us. To paraphrase Paul, it is in the midst him. The offering to God will essen- supporting Killingsworth. Association, Lake Junaluska. Oct. 11-13 – Children’s Sabbath of the new structure had been laid and impeded them. Instead, the people of of our weakness that God becomes our tially not just be made by him, but by cslainf.org Aug. 11 – Aldersgate Special Needs “all the people” had praised God, but in Israel not only “[celebrate] … with joy” strength. the entire group. Oct. 13 – Children’s Sabbath July 20 – Standing in the Gap Festival Ministry Sunday (offering) Verses 12-13 we see that in the midst of but even acknowledge the Persian au- How might embracing your own Second, Ezra reminds those receiv- and Forum, Francis Burns UMC, joy many of those present “wept with a thorities as contributing to the project’s weakness allow God’s strength to be- ing responsibility for the valuables that Columbia, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. 803-754- August Aug. 13 – Understanding Dementia Oct. 14 – Columbus Day loud voice” – most likely over the loss success (see Verse 14). This attitude come more apparent in your life? the items as well as they themselves are 1720 Aug. 1-4 – UMW Mission U, Spartan- training, Now What Do I Do? seems shocking until their subsequent “holy to the Lord.” In other words, their burg Methodist College, Spartan- Creative Problem Solving, Oct. 20 – Laity Sunday of what had been. Even if your church never has to re- celebration of the Passover in verses lives and their service have become July 23-26 – Make a Joyful Noise to the burg. Methodist Manor, 2-4 p.m. July 28 Lord Children’s Ministry confer- Adelle Stanley, leader. 843-664- Oct. 25-27 – S.C. UMW Annual Meet- build, almost every congregation will at 19-22 reveals the true focus of the Jews: vital components of the offering to God. ence, sponsored by the General Aug. 2 – Light of the Lake (centen- 0700. ing, Bethel UMC, Spartanburg some time experience the blessed agony everything that God had done for them. Gifts for the Temple Regardless of the size or experiences of birthing a new era of the church. It is a certainty that we will face Lesson Scripture: Ezra 8:24-30 of your congregation, it is worth con- Maybe the children will all grow up adversity in our personal lives and even Background Scripture: Ezra 8:24-30 sidering how Ezra’s words and deeds and move away, maybe the patriarchs within the lives of our congregations. Key Verse: Ezra 8:28 – “You are holy apply to your situation. and matriarchs will die or maybe the We will often not be able to control to the Lord, and the vessels are Does your congregation consider the demographics of the surrounding com- those negative experiences, but we will holy; and the silver and the gold welfare of the church to be a collective Classified Advertisements munity will change. Whatever the case, be able to determine our responses. are a freewill offering to the Lord, responsibility? How can your life and what was once reality will no longer be Will we focus on the struggles them- the God of your ancestors.” your service function as part of your true, and faithfulness to the mission of selves or on God’s abiding presence? offering to God? Church Furnishings Positions Open the church will require trying something Will we lament what was? Or celebrate When my aforementioned congrega- To place your ad, contact Allison today new. what God has done and embrace what tion was nearing the completion of its Howell is campus minister for the God will do? building project, the church decided to Winthrop Wesley Foundation, and Free Estimates at 888-678-6272 or [email protected]. North Charleston UMC seeks a Spirit-filled can- Like the Israelites, in that time your didate for our Music Director and Organist be- congregation will most likely experi- invite its members to donate hymnals, serves on both the District and Confer- Steeple cleaning service pews and other church furnishings as ence Connectional Ministries (Advo- NEW Classifed ads start at $19 per inch tall. ginning August 15. This part-time position’s re- ence both joy and grief. In truth, both July 21 sponsibilities include: providing organ music for emotions play vital roles; grief reminds memorials and honorariums. Initially, cacy areas). New Pews • Pew Upholstering • Pew Refinishing • Pulpit Website ads are also available Fasting and Praying Furniture • Carpet • Steeples/Baptistries • Chime Systems the weekly 11 a.m. worship service; directing us of what God did in, around and (www.advocatesc.org). the Chancel Choir; and inviting guest musicians. Lesson Scripture: Ezra 8:21-23 • Stained Glass • Classroom Furniture • Office Furniture • through us in the past, and joy is the Background Scripture: Ezra 8:21-23 Social Hall Furniture • Budget & Project Analysis • Project Directing the Children’s Choir is an optional re- expression of faith in what God will do sponsibility. Musical instruments include a 27-rank Key Verse: Ezra 8:23 – “So we fasted Management Deadlines are the 10th of the month in, around and through us in the present Schantz pipe organ. To see full job description and petitioned our God for this, for the following month’s paper. and future. Nu-Idea or submit a resume, please email ncumcjob@ and he listened to our entreaty.” gmail.com or contact the Rev. Wendy Hudson- Our challenge is to praise God loudly Church Furnishings Jacoby at (843) 530-5686. for what was, what is and what will be In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (NIV), Paul Sumter, South Carolina – even while tears are streaming down claimed, “Therefore I will boast all the 1-800-922-0424 Miscellaneous Youth Director our faces. more gladly about my weaknesses, so www.nu-idea.com How have you celebrated God’s past Bethany United Methodist Church in Summerville, that Christ’s power may rest on me. “Serving South Carolina’s churches since 1921” work? How do you hope that God will That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight SC, is seeking a full time Youth Director. Person will be active in, around and through you in provide leadership to our growing youth ministry. in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, the future? Pew Upholstering – Reversible Cushions Salary will be commensurate with experience. in persecutions, in difficulties. For when New Pews – Pew Refinishing Please email resumes to I am weak, then I am strong.” Audio/Video Systems [email protected] or mail to July 14 Over the course of their building www.churchinteriors.com Bethany UMC, Attn. Dr. Howell, 118 West Third Dedication of the Temple project the church that I mentioned in South Street, Summerville, SC 29483. Lesson Scripture: Ezra 6:13-22 the previous lessons learned the truth of Deadline to submit a resume is July 19. Background Scripture: Ezra 6 Paul’s words. They experienced a multi- Key Verse: Ezra 6:16 – “The people of tude of hardships, difficulties and times High Point, North Carolina Israel, the priests and the Levites, of feeling weak and even persecuted, 1-800-289-7397 Property for Rent and the rest of the returned exiles, but because of God’s work among celebrated the dedication of this them, when the doors to the new facili- Lake Junaluska cottage for rent house of God with joy.” ties finally opened, the congregation 3 BR, 1 BA, full kitchen, screened porch with lake view. was actually stronger than it was when Walking distance to playground, pool, tennis courts. When the church building project disaster first struck. ARE YOU MOVING?? Near golf course. Minutes from Maggie Valley and Waynesville. that I described in last week’s lesson In Ezra 8:21-33, we see Ezra the Half-hour from Asheville. was completed, there was much rejoic- scribe and priest journeying from Baby- Please let us know your new address!! Rent is $550 per week. ing, in part because of relief that the lon to Jerusalem in order to assume Contact Cathie, 404-395-0534 congregation’s struggle to rebuild was leadership of the Jewish community Page 36, July 2013 Advocate