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OF THESOUTHCAROLINASYNOD THE REVERENDGINNYAEBISCHERELECTED ASBISHOP MEETING VIRTUALLY TOELECTANEW BISHOP SYNOD ASSEMBLY The South

CarolinaLutheran VOLUME 98ISSUE5-SEPTEMBERandOCTOBER2020 www.scsynod.com Synod Assembly The Rev. Virginia Aebischer is elected Bishop of the ELCA South Carolina Synod

he Rev. Virginia Aebischer was elected July 25 to serve a Tsix-year term as bishop of the South Carolina Synod of the Evan- gelical Lutheran Church in Ameri- ca (ELCA). The election took place during the synod assembly, held July 25 online. The Rev. Virginia Aebischer was elected on the fifth ballot, with 280 votes. The Rev. Jacqueline Utley received 211 votes. The Rev. Virginia Aebischer has most recently served as Assistant to the Bishop with Bishop Herman Yoos. Bishop-Elect Aebischer grad- uated from Upsala College in 1983. Upsala College was a Lutheran college in East Orange, New Jersey. She received her M. Div from The Lu- theran Theological Southern Sem- inary, located here in Columbia in 1989. She was ordained on Septem- ber 17, 1989 after receiving a call to Lutheran Church of the Redeemer in Charleston, South Carolina. Bishop-Elect Aebischer will suc- ceed The Rev. Dr. Herman Yoos and will take office on September 1, 2020 with an Installation service happening on October 4, 2020. De- tails are still being worked on as the pandemic continues. The bishop serves as the synod’s pastor and is called to administer sacraments, preach, provide pasto- ral care, advise, ordain, advocate, interpret, and serve as the ecumen- ical officer. [

2 www.scsynod.com By The Rev. Lisa Isenhower Synod Assembly Historic Assembly and Historic Election

n an historic assembly, the South to allow this first-ever remote assem- ballot. These candidates were Virgin- Carolina Synod of the Evangelical bly. ia Aebischer, Ralph Hill, Jackie Utley, ILutheran Church met virtually to In the election of a bishop, the first David Coffman, Wade Roof, Patti Sue elect a new bishop. The Rev. Virgin- ballot, called the “ecclesiastical ballot,” Burton Pye, and Eric Fink. These sev- ia Aebischer, who currently serves as serves as the nominating process in the en addressed the assembly, offering Assistant to Bishop Herman Yoos, was South Carolina Synod. After nomina- information about themselves and the elected on the fifth ballot to serve as tions close, those who have been nom- gifts and skills they might bring to the the new bishop of the South Carolina inated have the opportunity to remove bishop’s office. Synod. Rev. Aebischer is the first wom- their names from the ballot if they wish. Only the top three candidates—Vir- an to be elected bishop in this synod. This year, 17 ministers left their names ginia Aebischer, Jacqueline Utley, and The election was historic on a in nomination. The second ballot can- Ralph Hill—moved on to the fourth number of levels. In the midst of the didates were Virginia Aebischer, Ralph ballot. Prior to that ballot, all three had COVID 19 pandemic, creative and Hill, Jacqueline Utley, David Coffman, an opportunity to answer two addi- careful planning in collaboration with Wade Roof, Patti Sue Burton-Pye, Eric tional questions, prepared in advance our churchwide leaders allowed the Fink, Shannon Mullen, Mary Ander- by the Bishop’s Election Committee. South Carolina Synod to meet virtu- son, Rhodes Woolly, Christine Stoxen, Of the top two candidates—Virginia ally. Through diligent training and Chris Heavner, Jon Heiliger, Eric Little, Aebischer and Jacqueline Utley—both preparation, participants were able to Thulie Beresford, James Henricks, and are women, and one is a person of col- “attend” the assembly via Zoom; vot- Gary Christensen. or. What a marvelous stirring of the ing was accomplished through Lumi. After the second ballot, the top Holy Spirit in our synod! [ Both pieces of technology worked well seven vote getters moved to the third

ASSEMBLY GENERAL ELECTION RESULTS ARE WITH THE SYNOD COUNCIL REPORT ON PAGE 15

SEPTEMBER and OCTOBER 2020 3 Contents 2 Synod Assembly

The South Carolina Lutheran is a publication of the South Carolina Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

The South Carolina Lutheran (ISSN 161-9748) is published 6 times per year at 2 1003 Richland St., Columbia, SC 29201.

Subscription rates are $8.50 for congregational plan and $10.00 for individual subscriptions. 7 Rambling with Raymond Periodicals Postage paid at 1003 Richland 11 Good News From Our Congregations Street, Columbia, SC 29201 and additional mailing offices.

14 We Are Covered Copyright © 2020 South Carolina Synod, ELCA. All rights reserved. Duplication in whole or in part in 14 Official Acts any form is prohibited without permission from the publishers. Printed in the U.S.A. 15 Synod Council Highlights Editorial/Business/Circulation 16 Parish Paper South Carolina Synod, ELCA 1003 Richland Street 20 Calendar Columbia, SC 29201-2407 Telephone: 803-765-0590 Fax: 803-252-5558 Website: www.scsynod.com

Bishop The Rev. Dr. Herman R. Yoos III

Assistant to the Bishop The Rev. Virginia S. Aebischer

Vice-President Lexanne K. Graves, Deacon

Secretary The Rev. W. Osborne Herlong

Treasurer Copyright information about THE PARISH PAPER, found in this issue: Our syn- Raymond L. Hendrix od’s purchase of a subscription to The Parish Paper INCLUDES (1) permission to provide copies ©to our staff and to the congregations within our jurisdiction in any of the following ways: E-mail, Editor Postal, newspaper, newsletter, meetings, training events, and our Web site. (2) permission for each con- Neal F. Fischer [email protected] gregation within our jurisdiction (a) to photocopy or electronically distribute for local use as many copies as it needs, (b) to post them on its Web site, and (c) to quote sentences and paragraphs. Congregations Subscriptions within our organization to which we distribute THE PARISH PAPER do NOT have permission (a) to delete the Tiffany Pieters [email protected] copyright notice, (b) to re-write, paraphrase, or change the wording of sentences and paragraphs, or (c) to give ANY THIRD PARTY—other than our staff and constituents—permission to photocopy or reprint (in any Publication deadlines are listed on the back page of quantity, no matter how small, whether for free distribution or for sale). each issue.

4 www.scsynod.com Synod Assembly Behind the Scenes Photos

Top Left: Raymond Hendrix and Deacon Lexanne Graves Middle Left: Kelley Mintz, Rev. Ginny Aebischer, and Raymond Morris Bottom Left: Victoria Flood, Churchwide Representative Top Right: Rev. Mike Watson and Jenny Spearen Bottom Right: Neal Fischer

SEPTEMBER and OCTOBER 2020 5 Synod Assembly By Beth Fulmer Keynote: Faith in a Secular Age

r. Andy Root discussed a very difficult problem with some inter- Desting observations. What does ministry look like now in today’s world? Along with many people in this era, he broached the subject of ministry and technology and how they intertwined. He said that ministry was not technology; however, technology “framed our imagination.” According to Root, every- thing is a problem and there is an answer to every problem. Technology is a sci- ence that answers every problem. With that said, how do we pass faith on to the next generation? What is new that will produce spiritual growth in this age of technology? Pastors have always struggled and the problems have shifted dog had died. Extremely upset, the boy (Bonhoeffer lived in the early 1900’s.) and differed over time; however, in ages fell into the arms of Dietrich Bonhoeffer Andy Root is a professor at Luther past, there was always the understanding (a Lutheran minister). The young child Seminary. He has written several books; that God was real; people believed that wanted to know where his dog was now. one of which is “The Pastor in a Secular they interacted with something beyond Bonhoeffer consoled the boy by holding Age: Ministry to People Who No Longer what they could see and feel. For many him close, listening, and letting him cry. Need a God” (Baker Academic, 2019). now, that belief is non-existent. Root also had other narratives to make He was a fascinating speaker who iden- Root told some interesting stories, the point that giving a person space and tified many questions that pastors in this one of which was about a boy whose listening were often all that was needed. day and age are asking. [

You are invited to the Installation of The Reverend Virginia S. Aebischer

as Bishop of the South Carolina Synod Evangelical Lutheran Church in America

Sunday, October 4th, 2020 at 3:00 p.m.

The service will be available by live stream. We invite you to attend through our Facebook page, YouTube channel, and our website.

6 www.scsynod.com Finance By Raymond Hendrix Rambling with Raymond

A summary report on the Synod’s financial operations for the first six months ack in February 2020, Charlene of 2020/2021. closed the books for the fiscal Byear ended January 31, 2020, and This year Last year gave me a copy of the monthly financial Mission Support $ 1,094,932 $ 1,219,749

statements. While reviewing, I noticed Other Revenue** $22,560 $68,693 that all the elements (items) of the report were good and the fiscal year ended 2020 Investment Income $32,166 $86,387 was probably the best year in a long time. Expenditures ($1,074,226) ($1,276,478) Then came February when the news Revenue over Expenditures $75,432 $98,351 started reporting that the COVID-19 virus had traveled from China to America ** Other Revenue includes subscriptions to The South Carolina Lutheran, rental income, registra- and the rest of the world. At the begin- tion fees and miscellaneous contributions. This report does not include the PPP grant from the ning of March, I was looking forward to government nor any acquisition of church buildings. Some of the differences in the revenues and expenditures are due to timing of receiving the revenue and the payment of expenditures. celebrating my birthday with family and friends. But instead we were advised to stop all contact with each other, wear prior year by $125,000, and also below the effect of the virus. I am not expect- masks and stay six feet apart. Next came the year-to-date budget by $105,000. I ing the monthly mission support from the closing of schools and work places attribute this to the pandemic. The de- congregations to change much during which brought a halt to the economy. crease in mission support has also de- the next six months. The government has provided pro- creased the Synod support to the ELCA To carry out God's mission, we must grams and grants to help the employees by $50,000. The six month report for remain positive. I urge each of you to that were laid off and help the businesses the Synod's financial operations for continue your support to your congre- that maintain their employees. The Syn- 2020/2021 as compared to the report of gation. od was able to keep their employees and 2019/2020 is in the box above. “Rejoice always, pray continually, give applied for a PPP loan, which was fund- As you can see from the above chart, thanks in all circumstances; for this is ed in May. The Synod has also adopted the Synod is holding its own as of July God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. Do a policy that will award grants to congre- 31. When you add the PPP loan to the not quench the Spirit. - 1 Thessalonians gations that may be in financial stress. revenue (which should be forgiven), the 5:16-19. [ For the six months ended July 31, Synod will be in much better shape. The 2020, mission support is down from the economy of South Carolina is still feeling

The financial report on pages 12-15 is mandated by Synod Council and is printed to show how our congregations are doing toward support- ing the ministries adopted by voting members at Synod Assembly. Your combined contributions enable all of us to work together to carry out God’s mission for our synod. Your gifts help support campus ministry, our six institutions, our companion synods, our newly planted missions and redeveloping congregations. We are also able to provide support for congregations, our youth program, our stewardship initiative, the candidacy process, and scholarships for seminarians. Thank you for all the ways you live out “God’s work. Our hands.”

2020 - First Six 2019 - First Six Months Months Mission Support Mission Support Congregation/Location Received Received All Saints 07396, Mt. Pleasant $32,082.98 $22,999.32 Ascension 05596, Columbia $0.00 $1,000.00 Atonement 05658, Laurens $0.00 $0.00 Augsburg 05648, Union $700.00 $600.00 Bachman Chapel 05640, Prosperity $4,500.00 $4,500.00 Beth Eden 05628, Newberry $0.00 $0.00

SEPTEMBER and OCTOBER 2020 7 Bethany 05627, Newberry $4,002.00 $3,750.00 Bethany 05721, Lexington $1,925.00 $1,925.00 Bethel 05620, White Rock $6,000.00 $4,500.00 Bethlehem 05637, Pomaria $6,000.00 $6,000.00 Bethlehem 05608, Irmo $8,935.02 $8,500.02 Bethlehem 05703, Leesville $5,000.00 $5,000.00 Cedar Grove 05705, Leesville $12,500.00 $13,000.00 Christ Community 31261, N. Charleston $1,500.00 $800.00 Christ 07329, Hilton Head $0.00 $19,452.00 Christ Mission 31117, Columbia $400.00 $1,500.00 Christ the King 16415, Greenville $970.00 $960.00 Christ the King 05621, Columbia $2,075.00 $3,850.00 Christus Victor 07571, Columbia $2,512.69 $5,129.76 Colony 05630, Newberry $2,431.58 $3,406.10 Corinth 05724, Saluda $3,550.00 $3,550.00 Cristo Rey 30851, West Columbia $329.23 $560.71 Cross and Crown 07503, Florence $7,278.00 $6,078.00 Crossroads 30706, Fort Mill $5,650.00 $4,500.00 Ebenezer 05598, Columbia $15,000.00 $13,435.50 Ehrhardt Memorial 05677, Ehrhardt $2,800.00 $2,800.00 Emmanuel 05614, West Columbia $9,167.70 $15,592.41 Enon 05704, Leesville $0.00 $0.00 Epiphany 30081, Rock Hill $0.00 $0.00 Faith Lutheran Chapel 30683, Pickens $1,375.00 $1,650.00 Faith 05631, Newberry $0.00 $0.00 Faith 05683, Johns Island $3,304.30 $2,915.00 Faith 05615, West Columbia $7,500.00 $7,500.00 Faith 05696, Batesburg-Leesville $1,210.00 $0.00 Good Hope 05727, Ward $0.00 $0.00 Good Shepherd 05692, Walterboro $6,160.00 $4,488.00 Good Shepherd 05600, Columbia $24,391.50 $22,552.02 Good Shepherd 05612, Swansea $0.00 $1,750.00 Grace 05611, Rock Hill $24,280.99 $28,624.98 Grace 05643, Prosperity $5,911.32 $9,334.03 Grace 05698, Gilbert $6,499.98 $6,000.00 Holy Communion 05659, Spartanburg $1,920.00 $900.00 Holy Spirit 30725, Charleston $7,700.00 $6,430.00 Holy Trinity 05651, Anderson $7,098.15 $8,330.65 Holy Trinity 05722, Pelion $600.00 $618.00 Hope 30080, Vance $0.00 $500.00 Immanuel 05657, Greenwood $18,182.52 $20,416.69 Incarnation 05601, Columbia $5,979.19 $5,125.02 Joy 30418, Moore $19,354.15 $27,708.31 King of Glory 07449, North Myrtle Beach $7,104.72 $7,692.87 Living Springs 07829, Columbia $22,599.98 $25,147.50 Lord of Life 30351, Bluffton $10,000.00 $15,000.00 Lutheran Church by the Lake 30369, McCormick $11,442.60 $13,750.00 Our Saviour 05654, Greenville $13,268.00 $14,992.00

8 www.scsynod.com Redeemer 05633, Newberry $5,369.37 $3,500.00 Redeemer 05669, Charleston $4,000.00 $8,000.00 Macedonia 05644, Prosperity $7,500.00 $7,500.00 Martin Luther 05668, Charleston $5,200.00 $4,998.00 Messiah 05663, Mauldin $12,000.00 $11,349.98 Messiah 05687, Hanahan $4,876.52 $6,534.34 Mt. Calvary 05701, Johnston $4,500.00 $5,250.00 Mt. Hebron 05706, Leesville $6,000.00 $6,000.00 Mt. Hermon 05636, Peak $4,650.00 $4,500.00 Mt. Hermon 05616, West Columbia $9,900.00 $3,000.00 Mt. Horeb 05589, Chapin $27,999.96 $30,000.00 Mt. Olivet 05650, Chapin $5,833.38 $5,833.38 Mt. Olivet 05645, Prosperity $0.00 $100.00 Mt. Pilgrim 05625, Prosperity $1,457.00 $1,805.00 Mt. Pleasant 05678, Ehrhardt $1,500.00 $1,500.00 Mt. Pleasant 05729, Saluda $0.00 $3,249.96 Mt. Tabor 05626, Little Mountain $8,704.64 $15,233.12 Mt. Tabor 05617, West Columbia $27,175.16 $31,632.87 Nazareth 05710, Lexington $396.00 $360.00 Nuestro Salvador 31098, Greenville $0.00 $650.00 Orangeburg 05688, Orangeburg $2,640.00 $2,640.00 Our Saviour 05618, West Columbia $0.00 $0.00 Our Shepherd 07234, Hartsville $1,200.00 $1,200.00 Pilgrim 05712, Lexington $6,000.00 $6,000.00 Pine Grove 05684, Lone Star $2,600.00 $2,600.00 Pisgah 05713, Lexington $17,325.00 $15,751.19 Pomaria 05638, Pomaria $4,083.35 $3,733.38 Providence 05711, Lexington $8,206.02 $5,803.00 Redeemer 05730, Greer $3,630.00 $3,630.00 Redeemer 05623, Columbia $24,556.00 $26,950.02 Reformation 05610, Lancaster $6,650.01 $8,000.00 Reformation 05602, Columbia $6,768.00 $10,152.00 Resurrection 05665, Cameron $9,399.15 $12,113.52 Sagrada Familia 31073, Columbia $691.60 $537.43 Sandy Run 05613, Swansea $3,025.00 $3,630.00 Shepherd of the Sea 07420, Garden City $16,624.98 $21,168.59 Silverstreet 05647, Silverstreet $337.00 $1,640.00 Springs of Grace 30443, Inman $0.00 $0.00 St. Andrew 05585, Blythewood $0.00 $50.00 St. Andrew's 05604, Columbia $26,004.00 $29,750.00 St. Barnabas 05671, Charleston $0.00 $3,900.00 St. David 05619, West Columbia $24,092.98 $25,254.51 St. James 05629, Newberry $945.00 $1,150.00 St. James 05590, Sumter $3,414.25 $2,799.30 St. James 05715, Lexington $0.00 $0.00 St. James 05700, Graniteville $10,208.31 $9,749.98 St. James 05708, Summit $5,000.00 $5,000.00 St. Johannes 05672, Charleston $3,000.00 $2,800.00

SEPTEMBER and OCTOBER 2020 9 St. John 05662, Walhalla $12,000.00 $12,000.00 Good News From Our Congregations St. John 05661, Spartanburg $32,400.00 $30,000.00 St. John 05653, Clinton $0.00 $100.00 St. John 05609, Irmo $4,500.00 $4,400.00 St. John 05642, Pomaria $2,885.00 $2,880.00 St. John 05714, Lexington $0.00 $0.00 St. John 05702, Johnston $1,239.00 $1,158.18 St. John's 05664, Beaufort $22,370.00 $21,880.00 St. John's 05673, Charleston $4,125.00 $2,250.00 St. Luke 05622, Florence $0.00 $0.00 St. Luke 05646, Prosperity $14,123.46 $13,108.02 St. Luke 05605, Columbia $2,500.00 $6,875.00 St. Luke 05691, Summerville $20,625.00 $23,515.00 St. Mark's 05690, Isle of Palms $3,500.00 $4,125.00 St. Mark 05725, Batesburg-Leesville $0.00 $0.00 St. Matthew 05666, Cameron $1,002.00 $1,002.00 St. Matthew 05639, Pomaria $4,450.00 $4,450.00 St. Matthew 05716, Lexington $5,000.00 $0.00 St. Matthew's 05674, Charleston $28,334.66 $42,504.00 St. Matthias 07330, Easley $3,675.00 $3,140.00 St. Michael 05655, Greenville $12,499.98 $10,000.04 St. Michael 05606, Columbia $4,800.00 $4,900.00 St. Michael 05694, Moncks Corner $1,200.00 $0.00 St. Nicholas 05680, Fairfax $0.00 $1,000.00 St. Paul 05641, Pomaria $8,400.00 $6,833.35 St. Paul 05695, Aiken $30,285.00 $26,904.00 St. Paul 05699, Gilbert $0.00 $0.00 St. Paul's 05607, Columbia $23,500.00 $40,000.00 St. Paul's 05685, Mt. Pleasant $2,941.00 $2,279.40 St. Peter 05697, Batesburg-Leesville $0.00 $0.00 St. Peter's 07693, Pawleys Island $0.00 $1,150.00 St. Philip 05686, Myrtle Beach $3,102.00 $3,020.00 St. Philip 05634, Newberry $4,924.98 $10,761.00 St. Stephen's 05718, Lexington $36,166.69 $35,000.00 St. Thomas 05593, Chapin $5,000.00 $10,002.00 St. Timothy 05649, Whitmire $0.00 $0.00 St. Timothy 05587, Camden $5,358.00 $5,358.00 Summer Memorial 05635, Newberry $6,900.00 $5,500.02 Transfiguration 05588, Cayce $14,014.98 $13,650.00 Trinity 05656, Greenville $48,000.00 $53,000.22 Trinity 05682, Georgetown $0.00 $2,210.00 Trinity 05679, Elloree $546.00 $650.00 Trinity 05681, Fairfax $0.00 $0.00 Union 05707, Leesville $2,700.00 $5,400.00 University 05652, Clemson $23,265.00 $28,495.81 Wittenberg 05709, Leesville $13,658.08 $13,249.98 Zion 05719, Lexington $20,487.00 $24,234.50 TOTALS $1,095,132.11 $1,218,798.98

10 www.scsynod.com Good News From Our Congregations

knew being outside would be the safest Our Saviour, West Columbia CONFERENCE REPORTERS place for everyone, as long as the weather • Pastor Lance continues his Daily De- held out, so we planned all of our activi- votions through our website www. CONFERENCE 1: FOOTHILLS ties outside to allow for fresh air and social oursaviour.net with Worship Service CONFERENCE 2: UPSTATE distancing. We also shortened our VBS video uploading. The bulletin and in- Teresa Foster each night to about 1 hour and 20 min- serts are available through the website. ([email protected]) utes from our normal two hours. We did Plans to have special music are being CONFERENCE 3: EPIPHANY not promote our VBS to folks outside of researched. CONFERENCE 4: AMELIA our church to keep the numbers low and • Council meets via Zoom as does the CONFERENCE 5: HEARTLAND manageable. Normally, we have a great Lydia Circle. All other group activities CONFERENCE 6: MIDLANDS number of visitors who we welcome to our at the church have been postponed in- Anjay Williamson VBS. We separated the children by age definitely. Some outside groups are be- ([email protected]) group and had plenty of space for each age ginning to meet in small groups with CONFERENCE 7: COASTAL group to spread out using picnic tables for social distancing and masks. Sherry H. Fowler workspace and portable tents for shade as • Three outdoor Worship Services with ([email protected]) needed. We provided sanitizing wipes to communion were held in June prior to keep areas clean and hand sanitizer for the moving inside for July. CONFERENCE 8: SAXE children to use. Instead of the children ro- • Congregation approved the Parking GOTHA tating from station to station, our teachers Lot Project and construction was com- Linda Griffith rotated from class area to class area, keep- pleted in August. ([email protected]) ing the kids in their own space. Each child • Participated in the SC Synod Assem- CONFERENCE 9: WESTERN also had their own box of supplies for their bly’s on-line LIVE presentation and individual use. voting. Our classes consisted of Bible story time, • Congregation participated in the Salu- Cross and Crown, Florence imagination station, games and crafts. We da River Academy of the Arts Project • The congregation honored its gradu- had approximately 20 children attend in to collect various items (hand sanitizer, ates with a cross containing the Lord's person and we offered take home boxes cleaning supplies, etc.) during August prayer. for 7 children who did not attend in per- prior to school opening in September. • We continue to provide breakfast bi- son. We also had around 10 adults who • Congregation continues to collect monthly in the Parking Lot Ministry. helped with VBS each evening. Our pas- monthly items for God’s Helping Over 130 persons are receiving a pre- tor, Rich Johnston, held an adult class in Hands in Cayce. assembled meal. Thanks to Jim and our chapel. We had around 10 attendees Karyln McCarty for their devoted help each night and they were able to space Pilgrim, Lexington with this ministry. out and social distance inside the church • Continues to post devotions and ser- • Back to school supplies were collected building. The weather held out all week mons via their Facebook page and for Girl's University. and we had 20 healthy, happy kids who en- receives offering on-line and through • We continued our Tuesday morn- joyed seeing each other, making crafts and mail-in. Publish their bulletins on-line ing Bible study by viewing "Driving learning more about the Bible. The adults for download. through the Bible" series. In Sunday were also happy for time to get out and so- • Has implemented a Phone Streaming school, we began a study of Hebrews. cialize while social distancing. We knew Program where anyone can call to hear In the Wednesday night Vespers ser- it could be done and we ended up having the Church Service. It is sponsored by vice via Zoom, we discussed what does a great VBS week! - Gwen L. Davenport, 12 generous donors. Call church for it look like to serve Jesus. VCS Director Daniel Wicker, Chair, Edu- details. cation Ministry • Continues to support Mission Lexing- Mt. Tabor, Little Mountain ton (formerly LICS) with much needed We have always loved Vacation Bible Emmanuel, West Columbia items. Non-perishable food items were School at Mt. Tabor Lutheran Church, • Worship is being held outside at 9 collected during June with school sup- Little Mountain, SC. This year, we want- AM with the Introduction to the Ser- plies collected during July. ed to have VBS in spite of the COVID-19 vice published weekly in “The Weekly • The Stephen Ministry continues to pro- pandemic, but we knew we had to think Manager”. The Children’s Story Time vide services to those in need of talking differently and do things a little different- is available via YouTube, their website to someone during this time of uncer- ly in order to be safe and successful. Our and Facebook page. Bulletin e-mailed tainty. committee put our heads together, and weekly prior to service. • Still looking for a part-time musician ended up having an awesome VBS week • Held the Blessing of the Backpacks in organ/piano. Contact church if inter- June 7-11. Here’s how we did it. First, we August. ested. SEPTEMBER and OCTOBER 2020 11 Good News From Our Congregations Good News From Our Congregations

• Provides a children/family virtual choir • In lieu of the youth attending Christ- website or mail-in donations. singing video to help lift the spirits of mas Week at Lutheridge, members • As partners in ministry with Mission everyone to see and hear. were asked to celebrate Christmas in Lexington, encouraged financial gifts • VBS was offered on-line with packets July by decorating one or more trees, versus volunteering at the facility. picked up early for instruction – ‘Mo- shrubs or bushes in yards the week of School supplies and other needs were ses and More’. July 19-26. Photographs appeared on encouraged as donations. • Youth sponsored a Fundraiser Car their Facebook page. • Plans for the 275th anniversary of the Wash at the church with safety mea- • Participated in NovusWay’s Light the founding of Zion Lutheran Church sures in place. Fire Day of Giving Summer Camp have been put on hold till 2021; howev- 2021 Appeal. er, the special Rite of Thanksgiving for Pisgah, Lexington this important milestone was celebrat- • Opened for Worship Services in July St. Matthew, Lexington ed during the service on August 23. with all safety precautions in place. • Weather permitting, continues with • Back to School Sunday recognized stu- • Offered Virtual VBS (‘Compassion drive-in worship with communion dents and teachers returning to school Camp: Be Loved; Be Kind; Be You’) each week on-site. with a rite of Blessing. • as well as Pastor Stephen’s Word for • Installed a drop box for offering and • A Zoom College Bible study group was Wednesday, Sunday Sermons, Chil- other information for church staff. created which focuses on college age dren’s videos and accepted donations and recent college graduates. Contact via the web. The bulletins were avail- Transfiguration Cayce church if interested in joining. able via their App. • Resumed in-person worship in June • Continues to send out weekly informa- with two services – 8 AM and 10 AM. Grace, Rock Hill tion via Constant Contact. In August changed to 8:30 AM and 10 • Grace sends out a list that has daily de- • Began a virtual choir recording in- AM. Began live on Facebook with 10 votions, weekly verse, service idea, and dividuals putting them together as a AM service and also uploaded for later topics to use in conversation. There is group and sharing on-line. viewing on their website. even a song of the week. All meetings • The Film Class continues to watch free • Resumed their Tuesday ‘Jesus Matters of the different ministries have been Amazon Prime Videos and gather via Service’ in June with music and a ‘quick meeting through Zoom. Worship ser- Zoom to discuss. & powerful’ message. Their Wednesday vices are still being enjoyed through • Collected school supplies during Au- Bible Study series also resumed in June. Facebook and YouTube. gust. • The Backpack Ministry to feed the • Pastors Gregg and Rachel Hoffman hungry children in the community be- meet on to have conversation about St. David, West Columbia gan to collect food and other donations the subject of the sermon. They do this • Continues to offer daily devotions/ for this powerful ministry. . on Facebook Live and invite all to join prayer, Sunday School lessons and • Confirmation classes began in August them. Worship via links to “stream” on Face- with social distancing and the use of book, Roku, and/or their website with masks. Joy, Moore access to print/download lessons, bul- • Joy began having drive through Holy letins and other materials. Zion, Lexington Communion every other week. Most • Supported the Lexington County Rec- • Continues with online Video Worship had never seen a package like that. All reation & Aging Commission emer- at 10 am via Facebook and YouTube. in one container, you peel back the bot- gency request for the Senior Feeding • Continuing their Zoom Coffee & Fel- tom and there is the wafer. You peel Program. lowship Time at 9 AM in June. back the top and there is the wine. They • Continues to build and support the • Had First Day of Summer Sing Along had it set up to where in the week be- new Cristo Rey site. Sunday, June 21 at 7:30 pm with a social fore the communion, they set up half • Participated in the Synod Assembly’s distance tailgate and sing along in the hour intervals and a member picks one on-line LIVE presentation and voting. church parking lot. Members brought in which he would like to participate. • The Summer Sunday School Program their own snacks and drinks and sat in They began at 11:45 and went to 1:45. The Fruit of the Spirit! continued into designated areas to participate. About ten per half hour were planned. August with videos, Bible passages, a • VBS’s Splash Canyon God’s Promise on A member drives in to be met by a per- question/answer segment, a game and Life’s Wild Ride was held virtually via son that checks your name off the list group prayer for the whole family. Zoom with great success! and takes your offering if you have it, • VBS was cancelled. • Ended Drive-In Worship in late May or something donated to the Carpen- • Implemented a more diverse commu- due to heat concerns and began online ter's Table. Then the next station is the nication system – One Call Now – re- and live streaming through August. Pastor who presents to you Holy Com- placing Calling Post. Encouraged on-line giving through the munion and gives the benediction. The 12 www.scsynod.com Good News From Our Congregations

next station is someone to tell you what In-person worship continues as does our Our St. Matthew’s Safety Task Force meets to do. The next station is where you ministry to each other and the community. weekly to review and analyze data from SC can take your communion and drop DHEC, the CDC, and other sources and off your trash from the containers. The Martin Luther, James Island we pray that conditions improve to allow last station is where you could receive a Martin Luther Church and Faith Lutheran for in-person worship when deemed safe. prayer for yourself you any others from Church continue to worship through our In the meantime, worship continues with two Council Members. Sunday morning email connection and many new offerings for all age groups. • Congregation members still work one Pastor Tom’s “Videocast”. We have been WAM (Wednesdays at Matts) has been a Saturday a month at the Carpenter's celebrating Holy Communion in the Mar- favorite gathering since it started about Table who has set up a really good tin Luther parking lot and hope to contin- three years ago which included a meal and production as far as handing out food. ue this practice until we are able to join vespers. WAM has taken on a new look They have a drive-thru and no one has together and worship as gathered congre- for this summer of COVID-19. Pastor to get out of the cars. Social distancing, gations. Eric; Pastor Rebecca; Daniel Crofts, Youth masks, and hand sanitizers are still the and Family Minister; and Jason Bazzle, norm. St. Luke, Summerville Director of Music have taken ‘Summer St. Luke’s in Summerville is holding Vespers on the Road’. Each Wednesday St. John’s, Spartanburg Drive-In Church throughout the summer our congregation can virtually worship • Saturday evening service at 5pm in months, as we participate in a Service of from various locations in Charleston. The the Nave began as an alternative to Holy Communion in the front parking lot sweeping views of the Charleston cityscape the regular Sunday services. This is a on Sundays at 8:30AM. The service is also have provided comfort and peace. You reflective service of the Word. After a live-streamed to our church website and can join us for all of our worship services time of confession and forgiveness, all Facebook page. by visiting our website at https://www. the lectionary readings will be featured smlccharleston.org/. Pastor Eric shares with a time to reflect in between. The St. Matthews, Charleston these words for comfort and patience: Do Pastor will deliver a message similar to It is that never ending question, “How not be afraid. You are not alone. God walks the Sunday message, and will lead the much longer will it be before we return to with us in the wilderness. Wilderness does service. There will be no live music at our beloved church and worship together?” not last forever. this time. This service will not be avail- that continues to remain unanswered. able online and there will be no communion. The service will accommodate approximately 30 worshipers. • The other services will still be streamed live on Facebook. • In person worship began the last Sun- day in July using all of the recommen- dations from the COVID 19 teams, CDC, ELCA, SC Synod, and St. Johns.

Holy Spirit, Charleston Holy Spirit Lutheran Church continues to make connections during difficult times. Pastor Jeff Shealy is using our Wednesday evening Prayer Service and Bible Study time to teach us how to better use our ELW red book. We have handed out our hym- nals for use at home until we are all back together and are learning about this valu- able resource. We are excited to have Mr. Justin Wham join us as our organist and Director of Music. His enthusiasm is infec- tious- in such a positive way. The generos- ity of our congregation has enabled us to purchase upgrades for our streaming technology. The quality of our online worship and study groups will be greatly improved. SEPTEMBER and OCTOBER 2020 13 Synod Communicators By Sherry Fowler We Are Covered Thanks to Link in The South Carolina Lutheran eNews artin Luther Church received 2 Corinthians 9:8 - “And God is able to pro- These masks are made of white cotton 4 boxes of cloth masks today! vide you with every blessing in abundance, material and are super soft and wash- M2000 masks! These masks were so that by always having enough of every- able. Thank you to the SC Synod for this provided free of charge by the Federal thing, you may share abundantly in every incredible link and information!!! WE Government’s Project: America Strong. good work.” ARE COVERED! [ We received the link from the SC Synod back in May of 2020. The Martin Luther Church Disci- ples have chosen to share this blessing by giving 500 masks to Respite Care Charleston (a non-profit agency that provides limited care to those with de- mentia related illnesses), 500 masks to Harbor View Elementary School (across the street from the church), and we will be placing masks in the on-site Blessing Box for the community.

Official Acts By Jenny Spearen and Tiffany Pieters

CALLS ACCEPTED - MINISTERS OF WORD AND INTERIMS: CALL PROCESS UPDATES: SACRAMENT: Rev. Jane Mitcham – Christus Victor, S=study, I=interviewing, PC=primary June 1, 2020 – Rev. Joshua Knutson, St. Columbia candidate, CP=call pending, CA=call Michael, Moncks Corner & Rev. Jim Vigen – Fairfax Parish, Fairfax accepted Christ Community, North Charleston July 1, 2020 - Rev. Emily Willhide, ORDINATIONS: Charleston, St. Johannes S Incarnation, Columbia June 14, 2020 – Service of Ordination Columbia, Living Springs S July 26, 2020 – Rev. Mark Smith, Mt. Calvary, for Ashlen Kate Justice held at St. John’s, (2nd Rostered Leader) Johnston Beaufort. Bishop Yoos presided. Columbia, St. Luke S September 1, 2020 – Rev. Virginia S. June 20, 2020 – Service of Ordination for Columbia, USC Campus Ministry S Aebischer, Bishop, SC Synod Joshua Knutson held at Pisgah, Lexington. Florence, St. Luke I Bishop Yoos presided. Graniteville, St. James S CALLS ACCEPTED - MINISTERS OF WORD AND Greenville, St. Michael S SERVICE: RESIGNATIONS - MINISTERS OF WORD AND Hilton Head, Christ S April 1, 2020 – Deacon Katie Justice, St. SACRAMENT: Johnston, Mt. Calvary CA John’s, Beaufort August 31, 2020 - Rev. Timothy Kneuss, Mark Smith Fairfax Parish, Fairfax Leesville, Union S CELEBRATIONS AND SPECIAL SERVICES: Newberry, Colony PC June 21, 2020 – Worship Service, St. John, RETIREMENT - MINISTERS OF WORD AND Pomaria, St. John I Irmo. Bishop Yoos preached. SACRAMENT: Prosperity, Macedonia PC June 28, 2020 – Worship Service, Bethlehem, August 14, 2020 – Rev. Reggie Cruse Summit, St. James I Pomaria. Bishop Yoos preached. September 1, 2020 – Rev. Dr. Herman R. Walterboro, Good Shepherd S July 12, 2020 – Worship Service, St. Michael, Yoos West Columbia, Emmanuel S Greenville. Bishop Yoos preached. White Rock, Bethel S July 25, 2020 – SC Synod Assembly, via TRANSFERS GRANTED - MINISTERS OF WORD ZOOM. Bishop Yoos presided. AND SACRAMENT: August 2, 2020 – Worship Service, Colony, August 31, 2020 – Rev. Tim Kneuss Newberry. Bishop Yoos preached. August 23, 2020 – Mt. Hebron, Leesville. TRANSFERS RECEIVED - MINISTERS OF WORD Bishop Yoos preached. AND SACRAMENT: August 6, 2020 - Rev. Mary Peters

14 www.scsynod.com By The Rev. Ozzie Herlong Synod Council Synod Council Meeting Highlights August 15, 2020

Engaged in reflection on scripture, prayer, • Communication and Technology Table: call, during the time of transition, if the con- team building and sharing of gifts council Mr. Daniel Crofts, Liaison gregation extends a regular call as pastor. members bring to God’s mission in the South Appointed Rev. Patti Sue Burton-Pye as Elected Mr. Larry Rathe, Shepherd of the Carolina Synod. judicatory representative to the Board of Sea, Garden City, and Rev. Joanna Gragg, Extended Service under Call to Inter- Directors, South Carolina Christian Action Pastor, Mt. Horeb, Chapin, at At-Large im Ministry, South Carolina Synod, to Rev. Council. Members to the Executive Committee, Syn- Douglas E. Graul beginning August 16, Appointed Mr. David Pursey a member of od Council. 2020, for a term of two-years, in accord with the Audit Committee from the Synod Coun- Voted to send a letter from Secretary Her- 7.41.01.c. Constitution, Bylaws, and Continu- cil. long to congregations in September 2020 ing Resolutions of the ELCA. Approved the following meeting dates and giving an up-to-date report on the amount of Appointed the following persons as conve- times of the Synod Council 2021-2022: Sep- money received for the Abundancia Appeal; ners of tables in accord S10.07.05. tember 13, 2021; November 15, 2021; Febru- invite congregations to participate, if they • Deepening Discipleship Table: Rev. Pat ary 28, 2022; April 4, 2022; June 20, 2022, one have not already done so; and inform con- Riddle, Convener day retreat; and to reschedule the one-day re- gregations that the appeal will officially close • Communication and Technology Table: treat previously scheduled on June 19, 2021 November 30, 2020. Rev. Matthew B. Titus, Convener and to meet June 26, 2021. All meetings are Approved the Minutes of the South Caroli- • Community Engagement Table: Rev. held at 12 Noon unless notified otherwise. na Synod Assembly, July 25, 2020, in princi- James B. Vigen, Convener Appointed Synod Council Committees ple, and to allow Secretary Herlong and the Appointed the following persons as Synod and Chairs: Finance, Constitution, Personnel Rev. Virginia S. Aebischer, assistant to the Council liaisons in accord with S10.07.B14. and Property bishop, to make editorial changes for publi- • Deepening Discipleship Table: Deacon Entered into an agreement, in accord with cation in the 2020 Directory and Minutes of Deborah Poole, Liaison *C9.07. 2019 Model Constitution for Congre- the South Carolina Synod, ELCA. • Community Engagement Table: Mrs. gations of the ELCA, with an interim pastor Agreed to conduct the meeting of the Kathy Riggin, Liaison that provides eligibility to be considered for a Synod Council electronically, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, on Monday, Septem- ber 14, 2020. Set the total compensation for Bishop Vir- Newly Elected During the Assembly Elections ginia S. Aebischer, to be in accord with the 2020 South Carolina Synod Compensation Synod Council – Lay Man – Northern Area – Term Ending 2023: Jeffrey Stringer Guidelines for Rostered Ministers for a pas- Synod Council – Rostered Minister – At Large – Term Ending 2023: The Rev. Rachel tor serving in her thirty-first year beginning Hoffman September 1, 2020. Synod Council – Rostered Minister – Central Area – Term Ending 2023: Deacon Deborah Received a report on the 2020 South Car- Poole olina Synod Assembly from Rev. Virginia S. Synod Council – Lay Woman – Person of Color/Language Other than English – Term Aebischer, assistant to the bishop and assem- Ending 2023: LaTynia Taylor bly manager. Synod Council – Lay Man – At Large – Term Ending 2023: Robert Epting Received a report on four Covid-19 grants Synod Council – Lay Woman – At Large – Term Ending 2023: Cindy Davis awarded totaling $15,500 to congregations Synod Council – Lay Man – Person of Color or Language Other than English – Term and retreat centers. Ending 2023: LeVonne Griffin Received a report from the Lifeline Dis- Committee on Discipline – Rostered Minister – Term Ending 2026: Deacon Katie Holland tribution Team on grants for education debt Committee on Discipline – Lay Man – Term Ending 2026: Ryan Johnson re-payments for two rostered ministers total- Committee on Discipline – Rostered Minister – Term Ending 2026: The Rev. Fred Suhr ing $7,000 and eight grants totaling $15,190 Committee on Discipline – Lay Woman – Term Ending 2026: Sebrena Matthews to congregations for participation in Stew- [ Consultation Committee – Rostered Minister – Term Ending 2026: The Rev. Jim Nichols ardship for All Seasons. Consultation Committee – Lay Man – Term Ending 2026: Mike Metzler Consultation Committee – Rostered Minister – Term Ending 2026: Deacon Ashlyn Cox Consultation Committee – Lay Woman – Term Ending 2026: Shirley Counts Mission Endowment Fund – Grant Committee – Term Ending 2023: Ron Redd Herlong is Mission Endowment Fund – Gran Committee – Term Ending 2023: Leslie Connor Director for South Carolina Lutheran Retreat Centers – Lay Woman – Term Ending 2023: Norma Stewardship asd Mackey Secretary of the NovusWay Ministries – Board Elected/Synod Assembly Ratified – Term Ending 2023:The South Carolina Rev. Susan Crowell Synod

SEPTEMBER and OCTOBER 2020 15 THE PARISH PAPER IDEAS AND INSIGHTS FOR ACTIVE CONGREGATIONS EDITORS: DANA HORRELL AND CYNTHIA WOOLEVER—WWW.THEPARISHPAPER.COM

Getting Started with Livestreaming

Livestreaming an event, whether a worship service or to adapt mobile devices for shooting video (search term: Bible study, can seem like a daunting prospect. Simply “smartphone video kit with tripod and microphone”). explained, it’s the process of sending and receiving video Additionally, laptops have poor quality audio that would in real time over the internet. Like any process of this benefit from the addition of an external microphone. type, it can be explained in terms understandable to the Stand-Alone Camera non-expert or in the more precise terms of the technical deep dive. At the risk of oversimplifying, this article will Here several options are available priced low to high. describe in non-technical language the basics of the live- At the low end is a dedicated livestream camera such as stream process, and the equipment required to get started. the Mevo Start Live Streaming Camera (about $400). More costly is a professional video camcorder capable of How Does Livestreaming Work? livestreaming, with the least expensive models ranging Think of livestreaming as a journey from sender to between $1,300 and $2,000 for the Canon XA Series of receiver with three parts: 1) capturing content, 2) cameras, with JVC offering JVC GY-HM250 4K UHD encoding it, and 3) distributing it to the viewer over a Streaming Camcorder for about $1,700 and the JVC 4K stable internet connection. It begins with a camera and UHD House Of Worship Streaming Camcorder Version microphone, which is built into many smart phones, for about $2,300. Note: these camcorders require the pur- tablets, and laptop or desktop computers. The video chase of a separate video capture device to feed the video and audio signals travel via ethernet cable or Wi-Fi to signal to a laptop. A third option is the PTZ (or pan-tilt- an encoder contained in a software program available zoom) camera, so called for its ability to pan left to right, for free or as a paid subscription, or a hardware device. tilt up and down, and zoom in from across the room. The Next the content is encoded, converting the raw video and audio to a format that can be streamed over the internet, and then distributed to the viewer via an open platform such as Facebook Live or YouTube Live or through a closed-platform service that requires a subscription and may restrict who can view it. Capturing Content Built-In Camera The easiest way to capture the video and audio for livestreaming is by using a smart phone, tablet, or laptop that has a built-in camera and microphone. Most people are familiar with hand holding a smart phone or using a selfie stick in order to shoot video, but for the pur- poses of livestreaming worship, more stability is needed. This can be attained by mounting the camera on a small tripod. Although the camera on most smart phones is quite good, the audio can sound tinny without an external microphone attached. Search the internet for tools

16 www.scsynod.com camera is operated by remote control, and some models What about Video Conferencing? allow the operator to dial in a number of preset posi- For smaller groups or for more interaction, video con- tions, which allows for multiple camera shots with a sin- ferencing platforms such as Zoom, Skype, Facebook gle camera. The camera is small and can be mounted on Rooms, or Google Meet offer another option. Zoom, the walls, ceilings, or any number of discrete locations. The most popular service, offers a free account for hosting PTZOptics Gen 2 series costs between $1,700 and $1,800. meetings of up to one hundred participants and forty minutes duration, with paid plans ($15 and $20 per A Stable Internet Connection month) allowing more participants and offering more Before video content can be sent, a stable internet con- features. Whether free or paid, most video conferencing nection is required. For this reason, upload speed is platforms offer features such as screen sharing, chat, and important. Anyone who streams movies may be familiar whiteboard. Unlike livestreaming formats, video confer- with download speed, but upload speed has to do with encing allows persons without computer access to dial in. sending data, not receiving it. First, make sure the com- However, a video conference is not public like Facebook puter is plugged into an outlet, not using battery power, or YouTube, which can be discovered by social media otherwise it may run at 50% or 25% of normal speed. users who are not already church members. In contrast, Second, use an ethernet cable that is Category 5 (Cat an email invitation with a link is required to participate 5) or higher to hardwire the connection to the modem. in a video conference worship service, though a Zoom or While Wi-Fi can be used, an ethernet cable enables a other video conference can be configured to be pushed better speed and more consistent signal. Finally, do a to Facebook or YouTube. speed test using a free online speed testing site such as speedtest.net, speedof.me, or testmy.net. Most consul- Here to Stay tants recommend an upload speed of 5 Mbps or greater. According to a recent survey, the average consumer watches about ninety minutes of online video con- Encoding tent per day. Eighty percent would rather watch a live- Encoding is converting raw video to a format that can stream video about a business or organization than read be delivered over the internet. Most mobile devices a blog or social media post. They feel it’s more engaging have a built-in encoder, but laptop and desktop users to watch something live than pre-recorded.2 This data will require encoding software. Download OBS Studio, may motivate church leaders to go deeper, learn more, a free, open source software program, or use subscrip- and livestream more events as opportunities permit. tion software such as Wirecast, vMix, or Livestream Resources Study. A moderately powerful computer, at least 8 GB “How to Live Stream A Sunday Service,” PTZOptics, video, RAM is required, and 16 GB is preferable. Most encod- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vRFhC3jFyZ8 ing software options are able to also perform live video “How To Live Stream Video: A Beginner’s Survival Guide,” mixing, which is switching between multiple cameras Ephiphan Video, https://www.epiphan.com/blog/how-to or microphones in the midst of a livestream event. -live-stream-for-beginners/ “Live Streaming Setup For Small Churches,” Jake Gosselin, vid- Distributing eo, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9TKsLQYagYA&t=39s The final step on the livestream journey is the video Paul William Richards, Helping Your Church Live Stream, platform that delivers the content to the viewer, called a Self-published. Available in hard copy on Amazon or as a Content Delivery Network (CDN). Among open plat- free PDF download at https://ptzoptics.com/church-book/ forms, Facebook Live and YouTube Live are the most Technologies for Worship magazine, Special Edition, Stream- popular, though Twitter and Instagram have livestream ing Handbook, http://online.tfwm.com/ function as well. For those who are undecided between 1. For a comparison of streaming platforms, see “7 Best Plat- YouTube and Facebook, a service called Restream ($20 forms to Live Stream Your Church Service in 2020,” Dacast, per month) allows streamers to send the signal to both https://www.dacast.com/blog/7-best-live-streaming-services-for- platforms at once. Closed platforms, such as Vimeo your-church/ 2. Amir Shahzeidi, “Top Ten Online Video Trends to Leverage Livestream, Dacast, and Streamingchurch.tv, are avail- in 2020 [Infographic],” January 2, 2020, Digital Doughnut, https:// able by subscription and allow control over where and www.digitaldoughnut.com/articles/2019/december/top-10-online- how the stream is presented.1 video-trends-to-leverage-in-2020. COPYRIGHT © 2020 BY DANA HORRELL—WWW.THEPARISHPAPER.COM

SEPTEMBER and OCTOBER 2020 17 THE PARISH PAPER IDEAS AND INSIGHTS FOR ACTIVE CONGREGATIONS EDITORS: DANA HORRELL AND CYNTHIA WOOLEVER—WWW.THEPARISHPAPER.COM

How to Foster Deep Listening amid Political Difference

Honest conversation about all matters, even politics, voice,” which holds that the church only lives out its must be part and parcel of a Christian response to mission by becoming an agent of change to improve daily life, say Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers. society. Convene a group of church members to Holland and Silvers came to this view after extensive carefully explore the benefits and drawbacks of each dialogue over their own differing political views. Hol- option. The goal is not to change minds but to explore land, a liberal, and Silvers, a conservative, knew each the value commitments of congregants in a way that other as sorority sisters at Transylvania University in deepens understanding.2 Kentucky, and later began having Facebook discus- What if it is not possible to convene in person? One sions after the 2016 presidential election. They now model developed by Kettering is centered around co-host a podcast called “Pantsuit Politics” in which texting and online polling to forge consensus around they hold “grace-filled” discussions about politics, difficult public issues. In this model, called Common democracy, and values they hold dear.1 Ground for Action, a moderator with a computer con- venes a group in widely dispersed locations to delib- What Can Churches Do? erate through texting. Participants, anonymous to Yet churches in our time confront a dilemma not faced each other, exchange opinions throughout the event, by many previous generations: the divided nature of and the moderator conducts online surveys before, American culture. It affects how congregations order during, and after the meeting, displaying results their life in worship, fellowship, study, and commu- in graphic form in real time. More recently, Ketter- nity outreach. Though church and state remain sepa- ing has responded to the COVID-19 pandemic by rate in American society, what happens in our divided society spills over into church life. How can churches and church leaders navigate the tricky waters of political difference without harming relationships in the process? Hold a deliberative forum to explore options for churches engaging a divided society. Deliberation is a style of conversation that considers issues in depth in a group setting, employing careful listening to others for better understanding. “The Church’s Role in a Divided Society,” a guide developed by church leaders and the Kettering Foundation, outlines three options for churches with regard to political differences: 1) “the church as refuge,” which asserts that churches should focus more on spirituality and faith than social issues, 2) “the church as mediator,” which asserts that the church should actively engage the differences that people bring in order to gain a better understanding, and 3) “the church as prophetic

18 www.scsynod.com offering Zoom versions of the in-person deliberative not using the community of likeminded individuals forum, using texting and surveys for participants to as a base to launch attacks on those who disagree. state opinions about a topic and using Zoom to talk Likewise, being “the hands and feet of a loving cre- through the issues.3 ator” means not opting out of issues like roads and Preach about a pressing social issue, invite small bridges, school curriculum, or war and peace. Agree- groups to explore the issue further, and then give a ment over how to structure community life cannot sermon in response to the dialogue. This “sermon-di- be had without conversation. In Holland and Silvers’ alogue-sermon” model offers a “dialogical lens” for words, “Learning to have healthy conflict with each preaching and Scripture interpretation. The pastor other over political challenges is of utmost impor- begins by introducing an issue in the first sermon tance; in fact, it is a spiritual imperative.”6 and, instead of taking a stand, explores the issue in its complexity, considering a wide range of voices. Other Resources Later, small groups of diverse individuals engage the Judy Apps. 2019. The Art of Conversation: Change Your issue in more depth, brainstorming three approaches Life with Confident Communication. West Sussex, UK: to the issue and then weighing the pros and cons of Capstone. those approaches. The final sermon offers a “commu- The Listen First Project seeks to bridge social divisions “one conversation at a time” by partnering with a variety nal prophetic proclamation” that expresses the differ- of businesses, schools, and other organizations to spon- ent perspectives that were explored in the group, the sor conversations that teach better listening. http://www shared values that it revealed, and possible next steps .listenfirstproject.org/ 4 the group could take to move forward on the issue. Better Angels works to reduce polarization between conser- If it’s not possible to meet in person, hold discussions vative and liberal Americans and build alliances through after the worship service via Zoom, using a feature Red/Blue workshops and ongoing partnerships between called “Breakout Rooms” to break one large group workshop graduates. https://www.better-angels.org/ into subgroups of three or four persons. Amanda Ripley, “The Least Politically Prejudiced Place in Offer the online course,Make Me an Instru- America,” The Atlantic, March 4, 2019, describes the up- ment of Your Peace: Guide to Civil Discourse for state New York city of Watertown, centering on a longtime Groups. This resource, released in 2020 by The Epis- friendship between two Presbyterian women with differing political views. https://www.theatlantic.com/politics/ copal Church’s Office of Government Relations and its archive/2019/03/watertown-new-york-tops-scale-political Department of Faith Formation, is available online for -tolerance/582106/ free. (The course is also available for individuals.) The five-part curriculum covers: civil discourse in context, 1. Sarah Stewart Holland and Beth Silvers, I Think You’re Wrong tenets for civil discourse, values-based conversations, (But I’m Listening): A Guide to Grace-Filled Political Conversations the complexities of policy, and sacred space for debate. (Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2019). The purpose of the course is to help anyone engage 2. Resources available at Baylor University Public Deliberation with others who hold a different view in a dialogue Initiative, https://www.baylor.edu/pdi/index.php?id=966987. about the values that underlie these opinions. Each 3. “CGA and Zoom Technologies: Deliberation in the Era of COVID-19,” Maura Casey, June 6, 2020, Kettering Foundation, part utilizes three to six video lectures that are from five https://www.kettering.org/blogs/cga-and-zoom. to seven minutes in length and are designed to support 4. Leah D. Schade, Preaching in the Purple Zone: Ministry in the a fifty-minute class session.5 Red-Blue Divide (Lanham, MD: Rowman and Littlefield, 2019). 5. https://www.churchnext.tv/library/instruments-of-peace-a-guide A Spiritual Imperative -to-civil-discourse/109671/about/. 6. Holland and Silvers, 2-6. The desire to assemble and debate are not only central to the American experience, they are integral to the Christian faith as well. As Holland and Silvers acknowledge, “love of the neighbor” implies not demonizing them, whether over tax policy or repro- ductive rights, and “turning the other cheek” implies

SEPTEMBER and OCTOBER 2020 19 Martin Printing Company PERIODICAL Attn: Janice Duchinski PO Box 69 Easley, SC 29641-0069 ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTED

Please check www.scsynod.com/calendar for updates.

September 2020 1...... Synod Council Executive Committee, Online 11:30 a.m. 2...... Mission Endowment Grant Committee, Online 3:00 p.m. 9...... Candidacy Committee Grants Team, Online 10:00 a.m. 13...... Newberry College Sunday 14...... Synod Council, Online 10:00 a.m. 16...... Stewardship Network, Online 1:30 p.m. 29...... Interim Ministry Team, Online 2:00 p.m.

October 2020 6-7...... Candidacy Committee, Online 11...... Camp Sunday, NovusWay Ministries

Synod Staff meetings are held most Wednesday mornings. The South Carolina Lutheran publication schedule Calendar of causes / emphasis months January...... Lutheran Church Youth & Global Mission Please be sure your reporter is receiving news from your congregation! Reporters are February...... Novus Way Ministries listed inside. March...... Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary April...... Newberry College/Newberry Women’s League January-February issue...... deadline December 15 May...... Lutheran Homes of South Carolina March-April issue...... deadline February 15 June...... South Carolina Lutheran Retreat Centers May-June issue...... deadline April 15 July...... Synod Assembly July-August issue...... deadline June 15 August...... Faithful Giving September-October issue...... deadline August 15 September...... Lutheran Men in Mission November-December issue...... deadline October 15 October...... Women of the ELCA November...... Lutheran Services Carolinas