$2 November 2011

Seasons of Kingdomtide Giving and Advent ‘on track’ UMCs find unique ways to pay apportionments; treasurer projects 85% By Jessica Connor

Chapin named From giving buckets and fall festivals to bar - ‘vibrant church’ becue dinners and bread covers, United Page 28 Methodist churches across South Carolina are coming up with unique and sometimes unusual ways to fund their apportionments. Perhaps their efforts are paying off. As of Sept. 30, apportionment payments are up compared to this time last year and the year before, with churches paying 52.8 percent. That is 2.5 percent more than the 50.3 percent the S.C. Conference received this time last year and 1.8 percent more than the 51 percent in 2009. In dollars, the conference has received $9.53 BELTING IT OUT FOR THE ONE – Yvette Mitchell, member of St. John UMC, Darlington, sings with others from the St. John-Wesley Chapel Community Mass million in apportionments as of Sept. 30, said Choir during Hartsville RACE Day Sept. 25. RACE Day – Reaching Another in Conference Treasurer Tony Prestipino. Last Christ Everyday – is an annual spiritual awakening event for the Hartsville year at this time, the conference was at $8.8 ‘Food for the Sole’ Dstrict. The mass choir has been in existence more than 25 years. For more million. helps fight hunger scenes from RACE Day, see page 14. (Photo by Jessica Connor) Page 13 See “Giving,” Page 16 - - Flood uproots six Feeding mouths, with special needs feeding souls By Jessica Connor Ministry helps Upstate hungry ‘no matter what’ COLUMBIA – Residents of an independent living ministry for special needs adults are scrambling this By Jessica Connor these men and women take away, month after heavy rain and floods forced them from Blessing animals scurried home to hungry families the place they call home. in Landrum GRAY COURT – You might not eager for new bounty in tough Floodwaters Sept. 25 turned the Columbia Builders Page 19 know it by the food-laden plastic times. Care Home, run by Aldersgate Special Needs bags their clients gratefully carry But in upper Laurens County, in Ministry, into a soggy, sopping mess. The flood – Advance Special out, a new light in their eyes. a tiny industrial community called which occurred after five days of heavy rain – soaked Ministries Sunday: You might not see the Lord behind Gray Court, exists a food ministry furniture, carpeting and kitchen cabinetry and caused Nov. 6 the canned goods and the cuts of that really isn’t about food at all. more than $20,000 in damage, said Betty Moss meat and the bakery-fresh loaves McGuirt, chair of the ministry. See “Food Ministry,” Page 17 The home, located near Epworth Children’s Home Ed Hodges off Millwood Avenue in Columbia, is not in a flood and Gail plain, so the ministry did not have flood insurance. Anderson As of the Advocate’s press time, the residents – six pack a bag women ages 25 to 45 with varying degrees of mild to of food for a moderate intellectual disabilities – had just moved family of back into their home. eight. The “It is sad for them and all of us,” McGuirt said. food ministry “We worked so hard to get this ministry in place and is housed at have this home for these girls. It is a devastating thing Green Pond to be displaced for any reason, especially something UMC. (Photo like this, where your spot – your room and your by Jessica things – are in jeopardy because of this flood.” Connor) See “Flood,” Page 15

4-7 Viewpoints 18-19 Ministries & Missions 24 Obituaries 26 Classifieds Issue Index: 8-10 Education & Youth 20-23 District & Local 26 Calendar 27 IBS Lessons Page 2, November 2011 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Turkey farm suit returns to court Local UMC bands together over environmental concerns to support plaintiff

By Jessica Connor worries about people who live right next lives two minutes from the site and says she door to the proposed farm site, like Dennis doesn’t smell anything that is really foul BISHOPVILLE – Members of Mount Zion Hoover, who likes to grow gardens and hunt from nearby farms. United Methodist Church head back to court and kill his own meat. “I’m really worried “I am not a professional or an environ - Hours/Location this month over eight new turkey grow-out about them.” mentalist, so I can’t speak from that point of Open Monday through Friday barns in their rural community. But this Grow-out barns are facilities where view, but from being a resident, I don’t 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. S.C. United Methodist Conference time, they go for moral support, not as par - young birds are provided with optimum smell anything disgusting,” Evans said. Center ties to the suit. temperature, food, lighting and other con - “Yes, in the summertime there are cow pas - 4908 Colonial Drive, Suite 207 Mount Zion members – the “concerned trols so they can grow as big as possible tures around and, yes, you smell the cow Columbia, SC 29203 Deadlines are the 10th of each month. citizens” in the administrative law court case before being sold to grocers. Mount Zion pasture, but that’s what you expect when Dennis Hoover and Concerned Citizens vs. members and some residents on or near you live in the country. We all have to have Contacting Us S.C. Department of Health and Eddie Watkins Road in Bishopville are upset beef and turkey.” Telephone: 888-678-6272 or Environmental Control and James T. Hoover about the barns. People fish from streams Stacy McCorkle, whose family lives in 803-786-9486 – have been dismissed from the case. Over and ponds surrounding the proposed turkey Bishopville and who attends church there – Fax: 803-735-8168 E-mail: [email protected] the summer, church members banded grow-out barns, and the church also has a and whose parents live next door to a together in the case to stop construction of playground area and ball field where they turkey farm – said an occasional smell when Submissions James Hoover’s turkey farm on property host community-wide family activities, the wind shifts is “par for the course” in the The Advocate encourages near the church, citing concerns about air, which they believe will suffer from poor air country, whether from a turkey, chicken or readers to submit for publication items of interest to South Carolina water and ground contamination, coupled quality and the stench and flies they expect hog farm. United Methodists. There is no charge with decreased property values and exces - will come from the turkey farm. “The people in the area know that’s just for running items involving activities sively foul odors. The lawsuit alleges DHEC In July, DHEC told the Advocate it did farming, and people have to make a living or announcements. Items should be submitted as far as possible did not follow proper public notification file the proper procedures, and that nearby somehow,” McCorkle said, noting that in advance of the event’s procedures in the initial hearing process. residents should understand DHEC has very DHEC’s regulations are extremely stringent. date or the date of requested publication. Since there is no charge Now, they are offering prayer and support strict procedures and regulations that they “It’s not like they can go in and plop down for these items, they appear in for Dennis Hoover, the sole plaintiff and follow to a tee. Farms are fully regulated these turkey houses. They have to make sure the newspaper on a space-available brother of James Hoover. Dennis Hoover and frequently inspected to make sure opera - no water supplies are going to be contami - basis. Deadlines are the 10th of each month for the following month’s was representing himself because of the tions are following the requirements. James nated, they are so far away from homes, paper. high cost of legal representation, which nei - Hoover also told the Advocate in July that everything. They are very, very strict with ther he nor the church can afford, but as of residents have nothing to fear and that what they have to go by.” Advertising press time he had hired an attorney. Prestage Farms, which will operate the She said there has never been a problem Display ads, classified ads and inserts A hearing on the merits of the case is set turkey grow-out barns, is a first-class com - from a nearby turkey farm, environmental or july be ordered by contacting us at 888-678-6272 or 803-786-9486, ext. for Nov. 8 at 10 a.m. at the S.C. pany that will not pollute the water or the otherwise. 338, or [email protected]. Administrative Law Court in Columbia. community. However, Belton said she knows of two Deadlines are the 10th of each month for the following month’s paper. “We are continuing to be in dialogue Other nearby residents say they don’t other turkey farms in the area that are caus - about this in our church council meetings think Mount Zion needs to worry about the ing problems from flies and foul smells at and in prayer as a church family, as it is a turkey farm being built near them. certain times of the day. She said one Subscriptions The Advocate is delivered to mailbox - great concern for our church and the sur - Donna Boyce, a member of St. Matthews woman with chronic obstructive pulmonary es via U.S. mail every month prior to rounding community,” said the Rev. Angela UMC, Bishopville, is no stranger to turkey disease has to close her windows and doors the first Sunday of the month. Subscriptions are $15/year for the Ford Nelson, Mount Zion pastor. farms. Her husband cleans them, and her all the time, and yet she still experiences print and online version, and $8/year “I’m very concerned about the health brother-in-law owns one. worse symptoms because of nearby farms. for the online-only edition. To start effects and the ill smells that are produced, “You can’t smell it, and it’s not going to “We are concerned,” Belton said. your subscription, visit www.advocatesc.org, call with a and more flies,” said Mount Zion member hurt anybody,” Boyce said. “I don’t know Rev. Nelson said she commends Rev. credit card to 888-678-6272 or Althea Belton, who said she particularly what the big uproar is about.” Evans, as well as James Hoover, for their 803-786-9486, ext. 335, or send your check to Advocate, 4908 Boyce said turkey farms are appro - willingness to dialogue about Mount Zion’s Colonial Drive, Columbia, SC priate in rural Bishopville, where other concern. It is her hope that, regardless of 29203. agriculture operations exist and where how the case is decided, this matter will there is plenty of land. She said serve to open the way for continued commu - Photographs DHEC’s regulations are very strictly nity interaction and dialogue on this concern Photographs july be submitted to the newspaper for publication. enforced, and people should not worry. and others that may arise in the future. High-resolution digital images The Rev. Kimberly Evans, pastor of Check future editions of the Advocate for are preferred. Photographs should be the St. Matthew Circuit, Bishopville, more on the proceedings. in focus and should have proper exposure. Color or black and white photographs are accepted. People in photographs should be identified with names and ages, and a contact person with a phone number should be included in the information.

Accuracy Policy The Advocate strives to produce error-free news reports. When mis - takes occur, it is our policy to correct them as soon as they are brought to our attention. To request a correction, call Jessica Connor at 888-678-6272 or 803-786-9486, ext. 338, or e-mail IMMIGRATION AND THE BIBLE – The [email protected]. In the event of Rev. Joan M. Maruskin, Church World errors in advertisements, the Service, challenges attendees’ thinking Advocate will be responsible only for about immigrants during the Oct. 17 the space occupied by the actual error. The publisher assumes no LARCUM Bishop’s Dialogue. Maruskin financial responsibility for omissions. noted that unauthorized immigrants com - prised 2.2 percent of the S.C. workforce, Back Issues and if they were all removed, she said, The Advocate maintains copies of the state would lose $1.8 billion in eco - back issues for sale for up to one nomic activity. “Immigrants bring more year, as long as the supply lasts. into the economy than they take out, but When requesting by mail, back copies are $2 each, to cover that’s not the reason we should welcome postage and handling. To research or them,” Maruskin said, pointing out the review articles published more than migration stories peppered throughout the one year ago, bound copies of the Bible. She encourages pastors to preach newspaper are available for about our Scriptural directive to welcome review at the Advocate office, Wofford College in Spartanburg and and care for the stranger along with the the South Caroliniana Library in widow and the orphan. Columbia. The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate November 2011, Page 3

General/Jurisdictional Conference & You Proposed changes to pension plan raise question of who bears risk

By the Rev. Kathy James pension plan. the U.S. are neither comparable to The two proposals being offered rep - those in the U.S. nor consistent across Check next month’s Advocate for another column on GC/JC and You. Editor’s note: The following is new resent two different philosophies relat - conferences. While we are wrestling If you have specific questions educational series in the Advocate ed to the risk surrounding clergy pen - with what our values suggest for clergy regarding either conference that you between now and next year’s General and sion plans. Corporate America has in the U.S., we might also reflect on wish to be addressed in this column, Jurisdictional conferences designed to abandoned the notion that a company what our values suggest regarding the email [email protected]. help people understand how the gather - will bear equal risk with an employee inequities between U.S. clergy pensions ings impact the local church. for her or his retirement benefits in and other United Methodist clergy return for the employee’s years of dedi - around the world. General Church apportionments have The General Board of Pension and cated service. Most pension plans as The current clergy pension plan, grown at a rate lower than inflation, Health Benefits is offering two options they currently exist place the burden of commonly known as CRSP, was adopt - and health insurance costs have risen for changes to the Clergy Pension pro - risk on the employee. They generally ed by the 2004 General Conference and slightly across the denomination, other gram to the 2012 General Conference. parallel the second option being offered replaced previous plans beginning in local church expenditures have risen These proposals raise at least two by GBOPHB. January 2007. The need to propose a significantly over the last 10 years, important issues for local churches to The first option, however, is the one new plan so soon after CRSP’s adop - even as membership has declined. consider. GBOPHB is recommending. It shifts tion seems to be because of the finan - According to a video created by the One of the proposed options is simi - more of the risk away from the church cial pressures facing the UMC in light General Council on Finance and lar to the current plan with both defined to the individual clergy than the exist - of the current economy and the shrink - Administration and accessible through benefit and defined contribution ele - ing plan, but it is not a complete shift. ing resources of the denomination. the vital congregations website, local ments. The differences from the current The question facing the church is According to GBOPHB, either of church debt has increased by 282 per - plan include reduced cost, reduced ben - this: Should the United Methodist the proposed plans will result in an cent in the last 20 years. Operating efit to clergy and a shift toward indi - Church follow the path laid out by cor - overall cost savings of 15 percent from expenses have increased by 30 percent, vidual clergy bearing more of the risk porations, or do our values suggest a the current plan. The actual savings and lay staff compensation has for the plan. different path? will vary between annual conferences increased by 125 percent. The second option is solely a In light of last month’s column on because it is related to the conference’s These statistics suggest that while defined contribution plan, which means the worldwide nature of the church, it average clergy compensation. any cost reductions at the general the risk for the plan is borne complete - is also important to note that these pro - So on the surface it appears that church level are welcome, those reduc - ly by the clergy. According to posed pension changes address clergy shifting more of the risk to clergy and tions alone will not solve the financial GBOPHB, both plans will result in a pensions in the United States only. reducing the overall plan cost will quandaries that local churches are fac - cost savings from the current clergy Clergy pensions in conferences outside reduce the cost to local churches. ing. While this statement is true, the savings is likely to be a small portion of a local James is a congregational specialist Delegation Meeting Updates church’s overall budget. for the S.C. Annual Conference and is a The General Church is eager to point delegate to the 2012 General and Editor’s note: From now until the ter improve future presentations, out that while clergy benefits and Jurisdictional conferences. 2012 General and Jurisdictional Jones will be sending the delegation conferences, the Advocate will run a survey. monthly updates of the meetings of Heyward said delegation members South Carolina’s elected delegates to should be receiving information these conferences. about General Conference petitions in the next few months. Also, a com - Sept. 25 Delegation Meeting prehensive list of Southeastern Chairman Joe Heyward called the Jurisdiction delegation members will meeting to order, and Herman be available once all delegations are Lightsey gave a stirring devotional chosen. S.C. Delegation members based on Henri J. Nouwen’s book are urged to contact people they ADVERTISE “Open Hands” that his Sunday know from across the SEJ at the school class has been studying. appropriate time and ask them to Heyward briefed the group on a support McClendon. meeting prior to the full delegation Heyward said that through the meeting, where people gathered to assistance of delegation member talk about the process to offer assis - Skyler Nimmons, the S.C. HERE! tance to the S.C. Delegation’s epis - Delegation has an opportunity to copal nominee, Dr. Tim McClendon. exchange episcopacy nominees with Heyward reminded delegation mem - the Western North Carolina bers that anyone wishing to write let - Delegation. Dr. Ken Carter, the Contact the ters of recommendation for WNC nominee, could come to South Rev. Bob Keely McClendon should send those to him Carolina and McClendon could go to at [email protected] or as soon as possible. North Carolina. The S.C. Delegation Heyward introduced Dale Jones is open to other SEJ episcopacy 864-420-2074 and Mark Connor from the General nominees appearing before their Board of Pension and Health group in order that they may discern Benefits of the UMC. Jones and their talents and gifts should they be Connor gave a presentation on the assigned to the S.C. Conference in changes proposed for General 2012. Conference 2012 (refer to McClendon thanked those who www.gbophb.org/TheWell/Root/GC2 attended the subcommittee meeting Subscribe today! 012/4281.PDF for more details). prior to the delegation gathering. He

The delegation was encouraged to encouraged all to contact him if they Name: be familiar with the proposed have any questions about his posi - Address: changes, as they will have an impact tion on issues or for more informa - Mailing Address

on clergy and local churches. Jones tion to share with other SEJ delega - City State ZIP said the S.C. Conference was the tions members. E-mail address: Church Name: only one so far that had requested Coming next month: the October Pastor: District: GBPHB to make a presentation meeting update. This is a: Please make checks payable to: The Advocate and before their delegation. He thanked New Subscription ($15) return to: Heyward (who serves on this board) – Adapted from delegation One-Year Renewal ($13) 4908 Colonial Dr., Suite 207, Columbia, SC 29203-6070 for the invitation. In an effort to bet - meeting minutes Two-Year Subscription ($24) Subscribe online: www.advocatesc.org • $15/year print and online; $8/year online only Page 4, November 2011 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate VIEWPOINTS Jessica Connor, Editor Bishop’s Corner Welcoming the stranger Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor

In today’s highly politicized, highly polarized dialogue about immigration, it’s critical that we as Christians think about the issue from a Biblical perspective. That’s exactly what bishops of the South Carolina ecumenical group LARCUM Vital congregations – attempted to do at their annual dialogue in October. Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor of the S.C. Conference of the United Methodist Church, along with Lutheran, a call to action Anglican and Roman Catholic bishops, gathered at the Lutheran Theological Across the state of South Carolina, a God’s hope for His church. Southern Seminary, Columbia, to discuss “Immigration and Radical Hospitality.” casual glance at the more than 1,000 A call to action always seeks to With open hearts and minds, and plenty of prayer, they examined how immi - United Methodist churches might sug - answer the unspoken question, “Now gration is treated in Scripture: What does the Bible say? What does it mean to gest that we have many different types what?” It challenges us to take the next welcome the stranger? Do we follow “man’s law” or God’s law? (That’s easy.) of churches. step. The church has always had a call Featured speaker the Rev. Joan M. Maruskin, of Church World Service, said Some are small, and others are large. to action. Sometimes we refer to it as the church must be a leading voice in immigration. Calling the Bible “our own Some churches are located on down - being proactive. God dares us to not personal immigration handbook” and “a migrant narrative from beginning to end,” town city streets, while others are bor - just be reactive, always waiting for she said the Bible is crystal-clear about our directive to care for the “alien” along dered by cultivated acres and livestock something to happen before we do any - with the widow and the orphan. Make no mistake – that directive is repeated over filled pastures. thing. Instead, God directs us to plan and over again throughout the Bible. Although they may look different on for ministry and be intentional about The more than 50 present at the dialogue volunteered stories of migration the outside, every one of those congre - doing God’s work. throughout Scripture: Abraham, Noah, Jacob and his sons, Ruth and Naomi. gations is exactly the same on the Jesus fulfilled His ministry by being Maruskin noted that, today, Moses would be considered a criminal alien and Jesus inside. Go past the front doors, and you proactive. He was constantly on the himself was a refugee whose family fled for their lives to a strange land. will discover the gathering of the faith - move seeking those who were hurting. “Biblical hospitality is welcoming the stranger,” Maruskin said, recalling a ful. In the mountains, Midlands and As he traveled, Jesus often found him - conversation with an immigrant who said it’s easy to compare the plight of Lowcountry, it is always the same. self addressing folks with various hard - undocumented workers here with the plight of the Hebrews. “Are our actions as a Within the church walls are committed ships, injuries and struggles. nation closer to that of the Hebrews or the Pharaohs?” disciples who dearly love Jesus Christ The Call to Action invites us to be Indeed. and dearly love their church. constantly vigilant in identifying the Instead of paying attention to fear, misinformation and certain political com - In the 12th chapter of the first letter people and places where the church can mentators when it comes to immigration, we need to shut out all those other voic - to the Corinthians, Paul describes this address real needs. Many of our es and pay attention to the ultimate voice in all things: God’s. interior stuff of which vital congrega - churches have food ministries. Meals God told us what we need to do regarding immigrants. All we need to do is tions are made. He writes, “God’s vari - are cooked and served from some of read His words, open our hearts and do His will. ous gifts are handed out everywhere; our church kitchens, while other con - Let’s show some radical Biblical hospitality and welcome the stranger – no but they all originate in God’s Spirit. gregations distribute food baskets. matter what. God’s various ministries are carried out Later this month, some parishioners everywhere; but they all originate in will gather around tables in the fellow - God’s Spirit. God’s various expressions ship hall to serve their annual Letters Policy of power are in action everywhere; but Thanksgiving feast to the lonely, hun - God himself is behind it all. Each per - gry and homeless of their community. We welcome letters to the editor. We urge brevity, as succinct writing often produces clarity. Letters should be no more than 300 words . All letters are subject to editing as needed to meet standards of grammar, space son is given something to do that Churchgoers will provide firewood and interest. We will not publish anonymous letters, letters praising or criticizing businesses by name, endorse - shows who God is: Everyone gets in on for their neighbors this winter. Others ments of or letters from political candidates, fundraising appeals, or letters containing inappropriate language or personal attacks. All letters will be verified, so you must include a name, daytime phone number, church mem - it, everyone benefits. All kinds of regularly schedule time to visit a while bership and hometown. Letters should be sent to The Advocate, 4908 Colonial Drive, Columbia, SC 29203, faxed to 803-735-8168 or e-mailed to [email protected]. Deadlines are the 10th of each month. things are handed out by the Spirit, and as they deliver Meals on Wheels to to all kinds of people! The variety is shut-ins. In these days of economic cri - wonderful: wise counsel, clear under - sis, there are increased requests for standing, simple trust, healing the sick, financial assistance by individuals who miraculous acts, proclamation, distin - are not able to meet their obligations. guishing between spirits, tongues and In the name of Jesus Christ, our interpretation of tongues. All these gifts churches again and again reach out to have a common origin, but are handed those who are hurting and struggling. 4908 Colonial Drive, Suite 207, Columbia, SC 29203 out one by one by the one Spirit of The obstacles that people confront are 888-678-6272 or 803-786-9486 God. He decides who gets what, and as numerous as the people. The list of [email protected] | www.advocatesc.org when.” ways to serve is limited only by our Publisher This fall, at the charge conference own imaginations and the nudging of The S.C. United Methodist Advocate Trustees Marilyn Murphy, chairperson; the Rev. Angela Nelson, vice chairperson; for your church, hopefully you have God’s Spirit. the Rev. Steven King, secretary; Carmen Faulkner, treasurer; heard or will hear something about the I commend for your study and Robert Bentley; the Rev. Audrey Boozer; the Rev. Jerry Gadsden; the Rev. Keith Hunter; Rhonda Jones; Gladys Lemon; the Rev. Dean Lollis; Vital Congregations Planning Guide. reflection the Call to Action that is the Rev. Evelyn Middleton; Ralph Ostrom; the Rev. Rodney Powell; and Diane Wilson This guide is the result of a Call to found in the Vital Congregations Action by the Council of Bishops and Planning Guide. I hope you will read it, Editors emeritus J. Claude Evans, M. Eugene Mullikin, Maryneal Jones, leaders of our denomination. discuss it and, where appropriate, use it Willie S. Teague, Allison Askins, Karl F. Davie Burgdorf, Emily L. Cooper This initiative strives to keep us for the glory of God and the benefit of Staff focused on our task. We want every all. Editor: Jessica Connor, [email protected] Assistant Editor: Allison K. Trussell, [email protected] United Methodist Church to become My prayer continues to be that we more energetic, vigorous, dynamic, all will find new and creative ways to Our Mission To communicate the message of the United Methodist Church and to connect United Methodists by spirited and alive. We want to live into fulfill that to which God calls us. independently reporting news, engaging readers and providing a forum for dialogue.

Subscriptions Letters to the Editor The individual subscription rate is $15/year for the print and online version ($13 for renewals) and $8/year for the online-only edition. To subscribe or for information about discounted church plan rates, call 888-678-6272, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.advocatesc.org. Resolution on Immigration speaks for itself The S.C. United Methodist Advocate (ISSN 1078-8166) continues the Southern Christian Advocate, authorized by the General Conference of 1836. Publication began Annual Conference-July 24, 1837. The paper is published monthly by the S.C. United Methodist Advocate In response to the letter on immigration our call and responsibilities as followers Trustees. We cannot be responsible for unsolicited manuscripts.Please direct all inquiries regarding commentary submissions 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. in the October Advocate, I offer excerpts of Jesus Christ: Postmaster: Send address changes to: S.C. United Methodist Advocate, 4908 Colonial Drive, Suite 207, Columbia, SC 29203. from the Resolution on Immigration “Jesus in Luke 4:18 reading from the November 2011 • Volume 175 • No. 11 passed by the S.C. Annual Conference June 2011, which speaks for itself about See “Letters,” Page 6 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate November 2011, Page 5 GUEST COMMENTARY Thanksgiving activities at UMCs around the state John Wesley Belair UMC , Indian than 50 full Land, will invite their Thanksgiving meals to food pantry clients and deliver to families in on giving the community to a need Nov. 20. This has By the Rev. Daniel M. Bell Jr. all to God. And not just our money. All Thanksgiving meal with been a longstanding that we have and all that we are – our the congregation on practice of this charge. The matter of apportionments is a resources, our time, our talents – are to be Thanksgiving Day at The people provide all challenging one. spent, used up, given away entirely in the noon. (The church cel - the food items, includ - Church leaders constantly struggle to mission and ministry of Christ. ebrated the one-year ing a frozen turkey, and This reality in some ways upends the anniversary of their deliver the meals to impress upon congregations the impor - whole conversation about apportion - food pantry in each family, with tance of giving for the sake of the opera - October.) The church prayer at the home. tions and missions of the church. ments. First, it challenges not only indi - viduals and even congregations to give will prepare turkey, dressing and Manning UMC , Manning, will Congregations frequently grumble that accompanying side dishes. Also, on hold the eighth annual Love Feast meeting immediate local needs is difficult themselves entirely away in mission and the Sunday night prior to for the Clarendon County enough without the added burden of what ministry, but it challenges the whole Thanksgiving, Belair and Osceola Community. Last year, more than is often felt to be a kind of church tax ensemble of church institutions. After all, UMCs will combine congregations 350 meals were prepared on going to anonymous bureaucrats. as the renowned Methodist theologian for a joint Thanksgiving service. This Thanksgiving Day and delivered or Turning to Wesley for guidance on this Albert Outler once suggested, God did year the service will be at Belair; the picked up by people in need of a matter is both promising and difficult: not raise up Methodists for the mission of Rev. Gayle Summey will bring the meal. All food is donated by church institutional maintenance. A church that message. members, who cook and prepare it Promising because he had much to say about giving; difficult because what he devotes most of its resources and energy Buncombe Street UMC , the morning of Thanksgiving. Four Greenville, is partnering with Loaves teams of workers are involved: cook - had to say would likely challenge all par - to serving itself is merely replicating the and Fishes, a local food rescue mis - ing team, team to make trays for ties in this contemporary conversation. original sin of humanity turned in on sion, for their sixth annual “Feed the delivery/pickup, delivery team and Wesley had much to say about giving. itself. Thousands” Thanksgiving meal. clean-up team. All deliveries are in As the Spirit used the evangelical doctrine Second, it suggests the whole conver - BSUMC is helping to prepare and the Clarendon County surrounding and discipline of the early Methodist sation about apportionments can only be a plate approximately 1,000 meals for area. movement to spark a revival, Wesley small part of the church’s conversation recipients at various missions Mount Pleasant UMC , Pomaria, became alarmed at the increasing wealth about giving, for Wesley would want to throughout Greenville County. has a Thanksgiving Eve service of the people called Methodists, and so he know, what about the rest of the congre - Ehrhardt Charge (Wesley each year with St. Matthews gation’s individual and collective Chapel, St. James, Zion and Lodge Lutheran Church of Pomaria. The distributed a slew of sermons on the faith - resources? How are they used, given UMCs) in the Walterboro District will service is a pulpit exchange where, ful use of resources. celebrate Thanksgiving with a joint depending on which church hosts Perhaps the best known of these is his away, spent in offering Christ to a world worship service at St. James UMC, that year, the other preacher speaks. sermon on “The Use of Money.” In that that so clearly needs Good News? Ehrhardt, Nov. 20 at 11 a.m. This year, the service will be at sermon he identified three rules: Earn all Finally, because Wesley thought all of Following worship, a luncheon will Mount Pleasant at 7:30 p.m. with the you can; save all you can; give all you us – professional religious types and ordi - be held for continuing fellowship in Rev. Steve Jackson preaching. can. As the first rule suggests, so long as nary laity in their vast array of vocations the social hall. All who live in the North Hope Cooperative one earned money in moral ways, which – should be about the mission and min - Ehrhardt area are invited. Ministries’ seven churches will hold he discusses in the sermon, Wesley had istry of Christ, he would challenge us to , Folly Beach, a joint Thanksgiving Service on Nov. Folly Beach UMC no problem with the acquisition of ask how giving to apportionments enables will host the Island Joint Community 20 at 6 p.m. at Cherokee Place without replacing the mission and min - Thanksgiving Service Nov. 20 at UMC. The Rev. Wendy Hudson- wealth. What disturbed him was that istry to which we are all called. After all, 6:30 p.m. They join the other two Jacoby will be the preacher. Music Methodists followed the first two rules, churches on the island, Our Lady of and finger foods will be provided by about earning and saving, but somehow Wesley specifically resisted the trend Good Council Catholic Church and Cherokee. The offering will benefit overlooked or forgot the third rule – giv - toward giving money so others would Folly Beach Baptist Church, for this the Household Bank, a ministry that ing all one can. Indeed, elsewhere he visit, serve and care, thereby relieving me annual event. For several years, the assists low-income families with observes that the acquisition of wealth of the opportunity to do so. churches have rotated hosting the basic non-food necessities such as without simultaneously giving it away Wesley thought that the entire tenor of service followed by a time of refresh - toilet tissue, soap detergent and seems to be one of the chief causes of the the Christian life was one of ceaseless ments and fellowship. The choirs paper towels. Cherokee Place is inefficacy of Christianity. Clearly Wesley generosity: God in Christ has and contin - also join forces to bring the special located at 2105 Cosgrove Ave., was a proponent of giving ues to give more richly and abundantly musical offerings. This year, the Rev. North Charleston. than we could ever deserve or exhaust. In Richard Summey, of the Baptist Moreover, Wesley insisted that we give Pacolet and Montgomery response, having received the gift of all church, will bring the message. , Pacolet, will hold all that we can. Not just 10 percent, not Memorial UMCs that we have and are, we freely and joy - Hendersonville Charge a Community Thanksgiving Service just 20 percent, not 50 percent or even 75 (Ebenezer/Ritter, with other area churches Nov. 22 at percent but all! fully give ourselves away to and for oth - Ebenezer/Yemassee and Salem 7 p.m. The service will be at Pacolet In this regard, Wesley was not particu - ers. Such is how Wesley would frame the UMCs), Walterboro District, will wor - Mills Baptist Church. larly impressed by tithing. Certainly he conversation about giving and apportion - ship with Hendersonville Baptist St. John’s UMC , Anderson will did not view tithing as sufficient, as ments. Church Nov. 20 at 7 p.m. for a com - host a Youth Thanksgiving though God were a kind of cosmic IRS munity Thanksgiving worship serv - Community Concert featuring agent who was satisfied with 10 percent Bell is professor of theological ethics ice. GodSpeed3. This event will be held and left us the remainder to spend as we at Lutheran Theological Southern Lamar Circuit (Zion, Newman in St. John’s Family Activities Seminary and a member of the S.C. Swamp and Elim UMCs) will Center, 515 S. McDuffie St., Nov. 20 please on luxuries, pleasures and reputa - Conference. observe Thanksgving by hosting a at 7 p.m. All churches from the area tion. Rather, he was adamant that we give Love Feast on Thanksgiving Eve. are invited to attend. The concert will The service is held in the fellowship be free with a love offering. hall, and homemade vegetable soup GodSpeed3 is a solid band whose is served. The table is decorated songs convey the message of Christ with nonperishable items and food with a modern rock edge and a light stuffs shared with a needy family for show. They have shared the stage the next day’s meal. The feast will with Mercy Me, DecembeRadio, feature singing, praying and the Casting Crowns, Audio Adrenaline, sharing of testimonies. The table 33 Miles, Addison Road, Jonny Diaz usually includes guests from out of and more. town and families that have gath - St. Paul UMC , Ridgeland, will ered for the traditional Thanksgiving provide a Thanksgiving Day lunch holidays. for all the city and county police, fire Landrum UMC , Landrum, will and emergency staff having to work host their yearly communitywide the holiday day shift. Coordinated Thanksgiving Service the evening of by the church’s mission team, mem - Nov. 20. bers of the church and local busi - Langley, Capers Chapel and nesses will provide the meals and, in Bath UMCs, Greenwood District, some instances, deliver to the work - are cooperating to assemble more ers. Page 6, November 2011 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate

LETTERS: Sounding off HOW I G OT MY CALL From Page 4 can. For instance, all students are invited to watch or participate in talent shows, try scroll of Isaiah stated: ‘The Spirit of the By the Rev. Linda B. Dunn Lord is upon me, because he has anointed their hand at trivia or enter a ping-pong me to bring good news to the poor. He tournament. Sports that are in season will has sent me to proclaim release to the always have a game somewhere during Editor’s note: The following is a me where I should look.” captives and recovery of sight to the the week, and I do my part to support new monthly series in the Advocate On an Emmaus spiritual renewal blind, to let the oppressed go free,’ and as them. showcasing the many different ways weekend, I heard a talk about how to Scripture continuously shows Jesus’ com - The one thing that usually keeps me South Carolina’s United Methodists recognize the priorities in your life by passion for the vulnerable and the poor, occupied in the evenings, however, is pastors received their call to the min - asking three questions: 1) Where do His ‘incarnated hospitality’ as he wel - studying. I do not hesitate to crack a book istry. Clergy members are invited to you spend your time? 2) Where do you comed people and ministered to their at night since my education is my main share their “call story” with the spend your energy? and 3) Where do greatest need, [and how] Jesus’ presence priority while I’m here. Advocate. Email advocate@umcsc. you spend your money? I thought on earth initiated the Kingdom reality of a All together, I fit a lot into one day. org. these questions might help me focus new social order based on love, grace, Luckily, I enjoy being a part of it all. Growing up, church was my happy on my vocational calling. justice, inclusion, mercy and egalitarian - Every day here at SMC provides me with place, where people smiled and were The overwhelming answer to those ism, which was meant to replace the old new opportunities, and I plan to always happy to be together. three questions was the church, my order, characterized by nepotism, racism, take advantage of them. The pastors we had were my spiritual life, missions and Bible study. classism, sexism, and exclusion. ( The Kacie Hines heroes, and I had lots of inspiring men - I had a conversation with my pastor, Book of Resolutions of UMC, 2008, Spartanburg tors. I loved everything about church: the Rev. Dave Nichols, and asked him Resolution 3281) hymns, choir, classes, VBS, youth if he felt I had the gifts and graces for “The South Carolina Annual Let’s be better stewards in group. Where other little girls might ministry. He was very encouraging and Conference of the United Methodist “play school,” I “played church.” walked with me through those initial Church discourage the South Carolina prosperous times, too Around fourth grade, I told my stages of exploration. Legislature in passing and implementing I find it interesting that we find ways mom one Sunday in church that I I enrolled in seminary to pursue a SB 20. to be better stewards of what God has would like to do what the pastor did. degree in Christian education. During “(We) call upon all United Methodist provided when things become difficult In fifth grade, I preached a sermon my first two years, I interned at congregations to welcome newly arriving and not in times of prosperity. against slavery for a history project. Aldersgate UMC, Sumter, where I had people in their communities, to love them I read with interest the cost-cutting My teacher said I was a powerful opportunity to “try on” educational as we do ourselves, to treat them as chil - measures congregations have implement - preacher. At Newberry College, quite a ministry plus worship leadership, visi - dren of God, to see in them the presence ed (“Cost Cutting,” October Advocate ), few of my fellow students were on tation/communion ministries (hospital of the incarnated Jesus, and to show hos - and we are doing some of those things their way to seminary, and I remember and homebound) and lake ministry. pitality to all in our midst, believing that ourselves, but I cannot help but feel a bit feeling drawn to them. I envied their After much prayer and reflection, I through their presence we are receiving convicted for not having done them all confidence, their certainty, their future, changed from Christian education (dia - the good news of the gospel of Jesus along. but I wasn’t able yet to see myself conal ministry at that time) to ordained Christ....” There are so many more people we there. ministry. All along the way God sent We need to remind ourselves that Jesus could have helped through the payment of I married, had two sons, lost my mentors and role models for me who Christ came to offer to everyone freedom apportionments and the extra mile or by first husband to cancer, remarried, had affirmed my calling to ministry as an and a new life. giving to missions, but we wasted the another son, and one day I began to ordained elder. From Ephesians 2:12-13: “Remember money by not being conservative with feel the tug to return to work. I knew I It was a sacred moment in my life that at that time you were separate from ourselves. I wonder if the United needed to help provide education funds when the bishop placed his hands on Christ, excluded from citizenship in Israel Methodist Relief Center would have had for three boys and retirement for my head for ordination. It continues to and foreigners to the covenants of the to file bankruptcy if we had been better myself, but I loved being at home with be a calling, a challenge and a blessing promise, without hope and without God stewards so we would have had more to my boys, volunteering at school and at as I preach, pray and minister with my in the world. But now in Christ Jesus you give. church. brothers and sisters in Christ. who once were far away have been There are many churches that have So I prayed for guidance: “God, if brought near by the blood of Christ.” been unable to pay their share of direct I’m going to give up something I love, Dunn is senior pastor for the Rev. Sonia Ely Brum billing. Some blame the conference, but it has to be for something I love. Show Gilbert Charge, Gilbert. Coordinator for Hispanic/Latino would it have been easier had we all been Ministry, S.C. Conference better stewards so we could have contin - ued to help one another. piano at one end of the Soup Cellar. He Bobby’s arm may be withered, but his I like many of the ideas I have read often holds a cup of soup or punch in his spirit is not. He may not have a job, but A day in the life and thank everyone for their contribu - left hand. His right arm is shriveled so he he has a mission. Amidst difficulty, he of an SMC student tions. I for one am pledging to God that I cannot use it much. chooses to be joyful and thankful because will be a better steward of what God pro - Bobby has his own story. He could he knows God’s love for him and delight Being a typical student at SMC, my vides for me, not just in the difficult times probably paint a very sad story that would in him. Regularly, he’d tell me, “No use schedule is hardly a boring one. but in the good, as well. These have been bring tears to the eyes and a lump to the in complaining.” With my biggest, brightest smile, or at hard lessons, but they have been learned throat, but he would rather sing songs of Some may look at Bobby and think, least with the intention of being in a good for both the church and in my personal praise to God and to his fellow patrons of “Poor Bobby.” Poor? Really? Oh, but to mood, I start every day with an 8 a.m. life. the Soup Cellar. He belts out “Amazing have the wealth of Bobby: rich in joy, class. As an athlete, I know that school I believe we all need to hold fast to our Grace” with such gusto, wiping the sweat wealthy in thankfulness and close to God. comes first, but it is also extremely impor - faith and remember that our communities off his forehead after the last verse (and Thanksgiving is much more than a tant for me to work around my practice have been through difficult times before, he sings all the verses). As he sings, he once-a-year holiday. It is a way of life. schedule. Because of that, my classes are and through Jesus Christ, we will perse - makes deliberate eye contact as if he is Joyfully and thankfully, Bobby makes grouped together in the mornings, and vere as individual churches, districts, the saying, “This ‘good news’ is for you.” every day a holy day. I’m all done before noon. This leaves me S.C. Conference, the United Methodist You’ll often hear him say, “I’m so Rev. Tom Wall, campus minister time to go to lunch and enjoy the compa - Church, and more importantly, as a peo - blessed! God is good!” His joy and Methodist Student Network ny of several of my friends before I get ple of God. thanksgiving are astounding. Columbia my work-study hours in. Rev. Kevin Gorry, senior pastor I assist the men’s soccer coach for an Trinity UMC, Sumter hour or two every day, which is beneficial to both him and myself. I wash jerseys for him one day, and the next I get to learn Unexpected wealth the advantages of certain formations over Every weekday morning, volunteers others. I spend time at practice and doing come to help at the Washington Street strengthening exercises roughly two hours Soup Cellar. There, some 150-200 of Christian Jazz Trio a day. That usually gets me to 5 p.m., and Columbia’s hungry and homeless gather Call us to provide music at your next church event. my “work day” is done. At that point, I for a free lunch. Contact: Frank Hill at [email protected] am free to do things for myself. I usually For every person who eats at the Soup Phones: (803) 338-0115 or (803) 736-6908 | Web: [email protected] meet friends for dinner and unwind a little Cellar, there is a different story as to how before I figure out what’s next. they came to be in their particular On any given day, there is something predicament. One of the most memorable going on at the school. Our student lead - people I have met there is Bobby. Subscribe to the Advocate ! Just $15. See page 3 ership groups plan events as often as they Bobby stands near the out of tune The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate November 2011, Page 7

GUEST COMMENTARY Becoming More Vile H-D stands Signs of God’s truth in the world at-large By the Rev. Jonathan Tompkins under those covers, lazy mornings they for ‘Hot Dog’ multiply. But glory’s waiting outside your By the Rev. Kim Strong pants, jackets, caps and sleepwear. I Editor’s note: “Becoming More Vile” window. So wake on up from your slum - have a tattoo on my right shoulder that refers to John Wesley’s remark, “I have ber and open up your eyes”) and “Keep submitted to be more vile,” when he Your Eyes Open,” which urges us to see When I was a teenager I was amazed says simply “H-D.” It stands for Harley made the controversial decision to leave past our immediate difficulties to the at the stories my dad would tell me Davidson, but my wife says it should the church pulpit and preach in the open “great unknown”: “Don’t let the night about my parents’ adventures on his mean “Hundred Dollars” because we fields of Bristol. become the day, don’t take the darkness Harley Davidson motorcycle. have never left a Harley store without Some of my favorite “stealth to the grave. I know pain is just a place It was amazing to me that these two spending that much. Christians” have released albums lately. the will has been broken.” “Learn to people, who seemed to want to deny me One thing I never really considered These are artists who don’t exactly hide Love” asks for instruction on how to truly the pleasures of life I so desired, once before becoming a biker was the reac - the fact they are Christians but who don’t love others: “I need the fear of a love threw a leg over a 750-pound motorcy - tion it provoked among my church peo - go overboard with it either, choosing to that’s lost, I need to stop trying to count cle and rode off into the sunset. They ple. Many of the guys were envious. add beauty to mainstream culture rather the cost, I need to fight on the losing side actually had photographs of them togeth - They wanted to buy a bike, but their than limit it to only the Christian sub-cul - and always hold true.” er on the bike. My mother is afraid of wives wouldn’t let them. Some of the ture “bubble.” Without a “Christian” label I’ve just picked up Switchfoot’s “Vice flying and boats, but she rode on the folks, young and older alike, wanted a affixed to their music, those folks outside Verses” and am excited about “Afterlife,” back of a motorcycle. Amazing! ride with the pastor or his wife. our bubble just may find themselves which begins the album with driving gui - I had a trail bike when I was a young Everyone was not happy about their singing about God, while those of us tar and a kingdom-on-earth call: “Every teenager, but soon fell out of love with it pastor becoming a biker. Their image of inside might be missing out. day the world is made, a chance to when I got my driver’s license at the a biker was of the beer-drinking, hard- Mat Kearney recently released “Young change, and I wonder why would I wait ridiculously young age of 15. My par - living, foul-mouthed, drug-taking Love,” with some great songs like the ’til I die to come alive? I’m ready now, ents sold my bike and bought me a used scoundrel who passed them driving 90 creatively catchy “Count On Me,” (“One I’m not waiting for the afterlife.” “Selling AMC lime-green Javelin that became mph on the interstate. The idea that their day to get it all right, two wrong and not the News” is a spoken-word rant against my preferred means of transportation for pastor would associate with such a enough right, three words you said in the “fact-is-fiction,” “suspicion is the new the next three years. I forgot about crowd shocked the blue right out of their night…”) and the reassuring chorus, “You religion” corporate media set to thumping motorcycles. hair. can count on me when you cannot see…” bass, while “Thrive” poignantly questions Then something clicked in my brain I found out that the stereotype of a “Chasing the Light” offers prayers and the difference between living and being when I was in my mid-40s. It happened biker was wrong. In 10 years of riding I encouragement for a down-and-out alive: “A warm body don’t mean I’m after I had lengthy shoulder surgery and have never seen two bikers get in a fight friend: “Every bridge that you keep on alive … I want to thrive, not just sur - discovered they had drugs that could or leave another biker stranded on the burning, every road that you find uncer - vive.” The title track is theodicy set to make almost any pain go away for four road. All economic and social class divi - tain, I pray for you now, baby, that you sparse acoustic guitar and strings, asking hours at a time. I wanted to ride a motor - sions end when you hit the start button figure it out.” “Down” sings praise in the philosophical questions about life, death cycle again. I started reading about on a Harley. No matter what you did the midst of hardship: “Can you hear when and suffering while looking out at the motorcycles and looking online for mod - rest of the week, you all are the same we call, there where we fall, standing our Pacific Ocean: “Where is God in the els that a middle-aged fat man would when you are riding on two wheels. backs against the wall, top of our lungs, night sky? Where is God in the city light? look good on. You may have noticed that most bik - Hallelujah!, where pain and love bleed Where is God in the earthquake? Where It became apparent I would not look ers have a distinctive wave to each other into one. When all you see is darkness is God in the genocide? Where are you in right on anything other than a Harley when they pass on the highway. It’s not comin’ down now, we all need forgive - my broken heart? Everything seems to Davidson. a means of saying hello. It’s a sign of the ness, comin’ round now.” fall apart. Everything feels rusted over. I waited until my last child was brotherhood that exists between bikers. Needtobreathe’s new album “The Tell me that you’re there.” through with college, and vice-versa, to I saw a pamphlet a Christian motorcy - Reckoning” continues to bring the band Keep your ears open to these artists, start buying motorcycles. My wife cle group printed once that said, “If from South Carolina into the mainstream. and you just might hear God’s truth shared my desire to ride, and we both Jesus walked on earth today He would Some early standouts for me include singing out from where you’d least expect bought small bikes and worked our way ride a motorcycle.” I can picture in my “Slumber,” which begins with a call to it. up to the big cruising bikes. I finally mind Jesus and his motorcycle club of get up and look for God’s presence in Tompkins is associate pastor of First bought the bike of my dreams, a Harley 12 riding in formation down the high - each day (“Days they force you back UMC, Myrtle Beach. Davidson model appropriately named way of life. He would be out front riding “Fatboy.” I loved that bike, and we rode His Harley, probably one of those new everywhere in our area together. We dis - sporty models. His hair would be flow - covered Bike Weeks in Myrtle Beach ing in the wind and he would have the and Daytona Beach. We rode the Blue surest sign of a happy bike rider; bugs in Ridge Parkway and enjoyed the coolness his front teeth. of a mountain road. That’s an image of Jesus that could If you own a Harley, you found out preach. The Advocate that the bike cost $20,000 and the cloth - ing will cost you more than that. We Strong is senior pastor of Mount have Harley T-shirts, dress shirts, hats, Holly UMC, Rock Hill.

Quotable 5 for $25

“The propagation of religion by means of the press is next to importance to the astors, don’t forget to turn in your 2012 5 for $25 selections preaching of the Gospel.” (even if it’s the same people you chose last year). We must – Francis Asbury Phave a new form every year. Through the 5 for $25 program, each UMC in South Carolina has the chance to receive five annual subscriptions to the Advocate for $25 – just $5 each! (Regular price is $15/each.)

Get the form at www.advocatesc.org/home/ documents/5-for-25.pdf or email [email protected].

Deadline is Nov. 1 for 2012 form. Page 8, November 2011 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate

ESditor’s noote: Eveury year, the S.hC. Carolina’s schstudeonts. Thisl giveas me thre opposrtunity to Conference of the United Methodist discuss class topics every day rather than Church gives out the Senior College Fund, having only an opportunity to listen. which is an allocation split among the Dialogue is vitally important to a student four-year United Methodist institutions to of religion, and Methodists always have help with the education of South treasured human experience and rational Carolina’s future leaders. Spartanburg thinking along with Scripture.” Methodist College, a two-year institution, Wofford College is committed to devel - also gets conference money to help fund oping the whole person through communi - education for students in need. Here, the ty, global engagement and academics; Advocate showcases the schools and some addressing the counseling and internship of the students who benefit from this con - needs of young people who may be called nectional generosity. to serve the church in various clerical and lay ministries; and providing financial sup - Claflin University port for deserving students. The United Methodist Church annually Wofford gets its share of national recog - awards Claflin University funds for stu - nitions, but it is particularly proud of its recent distinctions as one of 40 “Great dent scholarships. Scholarship recipients Katy Tamblyn and Rob Levin, who attend Wofford College, Financial Aid Director Terria Williams chat with Dr. Ron Robinson. The students are two of hundreds who receive help Schools, Great Prices” in U.S. News & World Report and Kiplinger’s “Best said this enables the university to establish thanks to the S.C. Conference’s Senior College Fund. (Photo by Mark Olencki) an institutional scholarship fund to benefit Values in Private Colleges.” Behind these Claflin students who are members of kudos is an effective, individualized finan - and attend classes. Tommy and Leigh Tamblyn, are members cial aid program that keeps the college United Methodist churches. Already, she is trying to give back. A of Grace UMC. A certified lay speaker, she The scholarship fund assists deserving accessible to a wide range of deserving member of the S.C. Medical Group was active in youth and musical groups in students. students who demonstrate financial need Management Association, a nonprofit high school and made two mission trips. or experience a heavy student loan burden. “United Methodists remain the largest association for the education of health-care She is active in several student organi - denominational group in our student In addition, the fund also serves to reduce managers that works with the free medical zations at Wofford, but her focus is on her body,” said Dr. Ron Robinson, Perkins- the university’s scholarship commitments clinic. She plans to soon volunteer at the major in religion and her pre-ministerial Prothro chaplain and professor of religion. for students who receive awards directly free clinic, as well as begin tutoring mid - interests. “Considering our average financial aid from the institution, such as the dle school students. “I definitely feel a higher calling,” package last year was $28,751, that means Presidential Scholarship program for stu - “We are here to help one another, and Tamblyn said. “I am looking at Methodist that Methodist students received more than dents in the Alice Carson Tisdale Honors that without a doubt was my main driving seminaries – Duke and Candler at Emory $7 million through our financial aid office College. force to changing majors to social work,” – and I’d like to start out in youth ministry. in 2010-2011. Support from the Senior “We are incredibly grateful that the Seel said. “It’s not about the money, the Wofford has been a great fit for me. It has College Fund is a cornerstone of that United Methodist Church has awarded fancy job. It’s what I feel I was put here to helped me to foster my love for my faith effort, and we really appreciate that sup - Claflin University with such a generous do.” community and my interest in a Christian port and put it to good use as part of finan - scholarship fund,” Williams said. “The vocation.” cial aid packages for these United university will utilize this money to assist Spartanburg Methodist Another Methodist pre-ministerial stu - Methodist leaders of the future.” as many students as possible.” dent, sophomore Levin of Mount Pleasant, Spartanburg Methodist College partici - About 135 Wofford students received is the son of Greg and Jenni Levin. pates in the United Methodist Higher some support from the Senior College Columbia College “Wofford is a good fit for me because Fund last year. Education Foundation scholarship Dollars Columbia College turns the conference of the small class sizes,” Levin said. “Most (Doyle Boggs contributed the Wofford for Scholars. Only 350 students nationally allocation into need-based scholarships. of my classes here are capped at around 15 piece.) They also match any number of external are selected for this scholarship. United Methodist Church scholarships The UMHEF awards $1,000 to the stu - whether they are from churches, the S.C. dent, which SMC then matches, allowing Conference or national. for a total of $2,000 for the year. This pro - With Dollars for Scholars, Columbia gram is funded by the United Methodist College matches up to $1,000 to this General Board of Higher Education and scholarship, awarded by the UMC. With Ministry. the General Board of Higher Education SMC’s matched portion is funded and Ministry scholarship, Columbia through by the S.C. Conference of the College participates in a United Methodist UMC. Leadership Scholarship match, granting Sidney Attaway is the SMC student funds to one freshman, sophomore, junior who received this scholarship. A sopho - and senior who earn a 3.0 or higher grade more from Greenville, Attaway is com - point average. pleting an Associate of Science degree. There are 19 United Methodists, but “The support of the Methodist founda - many other students also get the UMC tion is encouraging,” Attaway said. ”The need-based scholarships, the college’s scholarship has truly enabled me to further enrollment office said. my education this year.” Jessica Seel is one Columbia College Emily Staggs, SMC’s director of finan - student who received a need-based schol - cial aid, said it is inspiring to see the com - arship. A junior with a major in social munity rallying in support of their local work, Seel plans to take what she is learn - students. ing at Columbia College and then go on to “I have seen where a scholarship of this graduate school to get a dual master’s magnitude truly can make it possible for a degree in social work and public health. student to further their education which “I have a passion for helping people,” enables them to tap into their gifts and tal - said Seel, a lifelong United Methodist. ents,” Staggs said. “Not to sound cliché, but I want to make a difference.” Wofford College Seel said she is exceedingly grateful for Katy Tamblyn and Rob Levin, both the scholarship made possible by the officers in Wofford College’s Wesley UMC and Columbia College; she would Fellowship, are examples of how Wofford not be able to go to college without it. An is responding to the UMC’s challenge to adult student, Seel had a tragedy when she develop the next generation of leaders was first enrolled in college, so she could - through the college’s Emerging Leaders n’t finish school. Sixteen years later, she Initiative. decided to come back and get her degree, Tamblyn is a junior at Wofford from but she found she couldn’t work full-time Charleston, where she and her parents, The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate November 2011, Page 9 Education & Youth Chrysalis youth weekends set for Jan., Feb. in Midlands Christian high schoolers are invited much is happening, but the delicate to a spiritual journey this winter. chrysalis process changes the fuzzy Chrysalis of the Midlands welcomes caterpillar into a butterfly with wings youth interested in meeting new friends of intricate designs and intense colors. and learning about God’s amazing The chrysalis process symbolizes how grace to the next Chrysalis weekend. Christ can transform people. Held at Lexington UMC, Lexington, The “Boys Flight” weekend is set the event will be a time of worship, for Jan. 13-15, while the “Girls Flight” prayer, fellowship and creative expres - weekend will be Feb. 17-19. sion shared with other high school stu - Scholarships are available. dents who are interested in building a For more information, contact deeper relationship with God during an Debbie Carter at exciting three-day weekend. [email protected] or 803-315- Before it becomes a butterfly, a 8014; visit their Facebook page HELPING HAITI – First-year students at Wofford College assemble food caterpillar goes through a growth stage (Chrysalis of the Midlands); or down - packets for Haitian relief. The project was sponsored by the campus ministry during which it is called a “chrysalis.” load a Chrysalis application at and the Center for Global and Community Engagement as part of the col - On the surface it may not look like www.midlandsemmaus.com. lege’s fall 2011 orientation program. (Photo by Mark Olencki) Wesley Foundations gather for Charleston Mission Weekend Students from the Charleston Wesley Foundation and the Winthrop Wesley Foundation gathered for their 10th annual Charleston Mission Weekend in October. This year for the first time, the students gathered not at the United Methodist Relief Center, because of its closing, but at Rural Mission Inc. in Johns Island. One of the students on the trip, Jon Hoin, a senior at Winthrop, did his Students in Mission summer experience at Rural Mission, and he was excited to come back and work with such a great ministry. “Being at Rural Mission again and going on the retreat was an awesome experience,” Hoin said. “We had so much fun on Johns Island working with Charleston Wesley on several projects and two hous - John Lee (left) and Brandon Gettys hug Rev. Lisa A Citadel cadet removes wasp nests before painting es. Rural Mission is such a meaningful and important Hawkins, campus minister, during the home repair. the edging around a house. (Photos by Derik Pack) ministry to the people in these communities and it’s powerful to be a part of that.” Drew Storck, senior at The Citadel, echoed these “Working and meeting the Charleston Wesley Students worked at the homes of two families sentiments: “This being my fourth Charleston group was a blast,” David Mackay, a freshman at painting and sanding, as well as picking up materials Mission Weekend, I was really excited. I feel like Winthrop, said. “It was awesome to get to know other in other places in the community. every year I get to see more and more of God’s awe - Christians and to work alongside them.” “My favorite part was getting to be a part of some - someness and show the people of the community how While at Rural Mission, Derik Pack, board chair of thing much bigger than myself,” said Carly Lewis, a much God loves them and that we as followers of Charleston Wesley, created a podcast of some of the sophomore at Winthrop. “It makes me feel like I am Christ can use this as a perfect time to exemplify students talking about their experience on the mission not wasting time focusing on myself, but I can help God’s love to others.” weekend and at Wesley. others instead. It’s important for me to serve because Part of the joy of the trip is the friendships that are The Youtube video of some of these interviews and that’s what Jesus did, and I want to follow his exam - built between the students from the different campus pictures can be found at http://youtu.be/ ple.” ministries. KW7MK8kmuu0. Whitson to retire as president of Columbia College in 2012 COLUMBIA – Dr. Caroline Whitson, the ed, committed faculty and staff and the 17th president of Columbia College, will support of an engaged Board of Trustees,” retire at the end of this academic year, Whitson said. “I have been fortunate to June 30, 2012. have the opportunity to work with and Since coming to the college in 2001, learn from them.” Whitson has been an energetic advocate As president, Whitson championed the for women’s education and for improving establishment of the college’s 4Cs. The the status of women in South Carolina. unique leadership model combines aca - In announcing her retirement on behalf demic and co-curricular programming to of the college’s board of trustees, support students in the development of Chairman Lex Knox said, “Columbia the Courage, Commitment, Confidence College has been very fortunate and and Competence to lead for change. CHAPLAIN EXCHANGE DAY – On Oct. 5, Columbia College and blessed to have someone of Dr. Whitson’s Knox said Vice Chair of the Board Spartanburg Methodist College participated for the second year in a row in Chaplain Exchange Day. The Rev. Roy Mitchell (above left), chaplain and character and talent to lead us for the past Becky Laffitte will head the search com - director of church relations at Columbia College, preached at the Spartanburg decade. She has been an outstanding mittee to find a new president for Methodist College chapel, while the Rev. Candice Sloan (above right), chap - leader through challenging times and has Columbia College, with the rest of the lain and director of church relations at SMC, went to be the guest speaker at steered the college through needed committee being named within the next the Columbia College chapel. “It is a great chance for me to connect with stu - changes. While disappointed at the news, two weeks. The committee will include dents and try to recruit a few to Columbia College after they finish their stud - we respect her decision and certainly wish board members as well as representatives ies at SMC, and it is a great opportunity for Candice to connect with her for - her well.” from the rest of the college community. mer students that are now students here,” Mitchell said. “It really is a win- “I am well aware that the successes the Columbia College is a private liberal win.” He said students appreciate the change of face and style, plus enjoy college has enjoyed during my time here arts women’s college related to the United hearing from a different UMC Chaplain besides their own. are a direct result of the work of a talent - Methodist Church. Page 10, November 2011 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Education & Youth Soup ministry: Serving at Washington Street By William Newkirk the “Soup Cellar Fam ily.” Since then, I played in the Army; training goats to seizures and a drug-related police arrest. have been privileged to work alongside fetch, roll over and play dead; and flunk - Many patrons refuse conversation. These In the fall of 2007, I was led through dedicated volunteers. ing calculus at University of Virginia in are reminders that serious work is done at the labyrinthine halls of Washington I have served for three years with the the 1960s – four times. the Soup Cellar. Street United Methodist Church and gentlemen from Trinity Episcopal, several This year, Methodist Student Network However, for every gruff “thank you,” down a flight of wet stairs. of whom have been serving at the Soup volunteers Jackson Culpepper, Furman there are two “God bless you’s.” Soup I was hit with the smell of soup, the Cellar for more than 30 years (since the Mar shall and I added a new dimension to Cellar coordinators Mike Hutto, Jerry hum of conversation and a warm wel - Carter administration). Their servitude is the Soup Cellar: musical en tertainment – Sumpter and Brown create an overall come by a man named Leroy Brown. exceeded only by their humor. They an ever-expanding repertoire of twangy environment of respect, solidarity and Leroy immediately welcomed me into to freely share stories of prac tical jokes guitar songs rooted in the United laughter that has expanded the ministry Methodist hymnal and Johnny Cash. over time. Patrons made requests, demanded encores The patrons’ genuine appreciation, the and provided vo cal and piano accompani - decades-long dedication of local volun - ment. teers and the enthusiasm shown by col - If my description of the Soup Cellar lege students is a testimony to the cellar’s seems too lighthearted for a program that fundamental appeal of serving one anoth - serves up to 300 daily during only one er and having fun doing so. hour of operation, then perhaps it is. At Newkirk is a member of the Methodist the Soup Cellar I have seen fistfights, Student Network, which is the campus cursing matches, at least two hospi talizing ministry at University of South Carolina.

PLANKING ON THE PRESIDENT’S DESK! – Spartanburg Methodist College held a “planking” photo competition as part of its four-day Pioneer Power Up experience to introduce new students to life at SMC. Planking involves lying face-down in an unusual location, and for the competition, students could plank on campus and submit their photo to the P.O.P.S. Programming Board Facebook page. The planking photo winner is Daniel Armistead, pictured here planking on the desk of SMC President Dr. Colleen Keith. The hand of God at work The answers to all of the questions were Young woman’s tale shows an emphatic yes. how God makes everything Jeannie said Belmont “just happened” NEW EAGLES – On Sept. 25, Troop 655 from First UMC, Cheraw, held a to have one slot left but that it would be Nation Court of Honor where they awarded two scouts, Jacob Parker Pierce possible if it is His will almost impossible to process all the paper - and Robert Lee Hainey, the rank of Eagle. Here, the scouts pause for a smile By Blanche G. Odom work at this late date. However, she after the service. instructed us to have Megan call My granddaughter Megan became Belmont’s dean of occupational therapy at interested in a career in occupational thera - 9 a.m. on Monday. py as she watched her grandfather’s thera - Megan worked at a physical therapy pist help him after he had a stroke. clinic but was so sure of this possibility Megan was amazed at what she that she went to work Monday and told observed and desired a career where she them that in two weeks she would be leav - could help people, too. Her plans were to ing to follow her dream. Then Megan attend the Medical University of South called Belmont’s dean and was inter - Carolina to study occupational therapy, but viewed via telephone. Megan shared with felt God’s calling to attend her church col - the dean that her dream was God’s plan in lege in Tennessee. They did not have a spite of the hard work ahead of her. pre-med degree, so she majored in social Finally, the dean said, “If this is God’s work. Megan later applied to MUSC but plan, then what else can I do? You are did not get accepted, which was devastat - accepted.” ing for her. Megan was determined, and true to her Megan and her mother prayed and word she checked off her to-do list one by turned Megan’s dream over to God and one. His plans. Megan then surrendered her life God choreographed the entire situation, to the Lord and strengthened her prayer and it is amazing how the hand of God life. She forged ahead in faith and shared was so evident in every minute detail. The with her mother on Aug. 5, 2009, that she pieces of this puzzle fell into place right decided to attend Belmont University’s before our very eyes. School of Occupational Therapy in Megan faced a tough 12-week rotation Nashville. program in May, but she got through it. Two days later, her mother and I During this time and even now, my Bible attended a church retreat in North Carolina study group at Trinity United Methodist and “just happened” to be seated beside a Church in Alcolu is praying for her. woman who “just happened” to be a pro - Every one of Megan’s prayers has been fessor at Belmont. This woman then intro - answered: Christian roommates, good duced us to her friend, Jeannie, who “just study buddies, great grades. happened” to be a professor at Belmont’s Now, Megan and I pray together on the School of Occupational Therapy. phone every morning: “Lord, help us to be Megan’s mother spoke with Jeannie what You want us to be, and help us to do and told her that Megan had wanted to what You want us to do.” What a precious become an OT since her grandfather had time for me with my granddaughter! suffered a stroke. Jeannie asked, “Has Megan will graduate in May 2012 with your daughter taken the GRE, anatomy, a doctorate in occupational therapy – all in physiology and medical terminology?” God’s plan. The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate November 2011, Page 11 Other News Music and Worship Arts fellowship to meet in February The S.C. Fellowship of United States and in the world of United of change in worship, and vital worship served on the board of the American Methodists in Music and Worship Arts Methodism. She has taught worship at ideas without burnout. Guild of English Handbell Ringers, Area will hold their next workshop Feb. 3-4 at conference events from New England to Helman, as handbell clinician, has III, and is past dean of Delaware Shandon United Methodist Church in Louisiana and from the West Coast to the more than 125 compositions in print, American Guild of Organists. Columbia. East. She has been the worship designer from handbells to anthems to organ Worship Friday evening, Feb. 3, will This workshop features Marcia McFee, for 2008 General Conference and will be arrangements. His trumpet tune arrange - include worship with a guest preacher, worship clinician, and Michael Helman, for 2012 General Conference also. ments for organ and his anthem “Taste Union United Methodist Church Chancel handbell clinician. McFee is coming to South Carolina to and See” are especially well known. Choir and incorporation of McFee’s wor - McFee is known across the United inspire and teach on enthusiastic worship. Currently serving as director of ship techniques. Her sessions will incorporate exciting music/organist at Faith Presbyterian in For more information, visit www.scfel - worship ideas with sensory rich worship Cape Coral, Fla., he was formerly serving lowship.com or email Catherine Stapleton Rebuild Sudan experiences, global music and the politics a UMC in Wilmington, Del. He has Nance at [email protected]. founder to Copeland wins national award for ministry in education DURHAM, N.C. – Dr. Jennifer E. education by the National Campus their annual conference at the University speak at Peace Copeland, S.C. Conference member Ministry Association. of California Berkeley. appointed as United Methodist chaplain The Duke Wesley Fellowship also won Copeland is a three-time graduate of Conference for Duke University and executive direc - for 2010 Campus Ministry of the Year. Duke. Before her appointment there, she LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. – tor of the Duke Wesley Fellowship, was These are the organization’s top two served as a parish minister and chaplain in Michael Ayuen de Kuany, one of the recognized for outstanding ministry in awards for the year and were given during S.C. “Lost Boys of the Sudan” and founder of Rebuild Sudan, will be Resource Center featured at the 2011 Lake Junaluska Peace Conference, “Poverty, Resources from the S.C. Conference always be grateful to God. (Adult) 30 min. Discover the Abundance, and Peace: Seeking Resource Center: MOLLY’S PILGRIM (VHS1172) true story of the Native Economic Justice for all God’s A young Russian Jewish immigrant American named Children,” set for Nov. 13-15. DAVEY & GOLIATH: THANKSGIV - girl, regularly teased by her American Squanto, who is cap - Born in 1980 in what was then ING SPECIAL (VHS242) classmates for her ethnic mannerisms, tured from his southern Sudan, Kuany fled his vil - Two stories of is given a class assignment to create a beloved Pawtuxet lage during at attack by the govern - Thanksgiving and doll based on a Thanksgiving character. tribe, taken to the importance of She tries to make a Pilgrim doll, but her Spain and sold into ment forces in 1987. being thankful. mother turns it into a Russian immigrant slavery. Years Kuany will be joined at the Peace Story 1: The woman doll, because to her mother, later, Squanto Conference by Sen. George Pilgrim Boy – Russian Jews are pilgrims, too – they’ve regains his freedom and McGovern; Dr. David Beckmann, Davey learns the meaning of come to America for religious freedom. embarks on a journey back to his executive director of Bread for the God’s provision. Story 2: The Big Apple Molly brings the doll to class expecting homeland where he teaches the World; and Bishop Nkula Ntambo of – Davey and sister Sally learn about further criticism from her classmates, but Pilgrims how to survive the difficult early the Katanga Conference in the sharing. (Children) when the teacher explains why the doll years in the Plymouth colony – culminat - Democratic Republic of the Congo. ESSENTIALS - VOL. 1: HOLIDAYS really does represent Thanksgiving, the ing in the first Thanksgiving. (Children) “I am really looking forward to (DVD538) class is suddenly moved and wants to VEGGIE TALES: #9 MADAME the conference,” Kuany said. “I This CD-ROM disc of video clips, befriend Molly instead of ridicule her. BLUEBERRY (VHS1538) contains 100 motion loops and still (Children) How much stuff do I need to be know that we must learn to live images that will enhance your worship happy? Learn a fresh lesson on thank - together in peace – and that if we QUIGLEY’S VILLAGE: #10 experience during Christmas, Easter, THANKFULNESS (VHS564) fulness as Madame Blueberry learns cannot learn, that more children will Thanksgiving, Mother’s Day, Father’s Lemon learns the importance of that “being greedy makes you grumpy, be killed or suffer as we did.” Day, Graduations, New Year’s Day and thankfulness when her doll is swept but a thankful heart is a happy heart.” Through plenary sessions and more. (Adult) away during a windy day of kite flying. (Children) breakout groups, participants at the HOLIDAYS & OCCASIONS: SEA - The gang tries to find Mrs. Toddy with - The S.C. Conference Resource Peace Conference will have many SON 2 (DVD534) out success until she is found on top of Center is your connection to VHS tapes, opportunities to hear about the issues A Cry of Thanksgiving – This inspiring a flagpole and only Bubba can save the DVD’s and seasonal musicals. They are affecting economic justice and ways clip shows how different people from the day! (Children) here to serve your church family. To all persons can work for a more equi - Bible praised God no matter their cir - SQUANTO AND THE FIRST reserve resources, call 888-678-6272 or cumstance; and is a motivation to table and peaceful world. THANKSGIVING (VHS1416) visit www.umcsc.org/resourcecenter. In keeping with the commitment of the Peace Conference to interfaith peacemaking, the conference will also feature an interfaith panel featur - ing Jewish, Muslim and Christian scholars on the topic, “Our Sacred Texts Speak to Us in Regard to Peace, Justice and Economics.” A special session will also feature speakers on the topic of “Corporate Social Responsibility,” as the confer - ence looks at ways foundations, faith communities and individuals can work for a more just economic order through responsible investing. Speakers will be Dr. Tom Stephens, managing director of Prescient360 Group, an advisor for many years to corporations, government and institu - tions on issues of corporate responsi - bility; and Vidette Bullock Mixon, who will represent the United Methodist Board of Pensions’ social - ly responsible investing policies. For more information and to reg - ister, go to www.lakejunaluska.com/ peace. Page 12, November 2011 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Other News The Idea Exchange Take it and run with it! Communication Boxes at Loris UMC Editor’s note: This new feature in the Advocate is a open to see how and when we could be of service to Christmas Card Box. Then the last Sunday before place where churches can share what works for them members of our church and our community. I often Christmas, all cards were distributed in piles for each so other churches with a similar need may benefit heard how members would love to send more birth - member/person. The little piles of cards were tied from the United Methodist connection. What works day and get well cards, but with the cost of the card(s) neatly with a Christmas ribbon. Once again, money for you? We’d love to hear. Send your ideas to advo - and postage, it was becoming a burden on many who was saved for our members by not having to pay for [email protected]. were living on fixed incomes. With the Christmas hol - postage, as they were distributed in-house. Communication is a challenge for all of us. The idays in the near future at that time, I knew the same “As a side note, I found that the youth of the more ways we devise to communicate, it seems, the concern would surface once again. church could communicate with other youth in the harder it is for us to actually do it. “I came up with the idea of communication boxes. church and or adult members – and once again, it But for the people at Loris First United Methodist These are simply accordion file boxes with the alpha - saved the families money. The youth simply wrote Church, Loris, not only do their “communication bet. People could drop their notes or cards behind the notes on a little piece of paper and put them in the slot boxes” keep people connected, but they also save first letter of the last name of the recipients, and peo - for the recipient, thereby cutting the cost of not only members and the church time and money. The boxes ple would check the box from time to time to see if postage but the cost of a card. I found many to be additionally create opportunities for people to reach they had received interchurch mail. This eliminated very creative with their homemade notes. out to others they may not otherwise consider. the need to pay postage. “With the economy such as it is today, it is still a Hear in their own words what works for them: “Also from Thanksgiving to Christmas (with a cut- great way for members to communicate with little “While serving as worship chairperson at Loris off date just before Christmas) people could drop off money involved.” First UMC, I was always keeping my eyes and ears their Christmas cards and deposit them in a decorated – Joan H. Smith, immediate past worship chair

Methodism Revisited

By the Rev. J. Robert Huggins economic values established by the gov - found in his sermons and letters. On ernment and using instead a relative scale housing, he says, “Who have not a dry, or of human wealth and need. Instead of warm, much less a clean abode for them - Retired UMC Bishop Jack Answer to last month’s trivia: Q: In 1750s London, every sixth shop sold what viewing the 30-pound-per-year bench - selves and their little ones?” Meadors will speak . (UMNS photo by Mike DuBose) that caused what to become the most mark as the poverty line, Wesley used the M. Douglas Meeks writes in “The common of vices? A: Every sixth shop in graduated terms of superfluities, conven - Portion of the Poor” that Wesley under - London sold gin, and beastly drunkenness iences, necessities and extremities. stood visiting the poor as an essential Meadors to was the common of vices. His classic definition of the principle means of grace necessary to the continu - comes in a sermon on the Golden Rule ance of faith. To be in Christ meant to keynote annual Social justice found its footing in 18th- (Matt. 7:12): “We would that all men take the form of Christ’s own life for and Eben Taylor century England as John and Charles should love and esteem us, and behave with the poor. To be a disciple of Christ Wesley stood out in the call for society to towards us according to justice, mercy, meant to be obedient to Christ’s com - Lecture recognize and respond to the ills of slav - and truth. And we may reasonably desire mand to feed his sheep and to serve the GREENVILLE – Retired United ery, the poor, the uneducated and the sick. that they should do us all the good they least of his sisters and brothers. Methodist bishop Marshall L. “Jack” As John Wesley stated, “There is no can do without injuring themselves; yea, This meant that the evangel took Meadors will serve as keynote speak - holiness but social holiness.” Wesley that in outward things (according to the Wesley where the poor were, in the fields er for the annual Eben Taylor encouraged his followers that it was their known rule) their superfluities should and hamlets, mines and city streets, where Memorial Lecture Series. duty to minister to the poor in whatever give way to our conveniencies, their con - enclosures and a mercantilist economy The lecture is set for 7 p.m. Nov. way they could. veniencies to our necessities, and their had made them congregate. 9 at Trinity United Methodist Church During his time at Oxford, Wesley necessities to our extremities. Now then, Trivia: Who said, “If we want the poor in Greenville. took courses in basic medicine and first let us walk by the same rule; let us do people to see Christ in us, we have to see The late Rev. Eben Taylor was a aid so he could venture into London dur - unto all as we would they should do to us. the image of Christ in the poor” – John or longtime United Methodist pastor ing his free time and work with the poor, Let us love honor all men. Let justice, Charles Wesley? perhaps best known for his legacy of providing not only food and clothing, but mercy, and truth govern all our minds and Huggins is senior pastor of St. John courageous love in times of racial medical aid where he could. Wesley and actions. Let our superfluities give way to UMC in Sumter. strife. His God-given passion for jus - his followers worked hard to raise money our neighbor’s conveniencies (and who tice and mercy for all persons drove to provide food and clothing along with then will have any superfluities left?); our his entire ministry. the innovation of interest-free loans to the conveniencies, to our neighbor’s necessi - Free Advocate The lecture series travels to the poor of London – to quote Wesley, “res - ties; our necessities to his extremities.” subscription for new cuing them from lenders demanding exor - Heitzenrater goes on to define what churches Eben served during his church members! ministry and are based on issues of bitant interest that would have compound - Wesley meant: The concept of “necessi - ed their distress.” ties” was not based on an absolute level justice and mercy. Taylor served Churches, e-mail the Advocate Trinity UMC, Greenville, during the Also, Wesley’s Methodists devoted of sustenance that would prevent destitu - with names and addresses of late 1970s and early 1980s. themselves to helping the poor find jobs. tion. His definition of necessities includes your new members, and Last year’s speaker was Dr. Jan During this time in London, most viewed very significant descriptions: the necessi - we’ll be glad to send them a Love, the first female dean at Emory poverty and the sick as unworthy, yet ties are seen in terms of sufficient food, free one-year subscription. University’s Candler School of Wesley preached God’s love for all decent apparel and proper housing. [email protected] Theology. mankind and demanded unrestricted love Similar adjectival qualifications can be This year’s lecture will include for one’s neighbor. music provided by Taylor’s son, In the book, “The Poor and the People Stephen Taylor, and a diversity choir Called Methodist,” edited by Richard Leave A Legacy To Change Lives from the Greenville District. There Heitzenrater, Heitzenrater said Wesley will be a reception with light refresh - declassified the concept of poverty, identi - ments in Trinity’s fellowship hall fol - fied the breadth of the problem and uni - The South Carolina United Methodist Foundation lowing the event. The Rev. John versalized the responsibility for dealing P. O. Box 5087, Columbia, SC 29250-5087 with it. Heitzenrater said might be more Culp chairs the lecture series. [email protected] For information: 864-233-8114. accurate to say that Wesley reclassified poverty, moving away from the absolute The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate November 2011, Page 13 Health & Fitness Wesley Commons holds 5K to fight hunger ing the race,” said local resident Jim Event reaches all ages Slagle, who ran with his wife and sons. GREENWOOD – More than 130 peo - Runner John Warner, who participated ple, from ages 3 to 83, lined up for the in last year’s race, was also impressed, second annual Food For the Sole 5K saying he “had a fantastic time this year. race at Wesley Commons Sept. 24. I doubted they could improve on last The event raised around $2,000 for year’s event, but they proved me the Food Bank of Greenwood, according wrong.” to race organizer Jennifer Larkins. The Food for the Sole race was the The overall winner was Jason final event of a weeklong celebration of Ballentine with a time of 19 minutes and National Active Aging Week. 55 seconds. The top female overall run - “What better way to promote our resi - ner was Evann McKibban with a time of dents’ active, healthy lifestyle than with 22:15. The female masters winner was a 5K run/walk event for everyone,” Debbie Flynn at 23:12, and the male Larkins said. “We were thrilled to attract masters winner was Tim Simpson at participants ranging from 3 to 83.” 20:47. A crowd of runners race for position at the beginning of the Food For the Sole 5K For age group winners and a com - “We were very pleased with this Race at Wesley Commons. The second annual event benefited the Greenwood plete list of results, visit http://terry County Food Bank and featured participants of all ages, from 3 to 83. year’s race and were glad to build on last times.com/results/GWFFS5K11AWA.txt. year’s success,” Larkins said. “It was supporting a local cause.” family members or organizations partici - Wesley Commons is a nonprofit mas - exciting to open our beautiful campus to While many ran or walked at their pated together. ter-planned continuing care retirement people from across the Upstate while own pace, several groups of friends, “My family and I all had a blast dur - community in Greenwood.

To Your Health

By the Rev. Sandra King acknowledge that we are recipients of system, producing a protective effect one another. In this way, thanksgiving God’s grace and mercy, we are remind - for the heart. not only heals us and blesses us, but it Thanksgiving Day is just around the ed of God’s love and care for us, which It seems the practice of intentionally also blesses and heals others. corner, and we tend to equate this day makes it possible for us to share God’s bringing attention to the things we With this in mind, why not go ahead with eating too much, football and fam - love and care with others. appreciate in life can alter variability of and begin to cultivate an attitude of ily. We know that thanksgiving is neces - heart rate, which can in turn reduce thanksgiving and practice giving thanks Sure, there is likely to be mention of sary for our spiritual health, but studies blood pressure and the risk of sudden every day? This way, you will be ready Pilgrims and Indians, and hopefully, a are now verifying that an attitude of death from coronary artery disease. when Thanksgiving Day rolls around. prayer of thanks to God for all of life’s thanksgiving has benefits for our physi - When we practice thankfulness, our Happy Thanksgiving! blessings. But generally speaking, the cal and mental well being, too. In fact, brains are stimulated to produce the King serves as minister at Leesville day comes and goes, and our thoughts research has shown that people who feel-good chemicals dopamine and United Methodist Church in Leesville. quickly turn to shopping and upcoming keep gratitude or thankfulness journals serotonin. She is a registered nurse with a mas - Christmas festivities. on a regular (weekly) basis tend to The key to reaping the benefits of ter’s degree in health nursing. While giving thanks on the fourth exercise more regularly, report fewer thanksgiving or gratitude is regularity. Thursday in November is a good thing, physical symptoms, feel better about Just as our bodies require regular feed - we should cultivate the habit of giving their lives as a whole and are more ing, rest and exercise, so our spirits thanks every day for God’s goodness optimistic about the upcoming week. thrive on the regular practice of giving Subscribe! and faithfulness. Thanksgiving flows Researchers have also found that thanks. As Christians, the beginning from an awareness of our blessings, an thinking about someone or something and end of our thankfulness is God, $15/year understanding that life is more than just we really appreciate triggers the calm - and the manifestation of such gratitude 888-678-6272 or a random series of events. When we ing branch of the autonomic nervous is lived out in our relationships with www.AdvocateSC.org

Free ‘40 Days of Prayer’ resource for World AIDS Day available The Advocate A free, downloadable resource is avail - their parents dying of AIDS. This denom - able that offers 40 daily devotions leading ination is slowly but surely coming out of up to World AIDS Day, typically Dec. 1. its sleep and awakening to the fact that it “40 Days of Prayers for Persons needs to take action.” ONLINE Affected and Living with HIV and AIDS” Messer, who has been addressing the is a joint effort of the United Methodist issue of HIV and AIDS for decades, said Global AIDS Fund Committee and the the new resource will foster reflection General Board of Church and Society. about the pandemic and discernment on Approximately 33 million persons in how to take action. the world are infected with HIV, and 2.2 The United Methodist Church encour - Visit us million new infections are reported annu - ages its congregations to commemorate at advocatesc.org ally. “40 Days of Prayer” offers a compi - World AIDS Day with “special programs lation of prayers, reflections and stories on HIV and AIDS education and religious by members of the UM Global AIDS worship services that focus on intercesso - Fund Committee, the GBCS Board of ry and healing prayer, hope in god and Directors and persons living with or min - love and compassion” (#3242, Book of Like us istering to those with HIV and AIDS. Resolutions). “This resource is ideal for use by indi - “40 Days of Prayer” enables placing at facebook.com/advocatesc viduals and/or small groups in their daily short devotionals in Sunday bulletins, prayer life as a way of lifting prayers to provides information and stories for God about one of the worst health crises preaching on AIDS and/or working with Follow us facing humanity,” said Dr. Donald community health organizations. Messer, chair of the UM Global AIDS To find out more about the UM Global @advocatesc Fund Committee. “Each year, more than AIDS Fund, email 2020AIDSFreeworld 16 million children are orphaned due to @gmail.com or call 918-289-1274. Page 14, November 2011 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate RACE Reaching Another in Christ Everyday Despite gloomy skies and the threat of rain, nearly 500 people headed to Antioch Recreation Center in Hartsville Sept. 25 for the Hartsville District’s annual RACE Day. An acronym for Reaching Another in Christ Everyday, RACE is a spiritual awakening event featuring food, entertainment, music, skits, drama, bands and much more. Here are scenes from the event.

RACE Day wasn’t just for two-legged fellowship. Judy Walker shows off a kitten up for adoption during the event. Many an “awwww” is heard during this performance by children from Shiloh UMC. (Photos by Jessica Connor)

Eddie McCray performs with other youth from St. James UMC, Sumter.

Robert McGee’s horses, Duke and Daisy, give attendees an old-fashioned carriage ride around the perimeter of the recre - Five-year-old Sia Hooker plays “Hebron redneck golf” during the festivities. ation center.

English Brock, part of the SOS Group from Shiloh UMC, Chesterfield, lifts up her voice to the Lord.

This trio of talent from St. James UMC, Sumter, wows the crowd. From left are Tiffany Thorne, Selena Randolph and Jasmine Gregg.

Even puppets show some Jesus love. Here, the puppet ministry from Union Ann Dubose Cokes does a ball UMC entertains the crowd. toss during RACE Day. The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate November 2011, Page 15 FLOOD: Displaced women

Tiffany Collins, administrator/program director for Aldersgate Columbia, shows how high the water got in the back yard of the home. (Photos by Jessica Connor)

From Page 1 The house weathered a couple of inches of standing water, said Tiffany Collins, administrator and program director for Aldersgate Columbia. A min - istry of the S.C. Conference of the United Methodist Church, Aldersgate also has a house for special needs men in Orangeburg. Collins said water came in through the doors and through bathroom drains in spite of several industrial drains installed outside the house. “The rains just came so fast,” said Tammy Fulmer, Aldersgate board mem - ber. “When we got there, there were tow - els everywhere. The cement was filled with mud, and Tiffany’s car even flood - ed.” Residents left the house the evening The flood damaged much of the floor - of Sept. 25 to stay with their individual ing in the house. families, most of whom live locally. Cleanup crews immediately went to misses the independence she has at the work mucking out the house and replac - house, as well as the group activities ing Sheetrock, insulation, carpet, tile and they do, from movie night to Zumba to cabinets. computer classes. The day the Advocate visited the “I’m stressed out, I feel not myself, flood-stricken home, the typical high- I’m not ‘with it,’” said Brabham, who energy hustle and bustle of the house - lives with Down syndrome and considers hold was gone, temporarily replaced by the Aldersgate home a help to her on the busy hammering of crews working many levels. “It’s been hard for me. I furiously to meet S.C. Department of really miss my friends and the staff.” Health and Environmental Control regu - McGuirt said Aldersgate needs lations so the women could move back prayers from everyone in the conference, in. as well as donations to help raise the “It’s so quiet without them,” Collins more than $20,000 needed for repairs. lamented, shaking her head. “Normally While the residents’ parents and the it’s full of life, like a family. We miss Aldesgate board have been generous, them.” much more is needed. The feeling is mutual. Speaking to the Still, McGuirt and other board mem - Advocate before they were able to move bers are relieved the situation wasn’t back in, residents said they miss every - worse – the home will be livable soon, thing about their Aldersgate home – their and they are working to develop a better friends, the staff, their personalized action plan in case of future flood issues. rooms. “It is something that can be fixed, not “I miss the girls,” said resident Callie impossible,” McGuirt said. “We’re just Miley, who popped by with her mother thankful nobody was hurt and we can to pick up some Clemson gear for the take care of the property damage. We game that weekend. also have a good feeling about the way “She’s dying to get back,” her mother, people have responded and the way the Aldersgate board member Caroline girls and the families have been under - Stephenson, agreed. “She misses the rou - standing about what’s happened.” tine, the camaraderie, the close circle of Donations to Aldersgate to help with friends she has here. Having this house the flooding repairs should be sent and a peer group around her is one of the through the local church treasurer on the happiest things to happen to her.” church remittance report, or send a check Resident Margaret Brabham said payable to Aldersgate Special Needs being out of the house and off her rou - Ministry to Aldersgate, 4908 Colonial tine has been difficult for her. She also Drive, Columbia, SC 29203. Subscribe to the Advocate ! Just $15/year Page 16, November 2011 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate GIVING: Churches try events, giving buckets, more From Page 1 UMCs across S.C. fall festival happen, and those days are “That’s a pretty big jump, and it’s are coming up with some of the best we have to build rela - nice to see,” Prestipino said. “We new ways to fund tionships.” their apportion - haven’t figured out the exact cause, but ments: festivals, giv - we’re just thankful we’re seeing it.” ing buckets, barbecue Prestipino projects the conference dinners, even just will bring in 85 percent of apportion - asking directly. “If you Did you know that you ments this year, an increase; churches let them know what’s can make a gift and paid 83 percent in 2009 and 2010. going on and what’s The increase might be attributed to needed, they might receive guaranteed less need for natural disaster money respond,” said J.D. income for life? (2010 books show $625,000 earmarked Bright, lay leader at for Haiti relief, compared to just $5,000 Fosters Chapel UMC, That’s exactly what dozens Jonesville. this year). However, Prestipino said a (Photo by of people have done since 1982 Jessica Connor) number of factors are also boosting through Charitable Gift apportionment payments: church cost- fair and holiday market to pay their gregation, dying members and rough Annuities with the South cutting, stewardship campaigns, an apportionments. times because of layoffs and the econo - Carolina United Methodist improving economy and creative appor - “We are concerned about not being my – decided to divide their church into Foundation. tionment fundraising. able to meet our apportionments this 10 giving groups. They asked each Midland Park UMC, North year, and we feel that it is our responsi - group to report $100 every fourth Current One-Life Rates Charleston, is one church that is trying bility to make every effort to pay them,” Sunday of the month, beginning in For Selected Ages new ways to pay their apportionments. said Lynn Boan, Aldersgate program February and ending in November with Age 60 4.8% Senior pastor the Rev. Len Ripley director. the church anniversary. That would give Age 65 5.3% said Midland Park has already paid 100 St. James UMC, Spartanburg, holds them $1,000 extra every month so they Age 70 5.8% percent of their 2011 apportionments – an annual fall festival with all proceeds can pay their apportionments 100 per - Age 75 6.5% the first time they have done so in at going to apportionments. This year, they cent. Age 80 7.5% least 25 years. raised $14,000 through the festival’s Annie Crocker said the program has Age 85 8.4% Ripley said Midland Park initiated a yard sale, bake sale, barbecue sale, plant been working fairly well. project spearheaded by late church sale and more. They sell Tabgha bread “We have yet to collect the full Two-Life Rates Available member Frank Fuller that raised more covers, plus they hold two Wednesday $1,000 (each month), but we have Upon Request than $15,000 in five weeks (more than night meals a month with proceeds reached $971,” she said. “It is a good $22,000 total) through a barbecue going to apportionments. way to get the apportionments paid, and Gift Annuities with the fundraising dinner and by asking “Many in our congregation realize there is little financial strain on any of Foundation provide guaranteed each family to give $400 in addition to that as a connectional church, we are us. Several groups have paid faithfully lifetime income at an attractive their regular giving. part of ministering in lives and places the full amount and more each month.” rate, immediate tax benefits for “I named the project The Extra Mile,” we will never personally visit,” said the your charitable contribution, Ripley said. “It was exactly that!” Rev. Will Malambri. ”We like knowing Good stewardship at heart of it all and a way to leave a legacy for Ripley also attempted to put “human that the UMC is present at Epworth No matter how they are able to make the future. needs and faces” on the line items in his Children’s Home, in our colleges, at the their apportionments, Prestipino said he sermons, and he sought advice from Bethlehem Center, in disaster areas, in is encouraged that so many churches ------Columbia District Superintendent Dr. small towns, in urban areas, in countries have identified connectional giving and The South Carolina Tim McClendon about how McClendon around the world, and that we can be good stewardship as a priority. United Methodist Foundation, Inc. was able to achieve 100 percent giving part of that. ... We want to do our part to Prestipino said he particularly appre - P. O. Box 5087 as a pastor and as a DS. help inaugurate the Kingdom of God as ciates how churches engage in fall festi - Columbia, SC 29250-5087 a local church and as a larger denomina - vals and other events, which not only Buckets and festivals tion.” raise funds, but also bring church mem - Send me information about a Some churches are relying on events bers together to connect with their com - Charitable Gift Annuity with and items to help raise funds. The direct ask munity. the Foundation. The Rev. Stephen Gaither, pastor of Other churches are raising funds far Malambri agrees. India Hook UMC, Rock Hill, said his more simply: by asking directly. “I don’t want us to miss out on the Name ______congregation set up a bucket in the Fosters Chapel UMC, Jonesville, has unity and fellowship that comes with Address ______narthex labeled, “It’s Just a Drop in the met apportionments the last 10 years and working toward a goal like a successful City ______Bucket.” They encourage people to put has surplus money in their general fall festival,” he said. ”More than 116 State ______Zip ______their pocket change in the bucket to help account merely by explaining their different people contributed to make the pay apportionments. While he realizes it plight and doing a direct fundraising takes a lot more than pocket change to appeal. be good stewards, it reinforces the giv - J.D. Bright, Fosters Chapel lay leader, ing mentality that helps them meet their said they used to be a down-and-out 100 percent apportionment goals. church struggling to pay their bills and “It helps them think about apportion - never paying their full apportionments. ments every Sunday as they come into Their finance committee decided to send and out of worship,” Gaither letters to every household explaining said. ”Every ‘drop’ comes together to that the church was in financial trouble help accomplish the goal of paying 100 and asking them to support the church percent apportionments. … It reminds with their tithes, offerings and presence. the congregation that we all must come “A lot of people won’t do this together and do our part to enhance the because they are afraid they might Kingdom of God.” offend somebody, but we decided we Cattle Creek UMC, Rowesville, hosts would remind them of the vows they a November craft fair to pay their appor - took when they joined the church, not tionments each year. The Rev. Curtis only to the congregation but to God – to Felkel said the event helps the 57-mem - support the church with their presence, ber church come together in fellowship tithes, money and prayers,” Bright said. and hard work to pay 100 percent of “If you let them know what’s going on their apportionments, plus make their and what’s needed, they might respond.” annual budget. They also give members a full finan - “Through paying our apportionments, cial accounting every two months so we are making disciples for Jesus Christ everyone knows where every penny is abroad and locally,” Felkel said of their spent, which Bright said makes a huge drive to raise the needed funds. difference. In that same vein, Aldersgate UMC, Similarly, Allen Chapel UMC, Sumter, is planning a November food Spartanburg – facing a dwindling con - The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate November 2011, Page 17

From left, Rachel Mahon of Green Pond UMC, Tish Bedenbaugh, director of Laurens County Food Ann Owens and Gary Ray, members of Beulah Shannon Weinel of Fountain Inn Presbyterian and Jill Ministry, stands in the prayer garden at Green Pond Baptist, weigh food for distribution to hungry clients in Sherer of Green Pond process applications and issue UMC, which hosts the ministry. Bedenbaugh says the need. The ministry expands operations for food orders. In addition to volunteers from these ministry feeds the soul as much as it feeds the body. Thanksgiving. The two Mondays before the holiday, churches, volunteers come from Beulah Baptist, “They come there with problems, and we sit, we lis - they give turkeys to larger families and small hams to Hillside Baptist, Dials UMC, Shiloh UMC, Gray Court ten, we cry with them. If they don’t have a Bible, we small families or individuals, along with all the tradi - Church of God and Sharon Pentecostal. give them that Bible,” she says. tional trimmings. (Photos by Jessica Connor) FOOD MINISTRY: Feeding the spirit and the body From Page 1 But despite her determination, Weinel individuals. Bedenbaugh said they have feed them, that whatever you do unto It’s about feeding the spirit, about was also battling a hardship of her own: seen an increase in 2011 of almost 40 others you do unto Him.” shining the light of Christ into their com - cancer. She was only able to work at her percent above last year. The day the Sue Herbert, member of Gray Court munity. food ministry a couple of weeks before Advocate visited, the waiting room was Church of God, said volunteering at the And six years in, they seem to be she had to step down and find a replace - packed with people waiting to receive food ministry is a good way to give making a difference. ment. food. back. She remembers all too well those This Thanksgiving, as families across Enter Bedenbaugh, who Weinel hand - Doris Adair, food bank manager, is a years when she was struggling, and peo - South Carolina gather to express grati - picked to take the member of Green ple helped her. tude for their many blessings in the risen reins. Pond UMC who “When I was a young, single mother, savior, many of their neighbors are giv - Bedenbaugh had has helped the it would have been nice to have some ing thanks for the Laurens County Food no prior experience food ministry for help like this,” Herbert said, noting that Ministry, which has been keeping them in a food ministry, three years. She serving alongside the other ministry vol - from going hungry physically and spiri - but she was will - said the experience unteers feels like a family. tually. ing. There i“s a need out has dynamically Bedenbaugh couldn’t agree more. Housed at Green Pond United “I said, ‘Well, there, and I feel a part changed her. At “It’s not all about food,” she said. Methodist Church, but staffed with vol - God, here I am; first, recently “You can go to the trashcan and get unteers from nearby United Methodist, show me the of it now. retired, she felt like food. This is about the spirit.” Baptist, Pentecostal, Church of God and way,’” Bedenbaugh her service was a Support for the food ministry comes Presbyterian churches, the Laurens said. “‘I don’t duty. But as soon from a variety of sources. Green Pond County Food Ministry helps hungry peo - know what to do, – Volunteer Doris Adair as she got in there UMC hosts a fish fry twice a year, with ple no matter what. And in serving, they and you are going and started to all proceeds going to the ministry. aim to reach the real root of their to have to lay the serve, it suddenly Individuals and businesses give dona - hunger: that universal craving in each of plan out for me. wasn’t a duty any - tions, plus they are part of the Bi-Lo us for Christ. But whatever you more. It was about boosters program. The day the Advocate “Sometimes you can see people are want to be there, being helpful, visited, the ministry received a $9,500 really hungry, but I have found filling that’s the way it ” about assisting any check from the Bi-Lo on Fairview Road the soul is going to fill that stomach,” will be.’” way she could. in Simpsonville. They also get donations said Tish Bedenbaugh, director of the Six years later, she’s still there serving “There is a need out there, and I feel a from Grainger and from Belk’s Charity food ministry. “They come there with as the Lord wishes, with no plans to part of it now,” Adair said, pointing out Days. problems, and we sit, we listen, we cry slow down. Bedenbaugh and the dozens that the interdenominational ministry is The food ministry is a U.S. with them. If they don’t have a Bible, we of committed volunteers do all they can all about serving Christ regardless of any Department of Agriculture agent, so they give them that Bible. If they don’t have a to help others. Sometimes they give out differences they might have on the sur - must follow strict guidelines. But they church, we put them in a church.” all the food in their storage house and face. “It’s not just a Methodist thing – also do non-USDA ministry. After all, Bedenbaugh said, the short - wonder where more will come from; just coming together with them, there is “We would never turn anyone away,” est verse in the Bible is “Jesus wept.” God always provides. no difference. We are all there working Bedenbaugh said. “Counties do not “If He can weep, we can, too,” she The volunteers approach their min - for the same goal and we just want to be make any difference. If you are from said. istry from their clients’ perspective – helpful.” Spartanburg County and you need food, That heartfelt sharing is the crux of how would they want to be treated if Shannon Weinel, daughter-in-law of we won’t say, ‘We are in Laurens the food ministry’s mission – to feed they needed to go to a food ministry? the late founder, said she remembers County and we can’t help you.’” people no matter where they live, what People seem to appreciate that “serving how frustrated Barbara Weinel was when They buy their food for a mainte - their plight and how they got there. with, not to” mentality. her Laurens County neighbors suddenly nance fee of 19 cents a pound from Every Monday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Client Clement Jones said he is a couldn’t get food help. Harvest Hope food bank in Greenville, since October 2005, the food ministry Navy veteran who has little income. He “She was a pioneer for them,” said where they also get free bread and has opened their doors to provide food to said without Laurens County Food Weinel, a member of Fountain Inn sweets, as well as their free USDA food. the needy and to pray with them. Ministry, he’d have a difficult time. But Presbyterian, noting how pleased her Rev. Michelle Cockcroft, pastor of The ministry started thanks to the most importantly, he appreciates how the mother-in-law would be to see the ecu - Green Pond UMC, said she is “inspired vision of the late Barbara Weinel, who ministry combines the spiritual and the menical Christian spirit at work in the each week by the faithfulness of the vol - loved ones say was deeply frustrated one physical. ministry today. unteers as they demonstrate in concrete day after the food bank she had volun - “I’m just glad it’s in the Christian Ann Owens, a member of Beulah ways the love and grace of God.” teered at hung up a sign that said “no way,” Jones said. Baptist, said she was drawn to the food And Bedenbaugh said the only way to longer serving Laurens County” because Jones isn’t alone. Known for its ministry because she naturally enjoys reveal the heart of the ministry is of financial reasons. industrial roots, today upper Laurens helping others. She, too, loves working through Scripture. That wasn’t good enough for Weinel, County has few if any industrial plants, alongside other Christians without “Jesus says in my Bible, ‘Feed my member of Green Pond UMC, who all closed years ago – before the reces - regard for denomination. It’s all about sheep,’ and that’s the only way to knew firsthand the hundreds and thou - sion. The economic downturn made the service, for her and the rest of the explain this,” Bedenbaugh said. “We sands of hungry people in upper Laurens things even worse. team. also want to share with other people, County. Weinel immediately went to her The first time Laurens County Food “You see people in need and you ‘Honey, you’re not alone. We are all one pastor, determined to start a food min - Ministry opened its doors, it served four want to reach out and help if you can,” step away (from where you are).’ It’s not istry at Green Pond that would help the clients. Last year, they served nearly Owens said. “The Bible tells us if you just mouth food but spiritual food. That’s needy no matter where they lived. 5,000 clients representing nearly 12,000 see someone hungry, you’re supposed to what we’re trying to give to them.” Page 18, November 2011 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Ministries & Missions People are hungry every day Keepin’ it Real Chapin UMC, other churches support ‘no-nonsense’ ministry for the homeless COLUMBIA – Chapin United Methodist for men turning their lives around and Church and other churches across the preparing to re-enter the work force; a Midlands are helping with a new women’s home opened in July. Christian homeless program, Keepin’ It Gadsden assists with resume and job Real Ministries, dedicated to sharing the placement, and works to provide whatev - Gospel of Jesus Christ and meeting the er recovery and educational programs are individual needs of the homeless. necessary. He understands that substance Keepin’ It Real Ministries and its pas - abuse and mental health issues are major tor, Oscar Gadsden, are working hard to factors blocking recovery from homeless - lead the homeless to recovery through a ness. When necessary, he offers help with no-nonsense approach for healing by medical needs and valid prescriptions. meeting physical and spiritual needs. Gadsden ministers constantly and pro - Gadsden chose to live homeless vides individual counseling whenever among those he is serving until needed. It is not uncommon for him to November 2010. (Check out a video that receive calls requiring action in the mid - The youth of Ebenezer UMC (Orange lends insight into these earlier days of his dle of the night. He also works an outside Circuit, Orangeburg District) in North ministry: http://vimeo.com/1371958.) He job to help support the ministry. have launched a food drive to supply is trusted by the homeless community Awareness about Keepin’ It Real is food pantries in Swansea, North and Pelion. Following church services Oct. and understands their needs. Today, he spreading by word of mouth, news media 2, the youth provided boxes for every sleeps on a couch at one of the men’s and a new Facebook page at “Keepin’ It family to fill and return. This project is transitional houses. His ministry has Real Ministries – Columbia, SC.” The ongoing, as the youth have realized that grown, and appears to be taking off. Facebook page is being used to post min - people are hungry every day. At left, As he puts it, “You’ve heard the story istry needs and news. A WIS-TV inter - Berkeley Livingston, 10, holds up the in the Bible about how Jesus feeds the view about the opening of the women’s youth group’s realization about hunger. 5,000. The same blessings are happening home can be found there. At top, the youth prepare to distribute in Columbia, South Carolina.” The needs of the ministry include boxes. From left are Hailey Alderson, Gadsden offers a worship service in prayer, volunteers, long-term mentors for Brooke Livingston, Faith Foreback and Finlay Park on Sunday afternoons at 3 women in transitional housing, financial Berkeley Livingston. (Photos courtesy of p.m. There are usually 80 people in atten - support, donations of clothing (men, Lisa K. Livingston) dance, plus the members of whichever women, children, infants) especially local church is providing the meal. socks, underwear, and T-Shirts for sum - Approximately 150 homeless are served. mer; coats and warm clothing for winter, Epworth News Gadsden said all are welcome, and he blankets, toiletries (including razors, first hopes that by association people will aid kits, women’s sanitary products, eventually open themselves to hear the washcloths), bottled water (summer), When they go home … message. As he puts it, “If they hang home furnishings (for those transitioning At 6:30 a.m. in front of Dantzler school or in the cottage, her first response around long enough, something is bound to life off the street), reading glasses, a Cottage on the campus of Epworth to stress or trouble was to explode and to rub off.” 15-passenger van (to provide transporta - Children’s Home, one can witness the then shut down. She was placed at Chapin UMC members feed a meal to tion to Bible study, worship, appoint - hustle and bustle of teenage girls franti - Epworth by the S.C. Department of those who gather in Finlay Park after ments, etc.), and someone to sponsor T- cally making their way onto the school Social Services after being removed from worship every other month, and they also shirts (with ministry logo) to identify bus. her home for abuse. brought Gadsden to their church for their helpers in the park. Well-groomed and dressed, all 10 of Over the last two years, Emily has Global Impact Celebration. The next big project on the horizon for them fuss with their hair and makeup like received counseling and been surrounded A second worship service began in Keepin’ It Real Ministries is their fifth most teenage girls their age. by nurturing staff members and volun - September in the Rosewood area in order annual Thanksgiving Bash, set for One year ago, the image was quite dif - teers who have helped to replace the toxic to ease the difficulty of finding trans - Sunday, Nov. 13, at 3 p.m. in Finlay ferent. While nine of the girls were mak - tools in her “toolkit” with tools of hope, portation to Finley Park. Three Bible Park. Gadsden will offer worship, and ing their way to the school bus, Emily calm, understanding, appropriate commu - studies are offered: two at the transitional hopes to distribute 450 brand new back - was snuggled up in her pajamas and blan - nication and the desire to succeed. homes, one in Finlay Park. packs, along with new sweatshirts, under - ket on the front steps. Her knees were This is important, because Emily will Keepin’ It Real Ministries distributes wear, socks and toiletry kits. Volunteers pulled to her chest as she rocked herself be going home soon. Her family has clothing and bottled water (in Finlay will serve a meal for 300-500 people. back and forth. She was silent and defi - worked with DSS toward reunification Park) during the hot months and warm Donations can be mailed to Keepin’ It ant. with Emily and her siblings. As she clothing and blankets during the winter. Real Ministries, 1037 Elmwood Ave., After arriving at Epworth Children’s moves on from Epworth and celebrates Several local churches provide lunch. Box 11, Columbia, SC 29201. Gadsden Home nearly two years ago, Emily being reunited with her family, the staff at There are two men’s transitional homes can be reached at 803-406-0724. refused to attend school for more than 50 the home find it difficult to say goodbye. days during the first half of the year. She Ms. Colleen will miss Emily, but she was a straight F student with a failing atti - said, “Emily is a completely different S.C. clergy to produce cookbook tude to match. She was angry, difficult, child than the one I met two years ago. disrespectful and explosive. It’s hard to see her go, but I know she with proceeds to help CCPI Through intentional redirection and cares about herself enough now to make The first S.C. United Methodist Clergy interested in helping. The cookbook will encouragement, Emily is now the teenage better choices.” Cookbook is in the works. feature recipes from active and retired girl hustling and bustling to get to school She thought for a moment and contin - Every church has published at least clergy, deacons and spouses. on time. ued, “Emily knows what she has to do to one cookbook as a fundraiser, and as Proceeds will go to the United “Emily is a model child now,” said be successful, and I trust she will do that.” these churches have shared the tradition Methodist Central Pension Initiative, Ms. Colleen, Emily’s Epworth case man - As children come and go from of the “People Called Methodist” with which provides retirement with dignity ager, smiling with pride. “Emily is not an Epworth, the staff members put their trust those who have enjoyed those delicacies for clergy and surviving spouses in con - A/B student, but she works harder for her and faith in God to go with them. Their that have been handed down for genera - ferences outside the U.S. who would oth - Bs and Cs than any of my A/B students. care for the children doesn’t end when the tions, organizers of the conference clergy erwise have little or nothing. She is the child I send others to for hope children leave; the prayers continue. cookbook believe now is the time for The goal is to have the cookbook put and encouragement.” “Emily is a hard worker, and I know clergy to share their talents. together by the convening of General Emily’s “life toolkit” was filled with God will go with her from Epworth,” Ms. The Rev. Bob Huggins, senior pastor Conference in Tampa, Fla., on April 24. hate, anger and disappointment when she Colleen said. “I am so very proud of the of St. John, Sumter, is spearheading this To help, email [email protected] or arrived at Epworth. Whether she was at young lady she is becoming.” project and is looking for others who are call 803-773-8185 and leave a message. The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate November 2011, Page 19 Ministries & Missions Love from Nicaragua: a campus ministry mission By the Rev. Narcie Jeter

In August, the Winthrop Wesley Foundation packed their bags for an eight-day trip to Nicaragua. Winthrop Wesley has taken eight trips to the Center for Development in Central America since they first began visiting in 1997. Countless students have seen Ciudad Sandino, the community where the CDCA is located, grow and change over the years. Ciudad Sandino is the most densely populated area of Nicaragua, with more than 7,700 people per square mile, and it is the poorest urban area in Nicaragua, with an estimated 80 percent of the population lacking formal employment and many living on less than a dollar a day. Winthrop Wesley Foundation missioner Ollie Miller However, on this trip, only four of the 16 missioners chats with a little boy from the orphanage as she had ever been to Nicaragua, and many of the travelers gives him a doll that was made by her church. had never flown, much less left the United States. “I was one of the newbies on the trip,” said Erica Jordan Clark from Spartanburg, took special notice of Oliveira, an intern at the Winthrop Wesley Foundation. the kids at the center. “Having been a part of Wesley, I had heard and seen “Though it saddened my heart to see the conditions photos of the trip in years past, however nothing could that these people live in, it amazed me how happy they compare to the experience of being there. While we are,” Clark said. “Nicaragua has truly reached in my Two residents of an orphanage for the handi - did a lot of intense work at the CDCA, we also did a heart and made me realize that no materialistic lifestyle capped hold up dresses that the women of St. lot of learning about the history of Nicaragua and our has to be the pathway to happiness. I have seen every - John’s UMC in Rock Hill sewed for them. part as Americans in it. Eye-opening doesn’t even thing from kids filling dirty water into a hole at the begin to explain how we all felt about the trip.” dump and swimming in it, to naked children running Church in Rock Hill. Nicaragua is home to the largest dump in Central around and playing. But every child enjoys waving and “I don’t think I’ve ever been changed so much by a America. There is garbage as far as the eye can see. smiling, and it brings a new sense of joy and respect in trip,” said student missioner Mary Stevenson. Many families live in this dump, creating little plastic my heart.” Students that have attended these trips over the and tarp huts inside the dump where they reside with Students woke up early and prepared for another years tend to carry pieces of Nicaragua with them their family. hard day of work. They worked on making adoquines , wherever they go. The missioners visited what was originally a feeding or paving stones, by hand, helped repair a sidewalk at For more information about Winthrop Wesley’s trip, center turned day care inside the dump. They provide the clinic, finished a hole for an incinerator and flat - see some of the students’ blog reflections at children with tutoring and food during the day while tened out and prepared the entry to the CDCA. There www.wuwesley.wordpress.com. their parents sort through the trash trying to find recy - was lots of digging and brick making. Some of the stu - clables to resell. dents also had the opportunity to work with dentist Jeter is campus minister for the Winthrop Wesley One of the Winthrop Wesley Foundation students, Dirk Anderson from St. John’s United Methodist Foundation. S.C. UMCs asked to remember Ministry of the Month: Bennettsville- Advance Special Ministries Nov. 6 Cheraw Area Cooperative Ministry On Nov. 6, all United Methodist It will be divided up among the 13 churches are being asked to remember agencies. Editor’s note: The following is a monthly series in the Advocate to help the 13 Advance Special Ministries in Churches may also be celebrating people better understand the S.C. Conference’s Advance Special Ministries, their worship services. All Saints Day Nov. 6, and if they also which receive conference dollars, plus depend on additional donations from If possible, churches should ask one have communion, it could make for a individuals to operate. of the agencies to send someone to crowded worship service. Therefore, What does the ministry do? The purpose of the Bennettsville-Cheraw their church to speak for a few minutes churches can do the Advance Special Area Cooperative Ministry is to strengthen the local churches in their min - during worship. Ministries recognition on the Sunday istry and minister to area residents through activities involving the coopera - These representatives will speak on on either side of Nov. 6 (Oct. 30 or tion of churches within the parish. The services the ministry provides include behalf of all the agencies. Nov. 13). joint worship; Bible study; activities for children and youth; leadership train - Churches are also asked to take up a For more information or assistance, ing in Christian education; evangelism; mission work such as distribution of special offering on that date (this has email the Rev. Michael Henderson at food commodities, health fair, mission fair, blood drive, clothes closet and been approved by Annual Conference). [email protected]. relief kits; in-school and after-school tutorial program (K-12); vacation Bible school; and transportation. Through the conference, the ministry has a Community of Shalom, which works as an outreach to repair homes and complete other mission work. This year the ministry also participated in feeding Salkehatchie workers through Shalom. The ministry also houses the Shalom literacy and congregational resource center for Strengthening the Black Church. Where is it located? Bennettsville-Cheraw Area Cooperative Ministry is located at 256 Tatum Road, Bennettsville. Mailing address: P.O. Box 397, Bennettsville, SC 29512 How can United Methodist churches get involved and help? The min - istry can be helped with financial resources as the need of the ministry’s services within the community is growing. The ministry also looks to partner with churches to facilitate and provide more structured activities for youth and children. The ministry is truly in need of transportation, such as vans, to assist the various activities and outreach services it has. The need is growing with the start of the school year. The ministry moved into a new facility that needs roof repairs, but at this time, the ministry does not have the funds to cover those repairs. They are interested in the possibility of having a mission team come work on the roof. Another need is computers, as the ministry is ALL CREATURES GREAT AND SMALL – Landrum UMC, Landrum, held a looking to expand its technology resources. Blessing of the Animals Service at 4 p.m. Oct. 9, with a Releasing of the Doves ceremony immediately after. Here, the Rev. Jane Jenkins blesses one More information: 843-523-6550 or email [email protected]. – Compiled by Advocate Intern Jessie Morgan of the many animals present. ( Photo courtesy of Paul Forster ) Page 20, November 2011 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate District & Local News Quinby UMC holds

Rev. John ‘Drive Thru Prayer’ Dicks (left) presents the Rev. James S. Gadsden Sr. with the charge of “pastor emeritus” of Wesley UMC, Columbia. Gadsden is ‘pastor emeritus’ By Martha Gant attended a luncheon in Gadsden’s honor at the Clarion Hotel. Several gave reflec - COLUMBIA – The sanctuary of Wesley tions and encouraging remarks at the United Methodist Church was filled with luncheon, including Chief Justice Ernest excitement Sunday, Sept. 11, as the con - Finney Sr., retired; Dr. Granville Hicks; Gloria Fore (from left), the Rev. Gerald L. Truluck, Dr. William Rentz, Tommy Fore gregation honored one of their beloved Fletcher Carter; Dr. Roger Gramling; and and Louise Rallings pause for a smile during a drive-through prayer. former pastors, Rev. James S. Gadsden Gadsden’s nephew, the Rev. Jerry Sr. Gadsden. (Finney and Hicks were school - QUINBY – If you are passing through ping in every day for prayer. She brought Friends and colleagues from across the mates of Dr. Gadsden at Claflin College; Quinby on Ashby Road the first the idea before the team, and they decided conference and family members from as Carter served with him on the Conference Wednesday evening of each month to give it a try. far away as Nashville, Tenn., were in Council on Ministries; and Gramling between 6 and 7 p.m., you will hear driv - Quinby has held the monthly drive- attendance as the congregation named serves as president of S.C. United ers of cars and trucks honking their horns; through event each month since that first Gadsden “pastor emeritus.” Methodist Foundation, of which Gadsden you will see a lot of waving and a lot of experiment. Even during the dark, cold The Rev. John Culp, senior pastor of is a board member.) smiles as volunteers from Quinby United months of winter, they held the prayer Virginia Wingard Memorial UMC, was Gadsden was born June 12, 1930, in Methodist Church stand by the roadside events. Church members decided it was guest preacher. Berkeley County. Licensed to preach in holding signs asking people to “Drive too cold and dark to stand out at the road - “Jim calls me his pastor,” said Culp, 1948 from the Berkeley District on rec - Thru For Prayer” and “Let Us Pray For side during December, January and stating in his message that the church ommendation of Bethel Church in St. You.” February; however, they met in the needs strong leaders, as repentance calls Stephen, he went on to become an elder As people pull off the road into the church sanctuary at 6 p.m. to pray for the us to be strong. and received into full connection in 1957. church parking lot, the Rev. Gerald L. community. “Jim has been a strong leader for the He served several churches across the Truluck and a group of prayer warriors Even though Quinby members were church,” Culp said. “He never deserted conference including Wesley, Columbia, meet and greet them. Then they have not at the road with the signs, one of us. He always blessed us with his pres - of which he retired from active ministry prayer together for whatever the need those months, a young man drove in ence.” in 1996. He served beyond the local may be. Each person who stops by for behind one of the members and asked if Culp compared Gadsden to the late church from 1967 to 1978 at the United prayer receives a bottle of cold, refreshing they were still taking prayer requests. He civil rights icon that recently died, Justice Methodist Publishing House in Nashville water; information about prayer; and was invited in, and they had special Matthew Perry. Both men grew up in an and was superintendent of the Greenwood information about when worship services prayer at the altar for him and his family. era of extreme conditions, but prevailed District from 1978 to 1984. He served as are held at Quinby UMC. Then the per - This proved to Quinby that the ministry against the odds. associate director and director of the sons are sent on their way. must continue each month, rain or shine, Ida English, administrative board chair - Conference Council on Ministries from The entire experience can take as little hot or cold! person, presented Gadsden with a resolu - 1984 to 1989. or as long a time as the person wishes to The members of the prayer warriors at tion. Walter Grant, president of the board He is widower of Thelma Curtis spend. Everyone is welcome, and no need Quinby UMC meet every Wednesday of trustees, gave Gadsden the charge of Gadsden; the father of two sons, James Jr. is too small. evening prior to their Bible study to pray being named pastor emeritus along with and William, and two daughters, Cynthia The prayer group feels that even for for personal concerns, as well as concerns Wesley’s pastor, the Rev. John Dicks. and Jessica; and the grandfather of the persons who pass by and do not take for our community, our country and the Following the worship service, guests Andrea. the time to stop, the love of God is passed world at large. We truly believe in the on to their minds. The smiles and waves power of prayer. by those who pass by let the prayer group This ministry has had attention all Former Advocate editor to speak feel that seeds of hope and faith have around the town. Several of Quinby’s been planted. members have been asked about the at Wash. St. UMC on new book This ministry began in a Nurture- drive-through prayer ministry. People in COLUMBIA – Emily Cooper, former slave-turned-servant and rich characters Outreach-Witness team meeting in spring doctor’s offices, stores and other commu - editor of the S.C. United Methodist of the day, her story portends the legacies 2010. Betty Junkins, a member of the nity events have asked how Quinby holds Advocate, will speak to Washington of hate that her generation left to the NOW team, had read an article about a its events. Street UMC’s Lunch Bunch Thursday, South. person who had started a drive-through Members respond: “Where two or Nov. 17, about her new book, “Queen of Existing letters are woven into the dia - prayer ministry that grew from one or two three are gathered for prayer, Jesus meets the Lost.” logue, and Cooper uses editorial sidebars people stopping to numerous people stop - with us.” The author will tell the story of the leg - to illuminate 19th century customs, as endary Civil War beauty, Lucy Holcombe well as the century’s effects on the next 9/11 IN LANDRUM – With Bible Pickens, and will weave in evidence of generations. passages on forgiveness from where the church stood during that peri - First UMC’s Snowbirds and Seagulls Genesis 50 and Matthew 18, od. in Myrtle Beach will hear Cooper in Landrum UMC, Landrum, held a Cooper’s historical fiction traces the March. Other groups are invited to con - 9/11 remembrance service featur - ing preaching by senior pastor the life of the woman known as the “queen of tact Cooper about speaking: queenofthe Rev. Jane Jenkins, as well as the Confederacy” from Tennessee and [email protected]. demonstrations and appearances Texas to the tsar’s palace in St. from the local fire department, res - Petersburg, from South Carolina’s seces - cue squad, the high school’s Army sion convention to the tragedies surround - Junior Reserve Officer Training ing reconstruction in 1876. Pickens Subscribe! Corps and more. At left, Rev. became the wife of Gov. Francis Pickens Jenkins leads the service. ( Text and was the only woman whose face $15/year from Wanda J. Starling, M.D. Photo by appears on Confederate money. 888-678-6272 or Paul Forster) Surrounded by Pickens’ formidable The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate November 2011, Page 21 District & Local News Anderson District Rock Hill District In memory of Varena Graham, a First UMC, Kershaw , is holding a long-time member and our resident church-wide Bible study on Bible scholar, the Wednesday Morning Revelations every Wednesday morn - Bible study of Zion UMC, Anderson, ing. The church held a Kairos luncheon changed its name to the Varena Sept. 22. Graham Bible Study Group. Also at Damascus UMC, Kershaw, spon - Zion, confirmation classes began Oct. sored a charge-wide four-week Bible 2 and will last 26 weeks. study based on “Why” by Adam Hamilton. Columbia District Hanging Rock UMC, Kershaw, hosted a community-wide singing fol - Multiple grandchildren have been lowed by an ice cream social Aug. 28. born to conference employees. Pat Local Methodist, Baptist and Mack, supervisor of the Print Media Presbyterians churches participated. Center, celebrated the birth of two The church held a chili and baked grandchildren in August. Sydney Elyse potato supper Oct. 15. Ivey was born Aug. 5 to Brianna Ivey and Barry Auton Jr., and Marshall Preston Hill was born Aug. 26 to Julie Spartanburg District and Matt Hill. Laura Hill, Congre- Landrum UMC, Landrum, is hav - gational Development assistant, also ing a busy fall: The Fall Festival was celebrated the birth of Marshall. Gail held Oct. 15, featuring homemade pies, Corn celebrated the birth of her first a yard sale, men’s ministry hot dog grandchild. Crawford Steven Corn was stand and split hardwood for sale. born Oct. 4 to Lindsey and Steve Corn. Senior adults are very active. The Robin Landers also celebrated her first Autumn Festival, Oct. 18, included RINGERS COME TO CONWAY – The Raleigh Ringers will present their pre - grandchild. Gabriella Kathryn Valdes mier Conway performance at First UMC, Conway, on Nov. 20 at 4 p.m. as special guests, musicians and a was born Oct. 9 to Katy and Brad part of the church’s concert series. The Raleigh Ringers is an internationally humorist. The monthly community Valdes. Both Corn and Landers are acclaimed, advanced community handbell choir based in Raleigh, N.C. Since meal was held Oct. 22. We are sending Connectional Ministries office coordi - their choir’s founding in 1990, The Raleigh Ringers has been dazzling concert out and serving more than 900 meals nators. audiences with unique interpretations of sacred, secular and popular music, and offering paper goods to those in The West Metro Hispanic including famous rock ‘n’ roll tunes arranged just for handbells. Under the need each fourth Saturday. The Bread Ministry, West Columbia, held a direction of David M. Harris, The Raleigh Ringers has released four CDs, and & Paper Goods Ministry is a continu - bilingual DREAM Sabbath Service a DVD of a holiday concert titled “One Winter Evening at Meymandi.” Tickets ing process of collection and distribu - Oct. 9. are $20 ($15 for groups of 10 or more) and available through the church box tion to other churches and people in office at 843-488-4 251. The S.C. Conference Historical need. Society will meet Nov. 5 in MacMillan Theater of the Campus Life Building at Greenwood District its 175th anniversary Sept. 25 with a Walterboro District Wofford College, Spartanburg. homecoming celebration. The wor - New Chapel UMC, Newberry, cel - Carteret Street UMC, Beaufort, Registration and fellowship begins at ship service, led by the Rev. Robin ebrated its 187th anniversary Oct. 23. raised more than $4,500 for its 10 a.m. Joyce E. Plyler of Charlotte, Griffeth, included special music Lunch was served following the morn - Imagine No Malaria Initiative. The N.C., will share insights from her and was followed by a covered dish ing service. Father Eric Dudley, rector church used a variety of fundraisers, recent master’s thesis on “The dinner. of St. Peter’s Anglican Church, including children’s lemonade stand, Ascendance of Methodism in South Tallahassee, Fla., and a former pastor staff hot dog stand, bocce ball tourna - Carolina.” Plyler, a native of Lancaster, of New Chapel, delivered the morning Orangeburg District ment, game night, car wash and sand - is a granddaughter of the Rev. William message. Congratulations to the Rev. and Mrs. wich and dessert luncheon. Glenn Smith Sr. For more information, Bath UMC, Bath, recently complet - David Williamson on the birth of their Wesley UMC, Beaufort, will be contact the Rev. Roger M. Gramling at ed reading and studying the entire Old first grandchild. Josiah David celebrating its 178th church anniver - the S.C. United Methodist Foundation Testament, which took them five and a Williamson was born Sept. 9 to John sary Nov. 13. With a theme of The in Columbia. half years to complete. The study was David and Jessica Williamson. Rev. Great Commission: Go Forth with led by Susan Cromer, and a meal was Williamson is the pastor of Clinton God, the Rev. Davie Sanders will lead Greenville District provided each Sunday night. UMC, Salley. the service. The Greenville District Connec- tional Ministries team has been busy listening to the people in the district. Hartsville District Recently they talked and listened with Lyttleton Street UMC, Camden, members of Monaghan, Bethel and held its annual chili and soup cook-off Esperanza UMCs, beginning with edu - as part of its Harvest Festival Oct. 30. cation about proposed structure Proceeds went to Give Kids the World changes and then what their hopes and youth trip. dreams are. Zoar UMC, Pageland, celebrated Sumter’s St. John UMC brings Teen Challenge to Gospel Fest SUMTER – This summer, St. John ed the program in 1960 as a way to United Methodist Church brought Teen bring the Gospel to the streets of New Challenge of South Carolina to the York City. His work on the streets church’s Gospel Fest to help show how reportedly made him understand the Christ can change anyone’s life. devastating drug problem desperately Teen Challenge is a Christ-based needing to be addressed. organization whose goal is to help trou - Men in Teen Challenge live in dorms bled youth and adults, particularly those and engage in Bible classes daily while with life-controlling problems because learning life skills, all to turn their lives of drugs or alcohol. around. The organization’s only facility in St. John’s pastor, the Rev. Bob South Carolina is in Georgetown Huggins, felt the church and community County. would benefit from seeing how Christ is The late Rev. David Wilkerson found - working in these participants’ lives. Page 22, November 2011 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate District & Local News Grace UMC sees chancel expansion, more By Mary D. Wolfe

PICKENS – The 63-year-old sanctuary of Grace United Methodist Church has undergone expansion in the chancel area, as well as complete restoration of the woodwork during the month of September. The choir has more room now, and instrumentalists can join them as well for worship. Balcony improve - ments include electrical updates, as well as a new CD recording system for services. An additional cross and flame sign has been installed over the kitchen, and repairs made to the existing one in the prayer garden. Motorists coming into Pickens will see Grace’s location with ease. Construction of a youth suite is complete and being used by the United Methodist Youth Fellowship. Attendance has increased as more youth participate in Chancel complete: Thanks to expansion and restora - Motorists coming into Pickens will see Grace UMC’s study, fellowship and service on Sunday nights. tion at Grace UMC, the choir has more room now, location with ease thanks to improved signage. Church representatives said the expansions and and instrumentalists can join them for worship. (Photos courtesy of Mary D. Wolfe) other work are helping ministries better carry out their work. An average of 24 Grace members participate week collecting food, sorting it out and boxing it for first Saturday in December, when clothing is given weekly in keeping the Gleaning House Ministries in delivery. This is a vital part of the missions committee away to those who need it. Grace members assist in operation, providing food to 400-500 families each at Grace. organizing clothing and passing it out on that week in the Pickens area. The pantry is open to those An offspring activity of the pantry is collecting of Saturday. in need on Tuesday and Thursday mornings. However, winter clothing for all ages and sizes. The Pickens Grace is located on East Cedar Rock Street in much work is done by volunteers the other days of the Ministerial Association sponsors Winter Warmth the Pickens. Estill remembers 9/11 The Estill-Black Swamp Charge, Walterboro District, held a 9/11 Remembrance Service at 6:30 p.m. in Estill. More than 100 people came to the service at the Estill Fire Station, and pas - tors from Estill-Black Swamp Charge, Estill Presbyterian Church and Lawtonville Baptist Church, as well as the town mayor and town administrator, had a part in the service. At left, Estill-Black Swamp pastor the Rev. James Lewis Sr. preach - es at the service. At right, the town fire department displays its equipment for the crowd.

Columbia’s Main Street UMC to hold fall trunk sale, open house COLUMBIA – Ambitious plans are us.” ceeds benefiting the Salkehatchie ing. under way at Main Street United But Main Street is not just offering a Summer Service project. Live enter - Sellers interested in buying a space Methodist Church for a fall trunk sale, shopping spree that morning. They are tainment by the Campfire Singers and for $10 should call the church at 803- set for Saturday, Nov. 5. inviting residents of surrounding neigh - refreshments will be offered all morn - 779-0610. Vendors will sell items from tables borhoods to take this opportunity to set up in the church parking lot visit Main Street at an open house. between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. “Most people probably don’t realize Committee Co-Chair Nora Ann Frye what a historic church this is,” said the said this year’s event will be much dif - Rev. Joe Watson, pastor. “This is an old ferent from those held in the past. church with a new energy and new “Along with garage sale goods that mission. With more and more people HELP US GROW you usually find at a trunk sale, we will living in downtown Columbia, we have an array of new craft items,” she believe we have a bright future. We are said. “We are hoping people will begin working hard to make it so.” doing their Christmas shopping with A bake sale is planned, with pro - READERS

Point Hope UMC to host annual Holiday Bazaar & Bake Sale MOUNT PLEASANT – Point Hope local vendors who will sell original United Methodist Church invites the crafts, jewelry, art, skincare products, community to get their Christmas shop - scrapbooking materials, home design ping done early at the third annual and kitchen accessories. Guests can Holiday Bazaar & Bake Sale Saturday, also stop by for homemade sweets, Nov. 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. sloppy joes, egg salad and more. The event will be held at the church, For more information about the Please share this copy with others and located at 3404 Turgot Lane in Mount bazaar or for vendors who would like encourage them to subscribe. Pleasant. Admission is free and open to to participate, contact M.J. Triebold at the public. 843-323-1290 or email mjtriebold@ (See box page 3 or www.advocatesc.org) The bazaar will feature more than 40 comcast.net. The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate November 2011, Page 23 District & Local News

Three generations in one family sign in. From left are Dick Clarke of Carteret Street UMC presents certifi - Jackie Jenkins, Walterboro District director of lay Harry Bright, Bianca Epps and Johnny Epps. cates to his Adult Basic class. Seventy-two people speaking, shares a light moment at closing cere - (Jacqueline Williams staffs the desk.) ignored Hurricane Irene and attended the session. monies. (Photos by Detra Goodwin) Fall District Lay Speaking School deemed ‘success’ By Joseph Lloyd ing schools for more than 15 years. Bright enjoyed his United Methodist Women at St. Mark, St. George, first course so much that he brought his son-in-law, drove five children ages 11 to 16 to the course. All BEAUFORT – Three generations of one family were Johnny Epps, to the next session. Epps became took classes. among the 72 people who ignored Hurricane Irene and “hooked” on the schools, and he and Bright are perma - Beth Brittman, Pastor-Parish Relations Committee attended the fall 2011 session of the Walterboro nent fixtures, attending almost every year. chair at Port Royal UMC, took her fifth course. She District Lay Speaking School. Bright’s wife, who also faithfully attends, was was among three attendees from her church. She said The school was held at historic Carteret Street unable to participate this year. But Epp brought his 15- the name “lay speaking” is not a good title, as the United Methodist Church in Beaufort. Forty others year-old daughter, Bianca. Bianca, who attends school is not just about speaking; one never has to registered, but did not attend because of weather con - Colleton County High School, took the Youth Basic enter a pulpit. It is about leading, caring and commu - cerns. Participants ranged in age from 11 to 78. Many Class. She enjoyed the class and will continue the nicating. It covers everything from grief rites to dis - have attended for several years. family tradition of lay speakers. covering one’s own spiritual gifts to the church’s Returning lay speakers say the schools are effective Bright said attendees typically come to the schools social principles to why the church does what it does because of the organizational skills of Jackie Jenkins, for similar reasons: fun, fellowship, food, learning and and how. It covers the whole gamut of life. director of lay speaking; her associate Tom Whitacre; worship. Saturday lunch was provided by the men of St. and their carefully chosen staff. They demand and Roger Hudson, lay leader at Buckhead UMC and a Mark UMC, St. George, while snacks were prepared maintain a stubborn commitment to a high standard of participant for many years, doesn’t come every year by the women of Wesley UMC, Beaufort. excellence, choosing staff and instructors who are ded - because of his schedule, but enjoys the learning. Allen Jenkins said the March 3 and 4 class will also be icated, competent, enthusiastic and models of consis - Hoff, president of United Methodist Men at St. George conducted at Carteret Street UMC, courtesy of the tency. UMC, took his third class, this time, “The Book of Rev. Susan Ulmer. Harry Bright, chair of the board of trustees of Isaiah Discipline” to better understand why and how the “There’s always room for one more learner,” UMC, Walterboro, has attended the district lay speak - church operates. Betty Hodges, vice president for Jenkins said. Bethany pastor Howell to preach at Salem UMC revival this month WALTERBORO – Salem United than 30 years, he has served as a pastor School of Theology at Drew musicians Nov. 7 and the Carter Family Methodist Church will present Dr. in United Methodist churches across University, in Madison, N.J. Gospel Group Nov. 8. Robert Howell Jr. as guest preacher for the state. He is a graduate of the The revival will also feature Cindy For more information, call Salem at their annual revival, set for Nov. 7-8 at University of South Carolina and Carter and Sandra Howell as guest 843-844-2148. 7 p.m. earned his master of divinity from the Howell is the senior pastor of Divinity School at Duke University and Bethany UMC, Summerville. For more his doctorate of ministry from the Five UMCs join for Advent services COLUMBIA – Five Columbia District will preach at Wesley Memorial UMC United Methodist churches are joining Dec. 11. The Rev. Jeri Katherine Warden together in services during Advent. Sipes will preach at Greene Street UMC Greene Street, St. Mark, Wesley Dec. 18. Memorial, Whaley Street and Suber No joint service will be held Marshall Memorial UMCs will host serv - Christmas Day, but the series will end ices Sunday afternoons during Advent. Jan. 1 at Suber Marshall Memorial UMC, Each of the services will begin at 3:30 where the Rev. Noble Miller will lead a p.m., and a light meal will be included. Wesley Covenant Service. The Rev. Daniel Burbage will preach These churches have joined together at Whaley Street UMC Nov. 27. The for Lenten services in the past, but this is Consider a year-end tax-deductible Rev. Brad Gray will preach at St. Mark the first time they have done so for UMC Dec. 4. The Rev. Phil Reynolds Advent. gift to the Advocate.

Support our newspaper ministry and the Connection – and get a tax deduction! The Advocate, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, welcomes your year-end gift to help us connect United Methodists across the state by independently reporting news, engaging readers and providing a forum for dialogue about the issues that face our denomination.

Make your donation online at AdvocateSC.org (see box, top right), or mail a check to Advocate, 4908 Colonial Drive, Columbia, SC 29203. Page 24, November 2011 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Obituaries David Earl Cowan Obituary policy: GREENWOOD – David Earl Cowan, The Advocate prints death notices of father of Rachel Huggins, died Oct. 6, clergy and their immediate families and 2011. Mrs. Huggins is the wife of the laypersons who have served on confer - Rev. Bob Huggins, pastor of St. John ence boards and agencies or who work United Methodist Church, Sumter. for the S.C. Conference of the United Methodist Church. A memorial service was held Oct. 8 at First Presbyterian Church. Memorials may be made to charges. HospiceCare of the Piedmont, 408 W. Funeral services were held Oct. 9 at Alexander Ave., Greenwood, SC First UMC, Waynesville, N.C., with 29646; First Presbyterian Church burial in Garrett-Hillcrest Memorial Endowment Fund, P.O. Box 426, Park, Waynesville. Greenwood, SC 29648; or to Salvation Memorials may be made to First Army, P.O. Box 1453, Greenwood, SC UMC of Waynesville, P.O. Box 838, 29648. Waynesville, NC 28786; or to the Mr. Cowan is survived by his wife, Junaluskans, c/o The Rev. Thomas Catherine “Tee” Everett Cowan, two Conway, Treasurer, P.O. Box 877, Lake daughters and son. Junaluska, NC 28745. Rev. Funderburk is survived by his wife, Mary A. Funderburk, son and Ellen V. R. Croker daughter. ST. STEPHEN – Ellen V. R. Croker, widow of the Rev. James Alton Croker, died Sept. 15, 2011. Rev. Joseph McAllister Sr. Funeral services were held Sept. 21 DARLINGTON – at New Light United Methodist Church, The Rev. Joseph Pastors, having trouble connecting with burial in Zion Cemetery. McAllister Sr., a Mrs. Croker is survived by her son. retired member of your church with the full UMC? the S.C. Annual Conference of the Rev. Donald Franklin United Methodist Try a church-wide Advocate subscription – Funderburk Church and father of as low as $9/member! LAKE JUNALUS - the Rev. Donald E. McAllister KA, N.C. – The McAllister, died = News about your church and other local churches Rev. Donald Sept. 29, 2011. Rev. Don McAllister is = Happenings in your district Franklin the pastor of Faith UMC, Cades. = Conference-wide ministries and activities across S.C. Funderburk, a Prior to his retirement in 1988, Rev. retired member of McAllister served the Glenn Chapel, = Global United Methodist news…and more! the S.C. Annual Beulah-Shiloh, Kingstree-East, Conference of the Bennettsville Circuit and Little Rock More information: United Methodist Funderburk Parish. www.advocatesc.org/home/images/the-advocate-church-plan.pdf Church, died Oct. 7, Funeral services were held Oct. 4 at Or contact us to discuss a plan for you: 2011. Shiloh UMC, with burial in Darlington [email protected] or 888-678-6272, ext. 335 Prior to his retirement in 1996, Rev. Memorial Cem- Funderburk served the Campobello, etery. Rev. Mc- Plum Branch, Epting Memorial, Allister is sur - Pageland, Jackson, Ellenton, Lake City, vived by six Abbeville-Main Street, Bethel Park, daughters and Columbia-St. Mark and St. George five sons.

A PLACE FOR PRAYER – St. James UMC, Spartanburg, recently created this prayer garden, which includes a water feature, gazebo, benches and other meditative elements designed to enhance the congregation’s prayer life. Rev. Will Malambri, here, enjoys a quiet moment in the prayer garden.

Jesus saves. The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate November 2011, Page 25 Seniors Carters to be honored with sundial, plaque in Susanna Wesley Garden at Junaluska Friends and family members of the A sundial and a plaque will be Rev. and Mrs. Lemuel Carter have placed by the pond in the center made a gift in their honor to the of the garden. Additional gifts will help Susanna Wesley Garden at Lake pay for the upkeep of the grounds. Junaluska. (A UMNS photo by Ken Howle) Lem and Mary Harriet Carter have a home at Lake Junaluska that overlooks where the Pattersons are members. It is the Susanna Wesley Garden, so their hoped that friends from churches he has friends felt it is an appropriate site to served will join in the tribute. He was remember their friendship and work. A assigned to churches in Pacolet, sundial and a plaque will be placed by Mauldin and the Columbia area and was the pond in the center of the garden. superintendent in the Marion District. A Additional gifts will help pay for the native of Manning, Carter and his wife upkeep of the grounds. retired to Chapin to be near two of their Dwight and Liz Patterson and Mrs. daughters. Carter’s brother, Lemuel Wiggins, want - Anyone wishing to donate should ed to show their love for the Carters and contact the World Methodist Council, knew of their interest in the Susannah 545 Lakeshore Drive, Lake Junaluska, Older Adult Spiritual Life Retreat Wesley Garden and Lake Junaluska. NC 28745, or Liz Patterson at P.O. Box Springmaid Beach Resort, Myrtle Beach, SC Carter served Central United 5564, Spartanburg, SC 29304, or lizj - Methodist Church in Spartanburg, [email protected]. February 7-9, 2012 “Listening for the Melody of God”

The Rev. Dr. Connie Shelton will be the leader.

The annual variety show will be held, so bring your talents to share.

To register, call Doris Seals, 803.786.9486 or 888.678.6272, ext. 317, or go to Umcsc.org and click on 2012 Older Adult Retreat.

STAR POWER FETES LOWERY’S 90TH – United Methodist pastor and leader in the Civil Rights movement, the Rev. Joseph E. Lowery (with mic) leads the singing of “We Shall Overcome” during his 90th birthday celebration Oct. 9 at the Atlanta Symphony Hall. From left, Josh DuBois (Obama Cabinet), Cicely Tyson (actress), Evelyn Lowery (spouse) , Rev. Joseph E. Lowery (honoree), Rev. Al Sharpton (speaker), Stevie Wonder (musician) and Soledad O’Brien (Host). (A UMNS photo by Kathleen Barry) Page 26, November 2011 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Upcoming Events

October Columbia. Tickets are $45. To Theology. Carroll is Emory Oct. 29 – Rev. Claude Young will lead Thanksgiving events reserve tickets or sponsor, contact University’s 2011 McDonald Family the 11 a.m. worship service mark - Please see page 5 for a list of Killingsworth at 803-771-6359. Chair on the Life and Teachings of ing the 50th anniversary of Hinton fall happenings at UMCs across Jesus and Their Impact on Culture. Rural Life Center, Hayesville, N.C. the state. Nov. 10-12 – African-American Music and Worship Explo, www.lakejuna Nov. 19 – Chainsaw Training, Union Oct. 29 – Fall Bazaar, Church of the luska.com/explo UMC, Irmo, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. $15. Palms UMC, Bluffton, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Bring gloves, safety glasses, long Nov. 5 – Yard Sale, Iglesia Esperanza, Nov. 11-12 – Craft Fair, Cattle Creek pants, long-sleeved shirt and boots. UMC, Rowesville, 11 a.m.-7 p.m. Chaps, helmets and chainsaws will November Greenville, 8 a.m.-2 p.m. Nov. 4-5 – Transforming Worship work - (Friday) and 10 a.m.-5 p.m. be provided. Call 803-608-1850. shop, St. Mark UMC, sponsored by Nov. 5 – S.C. Conference Historical (Saturday). Information: 803-829- the Discipleship Ministry Area of Society meeting, MacMillan 3257 or [email protected]. Nov. 19 – Food Fair and Holiday Market, the Greenwood District Connec- Theater, Wofford College, Aldersgate UMC, Sumter, 9 a.m.-3 tional Ministries. Registration is $10 Spartanburg, 10 a.m. Nov. 12 – Florence District Tables I, II, III p.m. All proceeds will go toward per person or $25 for three and training. Time and location TBA. apportionments. includes lunch on Saturday. 864- Nov. 6 – Concerts at Shandon, Shandon 223-2650 or [email protected] UMC, Columbia, 4:15 p.m. Eddie Nov. 12 – ERT Basic Training, St. Nov. 19 – UMW Fall Festival, St. John’s Huss, organ, will be performing Andrew UMC, Easley, 9 a.m.-5 UMC, Rock Hill, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Nov. 4-6 – Confirmation Retreat, Lake works by J.S. Bach, Mendelssohn, p.m. Cost is $35. Contact Danny Junaluska, www.lakejunaluska.com Widor and Vierne. Thompson, 864-934-1832. Nov. 19 – Coats for Christ giveaway, /confirmation Dalzell UMC, Dalzell, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Nov. 6 – Service of Evening Prayer, Nov. 13 – 178th Anniversary celebration, Nov. 5 – Annual Fall Bazaar and Turkey Shandon UMC, Columbia, 5 p.m. Wesley UMC, Beaufort, 3 p.m. Nov. 20 – Rural Mission Oyster Roast, Dinner, Mill Creek UMC, Columbia, The Chancel Choir and Bella Voce Bowen Island Restaurant, 6-9 p.m. 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. Choir will perform. Nov. 13-15 – Lake Junaluska Peace Conference: Poverty, Abundance December Nov. 5 – Holiday Bazaar and Bake Sale, Nov. 9 – Eben Taylor Lecture Series, and Peace, www.lakejunaluska. Dec. 1-4 – Living Christmas Story, Union Point Hope UMC, Mount Pleasant, Trinity UMC, Greenville, 7 p.m. com/peace UMC, Irmo, 6:30-9 p.m. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Bishop Jack Meadors will keynote. Nov. 14 – The McDonald Lectures: Dec. 2 – Florence District Advent Nov. 5 – Fall Trunk Sale, Main Street Nov. 10 – 19th Annual Killingsworth James Carroll on “Jesus Against Worship, Highland Park UMC, 6:30 UMC, Columbia, 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Gala, Seawell’s Restaurant, Himself,” Candler School of p.m. Classified Advertising 888-678-6272 • 803-786-9486 • [email protected]

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By the Rev. Narcie anger and forgive someone? What is Jesus perfect as our God is perfect. As our God Nov. 27 McClendon Jeter telling us here about how important that makes the sun rise and sends rain on both Facing Life Without Worry reconciliation is and how if we are to live the righteous and the unrighteous, not giv - Lesson Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34 Jeter is campus minister as his disciples, we have to live that out? ing preferential treatment, we, too, are Background Scripture: Matthew 6:25-34 for Winthrop University Realizing that our faith journey is a called to offer the same love to the person Key Verse: Matthew 6:33-34, “But strive Wesley Foundation, beautiful mixture of law and grace – and we care the most about in the world and registrar for the Rock first for the kingdom of God and his that the forgiveness that God provides each the person whose beliefs and attitude and Hill District Committee righteousness, and all these things of us is not something based on how many looks and smell and background make us on Ministry, vice chair - will be given to you as well. So do person of Conference commandments we keep, but because God want to turn away completely. What does not worry about tomorrow, for Connectional Ministries, is a God of love and the grace – is not being perfect look like in this passage? and on the Rock Hill tomorrow will bring worries of its something that we deserve or earn, but What is God calling us to do here? What is Connectional Ministries. own. Today’s trouble is enough for something that we have been freely given. the message of love that we should share? today.” Nov. 6 It will hopefully help us to see others through this same lens. What a text for these crazy times that Forgiving as God’s People Nov. 20 we find ourselves in with our economy, Praying as God’s People fighting a multifront war, battles over edu - Lesson Scripture: Matthew 5:17-26 Nov. 13 Background Scripture: Matthew 5:17-26 Lesson Scripture: Matthew 6:5-15 cation and health care and the wonderfully Key Verse: Matthew 5:23-24, “So when Loving as God’s People Background Scripture: Matthew 6:5-15 warm fuzzy feeling we get when we hear you are offering your gift at the altar, Lesson Scripture: Matthew 5:43-48 Key Verse: Matthew 6:6. “Whenever you about the “death tsunami” that’s supposed if you remember that your brother or Background Scripture: Matthew 5:43-48 pray, go into your room and shut the to hit our churches. sister has something against you, Key Verse: Matthew 5:44-45, “But I say door and pray to your Father who is Any time a meeting includes on its leave your gift there before the altar to you, ‘Love your enemies and pray in secret; and your Father who sees agenda talk of “budget” or “pension and and go; first be reconciled to your for those who persecute you, so that in secret will reward you.” health benefits,” there is a part of me that brother or sister, and then come and you may be children of your Father I’m the chapter advisor for a sorority on starts to worry. offer your gift.” in heaven.’” campus, and at a recent meeting they There’s been many an author or leader Some people mistakenly think of the There’s a song by Caedmon’s Call talked about growing in their sisterhood. that has made tons of money cashing in on Old Testament as the law of the Bible and called “Bombay Rain” from their album When it was opened up for discussion our fears and worries. Often these list all the New Testament as the grace. “Share the Well,” and the first line says, and ideas on how to do that, a lot of the the things going wrong but no hope, solu - Some really like the nice, sweet, feel- “The rain in Bombay fall on the righteous ideas centered on ways to create a positive tions or anything productive whatsoever. good Jesus that asks one to turn the other and the wrong.” image on campus. One of the girls wisely What’s the good in that? If I want to cheek, but it’s harder to remember that I can’t help but think of that song when asked if we were trying to encourage worry more, I need only to look around. Jesus came not to abolish the law, as it says I read this passage, as the band traveled growth and the building up of sisterhood, But how can we as Christians live like in Verse 17, but to fulfill it. This Jesus that around the world writing this album and or were just trying to market ourselves so that? How can our churches live like that? offers each of us grace isn’t someone who saw all sorts of cultures and people and people could see how good we were doing. How can we cling to the fear, forgetting gives a free pass where the rules no longer walks of life. It’s easy for us classify peo - I couldn’t help but think about this pas - that our God is a God of resurrection and apply to us, but is someone who spurs us ple into categories of those that God bless - sage. Are we living out loud for Christ in new life – not of just making a bunch of on to live a life where we seek to grow es and those that God has cursed just based ways that are just making a public specta - new things, but in making all things new? closer and closer to the mind of Christ and on outward appearance or socio-economic cle, whether by saying the longest prayer at I don’t know about you, but I believe in that we follow the commandments. situation or good health. This passage talks “See You at the Pole” or by winning the there is a greater force at work than just In my work with students, I know that about our Father in heaven making the sun “I’m the Most Spiritual” award by who what is in black and white, more than just there are times when people hear words rise on both the evil and good and sending can sing the most verses and harmonies or the numbers or the graphs or the predic - like “commandments” or “rules” or rain to the righteous and unrighteous. speak in tongues? tions. Our God is a God who provides. Our “laws,” and they start to rebel against the Here’s a little secret – God doesn’t just What are the prayers like that we say in God is a God of grace and mercy. Our notion of having to do something. I don’t favor the wealthy folks who think they private? Do they have all those fancy God, the great God of the universe, has not know many who like to feel forced into have it all figured out, or the people over 6 words? Do we raise our hands to sing in forgotten us and left us here to figure out anything or who wouldn’t buck against feet tall who are great physical specimens, worship because we feel the moving of the this mess all by ourselves. certain restraints. or the people who happened to have been Spirit or because it’s the thing to do? Do In my conversations with students and Are you a rule-breaker or a rule-follow - born in this country or that. we not raise our hands in worship because friends and colleagues, more and more I er? Do you see Jesus as a rule-breaker or a Is it hard to love your enemies? Or people would think we’re crazy, or do we hear people talk about a distant God that rule-follower? As we see at the beginning some of you may think you don’t have do it anyway because we feel the Spirit? they haven’t felt close to in awhile, a God of the passage, Jesus says very clearly that enemies. Is it hard to love that person who Lord, have mercy on a group of pastors that has forgotten them or is not connecting he has come not to throw out the law, but gets on your nerves or that family member praying in a circle together trying to get with them anymore. to make it happen – in mighty and transfor - you haven’t gotten along well with in their two cents in. Are the prayers that we I know that we all go through stages in mative ways. We also know that there were years, or the person who hurt your feelings pray for the show or an offering to God? our walk, but God knows us better than we times that Jesus healed on the Sabbath, that in the eighth grade and you still remember Romans 8 talks about the Holy Spirit even know ourselves sometimes, and God he talked with and hung out with their stinging words, or the person who interceding for us even when we don’t knows what we need. That may not always Samaritans and tax collectors and prosti - cuts you off in traffic? Now, I’m not talk - have the words to say, and this passage come in the way we want, or be the answer tutes, and that the Pharisees had lists going ing about saying you love your enemies speaks clearly in Verse 8, saying that God we seek, because we live in a fallen world of all the things they thought he was doing and you throwing that around in an argu - knows what we need even before we ask. where things aren’t going to always be the wrong whether in word or deed. ment, and using that as another dart or That doesn’t mean we don’t need to pray hunky-dory fairytale we dream of having. What is Jesus teaching about the law weapon: “Sure, I don’t like you, but I love or we don’t need to ask or seek, because But that doesn’t mean that God is any here? In the beginning, yes, he’s teaching you, because God loves you.” part of that prayer conversation is recogniz - less present with us. Sometimes we won - that it’s important and to be taken seriously, This whole “I don’t like you, but I love ing that it’s not all about us or our needs. It der why things happen or why God but at the end of this passage, he’s taking it you with the love of God” thing is some - is also the needs of those around us, the allowed for something and didn’t intercede, another step. He’s talking about forgive - thing I’ve never understood. I don’t think it needs of our world, the Word God would and those are valid questions. The Psalms ness and reconciliation and how those makes any sense with what Scripture or the have us hear today, the forgiveness we seek are full of them. God can handle our ques - things are sometimes more critical. life of Jesus tells us. Jesus isn’t watering and the mighty work that God is doing. tions, fears and worries. God is no less Breaking the law and being on the front this down and giving us a loophole to real - Why do you pray? What do you pray present with us in our high points as in the page of the newspaper is a lot harder to ly not like someone. That’s hard. about? What has the prayer in Matthew 6 deep valleys. cover up than not forgiving someone, but Who is your enemy? Who is it hard for meant to you in your life? What does it What are some of the things you worry Jesus is saying here that the broken rela - you to love? Who is it hard for you to like mean to ask God to give us what we need, about? How do you deal with these wor - tionship, and the hurt and anger and dis - or want to spend five minutes talking to? to forgive us and to deliver us? Where do ries? Do you take them to God? cord there, is something that is not just to Are we guilty of just greeting our broth - you feel most comfortable praying? What When are some times that you have felt be brushed under the rug, but is something ers and sisters as it says in Verse 47? Does method do you use – writing down forgotten or abandoned by God? When that is crucial to you keeping the law and our coffee hour look more like cliques of prayers, the ACTS method (Adoration, have you been reassured by God’s pres - being in right relationship with God. people continuing a prior conversation that Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication), ence? How do we trust God to provide for Who are our brother and our sister? only relates to them, or is it open for others or just pouring your heart out? our needs? Who have we hurt by word or deed or by to join in? Do we only greet the people that How important is it for you to forgive How do we trust and hope as we active - the products we buy or by the things we look like or talk like or act like us? That others? Is that part of your prayer disci - ly seek God’s leading and guidance in our waste? Who has hurt us? Why is it some - may be a heck of a lot easier for those of pline? Is that something that’s easy for you lives, callings, families, workplaces, times hard to swallow our pride and ask for us introverts or people afraid of change, or hard for you to let go of? What are some churches, denomination, nation, world? forgiveness? Why is it incredibly difficult but is that really what we’re called to do? things that have helped you as you have How do we see God bringing new life and sometimes to let go of our hurt and our The passage ends with the call to be sought to forgive others as God has us? new possibilities? Page 28, November 2011 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Chapin lauded as ‘vibrant church’ out to them.” Fast-growing UMC Chapin UMC embarked on a new jour - ney: one of outreach and evangelism. It featured by Foundation was a learning process, he said. Chapin began to focus on an active for Evangelism prayer group and other ministries. Then, in By Jessica Connor 2003, they decided to amp up their partici - pation in the Disciple Bible Study pro - CHAPIN – One South Carolina church is gram, doing “Disciple 12x12” – aiming getting national recognition as a “vibrant for 12 groups of 12 people going through church” because of its rapid attendance the faith-strengthening transformation. growth. They managed to get 11 groups, not 12, Chapin United Methodist Church, pas - but the seeds were planted, Flowers said. tored by the Rev. Jody Flowers, had about Critical to their rapid growth was their 260 members when Flowers arrived in decision to become a dual-track church. 2001. Flash forward 10 years and a lot of Flowers said census data revealed the hard work, and now the church draws Chapin community was split down the close to 1,200 in worship each week – middle in preferring contemporary versus nearly 1,000 more souls. traditional worship. Chapin UMC didn’t It’s the kind of growth that spells vitali - want to leave anyone out, so they decided ty, strength and excitement, church leaders they needed to do both styles. say – and it has earned Chapin recognition Today, Chapin UMC offers four differ - this fall as one of about 30 U.S. churches ent services each week, and its members named by the Foundation for Evangelism are enthusiastically reaching out to build a as a “vibrant church.” Critical to Chapin UMC’s rapid growth was their decision to become a dual-track bigger, stronger Kingdom. Flowers said his church feels humbled church, offering contemporary and traditional worship. Here, Kate McLain and Joe To view Chapin on the site, or see what by their recognition, which he said is the Clement, of Chapin’s Praise Band, lead a worship set. (Submitted photo) other UMCs are doing to generate growth, work of the Holy Spirit accomplished by a visit http://foundationforevangelism.org/ large group of believers at Chapin. 2003 to 2008, and of 71.2 percent from more than doubled in the previous 20 2011/09/chapin-umc-chapin-south-caroli “We are appreciative that everybody 2004 to 2009 (based on data from General years – 1980 to 2000 – yet the church had na/. To enter your church as a Vibrant has seen God’s vision and is committed to Council on Finance and Administration). only gained 46 people in those 20 years,” Church, go to FoundationForEvangelism. seeing God’s vision through,” Flowers “We at The Foundation for Evangelism Flowers said. org and click “Vibrant Churches,” or email said, praising the congregation’s diligence have the opportunity to see the United He shared that with the congregation, [email protected]. and commitment to growth. “It’s easy to Methodist Church at its best,” Burgin said. who agreed with see God’s vision and pretty easy to sell “Since the focus of The Foundation for Flowers that God’s vision, but it’s really stinking diffi - Evangelism is to develop leaders with a their slender cult to see it through.” passion for evangelism who will have a growth simply “Celebrating Vibrant Churches” is an multiplying impact on the United was “not good online Foundation for Evangelism Methodist Church, we are constantly seek - enough when resource for clergy and laity across the ing to share insights from pastors of your area has denomination who are seeking creative, churches where attendance growth is sus - more than dou - successful evangelism practice ideas. tained.” bled.” (The Foundation for Evangelism is a non- Columbia District Superintendent Dr. So in a nut - profit organization affiliated with the Tim McClendon said Chapin UMC’s part - shell, Flowers General Board of Discipleship of the nership between laity and clergy is excit - said, “A bunch UMC and headquartered at Lake ing, and that spirit is contagious. of great, great Junaluska, N.C.) “Chapin UMC has its best years ahead, people in that Dr. Kenneth Lambert, the Foundation and it shows,” McClendon said. church recog - for Evangelism’s director of church rela - nized God has tions, interviewed pastors of select church - How did they grow so dramatically? brought people es that have displayed some of the fastest Chapin UMC has been in existence to this commu - growing attendance numbers in the since the 1890s to serve the quiet lake nity and this nation. These interviews are featured on community. But in the 1980s and 1990s, area, and as part the “Celebrating Vibrant Churches” sec - the community began to boom. When he of the Great tion of their website, which continues to arrived at Chapin, Flowers said the census Commandment, be the most visited area of that site. data surprised him. we’ve got to Chapin is the only South Carolina “We found out the zip code area had love and reach UMC receiving vibrant church recognition this year by the Foundation for Evangelism. Last year, two UMCs in this state – Mechan- icsville UMC, Sumter, and Mauldin UMC, Mauldin – were recognized. Mary Burgin, of the Found- ation for Evan- gelism, said Chapin UMC is credited with an increase in church atten - dance of 53.3 percent from