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$2 March 2010 ‘O Lord, we have seen your face shin - Pray for Haiti ning through the dark, wet eyes of Haitian children who are hungry for food and thirsty for clean water. ... ‘May we rediscover the saving powers of a cup of cool water, a loaf of bread, a listening ear, a shared hurt, a gentle touch. ...’ – Prayed at St.John’s United Methodist Church, Anderso n

A TIME TO PRAY – Haitian congregant of St. Martin Methodist Church in Port-au- Prince, Haiti, his hands rest - ing on his Bible, prays during an outdoor worship service. See stories, Pages 23-24. (UMNS photo by Mike DuBose) Season of Lent, Emily Cooper retiring; new editor sought Palm Sunday The Advocate’ s editor, Emily “Green Theology” was formed at the possible.” Cooper, has submitted her resignation Advocate last year, awakening the con - Trustees have begun a search for its The Poor to whom effective June 30. ference to the need to be environmen - next editor, Murphy said. An advertise - we are called to Hired by the S.C. United Methodist tally conscious in churches as well as ment appears in this issue. minister Advocate Board of Trustees in October individually. Pages 8, 9 2007, Cooper told the search commit - During Cooper’s tenure, Murphy tee she wanted to show what the said, “the Advocate has received acco - Conference Advocate could be. Trustees believe lades across the conference for being Conference she has shown the Advocate to be the informing, encouraging and challeng - treasurer Basketball key tool for the connection of S.C. ing. ‘It has grown up,’ a reader said. Pages United Methodists. Many articles are used as teaching announced 3,4 Marilyn Murphy, chairperson of the tools and to stimulate growth in our The confer - Advocate board, said Cooper “has been churches. The editor’s depth of ence’s Council an exemplary editor.” Seeking time research and clarity, as well as her on Finance and with her family and personal interests, strong editing skills, have been noted Administration Cooper said, “It’s time for someone to by many. One pastor said the Advocate has announced take the Advocate to the next level.” is a shining, literary light throughout selection of a Under Cooper’s leadership, the the state. Another said the Advocate new treasurer, Advocate quickly took on a new look, now has a great shelf-life.” Anthony with a whiter and brighter paper, larger “It is the boundless United “Tony” print, improved color and design. She Methodists, many with such deeply Prestipino Jr. has opened its pages to local, district rooted faith in action, who have made Following an and conference events, shared with this job so wonderful,” Cooper said. “I extensive readers the stories and talents of have been a United Methodist for most search, Tony Prestipino United Methodists throughout the of my life, but I am more committed to Prestipino will become the new state, and covered a wide spectrum of Methodism than ever because I see Treasurer/Director of Administrative issues. such value in our conference connec - Services effective March 8. Under her leadership, the Advocate tionalism and, most of all, our world - Prestipino’s selection will require has produced its first Web site wide connection. It is unknown in final confirmation and election by the (www.scadvocate-online.org) available other denominations, and we should S.C. Annual Conference session in by subscription. embrace and cherish it every way See Page 10

4 Opinion 15-19 District News 20 Obituaries Issue Index: 5-6 Commentary 18 Classifieds 21 IBS Lessons march 2010.qdx:Layout 1 2/19/10 11:34 AM Page 2

Page 2, March 2010 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Basketball tournament teaches more than athletics Top left: Senior Girl Champions are from Mount Horeb. Middle-left: Senior boys of Trinity UMC at Fountain Inn takes the championship. Bottom left: Buncombe wins the Junior Boys championship.

Top right: Mauldin UMC’s team takes the Junior Girls’ championship. Mid- right: The Boys Junior championship award goes to Union UMC, Irmo.

Jordan Hamill, representing the Mauldin UMC Junior Boys Team A, is handed the tournament’s most prestigious award by William Owens, a member of the tournament committee and a member of St. Paul UMC in Kingstree. Team sponsors add to No-Malaria fund Jr. Girls Hill Buncombe Street UMC A, Trinity UMC, North Myrtle Boone Hill UMC Shandon UMC, Columbia Beach Simpsonville UMC, Gordon UMC Buncombe Street UMC B, Johnston UMC, Johnson Mount Horeb UMC, St. Andrew’s By-the-Sea UMC, Epworth Children’s Home, College Place UMC, Hilton Head Columbia Publisher Union UMC, Emmanuel/St. Matthew Charge Sr. Boys The S.C. United Methodist Advocate Trustees Bethany UMC, Wesley UMC, Columbia Mount Horeb UMC A, Virginia Wingard UMC, Marilyn Murphy, chairperson; Angela Nelson, vice chairperson; Mauldin UMC/Advent UMC, Buford Street UMC, Columbia the Rev. Steven King, secretary; Matt Holycross, treasurer; Gaffney Mount Horeb UMC B, Virginia Wingard UMC, Gayle Arries; Robert Bentley; the Rev. Robin Dease; Carmen Faulkner; Columbia the Rev. Keith Hunter; Gladys Lemon; the Rev. Evelyn Middleton; the Rev. Rodney Powell; the Rev. Thomas Sims; Jr. Boys Union UMC A, 2010 Zimbabwe Mission Team the Rev. DeVere Williams; and Diane Wilson Cumberland UMC, Silver Hill Memorial UMC, Union UMC B, 2010 Zimbabwe Mission Team Editors emeritus Spartanburg Trinity UMC, Fountain Inn A, John Wesley UMC, J. Claude Evans, M. Eugene Mullikin, Maryneal Jones, Epworth Children’s Home, Greene Street UMC, Greenville Willie S. Teague, Allison Askins, Karl F. Davie Burgdorf Columbia Trinity UMC, Fountain Inn B, John Wesley UMC, Editor: Emily L. Cooper Buncombe Street UMC A, First UMC, Marion Greenville [email protected] Buncombe Street UMC B, Beulah UMC, Orangeburg Bethany UMC A, Central UMC, Spartanburg Advertising/Circulation/Assistant Editor: Allison K. Trussell [email protected] Union UMC, Myrtle Beach First UMC Bethany UMC B, Bob and Rometta Fowler Mauldin UMC A, Francis Burns UMC, Columbia Simpsonville UMC A, Loris First UMC The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate (ISSN 1078-8166) continues the Southern Christian Advocate, Mauldin UMC B, Bethel UMC, Oswego Simpsonville UMC B, Loris First UMC authorized by the General Conference of 1836. Bethany UMC A, St. Paul UMC, New Ellenton Buncombe Street UMC A, Asbury Hills Camp Publication began July 24, 1837. The paper is published monthly by Bethany UMC B, Greene Street UMC, Columbia Buncombe Street UMC B, Asbury Hills Camp the S.C. United Methodist Advocate Trustees Wesley UMC (Evans, Georgia) North Georgia Buncombe Street UMC C, Lyttleton Street UMC, at 4908 Colonial Drive, Suite 207, Columbia, SC 29203. Conference Office Camden www.scadvocate-online.org The individual subscription rate is $15 annually. Stallsville UMC Sandy Grove UMC, Irmo Knightsville UMC, Journey UMC, Columbia For information about church plan rates, Asbury UMC /St. John UMC, Harmony UMC, Bethesda UMC Trinity UMC, West Columbia please call (803) 786-9486 or (888) 678-6272. Johnston Wesley UMC, Charleston, Isle of Palms UMC We cannot be responsible for unsolicited manuscripts. Mount Horeb UMC, St. Mark UMC, Columbia Central UMC, Newberr, Washington Street UMC, Please direct all inquiries regarding commentary submissions to: the editor, 4908 Colonial Drive, Suite 207, Columbia Columbia, SC 29203-6070. Sr. Girls Epworth Children’s Home, Conference United (803) 786-9486/FAX (803) 735-8168 Union UMC, First UMC, Winnsboro Methodist Men Periodicals postage paid at Columbia, S.C. Postmaster: Send address changes to: Bethany UMC, Fair Lawn UMC, Columbia St. Paul UMC, Platt Springs UMC, Columbia The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate , Buncombe Street UMC Mount Hebron UMC, West Asbury UMC /St. John UMC. Barnwell-Siloam Charge 4908 Colonial Drive, Suite 207, Columbia, SC 29203 Columbia Stallsville UMC, Windsor UMC, Columbia Epworth Children’s Home,St. Mark UMC, Greenville March 2010 • Volume 174 • No. 3 Canaan UMC /Sandhill UMC, St. Johns UMC, Rock march 2010.qdx:Layout 1 2/19/10 11:34 AM Page 3

The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate March 2010, Page 3

BY MUTUAL CONSENT – Tournament officials and committee leaders voted to make the Mauldin UMC Junior Boys Team A the 2010 Tournament Grand Champions and give them the Mitch Milford Sportsmanship Award. (Photos by Matt Brodie, conference director of Communications)

Top left: Bethany UMC was the runner-up in the Junior Girls Division. Bottom left: Boone Hill UMC was runner-up in the Senior Girls Division. Basketball tournament involves 2,200 United Methodists By Bob Fowler, Tournament coordinator because of an early death from this bined scoring of the referees, gym Boys: Buncombe Street UMC Team dreaded disease.” workers and tournament committee C, St. Paul UMC, Kingstree. SUMMERVILLE – Not since the The weekend of basketball also members. The Consolation pool winners inaugural tournament in 1977 has included two well-attended worship Other winners were: Mauldin were Junior Girls: Buncombe Street there been a more impacted tourna - services. The Rev. Bob Howell gave UMC Junior Girls Champion with UMC Team B; Senior Girls: ment that touched so many. a message of how losing sometimes Bethany UMC, Summerville, as Simpsonville UMC; Junior Boys: For this tournament, the word is a better teacher in life than win - runner-up; Mount Horeb UMC, Stallsville UMC, Summerville, and “many” means lives around the ning. Howell conducted the Lexington, Senior Girls Champion Bethany UMC, Summerville; Senior world. The weekend gathered some Saturday morning Communion with Boone Hill UMC, Boys: Asbury/St. John UMC, 700 youth and a combined 2,200 service. On Sunday morning, the Summerville, runner-up; Buncombe Shiloh, Stallsville UMC, Mount S.C. United Methodists. After 174 Rev. Jen Williams combined her Street UMC, Greenville, Junior Horeb UMC Team C, Buncombe games and 9,690 points, the tourna - two-week-old congregation with Boys Champion with Mauldin Street UMC Team A and Central ment crowned five Champions and tournament attendees. An overflow UMC Team A, runner-up; and UMC, Newberry. raised more than $6,000 for crowd heard Williams’s reflections Trinity UMC, Fountain Inn, Senior The offering made at worship, “Imagine: No Malaria.” on one of the Cleveland Cavaliers Boys Champion with Union UMC, $1,350, has been sent to Epworth The 2010 event had a mission NBA player’s commitment to God. Irmo, runner-up. The semi-finalists Children’s Home for recreation initiative this year coordinated by The 2010 Tournament Grand in each group were Junior Girls: activities, a tradition for the tourna - Robin Landers, conference staff per - Champions and the Mitch Milford Buncombe Street UMC Team A and ment. son in Connectional Ministries. Sportsmanship Award, given to the Epworth Children’s Home, The 2011 Conference Youth Each team had a conference church team that best reflects the true Columbia; Senior Girls: Union Basketball Tournament will be held or person who donated 50 cents for meaning of the tournament, went to UMC and Epworth Children’s in Columbia on Jan. 28-30 with each point their sponsored teamed the Junior Boys Team A of Mauldin Home; Junior Boys: Union UMC Epworth Children’s Home as the scored. The teams also donated at UMC. The award is from a com - and Mount Horeb UMC; and Senior host church. least one net and some tournament proceeds added to that. Over the weekend, each player in the tournament counted the lives they had saved by the points they scored as a team or individually. Mosquito nets will be purchased with this money through the United Methodist Committee on Relief. Nets protect children from being bitten in mosquito areas high in malaria. A $10 net is said to save one life. “I am excited that our basketball players across the state can score high points in the tournament and save a lot of lives through this ini - tiative,” Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor said. “Bringing awareness of how malaria kills people in poverty is so important” said Bob Fowler, tournament coordinator. “Our youth learned that, while they enjoyed playing basketball for the weekend, there are many children in our world that will never bounce a ball march 2010.qdx:Layout 1 2/19/10 11:34 AM Page 4

Page 4, March 2010 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate 3rd Corinthians: The Missing Link VIEWPOINT By Emily Cooper By the Rev. Mike Vandiver Church to be in ministry with the poor. Retired, affiliated with St. John's UMC, Anderson We have many concerns regarding the I was too young to know what to call poor in our own country, but it does not it. Bishop Cyrus Dawsey came to our take an ivy-league educated United ‘We’re coming, Lord – church in 1948 to talk about his ministry Methodist to see we are among the among the people of Brazil. He spoke most privileged people in the world. dragging our buildings about the need for the most basic essen - Our problems look pitifully small when tials of life: food, clean water, shelter we are compared with the third- and behind us’ and health care. He also told about their fourth-world countries. Factual data passionate love of Jesus Christ and their presented at the Jacksonville training We often hear sermons or read books about “radical hospitality.” desire to serve God. event pointed out United Methodists are We love to talk about a church without walls – you know, “Open After the bishop, a S.C. native, spoke very good at doing “band-aid” or chari - doors … .” Several times youth and their leaders at Revolution at our church, he came to our home to ty ministry, especially with the poor. heard, “The church has left the building.” spend the night. As my family sat Soup kitchens and clothes closets are But has it? around our kitchen table and listened to common examples of ministries that are You can look at the Conference Journal and see the church hasn’t more of Bishop Dawsey’s stories, “I felt necessary and helpful. However, as a left the building at all. There is an $860,000 building with an atten - my heart strangely warmed.” I got upset denomination, we are not very good at dance of 60 or so, or a $4.6 million building with an attendance of when my parents told me to go to bed moving from charity ministry to the about 290. (One way to look at these actual S.C. sets of numbers is so I could go to school the next day. I ministry of justice. to figure about $15,000 in the buildings alone per attendee; now could not sleep. An individual or organization add utilities, staff, etc.) There are dead weights of buildings mem - At that early stage of life, I think I got involved in charity ministry can usually bers can’t afford to maintain. Or maybe they keep them up to the a nickel a week for allowance and I usu - remain in a comfort zone that requires detriment of their real job as Kingdom builders. What is a body to ally put it in my piggy-bank until I accu - no real change in lifestyle. In the min - do? Let the building deteriorate? The mortgage and the caulk have mulated enough to get something I istry of justice, changes in lifestyle are to be paramount, or so it seems, in members’ responsibilities. wanted. The next morning, before I left necessary in order for the one(s) who Even so, it becomes increasing obvious from observation across for school, I told my parents that I was are the usual recipients of such ministry the conference: the churches that flourish are churches of strong going to give every cent in my bank to to become a meaningful part of the missions – and we don’t mean just writing checks to mission. Bishop Dawsey to take back for his solution to the problem(s). The training “The call of Jesus is costly,” said the Rev. Mike Slaughter, pastor ministry. That experience etched in my given in Jacksonville concentrated on of Ginghamsburg (United Methodist) Church, 4,800 strong in Ohio. heart forever what I later came to under - ways we might move from the ministry “Many pastors don’t have the courage to really put out there: this is stand as our United Methodist under - of charity to the ministry of justice. what it means to be a followers. When you put that out there, peo - standing of “ Connectionalism .” I believe the most significant ministry ple are going to leave. Many of Jesus disciples withdrew. To reach In January 2008, I was invited to go we have in the S.C. Annual Conference more people, you have to get smaller – realize you have to have the to Jacksonville, Fla., for the training in regard to the poor is Salkehatchie. right folks moving with you.” event for persons who are Peace With Thousands of people, especially young Justice Coordinators across our denomi - people, have given significant time and Work required for membership nation. Following that, I was invited to energies to repair homes for people who Ginghamsburg Church is heavily involved in mission action. It attend additional training of Annual could not afford such repairs. I see also requires an interview process and a 12-week course for those Conference leaders regarding the four Salkehatchie as a charity ministry. It who want to join. major areas of ministry General puts a band-aid on the far more compli - Slaughter, whose rural church dropped from 90 to about 60 his Conference had selected to focus upon cated and infectious disease of poverty. first year in 1979, said the ‘80s and ‘90s were a time when the for the these four years: A week spent replacing a longtime church over-emphasized attendance. We’ve gotten stuck in the “A- • Combating the diseases of poverty leaking roof where a single mother and B-Cs,” as Len Sweet told S.C. older adults in February – by improving health globally; her four children live has done much to “Attendance, Buildings and Cash.” Too many churches are staff-dri - • Engaging in ministry with the poor; raise awareness of the poor. It is a valu - ven and have a “cruise ship mentality,” furnishing everything from • Creating new places for new people able first step. But for us to return to the a gym to a juice bar. Ginghamsburg has a lot of that now, too, but is and revitalizing existing congrega - local church, tell the story of a new- learning how to move chairs and use the same space for many tions; and found awareness of poverty we never things. “We have to think about the theology of space;” we must • Developing principled Christian realized existed here and await the shift “mortar” to “mission,” Slaughter said. The church recently cut leaders for the church and the world. opportunity for another “quick fix” next a check for more than $726,000 and has $4 million invested in The S. C. Annual Conference made summer is just not enough in light of the Darfur that it “would never been able to do if it had it invested in the decision several years ago for a new gospel of Jesus Christ. People who are buildings.” structure that would focus on the Annual “saved” have been given better vision! Conference staff aiding the local church We must be involved in ministry with What are you doing that matters? in doing the ministry it feels God is call - the poor at a much deeper level during Now many mega-churches are aging. The younger generation is ing it to do. Before I retired, I benefited the other 51 weeks of the year. I want to more concerned with making a difference in the world and ask, greatly from the way congrega-tional make sure that those four children go to “What are you doing that’s relevant? What are you doing with jus - specialists used their individual and col - schools that are far more than minimally tice issues?” Slaughter said most of the people begin to get lective skills in aiding churches. adequate so they can have jobs, insuring involved with Jesus through service; they later come to Baptism or However, I have deep concern about that they can afford to live in homes Bible study. It should be “missional versus attractional,” “missional what I feel is an over-emphasis on “min - without leaking roofs. rather than proclamational.” It’s “seeing the way we love,” istry from the bottom up” with relatively During the last several Annual Slaughter said. little regard for ministry “from the top Conferences, we have heard major pre - His advice to the church of 100 to 150 people: Don’t worry about down.” I strongly believe it takes both. sentations regarding the call placed the 90 people, worry about the 8 to 12 people who want to dance to From my experience, God has spoken before the church to help persons come the music of the Holy Spirit. Pour your life into those 8 or 12. a powerful and meaningful word to to know Jesus Christ. The S.C. Annual Pastors will always have periods of resistant, but “it’s not about us. those serving on the General Church Conference would greatly benefit by We’re here to please Jesus.” level. In the important times in which hearing UM leaders inform us about the we live, it is a major failing (sin) for us ways we who have come to know and You can’t win if you focus on numbers to allow ourselves to become so self- love Jesus Christ are directly connected Slaughter talks about Gideon’s story where God whittles down centered to say that what comes out of to the ministry of justice for which Gideon’s army from 32,000 to 300 to successfully battle numerical - the local church is all that matters. Christ gave his life. ly overwhelming odds. “Tell your army that, if any among them are No one concern makes this point The world is our parish and the min - fearful, they are free to go.” clearer than the call from the General istry with the poor and the oppressed is See Page 5 march 2010.qdx:Layout 1 2/19/10 11:34 AM Page 5

The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate March 2010, Page 5

A Modest Proposal

By Michael Henderson “Those are good, ” I said, “but I ’m not sure quote marks with his fingers, “want us to do all “Sit down, boy! I ’ve got something to ask they are exclusively Christian. Actually, I ’m not we can to keep other people out of our country. I you, ” John Dee said as I walked into the coffee sure some of them are Christian at all. ” mean, the Bible clearly tells us not to mistreat an shop. “I sort of figured that, too, ” John Dee said. alien, because we were once aliens in our coun - “John Dee, good to see you! “Like hard work – it ’s a great value, but eventu - try. ” What ’s on your mind? ” I asked. ally it turns into earning your way into heaven – “So, can we say that there is any such thing as “Values, ” he said. and that those people who are having a hard time Christian values? ” I asked. “Always looking for them, espe - are having it ‘solely because they are lazy.’ Not “I think so. But I don ’t think we can claim cially when I shop, ” I said. only is that not true; it’s not a Christian value. them exclusively for ourselves. You see, if “No, ” he said. “Christian values, That ’s usually just arrogance on the part of those Christianity is being in a relationship with God and are they different from the values of non- who are doing well at the moment. ” through Jesus Christ, that really ought to shape Christians. ” “I agree, ” I said. our values. ” The waitress came over and asked if we ’d like “And love of country. That ’s good, too, but “You ’re right, ” I said. coffee. that usually ends up meaning to support your “But those values are not the defining factor of “Do you have Cashua Nicaragua? I need country, even when it ’s wrong. I love my coun - being Christian. If they were, once again, we ’d something smooth today, ” John Dee said. try, ” John Dee said, “but it ’s done some things I be making it something other than relationship, ” “It ’s the only kind we serve, ” the waitress am not proud of over the last few years. ” John Dee said. answered. “What about values like love, patience, kind - “But we still need values in our life. ” “Good. Bring us two cups. Now, where was ness, gentleness, self-control? ” I asked. “Actually, we all have values. They may dif - I? ” “Well, are those values? I know the Bible says fer. Some may value life, some may not. But “Christian values, ” I said. they are the fruit of the Spirit. And even then, are those are still values. What we need is to be liv - “Right. I was in a group the other day and a they particularly Christian? I know lots of people ing in a relationship with God that shapes our person said he thought we no longer had any who will tell you they are not Christian, but are values. It ’s the relationship that counts. ” Christian values in our country, ” John Dee said. loving, patient, kind, gentle, disciplined, caring. We sat for a moment, drinking our coffee. “And what values would those be? ” I asked. I’m not sure you can say these are Christian val - “Speaking of value, this coffee is a great one. “That ’s what I asked my friend, ” John Dee ues. ” You pay the bill. I ’ve got to go. ” said. “What about hospitality? Being open to new He walked out and I paid the bill. “And what was his answer? ” people? ” I asked. “Things like hard work, putting family first, “Well, that ’s definitely a biblical value. Seems Michael B. Henderson drinks Cashua Nicaragua at the Aroma Underground Coffee Shop in Florence, and encour - love of country, faithfulness in marriage, ” John odd to me that some of those who want us to get ages folk at Annual Conference to drink their locally roast - Dee said. back to ‘biblical values ’,” he said, making the ed coffee. Letters to the Editor Membership deferred agenda. progress was a wonderful look at the past and a The S.C. Annual Conference is with out a It is commendable that the Council of Bishops urgent prod for us to move on to the future. recognizes that we have a membership problem. Thanks for the timely report of the fantastic doubt the best of the best. It provides resources, We have the good people to handle this problem. work UMCOR is doing in Haiti. There are so makes plans, trains and implements a worthy We need not entertain any thing new. We need to many groups raising funds but few with the UMC Missing link, cont’d ... hold strong to our core values, our mission: accountability. Too many others are fattening their From Page 4 “Making disciples for Christ.” wealth and profiting on the hurt of others. the primary call of Jesus Christ in our world What if we send out teachers to insure that our Then the real gem on how we got our Bible by today. mission is foremost in each local church and is Dr. Lyn Pace was a brilliant, easy-to-understand, Further evidence of this turning inward has to carried out to the best of its ability. God is faith - article on the process of God’s unfolding word do with the way we have chosen to structure our ful and will “add to the church daily such as and how it came to be in print. Excellent! conference committees. We are told we are to be should be” members. I appreciated the uplifting article on the work an “advocacy” committee with our emphasis Edd W. Cunningham of the Alston Wilkes Society in January. I served being to serve the local church in doing the min - Mount Seal UMC, Kingstree as a chapter president in Spartanburg when this istry to which it/they feel called. work was just beginning in 1968. God bless So far, in my year and a half of being on Best Advocate issue Parker Evatt for his life of service – and I might Church and Society, we have not received one Thank you for the best issue of the S.C. United add Dr. Glenn Draper for his wonderful work single request from a local church wanting infor - Methodist Advocate in my 49 years of reading with the Junaluska Singers. Weren’t we blessed? mation about how they might be involved in such the Advocate . My, we will miss him. ministry. Thus, we do not feel we can sit on the The stories of the work of Hawley Lynn and I. A line lifted from yet another good story per - sidelines and wait for such calls any longer. We Dequincy Newman and the price of painful See Page 6 are now working on ways we can make sure local churches are aware of the needs and the Letters ways churches are called to respond. We welcome letters to the editor. In focus groups conducted on behalf of the Board of Trustees, Advocate The theme for the Annual Conference gather - readers said they wanted shorter, to-the-point letters and commentary. Succinct writing often produces ing in Florence this year will be “Unto the Least clarity and better writing. Thus letters to the editor are to be no more than 225 words . Commentary will run from a maximum of 600 to 950 words, as judged by the editor according to the interest and points of These.” I pray that this will become more than made. All letters and commentary are subject to editing as needed to meet standards of grammar, space a theme for the conference but a call to ministry and interest. Inappropriate language or personal attacks will be struck. Letters should be sent to: every day of our lives. I believe the work that The Advocate has been done on the General Church level 4908 Colonial Drive, Suite 207 regarding the four emphases will serve as valu - Columbia, SC 29203-6070 able resources as we seek to fulfill the mission of FAX (803) 735-8168 the church. We have a wonderful opportunity to You may also e-mail letters to: remove “the missing link” between the local [email protected] church and the quadrennial emphases of the General Church, joining hands in a common APRIL DEADLINE: MARCH 10 ministry to be the heart, mind, hands and feet of Jesus Christ in a world crying for the love we All letters will be verified so you must include a name, daytime phone number, church know we can give. membership and hometown. march 2010.qdx:Layout 1 2/19/10 11:34 AM Page 6

Page 6, March 2010 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Pew View Rural Mission sees huge increase How does the United Methodist denomination differ from with 754 requests for help those of other Protestant churches? Rural Mission has begun its 41th year Mission Executive Director Linda D. “Everyone is welcomed to the table,” is a key difference for of serving the needy, knowing that many Gadson said, “Awareness and help from Patricia Pyle, a member of Hibben UMC, Mount Pleasant . will be beyond the mission’s ability to the United Methodist Church is badly Pyle also likes that pastors move as opposed to other denomina - help. needed and needs to come very soon.” tions. The nonprofit agency, serving the mission, its hardworking staff and nearly rural Sea Islands from Johns Island to 2,000 dedicated volunteers were able to Alfa Tisdale, Francis Burns UMC, Columbia, said the con - Edisto, has seen a tremendous surge in repair and rehab 71 older, substandard nectionalism sets United Methodists apart and the doctrine keeps requests that now number 754 applica - homes. In addition, work was completed on the right path. tions from low-income families and the on two new homes with a third to be elderly. The reality is, with limited completed and dedicated in February. Isabel Alexander, St. John’s UMC, Anderson, likes the tradi - resources, the mission can only reach “The Charleston community warmly and tion. those with the most desperate needs. The wonderfully responded generously to the prolonged recession has clearly most mission’s “Homes for Christmas” appeal Some couldn’t say how the United Methodist Church differed hurt those who have always had the with the Post and Courier , but much still from others. “As long as people are worshipping the Lord,” least. Most have known struggle and remains to be done.” Buddy Keller, of Shady Grove UMC in Orangeburg , doesn’t hardship for a long time, but now their Gadson asks for donations online at think about the difference in the denominations. situations have become exceedingly dif - www.ruralmission.org or by mail to P.O. ficult. Many homes and families are Box 235, Johns Island, SC 20457. Visit Bayard Lindell, Main Street, Greenwood, who spent time as headed by mothers working several jobs the Web site and become a hands-on vol - an Episcopalian, noted a number of differences: “I like the itin - to keep the family together and/or a unteer or volunteer group. (Phone 843- erant system. One pastor may be strong in one area, another in grandmother or great-grandmother caring 768-1720.) another area,” so it gives the church a variety of strength over for the children. time. He also likes that UM pastors use the Lectionary so that the whole Bible is covered every three years.

Zella Williams, from the same church and a lifelong UM mem - bers, appreciates the structure of the denomination and that the district superintendents “help us get a new pastor” when needed. Some denominations take years to find a pastor, she said.

Louise Murdock, St. John’s UMC, Anderson, is so pleased that United Methodists have women pastors.

Betty Carey of Edgefield UMC grew up Baptist and married a Baptist pastor who, later, was caught up in a community’s changing demographics and it seemed easier to blame the pastor for the results of new church leadership. The Methodist district superintendent sought him out and he became a Methodist pas - tor. He was pleased to have The Discipline as his guide, com - pared to his experience in an autonomous church. Betty loves John Wesley’s story and the itinerant system, but her favorite change when she changed denominations is being able to go to the altar and kneel there to take Holy Communion. NEXT – Rural Mission is asking for help in replacing this dilapidated home. Letters to the Editor From Page 5 Methodists and aware of what is happening in Speaking for the poor haps is the best way to sum up these issues: the conference, the UMC, and the fact that, in gling, poor state. The unemployment for the state “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass. South Carolina’s Advocate – unlike most others, in December 2009 was 12.6 percent and some It’s about learning to dance in the rain. ” Thank we can write letters to the editor. Thanks for counties, such as Marlboro 21 percent, and you for an Advocate I could read and be enriched helping to make the service a success. As I sus - Marion, 22.6 percent, were very high. A politi - by from cover to cover. I danced! pected, there were folks in the congregation who cian running for governor made the statement, Dr. Ed Ellis had never seen an Advocate . I am optimistic that “My grandmother was not a highly educated Retired, Columbia the service will generate some subscriptions. woman, but she told me as a child to quit feeding Making the connection The Rev. Robert Hoover stray animals.” This politician was referring to It was nice to meet you at our recent Dorchester Circuit, Dorchester free lunches for children. Walterboro District Ministers’ Meeting in As a Christian who has worked on homes of Hampton and receive the extra copies of the (Editor’s note: We’re grateful to the Rev. Mr. the poor with Salkehatchie and having a wife Advocate . Thank you so much. Hoover’s mention of the Advocate from the pul - who taught first grade in public schools, we have Each month this year, I am preaching at least pit. I am particularly grateful, too, for his men - seen the faces of poverty. I cannot let someone once on a topic that includes information that is tion of the connection. As I travel and talk to say this kind of degrading statements without specifically United Methodist to increase aware - people, I have increased in concern that too responding. My Christian grandmother told me ness and promote our sense of United Methodist many do not know about or have an appreciation to feed the hungry and to take care of the needy. connectionalism. Last Sunday, we had of the connection that is a hallmark of the United Christ says in Scripture “to love our neighbor.” “Advocate Sunday.” My sermon was based on Methodist denomination. They believe that they Columnist Leonard Pitts asks, “Who speaks for Jesus’ promise to send us an Advocate and his are in a church unto themselves. As soon as I the poor and powerless?” The Church of Jesus words that he was in the father and the father in sign the last of 1,200 letters to pastors in the S.C. Christ needs to stand up and challenge remarks him; he is in us and we are in him. conference, as Mr. Hoover has done, all pastors of this type. I included a few minutes of comments regard - will be asked let their congregations know about The Rev. John Culp ing our UM connectionalism and the availability the connection that the Advocate reveals and per - Pastor, Virginia Wingard Memorial UMC of our UM Advocate . I stressed the importance of petuates.) Columbia the Advocate in keeping us connected as United We need to realize South Carolina is a strug - march 2010.qdx:Layout 1 2/19/10 11:34 AM Page 7

The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate March 2010, Page 7 Atheists’ views: Science or creationism leave no room for both By Emily Cooper Dr. Carl Evans said the recent round of atheism authors are taking the same approach as fundamentalists: It’s “either ... or.” The authors of four books positing atheism take the posi- tion that science and religion are in competition with each other, said Evans, an affiliate member of the S.C. United Methodist clergy and professor emeritus of the University of South Carolina’s Department of Religious Studies. “They them- selves are mirror-images of what they think fundamentalists are. “Most of us have not figured out how religion and science Dr. Carl Evans relate to each other.” Evans said, even though there are It’s only in the last 200 years that historical as well as biblical we have lapsed into the belief that accounts, the authors doubt that the Bible should be taken literally. Jesus even existed. “Read the commentaries and you “Religion has reasons that science will see they did not believe that the does not know and reasons that you literal meaning was the only way to and I can validate every day,” Evans read Scripture,” Evans suggested. said. “Their theological ineptness is The authors of The God Delusion, evident on every page. They confuse God is not Great: How Religion the nature of faith,” he said as he Poisons Everything and two other talked about how “believing in” books are “absolutists,” Evans said. means “having confidence in God,” They attribute the social ills on reli- trusting God. gion, saying “Religion kills,” and The creation story, believed to be “The problem is religion.” The cre- written during the Babylon exile, ationists claim that ills are because urges Jews to maintain their identity of evolution. and to honor the custom of keeping Why this rash of books on athe- the Sabbath. “It is a story that tells ism? They are all post-9/11 books, us a fundamental truth,” Evans said. responding to terrorists. Quoting a book in response to the “But why have they become best- atheists by Karen Armstrong, he sellers? What does that say about suggested we must make the truth a us?” Evans asked while giving a talk reality in our own lives. at a Columbia nondenominational The BIG church. “We’re worried about reli- Wrong responses to earthquake gious extremism in a minority of Some clergy’s recent responses to Connection! people. So these books hook into the Haiti earthquake are the sort of something we’re worried about.” thing that the new atheists are The authors “put us all in the rebelling against, Evans said, and same basket,” Evans said. “They rightly so. think we’re all fundamentalists.” A Roman Catholic priest was What’s new about the new athe- quoted as saying, “It’s all part of ists, Evans said, is that they “attack God’s plan.” But Evans argues, religious tolerance.” “God’s relationship to the earth- They use “bombastic rhetoric,” quake is not as the planner, but as and “create exaggerated caricatures the one who joins in the suffering of God. They gleefully announce and identifies with the people who they have destroyed religion.” are hurting. Evans said author Richard “God is not up there calling all Don’t miss a single issue – Dawkins has a simplistic way of the shots, but is down here sharing reading Scripture and that the all the blows. We somehow don’t authors have little to no understand- get that. That leaves out of the pic- Subscribe To the Advocate ing of theology over the centuries. ture free will and natural forces,” $15 a YEAR! “They refuse to believe that a Evans said. That kind of thinking Christian can believe both the bibli- reduces God “to much less than the Send your checks to: cal story of creation and science. infinite reality that God is. They Advocate They believe that only empirical want to shrink God down to an 4908 Colonial Dr. information – something that can be understandable size and that does Columbia, SC 29203-6070 taken into a laboratory – is valid. him a great injustice.” Give us the name of your church, please! march 2010.qdx:Layout 1 2/19/10 11:34 AM Page 8

Page 8, March 2010 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate A United Methodist Church Quadrennial Foci: • Engaging in ministry with the poor. (25.8% of S.C. households with children have food hardships – FRAC, Food Hardship study)

A United Methodist has suggested that feeding the poor is like feed - ing stray animals, they’ll hang around and, what’s more, they’ll breed. He is particularly concerned that children from poorer fami - lies get free lunches. He believes that the single mother(s) working three jobs* needs to sign in at PTA meetings. Here’s what UM pas - tors are seeing and how churches are responding: Double the need in Anderson area class family who lives in a middle-class neigh - one minor one in January 2009. This was fol - We have probably had close to 200 people borhood who suddenly finds itself in unfamiliar lowed by a stroke and several more minor heart come to us for help in the last three circumstances. The husband is in his mid-40s, attacks in the summer. He is self-employed, so months. Usually we give out around 25 wife late 30s, and three kids all younger than 13 he has had no income from January 2009 to Thanksgiving food boxes, but this year we gave and in public school. Both husband and wife present. Each hospitalization delayed his disabili - out 43. The need has been great. have college degrees and, until recently, were ty hearing. People who either had been working or were beneficiaries of good jobs. His disability application has recently been close to retirement are finding themselves with - The husband recently found himself with a turned over to lawyer and he is hoping for quick out enough funds to even pay their bills. A num - serious medical situation that goes beyond his approval. ber of our members as well have lost jobs. Some company’s insurance and, after a period of time, have had success in finding another. Others are he lost his job, placing the full financial burden Gleaning Upstate stories still looking. on the wife as a single income-provider for a of hurting families We’ve been working with a family whose hus - family of five. Things for this family deteriorated I work with dozens of hunger relief agencies band lost his job; then the wife lost hers. They rapidly and changed quickly causing them to in the Upstate – Greenville, Anderson, Pickens, had been on the public housing waiting list for require both food and financial assistance from Spartanburg counties and more. We have one two years after bouncing around from anyone any sources available. This included both group called the Upstate Hunger Coalition where who would take them in. They lost their house the local food bank and their church family. Not about 15-20 agencies participate in coming and vehicles. With three children (the oldest one only did their situation change very quickly, the together to discuss how we address these con - being a diabetic), it was difficult. They had food future at this point in time does not appear opti - cerns. stamps and worked odd jobs to try to stay afloat. mistic. ALL of my agencies are experiencing higher They just got into public housing Jan. 20 th and frequency of use. Many talk about the first-time our church has been helping them get on their Food for Greer’s elderly dwindling faces and the faces of people whom most would feet. Greer Community Ministries is struggling right not consider to be poor or needy, such as work - Our Good Neighbor Cupboard in Anderson now. It has a soup kitchen and provides emer - ing professionals of teachers, state employees has had to close one day a week because they did gency help for individuals and families in need and others who need help with food because not have enough food to stay open. AIM, of food and clothing. their spouses have lost jobs or been cut back in Anderson Interfaith Ministries, has been pay or hours. extremely short on funds and helping only with Sickness ends single dad’s Thankfully for 2009 in the Upstate, all of our heat and food. income in Gilbert numbers were up with the Society of St. Andrew, A single dad with a teenage daughter and a 5- rescuing fresh fruit and produce to give to College degrees but no food for five year-old son is surviving only by extended fami - hunger relief agencies, food pantries, soup in Lexington County ly support, church love offerings and community kitchens, and impoverished neighborhoods. There are too many personal stories to tell: I would like to share a story about a middle- support. The father had two major heart attacks and See Page 9

FILLING IN THE GAPS –The Wynn family of Waters Edge UMC is helping to eliminate childhood hunger in the greater Beaufort area by providing backpacks of food to get children through the week - end, spanning the time they receive free or reduced lunch on Friday to the time they return on Monday. Washington Street UMC in Columbia and Lexington UMC also have a backpack ministry. Individual students are referred by a teacher or social worker who sees signs of chronic hunger in the child. A Richland I principal said the food had been “tremendously helpful.” march 2010.qdx:Layout 1 2/19/10 11:34 AM Page 9

The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate March 2010, Page 9 Augusta Road finds new ‘neighbor’ For days, months, even years, but it wasn’t abandoned. many problems. It was nec - members of the Augusta Road It really couldn’t be called a essary to shovel off the old United Methodist Church in the home, anymore. It was just a place shingles before a new roof Greenville District had passed this to stay, a place for this lady to live could be nailed on, and particular little house, assuming the out the remainder of her days. The when the wood was uncov - old blue tarp nailed over the roof roof, despite the old blue tarp, ered, rotten boards had to was necessary to keep out the rains leaked. The windows had once held be replaced. The inside was of long ago. glass, but that was long ago. And not too clean, but it was as The was no yard. Brush and the electricity was on, even though clean as the lady could keep saplings surrounded the structure, only a single outlet in the little it. Repairs were made here, with a front porch that had fallen home was working. The woman too, along with new floor away, with broken windows giving used this outlet to cook by plugging boards, new electrical the appearance of a gap-toothed in a small hot-plate. There were no wiring, and new pipes for wreck. There was no car. There appliances or heat. The plumbing plumbing. wasn’t a driveway. No auto tracks consisted of a single hose from the New doors were hung were in the yard, no path to the old well to the back porch. The and windows installed. leaning mailbox. No sign of life. It woman’s bathroom facilities con - Church members provided was just another little home from sisted of a pot, emptied in the yard appliances. Even a new the past, long abandoned as prosper - when necessary. bed. The repairs took days. ity moved along. It was enough to turn anyone One crew, trying so hard Then one day a church member against everyone else, but this to get everything finished, SHARING MORE THAN TALK – Karen was driving by, and it was though woman was so nice, so gentle, and even worked through the Chambers, a member of Augusta Road UMC’s lightning had struck. There was a so obviously in love with her home Sunday worship, sending group, kneels before homeowner Marcella Dean. little, old and bent woman moving the improvements just had to be word they were busy receiv - instead of just a place to live out her across the yard, heading toward the made. “This is my home,” she said. ing a blessing driving nails and run - days. She has a front porch light, front door, which was standing “I’ve heard about the government ning wire. now, and she keeps it on from dusk open. The church member stopped, taking old folks’ houses, so I have The workers even decided they to bed time, letting folks know all is and started talking to the woman in already deeded it to my daughter. needed to replace the front porch, well. the yard. But it’s mine all mine..” which had long ago fell away to And nobody is any prouder than No, the house wasn’t abandoned. Church members went to work. nothing. the members of the Augusta Road It was about to fall down, all right, Crews were drawn up to repair the Now, not only has the house been United Methodist Church. Augusta completely reconditioned, but the Road UMC does Christmas Home yard is clean, and, wonder of won - Repairs every year. This year, the Great need met, hot meals ders, the lady is proud of her home, church worked on five homes of Editor’s Note: Some pastors retire. Here are some hunger facts for because it really is a home again, which this was one. Some continue in ministry. Here’s a Kershaw County: report from the Rev. Frank Griffith, $819,004 in food stamps elec - retired in Camden after his times as tronic benefits were issued to 3,506 a former district superintendent, households in September 2008. In coordinator of Clergy Services and September 2009, 4,398 households pastor: received food stamps valued at “Food For the Soul” soup $1,313,640 (From the Dept. of kitchen opened this past September. Social Services). We work with Mount Moriah Kershaw County School District Baptist Church in downtown figures show that 4,573 students are Camden and serve a hot meal at eligible for free lunch and breakfast, noon Mondays, Wednesdays and which is 44 percent of the total Saturdays. There are now 21 enrollment. Some additional 758 churches working together with vol - qualify for reduced lunch and unteers and donations. Our average breakfast. attendance to eat on Monday is 42; New efforts for school-children Wednesday 49 and Saturday 79. On to take home canned goods for the Saturdays, we see entire families weekend is also underway in some come for a free meal including chil - of the area schools. Local churches dren who are in school on other have adopted a school to backpack days. Attendance is growing as we children with food for the weekend. plan to expand to some four or five The need is growing, and its satellite sites around the county in takes all of our communities work - the coming months since transporta - ing together with the local Christian tion is a big issue for our county. Community Ministries (our local We also are in the process of pur - food bank) and Harvest Hope distri - chasing land next the United Way bution in some other county sites to Center for an Emergency Shelter try to meet these needs. (Web site: and Soup Kitchen. www.foodforthesoulKC.com ) The stories of S.C. troubles ... From Page 8 The Rev. Ashley N. McCoy-Bruce Families where both parents have Upstate S.C. Gleaning Coordinator lost jobs and cannot find new ones; Society of Saint Andrew single mothers working three jobs*; people moving from New Jersey to Union County people South Carolina because its cheaper in financial trouble to live here even if they lose their A Union County pastor lamented job. unemployment is 20 percent there. My agency people have hundreds Nearly one in five has lost a job. more to tell. march 2010.qdx:Layout 1 2/19/10 11:34 AM Page 10

Page 10, March 2010 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Walk to Emmaus can stir dedication, discipleship – for some, old controversies By Emily Cooper Midlands, one of four “communi - If it weren’t for the snow reports ties” in the state. He was active in in Kingstree at the Advocate’s dead - the church, but the walk increased line, it might be time to think about his church work. He went at the taking a walk. A walk for health to invitation of friends who were be sure. strong in their personal commit - But there’s another kind of walk ments to God. The time away folks are taking to make them spiri - helped Fish to better understand tually heart-healthy – a Walk to God’s grace and how it’s lived out. Emmaus. Holy Communion is taken each What used to seem like a “secret day of the weekend walk. It’s not society,” with the admonition to par - that the sacrament is more special control and receive God’s grace,” response to the Catholic movement. ticipants not to talk about their there, Kovan said, but that Holy she said. Emmaus organizers encourage experiences, is now open for discus - Communion is more special after Bayard Lindell, of Main Street pastors to take time to help pilgrims sion. People who still “grumble hearing material provided by Upper UMC in Greenwood, can count five interpret what they learned at the about it” or call it a “cult” don’t Room about Holy Communion and or six pastors the walk has brought walk and help guide them into pro - know what it’s all about, said Ann then experiencing it. “You come to into the ministry. The Rev. Farrell ductive discipleship. Kovan who helps organize the appreciate Holy Communion as Cox, a retired supply pastor at walks at her home church of Belin Christ’s love is revealed in a pro - Olanta-Coward, Florence District, Memorial United Methodist Church found way.” The sacrament reminds Emmaus Vegetable Soup has been recommending the Walk to in Murrells Inlet and the surround - her of our sinful nature and what Emmaus for decades because it (Served at Columbia Emmaus events ing area. God did for us. deals with the primary beliefs a per - and provided by Patty McIntosh, mem - The Walk to Emmaus is grounded ber of Mill Creek UMC, Columbia ) son should have, such as prevenient theologically and institutionally in In a natural and humbling setting, 10 pounds of mixed vegetables (I use and sanctifying grace. The Upper Room ministry unit of participants are exposed to 15 talks, Birdseye) from Sam’s Men and women have separate the General Board of Discipleship five by clergy and 10 by disciples 2 gallons of water weekends. It is not designed to of The United Methodist Church, who are former participants from Put veggies in a big pot with the water strengthen a marriage or meet a new and cook until tender. Approx. 1 hour. according to The Upper Room. the laity. Attendees must have a dating possibility; men and women Kovan’s walk about four years sponsor who not only recommends 10 pounds of ground beef have separate weekends. “The walk ago changed her life. “I realized them, but agrees to support them in Cook mean in a pot with a small is not to fix problems. Using the that, as a Christian, I had a job to various ways. amount of water. Boil meat until brown. weekend for this purpose will only Drain well and add meat to the vegeta - do. I was not called to be passive, While the material and the walks weaken the community, the bles. but to serve.” It caused her to exam - are ecumenical, the longest talk of Lowcountry Emmaus’s lay director, 1 #10 can of tomato sauce ine her gifts and graces and ask her - the weekend is on the means to Dudley Patrick, says in a newsletter. 2 #10 cans of diced tomatoes (if you self, “What is God calling me to do grace and leans heavily on John A number of pastors feel it can can’t find the diced tomatoes in the today?” Wesley’s theology. big can, then get the smaller cans cause a separation in the church “I never thought like that” before Fourth Day gatherings are small that will amount to the same or close when “pilgrims” return home with going on the Walk to Emmaus, she accountability groups, similar to to the same ounces as the big can of an attitude, “I’ve got it; you don’t.” stewed tomatoes.) said. “It connected the dots for me. I Wesley’s covenant groups, for those Kovan said, “You’d have to be 138 ounces of V-8 vegetable juice (3 can now speak in front of a room in the “community.” Kovan can’t deaf and blind to feel that way” 46-ounce cans). I use the real V-8 full of people.” Since the walk, she always participate in that because of juice because the off brand of veg after hearing the admonitions of the has been active in starting a new her job and other church duties, but etable juice has way too much sodi course. “You are not special because Sunday school class, a Stephens there are things she and other “pil - um. you have done this,” she said. 1 jar of beef base Ministry and a women’s ministry. grims” can do, such as help with the “We’re better (for having made the “It’s really to develop leadership food for the retreat or make little gifts for the people who come. walk), but we’re not better than Add all of the above to the meat and within the church,” said Dennis vegetables and get it all to a slow boil. “It’s all girded with prayer by anyone else,” Lindell said. Fish, a member of St. John’s UMC Cook on a low heat at a low simmer. If The secrecy originated in the in Aiken and the son of a UM pas - people who have made the walk you cook it on a higher temp, it may early Catholic Cursillo movement. tor. before,” Kovan said. “The cloistered stick to the bottom of the pot. Stir occa - The Emmaus Walk is an ecumenical sionally. Fish chairs Emmaus of the aspect means having to give over New treasurer a United Methodist, Wofford grad ... From Page 1 Public Accountant and most recent - “He will be welcomed graciously Becky Buie, who has served as June at Florence. He will be the ly served as senior auditor with the and with the full support of the interim treasurer and director of chief administrative and fiscal offi - national firm of Deloitte & Touche council in his new and vital duties,” Administrative Services since July cer of the Annual Conference in Richmond, Va., and Columbia. said the Rev. Ed McDowell, chair - 2009. including the areas of human rela - Since his days at Wofford person of CF&A. Buie held the permanent position tions, accounting, pensions, insur - College, Prestipino has been inter - CF&A is “extremely grateful for for two decades from 1985-2005. ance and the maintenance supervi - ested in blending his financial and the devoted and helpful service” of sion of The United Methodist managerial expertise in service to Center in Columbia. the church. He is an active member Ebony vocation retreat set at Junaluska Prestipino is a graduate of United of Trenholm Road United Lake Junaluska Conference and and God’s call. Methodist-related Wofford College Methodist Church in Columbia. He Retreat Center will host the 3rd The registration fee for the confer - with a Bachelor of Arts in account - will be married later this spring. annual Ebony Youth Christian ence is $90 per person, and applica - ing, and the College of William and The council is excited about Vocation Exploration Retreat April tions were expected by Feb. 12. Mary’s Mason School of Business Prestipino’s enthusiasm, interper - 9-11. The retreat is designed as an For additional information on the with a Masters of Accounting. At sonal skills, financial and manageri - intentional spiritual formation week - conference or registration, visit William and Mary, he was elected al expertise and his desire to serve end in which African-American www.lakejunaluska.com/ebony, or to the Graduate School of Business Christ and The United Methodist youth, grades 9-12, have the oppor - contact the Rev. Carl Arrington at Honor Council. He is a Certified Church. tunity to explore Christian vocations 828-454-6739. march 2010.qdx:Layout 1 2/19/10 11:34 AM Page 11

The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate March 2010, Page 11 Older Adult Retreat – fun mixed with challenges By Emily Cooper UMC, York; Therlon Joiner, Silver do. Children were nurtured all the with 999 trees. …they broke their MYRTLE BEACH – The Older Hill Memorial UMC, Spartanburg; way to seminary, he said, suggesting relationship with God. (“And we Adult Retreat held each year is “one Robert Scarborough, Bethel in that the older adults must “carry the killed the last dodo bird, the last of the best kept secrets in the con - Pelion; Cathy Joens, congregational baby.” passenger pigeon … .” he said.) ference,” said Bayard Lindell of specialist, and Doris Sullivan, “It’s called ‘choice and conse - “The greatest failure in the Greenwood’s Main Street UMC. Aldersgate UMC, Mount Pleasant; quences.’ God said, ‘Get out of the church is to provide this culture Three hundred United Methodists and Steve Wilson, Union UMC, garden. Your future now is work. with a culture other than ‘Shop ‘til came to Myrtle Beach to enjoy the Columbia. All creativity is play, but now you’ll you drop.’ Here’s the problem: We spirit-lifting hymns led by the Rev. work.” dropped.” Paul Frey, the fun and fellowship, Sweet dragged everyone kicking God attempts to bring us back Sweet said we have gone from worship and, most of all, the chal - and screaming into the 21 st century into the garden, to heal the broken Descartes’ famed quote to “I con - lenging messages of Dr. Leonard with a warning that the church is relationships (sin), Sweet said. God sume, therefore I am.” Sweet, author, futurist and professor dying and it had better learn the lan - tries everything, covenants, burnt “This is exactly how you all at Drew University. guage needed to reach 2010 people, offerings. Finally God says, ‘I gotta define church: the ABCs – A tree, painted by Lallage Jones and had better get with the program, go for broke. God steps in through Attendance, Buildings and Cash – years ago, was the logo used for the doing the dirtiest of jobs in order to Jesus the Christ. Jesus came to in your annual reports. Annual retreat. Jones, a member of First be in relationship with “the least of show us how to be the original reports have all the consumptive UMC in Lancaster, is 101 now. these.” Adam/human and return us to the models of success.” Older Adult Council Chairperson Jesus often said, “Verily, verily garden. During the dialogue session that Betty Shuler called an impromptu …,” which Sweet said means “listen “And who is the first person followed, Dorothy Quist of Founders’ Day for the Older Adult up, pay attention.” “Pay attention: Mary sees at the tomb? Who does Centenary UMC in Hartsville, said retreat, singling out such leaders as every bush is burning,” is one of she think he was? She thinks he’s the value placed on consuming is an June Willson, the Rev. Hazel Sweet’s latest MP3 releases and was the gardener.” important message. “I think we’re at Bennett, Betty Bruner and Harold his retreat theme. Sweet moved to the last chapter a crossroads.” Scipio. “God’s up to something. Do we in the Bible, verse 17, for God’s last Sweet has another idea to replace Scipio’s late wife is memorialized know God well enough to know commandments to juxtapose his consumers: “You were born to be with a scholarship fund. Donations what God’s up to?” Sweet asked. first in Genesis, “eat freely,” against ‘conceivers,’ … to birth Christ. But of more than $1,500 made at the The first rule is not “show and tell,” Revelation’s “… And let everyone “how do you know Christ is being retreat provide opportunities for but to shut up and listen. It’s how who hears say, ‘Come.’ And let conceived?” Sweet said it is when more older adults to attend. can we join him in what he’s everyone who is thirsty come. Let we use St. Thomas Aquinas’ three Applications are due Oct. 31. already doing. It’s not the church’s transcendentals, “when you see See Page 12 Rachel Shupe was chair of the mission; it’s God’s mission. Is God beauty, truth and goodness.” 2010 retreat to which St. John UMC going to have the church as part of Provide For Your The church and the planet are in Aiken brought the most people, his mission? Future And dying of consumption, Sweet said, 39. Shupe, from Grace UMC in “Why is the church the last one to taking note of the historic meaning Leave A Legacy Williamston, said each year she get this? Advertising gives you of the word. Through the thinks the retreat can’t be any better, images and metaphors, not words. Foundation! but “it always is.” When you dream, you dream Sweet led the group on a study of Congregational specialist Cathy images, not words,” Sweet said. the Bible – from beginning to end, That’s exactly what dozens Joens serves as the council’s coach. “We’re losing our kids because in an hour! of people have done since 1982 The Rev. Mary Green Kearse, we don’t know how to talk to them. The first and last commandment through Charitable Gift chair of Mission and associate pas - Church, learn your culture! to humankind are important, he Annuities with the South tor of Shandon UMC, invited partic - Nobody is buying a product; they’re said. Carolina United Methodist ipation in the Older Adult Mission buying relationships. “We’re not The earliest creation story in the Foundation. paying attention.” Bible, the seminary teacher said, is Event to be held April 20-22, and Current One-Life Rates Missionaries, he said, spend two actually the second creation story – asked for names of churches that For Selected Ages “need a little boost.” The group years learning the language before verse 15 – wherein God gave paints, does light yard work, installs they go on the mission field. “There mankind his first commandment: Age 60 5.0% handicap ramps and other jobs some is a mission field out there and “Tend my garden and till it.” Age 65 5.3% churches are not able to do. “It’s a we’re not learning the language.” “Conserve” is the best translation of Age 70 5.7% lot of fun,” she said. This year, they “What do the natives do when the Hebrew for “tend .” Age 75 6.3% are going to Pleasant Grove UMC they find themselves in a new “Notice I didn’t say ‘preserve,’” Age 80 7.1% in the Marion District. world? They create a little enclave Sweet said. Age 85 8.1% to ‘preserve the old country,’” God was clear we are not “co- Ruth Hughes, Leisure Ministries Two-Life Rates Available Sweet said, suggesting that that’s creators,” but “sub-creators. We’re director at Aldersgate UMC in Upon Request Greenville, kept attendees hopping what denominational churches such not to go off on our own creativity, with line dances, as United Methodists are doing. but to ‘take what I (God) have done Gift Annuities with the Wii action and Sweet told the story of a Jewish and be creative.” Foundation provide guaranteed chair-exercises family escaping over the mountain “The story begins in a garden, lifetime income at an attractive set to the before the Hitler’s soldiers came. and it ends in a garden city – a new rate, immediate tax benefits for rhythms of The grandfather kept stopping, Jerusalem.” your charitable contribution, “Jailhouse telling his family to go on, but they God’s first commandment was, and a way to leave a legacy for the future. Rock.” A talent kept insisting he come with them. “Feely eat … .” Then God put show kept atten - He made it halfway and said, “I Adam in the position of conceiving ------dees laughing can’t go on. Let me tell you good - by asking him to name the birds and The South Carolina more than an bye and you go on.” “Father, it’s beasts. After that, God created United Methodist Foundation, Inc. hour and fea - your turn to carry the baby,” the son woman from Adam’s rib, a parallel P. O. Box 5087 BLESSING – tured Betty said, handing him the baby. The Sweet connects to Jesus’ heart Columbia, SC 29250-5087 Therlon Joiner, Shuler, a mem - grandfather carried the baby across bursting on the cross and, and thus Send me information about a accompanied by ber of the mountain to safety. “The future when the “second Adam’s body is Thomasina Charitable Gift Annuity with is going to leave you behind; no, Conyers sings his Providence split, the church is born.” the Foundation. message: He will UMC, Holly you’ve got to carry the children and “God loved to walk in the garden send you a bless - Hill ; Janice the grandchildren over the moun - when the dew was on the ground. Name ______ing if you pray.” Ramsey and tain,” Sweet told the older folks. We were meant to walk and talk in Address ______Conyers also Doris Thomas of Generations ago, the church had a the garden with him,” Sweet said. City ______played for every State ______Zip ______service. Philadelphia farm system, just as baseball teams But Adam and Eve “weren’t happy march 2010.qdx:Layout 1 2/19/10 11:34 AM Page 12

Page 12, March 2010 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate

JOKE TIME – Betty Shuler tells a Phyllis Diller story of why women will BELTING IT OUT – Under the direction of the Rev. Paul Frey, these adults sing heartily as they read words off the screen. never play football: “Eleven women (Photos by Emily Cooper) would never be caught wearing the same outfit.” Older Adults told to read the Bible differently ... From Page 11 filthiest part of the body in that day, the feet. “We “There is a reason why God raised up the anyone who wishes take the water of life as a have this image of holiness as keeping our hands Methodists, for the doctrine of holiness,” Sweet gift.” clean. If you’re not getting our hands dirty and said. “I believe God raised up John Wesley more “The Bible has bookends, and anything in wet, you have a problem; Jesus does a ‘re-fram - for the 21 st century than the 18th century.” between is a table. It’s a full life-course meal,” ing’ of the holiness code.” Theologian Karl Barth occasionally preached the retreat leader said. A rescue mission director said folks love to in the local prisons and, in one sermon, “he was Sweet presented a jarring reality. While he come down and ladle out food, especially when on a tear about any portrait of Jesus on the cross credits one of Andrew Carnegie’s 1,700 public the TV cameras are there at Christmas, but “to by himself. That does violence to the story.” libraries with changing his life, he noted that get you Christians to be in relationship with the Carnegie built these over a 35-year period. In homeless” is impossible. See Page 13 1971, the cell phone was invented and, 30 years later, 3.3 billion cell phones are in use in a world of 6.6 billion people. “There is a whole new world being born all around us,” Sweet said, continuing to hammer home the need for a change of language as well as a change of life. In today’s jargon, Jesus “was a master re-framer,” Sweet said. “You have heard it said, but I say …” What followed, he said, were not the usual seven points, but an image, a metaphor. Sweet said things will pop out if you read the Bible holistically, not by the later invention of verses. He cited the paradoxes in Jesus’ language, Alpha and Omega, Lion of Judah and Lamb of God. “You want to be first? You have to be the last.” Wesley rediscovered the word, “holiness,” and Sweet laid out what the word means. With talk of incarnation and the word becoming flesh, Sweet asked, “How far down did he go?” he asked. He went all the way down to wash the smelliest, YEAH! – Exercise, led by Ruth Hughes, came in many forms, including line dancing enjoyed by Mary Lou Gregory of Grace UMC in Union, the Rev. Ken Phelps and others.

‘PRAISING GOD ALL THE DAY LONG’ – Half the room full of singers are shown in this photograph. march 2010.qdx:Layout 1 2/19/10 11:34 AM Page 13

The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate March 2010, Page 13

WII EXERCISE – Bowling partner Bob Burgess, Union UMC in Irmo, watches Bayard Lindell of Main Street, Greenwood, try to hit a ‘PANCAKE’ = ‘CREPE’ – Anita McFall (left front) of Grace UMC, Anderson; retreat activities director Ruth Hughes; strike with Wii bowling . June Ferguson of Highland Park UMC, Florence; Carole Meade (back left) of Grace UMC, Anderson; and Patricia Pickelsimer, Aldersgate UMC, Greenville, find the right word for the crossword puzzle. For bad people, too ... From Page 12 Sweet asides: The crucifixion story is a story of three men It’s not all texting: “The more high- considered to be criminals on crosses, “one tech we get the more high-touch we good, two bad, one of whom became good. need;” yet, Sweet said, we’re letting This was the first Christian church,” Sweet fear push us away from touch. said. “You call yourself a church? Show me all your bad people . All good people? This Advice to the married: Sweet said he and his wife refuse to “work at their is not a church! We’ve become the Pharisees. marriage.” You don’t work a violin; Wesley scandalized the church of his day you play it. You may practice and because he sent the Methodists to be in rela - have rehearsals, but you play it. tionships with everyone. Can you see Jesus in everyone? Pay attention to the Jesus in every “We spend years working on our mission statements, ‘perfecting the one you meet.” document.’ Jesus gave us one (‘Go and make disciples …’), but we don’t Kearse, who led the final worship and Holy like the one we’ve got so we write Communion, put Sweet’s provocative state - consumptive statements.” ments and focus on the “burning bushes” into the framework of the story of Moses, an 80- year-old who tried to make excuses when God called. “‘Yes, but – ’ we say, or ‘Lord, just let me give a bigger offering,’ Kearse mimicked. “God doesn’t acknowledge Moses’ age. God is frustrated with our excuses. “Our simple minds cannot conceive the mystery of God. When we are called from CHURCH NOT COUNTERING CONSUMERISM – The Rev. our comfortable places, God works in our Leonard Sweet gave everyone plenty to think about as they returned to their churches. lives where we go,” Kearse said. (Photo by Ron Osborne, First UMC, Myrtle Beach)

A STORY ABOUT A DOG – Cathy Joens and Doris Sullivan ham it up. A ROCKIN’ TIME – After sitting, United Methodists shake it up, doing line dancing. march 2010.qdx:Layout 1 2/19/10 11:34 AM Page 14

Page 14, March 2010 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Nominations for conference awards due April 1 It’s time to nominate outstanding conference Web site and mailed to: Attn: Robin Landers, 4908 Colonial Fulmer, UM Conference of South clergy and laity in the conference UM Conference of South Carolina, Drive, Columbia, SC 29203. Carolina, 4908 Colonial Drive, for awards to be presented at the Connectional Ministries, Attn: Data for the awards are based on Columbia, SC 29203. 2010 Annual Conference. Robin Landers, 4908 Colonial 2009 statistics. The pastor and one The Joseph Benjamin Bethea The deadline for all awards is Drive, Columbia, SC 29203. layperson will be recognized at an Distinguished Service Award is April 1. The purpose of the Bishop’s Five Annual Conference breakfast. presented to a person who has per - The Denman Evangelism Award, Star Award is to provide an incen - The Barbara Boltinghouse formed outstanding service in work - established in 1980 by The tive for churches to embrace new Bridge Builder Award , named ing for racial justice. Laity or clergy Foundation for Evangelism, honors ministries each year geared toward after a UM deaconess, is given to a of the S.C. conference are eligible if pastors and laypersons for responsi - growth and outreach. The awards person or organization in the S. C. she or he has shown a strong com - ble evangelism in the local church. enables small churches – as well as conference who has built bridges of mitment to Christian social justice In 1981, the national award was large churches – to receive recogni - understanding by promoting equity for at least five years (unless the introduced to annual conferences to tion. The criteria are: 1) An increase and inclusiveness without regard to individual is a youth). Specific choose a clergy person and a layper - in Sunday school attendance and/or race, gender, age, handicap or eco - efforts toward elimination of racism son each year. enhancement of Christian education nomic condition. It is sponsored by and/or building inclusiveness and/or The Denman Evangelism ministry; 2) A “new work” that the Commission on Religion and empowerment of persons consid - Award honors people effective in impacts growth; 3) Members Race. ered a minority racially or ethnical - making disciples of Jesus Christ. received by profession of faith or Nominations also are sought for ly is a criterion, as is Christian char - This can involve speaking, personal rededication one for every 100 the 2009 Michael C. Watson acter and servant-hood. witnessing, inspiring the church to members; 4) Emphasis on youth Volunteer in Mission Award . This Forms for nominations for the be involved in evangelism, etc. This ministries that demonstrate growth; annual initiative recognizes clergy Bethea Distinguished Service award person may or may not have the and 5) All apportionments paid in and laypersons who exemplify are found on the conference Web best statistical record and may be full for 2009, or a 25 percent extraordinary volunteer mission site, http://www.umcsc.org/ (go to from any size church. increase in apportionment payments service within the S. C. conference. “Resources,” then “Awards and Nominees’ lifestyles bring honor compared to 2008. To nominate a person or organi - Scholarships”) and should be com - to Christ and the Church and works Applications and details are zation for the Boltinghouse or pleted and sent to Tammy Fulmer, in ways that are in keeping with the found on the Web site and should be Watson awards, send a paragraph or UM Conference of South Carolina, United Methodist history and tradi - sent to: UM Conference of South two on why you feel she or he 4908 Colonial Drive, Columbia, SC tions. Forms may be found on the Carolina, Connectional Ministries, should be nominated to Tammy 29203. Columbia College students teaching leadership at DJJ By Emily Cooper mirrored in other teenage groups said. She might bring a bunch of bringing a role of red ribbon around A handful of Columbia College around Columbia. hats and throw them on the table for and teaching individual girls how to students have been locked up with Frederick, a nationally known each one to take one and talk about make Christmas bows. Ellison, 20 or more teenage girls at the motivational speaker and humorist, what kind of person wears such a Kloot, Michelle Burgess and Sarah Department of Juvenile Justice in resisted being a church youth leader hat. Or she might bring a bunch of DuPre were working with the Columbia. because she had no children of her bendable sticks for them to make teenagers to list what they took What did they do? They were own, but gave in. Now she sees into forms and then explain them. away from the pre-Christmas pro - teaching the teenagers the qualities those experiences as God’s first step Salane helped diffuse a tense sit - gram and how they’d like to see it of leadership, experiences the col - to her work at DJJ. What she learns uation at Skyy Ellison’s group by improved for future participants. lege students claim they love. from these girls feeds her with rich After school is out for both the lessons to share with others across Columbia College students and the the country. students at DJJ, the LEAD program One girl spent every session with – Leadership Education and her head down on the table and her Development – steps in for four to eyes closed, Frederick said. When it six days to fill the void in a mean - came time to write down what the ingful way. LEAD sessions meant to her, the Lizbet Kloot, born in Namibia to girl wrote. “You may have thought I a CC alumna, plans to teach deaf wasn’t listening, but I was.” While children, but she’s learning about she may not have been able to par - youth who have other kinds of ticipate then, the teenager came problems in her DJJ volunteer back to the next LEAD sessions as work. a positive force. The teenagers are from across the When teens were asked to tell state and come with varied baggage; what was the best thing that had some are mothers, some are expect - happened to them between one ing, some are good students, and LEAD program and the next, some some are struggling below grade reported making the honor roll and level. Floating anger is ever-present. similar experiences. Frederick was The girls who have been at DJJ shocked when one said, “I was re- the longest usually become positive incarcerated.” The girl, Frederick role models. When that’s not the learned later, had been released, case, the negativity of the oldest gone home, and put her back on the affects the whole group, said Mary street as a prostitute by her father. Anne Frederick, who is a co-worker Columbia College students sit of Dr. Linda Salane, Columbia with five or six students to help College’s executive director for The them work through assignments or Leadership Institute. projects, and Salane and Frederick Salane said the program intends table-hop. “It’s high-energy and I to guide the young women in mak - need Mary Anne to keep up that ing decisions and choices that will energy level,” Salane said. empower them to become positive “I think she keeps me here citizens. The DJJ LEAD program is because of my props,” Frederick march 2010.qdx:Layout 1 2/19/10 11:34 AM Page 15

The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate March 2010, Page 15 Grace UMC Central Conference Pension Initiative celebrates needed overseas The Rev. Willie Babopoton- 50 years gerenyi Marare of Zimbabwe has suffered imprisonment, attacks on Grace United Methodist Church, his home and the deaths of his two Charleston, celebrated its 50th sons. He retired in 1994 but anniversary Jan. 31, with a special preached until 2001, when he lost worship service. his eyesight. Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor Now the United Methodist pastor delivered the sermon and Charleston and his wife look to his five daugh - Mayor Joe Riley and the Rev. ters and “Christians” for help. He Patricia Parrish, district superintend - receives no pension. PASTOR WITHOUT A PENSION – The Rev. Willie Babopotongerenyi Marare ent of the Charleston District, also In her 80s, Erna Kunstimees has and his wife rely on support from their daughters and others to survive. (UMNS spoke. The Rev. Donald O. been widowed for more than 10 photo.) Clendaniel II is pastor. Several of years. When the Soviets occupied decades and now have no pensions projects are underway in Liberia Grace’s former pastors attended. her country, she served beside her from the church. The global eco - and Mozambique. A reception followed in the pastor husband at Methodist nomic crisis makes their lives even church’s Celebration Center. churches on the island of Saaremaa more difficult. Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor, the In 1960, 19 people persons met in in the Baltic Sea. She is a surviving The Central Conference Pension Council of Bishops and the CCPI the Northbridge Baptist Church in spouse who receives no financial Initiative launched in 2006 to raise steering committee are asking S.C. response to the call in newspaper support from the church. $20 million for short-term relief United Methodists to “close the gap advertisements and neighborhood Marare and Kunstimees are but and to enable the General Board of and put us over the top, so we can surveys. Dr. George S. Duffie, two of the many retired pastors and Pension and Health Benefits to provide the economic security our Charleston district superintendent, widows in United Methodism’s develop pension programs in the retired clergy and their spouses led in establishing the new parish and central conferences in Africa, Asia central conferences. To date $18 have justly earned by their faithful locating its property. and Europe. They served for million has been raised – and pilot service.” The Rev. J. Dan Clark was appointed pastor for the new church on a part-time basis until the next meeting of the Annual Conference Order emphasizes prayer, liturgy when his appointment was made full- Pastors and laity came together to a Christian’s existence, another with more depth to convey to his time. The first meeting authorized the to explore becoming a chapter of said. The Rev. Sam Warwick Aiken congregation as he celebrates purchase of a house next to the the Order of St. Luke, an order that recalled serving a church where Holy Communion with them, he church property, to be used as a base is both Wesleyan and Lukan and is people came to the contemporary said. of operation and later as the parson - the United Methodists’ only monas - service because the sacrament was Before participating in Holy age. The congregation initially met in tic order. offered. Communion, the group agreed to this house at 1359 Memory Lane, The Rev. Joseph James, who The Rev. Rodney Powell and his meet again at Trinity UMC in now the church nursery. called the group together, has been wife, Angela, have been following Blythewood, Friday, March 5, at 10 Today, its sanctuary is the largest a member of the order for three the daily office, a liturgy of prayer a.m. and learn more about what UM sanctuary in the Charleston area, years. “It has added depth to my and meditation. It’s Eucharistic liv - vows are required by the order. with seating for as many as 978 peo - own life,” he said. ing,” Powell said. It provides him ple and arranged so that the farthest Emphasis on prayer, liturgy and, seat is only 67 feet from the pulpit. most of all, the sacrament of Holy Throughout those 50 years, Grace Communion were the emphases members have supported many mis - that drew more than a dozen people Skilled Editor/Writer sions and worthy causes, including to a newly forming S.C. chapter of trips to Louisiana and Mississippi to the order. S.C. United Methodist Advocate help rebuild after Hurricane Katrina. People have no concept of the They also played a large role in help - significance of the Eucharist in – A monthly publication – ing the community during Hurricane their lives. “Congregations don’t Hugo, giving away 40,000 pounds of see the need or the importance of Qualifications: ice to grateful people who had no it,” the Rev. Bruce Sayre said. • Creative, stylebook familiarity, sound news judg- power. They don’t understand that it’s vital ment, a self-starter with organizational, time- management and photographic skills. • Minimum 2 - 5 years related experience. • Mac computer proficiency including newspaper layout. • Responsible for budget, advertising, circulation and daily operations, as well as the content and production of the monthly publication. • Ambassador for the Advocate with interpersonal and public speaking skills. • Knowledge of United Methodist church structure. • Supervises assistant.

NEW BELLS – Grace United Methodist Church, Pickens, has added a memorial, Reports to Board of Trustees. Available early June. chimes and bells for its pipe organ. A service of dedication was held Feb. 21. This To apply: Before March 15, send resume, references and addition was done in memory of Joe C. Durham, Lisa Dillard, Naomi Beard, Betty contact information; a one-page writing sample from past Moon and Christine Hinkle. The two-octave, 25-note set of Peterson chimes includes a five-stage volume control. This also includes a Klann Zimbelstern, a work; and a proposed editorial appropriate for the S.C. tuned set of eight handbells. Both instruments are accessed through manual stops United Methodist Advocate . on the 1,200-pipe Moller organ. Marilyn Gromlovits is the organist and music director at Grace. The community joined in this celebration of the lives of beloved E-mail to: [email protected] ones who will be remembered through music. (Photo special to the Advocate) march 2010.qdx:Layout 1 2/19/10 11:34 AM Page 16

Page 16, March 2010 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate District News and Craig Hardee. UMC, will be held March 26-27 Knight is the pastor of from 7:30 to 9 p.m. and will feature Orangeburg District Lexington UMC, eight scenes that tell the story from Lexington. the Last Supper to the empty tomb. St. Mark UMC, North, will Congratulations to More than 100 volunteers from hold a Bible Trivia Bowl March 21. the Rev. and Mrs. Rehoboth, Windsor UMC, Bethel The Bible Bowl will consist of two Larry Hays on the UMC and St. James UMC make divisions, youth and adults. birth of their first up the cast. For more information, Representatives from all churches grandchild. Hays call Rehoboth at 803-788-2220 or are invited to participate. For more Matthew Plunkett was visit www.rehobothumc.com. information, contact Shirley Golden born Dec. 21. Hays is at 803-928-3209, 803-515-1724 or the pastor of Mount [email protected]. Florence District Hebron UMC, West Columbia. Walterboro District Congratulations to Congratulations to the Rev. and the Rev. and Mrs. Mrs. Donald E. McAllister on the David Anderson on birth of their first grandson. K’yree Congratulations to the Rev. and the birth of their first Donald McAllister was born Jan. 15 Mrs. Robert Hoover on the birth of their grandsons. Benjamin Ellis HELP AVAILABLE – Lisa Garrett and her daughter, grandchild. Rachel to Mr. and Mrs. Donald E. Jennifer Chapman, with some of the shawls made at St. Marguerite Catoe was McAllister Jr. McAllister is the pas - Hoover was born March 23, 2009, Andrew UMC. (Photo special to the Advocate) born Feb. 1 to Emily tor of Faith UMC, Cades. to Whit and Katie Hoover. Their second grandson, Samuel McKinley Anderson District and Bryan Catoe. Anderson is the Youth and adult volunteers of conference benefits officer and Mrs. Central UMC, Florence, attended Hoover, was born Nov. 1 to Matt and Elisabeth Hoover. Hoover is the St. Andrew UMC, Easley, offers Anderson is the secretary at a mini-Salkehatchie event Feb. 5-7 Ashland UMC, Columbia. in Batesburg. They worked on the pastor of the Dorchester Circuit. a Prayer Shawl Ministry for anyone Walterboro District has a new who would like to reach out to The Candler Singers performed home of Dwailer Stone, repairing Feb. 28 at Shandon UMC and the roof and interior water damage. Web site, connecting district laity those in need of comfort, compas - and designed by Rhonda Jones, sion and healing as well as celebra - Wesley UMC, Columbia. The Congratulations to the Rev. and singers are the choir of Emory Mrs. Leon Wagnon on the birth of webmaster, who is also the district tion and joy. Each shawl maker communicator for the Board of prays for the recipient, and each University’s Candler School of their newest grandchild. Thomas Theology and perform church music Joseph Wagnon was born Jan. 22 to Laity. Newsletter information can shawl is placed on the altar and be sent to John Allgood at lowcoun - prayed over. The ministry has given from around the world. Mark and Mary Wagnon and wel - Journey United Methodist comed home by big brother Walt. [email protected] The Web more than 80 prayer shawls to those site is wadistumcsc.org in need. For more information, con - Church, in North Columbia, cele - Wagnon is a retired member of the tact Cynthia Taylor, 864-855-8470, brated its chartering Feb. 21, review - United Methodist Conference of or Lisa Garrett, 864-855-3600. ing its success. The Rev. George South Carolina. St. John’s UMC, Anderson, Ashford Jr., pastor, has led the new The Florence District breakfast Trinity, York, held a prayer service for Haiti Jan. church’s development since its promised to meet its charge, turns green 24. The congregation was joined by inception in June 2007. The Rev. Ed “Bridging the Gap,” Feb. 20. The the congregation from the Wesleyan McDowell, pastor of Silver Hill breakfast was attended by the dis - Trinity United Methodist Haitian Church in Anderson. Memorial United Methodist Church trict UMW and hosted by Mount Church, York, has had a Green in Spartanburg, was the guest speak - Seal UMC . Team since January 2008. Columbia District er at the afternoon event. The team has given each family Four Columbia Northeast church - Marion District a market bag with the United Congratulations to the Rev. and es worked together to create “The Methodist symbol and “Trinity Mrs. Dickie Knight on the birth of Week that Changed the Whole United Methodist Church” on it their seventh grandchild. Layna Joy World,” an Easter drive-through. First UMC, Conway, presented and distributed energy-efficient Hardee was born Feb. 4 to Rochelle The event, hosted at Rehoboth “Two Pianos/Eight Hands” Feb. 21 light bulbs to each family. as part of its 2009-2010 Concert Recycling centers have been estab - Series. Pianists Margaret Jordan, lished throughout the church. Lib Wellons, Jean Timbes and Billy Recipes for “homemade” cleaning Fallaw performed sacred and secu - products are available for all lar music arranged for four pianists. church members. Congratulations to the Rev. Jane Each newsletter and bulletin has Pearce and her husband, Chris, on a Green Tip to encourage all WR the birth of their son. Oliver Conrad Trinity members to become more Pearce was born Jan. 29 and wel - aware of how they impact the envi - comed home by big brother Sam. ronment.

‘IT WAS A (COLD) BLAST! – The youth of St. John's United Methodist Church went on a winter retreat this last weekend in January, and caught the winter storm in Lake Junaluska, N.C. Austin Bond directs the youth ministry, Quest, at the Rock Hill church. march 2010.qdx:Layout 1 2/19/10 11:34 AM Page 17

The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate March 2010, Page 17

DISTRICT EXPERTISE – District sec - retaries take time to “connect,” too, and gather information to serve you better. Connecting at a January meet - ing at the Conference Center are Front row (l to r): Brenda Curtis, Rock Hill District; Carol Stoops, Marion District; Iris McFarland, Hartsville District; Judy Harrison, Greenwood District; Medina Wilkerson, Anderson District; and Frances Black, Orangeburg District. Back row (l to r): Veronica Williams, Columbia District; Bettye Rivers, bishop’s secretary; Margaret Smith, Florence District; Gail Varner, Spartanburg District; Rhonda Gilliam, Greenville District; Betty Walker, Charleston District; and Margie Williams, Walterboro District. (Photo by Emily Cooper.)

Bethel UMC celebrates 175th with 19th century food In 1835, a small group of families County, having actually started in track” in a residential neighborhood. er of the Columbia Star newspaper, living in a wooded, sparsely settled 1833 as part of the Columbia Circuit. Bethel’s adjacent cemetery was spoke on the early development of section of Richland County – what is Bethel’s first sanctuary, built in established prior to 1860. Bethel and Forest Acres and how the now the City of Forest Acres – 1835, was a simple, one-room frame Bethel began a year-long celebra - two have been intertwined over the formed Bethel Methodist Church. building that faced what was then tion of its 175th anniversary with a years. The original acre of land on which Satchel Ford Road, (now dinner Feb. 7. The meal of food A special guest was Dr. Edmund the church was built was donated by Willingham Drive). It burned down common to the mid-1800s, including Taylor, a great-great-great grandson the family of Col. Thomas Taylor, in a forest fire in 1867 and was pork, collard greens, grits and corn - of Col. Thomas Taylor. Officials of part of whose land holdings had replaced that same year with a simi - bread, was prepared by members in Forest Acres also attended. S.C. Rep. been purchased 50 years earlier by lar structure that served Bethel’s the culinary traditions of the 19th Joan Brady presented a Certificate of the State of South Carolina to estab - needs until 1948. The sanctuary was century. Appreciation state legislature to lish its new capital. replaced in 1965. Now surrounded Bethel’s pastor, the Rev. Todd Davis. Bethel is the second oldest by urban development, the Bethel Warner Montgomery, a local his - Bethel will continue its anniver - Methodist church in Richland UMC campus is still “off the beaten torian and retired owner and publish - sary celebration throughout 2010. Church Extension Partnership offers help for fix-ups For many years, churches, groups church with an average attendance 2009, but the repairman caused room that has structural damage – it and individuals within the United of nine. Despite their size, Trinity additional damage to a window, is grateful for the kindness and gen - Methodist Conference of South serves its community throughout the metal fascia and sidewalk, causing erosity of the fund. Carolina have shown their unity and year and pays 100 percent of its low spirits in the congregation. “We at Trinity are deeply touched care for each other through the apportionments. “Your contribution was a shor in by your efforts to help our small Church Extension Partnership. In May 2008, a hail storm hit the the arm and reminded me of the congregation,” Scott wrote. “Your The fund helps smaller member - community, and the church suffered hymn, ‘Love Lifted Me,’” wrote response is greatly appreciated and ship churches with physical repairs damage to siding, roofing and Frances Susan Scott, treasurer, to your goodness is a true blessing.” to church buildings and parsonages stained glass windows. Henderson. Henderson said that the fund has and is supported by the conference The church applied for and was Although the siding company had not received any applicants for the Board of Global Ministries. Funds chosen as the recipient of the 2009 gone out of business, enough mate - upcoming call, but applications and are raised through three “calls,” at Lenten call of the CEP. rials were found to match the guidelines can be found on the con - Advent, Lent and Annual The church had 10 broken church, and the church worked with ference Web site. Conference, said the Rev. Michael translucent windows in the sanctu - a stained-glass restoration company Henderson, chairman. ary, which were replaced two days to repair and restore windows. Good Samaritans One of the recent beneficiaries of before the 2008 Community Although the church still requires the fund was Trinity United Christmas Candlelight Service. The some repairs – the last hurdle will offer food, more The Good Samaritans for All Methodist Church in Smoaks, a roof was replaced in April and May be to repair the corner in a class - People Inc., in its 15th year, contin - ues helping S.C. families with food, clothing and toys. The organization, founded by the Rev. Eddie Thomas, pastor of the Mars Bluff Charge, Florence, and his wife, served between 2,000 and 3,000 people during the recent holi - days. Its Christmas give-away con - sisted of serving 596 family units, a total of 2.976 persons. Food boxes are regularly distrib - uted throughout the year, especially around Thanksgiving and Christmas, and the group also hands out school supplies, helping 27 schools in 10 counties of the Pee Dee and Midlands. GSFAP distributed items to those in nursing homes in Lee, Darling- ton, Kershaw and Sumter counties CHILDREN’S TIME – Waters Edge celebrated its 3rd birthday Jan. 24. Here the children get a glimpse of the uncut cake in January and plans five give- made by Bill Bodner that says, “Don’t go to Waters Edge to church – be the church.” (Photo special to the Advocate) aways February through August. march 2010.qdx:Layout 1 2/19/10 11:34 AM Page 18 TO YOUR HEALTH

Page 18, March 2010 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate

Reconciliation subject of Upstate’s Rwandan To Your Health documentary A documentary about teaching Rwandan genociders to seek for - giveness and reconciliation, “As We By the Rev. Sandra King begin a health program. Grants documentation you must provide in Forgive,” will be shown at Your Board of Health and awarded for health programming order for your application to be con - McAlister Auditorium, Furman Welfare makes resources available will typically be between $100 and sidered. Note that you must include University, March 18. to individuals and congregations. $250 each. You must give a detailed a separate letter from your pastor Sponsors are Buncombe Street The board administers funds in two description of what you hope to indicating her/his assessment of United Methodist Church, the basic categories: accomplish and why, along with your health and financial need. Furman student action group Africa Local UM congregations specific information about how you Along with your pastor’s letter you Rising and ZOE Ministry, an organ - To increase accessibility to wor - will use the money if you receive a must include two copies of the com - ization caring for African children ship for persons with special needs . grant and the outcome you desire plete, signed application with your orphaned by HIV/AID. Acceptable requests include funding from your program. Include a state - medical bills attached. Director/producer Laura Waters for equipment such as large-print ment from your pastor indicating All completed grant requests and Hinson and ZOE Ministry’s Giving hymnals or hearing amplification agreement with your request. applications should be submitted to: Hope founder Epiphanie Mujawim- devices, help paying for a handicap Individual United Methodists Connectional Ministries ana of Rwanda will speak at the ramp at a church and refitting rest - A $1,000 scholarship toward a Attn: Tammy Fulmer event, which is free the public. rooms to accommodate wheelchairs. degree in nursing or health care. 4908 Colonial Drive Hinson produced and directed The key when applying for an First priority is given to students Columbia, SC 29203 the award-winning documentary, accessibility grant is that it must be enrolled in nursing, but other health E-mail: [email protected] which follows and promotes the used to improve accessibility to care degrees will be considered King serves as associate minister at St. powerful reconciliation movement worship at the local church and can - based on availability of funds. Go to John’s United Methodist Church in Rock in Rwanda following the 1994 not be used for individuals’ homes. www.umcsc.org and click on Hill. She is a registered nurse with mas - ter’s degree in health nursing. genocide. Mujawimana is a geno - To make an application, include the resources, then grants and you will cide survivor and director of ZOE’s details of your proposed project and find the Application for Golden Giving Hope Empowerment how it will increase accessibility, Cross Health Care Scholarship . A time to sing Project, which equips children the total cost and the amount you Please note that you must submit shape-notes orphaned by HIV/AIDS and geno - are requesting from the BHW and a three references (one of these has to cide with mentoring and training in statement from your pastor indicat - be your pastor’s assessment of your at Wofford income generating activities, health ing the financial and accessibility situation) with your signed, com - The William Walker Singing, a and hygiene, animal husbandry, needs. pleted application. The deadline for day of shape-note singing, will take farming and HIV/AIDS education. To offer programming to submission for fall enrollment is place March 20 on the Wofford For information, contact the Rev. improve health and/or prevent ill - July 15 and for spring, Nov. 15 each College campus in Spartanburg. Jerry Hill at 864-232-7341 or visit ness . Health promotion/disease pre - year. Singing begins at 9 a.m. in the www.bsumc.org. vention programs that you might To help pay medical expenses Burwell Building. Bring your own consider in your congregation and not covered by Medicaid, Medicare, lunch or purchase a lunch in the New Appointments community include a Health Fair, and/or insurance in the presence of student cafeteria. weight-loss or smoking cessation financial hardship. Go to The singing is open to the public Bishop Mary Virginia Taylor has programs, blood pressure checks, www.umcsc.org and click on at no charge. announced the following changes of exercise or dance classes, etc. You resources, then grants and you will Following the singing (weather appointment: may apply for a grant to purchase find the Application for Golden permitting), a group may walk to Effective Feb. 1, 2010 Greenwood program materials or equipment Cross Medical Assistance . Read the Walker’s gravesite to sing a song or District: Gray Court-Trinity – Fred (scale, B/P cuff, exercise bands) to instructions carefully, noting the two for him. Treaster (RSY) Classified Advertising

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The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate March 2010, Page 19 Music, worship leaders hear clinicians in specialties The Fellowship of United shared their knowledge and expert - Methodists in Music and Worship ise. Paula Wilson, of Trenholm Arts held its annual workshop at Road UMC in Columbia, led chil - Shandon United Methodist Church dren’s choir sessions and Dianne Feb. 5 and 6. Berryman, of Ashland UMC in Organists, directors, handbell Columbia, taught the art of making ringers, children’s choir directors paraments and banners. and those who serve in textile art, Nine handbell choirs from banner-making and altar displays across the state participated and enjoyed workshop sessions geared learned a variety of new handbell to enhance, enrich and educate techniques. Valerie Stephenson, those who serve in worship arts. composer and handbell clinician, Adult Choir clinician Dr. Bill directed the choirs in a closing Carroll, Organ clinician Dr. Adam Handbell Festival. Ward and two local clinicians The fellowship was established in 1955 and nurtures, teaches and College Notes supports church musicians, artists Columbia College is sponsoring a and pastors. For more information symposium series, “Domestic on the fellowship and the next Violence: Stop the Madness.” event in South Carolina, Youth HELPING THOSE IN NEED – Cassie Kemmerlin (left),a member of the Hampton The series continues from 7 to 9 Choir Festival, go to United Methodist Youth Fellowship, collects money from Alan Strother for Souper p.m. March 16 and 30, April 13 www.fummwa.org and www.scfel - Bowl Sunday.The proceeds, $503.50, were donated to the Hope House, a food bank in Hampton County. Soup was served to church members in return. Youth and 27 in Breed Leadership lowship.com. The Rev. Marsha R. from across the state participated in Souper Bowl fund-raising. (Photo special to the Center, Room 103. Bentley is president. Advocate) Resource Center they experience in their lives. Doug our Savior. Age: MH. 65 min. tance and life, or New Resources for Youth Fields offers Biblical insight into the 1. What’s the Big Deal about Jesus? despair and death. AM I HAPPY? THE SEARCH FOR most common areas of conflict and (20 min.) Episode 3: My Pain SOMETHING MORE (DVD569=) 4 teaches students how to reach peace 2. Was Jesus God, or Just a Good is Understood – The DVDs/14-20 min./leader's guide/2009. and forgiveness in the relationships Man? (12 min.) journey to the cross In these four powerful sessions, stu - that mean the most to them. Age: MH. 3. Were Jesus' Miracles Just an was marked by dents share the trials and struggles 70 min. Illusion? (13 min.) betrayal, abuse, they face in their search for happiness. 1. Conflict with Family (17 min) 4. Is Jesus the Only Way to Heaven? humiliation, loneli - Sean McDowell offers biblical insight 2. Conflict with Friends (18 min) (20 min.) ness, and agonizing into the fleeting nature of happiness 3. Conflict with Authority (16 min) pain. "Because he himself suffered and the true meaning of joy. Age: MH. 4. Conflict with God (19 min) Lent/Easter Study when he was tempted, he is able to 63 min. help those who are being tempted." 1. Searching for Happiness in Relation- THE EASTER EXPERIENCE (Hebrews 2:18 NIV) WHY JESUS? ANSWERING TOUGH 6 sessions, 20 min. ships (14 min) (DVD564) Episode 4: My Life Has a Plan – This QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR SAVIOR each/leader's guide/participant's guide. 2. Searching for Happiness in Accomp- (DVD565=) 4 DVDs/12-20 min./leader's episode imagines the thoughts and What if what happened then changes lishments (15 min) guide/2009. emotions of Mother Mary as she wit - everything now? The Easter 3. Searching for Happiness in Appear- In these four powerful sessions of nessed Jesus’ journey on the road to Why Experience is a spiritual experience ances , David Nasser Golgotha. She struggles to reconcile Jesus? that has the power to change every 4. Searching for Happiness Despite addresses the tough giving birth to the Son of God, and the member in a small group. Each Circumstances (20 min) questions that stu - scene of His imminent death. Did God episode brings the passion and resur - dents have about really have a plan for her life? rection of Jesus to life through dramatic CONFLICT (DVD573=) 4 DVDs/16-19 Jesus and points Episode 5: I Have the Promise of storytelling and challenging teaching min./leader's guide/2009. In these four them back to the Eternal Life – Through the interaction and explores a universal theme that is powerful sessions, students candidly scriptural truths about between Jesus and the thief on the relevant to our lives all year. share real-life stories about the conflict cross, we find ourselves in Jesus’ plan Episode 1: My Life Has a Purpose – of salvation. The heart of the gospel Jesus came not to be served, but to message is powerfully presented as we serve. Focusing on the Last Supper, experience the crucifixion and death of Calendar this episode reveals that our life pur - Christ. March 2010 pose is found in serving others, follow - Episode 6: I Have a Hope That Never Women’s History Month ing Christ’s example. Dies – Mary Magdalene’s miraculous Episode 2: My Life Can Change – Connectional Ministry Grant Funding Deadline 1 experience at the tomb is filled with a We’ve all made bad choices, but we Deadline for retirement requests at next annual conference 2 new message of hope and the promise don’t have to be held prisoner by them. of eternal life. Through her story, we World Day of Prayer 5 Through the betrayals of Peter and rejoice in the reality that nothing can Conference Spouses Retreat 5-7 Judas, we discover that our responses take away the hope we have in Christ. Confirmation Retreat 1, Lake Junaluska. 5-7 in similar situations can lead to repen - Spirit Singers auditions, Columbia 6 Women in the Pulpit Sunday 7 Confirmation Retreat Mega I, Lake Junaluska 12-14 For information, go to http://www.lakejunaluska.com/ Spirit Singers auditions, Sumter 13 One Great Hour of Sharing (offering) 14 Clergy Orders, Lexington UMC, Lexington 18 Confirmation Retreat Mega II, Lake Junaluska. 19-21 For information, go to http://www.lakejunaluska.com/ Camp and Retreats Sunday 21 Holy Week 28-4/3 April 2010 Good Friday 2 Easter Sunday 4 A SPECIAL KIND OF LOVE – Saluda-St. Paul UMC hosted a Valentine Dinner for Ebony Youth Christian Vocation Exploration Retreat 9-11 singles, widows and widowers. A meal was followed and fun games played after - Five Day Academy for Spiritual Formation 11-16 wards. Each person received candy and a candle. Pictured above is Rev. Thomas Norrell and his “Valentines.” (Photo special to the Advocate ) march 2010.qdx:Layout 1 2/19/10 11:34 AM Page 20

Page 20, March 2010 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Obituaries Rev. Harold Edward Albert San Francisco, CA 94111. The Rev. Harris Hartwell husband, three sons and three STAFFORD, Va. – The Rev. Harold Mr. Corbitt is survived by his Parker daughters. Edward Albert, a wife, Annie L. Corbitt, daughter and COLUMBIA – The Rev. Harris retired member of three sons. Hartwell Parker, a retired member Samuel Edward Stillwell the United of the United NORTH AUGUSTA – Samuel Methodist William A. “Cowboy Bill” Methodist Edward Stillwell, father of Dr. Conference of Culberson Jr. Conference of Robert E. Stillwell, died Feb. 7, South Carolina, FLORENCE – William A. “Cowboy South Carolina, 2010. Dr. Stillwell is the superin - died Dec. 19, Bill” Culberson Jr., son of Miriam died Jan. 27, 2010. tendent of the Anderson District. 2009. Culberson, died Jan. 13, 2010. Mrs. Prior to his A private burial was held Feb. 9 Prior to his Culberson is the chairperson of the retirement in 1996, at Pineview Memorial Gardens, retirement in 1990, the Rev. Mr. Florence District Trustees. he served as a pro - Belvedere, and funeral services Albert served in the Clemson Funeral services were held Jan. fessor of religion at were held Feb. 9 at Grace United University Department of Political 17 at Central United Methodist Columbia College. Methodist Church. Science and as a supply pastor at Church, with burial in Mount Hope A memorial service was held Jan. Memorials may be made to Grace the Chiquola-Donalds, Ebenezer Cemetery. 30 at Trenholm Road United UMC, 639 Georgia Ave., North and Bethel charges. Memorials may be made to Methodist Church. Augusta, SC 29841. No funeral details were available. Central UMC, 225 W. Cheves St., Memorials may be made online Mr. Stillwell is survived by his Mr. Albert is survived by his Florence, SC 29501; or to the at http://www.columbiasc.edu/sup - wife, Ada Summers Stillwell, wife, Gladys B. Albert, and daugh - McLeod Foundation, P.O. Box port/onlineform.asp ; or by mail to daughter and son. ter. 100551, Florence, SC 29502. the Martha Susanne Parker or Dr. Mr. Culberson is survived by his Harris Hartwell Parker Jr. Katherine Joyce Foxworth wife, Carolyn “Carole” Culberson, Scholarship Funds at Columbia Bailey his mother and two stepsons. College, 1301 Columbia College Younger clergy, SIMPSONVILLE – Katherine Drive, Columbia, SC 29203. spouses retreat Joyce Foxworth Bailey, widow of Hobart Ray Everett Sr. The Rev. Mr. Parker is survived the Rev. Joseph David Bailey, died MOUNT PLEASANT – Hobart Ray by his wife, Susan Culclasure to Asbury Hills Jan. 30, 2010. Everett Sr., father of the Rev. Wade Parker, and son. Funeral services were held Feb. 3 Everett, died Jan. 15, 2010. The Young clergy of the S.C. confer - at the Stribling Memorial Chapel of Rev. Mr. Everett is the pastor of the Joan Eudy “Joann” Rivers ence had a doubly good time Forest Hills Funeral Home, with Langley-Bath-Capers Chapel CHESTERFIELD – Joan Eudy Valentine’s weekend. burial in Sumter Cemetery, Sumter. Charge, Langley. “Joann” Rivers, wife of the Rev. Those clergy 40 and younger had Memorials may be made to Funeral services were held Jan. Lindsey E. Rivers Sr., died Feb. 3, planned a first, a weekend retreat at Wesley Commons, 1110 Marshall 20 at Christ Episcopal Church, with 2010. The Rev. Mr. Rivers is a Asbury Hills, but the unexpected Road, Greenwood, SC 29646; to burial following. retired member of the United treat was snow that Friday night. National Parkinson’s Foundation, Memorials may be made to Methodist Conference of South The Camps and Retreats Ministry 1501 NW 9th Ave., Bob Hope Christ Episcopal Church Building Carolina. let the group, organized by the Rev. Research Center, Miami, FL 33136- Fund, 2304 Hwy. 17 N., Mount Funeral services were held Feb. 5 Brad Gray, come at cost to have 1494; or to Senior Centers of Pleasant, SC 29466. at Friendship United Methodist time away, not only for fellowship, Cherokee County, 499 W. Rutledge Mr. Everett is survived by his Church, with burial in Shiloh UMC but also for structured time for Ave., Gaffney, SC 29341. daughter and two sons. Cemetery. growth and shared reflection. Mrs. Bailey is survived by her Memorials may be made to Most of the 28 pastors who son and three daughters. Margaret Wiles Felkel Friendship UMC Building Fund, c/o signed up brought spouses and chil - SANTEE – Margaret Wiles Felkel, Pam Stancil, 261 Eloise Lane, dren as well. The entire group was Joellen Marie Cook mother of the Rev. Curtis Felkel, Chesterfield, SC 29709; or to able to have some time together COLUMBIA – Joellen Marie Cook, died Jan. 13, 2010. The Rev. Mr. Hospice of Chesterfield County, while their children played in the widow of the Rev. Pierce Embree Felkel is the pastor of the P.O. Box 293, Chesterfield, SC care of some adults and Furman Cook Jr., died Jan. 14, 2010. Rowesville Charge, Rowesville. 29709. University students. A graveside memorial service was Funeral services were held Jan. Mrs. Rivers is survived by her held Jan. 30 at Elmwood Cemetery, 16 at Cameron Southern Methodist followed by a celebration of her life Church, Cameron, with burial in the at Ashland United Methodist Jericho United Methodist Church Church. Cemetery. Sea Palms Summer Outreach Program Memorials may be made to the Memorials may be made to the Myrtle Beach, SC Cook Scholarship Fund, S.C. United Cameron Southern Methodist Methodist Foundation, P.O. Box Church, St. John Road, Cameron, 5087, Columbia, SC 29250. SC 29030; or to the Mabrey Center $91.00 per person Mrs. Cook is survived by her son. for Cancer Care, 1161 Cook Road, Orangeburg, SC 29118. “Making Christ Known in the Heart of Myrtle Beach, SC!” Roy Alton Corbitt Mrs. Felkel is survived by her son and two daughters. WEST COLUMBIA – Roy Alton www.seapalmssummeroutreach.com Corbitt, stepfather of the Rev. Wayne Smith Jr., died Jan. 21, Obituary policy: We teach your youth: - to be Mission-Minded 2010. The Rev. Mr. Smith is the The Advocate prints death notices of pastor of United Methodist Church clergy and their immediate families -the Lord’s Servant and laypersons who have served on - to Witness of the Palms, Okatie. conference boards and agencies or Funeral services were held Jan. who work for the United Methodist 25 at the chapel of Thompson Conference of South Carolina. Mission sites: Beach Ministry, Homeless Soup Kitchen, Home for Funeral Home, Lexington, with at-risk boys, Backyard Bible club, Street Ministry, Nursing Homes, entombment in Southland Memorial Prayer Walk,Cookouts, Night-time praise and Worship Send money - $15! Gardens Mausoleum. All mission sites are scheduled by us. Memorials may be made to the and get 12 issues of enrichment via the Advocate American Asthma Foundation, 4 Please Contact us at: 800-489-7256 Embarcadero Center, Suite 3150, 4908 Colonial Dr., Columbia, SC 29203 march 2010.qdx:Layout 1 2/19/10 11:34 AM Page 21

The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate March 2010, Page 21 International Bible School Lessons

By the Rev. Kristen March 14: March 21: the assembly of my people know Richardson-Frick A Community to Redeem Family as Community that you are a worthy woman.” Lesson Scripture: Jonah 3:10-4:5 Ruth 1:1-9, 14, 16 Pastor, St. Paul/s UMC, The chapters for our considera - Orangeburg; chairperson of the Background Scripture: Jonah Background Scripture: Ruth 1:1- Committee on the Episcopacy; tion today are scandalous. It’s bad 3:10-4:11 16 Board of Camps and Retreats enough that Naomi perfumes her Ministries; and serves two Key Verse: Jonah 4:2 “ ‘O L ORD ! Key Verse: Ruth 1:16 “But Ruth district committees daughter-in-law, dresses her up, and Is not this what I said while I was said, ‘Do not press me to leave you sends her to lie down beside a drunk March 7: still in my own country? That is or to turn back from following you! Boaz in the dark of night. But stu - Mission to the Community why I fled to Tarshish at the begin - Where you go, I will go; Where you dents of Hebrew also know that Lesson Scripture: Jonah 1:1-3, 3:1- ning; for I knew that you are a gra - lodge, I will lodge; your people when Ruth is instructed to uncover 9 cious God and merciful, slow to shall be my people, and your God Boaz’s “feet,” even more sexuality Background Scripture: Jonah 1:1- anger, and abounding in steadfast my God.’” is implied, since the Hebrew term 3, 3:1-9 love, and ready to relent from pun - Naomi had lost everything. Her “feet” is also a euphemism for the Key Verse: Jonah 3:5 “And the ishing.’” male anatomy. people of Nineveh believed God; husband and sons had died, and she We also need to know that Ruth they proclaimed a fast, and every - Not long ago, our Lieutenant was a foreigner in a foreign land. could have been punished severely one, great and small, put on sack - Governor made some remarks pub - Hers was a desperate situation, and for doing what Naomi instructed cloth.” licly that landed our state in the she knew it. With no man to provide her. She was a foreigner who was I grew up hearing Mary Poppins national news yet again. He com - for her in her advanced age, she was going to proposition Boaz into mar - sing, “Just a spoonful of sugar helps pared people who draw from gov - facing certain poverty and probable riage according to Israelite law. the medicine go down…! Just a ernment programs to “stray dogs.” starvation. As she verbalized it, God Delving into all the implications spoonful of sugar helps the medi - After those comments were splat - had made her life “bitter.” of these chapters we might get a lit - cine go down in the most delightful tered across the news, I had several The fate of her daughters-in-law tle squirmy and wonder why this is way!” It seems so simple, so true. If conversations in which parishioners was not much better, but at least in our Bible. What does this mean you sweeten up what’s bitter, you of mine shared this or a similar sen - they were still in their own home - for how God works, that new life can swallow it more easily. timent: “Well, he shouldn’t have land, among their own people. At comes from such a scandalous act? The same message comes from said it, but he only verbalized what least they were still young enough What does it say about Naomi that the saying, “You get more done a lot of us really think, anyway. to find new husbands. she would send Ruth down to do with sugar than with vinegar.” THOSE PEOPLE … THEY just Understandably, then, Naomi something so risky? What does it Much of modern counseling is take and take.” made a decision. She decided to say about Ruth that she would will - based on such beliefs. If you lift It’s true. Many of us see people take the long journey back to her ingly do such a thing? And what people up, wrapping the hard truth who “just take,” as we see it, and own homeland, where she may find does all of this say about the kind of in a soft candy shell, then the per - we get angry. We might even call it some kin who could care for her, people and situations God might son who needs to change will be “righteous anger,” and we get set among whom she could live and work through? able to swallow the truth better. into an “us vs. them” mentality. find provision. Her daughters-in- But there’s one other person to Apparently Jonah had not heard The prophet Jonah knew some - law, she thought, needed to do a consider in this story. With her this advice, because he didn’t argue thing about that. He was one of the similar thing – go back home and actions and words, Ruth boldly asks with God when the Lord told him to righteous people, the people of God marry again. Boaz to marry her. Boaz is not obli - deliver a harsh, bitter word with no who tried their best to do right. And So she pressed them, making log - gated to marry Ruth and care for her sugar to sweeten it. “Forty days God sent him to an evil, violent ical and sometimes harsh arguments and Naomi. But when Ruth comes more, and Nineveh shall be over - people to pronounce judgment. against their desire to stay with her for her midnight rendezvous, Boaz thrown!” When the people of the evil city and take care of her. Orpah finally treats her with respect, and promises Maybe Jonah didn’t argue Nineveh responded to the message gave in. But Ruth wouldn’t listen. to follow proper protocol and then because he’d already tried to run with repentance and true change, And in that moment, with poetic marry her, taking both women under away from God’s call and gotten turning to God, the Lord relented elegance, Ruth forced Naomi to see his wing. thrown into the sea, swallowed by a from anger and spared the people of that she already had a family with It seems that to bring hope and fish, and spewed onto the beach. the judgment Jonah had proclaimed. her who would take care of her new life to Naomi (and ultimately to Perhaps he knew that arguing with Jonah got angry. You might call always. Ruth may have been a for - all the people Israel, who in this God would be of no use. Still, the Jonah’s anger “righteous.” The peo - eigner, but she was as faithful to time period were in dire straights) message Jonah was to proclaim was ple of Nineveh had been evil! Naomi as Israel’s covenant God was God worked through the risk-taking a harsh one in which there was no Shouldn’t they be punished for that? to the chosen people. love and radical behavior of both grace. Why would God offer THEM Sometimes, like Naomi, our eyes Ruth and Boaz. And sometimes, that’s just the grace? They weren’t God’s chosen can be blind to two things: 1. the God sometimes asks us to step way it is. Have you ever been people, and they certainly weren’t people who have committed them - out of our comfort zone to bring speaking harshly or gossiping about deserving of the love of the Lord! selves to us, no matter how bitter new life for another, and for com - someone, only to see them standing My, it is so easy for us to become we become, or how much we try to munity. in the doorway? Have you known in like Jonah, but in the end it was the push them away; and 2. the people God sometimes pushes us to take that moment that you needed to “evil” in Jonah’s heart that God that God wants us to “cling” to and risks in love. God sometimes uses repent in sackcloth and ashes and pointed out to him. As Jonah support, no matter how bitter they the very human realities of the flesh change your tongue-wagging ways? camped out, pouting and hoping become or how much they try to to accomplish God’s goals. What Or have you ever been taking that that God would still overthrow push us away. might that look like for us as indi - third drink of the day, and turned Nineveh, God sent messages to help Today, how might we be like a viduals and as churches? around to see your child looking at him understand that his “us vs. Naomi who needs to let someone you with sad eyes? Have you them” anger was unrighteous … love us? Or how might we be called known in that moment that you just as unrighteous as the evil of the to be like a Ruth, who clings to needed to throw away every bottle Ninevites. someone who desperately needs in your house? This week, let’s pay attention to love? Sometimes, God uses a prophet how much “us vs. them” talk and like Jonah, to deliver the harsh truth thought arises in our lives and March 28: Acceptance in all in a moment, with no sugar. And, hearts. What might God be saying Community if you’re like me, there’s lots of evil to us through the story of the grace Lesson Scripture: Ruth 2:5-12; 3:9-11 RETHINK CHURCH – The people of in your life that needs to be over - shown to Nineveh and the anger of First United Methodist Church of thrown. What message from God Jonah? Background Scripture: Ruth 2-3 Austell, Ga., believe that God is smiling might a Jonah be calling out to you Key Verse: Ruth 3:11 “And now, when they offer a weekday tuition-free preschool (Feed My Lambs) for lower- today? my daughter, do not be afraid, I will do for you all that you ask, for all income families. march 2010.qdx:Layout 1 2/19/10 11:34 AM Page 22

Page 22, March 2010 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate Professor sheds light on how Old Testament came about By Dr. Brent Strawn • P, for the Priestly source (most Perhaps more amazing still, both my father’s God, and I will Associate Professor, Old Testament of Leviticus and Numbers). forms were read, treasured and pre - exalt him. (Exod 15:2b; NRSV) Candler School of Theology, Emory University In recent years, however, served by the people at Qumran. And again: You probably got your Bible, both Documentary Hypothesis has been Second, some biblical scholars When your children ask you in the Old and the New Testament, as severely challenged and critiqued. think the problems besetting study time to come, “What is the a gift from Scholars are no longer sure there of the Bible’s developmental history meaning of the decrees and the your parents or are only four sources in the are so hypothetical – perhaps right, statutes and the ordinances that someone at Pentateuch; nor are they sure the but hardly verifiable, so how could the L ORD our God has com - your church. sources were ever “documents” in we know? – that they prefer to manded you?” Then you shall But “how the first place! At least one source, eschew the “story about the Bible” say to your children, “We were did we get the E, is no longer widely recognized, altogether, contenting themselves Pharaoh’s slaves in Egypt, but oldest of these and some scholars prefer to speak with a focus on the stories of the the L ORD brought us out of two, the Old only of Priestly vs. non-Priestly biblical narrative itself. Given the Egypt with a mighty hand” (Deut Testament?” materials, largely because priestly many questions and uncertainties 6:20-21; NRSV) “From my texts are usually fairly easy to iden - hinted at above, there is sympathy These simple words grew and parents,” is not tify (they concern ritual, sacrifice, for that decision, though it is also developed, becoming ever more entirely satis - Strawn worship, etc.). But some very true that, given the Bible’s antiquity, complex and beautiful. The inspired fying, espe - recent work has returned to some of its origin in a different culture, lan - words of mothers and fathers, gifted cially if we want a more historical the older positions on these, so, guage, geography, and so forth, a individuals and eyewitnesses to perspective. Even so, this simple again, answering how the Bible student cannot avoid histori - God’s works and ways were layered answer – receiving the Bible from Pentateuch came to us depends a cal matters altogether. lovingly, with explanation and addi - our forebears and friends in the good bit on who you ask and when Thankfully, as time passed, things tion. They passed through genera - faith – is far from insignificant. you ask them. settled down a bit. The remarkable tions of mouths and hands, scribal To ask how we got the Old Most current thinking puts the textual fluidity evident at Qumran, pens and parchment. All of this, let Testament is to ask about the origin final form of the Pentateuch in the for instance, was eventually reduced it be said, with the Spirit’s blessing and development of Scripture. It is later periods of Israelite history. It to manageable size, especially the because this is the way, or so it common to hear talk of “the story may well be that the law Ezra read Masoretic (Hebrew) and would seem, God willed God’s of the Bible,” by which people to the people in Nehemiah 8 (ca. Septuagintal (Greek) versions. Word to be given, received and mean the narrative the Bible tells. 450 B.C.) was a portion of the But, in truth, there is still a good transmitted. But there is another meaning of “the Pentateuch, maybe even a proto- bit of fluctuation around these mat - So, to come full circle, when we story of the Bible,” not the story the (earliest) Pentateuch, but it is also ters even today. Just think, for got the Old Testament – our copies Bible tells but the Bible’s own story. possible that the Pentateuch we now example, of all the different Bible of it, anyway – from Mom or Dad The Bible’s own story is a much have didn’t reach its final form until translations. Some of these emerge or some other friend, those gift- harder story to tell since it lies still later. from different translation theories or givers were participating in a time- behind the biblical text proper. because of changes in the English honored practice in which the com - Moreover, for many stages or histo - What about the Prophets ? language; but most are also marked munity of faith bequeaths (in a tech - ry of that story, we are dependent Here, too, the evidence varies. by differences stemming from new nical and/or legal sense) Sacred on a good bit of guesswork and There no less than 15 prophets after developments in biblical studies, Scripture to us, their next genera - reconstruction. Not all of that is all! It seems that, at least among including study of new textual evi - tion. The real question is whether wrong, but it’s unlikely that all of it the earliest prophets (the earliest dence like that found at Qumran. and how we will do the same. is right either. “writing prophet” being Amos in Moreover, it is evidently the case That granted, what can we say the mid-8th century B.C.), prophetic that even contemporary believers For further reading: about the story about the Bible? speech was oral, not written. But can handle two non-identical ver - John Barton, How the Bible Came How did it come to be and how did important prophetic speeches were sions of Jeremiah at the same time: to Be (Louisville: Westminster John it get to us in this way? Much remembered and preserved until the version in The Message and the Knox, 1998); Lee MacDonald, The depends, not only on who you ask, they were finally written down and one in the New Revised Standard Biblical Canon: Its Origin, but when you ask them! Answers arranged in the current “books” we Version ! Transmission, and Authority vary from scholar to scholar and now have – though the principles of So how did we get the Old (Peabody, MA: Hendickson, 2007); from scholarly generation to genera - such organization aren’t always Testament? Through a long and William M. Schniedewind, How the tion. clear. What is clear is that books complex set of processes, no doubt, Bible Became a Book: The For example: such as Amos or Isaiah are not and that process continues today Textualization of Ancient Israel The Pentateuch : A generation arranged in simple chronological through study, new discoveries, new (New York: Cambridge University ago it was widely held that the first fashion. translations and so forth. Press, 2004). five books of the Bible were made Finally, the origin and history of In the very earliest stages, up of four distinct “documents,” the materials found in the final part though, what became biblical litera - each reflecting a different author(s), of the Old Testament canon, the ture were songs stories, and poems place(s) of origin, and time peri - Writings , are even harder to summa - passed from one generation to od(s). This is the so-called rize simply. There is some evidence, another: Quotable from Elsewhere Documentary Hypothesis or for example, that the final order of Hear, my child, your father’s “JEDP” theory, with the letters the Psalms wasn’t finalized even as instruction, South Carolina is among the five standing for the different late as the first century A.D. when and do not reject your moth - states that are the source of 85 per - sources/authors: Jesus was alive. er’s teaching. (Prov 1:8; NRSV) cent of illegal handguns recovered in New York. • J, for the Yahwistic source, Or: – Christian Century because it favors the divine name As if all that wasn’t confusing This is my God, and I will “Yahweh” (translated “the L ORD ” in enough, two more issues contribute praise him, most English Bibles) for God to the complexity: (Yahweh is spelled with a J in First, the Dead Sea Scrolls found German, and Germany is where the at Qumran have made the composi - hypothesis received its definitive tional question even more fascinat - formulation); ing – and difficult. The Scrolls • E, for the Elohistic source, show us that several books (like the which favors the divine name Psalms) had not yet been finalized; “Elohim” (“God”); they also show us that some books • D, for Deuteronomy (or its (especially Jeremiah) apparently cir - central core); and culated in more than one form. march 2010.qdx:Layout 1 2/19/10 11:34 AM Page 23

The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate March 2010, Page 23 While Haiti news fades, United Methodists at work By Emily Cooper food and water needs to go to UMCOR stocks a number of kinds of kits at Haiti is fading from the TV screen. residents of Haiti. “We don’t Sager Brown in Louisiana, an UMCOR storage More and more United Methodists are want to become part of the facility for relief operation, and they are also responding with health kits and want desperately problem,” UMVIM Secretary stored at an UMVIM operation, MERCI Center to do more, but church leaders are asking you to Lee McMillan said. in North Carolina. do what you’re asked to do now, and yet not to However, you are invited to UMCOR’s goal is to collect 300,000 health lose sight of the call and the enthusiasm to do sign up to be part of a work kits by the end of the year. When disasters hit, more. team by going to http://www. the kits need to be ready to roll. With the Haitian The time will come, S.C. conference Disaster umvim-sc.org/ and looking for earthquake and California mudslides, the supply Response Coordinator George Olive promises. “Haiti Volunteer Registry.” gets smaller and smaller. As soon as Haitian chil - Once the first responders and dren can turn their attention to school, they will S.C. UM Volunteers in Mission and the UM A girl carries water Committee on Relief know the circumstances in military have done their job from the well at the need school kits, Olive said. UMCOR’s goal is Haiti from current and past experience and, with and the situation is stabilized, Methodist Church 225,000 school kits this year and a large number your help, are organized to provide what is most perhaps in mid-summer, the compound in of layette kits as well. needed in an efficient manner. Rev. Tony Rowell, UMVIM Mellier, Haiti. *Google: UMCOR - Health Kit for lists of what (UMCOR photo by chairperson, anticipates being goes in the various kinds of kits. A list of where to The rebuilding, what many S.C. UM Mike Dubose, Volunteers In Mission are trained to do, will called in to help rebuild. He drop off kits in your district is printed below . come, but basic needs have to be met now,” said persons signing up will be contacted to see For a Web site for all UMCOR copyrighted photos if they are still interested when opportunities are and stories on your United Methodist Church at work: Olive said. The rescue and burial process was Look for Earthquake still underway at press-time and Olive said that is available. Rowell is asking volunteers to update in Haiti, “The Church Kit drop-off sites: very specialized work. “Right now, we don’t their UMVIM training. Responds,” UMCOR Columbia District have places for people to stay,” he said, and any Now, kits are the focus, especially health kits.* Conference Center, UM Conference of South Carolina 4908 Colonial Dr. Columbia, SC 29203 UMCOR staying in Haiti for next five years 803-786-9486 By Linda Unger April and includes the start of the Methodists and many other people of Writer, UMCOR communications rainy season in this month. It address - goodwill across the United States. Greenville District A month after a 7.0 earthquake tore es the most immediate needs of access Generous supporters have con - Simpsonville UMC 215 S.E. Main St. through Haiti, the United Methodist to food, clean water and sanitation, tributed more than $11 million to Committee on Relief (UMCOR) is Simpsonville, SC 29681 temporary shelter and emotional and UMCOR’s Haiti recovery plan, as well 864-967-3071 digging in its heels for a long-term spiritual support. as the components for more than recovery effort in the Caribbean During the recovery phase, which is 350,000 health kits. Marion District nation. expected to run through the first year Offers of help have come in other Duncan Memorial UMC 901 Highmarket St. Since the Jan. 12 disaster, UMCOR anniversary of the disaster, UMCOR forms, too, including supplies such as has carried out an initial assessment of Georgetown, SC 29440 will respond to needs for increasingly toothpaste, volunteers at 843-546-5647 damages and needs, developed a five- permanent homes, schools, clinics and UMCOR West and year work plan, and shored up strate - churches; livelihood restoration and UMCOR Sager First UMC gic partnerships with the United income generation, and other concerns. Brown and layette 1001 Fifth Ave. Nations, the Methodist Church in Haiti Conway, SC 29526 The third phase, rehabilitation, will kits. According to 843-488-4251 and other groups. UMCOR has leased likely stretch through January 2015 Kathy Kraiza, who office space and hired staff to run the and will offer assistance for both phys - manages the relief First UMC field office, is open to advance the ical reconstruction and economic supplies, with babies 307 E. Godbold St. work plan. development as well as rebuilding sys - being born into tem - Marion, SC 29571 843-423-3533 Upwards of 217,000 people died in tems, like health and education. porary shelters among the earthquake and another 300,000 Melissa Crutchfield, an UMCOR the rubble left by the earthquake, there First UMC were injured. The number of people executive for international disaster is a need for clean swaddling clothes 311 E. Main St. affected by the disaster soars to three relief, said the plan is a “living docu - to wrap the newborns. Bennettsville, SC 29512 million when the displaced and those ment,” one that provides a roadmap Prep for UM volunteers 843-479-3231 indirectly affected are included. About for recovery while also taking into Steps are being taken to prepare for 75 percent of Port-au-Prince is in Orangeburg District account emerging needs as relief UM Volunteers in Mission teams to Pelion UMC ruins. efforts progress. respond in Haiti. According to 810 Magnolia St. The UMCOR work plan anticipates Crutchfield, in collaboration with the Pelion, SC 29123 Gifts top $11 million three phases of recovery: emergency, Methodist Church in Haiti, volunteer 803-894-3652 The first 30 days since the earth - recovery and rehabilitation. projects and programs are being devel - quake has seen a great outpouring of Rock Hill District The emergency phase stretches from oped to align with UMCOR’s work solidarity with Haiti from United Trinity UMC the time of the earthquake through plan based on identified needs. (See York, SC story above ). 864-684-4100

Long Haul Spartanburg District Every gift will be important as Bethel UMC UMCOR rolls out its five-year work 245 S. Church St. plan for Haiti recovery. “The $11 mil - Spartanburg, SC 864-585-4801 lion dollars raised so far is a good start, and we’re grateful for all that has Grace UMC been done,” the Interim General Union, SC Secretary of UMCOR, Bishop Joel 864-427-1266 Martinez, said. “But UMCOR will be Buford Street UMC there for the long haul and will need 120 E. Buford St. additional support.” Gaffney, SC “It’s going to be a challenge,” 864-489-7183 ON THEIR WAY – Kristi and Mike Shirer of Shady Grove United Methodist Church in UMCOR executive Sharad Aggarwal Cameron were among those delivering health kits to the Conference Center in said. “Conditions in Haiti were diffi - Walterboro District Columbia. Within two hours of their drop-off Feb. 9, the Rev. Tony Rowell picked up the Waters Edge UMC load and whisked it off to Wade McQuinn’s flight to Jerimie, Haiti, where there are cult before, but they are even more 122 Wade Hampton 16,000 refuges. The Shirers said their church of 49 members had raised $2,000 for complicated now.” Beaufort, SC 29907 Haiti relief in the adult Sunday school class and more was being collected. Almost 400 To give, mark checks sent through 843-522-1153 kits were delivered by the Nelson Stokes for the Greenville District February 16 and a your church of the conference with trailer full had already been collected from United Methodists all around the state. #418325 on the memo line. E-mail [email protected] to (Photo by Emily Cooper) add your district’s site(s).. march 2010.qdx:Layout 1 2/19/10 11:35 AM Page 24

Page 24, March 2010 The South Carolina United Methodist Advocate

Melissa Crutchfield (left) and Sharad Aggarwal of the United Methodist Committee on Relief meet with church and community A family gathers by the glow of generator-powered and battery A soccer field has become home to more than 5,000 trauma - leaders at a temporary camp in lights on the basketball court at the Collège Méthodiste de Frères tized Haitians in Leogane, Haiti. Mellier, Haiti, to assess needs. compound in Port-au-Prince. (UMNS photos by Mike DuBose) Haitian families pull together in the worst of times LEOGANE, Haiti (UMNS) – A soccer pharmacist says he took field has become home to more than 5,000 all of the drugs from his traumatized Haitians here. It is one of store and brought them many makeshift communities tucked in to the field for the med - every corner of the cities and in open ical team to use. Today, fields in the outlying areas. the Angel Medical Since the massive earthquake Jan. 12 Center from Western shook more than 400,000 people from the North Carolina is lend - safety of their homes, home doesn't mean ing a hand. The Haitians A woman washes clothes safe anymore. say occasionally a team while her children sleep The communities can't really be called will stop and help for a at the soccer stadium. tent cities because most of the people don't few hours or a few days. have any kind of shelter. Wooden poles covered way here. A young couple walks into the camp Being homeless doesn’t stop families from by sheets provide a little respite from the hot sun carrying a wooden door. An old, worn chair looks being families. during the day. oddly out of place. A father leads his young son to the “shower.” Families hang their laundry to dry on the The people have designated a place between Gently he brushes his child’s teeth, washes his bleachers and on top of chain-link fences. two cars as the public shower. An elderly man body and softly talks to him. For a moment, he is Women wash clothes in large tin pots, cook on stands wrapped in an orange towel, using the side able to block out all the noise and upheaval. open flames, and watch as children run and play mirrors of one of the cars to shave. It is the sweetest moment of my day. in the narrow spaces between the shelters. A group of Haitian medical doctors and nurses – From the journal of Kathy Gilbert Some comforts from home have made their operates a clinic, set up in a corner of the field. A News writer, UM News Service