$2 Annual Conference-July 2011

Season of Pentecost

Gadson on ‘audacity of faith’ Page 10

“Are you ready, South Carolina, for what God will do with us together?” Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor asked in the opening service of Annual Conference. (Photos by Jessica Connor) ‘The Wesleyan Way’ a time of worship, of praise, of fellowship the balance between theme and the busi - 31 commissioned United Methodists elect and of legislation. ness of the conference – and not keep peo - or ordained delegates, set budget, Members left Sunday afternoon after ple stuck in business hours after the event Page 2 what Taylor referred to in her closing ser - was slated to close. Key was the shifting pass legislation at 2011 mon as the “great breeze” of the Holy of the final day of business to Saturday Spirit swept through the arena and led the instead of Sunday, and moving the ordina - Annual Conference body to elect delegates to Jurisdictional tion service to the last day of conference and General Conferences in 2012, deter - (Sunday). FLORENCE – “Can you feel it? Can you mine the 2012 conference budget and vote In addition to election for delegates, sense it?” Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor on a host of resolutions. significant this year were a vote on a new, asked members of Annual Conference. Taylor reported at the event’s close that streamlined structure for the Connectional “Are you ready, South Carolina, for what 1,640 members – 846 laity, 795 clergy – Ministries arm of the conference, a shift to God will do with us together?” were in attendance. a percentage-pay pharmacy benefit for the Arms raised high in welcome, Taylor Leadership development Wesley-style hundreds of clergy and staff insured across led the body in the opening service of was at the crux of this year’s session, with the state, and a more conservative budget worship for the 2011 S.C. Annual new “teaching times” introduced to reach for the coming year. Notable resolutions Conference. on the principles, passions and practices of up for vote centered on a redistricting task More than 1,600 United Methodist cler - strong lay and clergy leaders (see articles, Conference gives See “Annual Conference,” Page 15 2011 awards gy and laity descended on the Florence pages 8-9). Page 12 Civic Center June 8-12 for the event, The five-day ses - which is the denomination’s primary gath - sion attempted to Laity Convocation, ering in this state. have a more organ - July 29-31 With a theme of “In the Wesleyan Way ized structure this – Principles, Passion and Practice,” it was year that improved

Rev. Tiffany Knowlin carries the processional banner of one of her Rev. Bob Huggins speaks out about benefits delinquencies. church’s ministries: the Eau Claire Community of Shalon.

4-5 Viewpoints 26 District News 29 Obituaries 30 Classifieds Issue Index: 18-22 Appointments 29 Resource Center 30 Calendar 31 IBS Lessons Page 2, Annual Conference-July 2011 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Annual Conference 2011 ‘The time has come’ Thirty-one souls commissioned and ordained for service on Pentecost Sunday By Jessica Connor Hours/Location Open Monday through Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. FLORENCE – Praising the glorious S.C. United Methodist Conference Center power of the Holy Spirit that came as a 4908 Colonial Drive, Suite 207 great wind during the first Day of Columbia, SC 29203 Pentecost, Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor Deadlines are the 10th of each month. led an ordination service that commis - sioned and ordained 31 people as provi - Contacting Us Telephone: 888-678-6272 or sional or full deacons and elders in the 803-786-9486 United Methodist Church. Fax: 803-735-8168 [email protected] “None of us can think anything, say E-mail: anything or do anything for the sake of God’s kingdom unless we open ourselves Submissions The Advocate encourages up to God’s spirit,” she implored the ordi - readers to submit for publication nands. items of interest to South Carolina United Methodists. There is no charge It’s the spirit that comes and gives us for running items involving activities voice, Taylor said – that is God’s spirit or announcements. Items should that moves within us and helps us to see be submitted as far as possible in advance of the event’s the needs around us. date or the date of requested “And we cannot keep silent about it,” publication. Since there is no charge for these items, they appear in she said. the newspaper on a space-available Conference Lay Leader Dr. Joe basis. Deadlines are the 10th of each Heyward, on behalf of the laity of the month for the following month’s local congregations; the Rev. Kenneth paper. Family members and friends lay hands on the Rev. Josh McClendon as he is ordained Nelson, on behalf of the conference as an elder. (Photos by Allison Trussell) Advertising Board of Ordained Ministry; and the Rev. Display ads, classified ads and inserts Ruth Arant, of the Order of Deacons, pre - july be ordered by contacting us at sented the 31 before the body of Annual 888-678-6272 or 803-786-9486, ext. 338, or [email protected]. Conference. Deadlines are the 10th of each month “Do you trust that they are worthy, by for the following month’s paper. God’s Grace, to be commissioned or ordained?” Bishop Taylor asked the con - Subscriptions ference. The Advocate is delivered to mailbox - es via U.S. mail every month prior to “We do! Thanks be to God,” the mass - the first Sunday of the month. es replied. Subscriptions are $15/year for the print and online version, and $8/year Preaching from Acts 2:1-21, when the for the online-only edition. To start Holy Spirit comes at Pentecost, Bishop your subscription, visit Taylor spoke about the strong wind that www.advocatesc.org, call with a credit card to 888-678-6272 or pushes us to surrender to God’s spirit. 803-786-9486, ext. 335, or send Taylor reminded United Methodists to Bishop Taylor hugs her daughter, the Rev. your check to Advocate, 4908 recognize that wind, to be alert to God’s Bishop Taylor reaffirms the body’s bap - Mandy Taylor Young, whom she had Colonial Drive, Columbia, SC tism during the service. ordained as an elder just minutes before. 29203. showing up. “Your life’s work will never mean any - perately we all need our God. In a moving and symbolic moment, the Photographs thing if you don’t expect God to show Taylor said that she has been feeling bishop and other clergy leaders laid hands Photographs july be submitted up,” Taylor preached. “That’s what it the nudging of the spirit lately to learn on the ordinands, blessing their journey to the newspaper for publication. High-resolution digital images means to be Pentecostal – bring it on!” Spanish so she can communicate in and this new chapter in their lives. are preferred. Photographs should be Recalling the day 35 years ago when another language the passion she feels for The following was commissioned a in focus and should have proper she was ordained an elder in the UMC, exposure. Color or black and Christ. She has gotten the Rosetta Stone provisional deacon: Katherine Amanda white photographs are accepted. and how much it meant to her family and language learning software and even an Brook. People in photographs should friends then, Taylor welled up with tears application for her iPhone that lets her The following were commissioned as be identified with names and ages, and a contact person with as she told the packed arena how today, practice the language wherever she is. provisional elders: Walter Joseph a phone number should be included her own daughter (Mandy Taylor Young) “I’m going to learn how to tell the Cantwell, Jason Daniel Everson, Fadetra in the information. was being ordained an elder. undying love of God in Spanish because I Deonka Harrington, Judith Ann Knox, “I can’t think of a better day to be know that God wants to speak our lan - David Dean McManus Jr., Kurt Anthony Accuracy Policy ordained, can you?” Taylor asked the guage, and I know God wants us to be McPherson, Richard Hancock Reams, The Advocate strives to produce error-free news reports. When mis - crowd to loud applause. able to speak His language, and I know Davie Demetrius Sanders Jr., Steven Paul takes occur, it is our policy to correct She said that during that first Day of that in learning Spanish, it will be possi - Simoneaux Jr., Scott Walter Smoak and them as soon as they are brought to Pentecost, 50 days after the first Easter, our attention. To request a correction, ble to enlarge our ability to share … the Ryan Greasor Spurrier. call Jessica Connor at 888-678-6272 some people thought those filled with the love of Jesus Christ,” Taylor said to wild The following were ordained as dea - or 803-786-9486, ext. 338, or e-mail spirit were drunk. After all, they were applause. cons: Shelly Anne Holder, Karen Hanyea [email protected]. In the event of errors in advertisements, the speaking in a number of different lan - She urged all to pitch their tents in the Lail Jones, Karen Trogdon Kluever and Advocate will be responsible only for guages as the spirit prompted them. land of hope, to know with absolutely Mary Kay Wood. the space occupied by the actual But that is the power of the spirit, certainty that God will always prevail. The following were ordained as elders: error. The publisher assumes no financial responsibility for omissions. Taylor reminded us – God can do any - “God is hearing you say, ‘Yes, yes, Debra Anne Armstrong, Shawn Galloway thing and He can come upon us at any yes,’” Taylor said in closing, smiling at Armstrong, William Thomas Dargan, Ann Back Issues moment. the ordinands. “May the spirit come down Dease Everett, Daniel Flessas, Pattie The Advocate maintains copies of “Using the words of John Wesley – on us this day and set our spirit free.” Elaine Gordon, Joshua Timothy back issues for sale for up to one every good thought, word and work is year, as long as the supply lasts. Hymns such as “Holy, Holy, Holy! McClendon, Adriane Maria McGee, When requesting by mail, back altogether by the operation of the spirit of Lord God Almighty,” “Make Me a Nanada Nichole Middleton, Dwight copies are $2 each, to cover God,” Taylor said. Servant,” “In Christ Alone” and the tradi - Arnold Nelson, Annie Hair Sistrunk, postage and handling. To research or review articles published more than She said Wesley observed a difference tional Zimbabwean, “If You Believe and I Jonathan Edward Tompkins, John Henry one year ago, bound copies of the between those who understood their need Believe,” peppered the service, uplifting Vickers III, Richard Wilson Waldrep and newspaper are available for for God and those who were self-satisfied the crowd. The Psalm selected was Amanda Taylor Young. review at the Advocate office, Wofford College in Spartanburg and and didn’t think they needed God at all. 119:41-48, the Gospel lesson came from The Mass Choir of the Pee Dee provid - the South Caroliniana Library in Turning to the ordinands, she called on John 14:15-17, 25-31 and the epistle les - ed special music, with combined choirs Columbia. them to always remember just how des - son came from 1 Corinthians 12:3b-13. from 12 area UMCs. The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Annual Conference-July 2011, Page 3 Annual Conference 2011 Delegates elected Annual Conference chooses representatives to 2012 General, Jurisdictional conferences

Heyward Briscoe Cheatham Patterson Salley Lightsey Ware Redmond Braddon

McClendon Nelson Rogers Dease White James Leonard-Ray Taylor Gainey

By Allison Trussell David Brenda Hook, Mount Hebron UMC, Lyon, cen - West Columbia FLORENCE – Members of the 2011 ter, and Martha Thompson, Mount Horeb Annual Conference elected nine clergy other lay UMC, Lexington and nine laity as delegates to the 2012 members Linda DuRant, Chapin UMC, Chapin vote for General Conference during the five-day Skyler Nimmons, Trinity UMC, their choic - event. An additional nine clergy and es for the Orangeburg nine laity were elected to join the 2012 Edd Cunningham, Mount Seal UMC, General Conference delegates at the General Kingstree 2012 Jurisdictional Conference. Conference Jeanie Blankenbaker, St. Andrew-by- Elected on the first General Lay the-Sea UMC, Hilton Head Conference ballot were Joseph Delegation. Heyward, conference lay leader, with (Photo by Jurisdictional Clergy Delegates 337 votes, and Carolyn Briscoe, a Jessica Rev. Megan Gray, pastor of Epworth Connor) member of Clemson United Methodist Memorial UMC, Columbia Church, Clemson, with 332 votes. for clergy was 440 and for laity, 724. Rev. Tim Rogers, conference secretary Rev. Telley Gadson, pastor of St. Mark With 271 votes, the Rev. Tim The lowest number cast, which came and director of Clergy Services UMC, Sumter McClendon was elected on the first on the last ballots, was 217 by the cler - Rev. Robin Dease, pastor of John Rev. Michael Turner, pastor of General Conference ballot for the cler - gy; and for the laity, 445. Candidates Wesley UMC, Greenville Wightman UMC, Prosperity gy. had to have 50 percent plus one votes Rev. Sara Ann White, Rock Hill Rev. Patricia Parrish, Charleston Traditionally, the first person elected to be elected. District superintendent District superintendent serves as leader of the delegation and The 2012 General Conference will Rev. Katherine James, congregational Rev. Mary Teasley, Greenwood District alternates between the clergy and laity. be held April 24-May 4 in Tampa, Fla. specialist for the Spartanburg and superintendent In 2008, McClendon led the delegation; The 2012 Jurisdictional Conference Rock Hill districts Rev. John Hipp, Orangeburg District it is expected that Heyward will lead will be held July 18-20 at Luke Rev. Susan Leonard-Ray, Anderson superintendent the 2012 delegation. Junaluska, N.C. District superintendent Rev. Constance Barnes, pastor of the The laity completed their General The delegates are as follows: Rev. Stephen Taylor, pastor of Central East Camden Charge, Camden Conference ballot by Thursday after - UMC, Florence Rev. James Friday, Florence District noon, with results read Friday morning, General Conference Laity Delegates Rev. Hayes Gainey Jr., pastor of Edisto superintendent and finished electing Jurisdictional Joseph Heyward, conference lay leader Fork UMC, Cope Rev. John Culp, pastor of Virginia Conference delegates by Saturday after - Carolyn Briscoe, Clemson UMC, Wingard UMC, Columbia noon. Clemson Jurisdictional Laity Delegates The clergy completed their General Michael Cheatham, Faith UMC, Greer; Marilyn Murphy, Main Street UMC, Jurisdictional Laity Alternates are Conference ballot on Saturday morn - conference director of Lay Greenwood, and Advocate board Earline Ulmer, Ray McCoy and Jean ing, but didn’t complete their Speaking Ministries chair Doscher. Jurisdictional Clergy Jurisdictional Conference ballot until Liz Patterson, Central UMC, Emily Rogers, youth representative Alternates are the Revs. Jeff Kersey, late Saturday night. The laity had been Spartanburg from the Charleston District, John Narcie Jeter and Thomas Bowman. dismissed earlier that evening, and the James Salley, Edisto Fork UMC, Wesley UMC On Sunday, delegates unanimously clergy could be seen throwing a Orangeburg Rubielee Addison, New Harmony elected McClendon as the 2012 S.C. Frisbee, talking to one another and Herman Lightsey, Ashland UMC, UMC, Seneca episcopal nominee. watching the Carolina baseball game Columbia; chairman of the confer - while waiting for election results to ence Board of Pension and Health return. Much of the holdup was a close Benefits election between the Rev. John Culp Barbara Ware, Advent UMC, Subscribe today! and the Rev. Jeff Kersey. Culp pre - Simpsonville vailed. John Redmond, Buncombe Street Name: The “Jeopardy” theme song played UMC, Greenville Address: off and on throughout voting, adding David Braddon, Bethany UMC, Mailing Address some levity to a process that, by Day 2, Summerville City State ZIP had become tiring for many. E-mail address: Church Name: A motion made by the Rev. Willie General Conference Clergy Delegates Pastor: District: Teague recommended that three alter - Rev. Tim McClendon, Columbia This is a: Please make checks payable to: The Advocate and nates for the Jurisdictional Conference District superintendent New Subscription ($15) return to: be elected for both the laity and the Rev. Ken Nelson, congregational spe - One-Year Renewal ($13) 4908 Colonial Dr., Suite 207, Columbia, SC 29203-6070 clergy. It was supported. cialist for African-American Two-Year Subscription ($24) The highest number of ballots cast churches Subscribe online: www.advocatesc.org • $15/year print and online; $8/year online only Page 4, Annual Conference-July 2011 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate VIEWPOINTS Jessica Connor, Editor A Modest Proposal

Making possible the impossible The Rev. Michael Henderson

Over and over again, sitting at the press table at Annual Conference, I heard pastor after pastor stand up and remind the body about the importance of faith in our walk as Christians. It came in the words of the Rev. Telley Gadson, who preached on how faith is ‘Confortare’ “Sit down, boy! It’s been a while,” and pronouncing the last vowel “ay.” at the heart of all we need to do and be. “We are empowered to step out on noth - John Dee said as I walked into the cof - “Started speaking in tongues?” I ing believing we will land on something,” she told the crowd. fee shop. asked. “Never knew you were In came in the words of the Rev. Jeff Kersey, who told us to fear not: “Faith “John Dee, it’s good to see you!” I Pentecostal.” does move mountains.” said, slipping into the booth. “There’s a lot of things about me It came in the words of the Rev. Michael Turner, who said that when we trust “Where have you been?” he asked. you don’t know, my friend. But that is in Jesus with blind faith, when we let go of the shackles of the world and step out “Taking some time off from caf - not an unknown tongue. It’s a Latin on pure hope, we will begin to regain the true meaning of what it means to be a feine,” I answered. “And trying to fig - phrase I use a lot. It means ‘take church that transforms the world and makes disciples for Jesus Christ. ure something out.” courage.’” It came in the words of the Kutless praise song we sang during Wednesday “What’s that?” he asked. “The only Latin phrase I use a lot is night worship: “I’ve seen miracles just happen, silent prayers get answered, bro - “How can you be honest with how ‘hic adveho zamboni,’” I said. ken hearts become brand new – that’s what faith can do.” things are in the church and not be cyn - “‘Here comes the Zamboni?’” John And it came in the words of Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor at the sending forth ical,” I said. Dee said, spewing some of his and ordination service: “Your life’s work will never mean anything if you don’t The waitress came over and asked if Moreninha Formosa. “How often does expect God to show up.” we’d like coffee. a person get to say that?” The theme was so resounding it was as if God Himself were imploring us: “Do you have Moreninha Formosa? “Oh, more than you might imagine,” Trust. Hold tight. Know I am the Almighty. Don’t lose hope. I will show up. It’s from Brazil,” John Dee said. I said. “But why ‘take courage?’” Even during one of the toughest moments of Annual Conference, when the “It’s the only kind we “Because that’s what it harsh realities facing the United Methodist Relief Center were announced and the serve,” the waitress said. takes. Courage. Most of us body understood the ministry owed more than $750,000 in outstanding debt – “Good. Bring us two want someone else to $274,000 of that to the conference – faith was in the room. A UMRC board cups. I got to get this boy change, or to force others member told the crowd it would take nothing less than a miracle to keep the min - back on caffeine. Now to change. We say, ‘If only istry afloat. When someone asked whether we should bother amending the where were we?” he asked. the bishop would do this Standing Rules when it seemed possible the UMRC would soon no longer be in “Trying to figure out …’ Or ‘if the superintend - existence, the Rev. Tim Rogers reminded us all that “while we may think we may how to not be cynical,” I ents would do this ...’ Or know what next month may hold, the fact is we don’t.” said. ‘if the church council If God is willing, He’ll make that miracle happen. “Right,” he answered. would do this …’ Then I say let’s do as Rev. Gadson preached: step out on nothing believing we will “Now, why would you want to change things would be alright. But we see no land on something. your way of looking at things?” change out there, so we grow cynical, Faith can move mountains, indeed. “I’ve been reading Proverbs lately, or scoffing, as you say.” and I noticed that it had a lot to say “I still don’t understand the courage about cynicism.” part.” Letters Policy “I’ve never seen that word in there,” “Because the only place you can see We welcome letters to the editor. We urge brevity, as succinct writing often produces clarity. Letters should John Dee said. and truly effect change is in yourself. be no more than 300 words . All letters are subject to editing as needed to meet standards of grammar, space and interest. We will not publish anonymous letters, letters praising or criticizing businesses by name, endorse - “No, you probably haven’t. But Until you change, it doesn’t matter ments of or letters from political candidates, fundraising appeals, or letters containing inappropriate language or there is a lot about scoffers, and that’s what the rest of the church does. And if personal attacks. All letters will be verified, so you must include a name, daytime phone number, church mem - bership and hometown. Letters should be sent to The Advocate, 4908 Colonial Drive, Columbia, SC 29203, pretty much the same thing,” I said. the rest of the church changes, and you faxed to 803-735-8168 or e-mailed to [email protected]. Deadlines are the 10th of each month. “So what does it say?” he asked. don’t, you’ll still be the same old “Basically, that scoffers do not build cynic.” up, they only tear down. And I think “And the courage part?” I asked I’ve done that too much.” again. “Really?” he said. “This booth is “Because it takes courage to do that. beginning to sound like a confession - You must be willing to put up with the al.” scoffing of others, the ridicule, even the 4908 Colonial Drive, Suite 207, Columbia, SC 29203 “Well, it’s not only me. The church loss of respect or, God forbid, the loss 888-678-6272 or 803-786-9486 is full of them – laity, preachers, super - of income. To quote that prophet from [email protected] | www.advocatesc.org intendents, bishops. They come in all your time, Ringo Starr, ‘You got to pay Publisher shapes and sizes, so I’m not alone.” the dues if you want to sing the blues, The S.C. United Methodist Advocate Trustees Marilyn Murphy, chairperson; Angela Nelson, vice chairperson; “But that still doesn’t excuse you, and you know, it don’t come easy,’” the Rev. Steven King, secretary; Carmen Faulkner, treasurer; does it?” he said. John Dee said. Richard Baines; Robert Bentley; the Rev. Robin Dease; the Rev. Jerry Gadsden; the Rev. Keith Hunter; Rhonda Jones; Gladys Lemon; the Rev. Dean Lollis; “Nope. But what do you do when “In other words, to quote Mohandas the Rev. Evelyn Middleton; the Rev. Rodney Powell; and Diane Wilson you see things that aren’t right: people Gandhi, ‘be the change you want to see proclaiming change when it’s just rear - in the world,’” I said. Editors emeritus J. Claude Evans, M. Eugene Mullikin, Maryneal Jones, ranging the furniture; people proclaim - “Who?” Willie S. Teague, Allison Askins, Karl F. Davie Burgdorf, Emily L. Cooper ing service when it’s just another way I just looked at John Dee.

Staff of trying to keep from dying; people He smiled and continued, “Or at Editor: Jessica Connor, [email protected]. Assistant Editor: Allison K. Trussell, [email protected] claiming to be compassionate when it’s least in the church. I’ve got to go. You really just about wanting their own pay the bill.” Our Mission To communicate the message of the United Methodist Church and to connect United Methodists by way,” I said. He walked out and I paid the bill. As independently reporting news, engaging readers and providing a forum for dialogue. “Boy, I can tell you just got back I walked out the door I saw him about Subscriptions from Annual Conference!” John Dee a block away. 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, said. He had turned around and was call 888-678-6272, e-mail [email protected] or visit www.advocatesc.org. “See, even you can’t help it, can watching for me.

The S.C. United Methodist Advocate (ISSN 1078-8166) continues the Southern Christian Advocate, you?” I said. “Confortare!” he shouted. authorized by the General Conference of 1836. Publication began Annual Conference-July 24, 1837. The paper is published monthly by “Nope. But then, I don’t worry about the S.C. United Methodist Advocate Trustees. We cannot be responsible for unsolicited manuscripts.Please direct all inquiries it. You do.” The Rev. Michael B. Henderson is 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. Postmaster: Send address changes to: S.C. United Methodist “Yeah, you’re right,” I said. “I do. looking forward to drinking coffee in Advocate, 4908 Colonial Drive, Suite 207, Columbia, SC 29203. So what do I do about it?” the Pavilion Coffee shop in Cayce, Annual Conference-July 2011 • Volume 175 • No. 7 “Confortare,” he said, rolling the r when it reopens in July. The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Annual Conference-July 2011, Page 5

GUEST COMMENTARY Harold Camping’s mistake

By the Rev. James Ellis Griffeth (retired)

Editor’s note: The Advocate wel - the mid-1600s, calculated that the cre - comes guest commentary from its read - ation occurred on Sunday, Oct. 23, ers. Views expressed do not 4004 B.C. Ussher’s contemporary, John necessarily represent those of the Lightfoot, refined that by adding “at 9 Advocate . a.m.” May 21, 2011, came and went with - Ussher’s date appeared as a note in out the Rapture occurring. Harold “authorized” Bibles as early as 1701 Camping, who predicted May 21, is and in the (between the columns) notes now saying that the Rapture will occur at Genesis 1:1 in the King James on Oct. 21. Version Schofield Reference Bible, The failures of the predictions of the which was much used – and believed A HEAD AND A HEART FOR AU – James Salley, Africa University, spoke to Rapture predictors over the centuries literally – by many in the 20th century. Annual Conference members about its significant role in helping the university have prompted three possible explana - Ussher dated the Flood as 2348 B.C. get to where it is today. Since its opening in 1992, AU has graduated nearly tions from them: A) the calculations In a 1970 book, Camping refuted 4,000 students “because of you, South Carolina,” he said. AU now has 1,200 Ussher’s calculations and gave the date students enrolled representing 25 countries. “Thank you for not only having a were wrong; B) the date was correct, head for Africa but also a heart for Africa University,” Salley told the area. but a different event occurred – usually of creation as 11,013 B.C. and the date (Photo by Jessica Connor) an event in heaven, rather than on of the flood as 4990 B.C. Somehow, in earth; or C) the devotion and zeal of his calculations through several adjust - the “true believers” caused God to ments in the calendar over the cen - change God’s mind about the destruc - turies, he selected May 21, 2011 (and tion. then Oct. 21) as the date of the Rapture Becoming More Vile With prior failed predictions (a word not used in the Bible any - Camping has chosen A, but this time he where). has chosen B and suggests that the date Camping is an engineer by training. Signs of God’s truth in the world at-large for the event on earth is actually Oct. Calculations are at the core of engi - neering. However, philosophers, the - By the Rev. Jonathan Tompkins of this is expressed by Kingsley 21. Shacklebolt, member of the Order of Camping’s mistake is that his basic ologians and many others, including engineers, know that no matter how Editor’s Note: “Becoming More the Phoenix: “Every human life is assumption is wrong. That assumption good the calculations are, if the basic Vile” borrows from John Wesley’s term worth the same, and worth saving.” is that the Rapture will occur 7,000 assumptions are flawed, the results are in showcasing God’s truth in the world- Death is perhaps the weightiest mat - years after the flood in the time of also flawed. at large. ter in the book, permeating almost Noah (Genesis 5-10). However, To assume that a date can be given Spoiler alert – If you’re one of the every page (when Harry’s owl Hedwig Genesis 1:1-11:26 is pre-history; that for a flood that is reported in the pre- three people who have not yet read was killed in the opening pages, I knew is, no place or time can be attached to history of Genesis is a flawed assump - “Harry Potter and the Deathly we were in for a bloodbath!). Many of the people and events in those chapters. tion. Seven is the complete (or perfect) Hallows,” you’re in for some spoilers. Harry’s friends lay down their lives for The first historical (place and time) number according to the ancient If you are counting down the days the cause. person in Genesis is Abram/Abraham numerologists; but to assume that until July 15, getting ready to don your The search for the Deathly Hallows (from Ur in today’s southern Iraq, seven millennia after the flood will be a Gryffindor scarf and cheer on Harry in provides discussion about death and sometime around 1700 B.C.); he is first time of Rapture is a flawed assumption. his final showdown with Voldemort, our attitudes toward it – do we try to mentioned in Genesis 11:27. And to assume that Jesus was unin - you are not alone. “Harry Potter and defeat it or cheat it on our own, or do Camping is not the first to assign formed when he said, “No one knows the Deathly Hallows, Part 2,” will be we accept death as part of our life and dates to events and people mentioned …” is also a flawed assumption. the final installment of the movie fran - live fully? The most striking spiritual before history was recorded with refer - It will be interesting to hear what chise. statement comes straight from ences to place and time. James Ussher, Camping has to say on Oct. 22. Before we rush to the movie theater, Scripture and is found on two different the Anglican archbishop of Ireland in let’s revisit the book. There are spiritu - gravestones: “Where your treasure is, al themes throughout all of the HP there will your heart be also” on books, but “Deathly Hallows” brings Kendra Dumbledore’s, and “The last Letter to the Editor them all to a head, so much so that this enemy that shall be destroyed is death” book is terrific for a Bible study. on James and Lily Potter’s. Don’t hold Annual Conference on a Sunday The book begins with an unexpected Harry’s experience in laying down I have been a member of the United Methodist Church for more than 50 years. scene of forgiveness and reconciliation his own life, only to meet a “resurrect - I would just like to express my opinion about the recent change of the schedule between Harry and his cousin/enemy, ed” Dumbledore in a heavenly King’s of Annual Conference. Dudley. Dudley realizes he will never Cross station, and then coming back to I think that it is very detrimental to hold conference so that ministers are see Harry again, tells him he’s “not a life himself, provides further spiritual unable to be at their churches on that Sunday. For the conference to schedule a waste of space” and shakes his hand – reflection. meeting or a church service on the day of worship for the worship leaders of the which, according to Harry, is like he’s Amidst all the death and war and 1,016 or so churches is counter-productive to what we are all trying to accom - saying, “I love you.” sacrifice going on, it’s interesting that plish. Other moments of enemies reconcil - Harry never uses avada kedavra, the Conference could be held anytime, just not to interfere with Sunday worship ing include the house elf Kreacher’s killing curse, even when he faces service in the local churches. Please consider the opinions of the church body and transformation into a willing servant all Voldemort for the final battle. make a change for the future. because his hatred was answered with Voldemort casts it, but Harry casts Joe Dunlap, member kindness; Harry saving Draco Malfoy’s Expelliarmus, the disarming spell, and Shiloh UMC, Piedmont life; and Severus Snape’s final sacrifice Voldemort’s curse rebounds on him. for Harry, which resulted in Harry Can nonviolent resistance truly triumph naming one of his children after him. over evil? Rowling seems to think so. We see the weighty matters of injus - All of these and many more Correction tice, prejudice and ethnocentrism Christian themes are present in this addressed in the way Voldemort and book once banned by certain Christian In the article “Malaria: South Carolina UMCs Fight Back” (June), the instruc - the Death Eaters rule the wizarding groups. tions for sending donations was incorrect. To donate to the initiative, people world – the Muggle Born Registry, the Happy movie watching, and happy should send a check with Advance #982009 to S.C. Conference of the United statue in the Ministry of Magic depict - Bible studying. Methodist Church, 4908 Colonial Drive, Columbia, SC 29203. ing wizards sitting atop all other crea - tures, the trials of any who are suspect - Tompkins is associate pastor of First ed of not being “pure.” The antithesis UMC, Myrtle Beach. Subscribe to the Advocate ! Just $15/year Page 6, Annual Conference-July 2011 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Annual Conference 2011 Resolutions supported Annual Conference passes legislation on immigration, redistricting evaluation, more By Allison Trussell tom line is they’re breaking the law, and I don’t think we should do this.” FLORENCE – Immigration reform, With three statements for and three redistricting evaluation, AIDS and other against, Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor key pieces of legislation fueled much called for the vote. Carroll Player from debate during the five days of Annual the Florence District made a motion to Conference. postpone the vote to give people a The Committee on Resolutions chance to read and understand the reso - offered three resolutions Wednesday for lution. The resolution was not in the information and reference, and the pre-conference packets and had been body voted on them Friday morning; left on information tables for members the committee recommended concur - to pick up. After some discussion, the rence on each. And while lengthy motion was defeated. debate ensued on two of the three reso - The Rev. Bob Howell, Bethany lutions, members of Annual Conference UMC, Summerville, offered an amend - ultimately agreed to support them. ment, deleting the first resolved: “that Above, Liz Patterson, from Central UMC, Spartanburg, and a former the S.C. Annual Conference of the Evaluating number of districts member of the S.C. Legislature, sup - United Methodist Church call upon all The first resolution brought before ported the redistricting evaluation, United Methodist congregations to the conference was “A Resolution to noting that the states are required to study the biblical basis of hospitality to Develop a Task Force to Evaluate the consider redistricting every decade to all … and to advocate for the compre - Current Number of Districts in the accommodate population shifts. At hensive reform of the U.S. immigration South Carolina Annual Conference,” left, with a standing vote on the system.” authored by the Rev. John Culp, pastor immigration reform resolution and its Calling this “our Confederate flag of Virginia Wingard UMC, Columbia. amendment too close to call, the issue du jour,” Howell pointed out that bishop called for written ballots on The committee recommended concur - we often divide the church over things each. rence. (Photos by Jessica Connor) we are not controlling. “I do not want The Rev. Gary Phillips, pastor of the task force. He also took the oppor - all … and to advocate for the compre - us to get into the business of creating John Wesley UMC, Charleston, stood tunity to remind the body that we need hensive reform of the U.S. immigration legal arguments.” to oppose the resolution, citing argu - to “stop trying to fix the problem at the system”; to welcome newly arrived per - Opposition to the amendment mentative language and presupposition top and address problems where they sons in their communities; and to deliv - focused on the responsibility of the within it. Culp defended the resolution, are. And the problem is that we’re not er a copy of the resolution to the S.C. Church to speak against injustice and stating, “We’re asking for a study. … adequately equipping churches, we’re Legislature. for the poor. With a standing vote too Every business or corporation needs to not helping them.” Betty Walker, chair of the commit - close to call, Bishop Mary Virginia have occasional evaluations. We cannot Culp said he was willing to accept tee, said it concurred based on Para. Taylor called for a written ballot. be a maintenance church.” the amendment, and the body adopted 162 of the Social Principles, and the After the lunch break, the written Rev. Karen Upson, pastor of the it. With that, the body turned its atten - floor was open for the lengthy discus - ballot was reported, and the Howell South Anderson Charge, Anderson, tion to the amended resolution. sion that arose. amendment was defeated 550-520. opposed the resolution, stating that Liz Patterson, a member from Becky Garris, from Mount Prospect Because previous discussion had decreasing the number of districts can Central UMC, Spartanburg, and a for - UMC, Richburg, had concerns that covered the maximum three statements have hidden costs that don’t come into mer member of the S.C. Legislature, there are Native Americans who have for and three against, Taylor called the focus until after the decision is made. noted that the states are required to not been able to be recognized and question. Again, a standing vote was “I like 12 districts, working with 12, consider redistricting every decade to have churches, but that S.C. does sup - too close to call, and a second written and there were 12 with Christ,” Upson accommodate population shifts. port them as well as Hispanic and other ballot was taken. The resolution for said. Emily Rogers, youth representative peoples in Christian love. When ques - immigration reform prevailed, 543-501. Denise Fleming, from Canaan-Sand from the Charleston District and a tioned whether she was amending the Hill Charge, Ridgeville, wondered what member of the Conference Council on resolution, she responded that it was a Other resolutions was wrong with establishing a task Finance and Administration, asked statement. The Conference Board of Global force and getting information, while about the $5,000 requested in the reso - The Rev. Michael Rouse, pastor of Ministries brought a resolution to rec - Rev. Paul Harmon, Spartanburg District lution. “Is that included in the budget Main Street UMC, Dillon, said this res - ognize the United Methodist Volunteers superintendent, pointed out that such a that’s been presented?” she asked. Tony olution didn’t portray an accurate pic - in Mission as the official agency for task force exists within the cabinet and Prestipino, conference treasurer, said it ture of immigration: “There is a crimi - sending volunteer mission teams from extended cabinet. was not included, and the 2012 budget nal element of illegal immigration that the conference. “We want to make sure During the report of the Cabinet ear - would have to be adjusted. we don’t want to consider, but we can - everyone has the opportunities for lier, the Rev. Sara White, superintend - The resolution was supported, and not hide our faces from it.” proper training and support,” said the ent of the Rock Hill District, remarked funds were moved from the The Rev. Emily Sutton, pastor of the Rev. Michael Henderson, chairman. indirectly on the resolution: “We fear Contingency Fund to Fund 7 West Columbia Hispanic Ministry, cor - The resolution was supported. that if we decrease the number of dis - (Administrative Committees) to accom - rected the body in its language. The Trustees of the Annual tricts in South Carolina, we would not modate the $5,000. “‘Illegals’ is a hate term,” she cau - Conference brought a resolution to be able to be with you at all, that we tioned. “We prefer ‘undocumented.’ As authorize the use of unattributed funds would only see you when there is a 20/20 Visioning and AIDS-Free a pastor of immigrants, we need to see now in trustee custody. It was conflict, we would only see when it is World Campaign them as children of God who are trying approved. The trustees also brought a too late,” White said. “There would be This resolution urged the 2012 S.C. to raise a family and are working in our resolution approving the disposition of no way to form the larger relationships Annual Conference to take a special communities, bringing diversity to our funds from the sale of the discontinued required to live into the new world. ... offering to support the UM Global state and our churches.” Spring Branch UMC in Marion To increase the distance between the AIDS Fund (Advance #982345). The Dot Scott, St. Thomas Charge, District. It was approved. district superintendents and local con - resolution, authored by Culp, was sup - Huger, agreed: “How dare we as Three churches were discontinued in gregations will hurt that connection ported without discussion. Christians stand up and be so vehe - separate resolutions. The Rev. Tim even more. Ultimately, the role of the mently opposed to this? I know our McClendon, Columbia District superin - cabinet in the Annual Conference is Immigration reform problems aren’t illegals, it’s the busi - tendent, brought these resolutions for crucial only when we have those rela - The third resolution addressed by the nesses that allow the criminals and Beulah UMC, Anderson District; Black tionships formed.” Committee on Resolutions was “A their methods.” Creek UMC, Charleston District; and The Rev. Willie Teague, director of Resolution for Immigration Reform.” It Larry Shuler, Providence UMC, Sharon UMC, Anderson District and Connectional Ministries, offered an called for the conference to “call upon Providence, agreed with Rouse: “These called this time “a holy moment and a amendment to the resolution, deleting all United Methodist congregations to people are breaking the laws of our poignant moment for the churches that the presumption of the conclusion of study the biblical basis of hospitality to borders, working illegally. … The bot - will be discontinued.” The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Annual Conference-July 2011, Page 7 Annual Conference 2011 23 licensed as local pastors Before a packed Florence Civic Center on Thursday during Annual Conference, 23 local pastors were licensed in service to the S.C. Conference. The local pastors were authorized by Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor to preach and teach the word of God and to faithfully administer the Sacraments of Baptism and Holy Communion within a congrega - tion. Twenty-three “I do” and “I will,” the candidates responded local pastors when asked by the bishop whether they believe they were author - are moved by the Holy Spirit to serve as a licensed ized by Bishop pastor, and whether they will strive to live a life in Mary Virginia keeping with what they preach. Taylor to Conference Lay Leader Dr. Joe Heyward, on preach and behalf of the laity of the local congregations; the teach the word Rev. Kenneth Nelson, on behalf of the of the confer - of God; 16 are pictured here. ence Board of Ordained Ministry; and the Rev. John (Photo by Matt Cribb, chair of the Fellowship of Local Pastors and Brodie) Associate Members, licensed these persons as local pastors: Anthony Alford, Lorenza A. Bell II, Laura L. Bessent-Price, Don Clifford Boshell, Ollie Mae Boyd, Kenneth Campbell Burr Sr., Taylor Freeman Coates, Andrea M. Davis, Kimberly Norbeck Evans, Advertise Mallory Jean Forte, Shirley P. Gordon, Cheryl Giles Johnson, James W. Lewis Sr., Sharon L. Long, Andrew Charles Martin, Angela Regina Ford Nelson, Bishop Taylor in the Tony Bernard Richardson Sr., Thomas Raymond hands Taylor Smith, Amie Pridgeon Shaver, Brenda Joyce Thomas, Freeman Coates Advocate Sheri Yvette White, Paul David Wilmer and William her local pastor license. McClary Wrighten. (Photo by Jessica Connor) It works! S.C. approves petitions to GC on church trials, AIDS

By Allison Trussell cussion of the report. It would call for the removal of practicing attorneys as FLORENCE – Six petitions to the an assistant counsel during a trial. 2012 General Conference were The Rev. Bob Howell, pastor of approved by members of the S.C. Bethany United Methodist Church, Annual Conference during the Saturday Summerville, wondered if this amend - afternoon business session. ment to Para. 2708.7 would have legal Preston Cantrell, chairman of the ramifications and liability if the respon - Committee on Petitions to General dent did not have adequate legal coun - Conference, presented the petitions and sel. the committee’s concurrence on all of The Rev. Roger Gramling, author of them. the petition, appreciated Howell’s con - Petition No. 1 would request that the cern, but disagreed. “The purpose of 2012 General Conference request plan - this is to indeed take out the permissive ners of the 2016 and 2020 General con - possibility of having practicing attor - ferences to “set aside plenary time to neys to serve as assistant counsel. … review the progress of this ‘20/20: Once attorneys get involved, they influ - Visioning an AIDS-Free World’ cam - ence the trial process,” he said. paign, evaluating and highlighting the Gramling warned that church trials contributions United Methodists have are increasingly using civil and crimi - made in this global health initiative.” nal law language rather than that of The committee’s concurrence was church law. upheld. With no further discussion, a vote Petitions No. 2-5 dealt with church was taken, and the committee’s concur - trials and their procedures. Although rence was supported. Cantrell requested to take them as a The concurrence for Petitions Nos. group, Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor 4, 5 and 6 were also supported. ruled they needed to be voted on sepa - Petition No. 4 would suspend the rately. person charged from clergy responsibil - Petition No. 2 addressed “the dispo - ities pending the conclusion of the trial sition and custody of the records of the process. Petition No. 5 would clarify Committee on Investigation.” It would that “the judicial process begins once a recommend adding a new item to Para. complaint is referred to the counsel for 2706 of the Book of Discipline that the church.” Petition No. 6 would pro - would send documents for storage to vide a fixed amount of time for the the secretary of the Annual Conference, respondent to voluntarily avoid a trial. the jurisdictional or central conference The six petitions will be forwarded in the case of a bishop. Concurrence to the Petitions Secretary for considera - was approved. tion during the 2012 General Petition No. 3 brought the only dis - Conference. Page 8, Annual Conference-July 2011 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate

Annual Conference 2011 ‘Leadership in the Wesleyan Spirit’ Three S.C. pastors teach on leadership principles, passions and practices during Annual Conference

By Jessica Connor

What does it mean to lead in the Wesleyan Way? Three South Carolina pastors devoted teaching time to three components of Wesley-style leadership during Principles of leadership Annual Conference. Leadership models are constantly The teaching times were based on concepts in the book “Leadership in the changing, and if the United Wesleyan Spirit,” by Dr. Lovett Weems: the principles, passions and practices of Methodist Church is to stay relevant, Wesleyan leadership. we need to change with the times. The Rev. Bob Howell, senior pastor at Bethany United Methodist Church in That was the word from the Rev. Summerville, taught June 8 on the principles of leadership; Anderson District Bob Howell, senior pastor at Bethany Superintendent the Rev. Susan Leonard-Ray taught June 9 on the passions of UMC in Summerville, who taught leadership; and the Rev. Jerry Temple, senior pastor of Buncombe Street UMC in June 8 on the principles of leadership Greenville, taught June 10 on the practices of leadership. in the Wesleyan Way. Read on for highlights of their teaching times. “Times have changed, ladies and gentleman, and leaders have changed, and Methodism has not,” Howell said. He said the church often operates Passions of leadership from a 1950s social construct in a Howell When it comes to passion, you 21st century world. Before, the bish - and is on the way down,” Howell can’t fake it. It comes from within, op would appoint a pastor to a said. “We’ve lost our focus. We no borne of a driving conviction that church, and the church would instant - longer remember who we are and captures our hearts and compels our ly accept the new leadership with whose we are. We think we belong to lives. It brings focus and direction, enthusiastic welcome. ourselves.” creates a can-do spirit, generates a “We don’t live in that world any - He noted that Paul admonished commitment to excellence. more,” he said. “Today the authority early Christians not to think highly of And best of all, said Anderson to lead is earned, not granted. You themselves; humility is a hallmark of District Superintendent Susan earn it after you get there.” a leader. Leonard-Ray, it’s contagious. To wild applause, Howell remind - But even good leaders are not per - Leonard-Ray spent an hour June 9 ed the crowd that the church is about fect. In fact, mistakes can spur life- reminding members of Annual people, not about keeping every dot changing epiphanies. Conference that it’s not enough to go and tittle in line. Howell reminded the crowd that through the motions if we’re going to Authenticity is key, he said. John Wesley spent a miserable time be a church that makes disciples of Leonard-Ray “Leadership is about modeling, in Savannah, Ga., yet he was honored Jesus Christ for the transformation of loved, you can do amazing things,” about being a person who reflects in with a statue in that city not because the world. she said. “You can be bold, act with something of themselves what they of what he did for the people there in “We’re not talking about the courage. You can take risks.” say they want you to be,” Howell his two-year failed stint, but because Hollywood version or the The second quality that fuels pas - said. “One thing is for sure: They of what he did after. Washington version, but the true sionate leadership is being clear ain’t gonna believe you if you ain’t “God’s always calling us to step Christian passion we feel for God about the mission. After all, she said, for real. People in the pew can read up again,” Howell said. “A failure is and Christ,” Leonard-Ray told the Jesus didn’t hide his purpose. you like a book. They see you for not fatal. It won’t kill you. It really packed arena to fervent applause and, “Repent, for the kingdom of God is who you are even when you don’t won’t. You can move ahead.” at close, a standing ovation. at hand,” He said. “Come, follow think they do.” Finally, never deny the power of God calls us all, she said, and it is me” was His invitation everywhere Good Wesleyan leadership is also listening. Howell’s father always told our job to open ourselves to that call He went. about sacrifice, he said. After all, him God gave people two ears and and respond with vigor and excite - “He was very clear and concise,” early Methodist preachers lived sacri - one mouth for a reason: listening is ment for what He wants us to do in Leonard-Ray said: “‘I have come so ficially, giving themselves away for a far more important than talking. the world. that you might have life and have it cause that was greater and more “If you really want to hear what The starting point for passionate abundantly.’” important than they were. God is saying, listen to the people,” Christian leadership is that we have It is the “so that” in His statement “But when I go to meetings and I Howell said. “The holiest people I experienced the transforming love of that is the crux, and it appears in hear us spend more time on insurance know don’t wear vestments. God, Leonard-Ray said; it begins much of his directives: John 3:16, and pension packages and benefits “And the spirit of God is at least with a warmed heart. than on evangelism and missions, as alive in many of them as it is in “When you know that you are See “Teaching Passions,” Page 9 then I know this church has crested you.”

Practices of leadership Forget putting the blame elsewhere, Temple told the crowd of 2,000 tion must look hard at the UMCs that said the Rev. Jerry Temple. If we want Annual Conference attendees. are growing and flourishing so that we to grow as a United Methodist Church, Temple said the UMC has lost 30 can learn something from them. we need to be thinking about solving percent of its membership in this “Let’s learn from them – not be the problem, not making excuses. nation. Citing Adam Hamilton, who cynical of them, critical of them, jeal - In his one-hour lesson Friday at pastors the United Methodist Church ous of them, but learn and discover Annual Conference, the senior pastor of the Resurrection in Leawood, Kan., what it is that is allowing these of Buncombe Street UMC, Greenville, if the denomination continues to churches to experience growth,” spoke about the practices of Wesleyan decline at this rate, there will be no Temple said. leadership that can bring about a thriv - UMCs in the U.S. in 44 years. Temple said churches are moving in ing, successful church. But to solve the problem, we one direction or the other – growing or After all, “We’re keenly aware of shouldn’t focus on why we’re not Temple the membership decline in the U.S.,” growing. Temple said this denomina - See “Teaching Practices,” Page 9 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Annual Conference-July 2011, Page 9 Annual Conference 2011 Kersey: faith can move mountains – and the UMC By Jessica Connor thrive) H: Here we go (don’t delay: identify FLORENCE – Why can’t we be the your mountain and let your faith allow kind of United Methodist Church that God to move it) God calls us to be? Reach young peo - “We need the faith to believe we ple and the unchurched? Speak in one can, not we can’t,” he said. “We can be voice as a denomination? See the the church God is calling us to be.” growth and transformation that John As Kersey asked attendees to turn Wesley saw in early Methodism? their eyes toward the screens above the Perhaps, said the Rev. Jeff Kersey, podium, images flashed of men and our answer can be found in our faith – women struggling with and ultimately or lack of it. transforming through their faith, while In the evening sermon June 8 at the song “What Faith Can Do” by con - Annual Conference, Kersey told the temporary Christian band Kutless filled more than 2,000 attendees that we tend the arena. to deflect the real reason for our Then as the video ended, the congre - denomination’s membership decline, gation sang those same lyrics to piano shifting blame to a myriad of external accompaniment by Carol Wyndham: forces when we should be looking “I’ve seen dreams that move the within. Kersey mountains / Hope that doesn’t ever end Just like Peter, who began to slip as “young people who are just not will use the United Methodist Church / Even when the sky is falling / I’ve into the ocean when strong winds and interested in church anymore,” or how to reach people that no other church is seen miracles just happen / Silent crashing waves made him doubt Jesus’ “when people move to the lake or the going to reach,” Kersey told the crowd. prayers get answered / Broken hearts ability to keep him walking on water, beach or the mountains, they just don’t “Without this church, there will be peo - become brand new / That’s what faith we, too, allow our faith to falter, like to go to church.” ple who will never know a saving rela - can do.” Kersey said. And that’s when our foun - Distorted faith then leads to diluted tionship with Jesus Christ.” “Amen,” Kersey told the crowd to dation begins to crumble. faith, which eventually becomes an Offering an acrostic of FAITH, applause. “Why can’t we? Faith will “Discouraged faith leads to distorted immovable mountain preventing us Kersey encouraged those gathered to tell you we can.” faith,” said Kersey, senior pastor of the from being the kind of church God heed the words of the Savior and to not The Wednesday worship offering 2,600-member Mount Horeb UMC, wants us to be. Lack of self-esteem, be afraid of what God can do if we went to United Methodist Committee Lexington. “We start to believe we lack of mission and a lack of vision only allow Him to work through us: on Relief efforts: Japan tsunami relief, can’t, so we don’t. We don’t stay true combine to create an obstacle so high F: Follow God (not hope God will tornado disasters and flooding in the to Scripture. We fear the disapproval of we cannot scale it on our own. follow where we want to go) Midwest and Mississippi Valley. Total people more than we fear the disap - We falter. We slip beneath the A: Apostolic faith (reach out to the for this offering was $18,442.47. proval of God.” waves. But fear not, said Kersey: Faith unchurched, to the underserved) The Rev. Millie Nelson served as Too many times, he said, we blame does move mountains. I: Investigate barriers (identify the liturgist, the Rev. Judy Hames provided the membership decline on flimsy “We need a determined faith – not weakest point in our church and fix it) special music, and the Rev. Paul Frey excuses that come from distortion, such discouraged, not doubting – that God T: Take risks (don’t just survive but was song leader.

TEACHING PASSIONS: Tradition, innovation must hold hands From Page 8 “But why not so that?” she asked. ership is critical to our future as a and a spirituality that leads to action. Matthew 5:16, 1 Peter 2:9, etc. “So “Why not, ‘We pay apportionments so denomination. She cited a recent survey of young that” helps us be clear about the mis - that people in 167 countries might “We are in the midst of cultural people in the U.S. that shows most feel sion. But in the church, we often do experience the tangible love and care of change,” Leonard-Ray said – we often American Christianity is too plastic. things “because” and not “so that,” God through our giving? So that the think we need to forget the past or for - They crave authentic faith, worship that Leonard-Ray said. world might experience the tangible get what is being held out to us. “But if values mystery and honors complexity, For instance, we do vacation Bible care of the Christian?’” the church is to thrive in 21st century, lives devotes to love and giving to the school because we love our children, Every church has three gifts, then tradition and innovation are to least, the last and the lost. because we always do it. Why not “so Leonard-Ray reminded the crowd: its hold hands.” These words give her hope, she said, that?” she asked: Do vacation Bible place in time, its point on the map and With two choices – change and for that is precisely what the UMC rep - school so that the next generation of the good news of the Gospel. grow, or die – Leonard-Ray said the resents. children will know the love of God. And she said all living things repeat - UMC’s plan of action must include giv - And like a virus, if we can better tap Same thing with apportionments, she edly face this choice: adaptation or ing our best energy to four things: into our passion for Christian leader - said: Why do we pay? Because it’s our extinction. meaningful worship, empowered lay ship, that contagion for passionate responsibility. That is why igniting passionate lead - leadership, small groups of belonging, Christianity can only spread faster. TEACHING PRACTICES: Laity, clergy must empower each other From Page 8 dence and trust of their congregation so other. worship that is alive, engaging, appeal - declining – and we need first to make they will embrace that vision; and And ultimately, the church blossoms ing and life-changing) the decision about which direction we • Put together a logical plan that in this environment. • Strong faith development wish to go. will bring the vision to reality. Temple said growing churches have • Serving like Jesus (There are no He said growing churches have one But it’s not just on the leader’s critical practices that drive them untouchables, no one too hopeless, too key thing in common: strong leader - shoulders, Temple said. The churches onward and upward. They are practic - “out there,” no matter what they look ship, regardless of race, gender or age. these clergy leaders serve also must ing the practical things, namely: like, act like or have done in their life) These leaders are not only doing a give them the freedom to lead and trust • Humility (Understanding that we • Practicing our purpose (Making great job taking care of their people but them to lead. And in turn, the effective cannot accomplish anything significant disciples who make disciples) also being true visionaries for what clergy leader needs to truly respect the on our own. We don’t have the they want to do in the church. laity of the church. resources or power to cause anything to At the end of the day, Temple said, These leaders do three things partic - This brings about passionate lay grow, not even ourselves) citing Acts 2:41-47, there is nothing ularly well: leadership, Temple said. And in the • Being an engaging church (We wrong with numerical growth. • Communicate their vision to their right circumstance, this relationship need to be more proactive and less And if we can focus on honing those congregation with simplicity and clari - between clergy and laity becomes a reactive, going to the people, not wait - leadership practices that bring about ty so the congregation understands it; potent force; they feed off each other, ing for them to come to us.) growth, then we’ll soon be on the path • Have the ability to gain the confi - inspire each other and empower each • Having inspiring worship (Have to fruitfulness rather than decline. Page 10, Annual Conference-July 2011 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Annual Conference 2011

“We are empowered to step out on nothing believing we will land on something,” Darryl Kevin Williams, minister of music at St. Mark UMC, Sumter, leads the said the Rev. Telley Gadson, pastor of St. Mark UMC in Sumter. crowd in a powerful praise song. (Photos by Jessica Connor) Gadson speaks out on the ‘audacity of faith’ By Jessica Connor ness and disregard for normal There, she said, she has learned ty to please God despite personal limi - restraints. Therefore, she said, audacity some powerful lessons. tations,” she said. “Faith has the audac - FLORENCE – Bringing a message of faith is intrepid boldness of what is “Church leadership is about the art ity to speak life in situations that look from St. Mark United Methodist hopeful and disregard of what we do of influence, not manipulation, in our like death. Faith has the audacity to Church in Sumter “to the saints, the not seek. church and communities so ultimately believe God’s word to not only create sinners, the whiners and the winners,” Faith is at the heart of all we need to God gets the glory, hearts are touched, the world, but sustain everything in it. the Rev. Telley Gadson preached on do and be, Gadson told the crowd. lives are changed and the devil has a Faith has the audacity to speak in the what she called the audacity of faith “We are empowered to step out on bad day,” Gadson said to a roar of present about the future because faith during the Thursday night worship nothing believing we will land on chapping and “Amens.” lives in the now.” service at Annual Conference. something,” she said. Gadson praised Methodism founder But, Gadson asked, what must we do Playing off the title of President Gadson lifted up her church, which John Wesley’s three simple rules – do to have the kind of audacity to make Barack Obama’s book, “The Audacity went from a two-point charge with 35 no harm, do good and stay in love with demons trip, to be an effective leader of Hope,” Gadson broke down what in worship to a station church with 175 God – taking to task those who have for Christ? she thinks audacious faith means. After in worship last Sunday, where as lost sight of that wisdom. Just have faith, she answered, and all, faith means being sure of what we Gadson put it, “we do our best to serve “Could it be we need to be reminded make sure to let that faith undergird all hope for and certain of what we do not nervous breakdowns to the devil and all of the Wesyleyan way … because there of our leadership principles, passions seek, and audacity means intrepid bold - of Hell Industries.” are clergy who have leadership titles and practices. but don’t have leadership testimonies?” “An effective church leader has a she asked to thunderous of applause. passionate faith that is so audacious “Could it be we have ignored opportu - they become contagious to others of the nities to become better leaders in places same mindset and become allergic to we are serving because we are too busy those who don’t want to go to church,” playing with kitchen cabinets and she said. dreaming about the big church where And let’s be sure that same passion - the bishop will send us? Could it be ate, principled faith transcends our some laity have ignored opportunities practices, because at the end of the day, to become better leaders because she said, “Faith without works is dead, they’re spending too much time polic - and anything that’s dead ought to be ing the pastor than finding an opportu - buried.” nity to partner with the pastor?” The Thursday worship offering went Gadson said she is convinced that if to Imagine No Malaria efforts, totaling we all truly put tenacity to the task and $12,869. lead in the Wesleyan way, we will be St. Mark UMC Mass Choir rounded effective Christian leaders who do what out the service along with the Rev. Joel we must: make disciples for the king - McMakin as liturgist, Carol Wyndham FIXING THE APPOINTMENTS – S.C. United Methodist clergy receive their dom of God. as organist and the Rev. Paul Frey as appointments from tellers as Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor fixes the appoint - “Faith gives the believer the audaci - song leader. ments for the year. Moving day is June 29. (Photo by Allison Trussell)

LAY LEADERSHIP IN S.C. – Conference Lay Leader Joe Heyward celebrated the work of district lay leaders across the state in his report before Annual Conference on June 9, pointing out the multitude of seminars, workshops, training sessions and more. Heyward called on South Carolina laity to take church growth seriously and remain faithful to God’s call to be givers. “We sometimes walk over opportunities, some - times step over opportunities, SLEEPING OUT TO END MALARIA – About a dozen people spent their sometimes close our eyes to nights at Annual Conference sleeping in tents instead of hotel rooms to raise opportunities and sometimes awareness and funds to help end malaria. The clergy and lay campers took just don’t care,” he told the the money they would have spent on a hotel room and donated it to Imagine body. “But God wants us to No Malaria. Here, Brandon Lazarus (from left), Nick Miller, Holly Taylor and do the right thing.” (Photo by Jessica Connor) the Rev. Josh McClendon are a few of the campers. (Photo by Jessica Connor) The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Annual Conference-July 2011, Page 11 Annual Conference 2011 Turner preaches on finding new life by letting go By Jessica Connor

FLORENCE – Sometimes you have to die to live. In his Friday evening worship at Annual Conference, the Rev. Michael Turner preached about trusting in the Lord with blind faith that He will pro - vide the way, about how so many churches are “dead,” with fading mem - bership numbers and a budget focused more on upkeep of buildings than on making disciples. “Churches, if your trustees do more work than your outreach ministry team, your church is in trouble,” said Turner, The Rev. Michael Turner preaches about trusting in the Lord with blind faith that senior pastor of Wightman United He will provide the way; sometimes you have to die to live, he said. Methodist Church in Prosperity. But when we trust in Jesus with blind faith – when we let go of the shackles of the world and step out on pure hope – we will begin to regain the Jon Ballard and the Wightman Praise true meaning of what it means to be a Team lead the crowd in passionate, church that transforms the world and new-style praise song. makes disciples for Jesus Christ. At left, Annual different style of music, different wor - We will grow and blossom, because Conference members we are truly doing His will. feel the spirit as they ship times. Attendance is about 400 on Bringing a message centered on praise God through a regular basis, they are 45 percent John 21:1-6, Turner reminded the vibrant song and African-American and Hispanic, and crowd how one of the last things Jesus dance during the wor - they have to have three different wor - did before he ascended to the Father ship service. (Photos by ship services “just to haul in the nets,” was to go out on the beach where his Jessica Connor) Turner said. disciples were fishing. They had been We need to learn from the blind faith fishing all night long, not catching any - and we move from mission to mainte - Turner related the story of a church, of the disciples and Fort McKinley thing, and Jesus told them to cast your nance, Turner said. Fort McKinley UMC, in Dayton, Ohio. UMC and realized that sometimes you nets on other side and they will catch “We say, ‘We don’t have time to After their heyday in the 1950s, their have to die to live. something. fish; we’ve got to work on the boat,’ or membership had dwindled to barely 40, “Our job is not to hunker down in In other words, Turner said: do ‘That’s not in the budget,’” Turner said. with no young people. They looked maintenance mode,” Turner told the something different, something that And sometimes, many of us move around and knew their future was not room. “Doing that almost killed a lot of doesn’t necessarily make sense. Do from casting nets to casting blame. bright. our churches; it plunges us into sur - something on blind faith. Congregations will complain about the Trusting in the power of the resur - vival mode where churches hang on by The disciples listened, and the Bible pastor appointed to their church, Turner rection, Turner said, Fort McKinley their fingernails fighting just to stay tells us they brought in so many fish said, whining that if only the bishop made a strategic decision to die. They alive.” that they couldn’t even haul in their would send them a “good preacher” partnered with a thriving nearby When we choose to fish off the other overflowing nets. they would catch some fish again. church, Ginghamsburg, with 4,500 peo - side of the boat and lose our life for We can learn much from this pas - Pastors complain in much the same ple in worship each week. They let go Christ’s sake, we are resurrected and sage, Turner told the packed arena. manner: If only the bishop would send of their old ways and embraced the become far more fruitful than we could “We’ve been casting our nets a long me to a “good church.” new. ever have imagined. time, but problem is it’s been so long But it’s not about the church or the Today, a little more than a year later, “That’s what happened when God since we caught anything we forgot pastor, or any other excuse, Turner most everything about their church is raises the dead,” Turner said. “And our that’s the reason we’re in the boat,” he said. It’s about the mission, and how if now different: different colored walls, God just loves to raise the dead.” said. “And when we lose sight of that, we let go of the trappings of “how we all sorts of bad stuff can happen.” always did it” and step out on faith, A lot of times we lose focus, the then we can be the kind of fruitful mission of making disciples gets blurry, church we’re called to be.

LOCAL PASTORS UNITE – Rev. Reece Fauscett, pastor of Trenton UMC, Trenton, Ga. (left), shakes hands with Rev. John Cribb, president of S.C. Fellowship of Associate Members and Local Pastors, at their luncheon during Annual Conference. Fauscett spoke on how the UMC is beginning to under - stand local pastors as “legitimate partners in ministry.” When he first became a pastor, he often couldn’t vote and often could not serve as a clergy mem - ber on certain boards. Because of awareness about the effectiveness and value of local pastors, all of that is changing. (Photo by Jessica Connor) Page 12, Annual Conference-July 2011 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Annual Conference 2011

Boy Scouts of America Troop 502, First UMC, Isle of Rev. Alfonza Jones (center) receives the Barbara Rev. Jane Jenkins receives the Denman Evangelism Palms, accepts the 2011 Bishop’s Award of Boultinghouse Bridgebuilders Award for his work insti - Award for energizing her parishioners in outreach Excellence from Bishop Taylor. Ten scouting groups tuting and adopting programs that benefit the Cross programs such as monthly community meals and a received this award. community. (Photos by Allison Trussell) food closet. Conference awards presented to churches, clergy, laity By Allison Trussell the Rev. John Culp presented the bish - op with this year’s T-shirt. FLORENCE – The 2011 Annual Next, the G. Ross Freeman Conference presented its slate of Leadership Award was presented to the awards and scholarships during the Rev. Geneva G. Stafford, pastor of Saturday morning session. Bishop Jeremiah and Mount Seal UMCs in the Mary Virginia Taylor personally hand - Florence District. This award is given ed each award to its recipient. by the UMM and honors pastors who The Rev. Alfonza Jones, pastor of inspire men in ministries of evangel - the Greater St. Paul United Methodist ism, missions and spiritual growth. Church, Cross, was given the Barbara Stafford has led an intense Bible study Boultinghouse Bridgebuilders Award every Wednesday night for the past for his work instituting and adopting eight years, which directly led to the programs that benefit the Cross com - Prayer Line Ministry of the charge. munity. Under his leadership, the Next, the Denman Evangelism church has exchanged pulpits and Awards – given to one clergy and one choirs with other churches, both laity in memory of Rev. Harry Denman African-American and Caucasian; – were presented to Helen Shuler and Rev. Timothy Bowman receives Old Bethel UMC’s Bishop’s Five Star Award of maintains a food pantry; and, at Jones’ the Rev. Jane Jenkins. Excellence; the church was one of 32 to receive this honor. request, adopted several children and Shuler is a member of St. Stephen families during the Christmas season. tor of Missions and Outreach at brating church heritage was presented UMC, Ridgeland, who has made her The award, named after a deaconess Buncombe Street UMC, Greenville, to First UMC, Cheraw; Bethlehem life work the church’s food bank. The whose life was spent serving in and Marvin J. Horton, a member of UMC, Bishopville; Mountain View 15-member church provides the food schools, is presented to a person or Cornerstone UMC, Rock Hill. The UMC, Taylors; Gramling UMC, bank with an all-volunteer staff led by organization that has built bridges of awards honor a clergy and laity who Gramling; Johnsonville UMC, Shuler and feeds thousands of people understanding by promoting the equity have “exemplified extraordinary volun - Johnsonville; Beaumont UMC, each month. Jenkins, pastor of and inclusiveness of all persons, teer mission service in the conference.” Spartanburg; Pisgah UMC, Aynor; and Landrum UMC, Landrum, has ener - regardless of race, gender, age, handi - Hill has led his church in growth in Fork Creek UMC, Jefferson. gized and engaged her parishioners in cap or economic condition. mission activities. The church has The 2011 Herbert Hucks Individual outreach programs. Next, the Board of Ordained become an active participant in min - Award winner was Thelma Chiles Finally, Bishop Taylor presented the Ministry presented scholarships to stu - istry to the poor and homeless in the Clark, First UMC, Marion, former Bishop’s Five-Star Awards of dents who are in seminary or plan to Greenville area and has sent numerous president of the Conference Historical Excellence to 32 churches. The award attend. These are based on academic UMVIM teams across the nation and Society and former member of the is given by the Board of Evangelism to achievement, potential for ministry and the world. Horton has served on inter - Commission on Archives and History. churches who have made an effort to demonstrated financial need. Recipients national as well as national UMVIM The 2011 Herbert Hucks Publication develop new ministries, increased of the T. Dennis Smith Scholarship are teams and continues to serve at Award was given to James A. Neal for Sunday school attendance and member - Sharon Spann Gamble, a student at Salkehatchie Summer Camps. his book, “Historic Methodist Churches ship and paid their apportionments Hood Theological Seminary and pastor Next, scouts were recognized with and Places in South Carolina.” either in full or by a 25 percent of the Lugoff Parish, Lugoff; and Brian the 2011 Bishop’s Award of Next, the conference honored increase over the previous years. Edward Preveaux, also a student at Excellence. Certificates and ribbons Students in Missions workers; SIM This year’s honorees are Asbury-St. Hood and pastor of Bellinger Chapel- were given to Boy Scouts of America provides opportunities for students James, Charleston; Bethel, Columbia; Brunson Charge, Hampton. Troop 502, First UMC, Isle of Palms; serve as summer missionaries in Beulah, Gilbert; Buncombe Street, Martha Ann Nichols, a student at BSA Cub Scout Pack 397, Asbury authentic mission sites around the state. Greenville; Centenary, Moncks Corner; Duke Divinity School, was awarded the Memorial UMC, Columbia; BSA Troop Spending their summer at Camp Chapin, Chapin; Christ, Bennettsville; Seminary Students Scholarship. 159, Simpsonville UMC, Simpsonville; Providence, Anderson: Sara Reynolds, Clinton, Salley; Ebenezer, Longs; First, Next, three churches were awarded BSA Cub Scout Pack 518, Red Bank Furman University; Angela Rice, Isle of Palms; Goose Creek, Goose for 200 years of service by the UMC, Red Bank; BSA Cub Scout Pack Clemson University; Jessica Simon, Creek; Grace, Columbia; Greater St. Commission on Archives and History: 190, Trinity UMC, Orangeburg; BSA Claflin University; Alexander John Paul, Cross; Grove Hall, Summerville; Bethlehem UMC and Rehoboth UMC, Troop 397, Asbury Memorial UMC; Stoops III, The Citadel; Nik Miller, Johnsonville, Johnsonville; Landrum, both of Greenwood, and Clark UMC, BSA Troop 9 Buncombe Street UMC, Winthrop University. Holly Taylor and Landrum; Lebanon, Eastover; Little Oswego. Other churches were recog - Greenville; Girl Scouts USA Brownie Jon Hoin, students at Winthrop, will River, Little River; Mauldin, Mauldin; nized by the commission for their cen - Troop 2378, Red Bank UMC; BSA spend their summer in mission at Rural Mount Hebron, West Columbia; Old tennial years: Salem UMC, Salem; Troop 518, Red Bank UMC; and BSA Mission Inc., Johns Island. Two will be Bethel, Charleston; Red Bank, Red Christ UMC, Greenville; Epworth Troop 190, Trinity UMC, Orangeburg. sent to Metropolitan Community UMC Bank; Shandon, Columbia; Springhill, UMC, Joanna; Trenton UMC, Trenton; Next, the UMM Lifetime and the UM Seminar Program in New Rembert; Springtown, Smoaks; St. Springville UMC, Marion; and Membership Award for outstanding York: Rachel Sherron, Campbellsville James, Myrtle Beach; St. Mark, Chesnee UMC, Chesnee. service to UMM ministries was given University, and Alexis Stratton, Columbia; Trinity, Conway; Trinity, Next, the Michael C. Watson to Clayton Easter, Robert Scarborough University of South Carolina. Blythewood; Trinity, York; Wesley, Volunteer in Mission Awards were pre - and Bill Smith. Following this, Salkehatchie Moncks Corner; and Wightman, sented to the Rev. Jerry Mills Hill, pas - Next, the Herbert Hucks Award cele - Summer Service was recognized, and Prosperity. The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Annual Conference-July 2011, Page 13 Annual Conference 2011 Retirees offer wisdom, reflection during AC service By Jessica Connor “I’m of a generation when women didn’t even con - sider ministry as a career, but the Lord called me into FLORENCE – Citing their many personal sacrifices, ministry out of my career as a college professor,” said Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor lifted up in prayer the the Rev. Delphine Anita Bozardt. conference’s 21 retiring clergy during the retirement Bozardt called the clergy responsibility “extremely service at Annual Conference. awesome” and said the hardest thing for her has been “They have picked up their belongings and fami - to keep her ears open and listen to what the Holy lies and moved to new places through the years … Spirit is telling her. they have entered into new congregations, and then The Rev. Sheila Davidson Rogers recalled much after years found it necessary to say goodbye, and resistance to her appointment as a female pastor, “But grieved the loss of friendships and moved again,” I never took it personally.” Taylor prayed at the opening of the service. “They’ve Rogers hopes her peers, both new and current pas - uprooted their families. But in all they have done, tors, will always remember to keep a sense of humor. they have remained rooted in you.” “It’ll keep you sane,” Rogers said. “Don’t take In a video collage played at the service, many of yourself so seriously.” the pastors reflected on their years of ministry and Near the close of the service, Bishop Taylor led the offered words of parting wisdom to new and current passing of the mantle, a symbolic act involving the pastors. removing of a mantle from the shoulders of the retir - Advice ranged from self-care to social advocacy to ing class (represented by the Rev. Luther H. a caution against conformity. Rickenbaker III) and placing it on the shoulders of “There is always the temptation to conform and the incoming class of ordinands (represented by the become a cookie-cutter pastor,” said the Rev. Daniel Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor leads the passing of the Rev. Debra Anne Armstrong). Senn Bradley in his video. “It is in our uniqueness mantle, a symbolic act involving the placing of a In the words of the representative of the new full that God can use us. Don’t be pressed into a mold.” mantle from the shoulders of a retiring pastor (repre - member class, “We who come after you take up the Leslie James Shattuck Sr. spoke on how we’re sented by the Rev. Luther H. Rickenbaker III) and mantle, which falls upon us. May we inherit a double never too old to feel the call. placing it on the shoulders of a soon-to-be-ordained share of your spirit.” “I didn’t think I would ever be called,” Shattuck pastor (represented by the Rev. Debra Anne Retiring pastors are the Revs. Paul McKinley said. “I was 50 years old before I ever felt even the Armstrong). (Photo by Allison Trussell) Ballard Jr., Delphine Anita Bozardt, Daniel Senn first little urge or calling in the ministry. For those Paul McKinley Ballard Jr. urged people to stay Bradley, Robert Bissell Clemons III, Rowan Dampeer who think, ‘Well, I’m too old to do this,’ even if refreshed and always have time for their family. Crews Jr., James Ray Davis, John Henry Elliott, you’ve only got 10 years to give, it’s a privilege to And Luther H. Rickenbaker III advised, “Play James Ellis Griffeth, James Henry Gunn, Willie serve the church and do what God wants you to do in more golf.” Jerone Key, Billie Ray Osborne, Jean Owens your lifetime.” Other pastors shared reflections about becoming a Osborne, Anne Richardson Parrott, Luther H. William Fletcher Rogers III advised his peers to pastor during a rapidly changing society – as the Rev. Rickenbaker III, Sheila Davidson Rogers, William always walk in love, that we are all a family. James Ellis Griffeth put it, he entered “a white men’s Fletcher Rogers III, Leslie James Shattuck Sr., “Yes, we are a dysfunctional family at times … but club” when he became pastor, but that world is far Wendell Wilkie Sumter, Rufus Lee Wilson, Willie we are a family,” Rogers said. different now. Wilson and Alfred Truman Wright. Ewing to laity: Keep your eyes on the cross FLORENCE – On Friday, June 10, more than 350 people gathered at the Florence Civic Center for the Annual Conference Laity Luncheon, hosted by Dr. Joseph Heyward and Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor. Following the theme of conference, Dr. Jack Ewing, the new executive director of Lake Junaluska, shared an uplifting speech about how the principles, passions, and practices promoted by John Wesley impact the United Methodist Church today. “The most significant Wesleyan concept, for me, is the inextricable linking together of personal and social holiness,” Ewing said. “John Wesley strongly promoted a deep personal relationship with God, but our relationship with our fellow human beings “Keep your eyes on the cross in order to reach your Dr. Jack Ewing (left), new executive director of Lake is equally important.” destination,” Ewing told S.C. laity. (Photos courtesy of Junaluska, shares a smile with Dr. Joseph Heyward and Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor. Ewing explained that the UMC, from its early Ken Howle) days in the U.S., has been the best at balancing per - from most of the Lake Junaluska campus. In the laity. sonal and social holiness. early 1960s, a young man from Kentucky arrived at A lay member of the Western North Carolina “No other denomination has accomplished as Lake Junaluska to work for the summer. As a Conference, since 1994 Ewing has served as the much as we have in the way we serve our fellow Trailways bus dropped the young man off outside CEO of several United Methodist institutions, human beings,” said Ewing, reinforcing his ideas the main gate, the young man asked the driver how including two United Methodist-affiliated colleges with examples of the UMC’s commitment to educa - to get to the Lambuth Inn. “Keep your eyes on the and the Foundation for Evangelism. tion, health care and children. cross, and when you get there, you will have June Willson, of the Charleston District, provided Ewing concluded his speech with an inspiring reached your destination,” the driver responded. a closing prayer at the conclusion of the Laity story about the Lake Junaluska cross, located near “Keep your eyes on the cross in order to reach Luncheon. For more on the conference laity, visit Lambuth Inn. The cross is lit at night and visible your destination,” concluded Ewing to the S.C. www.umcsc.org/boardoflaity.

Aug. 7 set for Aldersgate Special Needs Ministry Sunday in S.C. Sunday, Aug. 7, has been set as for the offering. While there is a growing number of est possible level of independence, with - Aldersgate Special Needs Ministry Aldersgate Special Needs Ministry adults who have special needs because in the context of a community faith- Sunday, and each United Methodist was begun in 2003 as a group of parents, of developmental disabilities, the options based residential setting. Church in South Carolina is asked to ministers and lay persons with special for care beyond their own homes and For more information, visit take an offering to give continuing sup - needs adults organized to form a min - families is limited in this state. www.umcsc.org. The conference office port for this ministry. istry for their own persons and for the Aldersgate’s mission is to provide the can provide bulletin inserts by calling An alternate Sunday may be chosen entire state of South Carolina. highest possible quality of life, the great - 803-786-9486. Page 14, Annual Conference-July 2011 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Annual Conference 2011 Global From Facebook: Ministries chair encourages What do you think ‘global fervor’ was the best part of FLORENCE – Rubbing his hands Annual Conference? together in fervor to show the original sign language for the word “Methodist,” the Rev. Michael Carolyn Keese: Love the sense of unity of S.C. Methodists from around the state coming Henderson told the 1,600 gathered for together to do the business of the church for Annual Conference that we need to this year. Great preaching and music! express the fervor that stems for a pas - sionate love for Jesus Christ in all we Pamela McLaurin Ashwood : I love the diver - do. sity of the Conference and how we are all In his report for the Board of Global ‘THE POSSIBILITIES OF THE NOW’ – We live in a season of connected as UM Christians – loving and wor - Ministries, Henderson talked about the uncertainty for people of faith, but the role of the church does not shiping our Heavenly Father. ways the S.C. Conference of the UMC change, said the Rev. Sara White, Rock Hill District superintendent, is expressing that fervor: support for in the report of the Cabinet presented at Annual Conference: “It will Bill Yaeger : The best part of Annual our 13 Advance Special Ministries; always be to witness to the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Conference is seeing what our great denomi - Christ.” But how we can be fruitful in this season is the question nation does outside of our local church. We helping 34 Communities of Shalom before us all, White said. She said at the heart of the work of the truly are making a difference in the world by across the state that work to address cabinet is helping local congregations focus and live in fruitful min - making disciples for the transformation of the poverty, illiteracy, hunger, unemploy - istry. The cabinet is beginning to see an energy as local congrega - world. ment and more within our local com - tions begin to talk to one another and connect better. They are munities; Salkehatchie Summer Service hearing congregations speak about how good it feels to be focus - Like the Advocate on Facebook at www. Camps; Hunger Ministries Committee. ing outward instead of inward. She cautioned against reducing the facebook.com/advocatesc, and like the S.C. He also praised the recent launch of a number of districts in the state, and praised the new structure for Conference at www.facebook.com/SCUMC! Refugee and Immigrant Committee Connectional Ministries. “Don’t allow loudest and most negative chaired by the Rev. Emily Scales voices to be the voice of this congregation,” White said in closing. Sutton. “Embrace the possibilities of the now.” (Photo by Jessica Connor) UMRC-conference relationship formalized at AC The committee presented five recommendations committee’s report was on the agenda for the previ - CF&A to explore whether conference and two resolutions to bring the relationship to a ous day, and the representative for the UMRC was should forgive debt owed by UMRC formal understanding. unable to return. Those recommendations are 1. UMRC should The Rev. Larry McCutcheon, Trinity UMC, By Allison Trussell remain a separately incorporated entity; 2. The con - Orangeburg, asked if we could have a financial ference should adopt a standing rule that allows the report. Rogers reported that as of June 3, debts FLORENCE – A committee formed at the 2010 appointment of the directors of the UMRC; 3. The totaled $753,671.35. Rogers read a brief fact sheet Annual Conference to study the relationship UMRC should revise its articles of incorporation outlining steps the center has taken and will be tak - between the conference and the struggling United and bylaws to bring them in compliance with the ing. Methodist Relief Center reported its work Saturday Book of Discipline ; 4. UMRC should continue to “We have been careful not to speak when we afternoon. assume responsibility for all administrative func - don’t have the authority,” Rogers reiterated. During the report, the body not only formalized tions to be completed no later than Aug. 31; and 5. With the Surrett motion before the body, discus - the relationship between UMRC and the conference, The UMRC should continue to repay the outstand - sion centered on whether the UMRC would be in but it also authorized the Council on Finance and ing balance owed to the conference. existence in a year. Administration to take a year to explore whether the The two resolutions clarify the relationship and It was supported, and the Culp amendment was conference should forgive the UMRC’s debt to the amend the standing rules. referred to CF&A. conference of more than $274,000. CF&A will The Rev. John Culp, pastor of Virginia Wingard With that action, the first resolution remained report its recommendation to Annual Conference UMC, Columbia, offered an amendment to the first before the body. It was supported. 2012. resolution that would forgive the debt of the With the second resolution to amend Standing The Rev. Tim Rogers, conference director of UMRC: “Forgive this debt, and pray it will continue Rules before the body, the Rev. Charles Johnson, clergy services, presented the sobering report, to survive.” Greenville District superintendent, asked whether beginning with a brief history and background Rogers asked for clarification that the amend - the body needed to take this up if the center would information. The committee comprised members of ment would only forgive the debt owed to the con - not be in existence. the UMRC board, annual conference leadership and ference, not all the debt owed by the center. “The reality is that that’s something we’ve dis - persons with no prior knowledge of UMRC. The Rev. David Surrett, vice chairman of CF&A, cussed. While we may think we may know what Two years ago Rogers and Jeff Barham, confer - suggested moving the motion to CF&A to study and next month may hold, the fact is we don’t,” Rogers ence chancellor, began conversations about sepa - report back to the 2012 Annual Conference: “How said. “We’ve done the work to get it in the proper rately incorporated ministries that the conference do we explain a hasty decision when our churches relationship, so we want to take action.” had helped create. Some of these ministries have are still struggling? Our reserves are limited. We do Discussion seemed to center around if the confer - issues with corporate structure that needed to be not feel we have been given adequate time to study ence would be responsible for debt if it appointed cleared up. It became apparent, Rogers said, that the and pray about this request.” board of trustees. first one that needed help was UMRC because of its The Rev. Katherine Hunter, pastor of Hibben Barham noted that the entity won’t be created, outstanding debt to the conference. That debt is UMC, Mount Pleasant, and vice chairperson of the and the conference is addressing appointment of more than $274,000, and the center continues to UMRC board of trustees, noted that the board is directors. face financial difficulties. facing some difficult decisions right now and things “When you appoint board of directors, you’re not Although the relationship between the UMRC will be done over the next few weeks. assuming the organization’s debt or profit,” Barham and the Annual Conference is understood by both “I’m not saying that forgiveness of the debt said, refusing to speculate on whether the confer - organizations, it was never clearly or formally docu - would enable us to move forward,” Hunter said. “I ence is currently liable. The resolution was support - mented. It was the committee’s goal to create a for - merely want to say that referring this to committee ed. mal relationship similar to one enjoyed by the col - for a year will probably have no effect on the situa - Rogers closed with this: “We want to acknowl - leges and retirement homes. Those entities are sepa - tion.” edge that this is not a happy moment for anyone. rately incorporated and handle their own finances, The Rev. Mike Rouse, Main Street UMC, Dillon, We all join in the joy of the ministry of this center. insurance and administrative work. asked if UMRC was facing bankruptcy and if so, The committee is made up of good smart people “Legally and financially, they are separate,” what impact that would have. Rogers responded that who came up with the best resolution and presented Rogers said. no one was available to answer that question. The it.” The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Annual Conference-July 2011, Page 15 ANNUAL CONFERENCE: Next year’s dates June 10-13 From Page 1 premiums for the hundreds of clergy force, immigration reform and support and conference employees across the for the Global AIDS Fund. All passed. state who receive benefits. But the plan changes the pharmacy benefit from a Delegates to General and fixed co-payment to a percentage co- Jurisdictional Conferences pay on any drug beyond a generic Tier Eighteen people (nine clergy, nine 1. People will pay a 25 percent co-pay laity) were elected to represent South on preferred Tier 2 brand-name drugs, Carolina at General Conference, which and a 30 percent co-pay on non-pre - is the UMC’s quadrennial legislative ferred Tier 3 drugs. gathering (see article, page 3). Eighteen For generic Tier 1 drugs, people will additional delegates were also elected pay a fixed-rate co-pay: $12 at a retail to represent the S.C. Conference at pharmacy and $20 for Medco by Mail Jurisdictional Conference. (a three-month supply). This year’s clergy delegation to Also, the board will offer an optional General Conference has more women high deductible plan (Health than it did a quadrennium ago – four From left, Bishop Taylor, Conference Secretary the Rev. Tim Rogers, Conference Reimbursement Arrangement) in 2012 women of the nine delegates (44.4 per - Parliamentarian the Rev. Tim McClendon and Head Teller the Rev. Kristen where the conference will fund Richardson-Frick. cent) this year compared to two women (Photo by Allison Trussell) $1,000/year, and participants can roll of the 10 delegates (20 percent) for the that money over to the next year with 2008 GC. no limit. Rumors were circulating on the floor “It’s looking at what the market will during Annual Conference that clergy - bear … so we can stabilize those pre - women had started a secret caucus to miums,” Lightsey said. Paraphrasing elect only women as General the Rev. David Anderson, conference Conference delegates. benefits office, Lightsey called it But that is far from the truth, said “putting a little of your skin in the pot.” the Rev. Diane Moseley. Stemming Huggins, who later presented a from a powerful and uplifting sister - motion on this during CF&A’s report, hood experience at the SEJ Clergy questioned whether delinquencies are Women’s Consultation in April in reported. Anderson said the conference Atlanta, South Carolina clergywomen is receiving 95 percent of billings, but did decide to come together and lift that over the last three years, there each other up, as well as try to get were about $1.3 million in delinquen - more women elected as delegates to cies. Huggins expressed great concern General Conference. But Moseley and CF&A Vice Chair the Rev. David Earline Ulmer and the Rev. Willie about the future of conference pensions others said there were no secret meet - Surrett presents the budget to the Teague speak about the new and benefit if “we don’t get a grip on body. Connectional Ministries structure. ings and they certainly did not vote (Photos by Jessica Connor) this.” only for women. of ANF. It reflects a total overall per - Ministries, comprising representatives “We think the delegation needs to be cent change of -1.3 percent from 2011 from each of the 12 new District Resolutions on immigration, representative of this diverse Annual to 2012. Connectional Ministries bodies organ - redistricting evaluation, more Conference, both in gender and in Surrett also explained that $5,000 in ized into four separate areas of ministry Immigration reform, redistricting race,” Moseley said. “This clergy dele - administrative costs prompted by the (discipleship, advocacy, outreach and evaluation, AIDS and other key pieces gation better represents the S.C. Annual redistricting task force resolution (see lay leadership). of legislation fueled much debate dur - Conference.” article, page 6) will be reflected in The Rev. Willie Teague, director of ing the five days of Annual As for the diversity of the whole del - moving $5,000 from the contingency Connectional Ministries, said the pri - Conference. And while lengthy debate egation this and last quadrennium: fund to the Administrative Committees’ mary purpose of the conference is to ensued on two of the three resolutions, 2008 GC, clergy: 10 delegates, 2 line item (CF&A Report 3) and will not make disciples for Jesus Christ by members of Annual Conference ulti - women, 3 African-Americans change the total budget. equipping its local churches for min - mately agreed to support them. (See 2012 GC, clergy: 9 delegates, 4 Surrett moved for the adoption of istry – which is precisely why the new article, page 6.) women, 3 African-Americans CF&A’s entire report. structure was created. Several other resolutions – on 2008 GC laity: 10 delegates, 7 The Rev. Bob Huggins proposed a “Until we do a good job at equip - United Methodist Volunteers in women, 3 African-Americans motion to form a task force that address ping … we should not be concerned Mission, funds in trustee custody and 2012 GC laity: 9 delegates, 3 churches that are 120 days delinquent with anything else,” Teague said. discontinued churches – also passed, women, 2 African-Americans on pension payments and health insur - “(With this new structure), we are ance, citing concerns that these delin - beginning not just a new process, but a Other highlights 2008 SEJ clergy: 10 delegates, 5 quencies could affect the future pro - new way of evaluating the effective - Rounding out the rest of Annual women, 2 African-Americans, 1 gram and the conference’s ability to ness of equipping and connecting local Conference were hearty worship serv - Hispanic meet future problems. churches for ministry, all to the glory ices led by the Revs. Jeff Kersey, 2012 SEJ clergy: 9 delegates, 5 The Rev. Sara White said the confer - of God.” Telley Gadson and Michael Turner (see women, 3 African-Americans ence benefits office and CF&A can The CCCM accepted without discus - pages 9-11); 2011 conference awards 2008 SEJ laity: 10 delegates, 5 deliver those reports without the finan - sion an amendment offered by the Rev. (see page 12); ordination service for women, 2 African-Americans cial expenditure and large body of Daniel Flessas that key actions and provisional or full deacons and elders 2012 SEJ laity: 9 delegates, 7 work involved in a task force. decisions made by conference boards, (see page 2); memorial service (see women, 3 African-Americans The motion failed. agencies, etc. be made available on the page 17) and service for clergy retirees Moments, later, the body approved conference website within two weeks, (see page 13). Budget the 2012 budget. excepting confidential matters. Annual Conference 2012 will be The body passed the conference’s The Rev. Fran Conley, Scranton held at the Florence Civic Center. $17,175,808 budget in barely more Connectional Ministries structure Charge pastor, asked how funding will Dates will return to the Sunday to than half an hour – and that included The body also approved a new struc - be implemented, and Teague explained Wednesday format and are June 10-13. time to debate and defeat a petition. ture for Connectional Ministries that it is already in the budget and was For more information about Annual Calling today’s economy “weak and designed to be better organized, better not increased over 2010 funding. Conference 2011, visit the conference far less dependable than in the past,” managed and ultimately more connec - The structure passed overwhelming - website at www.umcsc.org. Available Council on Finance and Administration tional. ly. are audio from teaching time sessions, Vice Chair the Rev. David Surrett told The new structure completely elected delegates, order forms for the body the 2012 budget was consider - changes the old model, which featured Pension and Health Benefits videos of the event, photos and ably more conservative than it has been a large Conference Council of Without much debate, the body also appointments. For questions about in the past. Connectional Ministries responsible for approved the report of the Board of other available media or for a copy of With a stated CF&A goal to move connecting local churches with the con - Pensions and Health Benefits. the memorial or retirement DVD, etc., the budget to 15 percent of total confer - ference. The new model creates a Represented by Chairman Herman contact Director of Communications ence average net funds by 2015, Surrett smaller, 100-member entity renamed Lightsey, the board presented a plan Matt Brodie at [email protected] or said the 2012 budget is 17.23 percent the Conference Connectional that enables no increase in insurance 803-786-9486, ext. 265. Page 16, Annual Conference-July 2011 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Scenes from the rest of Annual Conference

Members of the Bishop’s Cabinet lift up their voices in song during the proces - sional. (Photos by Jessica Connor and Allison Trussell)

Children participate in Camp Conference, low-cost child care offered for laity and clergy during the bulk of Annual Conference. Organized by the Rev. Elise Erikson Barrett, Camp Conference was available for infants to fifth graders at Central UMC.

The Rev. Candice Sloan, chaplain of Spartanburg Methodist College, carries SMC’s banner during the opening pro - cessional, followed by Marilyn Murphy, chair of the Advocate’s board, carrying the Advocate’s banner. Ordinands lift up their voices in song during the service.

Gilbert C. Hanke (at right, cen - Teller Michael Chapman, member of St. ter), top staff executive at the Paul’s Waccamaw UMC, Pawleys Island, lis - General Commission on UMM tens as business begins for the day. in Nashville, Tenn., brought a message on “Men Matter” to the Several offerings men during Annual Conference. were collected Here, Hanke stands with during Annual Conference UMM Past Conference, with President L.W. Smith III (left) funds helping and President Dale Sherrin. UMCOR disaster relief ($18,442.47), Imagine No Malaria ($12,869.22), youth scholar - ships ($13,581.48) and the S.C. Semin- ary Student Scholarship Fund ($14,001.53). This display, outside the Florence Civic Center, reminds Annual Conference mem - bers and random drivers to prayer for the struggles our world is facing today. At left, Kathleen Cramer, sen - ior and edu - cation major at Claflin University, spoke at conference about the importance of the Black College Fund. Not pictured: Carla Steele interprets the pro - Walter Lee. ceedings in sign language. The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Annual Conference-July 2011, Page 17 Service honors saints who have ‘finished their races’ By Jessica Connor

FLORENCE – Lifting up those saints who have finished their races and joined the Almighty in that great cloud above, the Rev. Hayes Gainey Jr. urged those left behind to push aside spiritual weights and keep our eye on the goal at the end. In his memorial service sermon at Annual Conference, Gainey praised the 37 souls who died since last Annual Conference, citing their ability to shrug off the weights of jealousy, hatred, ani - mosity and division to embrace Jesus Christ and the glory that awaits us. “They had some hard times and dif - ficult moments, but they finished their Soloist Sharanda Mulligan and the Edisto Fork UMC Choir “No matter how hard the road may get, if you keep your races,” Gainey said, senior pastor of lifts up the arena in song during the memorial service. eyes on Jesus, he will give you the strength you need to endure the race,” Gainey preached during the service. Edisto Fork United Methodist Church, (Photos by Jessica Connor) Orangeburg. “These saints have gone Camlin, Charles Smith Crenshaw, Lucy Ministers’ on before us, and now we’re here to Tedder Davis, Vernon Franklin Deese widows who finish our races .… One thing we must Sr., James Wylie Gosnell, Oliver have died do if we going to join them is we must Norwood Greer, Everett William since May 31, lay aside every weight that so easily Ishman Jr., Lawrence A. Kelly Jr., 2010: Gladys Members besets us.” Rueben Bunyan Marlowe, William B. Albert, pinned Gainey urged those gathered to let Robert Morris, Haskell Robert Helen S. messages the love of Christ within us dictate our Reynolds, Olyn D. Shytle, Michael L. Alsbrooks, and bells to memorial every action and decision, that in the Smith, Charles E. Sperry, Howard Betty Hudson banners in end the victory shall be ours. Durant Sweat, Bill Bragg Williams and Clark, Mar- honor of As a child, Gainey’s parents taught Clarence D. Williams. garet Burton the 37 peo - him that you must complete every task Honorary member who has died Hawkes and ple who you start. since May 31, 2010: Bishop James Justine died in the “We live in a society where many Samuel Thomas, who was born in McCants. last year. people start things but never finish South Carolina. Others who (Photo by them,” he said. “I want to submit to Allison Clergy spouses who have died since have died Trussell) you today that no matter what difficul - May 31, 2010: Carolyn Davis Bowling, since May 31, ties come your way, no matter how Mildred S. Brown, Camelia Washington 2010 are Judge hard the road may get, if you keep your Gibbs, Manning Josey Jr., Karolyn Reuben Clark and eyes on Jesus, he will give you the Keaton Owens and Sarah B. Scoggins. Walter S. Green III. strength you need to endure the race. You will finish it well.” Annual Conference mem - bers memorialized those lost in the past year with a remembrance video, candles, memorial banners and gospel music from Edisto Fork UMC Choir. In her opening prayer for the service, Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor praised before God these saints who “served well in the task that You gave them.” Active clergy who have died since the May 31, 2010 are the Revs. Cecile G. Jenkin, Edward Nunnery Taylor Jr. and Charles Brett Waller. Retired clergy who have died since May 31, 2010: the Revs. Louis Mason Adams, Paul A. Betsill, William Sterne Bolte, Cecil Martin Page 18, Annual Conference-July 2011 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate

2011 Ministerial Appointments

y authority of The Book of Discipline of The United Methodist Church I hereby fix these appointments for the South Carolina Annual Conference for the 2011-2012 conference year. As commissioned, licensed, consecrated or ordained members of the covenant of ministry, let us offer ourselves Bwithout reserve to the responsibilities and opportunities of these appointments.

Resident Bishop South Carolina Annual Conference June 12, 2011

ABBREVIATION KEY AF ...... Affiliate Member OE ...... Elder Member of other annual conference RA ...... Retired Associate Member AM ...... Associate Member OF ...... Full Member of other denomination RD ...... Retired Deacon in Full Connection DM ...... Diaconal Minister OP ...... Probationary Member of other annual conference RE ...... Retired Full Elder DR ...... Retired Diaconal Minister OA ...... Associate Member of other annual conference RL ...... Retired Local Pastor FD ...... Deacon in Full Connection PD ...... Probationary Deacon RP ...... Retired Provisional Member FE ...... Elder in Full Connection PE ...... Probationary Elder RSY ...... Retired PE, AM, or Full Member supplying a charge FL ...... Full-time Local Pastor PL ...... Part-time Local Pastor SY ...... Supply OD ...... Deacon Member of other annual conference PM ...... Probationary Member TBS ...... To Be Supplied

Anderson District WILLIAMSTON: CHARLESTON: Knightsville – Edgar B. Reynolds III 6 Fairfield– Carleathea M. Benson (PL) 2 Aldersgate – S. Aaron Meadows 2 Stallsville – David D. James 6 (48 charges, 75 churches) Grace-Pelzer – Marguerite “Kempie” Shepard 1 Asbury-St. James – Timothy G. Shaw (PL) 6 Summerville Parish – James R. Cannion 3 Susan Leonard-Ray, DS 2 Williamston Charge – Clara M. Gary (PL) 2 Bethany – Michael C. Walker 1 (Murray, Wesley) (New Golden Grove, Moores Chapel, St. James) Bethel – John L. Warren Jr. 2 Centenary – SY (Lorenzo Moses) 8 APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES ABBEVILLE: APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES Charleston Korean – TBS Within the Connection: Bells – Ed C. Marsh (RSY) 4 Within the Connection: Cherokee Place – Ellen A. Younker (RSY) 2 Hawkins, Lisa C. – Director, Charleston Wesley Grace – Jason G. Wilson 2 Leonard-Ray, Susan. – District Superintendent, Cokesbury – Charles A. Phillips 5 Foundation, Centenary, Charleston CC 11 Assistant – Mary Jane Shoemaker (PL) 2 Anderson District 2 Epworth – Richard F. Robinson Jr. (FL) 5 King, Judson – Congregational Specialist Connectional Main Street – Randy M. Taylor 6 Endorsed By Section of Chaplains/Related Ministries: Grace – Richard A. Broomall 2 Ministries, Bethany CC 4 Sharon-Smyrna – Frederick J. Shepard (PE) 1 Shugart, Steven L. – Senior Army Chaplain, SC National John Wesley – Gary D. Phillips 4 Parrish, Patricia J. – District Superintendent, Charleston ANDERSON: Guard, First Easley CC 2 Associate – Laura L. Canine 5 District 4 Anderson Circuit – Wade A. Wyatt Sr. (PL) 2 Other Valid Ministries: Midland Park – Leonard C. Ripley III (FL) 2 Endorsed by Section of Chaplains/Related Ministries: (Mount Pleasant, Mount Sinai, Emmanuel) Wolfe, Paige Matthews (PD) – Emory University Mount Carmel – Carlton J. McClam Sr. 2 Grant, George Henry – Director of Research in Faith Anderson Cooperative Parish – Kurt L. Stutler Hospital, Resident Chaplain 1 New Francis Brown – Harold G. Gordon 6 Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, Bethel CC 12 (OF)(346.2) (1/2) 1 ATTEND SCHOOL – None North Charleston – Wendy Hudson-Jacoby Moses, Lorenzo – Chief Chaplain, Ralph H. Johnson VA North Anderson Charge – Kurt L. Stutler (OF)(346.2) APPOINTED IN OTHER ANNUAL CONFERENCES (OE)(346.1) 1 Medical Center, Centenary CC 18 (1/2) 1 Walley, Erin (PD) – Minister of Christian Education, First Old Bethel – Timothy J. Bowman 6 Rowell, Eldridge – Chaplain, Medical University of South SY (Scottie Bramlett) 1 UMC, Glen Ellyn, IL 2 St. Andrews – Robert C. Barrett 5 Carolina, Friendship CC 4 SY (Carol Burdette) 1 LEAVE OF ABSENCE St. Mark – Scarlett T. Hester 3 Other Valid Ministries: (John Wesley, Toxaway, Sandy Springs, Bethel) Pearce, Roger Wayne 3 Director of Christian Education – Jackie Harris Jeffries, Nicholas A. (FD) – Camp Chestnut Ridge, South Anderson Charge – Donald G. Upson (FL) 1 FAMILY LEAVE – None Mitchell Ratledge (FD) (1/2) 9 Program Director, Efland, NC, Bethlehem-Prospect Karen L. Upson (PL) 1 SABBATICAL LEAVE – None Trinity – Daniel Flessas 2 CC 5 SY (James Bates) 1 TRANSITIONAL LEAVE – None Washington – William M. Wrighten (PL) 1 White Jr., Charles L. – National Director of Field (Ebenezer, Marshall Memorial, INCAPACITY LEAVE Wesley – George A. McClenan 10 Operations, NAACP, Wesley, Hollywood CC 12 Orrville, Homeland Park) Mitchell, Paul 2 CROSS: APPOINTED TO ATTEND SCHOOL – None New Hope – Joyce G. Murphy 3 Petry, Scott 1 Cross – Barbara L. Reid 1 APPOINTED IN OTHER ANNUAL CONFERENCES – None St. John’s – Dan L. Batson 2 RETIREMENT (Jerusalem, Zion) LEAVE OF ABSENCE Thompson Centennial-Bethlehem – Henry Ravenel Sr. Retired Ministers: Friendship – SY (Reggie Rowell) 2 Teagan, Deborah Luther 2 (FL) 7 Ashmore, E. Warren Greater St. Paul – Alfonza Jones Sr. (FL) 4 FAMILY LEAVE Trinity – Paul D. Frey 5 Bowling Jr., Ralph T. EDISTO ISLAND: Barrett, Mary Elise – St. Andrews Parish CC 5 Zion – Shawn G. Armstrong 1 Carlisle, Robert N. Wesley Memorial-Edisto Island – J. Scott Efird 2 Smith, David S. 1 BELTON: Claytor, Robert B. FOLLY BEACH: SABBATICAL LEAVE – None Latimer Memorial – D. Jeffery Roper (FL) 3 Cleasby, Bruce Folly Beach-St. John’s – Alice L. Deal 6 INCAPACITY LEAVE Union Grove – Howard D. Addis 5 Cox, H. Michael GOOSE CREEK: Taylor, Marvin 2 CALHOUN FALLS: Ethridge, Bobbie R. (FD) Goose Creek – Frances Debra Dowdle (AM) 12 RETIREMENT Calhoun Falls – Franklin D. McCoy (RSY) 2 Eubanks, Robert L. St. James – Anthony Hodge 8 Retired Ministers: CENTRAL: Farley, William B. HOLLYWOOD: Alewine, James Edwin Mount Zion – Kurt A. McPherson (PE) 4 Ferguson, Clifford, F. Ravenel – R. Glenn Davis Sr. (RSY) 7 Anderson, William F. (RL) CLEMSON: Ford, Julian R. Wesley – Keith Hunter 3 Blackwell, Theodore E. (RL) Clemson – Keith D. Ray II 2 Franklin, E. Herbert HUGER: Blocker, R. Richard Associate – Patrick H. Kelley (PL) 6 Freeman, John M. St. Thomas Charge – Steven L. Love 2 Boone Jr., John D. Campus Minister – C. Lane Glaze (OE)(346.1) 11 Hartsell, Franklin D. Associate – JoAnn Garrett (PL) 2 Brinson Sr., Barry F. (RL) Lawrence Chapel – Peggy J. Garland 1 Holroyd, Thomas W. (New Hope, Stewart Chapel, Zion) Brisbon, David A. DUE WEST: Keller, A. LeRoy ISLE OF PALMS: Busch, George P. Gilgal-Shiloh – Jonathan W. Donnald (PL) 2 Lewis, Sinclair E. First – David C. Surrett 6 Cash, H. Carroll (RL) EASLEY: McAuley, Robert E. JAMESTOWN: Clendaniel, Donald Arial-Tabor – Roger M. Gwinn (PL) 8 Mainous, Edward L. Jamestown – David N. Phillips (PL) 3 Cubie, James (RL) Bethesda – Cyrus D. Rogers 11 Marsh, Ed C. (Mount Zion, New Hope, St. James) Davis, Gloria R. Easley Charge – Velma M. Haywood 4 Marsh, Eileen C. JOHNS ISLAND: Davis Sr., R. Glenn (RA) (Easley Chapel, John Wesley) Medlin, Anthony Steele Johns Island Parish – Angelin J. Simmons 10 Derrick, Barbara A. Fairview-St. Paul – L. Daniel Mason (PL) 1 Murphy, A. Wesley Associate – Tony B. Richardson Sr.(PL) 1 Duffie Jr., George S. First Church – James L. Correll Jr. 6 Nicholson, Joseph R. (Bethlehem, New Webster, St. James) Edwards, Annette C. Minister of Programs – Ronald E. Bentley (FD) 5 Norris, Robert J. Wesley – Cathy D. Mitchell 1 Fender, Genevieve M. (RL) St. Andrew – Barry W. Cannon 4 Owens, George C. LADSON: Fowler, F. Barney Zion – H. Michael Cox (RSY) 3 Padgett, Clarence D. Wesley – Julius L. McDowell 3 Gibbs, Sr., Joe (RL) HONEA PATH: Patterson, Stanley B. McCLELLANVILLE: Graham, J. Arthur Chiquola-Donalds – Phillip E. Stout (RSY) 2 Pridgen, Joseph W. Sewee Santee Charge – James O. Harper (RSY) 5 Harper, James O. Trinity – William N. Harper 5 Quarles, Calvin (RL) (McClellanville, Ocean Grove, Wren’s Chapel) Hendricks, J. Kirkwood IVA: Ray, Jack E. MONCKS CORNER: Holler, Adlai C. Bethel-Ruhamah – Joe D. Durham (PL) 1 Shattuck Sr., Leslie J. Centenary – Darlene M. Richardson (PL) 2 Hughes, Elizabeth C. Brenda W. Durham (PL) 1 Stillwell, Robert E. Cordesville – Joseph Lee Hagler (PL) 10 Hughes, Jessie Clark LIBERTY: Stout, Phillip E. Joshua – Mae Frances Taylor 6 Ivey, Ruth Ann (FD) Liberty – J. Scott Cloninger 2 Thompson, Leon E. Moncks Corner – T. Lee Bryant Jr. 3 Jefferson, Ethel Gethers PENDLETON: Thompson, Morris C. Smyrna – Larry D Rodeffer (RSY) 1 Johnson, Franklin H. Pendleton – Ben L. Barnett 6 Treaster, Fred N. MOUNT PLEASANT: Knight, Norman Lee (RA) Pendleton Charge – Calvin L. Smith 5 Vandiver, Michael L. Hibben – James C. Hunter 5 Locklair, Josephine M. (Bethel, Central) Woodham, Scott Kathryn O. Hunter 5 McFadden, Vivian PICKENS: Retired Missionaries: None Point Hope – Walter J. Cantwell (PE) 1 Mills, F. David Grace – Jimmy W. Dillard 3 DIACONAL MINISTRY PINOPOLIS: Myers, John David Mount Bethel-Porter’s Chapel – Donald E. Alexander Jr. Diaconal Ministers: Pinopolis – James A. Grubb 2 Nix, A. Robert (FL) 8 Brashear, Carolyn Elaine – Program Director, Director of Wesley – Lee C. Bines 6 Rodeffer, Larry William PIEDMONT: Christian Education, Trinity CC 14 RIDGEVILLE: Rogers-Berry, Richard Shiloh – Perry D. Evatt 2 Retired Diaconal Ministers: Lebanon Charge – Janice L. Mabey (FL) 2 Seignious, Richard E. SALEM: Fuhr, Ann Barton – Lawrence Chapel CC 9 (Lebanon, Spring Hill) Stanton, Talmadge Salem – J. Timothy Whited (PL) 5 DEACONESSES New Hope – Randall W. Horres (FL) 3 Stockman, Roy M. SENECA: Active: ST. STEPHEN: Sumter, Wendell W. (RL) Ann Hope- Friendship – Joyce S. Hendry (FL) 2 Edens, Mary Lou – Deaconess for Local Mission, Tracey Bethel – Cindy S. Shaw (PL) 2 Tanner, Robert W. New Harmony-Robinson Chapel – Redonia M. Thomas Jackson Program of G.I.F.T., Main Street, Abbeville Mount Nebo – Shirley Williams Dingle (FL) 10 Williams, John (PL) 2 CC 10 St. Stephen Charge – Bonnie F. Miller (PL) 5 Wilson Jr., Harlan E. St. Mark – Steven D. Morgan 11 Retired: None (Rehoboth, St. Stephen) Wilson, Rufus L. (RL) Minister of Congregational Care – Jeffrey W. Childress New Light – Rufus L. Snowden (AM) 3 Younker, Ellen A. (FD) 7 Jehovah – Mary A. Snowden (PL) 3 Retired Missionaries: None STARR: Charleston District SUMMERVILLE: DIACONAL MINISTRY Starr Charge – Ralph T. Bowling Jr. (RSY) 6 New Church Start - Ashley Ridge – Jennifer L. Diaconal Ministers: None (Hebron, Starr) (62 charges, 79 churches) Williams 3 Retired Diaconal Ministers: None Bethany – Robert J. Howell Jr. 14 TOWNVILLE: Patricia J. Parrish, DS 4 DEACONESSES Dickson Memorial – Paul M. Cheezem Sr. 2 Associate – Mark E. Fentress (OE)(346.1) 6 Active: None WALHALLA: Associate – Adriane M. McGee 3 Retired: None St. Luke-Zion – Richard H. Reams (PE) 2 Associate – Stephen P. Simoneaux, Jr. (PE) 1 WESTMINSTER: BONNEAU: Boone Hill – Kelli W. Taylor 2 Double Springs-Rock Springs – Ronald J. Massey (PL) 7 Berkeley Circuit – William M. Burke (PL) 8 Enoch Chapel-Grove Hall Hopewell – Earl H. Gunsallus (RLOE) 7 (Berea, Eccles) (Enoch Chapel) – Victoria Richardson (PL) 7 Westminster-Chicopee – Edward L. Mainous (RSY) 17 Ebenezer-Hood’s Chapel – William H. Tanner (FL) 3 (Grove Hall) – Virginia B. Stafford (PL) 8 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Annual Conference-July 2011, Page 19

Washington Street CC 17 Cumberland – J. Jeannetté Cooper 10 McGuirt, Milton L. Middleton, Nichole – Chaplain, Federal Bureau of Highland Park – Raymond Paul Litts 5 McLeod, Edward C. (RL) Columbia District Prisons, Bennettsville, SC, Trenholm Road CC 2 Liberty-Friendship – William H. McCown III 5 Mills III, Grady W. (RD) (58 charges; 66 churches) Williams, Robert T. – Chaplain, U.S. Navy, Virginia Mars Bluff – Darren J. McClam (PL) 2 Moore, Hurd (RL) William Timothy McClendon, DS 6 Wingard Memorial CC 25 (Mount Zion, Bowers Chapel) Phelps, Kenneth W. Wood, Mary Kay (FD) – Chaplain, Agape Hospice, Pisgah – James Michael Arant 2 Pietila, Thomas C. Bereavement Coordinator, Main Street CC 3 Quinby-Bethsaida – Gerald L. Truluck (FL) 7 Poston, Joseph A (RA) BLYTHEWOOD: Other Valid Ministries: St. Paul – G. Dane Moorehead 6 Sellers, John A. (RA) Trinity – Catherine Jamieson-Ogg 11 Kennerly, Kenneth R. – Counselor V.A. Medical Center Salem – Joyce M. Chiles 1 Smiley, John C. (RL) Associate – Scott M. Bratton 4 Addiction Treatment Unit, Columbia, Trinity, West Tabernacle-Dawsey – Richard Reber Howell Jr. (1/2) 3 Stullenbarger, Harry R. Upper Richland Charge – Kerrie Ann Plump (FL) 2 Columbia CC 32 Wesley – Ernest W. Frierson (PL) 1 Thomas, John Pinckney (RL) (Beulah, Oak Grove) APPOINTED TO ATTEND SCHOOL – None GABLE: Wagnon III, Leon L. Zion – Debbie H. Miller (PL) 5 APPOINTED IN OTHER ANNUAL CONFERENCES Lewis Chapel-Zoar – John M. Bauknight 4 Watson, Jerry M. CHAPIN: Compton, Dawn McGahee (FD) – Minister to Children, GREELEYVILLE: Williams, G. DeVere (RA) Chapin – Joseph D. Flowers 11 Timberlake UMC, Lynchburg, VA, Ashland CC 1 Greeleyville-Lane – Harry R. Stullenbarger (RSY) 8 Wilson, Willie COLUMBIA: Fowler, Vivia L. (FD) – Dean and Vice President of Greeleyville Parish – Richard McClary (PL) 5 Retired Missionaries: None Asbury Memorial – Stephen M. McCormick 2 Academic Affairs, Wesleyan College, Macon, GA, (Wilson Chapel, Long Branch) DIACONAL MINISTRY Ashland – Joel R. Jones 11 Main Street CC 4 Mount Vernon – C. Nicholas Lyerly (PL) 3 Diaconal Ministers: Bethel – Henry M. Davis IV 3 APPOINTED IN OTHER METHODIST DENOMINATIONS – HEMINGWAY: Mills, William B. – Minister of Music, Central CC 31 Bluff Road – Leatha W. Brown 4 None Ebenezer-Old Johnsonville – William H. Bynum 2 Retired Diaconal Ministers: None College Place – Tiffany D. Knowlin 4 LEAVE OF ABSENCE First – Milton L. McGuirt (RSY) 4 DEACONESSES Columbia Korean – Luke MoonTaeg Rhyee (PE) 3 Lee, Young In “David” 2 Good Hope – Carolyn R. Malphrus 1 Active: None Epworth Memorial – Megan S. Gray 5 FAMILY LEAVE – None JOHNSONVILLE: Retired: None Fair Lawn – Donald R. Brown (FD/FL) 4 SABBATICAL LEAVE – None Johnsonville – Miriam J. Graham Hadden 2 Francis Burns – Thomas J. Bowman Sr. 3 TRANSITIONAL LEAVE – None Johnsonville Circuit – Richard C. Jayroe (PL) 14 Associate – Sheila L. Elliott 3 INCAPACITY LEAVE (Brown’s Chapel, Trinity, Vox Memorial) Greenville District Grace – Rebecca M. Wilkins 1 Pope, Lewis Carroll – Fair Lawn CC 9 JORDAN: Greene Street – William B. Gray 7 Dodds, Roger – Mount Pleasant CC 6 Jordan – Carl F. Ritter II 4 (57 charges; 72 churches) I. DeQuincey Newman – Joseph A. Wilson II (FL) 9 White, Toni L. 2 (Jordan, Union, Bethlehem) Charles L. Johnson Sr., DS 8 Journey – George A. Ashford 5 RETIREMENT KINGSTREE: Lebanon – Mark F. Williams (OF)(346.2) 2 Retired Ministers: Elijah – Kay A. Best 2 Main Street – Joe Cal Watson 10 Adams, James C. Friendship – Anna G. Miller 2 EASLEY: Mill Creek-McLeod – Sharon L. Long (PL) 1 Aiken, Clyde M. Jeremiah-Mount Seal – Geneva G. Stafford 8 North Easley Charge – James McCoy Bruce 8 Mount Pleasant-St. Luke – Reginald D. Wilson (PL) 3 Alexander, Robert E. Jerusalem-St. Luke – Benjamin Graham (PL) 2 (Dacusville, Antioch) Northeast – David W. Day 2 Alley, Joseph W. Kennedyville – Lindora F. James (PL) 3 FORK SHOALS: Rehoboth – Douglas O. Benton Jr. (OA) 1 Barnes Jr., Rudolph C. (RL) Kingstree – Joe L. Blackwelder 2 Lebanon – Patricia Diane Boyer (PL) 2 Shandon – Michael L. Guffee, Sr. 14 Bauknight, Bill Kingstree Circuit – James D. Marchant (PL) 2 Pisgah-Oak Hill – Bryant Allen Burden (FL) 2 Associate – Allen D. Wolfe 1 Bell, Michael C. (Millwood, Cedar Swamp, Beulah) FOUNTAIN INN: Associate – Julie S. Belman (PE) 3 Bigelow, Archie R. Kingstree East – William S. James (AM) 2 Trinity – David C. Taylor 5 St. James – Neal “Lex” McDonald (HL/PL) (359.2) 1 Borom, W. Robert (Asbury, Bethel) GRAY COURT: St. John – Rudolph C. Barnes Jr. (RL) 12 Branch, Charles S. Mount Zion – Jack C. Washington 6 Bramlett-Owings – Renee K. Garrison 4 St. Mark – Daniel S. Burbage 6 Britt, W. Donald St. Mary – Larry McCray (PL) 3 Dials-Shiloh – Forest D. Mixon 12 Suber Marshall Memorial – Phil H. Reynolds (PL) 2 Brooks, Boyce F. St. Michael – Samuel B. Cooper (RSY) 2 Gray Court-Trinity – Fred Treaster (RSY) 2 Trenholm Road – R. Wayne Horne 5 Buff Jr., L.H. St. Paul – James Charles Lane 4 Green Pond – Michelle D. Cockcroft (PE) 2 Associate – Mollie L. Bame 6 Buie, Franklin B. LAKE CITY: GREENVILLE: Director of Music – Sarah T. Fletcher (FD) 3 Bynum Jr., F. Bundy Lake City – Samuel Earle Marcengill 1 Aldersgate – W. Michael Bruce 5 Virginia Wingard Memorial – John W. Culp 7 Carlson, W. Paul Lake City Circuit – William H.D. Bowser Jr. 5 Associate – Carol D. Allison 5 Washington Street – William R. Childs 2 Carter, Lemuel C. (St. John, St. Luke, Ninevah) Berea Friendship – David A. Brown 2 Associate – Evelyn C. Middleton (RSY) 4 Clary, Carl D. Lake Point – Jerry L. Dicks (PL) 5 Bethel (West Greenville) – Laura H. Whitt (PL) 3 Wesley – John B. Dicks Sr. 6 Cooper, Wiley Mount Beulah – William T. Dargan 1 Buncombe Street – Jerry E. Temple 5 Wesley Memorial – Jeri Katherine Warden (FL) 2 Cothran, Lee J. Wesley Chapel – Jerry Louis Gadsden 6 Associate – Joseph D. Cate 1 Whaley Street – Noble F. Miller (RSY) 7 Cox, Albert L. LYNCHBURG: Minister of Education – Gayle Jordan Quay Windsor – Anthony S. Rowell 5 Culp, Karin Bascom Lynchburg Charge – Jimmy M. Ridenhour (FL) 19 (OD)(331.8) 15 ELGIN: DeDonato, David M. (Lynchburg, St Luke, Trinity) Minister of Adult Ministries – William Grover Putnam West Kershaw – Joanne Lockard-Hawkins (FL) 2 Dunn, Charles L. Lynchburg Parish – Blondell S. Miller (FL) 2 (FD) 11 (Ebenezer, Salem, Smyrna) Edwards, Charlie A. Associate – Cheryl G. Johnson (PL) 1 Director of Social Ministries and Mission Outreach – GILBERT: Ellis Jr., Edgar H. (Warren Chapel, New Haven, Jerry M. Hill (FL) 12 Beulah – Robert E. Dunn 4 Evans, John D. St. Paul-Wisacky, St. Paul-Elliott) Christ – Larry G. Smith (PL) 11 Gilbert – Linda B. Dunn 4 Evans, William F. MANNING: Disciples – Debra Griffis-Woodberry 6 (Gilbert, Rehoboth) Frazier, Joseph Manning – Paul A. Hutchison 2 Dunean-Brandon – Andria S. Cantrell (PL) 4 Pond Branch – Michael S. Bingham 2 Gadsden, James S. MORRISVILLE: East Greenville – Christopher Lee Thompson (FL) 1 Shiloh – Kenneth R. Colton 6 Griffin, M. Kathryn St. Paul – Franklin D. James (PL) 11 (Wesley Chapel, Allen View) IRMO: Gunn, James H. NEW ZION: Esperanza Mission Congregation – Enrique R. Gordon Salem – D. Mitch Houston 6 Harmon, Samuel K. New Zion – Gregg S. Varner (FL) 2 (FL) 3 Shady Grove – Robert M. Vincent 2 Holmes, Eugene C. (New Zion, Trinity) Francis Asbury – Donna Lollis (FL) 1 Union – William H. Phillips 9 Hutchins, Charles A. (FD) OLANTA: Greenville Parish – Brenda R. Washington (PL) 3 Associate – Joel W. McMakin 5 Jones, Phil M. Nazareth– David W. Canine (PL) 2 (Minus Chapel, New Beginnings Mission) LEXINGTON: Jones, Thom C. PAMPLICO: John Wesley – Robin Dease 4 Boiling Springs – Robert D. Reeves 6 Kinnett, William R. Bethlehem – O. Julius Hadden 2 Laurens Road – Laura R. Bratton (PE) 1 Faith – W. Donald Britt (RSY) 7 Knowles-Tuell, James Pamplico – Emmanuel Bruce Adams 5 McBee Chapel-St. John – SY (Charles T. Owens) 13 Lexington – Kenneth D. Owens 2 Laney, Sterling S. (Pamplico, Prospect) Monaghan – Robert Keely (PL) 2 Associate – Miyoung Paik 13 Lare, Marvin I. PINEWOOD: Northside – Elizabeth A. Thompson 4 Director of Christian Education – Ruth H. Arant (FD) 23 Lazar, Julian Pinewood – Randall Lynn Haase (OE)(346.1) 1 Piedmont Park – Paul David Wilmer (PL) 1 Mount Horeb – Jeffrey G. Kersey 18 Linder, Alice D. (Pinewood, Paxville, Andrews Chapel) Salem – Christine M. Matthews 5 Associate – Brian T. Rainwater (OE)(346.1) 9 Long, Happy W.L. SCRANTON: South Greenville – Cassandra P. Jackson 5 Associate – Faye J. Stephens 3 Massey, Reese Scranton-St. John – Frances S. Connell (FL) 2 (Bethlehem, Laurel Creek) Red Bank – W. Russell Freeman 1 Matthews, Carolyn (Scranton, St John) St. Mark – Rance Sprayberry (RL) 4 WEST COLUMBIA-CAYCE: McEachern, Theodore B. SHILOH: St. Matthew – Cameron Y. Treece 8 Brookland – J. Wayne Smith 2 McKeown, Robert E. Shiloh – Pattie E. Gordon 2 St. Paul – Murray A. Snow (PE) 2 Cayce – Michael B. Henderson 8 McWilliams, Edward L. (Asbury, St. John) Trinity – Charles E. Summey Jr. 3 Associate – Susan D. Culler 3 Middleton, Evelyn C. SUMMERTON: GREER: Mount Hebron – Lawrence F. Hays Jr. 4 Miller Jr., Noble F. Summerton – Randall Eugene Bowers (FL) 3 Jackson Grove – John Rush (RSY) 8 Associate – Mandy T. Young 4 Montes, Grace Lovell TIMMONSVILLE: Covenant – Darren C. Hook 5 Minister of Counseling – Kenneth W. Barwick 29 Moore II, Raymond L. Mount Zion – Louise B. Wright (PL) 2 Associate – Linda M. Guthrie (PE) 3 Platt Springs – Rebecca J. Shirley 2 Morris, Franklin D. St. Luke – Jimmie W. Duncan (PL) 24 Faith – Laura Bessent-Price (PL) 1 Shiloh – John Jordan (PL) 6 Nates, James H. Timmonsville-Salem – Thomas R. Bailey 2 Few’s Chapel – Joseph L. Cole (RL) 1 Trinity – Phil C. Lavender 2 Nelson, Jerry P. TRIO: Grace- Zoar – Linda J. McNatt 3 New Church Start - West Columbia Hispanic Ministry – Nichols Jr., George H. Trio – TBS Greer Circuit – Tarnishia V. Jenkins-Jackson (PE) 2 Emily S. Sutton (PE) 2 Pearson, John C. (Trio, Earle, Sutton) (Bethel, St. Paul) WINNSBORO: Pfeiffer, Charles G. TURBEVILLE: Greenville Korean Mission – Chang-Hoon Jeong Fairfield Circuit – Terry A. Roof (FL/FD) 2 Reese Jr., Fred M. Turbeville – John Patrick Bolin 3 (OE)(346.1) (1/2) 6 (Bethel, Cedar Creek, Monticello) Ruth, E. Devon (Pine Grove, Shiloh) Liberty Hill-Woods Chapel – C. Davon Harrelson (FL) First, Winnsboro – J. Bart Sistare III 3 Spears, R. Wright UNION: 2 Gordon Memorial-Greenbrier – Walter C. Ballenger III 5 Simmons, Colin E. Union-Elim Charge – Andrea M. Davis (FL) 1 Memorial – Arthur H. Holt 8 Steil, W. Edwin (Union, Elim) Mountain View – Judith A. Alford 2 APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES Summers, Thomas A. Sharon – Matthew L. Yon 4 Within the Connection: Walter, Ted H. APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES Slater – Joel Andrew Watson (PL) 2 Anderson, David L. – Executive Assistant Pension and Watson, J. Austin Within the Connection: Victor – Leslie E. Gardner (PL) 9 Benefits (Conference Benefits Officer), Main Street Way, Robert B. Howell Jr., Richard Reber – Director, Francis Marion MAULDIN: CC 7 Westerkam, Diana C. Wesley Foundation (1/2) 3 Mauldin – Clarence E. Kanipe Jr. 5 Arant, James S. (FD) – Congregational Specialist Williams, J. Tom Friday, James L. – District Superintendent, Florence PIEDMONT: Connectional Ministries, Lexington CC 23 Williams Jr., Thomas M. District 4 Augusta Road – Christopher M. Lollis 1 Brum, Sonia – Congregational Specialist Hispanic Retired Missionaries: None Endorsed By Section of Chaplains/Related Ministries: Piedmont – Justin M. Gilreath (FL) 6 Coordinator, Mount Hebron CC 9 DIACONAL MINISTRY Morrison, David Todd – Chaplain, United States Army, SIMPSONVILLE: Gramling, Roger M. – President, S.C. United Methodist Diaconal Ministers: Highland Park CC 3 Advent – Michael C. Wolfe 2 Foundation, Ashland CC 27 Brandes, Laurie G. – Minister of Christian Education, Other Valid Ministries: None Bethel-Ebenezer – Nellie C. Cloninger 1 Henry-Crowe, Susan – Dean of the Chapel & Religious Epworth Memorial UMC, Asbury Memorial CC 19 APPOINTED TO ATTEND SCHOOL – None Hopewell – Christopher E. Arries 3 Life, Emory University, Wesley CC 21 Retired Diaconal Ministers: APPOINTED IN OTHER ANNUAL CONFERENCES – None Simpsonville – Nelson L. Stokes 5 Holler, John E. – President and CEO, Epworth Carter, R. Fletcher, Virginia Wingard CC LEAVE OF ABSENCE Director of Children’s Ministries – Deana Gentry Children’s Home, Trenholm Road CC 6 Quackenbush, Lillian – College Place CC Allen, Barry A., St. Paul, Florence CC 4 (FD) (1/2) 2 McClendon, William Timothy – District Superintendent, Walker, Cheryl – Wesley CC FAMILY LEAVE – None Minister of Education and Volunteer Ministries – Columbia District, Washington Street CC 6 Watson, Carol Hart, Main Street CC SABBATICAL LEAVE – None Patricia Gannaway (FD) 10 Moseley, Diane A. – Executive Director of Killingsworth, DEACONESSES INCAPACITY LEAVE TAYLORS: Lexington CC 36 Active: None Hatchell, Sandra Harden 1 Lee Road – Lloyd E. White 4 Nelson, Kenneth L. – Congregational Specialist for Retired: None TRANSITIONAL LEAVE – None St. Mark-St. Matthew – Janice Frederick-Watts 4 African-American Ministries, Francis Burns CC 5 RETIREMENT TRAVELERS REST: Rogers, Timothy J. – Coordinator of Clergy Services, Retired Ministers North Greenville – Keith Taylor (PE) 4 Trenholm Road CC 7 Florence District Adams, Gary B. (RA) Travelers Rest – George W. Scott 2 Taylor, J. Russell (OE)(346.1) – Director of Bailey, Donald R. (61 charges; 99 churches) WOODRUFF: Congregational Development 7 Barr, Willie Joe (RL) Emma Gray – Amy D. Bratton 3 Teague, Willie S. – Director, S.C. Conference James L. Friday, DS 4 Bradley, James M. Grace – John P. Callahan (RSY) 8 Connectional Ministries, Washington Street CC 8 Bragdon, Dannye O. Wall, Tom H. – Director, Wesley Foundation, USC, Brown, Jonathan (RA) APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES Washington St. CC 22 CADES: Brown, Matthew C. Within the Connection: Endorsed by Section of Chaplains/Related Ministries: Bethesda – Robert L. Shuler 6 Brunson, Ashley C. Childers, R. Clayton – Program Director, Annual Chong, Yu Fong – Chaplain, Agape Senior Community, Cades-Cameron – Gusta Ger Ganes (PL) 2 Cooper, Samuel B. Conference Relations GBCS, Emma Gray CC 11 Ashland CC 7 Faith – Donald E. McAllister, Sr. (FL) 5 Cousar, George Raymond (RA) Dawsey, James M. – Professor, Emory and Henry Collier, Elizabeth Jane – Coordinator Chaplain, Center Hebron-Cades – Tommy Tucker (PL)(1/2) 1 Cox, G. W. Farrell College, Oak Hill CC 14 for Spiritualcare, Alexian Brothers Med. Ctr., Elk (Hebron, Pergamos, Bethesda) Gibbons, W. Murray Joens, Cathy Louise W. (FD) – Congregational Grove Village, IL, Union CC 8 COWARD: Graham, Iverson Specialist, Covenant CC 3 Dixon, Walter – Chaplain, Presbyterian Hospital, New St. Paul-Coward – John M. Altman (PL) 7 Graham, L. Junior (RA) Johnson Sr., Charles L. – District Superintendent, York, Asbury Memorial CC 4 FLORENCE: Kaney, Ralph S. Greenville District 8 Evans, John D. – Pastoral Counseling, Licensed Central – Stephen P. Taylor 2 McClam, Louis J. McCutcheon, Edward – Director, Wesley Foundation, Marriage and Family Therapist, Columbia, Cynthia C. Taylor 2 McFadden, Roosevelt M. Furman University 4 Page 20, Annual Conference-July 2011 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate

Endorsed By Section of Chaplains/Related Ministries: NEWBERRY: Good Hope Wesley Chapel – Thurmond Williams (FL) 2 Waddell III, Howard S. Gillespie, Steven D. – Staff Counselor and Coordinator, Central – Karen H. Radcliffe 4 Lyttleton Street – Steve Allen Patterson 1 Watry, Philip N. Middle Tennessee Pastoral Counseling Center, Epting Memorial-Lebanon Charge – Fred Vance St. Paul – Franklin R. Garrett 6 Wechsler, Christine MacDonald Memorial CC 15 Buchanan Jr. 1 West Camden – Debra Anderson-Joe (PL) 3 Wright, Virgil G. Hayhurst, Michael – United States Air Force Chaplain 2 Lewis Memorial – James Counts Jr. (PL) 2 (Rockspring, St. Peter) Retired Missionaries: None Other Valid Ministries: O’Neal Street-Ebenezer Charge – Richard C. Goldie CHERAW: DIACONAL MINISTRY McCoy-Bruce, Ashley N. – Upstate Gleaning (PL) 2 Cheraw Parish – Wyatt Clifton Minton III 2 Diaconal Ministers: None Coordinator – Society of Saint Andrew (1/2) 2 Trinity-New Chapel Charge – Hugh J. Bickley (RSY) 10 (Bethel, Mount Zion, Wesley) Retired Diaconal Ministers: None APPOINTED TO ATTEND SCHOOL – None NINETY SIX: First Church – Paul Ariel Wood Jr. 4 DEACONESSES APPOINTED IN OTHER ANNUAL CONFERENCES – None Cambridge – Daniel R. Smyth (FL) 2 Mount Olivet-Pleasant Grove – Billy Lee Lynch Jr. 2 Active: None LEAVE OF ABSENCE St. Paul – Philip E. Chandler 4 Wilkes Chapel-Bethesda – SY (Charles Ronnie Retired: None Matthews, Mary Katherine Brown – Mauldin CC 6 NORTH AUGUSTA: Caulder) 17 SABBATICAL LEAVE – None Grace – James D. Dennis 2 CHESTERFIELD: INCAPACITY LEAVE Associate – Ryan Greasor Spurrier (PE) 1 Chesterfield Parish – James Elbert Williams (PL) 1 Marion District Hatchell, James W. 1 POMARIA: (Mount Tabor, Wesley Chapel) James, Jerry 3 Mount Pleasant – Marian W. Dyer (PE) 5 Shiloh – Debra A. Armstrong 1 (56 charges; 95 churches) Pearce, Pricilla F. 2 Pomaria Charge – Suzanne Byrum Walker (PL) 2 St. Paul – Rebecca J. Huguley 6 Richard H. Knight, DS 2 FAMILY LEAVE – None (Caper’s Chapel – New Hope) Zoar – Lawrence Allen Watson 2 TRANSITIONAL LEAVE – None PROSPERITY: DARLINGTON: RETIREMENT Wightman – Michael A. Turner 5 Indian Branch-Twitty – Philip N. Watry (RSY) 1 Retired Ministers: Zion – Lowry Tressler Drennen 5 New Providence – Roberta C. Brown Josey 17 ANDREWS: Bedenbaugh, Eugene H. RIDGE SPRING Pine Grove-Epworth – John Melvin Bell (FL) 2 Trinity – David D. Marcy 2 Brown, Barry L. Ridge Spring Charge – SY (John E. Kneece) 17 Shiloh – Judith A. Knox (PE) 2 AYNOR: Callahan, John P. (Ridge Spring, Spann) St. James – Morris Waymer Jr. 2 Aynor – Robert A. Adams 4 Cavin, Donald E. SALUDA: St. John-Wesley Chapel – Amiri Bernard Hooker 5 Pisgah – John H. Vickers III 2 Cole, Joseph L. (RL) Bethany-Zoar – Michael L. Written (PE) 2 Trinity – Thomas Harmon Norrell 2 Rehoboth-Zoan – John P. Watts (AM) 6 Elliott, Nicholas Bethlehem-Gassaway – William Hightower (PL) 4 West Darlington – Taylor F. Coates (PL) 1 BENNETTSVILLE: Elliott Jr., Richard F. Butler-Shiloh – Lee Cothran (RSY) 7 (Bethel, Wesley Memorial) Bennettsville First – Ben M. Gafford 7 Errington, Joseph R. Emory-Nazareth – Frank Copeland 3 HARTSVILLE: Bennettsville Circuit – Shawn Weeks 3 Fortier, Robert A. St. Paul – Robert L. Cox 2 Bethlehem-Prospect – Patricia G. Warden (OE)(346.1) 6 (Aaron Temple, Ebenezer, Level Green) Gilliam Jr., James O. TRENTON: Centenary-Kingsville – James Elliott Moore 5 Bennettsville Parish – Ebbie S. Abraham (FL) 1 Goewey, Harry Trenton-McKendree – Cheryl Dyke Toothe 2 Kellybell-Sandy Bluff – Raymond Frank Cook Jr. (PL) 10 (Old Galilee, Shiloh, Smyrna) Griffeth, James Ellis VAUCLUSE: Mount Beulah-New Hope – Brenda J. Thomas (PL) 1 Christ-Antioch – Dora R. Gafford 7 Hall Jr., Robert A. Vaucluse-Pentecost – Clifford C. Binion (PL) 1 New Market-Tabernacle – Myrna Kay Westfall (FL) 2 Marlboro Charge – William T. Wicker (FL) 13 Haton, Donald S. WARE SHOALS: St. Luke – Phillip Carlisle Thrailkill 4 (Bethel, Boykin, Ebenezer) Hicks, Granville A. Mount Bethel-King’s Chapel – Heather S. Baird (PL) 2 Minister of Youth & Programming – Shelly Anne Marlboro Circuit – Daniel M. Hall (PL) 4 Huff Jr., A.V. Ware Shoals-Harmony – Tina A. Thomas 5 Holder (FD) 6 (New Hope, Oak Grove, Pleasant Hill) Hunter III, James E. WATERLOO: Minister of Music – Margaret Hutcherson Vance (FD) 6 Shiloh-Smyrna – David E. Reed (PL) 13 Joens, Janet C. Waterloo – Blaine S. Hudson (RSY) 5 Wesley – Frances McMahon Elrod 2 St. Michael – Ardell Washington (PL) 5 Lee, Dennis Soule Chapel – Kathy L. Carr (PL) 3 JEFFERSON: Trinity – Jeffery Salley 2 Leppard, James F. Jefferson – Stephen Ray Jordan 3 BLENHEIM: McAlister, J. Richard APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES (Fork Creek, Jefferson) Blenheim Circuit – SY (Alexander Stoops Jr.) 4 McKinney, E. Donald Within the Connection: Jefferson Parish – Robert Lee Malachi 3 (Manning Chapel, Parnassas) McNeill, William W. Copeland, Jennifer E. – Director, Wesley Foundation, (Hopewell, Mount Elon, Sandy Grove, Wesley Chapel) CLIO: Miller, John Teague Duke University, Broad Street CC 12 LAMAR: Asbury-Clio – Willie Lawson (RSY) 2 Patterson, James F. Lollis, S. Dean (PE) – Director, Greenwood Wesley Lamar – Melvin Wilbur Flail Jr. 11 Trinity (Clio)-Berea (McColl) – Paul E. Gasque (FL) 8 Pittman, Clarence O. Fellowship (1/2) 4 Lamar Circuit – William Edward Herlong (PL) 10 CONWAY: Riser, George M. Teasley, Mary V. – District Superintendent, Greenwood (Elim, Newman Swamp, Zion) Antioch-Poplar: George E. Olive (PL) 5 Rush, John District 6 Lamar-Ebenezer – Charles Kemith Wilson 12 Brown Swamp-New El Bethel – Neal Y. Woods 2 Scott, Gareth Wray, Carol Peppers – Chaplain, Wesley Commons, (Ebenezer, John Wesley, Sandy Grove) Centenary – Troy L. Metzner (FL) 4 Shaw, Charles S. Main Street CC 12 LUGOFF: Conway First – Paul M. Kinnett 6 Smith, Woodrow M. Endorsed by Section of Chaplains/Related Ministries: Lugoff Parish – Sharon Spann Gamble (PL) 2 Joseph B. Bethea-Salem – Stanley E. Weber Jr. (FL) 6 Sprayberry, Rance (RL) Crooks Jr., Marion B. (RSY) – Director, Canterbury (Mount Joshua, Mount Prospect, Shiloh) Trinity – Sandra Stevens-Poirel 2 Stanley, Dwaine C. (RL) Counseling Center, Central (Newberry) CC 6 St. John’s – John Walter Mims 4 Children and Youth Ministry Coordinator – Sarah Stoehr, Lorna Lee Curtis Other Valid Ministries: None Unity – Augustus Rodgers 5 Branyon (PD) (1/2) 3 Strait, George E. APPOINTED TO ATTEND SCHOOL – None LYDIA: Union – Scott A. Johnson 4 Sullivan, Patricia A. (FD) APPOINTED IN OTHER ANNUAL CONFERENCES – None Wesley Chapel – Valerie Knox Mireb (OE)(346.1) 2 DILLON: Thomas, Van B., Jr. LEAVE OF ABSENCE McBEE: Dillon Parish – Barry S. McFadden 2 Treaster, Fred Bostrom, Katherine – Republican CC 1 McBee Charge – Charles Gary Compton (RSY) 7 (Beulah, St. Luke, St. Stephen) Waddell, Bobby G. FAMILY LEAVE – None (Hebron, McBee) Little Rock Parish – Ronald I. McCall (FL) 15 Watson, John H. (RL) SABBATICAL LEAVE – None Union – Steven M. Todd 2 (Bowling Green, McCoy Chapel, New Holly) Whitaker Jr., George W. TRANSITIONAL LEAVE OSWEGO: Main Street – Michael E. Rouse 7 Wood, Patricia S. Byrd, Thomas C. 1 Bethel – Curtis Wells 2 Oakland – Gene A Harris (RL) 2 Wright, Alfred T. (AM) INCAPACITY LEAVE – None Oswego Circuit – Bobby Shaw 6 GEORGETOWN: Retired Missionaries: None RETIREMENT (Clark, Mount Moriah, St. Mark) Duncan Memorial – G. Edward Usher 4 DIACONAL MINISTRY Retired Ministers: PAGELAND: Herbert Memorial – Marie E. Nuckles 1 Diaconal Ministers: None Adams, Louis M. Oro – Audrey Boozer 2 Oak Grove-Sampit – John M. Williams Jr. (RSY) 2 Retired Diaconal Ministers: Anderson, Vernon O. Pageland – Nena Ruth Reynolds (RSY) 3 Wayne-Bethel – Daniel W. Chamblee (FL) 3 Orr Jr., Freeman R. Bennett, Hazel (FD) Salem – Allen Nesmith (FL) 4 LAKE VIEW: DEACONESSES Bickley, Hugh Zion-Zoar Charge – Robin Audrey Griffeth 1 Lake View Charge – Ronald C. Jones (PL) 4 Active: None Campbell, J. Taylor REMBERT: (Hopewell, Lake View, Union) Retired: None Cannaday, DeArmond Rembert-St. John – John D. Howle (FL) 1 Hopewell – Jim Hyatt (RSY) 2 Charles, Ada A. (Beulah, McLeod Chapel, St. John) LATTA: Crooks Jr., Marion B. RUBY: Latta Charge – Walter Tart (RL) 8 Greenwood District Cunningham, Ben Ruby – Jerry Cal McManus, Sr. (PL) 11 (Andrew Chapel, St. Phillips) (57 charges; 84 churches Curry, Eugene L. (Bethel, Ebenezer, Friendship, Mount Croghan) Latta-Mount Andrew – Jerry L. Phillips Jr. 6 Dudley, Charles G. SUMTER: LITTLE RIVER: Mary V. Teasley, DS 6 Eaddy, A. Eugene Aldersgate – Washington Belangia V 2 Little River – Stuart R. Smith 6 Epps, John L. Dalzell – Wanda Diane Altman (FL) 2 LORIS: Gamble, D. Lamar Emmanuel-Mt. Zion – Doris Regina Bright (FL) 1 Camp Swamp – Carl N. Harris (RSY) 1 BATESBURG: Griffith, John P. North Sumter – Lawrence Cantey, Jr. (PL) 1 Ebenezer-Wampee – Jo Anna M. Fallaw 3 St. John’s – Steven M. King 2 Grigsby, James A. (Antioch, Shepherd) Loris First – Grady W. Corder (PE) 1 BELVEDERE: Hipp, John G. St. James – Mary Louise Johnson 1 MARION: Belvedere – Ann Dease Everett 5 Hudson, Blaine S. St. John – Joseph Robert Huggins (FL) 3 Centenary-Central – Virgil M. Seaber (RLOE) 11 CLINTON: Jenkins, Larry A. St. Mark – Telley Lynette Gadson 13 Marion First – Joe N. Long Jr. 8 Broad Street – Kitty Cooper Holtzclaw 2 Lupo, C.J. St. Mark’s – William Morgan Lewis (FL) 7 Marion Parish – William A. Jones (PL) 3 EDGEFIELD: Lusk, T. Joseph Trinity – James Kevin Gorry 2 (Bethel, Pleasant Grove, Springville) Edgefield – David D. Bauknight 6 Medley, James D. Minister of Education – Angela Halter Marshall (PD) 2 Shiloh – Alvin M. Shifflett (OF)(346.2) 10 GRANITEVILLE: Morton Jr., Ted R. McCOLL: St. John-Warrenville – Alan N. Quarles (FL) 4 Napier, Robert B. APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES Main Street – Pine Grove – Robert L. Allen 3 GREENWOOD: Palmer, Bruce H. Within the Connection: MULLINS: Aldersgate – George T. Thomas Jr. (FL) 7 Peurifoy, Harvey O. Nelson, Millie (PE) – Congregational Specialist Florence- Center-Nichols-Tranquil – William F. Heustess 7 Bethlehem – James Ray Davis (RSY) 1 Polk Jr., N. Keith Marion Districts, St. Matthew, Camden CC 2 Macedonia-Pleasant Hill – Thurmond K. Thomas 5 Branch Hill-Martha’s Chapel – Alexander Thomas (PL) Prewett, Ernest W. Washington, Lillian Hymes – District Superintendent, Mullins Charge – Anthony Alford (PL) 2 2 Rogers, Paul H. Hartsville District 7 (Beulah, Shiloh) Cokesbury-Hodges – R.T. Bowling III 3 Rogers, Sheila D. Endorsed by Section of Chaplains/Related Ministries: MURRELLS INLET: Ebenezer – SY (H. Matt Brewington) 2 Rogers III, William F. None Belin Memorial – Boyd McIver Alexander Jr. 7 Greenwood-Ninety Six Charge – Lorenza Bell II (PL) 1 Stephens Jr., Herbert Other Valid Ministries: Associate- Maurice E. Nason Jr. 5 (Mays, Trinity) Swett, N. McDonald (RL) Ross, Rosetta Everna – Associate Professor of Religioius Brookgreen – Charles Thomas (FL) 3 Lowell Street – Richard W. Waldrep 8 Templeton, David T. Studies, Spelman College, St. Mark CC 18 (Brown Chapel, Heaven Gate, St. James) Lupo Memorial– George H. Donigian (OE)(346.1) 2 Vines, William Joseph APPOINTED TO ATTEND SCHOOL MYRTLE BEACH: Main Street – Terry C. Martin 2 Waddell III, Howard S. Turner, Emily Dawn – Garrett University, Chicago, IL 2 Christ – Jeffrey B. Dunn 14 Mathews-Harris – J. William Harris (OF) 4 Younginer Jr., John M. APPOINTED IN OTHER ANNUAL CONFERENCES – Myrtle Beach First – Kenneth B. Timmerman 10 Mount Carmel – SY (Myra E. Taylor) 4 Retired Missionaries: None None Associate – Jonathan E. Tompkins 3 Mount Lebanon-Kinards – Danial A. Wiley 6 DIACONAL MINISTRY LEAVE OF ABSENCE – None Socastee – Ray K. Smith 9 Panola – Robert E. Titus (ROE) 10 Diaconal Ministers: None FAMILY LEAVE – None NICHOLS: Rehoboth – Keith D. Sweat (PL) 4 Retired Diaconal Ministers: None SABBATICAL LEAVE – None Floyds – (TBS) St. Mark – Barrett T. Alewine 6 DEACONESSES INCAPACITY LEAVE NORTH MYRTLE BEACH: Associate – S. Dean Lollis (PE) 2 Active: None Bowman, Charles Lee (FL) – Oro CC 3 Trinity – Steven L. Brown 10 Tranquil – Louis M. Mims 6 Retired: None Orr, Patricia Pepper – Bethlehem, Hartsville CC 5 PAWLEY’S ISLAND: Troy – N. Keith Polk Jr. (RSY) 6 RETIREMENT St. Paul’s Waccamaw – C. Nels Ledwell 6 JOANNA: Retired Ministers: Associate – Jane A. Pearce 4 Epworth-Springdale – John Gerald Pickens (RSY) 2 Hartsville District Ammons, Gene Sarvis SURFSIDE BEACH: JOHNSTON: (64 charges; 105 churches) Beckom, Terry Martin Surfside – Scott H. Wachter 4 Johnston-Harmony – Steven Paul Keck 2 Boatwright Sr., Donald W. (Bud) Associate – Lisa Kim Eanes 5 KINARDS: Lillian Hymes Washington, DS 7 Brown, Larry Richard (RL) TATUM: Hopewell-Sharon Charge – Elizabeth Burgess Compton, Charles Gary Tatum Parish – Samuel O. Clardy (RSY) 6 Drennen 1 Davidson, Edward Laney (Ebenezer-Hebron) LANGLEY: BETHUNE: Dean, Dewey Levan Langley-Bath-Capers Chapel – Wade H. Everett 5 Bethune – Barbara Rogers Segars (PL) 7 Griffith, Frank J. APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES LAURENS: (Bethel, Sandy Grove) Halter, Vincent Francis (RL) Within the Connection: Central-Sandy Springs – Billy Ray Osborne (RL) 13 BISHOPVILLE: LeMaster, E. Edwin Knight, Richard H. – District Superintendent, Marion First – Alice Elaine MacKeil (FD/FL) 1 Bethlehem – Henry Allen Altman 2 McAllister, Joseph District 2 Laurens Charge – Shirley P. Gordon (PL) 1 Bishopville Circuit – Calvin Burdell Washington (PE) 3 McDowell Sr., Edward Homer Endorsed by Section of Chaplains/Related Ministries: (Calvary-Mount Carmel) (New Haven, Springhill) Parsons, Barbee Olis None St. James – Charlie H. Short 15 Hebron – Christine MacDonald Wechsler (RSY) 2 Reece Jr., Earnest J. Other Valid Ministries: LEESVILLE: Mechanicsville – Kenneth Neal Carter 5 Reynolds, Nena R. Heustess, Kathy T (FD) – Executive Director, Coastal Leesville – Sandra Lynn Smith King 2 Mount Zion – Angela Ford Nelson (PL) 1 Rivers Sr., Lindsey Eugene (RL) Samaritan Counseling Center, Myrtle Beach, Myrtle McCORMICK: St. Matthew Circuit – Kimberly Norbeck Evans (FL) 1 Scoggins, Eugene King Beach First CC 9 McCormick – Athon M. Arant Sr. 3 (Ashland, Concord, St. Matthew) Thackston, Thomas Reginald APPOINTED TO ATTEND SCHOOL – None Minister of Christian Education – Bobbie O. Taylor CAMDEN: Thomas Jr., Eddie (AM) APPOINTED IN OTHER ANNUAL CONFERENCES – None (FD) (1/2) 9 Camden First – Ellis White Jr. 4 Thomas Jr., Theodore Brandon (RA) LEAVE OF ABSENCE – None Plum Branch Charge – Phillip L. Bostrom 3 East Camden – Constance Nelson Barnes 3 Thompson, Robert (RL) FAMILY LEAVE – None (Republican, St. Paul) (Emmanuel, St. Matthew) Townsend Sr., David Kenneth SABBATICAL LEAVE – None The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Annual Conference-July 2011, Page 21

INCAPACITY LEAVE PELION: LANCASTER: JONESVILLE: Daniel, Edmond (FL) – Trinity, North Myrtle Beach CC 7 Pelion – George R. Gain (AM) 9 Bethel-Van Wyck Charge – TBS Jonesville-New Hope – James W. Ivey (RSY) 4 George III, Samuel B. – Belin Memorial CC 5 Assistant – Kathryn W. Scarborough (PL) 2 Camp Creek-Bethesda – Michael E. Catoe (PL) 1 Kelton Charge – J. Christopher Greene (PE) 4 Taylor, Debra W. (FL) – Center-Nichols-Tranquil CC 3 (Bethel, Pelion, Sharon) Church of the Good Shepherd – Mary E. Green 1 (Bethlehem, Foster's Chapel) RETIREMENT PROVIDENCE: East Lancaster Charge – Shannon M. Murray (PL) 2 LANDRUM: Retired Ministers: Providence – Karen E. Starr 7 (Lynnwood, Trinity) Jacksons Grove – Michael E. Bowers (3/4) 9 Adams, Quay W. ROWESVILLE: First Church – Joseph Lynn Curtis 2 Landrum – Jane D. Jenkins 7 Brittain, Thomas N. Rowesville Charge – Curtis L. Felkel Jr. (PL) 6 Associate – Mallory J. Forte (PL) (3/4) 1 LOCKHART: Clardy, Samuel O. (RA) (Bethel, Cattle Creek, New Hope) Grace – Kathy P. Hudson (PE) 4 Lockhart-Wesley Chapel – Steven A. Williams (FL) 2 Clemons, Robert B. Rowesville Parish – Annie H. Sistrunk 3 Hopewell – David C. Inman 1 LYMAN: Crews, Rowan Assistant – Walter Harley (PL) 5 St. Luke-Salem – Kyle D. Randle 1 Lyman – Christopher Brian Gilmer 2 Dyer, Cynthia H. (Central, Prospect, Mayes Chapel) Tabernacle – Jacqueline Connelly 2 PACOLET: Felder, William H. ST MATTHEWS: Zion – James E. Elder (FL) 3 Pacolet-White Stone – Patricia Caldwell McCain 5 Fenner, Jack L. Calhoun Charge – Robbie V. Hall (FL) 1 RICHBURG: PACOLET MILLS: Gardner, Carlos O. (Andrew Chapel, Wesley Chapel) Mount Prospect-Ebenezer – G. Douglas Chambers Montgomery Memorial – Kelly Lee Gallamore 3 Gilmer, Clifford R. St. Matthews Charge – Mark A. Altman (PL) (3/4) 3 (PL) 4 ROEBUCK: Hall, James L. (East Bethel, West Bethel, Mount Zion) Richburg-Pleasant Grove – Linda Tedder Jenkins (PL) Walnut Grove – Chris B. Snelgrove (FL) 5 Harris, Carl N. St. Paul – Patricia P. Mayfield 5 12 SPARTANBURG: Harris, Gene A. (RL) SALLEY: ROCK HILL: Ben Avon-Roebuck – Jones Lester Brewer (FL) 5 Hemingway, John T. (RL) Clinton – David W. Williamson (PL) 9 Adnah – David D. McManus, Jr. (PE) 1 Bethel – David E. Nichols 6 Hucks, F. Levon SANDY RUN: Aldersgate – Pamela G. Ledbetter 2 Associate – David B. Smith 10 Hughes, William Steve (RL) Beulah – Thurmond O. Flowers (FL) 5 Antioch – Timothy S. Thompson (OF) 1 Cannon’s Camp Ground – Douglas W. Gilliland 6 Hyatt, James L. SPRINGFIELD: Bethel-Philadelphia – Joshua T. McClendon 3 Central – Scott Alexander Stevenson 1 Inabinet, Charles R. Springfield Charge – Jack A. Poole (RSY) 2 Catawba-El Bethel – Karen J. Richmond (PL) 2 Minister of Christian Education – Karen Lail Jones Jennings, Charles T. (RA) Assistant – SY (DeWitt Livingston) 2 C. Bryson Williams (PL) 2 (FD) 3 Land, Kenneth S. (Neeses, Salley, Springfield) Cornerstone-Epworth – Irvin Plowden, Jr. (FL) 1 Cherokee Springs-Liberty – Brian James Arant (PE) 2 Lawson, Willie SWANSEA: Friendship-Heath Memorial – J. Michael Morris 4 Church of the Covenant – William Danford Blair 2 Lewis, Harold P. Calvary-Oak Grove – Bruce E. Rucker (PL) 9 India Hook – Stephen Douglas Gaither 4 El Bethel – Jack Austell Caldwell (RL) 6 McIver, Leslie H. (RD) WAGENER: Mount Holly – Kim M. Strong 1 Fairmont – Annie Pridgeon Shaver (PL) 1 Newton, J. Leon Wagener-Swansea – Scott W. Smoak (PE) 1 Rock Hill Central Charge – Jackie R. Carter-Harris (FL) 3 Foothills Charge – Ronald Dewey Towery (FL) 1 Norris, Gene A. WILLISTON: (Mount Olive, New Hope) (Campobello, Liberty, Fingerville) Osborne, Jean O. (RD) Williston – Cynthia Raski Fuller (RSY) 6 Rock Hill South Charge – Ronnie Lee Jeffcoat (PE) Gravely Memorial – Scott Stephen Gilmer (PE) 4 Reynolds, Daniel T. (RA) Assistant – Thomas S. Summers (RSY) 6 (1/2) 1 Reidville Road – Samuel S. Warwick 1 Rogers, Thomas G. (Blackville, Williston) (Bethel, Harmony) Silver Hill Memorial – Edward H. McDowell Jr. 5 Tart, Walter (RL) St. John's – Debra Quilling Smith 2 Skylyn-Arcadia – James B. Carter (FL) 7 Timmons, W. Gordon APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES Associate – W. Everette Haselden (PE) 2 Spartanburg Parish – Rufus Horace White (PL) 1 Williams Jr., John M. Within the Connection: Spiritual Director – Miriam Mick (FD) 7 (Allen Chapel, Florence Chapel, Pleasant View) Williams, Seth W. (RP) Hipp, John Wesley – District Superintendent, Woodland – Larry Randall Parker 9 St. James – William Francis Malambri III 3 Williamson, Needham R. Orangeburg District 2 Minister of Youth & College – Karen T. Kluever (FD) 4 St. Luke-Beaumont – F. Edward Traxler Jr. (FL) 1 Retired Missionaries: None McGee, James R. – President/CEO, The Oaks, Clinton Minister of Music – Marsha R. Bentley (FD) 4 St. Paul – Frank E. Lybrand 5 DIACONAL MINISTRY CC 7 SHARON: Trinity – Adlai Stephen Holler 3 Diaconal Ministers: None McFadden, Genova (PE) – Orangeburg Wesley Western York Charge – Raymond L. Reavis (PL) 3 Associate – Heather B. Humphries 6 Leave of Absence: Foundation, Campus Minister 2 (Sharon, New Zion, Shady Grove) UNION: Holt, Kimberly S. (DM) – Conway First CC 8 Endorsed by Section of Chaplains/Related Ministries: YORK: Bethel – William Terry Mitchell (FL) 8 Retired Diaconal Ministers: Collingwood, Robert B. – Coordinator of Pastoral Care, Kings Mountain Chapel-St. Paul – Brian E. Bogansville – Gary Alan Peterson 11 Carter, R. Fletcher V. A. Hospital, St. Louis, MO, Main Street, CC 23 Preveaux (FL) 1 Duncan Acres – Merritt R. Wentz (PL) 2 DEACONESSES Other Valid Ministries: Trinity – Eugene L. Feagin III 6 Grace – K. David Caughman 4 Active: None Williams, Edwina Juliette (FD) – Trinity CC 11 York-St. James Charge – Frederick Nortei Yebuah 5 Sardis-Unity – H. John Cribb (RL) 6 Retired: None APPOINTED TO ATTEND SCHOOL – None (Hopewell, St. James, Wesley) WELLFORD: APPOINTED IN OTHER ANNUAL CONFERENCES – None Immanuel – Fred Walls Parker (PL) 3 LEAVE OF ABSENCE APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES WHITMIRE: Orangeburg District Ponds, Grady Bernard 1 Within the Connection: Whitmire-Carlisle – James H. Williams (RSY) 3 FAMILY LEAVE – None Jeter, Narcie Jo McClendon – Director, Wesley (54 charges; 94 churches) SABBATICAL LEAVE – None Foundation, Winthrop University, St. John’s Rock Hill APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES – None CC 6 John W. Hipp, DS 2 INCAPACITY LEAVE Within the Connection: RETIREMENT White, Sara Ann – District Superintendent, Rock Hill Harmon, Paul Wesley – District Superintendent, Retired Ministers: District 6 Spartanburg District 2 Belangia IV, Washington W. Endorsed by Section of Chaplains/Related Ministries: James, Katherine L. (FD) – Congregational Specialist, AIKEN: Chewning, J. Boyd None Rock Hill & Spartanburg Districts, Buford Street CC 7 Charles Wesley – TBS Clyburn, Robert B. Other Valid Ministries: Pace Jr., Phillip Lynwood – Chaplain, Oxford College, St. John’s – George K. Howle 7 Cowart, William G. Smith, Jonathan Edward – Director, Portage County Emory University, St. James CC 3 A ssociate – Billy Keith Stewart (FL) 4 Davis, Gerald Edwin Pastoral Counseling Service, Kent, OH, Mount Sloan, Candice Yeary – Chaplain & Director of Church Associate – James T. Bennett III (RL)(1/2) 1 Dill, Elizabeth C. (FD) Vernon, Hickory Grove CC 27 Relations, Spartanburg Methodist College, St. Trinity – Rodney K. Powell 13 Evans, John Wesley APPOINTED TO ATTEND SCHOOL – None James CC 10 Wesley – Alexander Baker (PL) 5 Farmer, Zach R. APPOINTED IN OTHER ANNUAL CONFERENCES – None Endorsed by Section of Chaplains/Related Ministries: BAMBERG: Gilliam, Thomas C. LEAVE OF ABSENCE – None Bennett, Traci S. (FD) – Chaplain, Piedmont Hospice, Bamberg Circuit – Thomas Ray Sims (PL) 7 Heape, Ernest M. FAMILY LEAVE – None Montgomery Memorial CC 4 (Bethel, Mount Zion) James, Robert E. SABBATICAL LEAVE – None Franklin Jr., E. Herbert – Chaplain, United States Army, Claflin – Bobby Gordon (PL) 2 Key, Willie J. INCAPACITY LEAVE Bethel (Spartanburg) CC 10 Main Street – Washington W. Belangia IV (RSY) 2 Mack, James Hall, April Lee – St. John’s, Fort Mill CC 15 Other Valid Ministries: Mount Carmel – Walter H. McKelvey (OE)(346.1) 1 Manigo Jr., George F. Ashworth, Mary Susan – St. John’s, Rock Hill CC 6 Rawlinson, Carol McGinty – Pastoral Counselor, Trinity-Pleasant Hill Charge – Carol Rexroad Cannon 2 Mullikin, M. Eugene RETIREMENT Counseling Center Roswell UMC, Roswell GA, Robert T. Cannon (3/4) 2 Nesmith, Harry V. (RL) Retired Ministers: Central CC 3 BARNWELL: Parker, Jere Keith Blackmon, Charles APPOINTED TO ATTEND SCHOOL – None Barnwell Charge – Michael J. Hood 2 Pettit, Ronald A. Camlin Jr., Cecil Martin APPOINTED IN OTHER ANNUAL CONFERENCES – None (Barnwell, Siloam) Poole, Jack A. Cross, William Kelly SABBATICAL LEAVE – None BOWMAN: Preer, John C. Fuller, Walter Gene LEAVE OF ABSENCE – None Bowman Charge – Marie E. Ray 1 Robinson, John W. Gibson, John Richard INCAPACITY LEAVE (Ebenezer, White House, Wightman) Rucker, Matthew D. Hook, Samuel Scott Swofford, Cynthia L. – Inman CC 5 New Covenant – Leonard Huggins Jr. 7 Shrawder, Kermit O. Hopper, Robert L. FAMILY LEAVE – None Pineville-St. Stephen – James Phillip Smith 4 Stapleton, John Mason Hovis, Doris N. (RL) TRANSITIONAL LEAVE BRANCHVILLE: Stiltz, Edward James Phillips, Jerry L., Sr. Brock, Catherine Amanda (PD) 1 Branchville – SY (Tim Phelps) 1 Stonestreet, Millard Cooper Rumford, John R. (RL) RETIREMENT CAMERON: Summers, Thomas S. (RA) Smith Jr., Franklin Oscar Retired Ministers: Cameron – Roger C. Goupil (PL) 5 Watson, George W. Steele Jr., Thomas Fant Anderson, Thurman W. (Cameron, Jericho, Shady Grove) Retired Missionaries: None Watson, James Bert Barnes, Larry A. COPE: DIACONAL MINISTRY Retired Missionaries: None Barrett, Charles D. Canaan – Whittaker Vernon Middleton (3/4) 14 Diaconal Ministers: None DIACONAL MINISTRY Bobo, Kenneth G. Edisto Charge –Frederick S. McDaniel 12 Retired Diaconal Ministers: Diaconal Ministers: None Bowling, Douglas A. (St. John, Union, Wesley Grove) Williams, Geneva B. Retired Diaconal Ministers: None Brown, Joe K. Edisto Fork – Hayes T. Gainey 14 DEACONESSES DEACONESSES Brown, Will Rogers DENMARK: Active: Active: None Byrd, Gary B. Bethel Park – Judy Correll Hames 4 Williams, Geneva B. – Director of Religious Life and Retired: None Caldwell, Jack A. (RL) Franklin-Orange Grove – Alfred V. Griffin, Jr. 6 Services, Claflin University, Trinity CC 11 Clyburn Jr., David A. ELLOREE: Retired: None Coble, William K. Elloree – Michael Terrance Fleming (FL) 5 Covington, James W. (Elloree, Jerusalem) Spartanburg District Cribb, H. John (RL) EUTAWVILLE: Rock Hill District (52 charges; 76 churches) Culp, Dorothy N. Eutawville – J. Peter Belec (RSY) 6 Culp, Wayne A. (45 charges; 70 churches) Silas – Mark A. Williams (PL) 6 Paul Wesley Harmon, DS 2 Duncan, J.C. Target-Gerizim Charge – SY (Barry A. Allen) 1 Sara Ann White, DS 6 Ervin, David F. (RA) HOLLY HILL: Fields, George D. Holly Hill – Millard Cooper Stonestreet (RSY) 5 BLACKSBURG: Fisher, A. Mickey JACKSON: CHESTER: Blacksburg Charge – Don Boshell (FL) 4 Funderburk, Donald F. Jackson – Eugene A. Aiken (FL) 2 Bethel-Armenia – Harry Kyle Gindhart 4 (St. John, Sardis) Gavalas, Anthony N. (Bethel, Wesley Chapel) Chester Circuit – Lois J. Helms 1 BOILING SPRINGS: Graves, Charles A. LIVINGSTON: (Capers Chapel, New Hope) New Beginnings – Thomas Wesley Smith 4 Griffin, Betty S. (RD) Livingston-Pine Hill – Brandon L. Fulmer (FL) 1 Wesley Memorial – Arthur D. Vick, Jr. (PL) 2 BUFFALO: Hill Jr., Thomas H. (RL) NEESES: CLOVER: Buffalo – Kevin F. Dalton 7 Hood, James F. Rocky Swamp – SY (Z. Tracy Pender) 2 Clover Parish – Marvin Lamont Caldwell 8 CHESNEE: Hope, Donald J. NEW ELLENTON: (Clover Chapel, Green Pond, Mount Harmony) Chesnee – Frances Lee Roper (FL) 4 Hopper, Richard D. St. Paul – Tresco E. Shannon 2 First, Clover – Thomas B. Wilkes III 1 Friends in Christ – Hal Bruce Johnson (PL) 5 Ivey, James W. NORTH: Associate – Drew C. Martin (FL) 1 COWPENS: Jamison, Louis D. North-Limestone – John McKinley Williams III 3 FORT LAWN: Cowpens Charge – Roye Lynn Kulik 3 Johnston, James W. Orange Circuit – Jack Williamson Gibson (FL) 3 Fort Lawn – Glenn W. Ribelin Sr. (PL) 3 (Salem, St. Mark , St. Andrews) Kyllonen, Mitchell W. (Ebenezer, St. John’s, Trinity) FORT MILL: CROSS ANCHOR: LeMaster Jr., James E. St. Mark – Thomas J. Pearson 14 Belair – Gayle M. Summey 4 Cross Anchor Charge – SY (Walter Forrester) 15 Long, Allen E. NORWAY: Osceola – Angela Etheredge-Manley (FL) 1 (Hebron, Cross Anchor Yarborough) Monson, Robert C. New Beginning – Arthur Rose, Jr. (OF)(346.2) (1/2) 4 Grace Community – Randall Aabye Madsen 6 Golightly-Tabernacle – Louis D. Jamison (RSY) 5 O'Dell, Donald R. Norway – Frederick R. Davis 3 Philadelphia – William Kevin Cooley 6 DUNCAN: Price, Angelia P. (RA) (Lebanon, St. John’s) Pleasant Hill – Michael Dowling Ritter Sr. 6 Duncan-Startex-Loree – Richard D. Lewis (FL) 1 Rickenbacker, Luther H. OLAR: St. John's – Carlton W. Hunsucker 2 ENOREE: Ropp Jr., John Wesley Olar – Edward J. Stiltz (RSY) 15 Director of Music – Carrie Ann Wright (OD)(331.8) 5 Trinity-Enoree-Patterson Chapel – Burton L. Ott 4 Rowell, Mary E. (Kearse, Mizpah, Salem) GREAT FALLS: GAFFNEY: Rush, James P. ORANGEBURG: Mount Dearborn-Heath Chapel – Brenda Issacs Mesopotamia-Asbury – Angelia P. Price (RSY) 3 Senn, C. Allen New Light – Norman A. Brown 8 Curtis (PL) 1 Buford Street – Joseph Ralph James Jr. 4 Skinner Jr., Talmage B. North Orangeburg – Eddie Calvin Williams 10 HICKORY GROVE: Dunton – Lillie K. Davis (PL) 2 Smith, Dwight Moody Orangeburg Circuit – Joanne Walker-Brown 4 Hickory Grove Charge – Larry Richard Hyder 5 Limestone Street – James Ronald Singleton (1/2) 8 Strother, Robert G. (Bethlehem, Mount Nebo, St. John) (Canaan, Mount Vernon) Trinity – SY (Alester McKinney) 28 Teague, Charles P. Orangeburg Parish – Frank V. James 2 KERSHAW: GRAMLING: Tillerson, Elbert S. (RL) (Cedar Grove, Forest Chapel, St. Stephen) Kershaw Charge – Hope R. Avins (PE) 1 Gramling – Benjamin Wade Herlong Sr. 4 Wilkes, Molly F. (RA) St. Andrews – J. Michael Smith 5 (Damascus, Kershaw, Hanging Rock) INMAN: Wilkes Jr., Thomas B. St. Paul’s – Kristen R. Richardson-Frick 4 LAKE WYLIE: Aldersgate – Gary B. Byrd (RSY) 2 Williams, James H. Trinity – Larry D. McCutcheon 8 Good Samaritan – Jason D. Everson (PE) 3 Inman – Ronald Lee Leonard Sr. 8 Wofford, Robert M. Page 22, Annual Conference-July 2011 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Education & Youth First theology students graduate from ITC South Carolina United Methodists Canaan-Sand Hill Charge. After serv - ized, structured series of courses for were among the first cohort of ing a short time in the Walterboro ministers and laypersons who want to Certificate in Theology students of the District, McClam noticed a distinct improve their knowledge and prepared - Interdenominational Theological need, as well as a profound interest in ness for ministry. Center, who participated in commence - providing affordable educational oppor - Because this is a “certificate” pro - ment exercises May 6 in Atlanta on the tunities for community members. gram, all interested persons, with or campus of ITC. “It is important to build bridges in without college degrees, are invited to With 124 participants, it was the the community, and what better way to participate. largest class to date. do this than to offer the community The courses are taught by seminary- This is an answer to many prayers in Jesus?” McClam asked. trained local instructors who use, as the Ridgeville community. After consulting with the program part of their class materials, videotaped Certificate recipients include manager and coordinator of the certifi - lectures by members of the ITC faculty, Kathryn Haynes (Sand Hill United cate programs at ITC, McClam intro - as well as their experience and profi - Methodist Church), Ellen Heyward duced the program to the ciency to enhance the instructional (Sand Hill UMC), Dr. DaNine J. Summerville/Ridgeville area in 2009. material. More than 50 sites have been Fleming (Canaan UMC), Andreia The class met at Sand Hill UMC. established in the United States, Shecut (Sand Hill UMC) and the Rev. S.C. United Methodists were among This program is the first ITC certifi - Canada, Japan and the Caribbean. The Floyd W. White (Lovely Hill Baptist the first cohort. cate of theology program offered by a program consists of approximately one Church). the brainchild of seasoned elder the UMC in this area. The certificate pro - year of study, during which a student The inception of this program was Rev. Mack C. McClam, pastor of the gram is designed to provide an organ - may complete eight courses. Students get to know a ‘different kind of church’ on Asheville trip By the Rev. Narcie Jeter the rent from those groups pays for the Warren. “To me, this is what church ple were counted on the streets in a upkeep up of the building, utilities and should be.” homeless count in Asheville. ASHEVILLE, N.C. — In April, the for a full-time sexton. Students had a chance to hear the Early Saturday, the students gave out Winthrop Wesley Foundation visited The Haywood Street Congregation story of the church from the pastor of sausage biscuits to the homeless and the Haywood Street Congregation in worships on Wednesdays because many Haywood Street, the Rev. Brian asked them to participate in a foot clin - Asheville, N.C. of the homeless that worship in this Combs. He gave them a tour of the ic being held at Haywood Street. Haywood Street Congregation is a community said that this was the time facility and all the aspects of the min - “As Christians, we are called to be new church start primarily ministering of the day that they struggle the most. istry, as well as a homeless walking Christ-like,” said Junior Erica Oliveira to the homeless in the Asheville area. The students had lots of questions tour of Asheville, stopping at agencies from Spartanburg, S.C. “Jesus didn’t The facility they use is Central United about the ministry of Haywood Street: and bus stops. Students learned that hang out with the most popular folks. Methodist Church, where with a few how it works, what types of people many cities in the South will give bus He hung out with prostitutes, tax col - members left, the congregation decided they serve and what makes them bring tickets to Asheville to their homeless lectors, thieves and liars, not the who’s to merge with a larger downtown in people from all walks of life. populations because there are close to who of the day for sure. If we are to church with the understanding that “It is not unique there to find home - 20 homeless agencies at work in the walk as He did, then we need to accept their former building would be used for less people worshiping beside a area. They also learned that this past people in the same way.” homeless ministries. More than eight wealthy businessman, and that is some - February, not counting those in shelters Jeter is director of Winthrop Wesley different groups use the building, and thing extraordinary,” said Ashlee and other facilities, more than 750 peo - Foundation. SEJ lay speakers to hold annual gathering at Columbia College COLUMBIA – The S.C. Conference become better disciples of Jesus Christ Study taught by Carolyne Rogerson, offered through a course written and Committee on Lay Speaking Ministries as we seek to transform the world. The past S.C. Conference lay leader, and taught by Frances Gilliam. will host the annual gathering of the Lay Speaking Basic course will be Congregational Caregiving, a new For more information on LSM, visit Southeastern Jurisdiction Association offered and taught by Rick Richardson, course approved by the S.C. www.layspeakingministries.org. For of Directors of Lay Speaking Ministries a certified lay speaker from the Marion Conference and written and taught by information on LSM in the S.C. on July 14-16 at Columbia College. District. Two advanced courses for cer - Dr. Sybil Smith, a certified lay speaker Conference, visit The annual gathering at Columbia tified lay speakers will also be offered. from the Greenville District. www.sclayspeaking.org. College will offer several courses for Certified lay speakers can choose In addition to these courses, certifi - For more on the gathering, visit laypersons to enhance their skills to between Lay Speakers Lead Bible cation for LSM instructors will be www.sejlayspeakingministries.org.

Retired Missionaries: None DORCHESTER: New Hope-St. Paul Charge – Willie F. Dicks Jr. 2 APPOINTMENTS TO EXTENSION MINISTRIES DIACONAL MINISTRY Dorchester Circuit – Ronald L. Brewer (PL) 2 Ridgeville Charge – H. Jack Bailey (RSY) 2 Within the Connection: Diaconal Ministers: None (Salem, Zion) (Cypress, Mount Tabor, Trinity) Etheredge, Ernest C. – District Superintendent, Retired Diaconal Ministers: Dorchester Parish – Mark D. Mitchell (PL) 15 RUFFIN: Walterboro District 8 Miller, Mary Lou (Oak Grove, St. John) Adnah-Williams Charge – David W. Cox (RSY) 15 Endorsed by Section of Chaplains/Related Ministries: DEACONESSES EHRHARDT: Bells Parish – James Bernard Grant (PL) 5 None Active: None Ehrhardt – Lewis Christopher King III (PL) 8 (Red Root, Sykes Savannah) Other Valid Ministries: None Retired: (Wesley Chapel, St. James, Zion, Lodge) Mount Pleasant – Sheri White (PL) 2 APPOINTED TO ATTEND SCHOOL – None Miller, Mary Lou Ebenezer-Rizer’s Chapel – Ollie Mae Boyd (PL) 1 Ruffin Circuit – Wayne R. Major 2 APPOINTED IN OTHER ANNUAL CONFERENCES Friendship-St. Luke – Vivian Remona Linguard (PL) 3 (Bethel, St. John, Tabor) Quarles, Alice J. – North Carolina Conference, Trinity, HAMPTON: Ruffin Parish – Valarie Owens-Bartley (OF)(346.1) 1 Jacksonville CC (1/4) 11 Walterboro District Estill-Black Swamp – James W. Lewis, Sr. (PL) 1 (Buckhead, Hickory Hill) LEAVE OF ABSENCE – None (50 charges, 99 churches) (Estill, Furman, Mount Carmel, St. John) Smoaks Circuit – Kenneth C. Burr, Sr. (PL) 1 FAMILY LEAVE David C. Norrell Ernest C. Etheredge, DS 8 Fairfax – David L. Fields (PL) 1 (Green Pond, Little Swamp, Trinity) (Bellinger Chapel, Brunson) Springtown – Albert Middleton 5 SABBATICAL LEAVE – None Hampton-Varnville Charge – Edward Rossiter Chellis ST. GEORGE: INCAPACITY LEAVE – None (PE) 2 Grover Charge – Peter Michael Lack (PL) 1 RETIREMENT ALLENDALE: Toby-Mount Nebo Charge – Muriel L. Scott (PL) 2 (Grover, Providence) Retired Ministers: Allendale – Thomas R. Smith (PL) 2 HARLEYVILLE: Indian Field – John Preston Grimsley 1 Bailey, Harold Jack (Gillette, Swallow Savannah) Bethel-Duncan Chapel – Robert E. Lee (AM) 15 New Grace – Warren Murdock, Sr. 4 Barnes, Benjamin B. Central Circuit – Joseph Abram Jr. 10 (Bethel, Duncan Chapel) St. George – Michael S. Leonhardt 1 Branan Jr., Roger Leo (New Hope, Simpson, Union) First Church – Jeremy L. Howell 3 St. George Parish – Otis Scott, Jr. 1 Cox, David W. BEAUFORT: Harleyville Parish – Davie Demetrius Sanders Jr. (PE) 2 (St. Mark, Shady Grove, Trinity) Elliott, John H. Beaufort Circuit – SY (Tracy Paulette Colleton-Glover) 1 (Jerusalem, Morris Chapel, St. Daniel) WALTERBORO: Geddis, Roosevelt (Bethel, John’s Chapel) HILTON HEAD: Bethel – Theron Walker Smith, Jr. 3 Gilliard, Arthur M. Carteret Street – B. Susan Ulmer 6 Bluffton – Joseph A. McDonald 2 Bethel-Red Bank Charge – Jimmy Washington (FL) 2 Goff Jr., Mack Associate – Lara Caulder Byrd 8 Church of the Palms – Peter Kent Berntson (FL) 1 Colleton Circuit – Curtis J. Young (PL) 7 Graham Jr., Hoyt Fisher Chapel-St. Stephen – Fadetra D. Harrington (PE) St. Andrew By-The-Sea – Neil M. Yongue 5 (Bethel, Heaven Gate, Trinity) Thomas, J. Herbert 2 RIDGELAND: Hendersonville Charge – Debra M. Barnett (FL) 1 Wilson, Clark Thomas (RA) New Church Start - Waters Edge – Melton A. Arant Jr. 6 Hardeeville-St. Luke Charge – Richard M. Smith 6 (Ebenezer, Ritter; Ebenezer, Yemassee; Salem) Retired Missionaries: None Port Royal – Wallace Grable Page Jr. (OE) (RSY) 2 (Hardeeville, St. Luke) New Life – Dwight Arnold Nelson 3 DIACONAL MINISTRY Wesley – James Albert Ross (PL) 2 St. Paul-Tillman Charge – Bruce A. Sayre 2 Walterboro Charge – Timothy Eugene Soucy (PL) 2 Diaconal Ministers: None COTTAGEVILLE: (St. Paul, Tillman) (Mount Carmel, Peniel, Sandy Dam) Retired Diaconal Ministers: None Cottageville Charge – Sidney W. Mims III (PL) 5 RIDGEVILLE: Walterboro Parish – Major Brown III 6 DEACONESSES (Cottageville, Rehoboth) Canaan-Sand Hill – Mack C. McClam 4 (Cumberland, Isaiah) Active: None Jericho – Jerry Harrison Jr. (PE) 4 Associate Minister of Congregational Care – Paige Retired: None Macedonia-Wesley Grove – Paul Yvone Thomas (PL) 4 C. Roper (PL) 2 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Annual Conference-July 2011, Page 23 Ministries & Missions Ministry of the Month: Wallace Family Life Center Editor ’s note: The following is a How can United Methodist monthly series in the Advocate to churches get involved and help? help people better understand the Wallace needs volunteers, as well as S.C. Conference ’s Advance Special individuals, churches and businesses Ministries, which receive conference to sponsor at least one Wallace child dollars, plus depend on additional or family for Christmas. They also donations from individuals to oper - would appreciate general donations ate. for their building fund. You can also What does the ministry do? assist the center by printing out the Wallace Family Life Center, Bi-Lo BoosterPlus Barcodes from Bennettsville, is a family-oriented their website (http://wflc.tripod. facility whose mission is to provide com/) and using them with your next educational, cultural, recreational purchase at your local Bi-Lo; one DOING UNTO OTHERS – New Hope UMC and Ruhamah UMC, Anderson and religious programs to enrich the percent of your total purchase will District, are part of a Christian Fellowship Food Ministry that does a weekly lives of the people in the Wallace go toward helping Wallace raise food giveaway. This ministry comprises a group of ecumenical churches that community. Wallace is a specialized money for the programs it offers. have come together to assist those in need in the community. Each Thursday ministry of the United Methodist Also, people can order crocheted church members gather to be of service to the Lord as they participate in the Women of South Carolina that has necklaces from Women on a ministry. A worship service is also held each week. The recipients gather for been serving the Wallace and Mission, a group of Rock Hill registration, ministry and “shopping.” There is no limit; recipients go through Marlboro County communities since District women who craft the neck - the table assembly and shop for themselves. There have been as many as 103 “shoppers,” and church members said there always seems to be enough 1979. Located in one of the poorest laces and sell them with all proceeds to go around. Above, volunteers prepare the table for shoppers. areas in the state, Wallace offers a helping Wallace. To order an individ - thriving after-school program, adult ual necklace, send a check for $5.50 education, arts and crafts classes, a (which includes shipping) payable to homemakers’ club, Boy and Girl Darlene Hallman, 2434 Zion Road, Two United Methodists seek help for Scouts, a 4-H Club, Youth Council Lancaster, SC 29720. Hallman will library at South African seminary and more. then send all proceeds to Wallace Where is it located? Wallace is Family Life Center. To order multi - Ryan G. Spurrier and Megan D. financial resources to purchase them. located at 574 Old Wire Road West, ple necklaces, contact Hallman at Augustine, co-president and incoming Partnering with the Theological Book Bennettsville. Mailing address is 803-246-2212. president of Duke Divinity School’s Network of Grand Rapids, Mich., P.O. Box 367, Bennettsville, SC More information: 843-479-7991 Basin and Towel student service group, Basin and Towel’s goal is to send at 29512. or http://wflc.tripod.com/. are calling upon fellow clergy to help least one pallet (1,500-2,000 books) to the Nelson Mandela and Robert the school. Sobukwe Library at Seth Mokitimi Through a volunteer network of Methodist Seminary in Duke students, faculty and staff, June 30 is deadline for UMW’s Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. Spurrier and Augustine said they Spurrier was just commissioned by expect to be able to collect these books, School of Christian Mission the S.C. Conference as a provisional having already collected 700; however, Registration is wrapping to a close learn about God, people in other parts member and will be the associate pas - they have no funds for the shipping, an for the United Methodist Women’s of the country and world, and what the tor at North Augusta UMC. Augustine estimated cost of $5,000. annual School of Christian Mission, set UMW can do to bring God’s love into is a certified candidate from the Rock Anyone wishing to help the cause for July 21-24 at Spartanburg the hearts of all people. Hill District. should send checks (payable to Duke Methodist College. Jenny Rawlings, dean of the event, The Basin and Towel group is con - Divinity School with “Seth Mokitimi” The registration deadline is June 30. said their goal is to have at least one ducting a book drive for SMMS. in the memo line) to Duke Divinity This year’s theme is “All Things representative from every unit in the Although the SMMS opened its new School; Attn: Todd Maberry; Box Made New,” with courses including state attend the school. campus last September, its library is 90968; Durham, NC 27708. They hope “Joy to the World: Mission in the Age To register, download the form from limited by both a lack of books and the to raise the funds by Aug. 1. of Global Christianity;” “Haiti” and www.umcsc.org/umw (click on the “Coming Out on the Side of Grace: “Newsletters” tab, then “March 2011,” Reconciliation.” and see page 13), or call Sandra Love The school aims to help UMWs at 803-781-0986. ‘Wild Game’ supper raises funds for Habitat for Humanity HARLEYVILLE/ROSINVILLE – The event was very successful. A Three United Methodist Churches in check in the amount of $2,500 was pre - the area joined forces with other neigh - sented to Jaye Jones Elliott, Habitat borhood churches in a fundraiser for executive director, and Donna Dorchester Habitat for Humanity by Cartwright, development and commu - sponsoring a “wild game” supper earli - nications manager. er this year. Habitat’s mission is to work in part - The Rev. Frank Buchannan (Indian nership with God and people from all Field UMC), the Rev. Jeremy Howell walks of life, to develop communities FOR THE KIDS – The people of Duncan Memorial United Methodist Church (First Harleyville UMC) and the Rev. with God’s people in need by building (above) saw their vision become a reality May 29 when they were able to Bob Lee (Bethel-Harleyville), along simple, decent houses where families dedicate their new playground equipment to the glory of God and the commu - nity of faith. The nurture and development of this playground came about with other pastors and volunteers, pre - can live and grow into all God intend - through the guidance of the Playground Planning Committee and Dr. Eddie pared a dinner of venison steak and ed. Usher. Duncan members combined their funds with their physical labors of gravy, venison chili, bacon-wrapped This was the first “wild game” sup - love to bring the playground into existence. It is the prayer of the people at pheasant breast, BBQ venison, chicken per and it will possibly become an Duncan that through playing together, children will develop lasting relation - bog, a “surprise” bog, catfish stew, annual event. The turnout exceeded ships along with the realization that church is a safe, fun place to be where vegetables and desserts. expectations. they can learn about loving as Jesus loves and learn about the kingdom of God. (Photo courtesy of Paige Sawyer Photography) Subscribe to the Advocate ! Just $15/year Page 24, Annual Conference-July 2011 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate GUEST COMMENTARY

study. the vote. We felt anxious about how unit - Part 3: The merger – A special session was called for each ed the white conference was toward the conference to vote on a revised plan. We merger when there were 155 fewer white how two became one met Jan. 27, 1972. The vote was as fol - votes than on the first ballot and that the lows: White conference votes cast: 810. 247 “no” votes represented thousands of By Rhett Jackson Voting yes: 573. Voting no: 247. white Methodists. Black conference votes cast: 197. Also, the 44 “no” votes from the black Editor’s note: In this and following eyes. He said, “Rhett, I can hardly Voting yes: 135. Voting no: 44. conference likely indicated some resent - editions of the Advocate appears writing believe it, but we lost.” The Rev. Eben Taylor and the Rev. ment about the first white vote. After so by Rhett Jackson, who was critically I was stunned! How? Why? And after Warren Jenkins closed the celebration. many years of being rejected by white involved with the 1972 merger of the two all these years of hard work by so many Taylor read a prayer prepared for the folks, one can readily understand the rea - racially segregated conferences of the people! I asked the bishop about the vote. occasion by Dr. Harris Parker, a professor son for their resentment. United Methodist Church in South The results were as follows: Total votes of religion at Columbia College (attached We knew we still had a long way to go Carolina. The African-American confer - cast: 965. Abstaining: 5. Voting yes: 432. at the close of this paper). Jenkins gave toward affecting a merged and loving ence formed in 1866 and the white con - Voting no: 528. the benediction. conference. However, we soon saw these ference formed in 1785, uniting nearly 40 I said, “Bishop, we have more racism While we rejoiced that both confer - wounds beginning to heal. years ago. Here, Jackson, a UMC lay in our church than I thought; these ‘no’ ences had voted for the merger, there The story concludes in the August edi - leader and former owner of The Happy votes represent thousands of white were some troublesome indications about tion of the Advocate. Bookseller in Columbia, writes about his Methodists.” role in the merger. The writing will The bishop replied that he still felt appear in “Champions of Civil and merging these conferences was far too Human Rights in South Carolina,” com - important to give up now. We simply piled and edited by the Rev. Marvin Ira must find a way. Lare, to be published by the USC Press Since we had rented the Township this year. Auditorium for only a day, the confer - ence was moved to College Place United On June 9, 1971, the white conference Methodist Church. While we were wait - met at the Township Auditorium in ing on the delegates to gather, the news Columbia, and the black conference met came that the black conference had voted at Claflin College in Orangeburg. unanimously to merge. I talked with Matthew McCollom the Although I celebrated their vote, I night before and asked him how he felt knew the black conference would be about the projected outcome. He said that deeply disappointed with the white vote. he felt great about the black conference, The situation left me feeling quite trou - but feared that the white conference bled. How had we failed to vote for would vote “no.” He also said a “no” merger? Was there a way out of the vote by the whites would have a very dilemma? negative effect on his conference. He felt As the bishop called the conference to that they had had about as much rejection order, Frank Lineberger, a layman from as they could stand. College Place, asked for the floor. He Ever the optimist, I told him not to told the conference that he had voted worry; the white folks would come against the plan and that this action lay through. How wrong I was! heavily on his heart. He said that as soon The first thing on the agenda called for as he cast his ballot, he felt a “no” vote the merger committee to make a final was wrong. He asked the bishop if he explanation of the plan. I asked the mem - could make a motion that we take anoth - bers of the committee to come up and sit er vote, since he believed that many peo - on the stage so that the entire conference ple who voted “no” would change their could see the wide diversity in the group: vote. lay and clergy, liberals and conservatives, The bishop responded that, although men and women, young and old. I care - he was pleased with the request, another fully explained the plan and urged the vote that day was not possible since delegates to vote “yes.” many delegates had gone home. I then We had many questions from the floor, told the conference that there had to be and some delegates attempted to offer some way to solve this dilemma and that amendments. The bishop told them that our best minds should start working on it. amendments were not possible since both The next morning, Dr. Carlisle Holler conferences were voting on the precisely did come up with a plan that would move same plan. Further, they had had the plan us to a positive vote within six months. before them for over a year with ample His plan was simple: appoint a small opportunity to send in suggested amend - committee of six from each conference. ments. The six from the white conference would I sensed that there was a lot of anger contain two who were for the plan, two in the room and was beginning to lose against and two uncommitted. These six my optimism. After making sure that all would join the six from the black confer - questions were given careful considera - ence to form a committee of one. They tion, the bishop called for the vote, stat - were charged to have local churches send ing that while the tellers were counting, in suggested changes, or to tell why they we would break for lunch. voted either for or against the plan. I got back early from lunch and found This committee did their work well, the hall almost empty with Bishop and by year’s end they had sent a copy of Hardin sitting at his desk with tears in his the revised plan to all local churches for HELP US GROW READERS Leave A Legacy To Change Lives Please share this copy with others and The South Carolina United Methodist Foundation encourage them to subscribe. P. O. Box 5087, Columbia, SC 29250-5087 [email protected] (See box page 3 or www.advocatesc.org) The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Annual Conference-July 2011, Page 25 Other News

Southern Mutual Church Insurance HISTORICAL REENACTMENT – company president to retire Spann UMC, Ward, Southern was elected to the board of directors. held a homecoming day May 1. The Rev. Mutual Church He became president and CEO in 2000. John Kneece (left) as Insurance After retiring, Bedell will continue to Bishop Francis Asbury Company serve the company as a member of the arrived at the church President and board of directors. on horseback, accom - CEO Robert W. Under Bedell’s leadership, the com - panied by riders Jenny Bedell III will pany has more than tripled its direct and William Bell. This retire at the end written premium, retaining a firm year is the 200th anniversary of Asbury’s of this year after Bedell foothold of policyholders in South 26 years with the Carolina while continuing to expand its second visit to Spann firm. operations in three additional south - in 1811. Asbury, a tire - less circuit rider for Robert A. Bates, who joined SMCIC eastern states: North Carolina, Georgia more than 40 years, in 2000 as executive vice president, and Tennessee. was largely responsible will succeed him effective Jan 1. “I am stepping down now from the for the expansion of “The board congratulates Mr. Bedell helm of this great company because the United Methodism in on his retirement,” Board Chairman timing is right,” Bedell said. “I am this country during that Willie Ginn said. “His commitment to honored to have had the opportunity to time. our church policyholders and our serve SMCIC for the past 26 years and employees has been absolutely solid. to lead this company during the past We thank Robert for his dedication and 12. I am delighted the board has cho - wish him all the best in the years to sen Rob Bates to succeed me. come.” “We are very fortunate to have a Bedell began his insurance career in strong management team in place to 1969 and joined SMCIC in 1985 as assist Rob as he leads the company into executive vice president. In 1999 he the future.”

GEARING UP FOR 100 – Rehoboth UMC, Columbia, is celebrating its 100th anniversary Dec. 11 with special activities each Sunday until then. All former members of the church are encouraged to join in the celebration. For more information, call Addie Mae Jones 803-788-1282. Above, Rehoboth members for more than 50 years include, in front from left, Agnus Smith, Ida Smith Rhyner, Donald Joyner, Loretta Joyner and Sam Palmer; in second from left, PROACTIVE HEALTH – A nurse draws blood from the Rev. Quay Adams dur - Genie Carns, Linda Bowen, Delano Windham Sr. and Bobby Moore; and in ing an Annual Conference health screening. Offered by the Conference third from left, Iris Thompson, Catharine Bowen, Addie Mae Swindler Jones, Benefits Office, the free health screening is an opportunity for plan members Ruth Smith Windham and Mary Jane Smith Moore. Not pictured: Norman to take charge of their health. (Photo by Jessica Connor) Bowen, Charles Macaluso, Barbara Ridings, Carlisle Smith II, Ronnie Swindler.

Methodism Revisited

By the Rev. J. Robert Huggins expounds on what separated John flying shuttle each thread has fallen tions from the age. But more important Wesley from others during these most into its appointed place in the design, than any in universality of influence Answer to last month’s trivia: Q. challenging of times in England during and the result is a glorious fabric and range of achievement were John Though the first Conference was in the 18th century. Joy reminds us of whose strength and beauty are the joy Wesley and the religious revival to June 1744 in England, when and where Wesley’s passion. No matter the place, of every beholder. It was so with which he gave his name and his life.” was the first Conference in America the distance or the weather, where there Wesley. He shuttled back and forth This man, Wesley, who had been held? A. The first conference of were souls to be reached and helped, over the lanes and turnpikes of Britain scorned by churches, alternately Methodist preachers in the American Wesley found no monotony – however for 50 years, and wove a fabric of shunned and hunted “like a mad dog” colonies took place in Philadelphia in inaccessible the place and unattractive incomparable richness and excellence.” came to be honored as a saint, even in 1773 at a meetinghouse that would the individual. Joy goes on to share with the reader his lifetime. Churches that once ran later become St. George’s Methodist “I am for men,” said Henry George. that it was not a Methodist partisan but him out of the pulpit as a dangerous Church. The 10 men who attended “I am for souls,” was Wesley’s watch - a hard-bitten English scholar, Professor innovator, a pestiferous crank, a false made several important decisions. They word. Hear Wesley’s passion and how Temperley, who shows us in “The prophet, whose fanaticism was leading accepted John Wesley’s authority, and strongly he puts it: “I have one point in Cambridge Modern History” the value the people astray, now felt honored to agreed that they would not administer view – to promote, as far as I am able, and importance of Wesley’s “monoto - have him in their pulpits. the sacraments because they were lay vital, practical religion and, by the nous” labors: “The earlier half of the Methodist Trivia: Q. Wesley’s trav - preachers. They also decided to adopt grace of God, to beget, preserve and 18th century in England is an age of els were incessant. In 1764, between “The Minutes of the 1770 Conference increase the life of God in the souls of materialism, a period of dim ideals, of May 19 and Aug. 4, a period of 138 in Great Britain” as a discipline, men.” expiring hopes. Before the middle of days, he rode from Bristol to Inverness decided to meet in regular conferences The tenacity of Wesley is never the century its character was trans - in Scotland, and returned, preaching in to conduct the business of the more evident than in Joy’s statement of formed. There appeared a movement, 122 towns and holding some 300 serv - Methodist movement and retained their the toil of the weaver at his loom: headed by a mighty leader, who ices not counting society meetings. In ties to the Anglican Church, where the “The shuttles fly to and fro, to and brought water from the rocks to make his journal, Wesley records a rare entry people would receive the sacraments of fro, with never-ending repetition, the barren land live again … Berkeley of an event that took place during this baptism and the Lord’s Supper. always in the same track, hour upon among philosophers, Law among time period. What was that event? In his book, “John Wesley’s hour. Monotony could go no further. divines, devised new thoughts, evoked Huggins is senior pastor of St. John Awakening,” James Richard Joy But observe the outcome. Thanks to the new harmonies, or caught new inspira - UMC in Sumter. Page 26, Annual Conference-July 2011 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate District & Local News Anderson District activities were held for children. Porter’s Chapel UMC, Pickens, is participating in the Seamless Summer Marion District Feeding Program June 6-Aug. 19. The First UMC, Conway, sponsored Seamless Summer Feeding Program Liturgical Arts Week June 6-9. provides nutritious quality meals to all Participants visited four downtown school-age children younger than 18 churches on an architectural scavenger and to disabled persons/children as old hunt; used watercolors to create origi - as age 21. Lunch was served every nal visual art; explored many orchestral Thursday. instruments, hand bells and the The Lake Junaluska Singers per - church’s pipe organ; made dove spirit formed June 12 at St. John’s UMC, kites; and became mimes complete Anderson. The 16-member group per - with white painted faces and white forms classical works, choral music, gloves to present dramatizations of spirituals, comedy pieces and musical Scripture. Artwork from the week was theater. incorporated into worship on Pentecost.

Columbia District PENTECOST CELEBRATION – Montgomery Memorial UMC, Pacolet, cele - Orangeburg District Two members of Mount Horeb brated Pentecost with a balloon release. With the help of church youth, the The Orangeburg District United balloons were ready in plenty of time before morning worship. A slip of paper UMC, Lexington, will be traveling to Methodist Men will hold its district was placed in each balloon stating “God Loves You” along with the name of Athens, Greece, for the 2011 Special the church and town. Dressed in red, members took a short walk after wor - meeting June 18 at St. Mark UMC, Olympics World Games. Demi Hiepner ship down to the bridge, children (and some adults, too) with balloons in North. Plans are for a fish fry, gospel (tennis) and Leigh Garner (equestrian) hand, and sent well wishes of red-filled helium into the air. After, they shared singing and an inspirational speaker. will be two of the eight South Carolina a meal and birthday cake. (Photo by Gary Neal) St. John’s UMC, Aiken, celebrates athletes that make up Team USA. More the achievements of one of its mem - than 300 USA athletes and 150 coaches bers, Matthew Carlisle Risher. Risher and staff will travel to Athens from Zion UMC, New Zion , designed, bags also included letters introducing has been granted a Fulbright June 19-July 6, 2011. Mount Horeb is sewed and stuffed care bags for young the Morning Growth Group and what it Scholarship and will be going to asking people to pray for this event, the women and their children at New is about. Germany for at least nine months. He is athletes from around the world and for Horizons. Cookies, devotionals, Bible the grandson of St. John’s members the families traveling to Greece. Promise books, bracelets, stuffed ani - Greenwood District Zenith and Bob Sharpe and the parents mals, toys, nail polish, hand cream and Grace UMC, North Augusta, held of Becky and Jeff Risher. The church Florence District homemade bread were just a few of the a revival May 23-25. The guest minis - said this honor has been accorded to The Morning Growth Group at New gifts included in the care bags. The ter was Dr. Bill Bouknight, and special just 21 people in all of South Carolina. Seeds of Hope celebrates its 25th birthday at Washington Street UMC COLUMBIA – Washington Street similar markets, according to a framed United Methodist had a celebratory resolution from Sen. John Courson and worship June 5 centering on 25 years of the State Legislature presented at the its Seeds of Hope program. close of the church service. In 1986, Donna Bryan was among Gadson and dozens of farm family members of the Missions Work area of participants from around the state Washington Street who brought token attended the service. One family drought-relief checks to a meeting for brought a sign-language interpreter for small family farmers on Johns Island. two deaf farmers. President Barack Linda Gadson, director of Rural Obama also sent congratulations. Mission there, had organized the meet - The Rev. William Childs, pastor, ing where Bryan and her fellow-mem - used special liturgies for the occasion. bers discovered farmers lacked reliable Seeds of Hope piloted a voucher ISLAND CONNECTION – The Third Annual Island Connectional Service on markets for their produce and how they program to bring fresh fruits and veg - May 29 brought together four United Methodist pastors in the Charleston had to depend on “the middle-man” for etables from small farmers to low- District and their seven congregations for a celebration of worship and friend - their livelihood. income pregnant women and their chil - ship at Epworth UMC on James Island. Pictured (from left) are the Rev. Rich Robinson (Epworth UMC), the Rev. Angelin Simmons (Bethlehem, New With Bryan at the helm, they took dren (the WIC Farmers Market Webster, St. James UMCs), the Rev. Alice Deal (Folly Beach, St. Johns action, organizing Seeds of Hope, a Nutrition Program) in 1991 and 1992. UMCs) and the Rev. Otis Scott (Wesley UMC). program that now sponsors markets in Both this program, now run by DHEC parking lots of churches and syna - and the S.C. Department of Agriculture, gogues, in workplaces and other loca - and a similar program for low-income tions, where farmers can keep all their senior citizens are now funded by the profits instead of sharing them with a U.S. Department of Agriculture. “middle-man.” Today, Seeds of Hope markets and The program demonstrates the feasi - programs are still boosting farmers’ bility and effectiveness of small direct incomes and increasing consumption of farmer-to-consumer markets, thereby fresh produce. For locations of the providing a stimulus and a model for locally grown produce markets, e-mail other groups and municipalities to open Bryan at [email protected]. Youth choir to mission via St. Andrew-By-The-Sea HILTON HEAD – St. Andrew-By-The- Forty-three youth, ages 13 to 18, will Sea United Methodist Church will host be traveling as part of this tour, which a visiting youth choir from Texas June will also include assistance in mapping JESUS WAS, JESUS IS – The Drama Team of Epworth UMC, James Island, 19 during both worship services (9 a.m. Mount Calvary Baptist Church’s his - presented a post-Easter drama, “Jesus Was, Jesus Is” during worship May 1. and 11:15 a.m.). toric Gullah Tailbird Cemetery, located The congregation experienced in new ways the familiar characters from the Cantate is a 60-member youth choir within Hilton Head Plantation. New Testament, who shared their unique views of “who was Jesus?” The from Suncreek UMC in Allen, Texas. Results of the mapping work will be drama was written by Charlotte Heeg and directed by Helen McGill. Pictured Cantate sings each Sunday morning at entered into a software program, trans - in front from left are Milton Ortiz (Paul), Trace Moser (Martha), Sonja Kohser one of the three worship services and lated into a landscape map/blueprint (Mary of Bethany), Dick Cable (John the Baptist, Timothy Hines (Peter) and takes an annual summer tour to various and presented to Mount Calvary by Kathy Stringer (Mary Magdalene), and in back from left, Luke Hunt (Timothy), parts of the U.S. Dan Griswold, SABTS youth director. Julie Gosnell (Speaker) and Marilyn Baker (Mother of Jesus). The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Annual Conference-July 2011, Page 27 Other News UM pastor’s son to play Clemson football The son of a United Methodist pas - Harrison Tucker FCA, Student Council, Relay for Life, tor has been selected by Dabo Swinney, (center) stands National Beta Club and National Honor head coach of the Clemson University with Clemson Society. He achieved President’s Honor football team, as a freshman recruit. Head Football Roll with all A’s at Piedmont Technical Coach Dabo Harrison Tucker – son of the Rev. College. He had the highest SAT score Swinney (left) and Tommy Tucker, pastor of Bethlehem Tucker’s father, the in his school and the highest calculus United Methodist Church, Greenwood, Rev. Tommy math scores award. and soon to move to Hebron UMC, Tucker, pastor of Recruited by Brown University, Florence District – will be serving Bethlehem UMC, Presbyterian and many other Division 1 under S.C. native and offensive line Greenwood. and 2 colleges, Tucker turned down all coach Robbie Caldwell. He will play Tucker will play the offers in choosing to attend Clemson the position of offensive lineman. position of offen - University and has been accepted to the Tucker, offensive line at Senior sive lineman. College of Engineering for the fall. He Ninety Six High School, ranked third hopes to earn preferred walk-on status in his class with a Grade Point Average of 4.3 weighted. He had a score of 1250 on the SAT and was a member of and attend on academic scholarships. July’s Laity Convocation to offer 17 workshops for attendees LAKE JUNALUSKA, N.C. – Seven- Susan Leonard-Ray; “Making Your the renowned 4,000-member for double occupancy). teen workshops are slated for this Marriage a Priority,” by the Rev. Ken Ginghamsburg Church, Ohio, will To register, visit www.umcsc.org and year’s Laity Convocation. Nelson; “Ministerial Payroll: From serve as worship leader at the convoca - click on the Laity Convocation link on Set for July 29-31 at Lake Junaluska, Charge Conference to Year-End tion. Child care will be available the bottom right side of the page. For N.C., the convocation’s theme is Reporting,” by Tony Prestipino; throughout the weekend. more information, contact Lisa “Dream to Change the World.” “Parent Talk: the Nine Conversations to Cost is $45, plus lodging. Cost for Livingston at 803-960-3675 or lliv - This year’s workshop topics include: Have with Aging Parents,” by the Rev. lodging is $104 single occupancy ($58 [email protected]. “Being a Church in a Facebook Scott Middleton and Dr. Jimmie World,” by the Rev. Kathy James; Williamson; “Passage through the “Changing Your Life through Hands Psalms: A Journey of Prayer,” by Circle on Ministry,” by the Rev. Millie of Elizabeth, First UMC, Lancaster; Nelson; “Connecting the Dots of “Protecting the Church and the Assets Effective Communication: Becoming of the Church,” by Jim Ellis; “Spiritual an Effective Communicator,” by Gifts, Many Gifts, One Spirit,” by the Rhonda Jones; “Connecting the Dots of Rev. Cathy Joens; “The ABCs of Lay Effective Communication: Building a Leadership,” by Barbara Ware; Strong Network,” by Joy Preveaux and “Tithing: Giving as Spiritual Disci- Rhonda Jones; “Connecting the Dots of pline,” by the Rev. Ernest Etheredge Effective Communication: Media Tools and Donald Love; “Ways of Making and Techniques,” by the Rev. Charitable Gifts,” by Dr. Roger Carleathea Benson; “Hispanic/Latino Gramling; and “United Methodism Ministry Dialogue,” by the Rev. Sonia 101,” by Rev. Sara White. Brum; “Inspiring Worship,” by the Rev. Dr. Mike Slaughter, lead pastor at COSS HOLDS WALK-A-THON – Community Organization Service of Shalom, in the Stuckey community of Hemingway, Florence District, it held its Golf tourney to help Salem ministries sixth annual Walk-A-Thon on May 21. The COSS event was an opportunity CONWAY – Golfers, get those clubs The tournament will be held at for fellowship, friendly competition and ministry; the site had distributed 40 ready. Salem United Methodist Church, Diamond Back Gold Course. Registra- tons of white potatoes to the community the first week in May. Attendees Conway, will hold its eighth annual tion will be at 8:30 a.m., with a shot - included Old Mount Carmel Universal Methodist Church and many others. golf tournament on Aug. 6. gun start at 9 a.m., Captain’s Choice. Pictured here are the winners of the walk-a-thon: first place winner James Proceeds from the tournament will For more information: 843-685-843- Bethune of Manning, second place winner Audrey Scott and third place win - help Salem UMC’s many ministries. 236-1172. ner Karen Cooper. James Williams, COSS president, gave them trophies.

To Your Health

By the Rev. Sandra King actually be robbing your body of necessary fluid at a trouble. 97, 98, 99, 100 – these aren’t your kids’ final time when you are prone to dehydration from heat • If you don’t start to feel better immediately or grades for the school year. These are the crazy tem - and exertion. you stop producing sweat, have someone call 911 for peratures we have been seeing in South Carolina • Why not “go green” by getting a stainless steel you. It’s better to be safe than sorry. already this summer! bottle and filling it from your tap? Stainless steel • Avoid sunburn. It is important to remember that As summer heats up and we spend more time play - retains less odor than plastic bottles and can give you sunburn is not noticeable until about six hours after ing and working outside, it is important to take the a clean, refreshing bottle of water every time. the damage begins, and peaks at around 24 hours proper steps to ensure our family’s health and safety • Avoid extremely cold beverages, as tempting as after exposure to the sun. This means that by the time in light of the extreme heat. they may sound. When it is hot outside, very cold you feel pain and your skin begins to turn pink, you Whether you are gearing up for a week of service drinks can cause stomach cramps. are already burned. Sunburn is not only painful, but it through Salkehatchie, spending lazy Saturdays at the • Dress in lightweight, loose-fitting, light-colored also causes dehydration. lake or beach or just planning on keeping ahead of clothing made from natural fibers like cotton. These • If you are going to be out in the sun, wear a the grass in your yard and weeds in your garden, the allow your body’s natural cooling mechanism (sweat) broad-brimmed hat, sunglasses and plenty of water - following information can make your time out of to function most efficiently. proof sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher. doors safer and less taxing on your body. • Limit strenuous work or play during the hottest • If you do get sunburned, drink plenty of water • Keep a bottle of water within reach and drink part of the day, from noon until 4 p.m. Take frequent and take tepid showers or apply cool compresses from it regularly. As tempting as it may be to go for breaks in a shady spot, and reach for that water bottle directly to burned skin. the super-sized iced tea or your favorite soft drink, every 15-20 minutes. Follow these tips and have a wonderful, hot, fun- water is the best when it comes to hydrating and • If you begin to feel nauseated, dizzy or confused, filled summer! cooling your body. Caffeine (found in most tea, cof - or your heart seems to speed up, get to a cool place King serves as minister at Leesville United fee, soft drinks), high-sugar drinks and alcoholic bev - immediately and sip cool water. Don’t ignore these Methodist Church in Leesville. She is a registered erages all act as diuretics, which means you may signs, as you may be getting into serious heat-related nurse with a master’s degree in health nursing. Page 28, Annual Conference-July 2011 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Seniors

Alifair Barr Julious receives the S.C. Senate Award, which was presented to her The Rev. Geneva Stafford (left), pastor of Jeremiah UMC, congratulates Julious by her son-in-law, James Williams. on her honor. 98-year-old UM receives S.C. Senate Award HEMINGWAY – A 98-year-old mem - ber of Jeremiah United Methodist Church, Hemingway, has received the S.C. Senate Award. Alifair Barr Julious, one of the old - est living residents of Williamsburg County, was presented with the award on Mother’s Day, May 8. Before a packed house of church family and friends, her son-in-law, James Williams, presented her with the award in the absence of Sen. John Julious stands with her daughter, Yancey McGill. Carrie Williams (left). The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Annual Conference-July 2011, Page 29 Obituaries

Rev. Louis Mason Adams Memorials may be made to the Jeffersonville UMC or the Jeffersonville Obituary policy: GREENWOOD – Wesley Commons Resident Support UMW, 13 E. High St., Jeffersonville, Fund, 1110 Marshall Road, Greenwood, The Advocate prints death notices of OH 43128. The Rev. Louis clergy and their immediate families and Mason Adams, a SC 29646; or to the Connie Maxwell laypersons who have served on confer - Mrs. Owens is survived by her hus - retired member of Children’s Home, P.O. Box 1178, ence boards and agencies or who work band, Robert, two sons and two daugh - the S.C. Annual Greenwood, SC 29648. for the S.C. Conference of the United ters. Methodist Church. Conference, died Judith Katherine Shuler May 19, 2011. Drive, Lexington, SC 29072. Herbert Linwood Rogers Prior to his Kleckley Mrs. Kleckley is survived by her two HEMINGWAY – Herbert Linwood LEXINGTON – Judith Katherine Rogers, grandfather of the Rev. Rett retirement in 1985, Adams sons and daughter. Rev. Adams Shuler Kleckley, mother of Rhonda Haselden, died May 17, 2011. Rev. served churches in the Western North Gilliam, died June 7, 2011. Mrs. Haselden is the associate pastor at St. Carolina, the South Indiana and the Gilliam is the secretary for the Frances D. Owens John’s United Methodist Church, Rock Kentucky Annual conferences as well Greenville District. JEFFERSONVILLE, Ohio – Frances D. Hill. as the Ehrhardt, Yongues Island-St. Funeral services were held June 11 at Owens, mother of the Rev. Jean Funeral services were held May 20 at Paul, South Aynor, Branchville, Fews Brookland United Methodist Church, Osborne, died June 3, 2011. Indiantown Presbyterian Church. Chapel, Aiken-Trinity, Boiling Springs, West Columbia, with burial in Rev. Osborne is the minister of edu - Memorials may be made to Kelton, North Pickens, McBee, Dickson Southland Memorial Gardens. cation at First United Methodist Indiantown Presbyterian Church, 4865 Memorial, Toxaway, Central and Gray Memorials may be made to Church, Myrtle Beach. Hemingway Hwy., Hemingway, SC Court-Trinity charges in South Carolina. Brookland UMC Building Fund, 541 Funeral services were held June 8 at 29554-5473. A memorial service was held June 5 Meeting St., West Columbia, SC 29169; Jeffersonville UMC, with burial in Mr. Rogers is survived by wife, at the Wesley Commons Healthcare or to the Midlands Special Fairview Cemetery. Elizabeth Hanna Rogers, and three Center Chapel. Needs Foundation, 109-A Vista Oaks Memorials may be made to daughters.

Resource Center

New resources from the Resource lives, our relationships and our service as a backdrop to explore how God masterfully captures the core of Christ’s Center: to others. 1. Experience Life; 2. Life in works with us through the challenges in teachings in a fresh, relevant light, Experience Life (DVD812=) Christ; 3. Life with Others; 4. Life our lives. 1. Leaving Comfort; 2. Flatten revealing a revolutionary way to experi - 2 DVDs/20-23 Expressed. the Mountain; 3. Climbing in Silence; 4. ence God: by knowing Him as an min./leader’s Age: YAS. A Better View. essential part of the here and now, guide/ work - Age: YAS rather than only as a part of the here - book/church-wide Keep Climbing (DVD807=) after. Based on the Sermon on the resource 4 DVDs/9-19 The Divine Conspiracy (DVD818=) Mount, the author calls Christians into a DVD/2011. min./leader’s 6 sessions, 19-26 min./leader’s more authentic faith and then offers a This selec - guide/ work - guide/participant’s practical plan by which we can answer tion is all book/church- guide/book/2010. the call. 1. The Divine Conspiracy; about learn - wide resource Dallas Willard Defining Kingdoms; 2. The Path to a ing to follow DVD/2020. issues a timely and Blessed Life; Doing What is Right; 3. Jesus in a “me-cen - Life is hard. challenging callback Becoming a Good Person; Changing tered” world. Are you a follower? We pray and to the true meaning of the Bar; 4. Treasuring What Matters Every day, the world screams at us, ask God to Christian discipleship. Most; Impression Management; 5. “You’re number one. Look out for your - help, but many Gracefully weaving Becoming a Community of Prayerful self: your own comfort and happiness.” times it seems like He’s biblical teaching, pop - Love; The Power of Asking; 6. Living as But that’s not what Jesus said. He told not there. We know God can perform ular culture, science, a Disciple of Jesus; Spiritual us to follow Him. And following Him miracles, yet our problems often scholarship and spiritual practice into Disciplines. means we’re not number one – Jesus remain. Is God listening? Does God one cohesive group study, Willard The S.C. Conference Resource is. In these four sessions, Pete Briscoe care? In these four sessions, Todd shows Christians everywhere the Center is your connection to VHS explores what it means to surrender to Phillips leads a team to Russia to climb necessity of making profound changes tapes, DVDs and seasonal musicals. Jesus and the dynamic impact that fol - Mount Elbrus, the tallest mountain in in how we view our lives and live out To reserve, call 888-678-6272 or visit lowing Christ will have on our personal Europe. Phillips uses their perilous trek our faith. This video-based group study www.umcsc.org/resourcecenter.

Other news Peace Conference early registration ends July 31 LAKE JUNALUSKA – The fourth alleviating these causes of poverty for a Ntambo of the Katanga Conference in effective in our witness and involve - annual Lake Junaluska Peace more just and peaceful world. the Democratic Republic of the Congo. ment in seeking peace and justice for Conference, “Poverty, Abundance, and Set for on Nov. 13-15, registration is Garland Young and Wannamaker all. The interfaith approach to peace Peace: Seeking Economic Justice for going on now, and early registration Hardin, chair and vice-chair of the will continue to be an emphasis of this All God’s Children,” will lift up some ends July 31. Peace Conference, said the conference with Muslim, Jewish and of the systemic causes of poverty and Speakers for this year’s conference speakers each bring a long history of Christian leaders taking part. economic disparity to help participants include Sen. George McGovern; Dr. effective involvement in issues related For more information on the confer - better understand these issues and to be David Beckmann, president of Bread to peace, poverty and hunger: “They ence and to register, visit www.lakeju - equipped as change agents to work for for the World; and Bishop Nkula will help us explore ways to be more naluska.com/peace. July 10 is deadline for Advance Special Ministry certification South Carolina ministries that wish approved mission programs or mission the bounds of the S.C. Annual to certify or recertify as an Advance personnel with their financial gift. Conference whose purposes are consis - Christian Jazz Trio Special Ministry of the United The Advance is “designated” giving tent with the goals of the UMC and the Methodist Church have until July 10 to because it gives donors an opportunity S.C. Annual Conference and have been Call us to provide music submit an application. to select specific mission programs or approved by the conference Board of at your next church event. The Advance is an official program persons. The Advance is “second-mile” Global Ministries, the conference Contact: Frank Hill of the UMC for voluntary, designated, giving because in the UMC, the first Connectional Table and the Annual at [email protected] second-mile giving. Through The mile (priority) is for local churches to Conference. Advance, United Methodist annual support World Service and other appor - An application for certification as an Phones: (803) 338-0115 conference, districts, local churches, tioned funds. Advance Special Ministry, as well as or (803) 736-6908 organizations, individuals and families Conference Advance Special more information, is available at may choose to support particular, Ministries are ministry agencies within www.umcsc.net/advspecialmin. Page 30, Annual Conference-July 2011 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Upcoming Events

June June 19 – Trinity Sunday

June 19 – Peace with Justice Sunday (offering)

June 19 – Father’s Day

June 19 – United Methodist Men’s Day

June 19 – Summer Worship Series at Lake Junaluska: Rev. Vance Ross; www.lakejunaluska.com/summer- worship

June 19-24 – Music and Worship Arts Week at Lake Junaluska; www.lakejunaluska.com/mwaw

June 24-27 – Grand Camp 2011: Come Create Memories, Epworth by the WHEN A PILL WON’T REACH THE PAIN – Members of Bethel Park UMC, Denmark, distributed “When A Pill Won’t Sea, St. Simon’s Island, Ga. Reach The Pain,” by their pastor, the Rev. Judy C. Hames, to homeless and other people in Finley Park in Columbia recently. Local churches in Columbia feed the homeless on Wednesday evenings, and Bethel Park decided it would July help out by handing out about 100 copies of the books and footing the printing costs. The book discusses the biblical July 4 – Independence Day origins of pain and the many ways to deal with it, offering many ways to help process one’s pain. Hames said the book came from her experiences of tragically losing her 18-year-old son, John. The book is available online at Cokesbury, July 10 – St. Luke UMC, Walhalla, will Amazon and Barnes and Noble, or directly from her. Pictured at left, Johnette Whetstone, Hames, Diane Williamson, hold an open house from 4-6 p.m. Duncan Williamson and Louise McCain gather for a smile. At right, Hames connects with one man receiving a book. to celebrate its new sanctuary, rebuilt after a devastating fire two Lake Junaluska. Information: 803- August Aug. 21 – Call to Ministry Sunday years ago. All are welcome. 786-9486 or [email protected]. Aug. 6 – Golf tournament to benefit ministries at Salem UMC, September July 21 – UMW School of Christian July 29-31 – S.C. Laity Convocation, Conway. $60 entry fee. 843-685- Sept. 11 – Christian band Kutless in Mission, Spartanburg Methodist “Dream to Change the World,” 9381. concert at Mount Horeb UMC, College, Spartanburg Lake Junaluska. Information: 803- Lexington. Tickets are $15. 960-3675 or e-mail llivingston@ Aug. 7 – Aldersgate Special Needs Information: www.concertsat July 28-31 – Immerse Youth Event, agapesenior.com Sunday mthoreb.com. Classified Advertising 888-678-6272 • 803-786-9486 • [email protected]

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NEW Steeple cleaning service Part-Time Music Director Salem UMC, Greenville, SC, is seeking a part-time New Pews • Pew Upholstering • Pew Refinishing • director of music. Salem has one traditional Sunday Pulpit Furniture • Carpet • Steeples/Baptistries • Chime morning service. The music director is expected to Systems • Stained Glass • Classroom Furniture • Office Miscellaneous rehearse and direct the church choir and coordinate all Furniture • Social Hall Furniture • Budget & Project the music programs of the church. The salary for this position will be negotiated depending on level of educa - Analysis • Project Management Everette studio piano with bench, tion and experience. The position is available immedi - medium walnut finish. Very good condition. ately. Please send resumes and contact information to Nu-Idea Salem UMC, 2700 White Horse Road, Greenville, SC Excellent tone and touch. $450. Church Furnishings 29611 or by e-mail to [email protected]. For Call 803-957-7955 more information call, 864-269-1191. Sumter, South Carolina 1-800-922-0424 www.nu-idea.com “Serving South Carolina’s churches since 1921”

• Steeples • Baptistries • Pews • Refinishing & Upholstering Pews • Stained Glass MOVING? Superior Church Furnishings Don’t forget to send us your NEW address! 1•800•975•2129 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Annual Conference-July 2011, Page 31 International Bible School Lessons

July 10 Bible and glean spiritual insights for can’t use you, just remember: Noah By the Rev. Julie Songer Listen to God’s Judges our lives. was a drunk, Abraham was too old, Belman Lesson Scripture: Judges 2:11-19 Billy Graham once said, “Many peo - Isaac was a daydreamer, Jacob was a Background Scripture: Judges 2; 21:25 ple argue, ‘I do believe in Christ. I liar, Joseph was abused, Moses had a Belman is Minister of Key Verse: Judges 2:12 “And they believe in the Church, and I believe in speech impediment, Gideon was afraid, Evangelism and Outreach abandoned the Lord, the God of the Bible. Isn’t that enough?’ No! You Sampson was a womanizer, Rahab was at Shandon UMC their ancestors, who had brought must receive Christ. I may go to the a prostitute, and the list goes on! What them out of the land of Egypt; airport. I have a reservation. I have a do you have that’s worse than that? July 3 they followed other gods, from ticket in my pocket. The plane is on the God can use you to your full potential God Reacts to Disobedience among the gods of the peoples ramp. It is a big, powerful plane. I am (www.family-times.net). Lesson Scripture: Joshua 7:1, 10-12, who were all around them, and certain that it will take me to my desti - Whatever our tendency, insecurity or 22-26 bowed down to them; and they nation. They call the flight three times. self-confidence, each of us has a lot to Background Scripture: Joshua 7:1-8:29 provoked the Lord to anger. “ I neglect to get on board. They close learn about what it means to live a Key Verse: Joshua 7:1 “But the Judges 2 gives us a clear picture of the door. The plane taxis down the run - God-dependent life. Self-doubt can eas - Israelites broke faith in regard to God’s anger in action as the Lord deals way and takes off. I am not on the ily keep us from taking big steps that the devoted things: Achan son of with the disobedience and sin of Israel. plane. Why? I ‘believed’ in the plane, we know God wants us to take. As you Carmi son of Zabdi son of Zerah, The new generation of Israelites had but I neglected to get on board. That’s spend time in prayer this week, ask of the tribe of Judah, took some quickly forgotten about the good reso - just it! You believe in God, Christ, the Christ to help you trust in him for of the devoted things; and the lutions made by their ancestors. Bible and the Church – but you have courage, and understand He loves to anger of the Lord burned against In this text, Israel is found worship - neglected to actually receive Him in use the weak to do His greatest work. the Israelites.” ping before Baal, the Phoenician rain- your heart. Your belief has been an God speaks strongly in Joshua 7:12, god, and Oshtaroth, the moon-god. The impersonal, speculative thing, and you July 31 saying “I will not be with you anymore formerly faithful Israelites have forsak - have not entrusted yourself to Him.” Return to Obedience unless you destroy whatever among en their God and fallen into a religion How often do we as people of faith Lesson Scripture: Judges 10:10-18 you is devoted to destruction.” We see filled with idols and other gods. We see neglect to fully rely on God as the Background Scripture: Judges 10:6- clearly and distinctly that blatant sin is how God, our most holy judge, deals author and protector of our faith? The 11:33; 21:25 not tolerated among God’s people. with their disobedience. The Lord had alliances with idolatrous nations led Key Verse: Judges 10:16 “So they God certainly is gracious, and slow warned Israel He would do this, and Israel into grievous sin. Israel waited put away the foreign gods from to anger. I believe God puts up with a now the Israelites are miserable. until they found themselves in an emer - among them and worshiped the lot from us, and God is extremely Wouldn’t it be great if we could stay gency crisis before calling upon the Lord; and He could no longer patient with our human inclination to on course in the Christian life without Lord. They continued to think they did bear to see Israel suffer.” wander from faithfulness. But when it wavering? To be people of constant not need God, stubbornly believing This passage of Scripture causes us comes to deliberate sin and disobedi - faith, obedience and focus? Most of us they could handle things on their own. to ask, “Does God’s mercy ever run ence, God has a very low tolerance. have experienced numerous starts/stops Sound familiar? How often, when out?” Under heavy persecution from God’s people are never more vulner - or ups/downs in our life. We fall back things are going smoothly for us, do we the Ammonites, the tribes of Israel able than right after they have experi - into bad habits and routines that take think we can do just fine on our own? began to pray for grace and confessing enced a great victory. Yesterday’s victo - God out of the center of our life. This Why do we so often neglect the things their wrongdoings. They put away all ry does not make us immune from is the sin the Israelites were guilty of, of God until the hour of crisis? foreign idols in order to serve the Lord. defeat today. There must be a continu - as they kept returning to their old ways May the words of this text compel The Lord spoke sternly and remind - ing depen dence on the Lord. In the vic - of comfortable sin. us to return our full trust and faith to ed them of how they had already been tory at Jericho, Joshua had made it What steps can we take in our lives God who is our Creator, Redeemer and delivered many times before, and yet clear that no Israelite soldier was to to get back on track when we have fall - Sustainer in all of life. they had not remained true to the Lord help himself to the spoils. However, en away from the spiritual disciplines their God. God said that mercy must Achan disobeyed, and consequentially, of faith? How can we sustain faithful July 24 yield to judgment. God’s judgment fell not only on Achan, obedience to the Lord our God? Let God Rule Israel begged for the Almighty to but on all of Israel. Scripture tells us to examine how Lesson Scripture: Judges 7:2-4, 13-15; give them another chance; they prom - Achan had disobeyed God’s com - matters stand with ourselves, and to 8:22-25 ised to repent and turn their hearts back mand to destroy everything in Jericho; pray without ceasing, that we may be Background Scripture: Judges 6-8, to the Lord. God again showed com - thus everything that belonged to Achan rooted and grounded in love, and that 21:25 passion to the Israelites and directed had to be destroyed. We can see clearly Christ may dwell richly in our hearts. Key Verse: Judges 7:15 “When Gideon indignation toward their enemies. in this text that defiant sin has drastic This passage from Judges calls us to heard the telling of the dream and Judges 10 reveals the patience of our consequences. declare war against every sin, and fol - its interpretation, he worshiped; heavenly Father, and shows us how ter - Achan was caught in the same web low after holiness all our days. and he returned to the camp of rible it is to test God’s patience, but of materialism that many face in our Israel, and said, ‘Get up; for the how gracious it is to experience God’s society today. It is estimated that the July 17 Lord has given the army of patience. Why do we so often wait for average American is bombarded with Use God’s Strength Midian into your hand.’” a crisis before turning to God? Do you around 2,000 adver tisements per day Lesson Scripture: Judges 3:15-25 , 29-30 Once the Israelites had defeated their think God gets impatient with us? Do by various forms of the media. The phi - Background Scripture: Judges 3:7-31; great foe and oppressor, they requested you think God ever runs out of patience losophy behind these advertisements is 21:25 that Gideon become their king. for the gossip that buzzes through our that we will only have complete, ful - Key Verse: Judges 3:15 “But Gideon’s reply was a model of noble churches? Do you think God gets tired filled and satisfied lives if we drive this when the Israelites cried out to unselfishness when he refused to accept of the constant criticism we unleash at car, use this hairspray or drink this bev - the Lord, the Lord raised up for the authority offered to him and said, others while we hold ourselves to a dif - erage. Most of us are guilty of being them a deliverer, Ehud son of “You already have a king if you will ferent standard? Do we assume, like like Achan from time to time. When we Gera, the Benjaminite, a left- only acknowledge Him.” How humble! ancient Israel, that God’s patience will allow sinful desires to take hold of our handed man. The Israelites sent How do you usually respond to never run out? lives, we get into trouble with tribute by him to King Eglon of praise and affirmation? It’s easy to feel Do we ignore the warnings of Bible Almighty God. Moab. “ good about ourselves when we have verses like Hebrews 10:26: “If we In this text, we are taught that God Reading the story of Ehud is like worked hard to accomplish a difficult deliberately keep on sinning after we will deal with sin decisively and clear - watching an action flick. Ehud, a task, but do we fail to acknowledge have received the knowledge of the ly. But thankfully, God is not finished Benjamite, had carefully planned the that nothing great is done without the truth, no sacrifice for sins is left, but with us yet. As persons of faith, we are assassination of the king by sneaking in hands of the Lord? only a fearful expectation of judgment called to confess and repent. We are a 14-inch dagger. Pretending to have a Why do you think it took Gideon so and of raging fire that will consume the redeemed by a God who is holy and secret message from God, Ehud long to believe in God’s plan for him? enemies of God”? has the power to make all things new. sparked the king’s curiosity and Can you identify with Gideon’s doubts Fortunately for us, God’s patience God hasn’t brought us this far to secured a private audience with him. and fears? What would it look like for extends far longer than we leave us or forsake us, but to perfect us Ehud approached the king as if to you to depend on God for strength and deserve. There’s no sin too great, no in his most holy image. God’s Word reveal the message and then drew the success rather than yourself? Do you deed too awful, no thought too horrible tells us that through grace the power of dagger and buried it in the king’s belly, believe God wants you to win great for the Lord to forgive. God’s patience sin is broken, and we can be “more leaving him to die on the floor. battles in life? Or do you think God graciously returns when we give our than conquerors through Jesus who Now it is one thing to watch and be could never use an ordinary, run-of-the- hearts in repentance. loved us and gave His life for us” entertained by the movies, and quite mill human being such as yourself? God’s patience perseveres to keep us (Romans 8). another to read a story like this in the The next time you feel like God in the true faith. Page 32, Annual Conference-July 2011 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Other News UMW gather for ‘Come Together, Be Together’ at Francis Burns COLUMBIA – The S.C. Conference The day began with gathering and D. Klown (A.K.A. Carolyn Vinson); prised with a grab bags. Three of the United Methodist Women held a Come music, followed by keynote remarks “Flower Arrangement,” by Becky UMC’s Advance Special Ministries – Together, Be Together day June 4 at from the Rev. Candice Y. Sloan, chap - Libby; “Healthy Eating,” by Evelyn Killingsworth, Bethlehem Community Francis Burns United Methodist lain of Spartanburg Methodist College. Pauling; “Hymns for Women and by Center-Spartanburg and Wallace Church. Sloan shared personal stories, such as Women,” by Mary Johnson; Family Life Center – had jewelry for More than 130 women from all 12 her tradition of sending her hair to “Recycling Now,” by Bobbi Diussa; sale to benefit their ministries. districts attended the event. Locks of Love and her recent visit to and “Sharing Children’s Books,” by They ended the day by singing “Our welcome from Francis Burns be with her niece in Texas. She remind - Judy Roumillat. together the hymn, “This Little Light was truly loving,” said Cathy Ford, ed attendees to “be still” and “follow During lunch, attendees were sur - of Mine.” chair of the conference UMW our shepherd” whenever we needed Membership Nurture and Outreach to recalculate our direction in life. Committee. “Maeward Belk told us, She closed with leading the UMWs Epworth News ‘Our doors are hung on welcome in reciting the 23rd Psalm together. hinges.’ Two sitters were on-site, fol - Workshops included “Become a In the living area of Anderson Cottage hood education and criminal justice. lowing safe sanctuary guidelines to Missionary,” by Cynthia Keesler; at Epworth Children’s Home, the floor Two others will be attending Midlands enable mommies to attend the event.” “Christian Clown Ministry,” by Kaki was covered with boxes holding brand Technical College one majoring in nurs - new mini refrigerators, microwaves, ing and the other, Katrina, working on comforters, mini ironing boards and core classes with plans to transfer to RE: Boutique shopping event to help irons, trunks and lamps. Claflin University the following school Six new graduating seniors sat in six year. When asked why she wanted to go Ugandan women, Epworth children new dorm room chairs. The ladies were to college, Katrina said, “I have been at COLUMBIA – Go shopping and the giving. Items created by some of taking a break from packing and moving Epworth for three years. It has let me women of Uganda. Virginia Wingard’s most talented arti - into the new Independent Living learn who I am, and I want to major in That is the premise of RE: Boutique, sans, including its quilters, will be on Initiative apartments for the summer and human services so I can come back and a unique shopping event at Virginia sale. upcoming school year. Each of the young work at Epworth some day. I want to Wingard Memorial United Methodist Baked goods will be available for ladies, who graduated from Dreher High give back to others what Epworth gave Church. sale, and a kids’ corner will entertain School this May, is off to college. me.” Set for Saturday, June 25, 10 a.m. to children. In the recycling center, the “One of the questions we get asked Through the ILI, Epworth provides 3 p.m. in the Activity Center of the Virginia Wingard Green Team will staff most often at Epworth is: what happens safe and supervised housing during church, the event will feature Beads for an informative exhibit. to the children when they turn 18?” said breaks and holidays or year-round for all Life jewelry handcrafted from recycled All proceeds from this multi-concept Mitzie Schafer, director of development residents between the ages of 18 and 25. paper by Ugandan women. Proceeds shopping event will benefit the Bead for Epworth Children’s Home. “I am They provide career guidance and life from the sale of this jewelry will go For Life project in Uganda and pleased to say that this year, every one of skills training to help teach the residents directly to these women to help them Epworth Children’s Home in Columbia. them is off to college.” how to be self-sufficient. The goal of the overcome poverty and rebuild their Virginia Wingard is located at 1500 Three of the new graduates will be ILI is for residents to move forward from lives and communities. Broad River Road. For more informa - attending Spartanburg Methodist College Epworth as they are ready, but with hous - RE: Boutique will also feature new tion, call 803-772-0794 or visit and majoring in psychology, early child - ing and jobs. and seldom-used items suitable for re- www.virginiawingardumc.com. CONGRATULATIONS !

Erskine Theological Seminary is pleased to announce the appointment of a United Methodist,

DR. STEPHEN D. LOWE as Interim Vice President.

To mark the occasion, the seminary is offering the

GEORGE WHITEFIELD SCHOLARSHIP

to all United Methodists with an accredited M. Div. degree who wish to pursue the Doctor of Ministry degree at Erskine Seminary.

The 40% scholarship will enable interested United Methodists pastors to pursue their D.Min. degree while continuing their pastoral ministry.

Combined with our Partner’s Program this scholarship will make it possible to finish the degree without any outstanding debt.

For more information or to apply please visit us as www.erskine.edu/seminary or call 866.744.1446