Let. Hand-in-Hand in the Rock Hill District

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1 July 2015 South Carolina United Methodist Conference Rev. Joe N. Long, Jr., District Superintendent Lollie Haselden, District Secretary 139 Elizabeth Lane, Rock Hill, SC fax Inside this issue: Important Dates and Local District News Conference Announcements Asbury Hills/ LJA Flyers 17 District Website rockhill.umcsc.org Let me share with you some gleanings from the notes I jotted down at Annual Conference: In the memorial service, the Rev. Tim McClendon spoke of those we remembered as balcony people. Joyce Landorf s term denotes those who raise us up. Who are your balcony people? To whom are you a balcony person? The Rev. Paul Harmon led us in a Bible Study on Becoming Disciples God Can Use. In his overview, he reflected on Luke 9:51-62; 10:1,8-9. Disciples don t get even. Disciples aren t judgmental. Disciples don t punish others for their perceived mistakes. Disciples do good, not harm. Disciples are often rejected. Disciples are often friendless. Disciples are often alone in this world. Disciples are about the business of life, not death. Disciples are not concerned with this place. Disciples proclaim the kingdom-that s job one. Disciples don t live in the past. Disciples don t have to say goodbye. Disciples always face the kingdom. In Becoming Disciples God Can Use with the Poor, Paul used James Carse s concept of finite games to understand Jesus s comment, You always have the poor with you Matthew 26:11. We create games or systems in which some can t win. Almost one in three working US families struggle to meet basic needs. Yet the working poor are indispensable to us. How can God use a disciple to lighten their load? In his song Come to the Table, Paul sings The body and blood of the poor is Christ offered to us. In Becoming Disciples God Can Use with Children, Paul shared a story from Jim Wallis which asked, Aren t they all our children? Disciples want to love and care for children. Disciples make the world a better place for children. The final session of the Bible Study was Becoming Disciples God Can Use with Strangers. Dr. Harmon gave helpful insights to the strained relationships we experience. In each, God can use disciples to turn strangers into neighbors and then turn neighbors into friends. Bishop Holston, during closing worship, shared about a pastor, filled with the fire of the Holy Spirit, who invited others to his church. If you don t want to come to my church and join us, at least come and watch me burn. May God raise up such disciples in each of our churches. ~Joe~

2 July 2015 Page 2 Important Dates and Local District News Upcoming Events & Deadlines: July 9, Thurs Salary instruction letters (2016) sent to pastors & PPRC chairs July 24, Fri August newsletter deadline ( info to rhdist@umcsc.org) August 4, Tues District Set Up Gathering for Clergy Families L,ocation: Revolutions Bowl (in the Galleria Mall) 2225 Dave Lyle Blvd. Time: 6:00 p.m. Dinner & Bowling 7:00 p.m. Set Up Meeting Save The Date! Further information about these quality training events will be available soon. Contact the district office with questions. September 12-13, Sat-Sun Lay Servant Training (at Aldersgate UMC, Rock Hill) September 13-14, Sun-Mon Up: Lifting Ministry Higher (at First UMC, Clover) October 18, Sun Ministry with New People (sponsored by Connectional Ministries) November 21, Sat Barbeque Bash with Bishop Holston SUMMER OFFICE HOURS The Rock Hill District Office will be open from 8am-1pm, Monday-Thursday during July & August. Response to Emmanuel AME Church Shooting The killing of nine people attending a Bible Study at Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston by a young white man expressing racial hatred has touched us deeply. My heart is broken. My mind is troubled. What are we to do? Now is the time for us to love one another, denounce racism and violence, and seek harmony. I encourage us as individuals and churches to find practical, personal, and public ways to witness Christ s love for all people. Rev. Joe N. Long, Jr., District Superintendent Apportionments 50 of our churches have begun contributing to our connectional giving so far. As we enter the second half of the year, how are you making plans to support the mission and ministries of the global United Methodist Church? Throughout the summer, several churches in our district host Salkehatchie Summer Service camps. Keep the campers, homeowners, and host church volunteers in prayer as they work in hot conditions to be the hands and feet of Jesus. Lancaster Camp June Chester Camp June Catawba Camp June Clover Camp July Rock Hill Camp July 11-18

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5 July 2015 Page 5 Annual Conference News We celebrate with Val Kenney, youth director at St. John s, Rock Hill, for earning Paraprofessional Certification in Youth Ministry. Lollie Haselden & Donald Love were both elected as lay delegates to Jurisdictional Conference. First UMC, Clover (Rev. Tommy Wilkes) was presented with The Bishop s Five Star Award. This award is to provide an incentive for churches to embrace new ministries each year geared toward growth and outreach. The awards enable small churches as well as large churches to receive recognition. The criteria is: 1.) An increase in Sunday school attendance and/or enhancement of Christian education ministry; 2.) A new work that impacts growth; 3.) Reception of new members by profession of faith or rededication: one for every 100 members; 4.) Emphasis on youth ministries that demonstrate growth; and 5.) All apportionments paid in full for the prior year, or a 25% increase in apportionment payments compared to two years prior. Ordination & Commissioning Celebrations: Rev. Ronnie Jeffcoat, Elder in Full Connection Rev. Meg Wilkes, Deacon in Full Connection Rev. Brandon Lazarus, Provisional Elder Retirement Celebrations: Rev. Randy Madsen Rev. Marsha Rhodes Roberts We celebrate & give thanks for those that have moved out of the district: Rev. Hope Avins Rev. Kevin Cooley Rev. Sheila Elliott Rev. Jon Hoin Rev. Ronnie Jeffcoat Rev. Sara Relaford We welcome the pastors that have moved into the district: Rev. John Dicks York-St. James Charge Rev. Kim Eanes - Grace Community UMC Rev. Chenita Frierson Rock Hill South Charge Rev. Doug Harr Kershaw Charge Rev. Becky Shirley Philadelphia UMC, Fort Mill The South Carolina Conference expresses thanksgiving to God for the Christian ministry rendered across the years by the members and pastors of First United Methodist Church, Kershaw. The closing worship service was held Sunday, May 31, 2015, to celebrate the ministries of the church. A resolution to discontinue First, Kershaw was prayerfully approved at 2015 Annual Conference. To read more about the happenings of the 2015 Annual Conference Session, see daily summaries:

6 July 2015 Page 6 On Wednesday March 25t, 2015, Green Pond UMC in conjunction with The Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina sponsored a food giveaway day. Through lots of volunteers from Green Pond over 175 people in and around the Clover, SC community were provided with much needed food. Under the leadership of our pastor Rev. Sharon Spann Gamble we will host our next food giveaway on Wednesday, June 3rd at 9 AM. Anyone is welcome to come out and take part in this event. Our church address is 983 Bethel Street (Hwy 55), Clover, SC Green Pond UMC members participated in the Relay for Life survivors lap on Friday, April 24, 2015, at Forestview High School in Gastonia, NC. From the right, William "Bill" Moss, a 8 year survivor, and his wife Sadie Moss, a 16 year survivor. Our pastor is the Rev. Sharon Spann Gamble.

7 July 2015 Page 7 VBS at Canaan UMC, Smyrna: 6-8 p.m. Monday July 6th - Friday July 10 th with program and meal Friday night. for travel expenses. "Barney Fife Ministry" presentation at Canaan, Smyrna (10 a.m.) and Mt. Vernon, Hickory Grove (11 a.m.) on Sunday July 12th with love offering Ice Cream and Hot Dog Social at St. Paul UMC, Clover, 4-7 p.m., July 18th. Canaan UMC BBQ Cookout Dinner (per plate) Saturday July 18th from 5-8 p.m. to benefit Community Outreach Ministry. VBS at Mt. Vernon UMC, Hickory Grove: 7-8:30 p.m. Sunday, July 19th - Friday 24th with program and meal Friday evening. Watermelon Cutting and Bluegrass Gospel at Kings Mountain Chapel UMC, York, July 19th, 4:00 p.m. TRACTOR SHOW at Kings Mountain Chapel UMC, York August 22nd, 7:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Senior Adult Lunch: Noon on Saturday Oct. 10th with information about HealthCare Directives (Medical Power of Attorney Forms) and entertainment (TBA). Location TBA. Disaster Response Training The class will focus on preparing the new local church disaster response plan. Local church disaster response coordinators need only to attend one meeting of their choice. All classes will be held on Saturdays from 10 am until 12 noon. Contact Gene Blevins, District Disaster Response Coordinator, with questions. Rh_disasterresponse@umcsc.org. Locations: Chester Cluster - August 1, Wesley Memorial UMC, Chester York/Clover Cluster - August 8, Trinity UMC, York Lancaster Cluster - August 15, St. Luke UMC, Lancaster Rock Hill/Fort Mill Cluster - August 22, 2015 (Location TBD)

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10 Hand-in-Hand in the Rock Hill District Page 10 July 2015 Above, Sharon Community Meal to raise money for missions Philadelphia-Ft. Mill Warming Center Job well done and thank you! Trinity York, Sager Brown Teams Photos taken by Rev. Joe Long The Rock Hill District truly showed what missions is all about at our 2015 Annual Conference. Showing on this page are just a few of the tables set up at the Mission Fair. Contact the district office for information about these missions or to learn how to showcase your church s mission at next years Annual Conference. Good Samaritan Princess parties for foster children

11 July 2015 Page 11 Conference 2016 MEN N MINISTRY WEEKEND SET Feb 19, 20 & 21, 2016 Christ UMC Myrtle Beach, SC Bishop s Challenge is to have 1,500 in attendance. SC Lay Servant Ministries Academy Training Virginia Wingard Memorial UMC, 1500 Broad River Rd., Columbia, SC August 8, 2015 Saturday 8:30 am - 4:00 pm Student needing books $40 fee. The fee will cover the student books and instructor guide if available, mailings, flash drive and handouts. Southern Mutual Church Insurance Company will provide breakfast, lunch and snacks. The registration form and payment must be received by Friday July 17. NO REFUNDS AFTER JULY 17TH. If you have any questions about the event, please contact Kris Bergmann Co-director LSM Charleston district/ Co- Coordinator South Carolina LSM Instructors Academy at ( jkbergmann@aol.com).

12 July 2015 Page 12 SC Methodist Basketball Tournament JUST ANNOUNCED 2016 TOURNAMENT JANUARY COLUMBIA, SC The SC UMC Youth Basketball Tournament was founded in 1977 to serve youth who are members of and active participants in United Methodist Churches in South Carolina. It also provides for those United Methodists who cannot play with their schools a chance to participate in basketball. In 2002, Worship Services were added at a central location for all teams involved in the tournament. The greatest purpose of this tournament is to provide the United Methodist Youth of the South Carolina Conference an opportunity to worship, meet and compete together in fellowship brought about by the love of Jesus Christ. SCUMC Youth Basketball Tournament Links About The Tournament Pool Rules Coaches Corner Goals of the SC UMC Youth Basketball Tournament Bring United Methodist Youth together who enjoy playing sports in a Christian environment. Teams, churches and coaches can learn how competing with a high level of sportsmanship can grow Christian behavior. By having youth involved in the play of Basketball, teach or display to each Youth, Coach, Parent and their Church who we are as United Methodist. Gather our Conference Youth who enjoy playing basketball in a way that gives them two meaningful Worship Services. Expresses what we as United Methodists do when we gather for any reason. A chance to grow in Worship. Bring together an intergenerational group to support our youth as they play. Bring church members together from all over our Conference, sharing facilities and playing sites. Offer one more of the many doors to our Youth in the United Methodist Church of SC. Help local churches and Ministers grow in their Youth program using a Leisure Ministry. Build group dynamics of a church youth program. Help develop friendships by going away to other cities while being a group with other groups. The annual Tournament is not just about play. It is about Youth gathering in play AND experiencing two exciting Worship opportunities. Our Conference Clergy plan very meaningful experiences. For more information about the Conference Youth Basketball Tournament call Doris Seals in the Conference office at (803)

13 July 2015 Page 13 BIG CHANGES IN STORE FOR IMMERSE '15 Immerse is making some big moves in We will be at a new location - Spartanburg Methodist College - on a new weekend - July What won't change this year is the great discipleship program you have come to expect at Immerse. Immerse is designed to offer youth an opportunity to DIG DEEPER in their faith journey. To that end, Immerse offers inspiring worship (led this year by Rev. Tiffany Knowlin and worship leader Robert McMichael), family groups that offer a chance to process the weekend in a safe community of peers, breakout sessions that deal head on with relevant topics where faith and life intersect, great rec. time for fun and fellowship, and much more. With the move to SMC, registration is simplified as well, as groups register ONCE through scmyp.org and that takes care of programming, lodging, t-shirt and meals. All you have to do is get to SMC for a great weekend of being challenged in your faith. The cost for the weekend is $225 per person, but if you register and pay in full BY MAY 1st, you get a discounted rate of ONLY $210. Online registration should be available by early March, so make plans how to join us at Immerse For more information, click the links below and follow SCMYP on twitter.

14 July 2015 Page 14 FALL FOLIAGE GETAWAY SEPTEMBER 1 NOVEMBER 29 Experience the majesty of the changing fall leaves! Conveniently located close to the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Great Smoky Mountains, Lake Junaluska is the perfect escape. $100 per night and includes room and breakfast for two, Valid Sunday-Thursday only. Some blackout dates and restrictions apply. Read More LAKE JUNALUSKA SINGERS CONCERT OCTOBER Autumn colors abound as the Lake Junaluska Singers perform their fall concert. Two-night packages start at $216.50* per person. Includes reserved seats for the Lake Junaluska Singers Concert and special admission to the Biltmore Estate. Read More THANKSGIVING AT LAKE JUNALUSKA NOVEMBER Start a new tradition: savor an exquisite Thanksgiving with family as we take care of the details. Two-night packages start at $111* per person. Includes Thanksgiving buffet, breakfast, and ticket to the Biltmore Estate. Read More LAKE JUNALUSKA APPALACHIAN CHRISTMAS DECEMBER Be merry in the mountains of North Carolina with a weekend of Christmas music, local artisan crafts, and a tour of the exquisitely decorated Biltmore Estate--all for an amazing low rate! Performances by the Lake Junaluska Singers and the Cockman Family, an Appalachian craft show, and more awaits. Two-night packages start at $197* per person; Three-night packages start at $237* per person Includes special day-time admission to the Biltmore Estate at Christmas, reserved seats for three evening concerts, lodging and meals.take advantage of these special savings today! Read More SKI LAKE JUNALUSKA DECEMBER 2014 MARCH 2015 Ski Lake Junaluska offers affordable ski packages with inspiring worship programming. Non-programming ski packages are also available. Read More

15 July 2015 Page 15 Save the Date! Fall Festival October 24, 2015

16 July 2015 Page 16 Lake Junaluska Summer Youth Events Prepare the Way Nestled in the mountains of North Carolina, Lake Junaluska is the perfect summer youth retreat for 6th through 12th graders. Each week will feature a morning and evening session that will reflect this year's theme, "Prepare the Way," (Isaiah 40:3.) See the event schedule, speaker and band bios, service project, and more! Lake Junaluska Youth Event speakers and worship bands include: NEW! July 2-5: Amena Brown and Lindsay Popper, The Adam Courtney Band*Modified program and includes July 4th Celebrations *July 5-9: Lane Davis, The Adam Courtney Band July 9-12: Steve Cheyney, The Adam Courtney Band *July 12-16: Andy Lambert, Second Hand City July 16-19: Duffy Robbins, Second Hand City *Includes Stop Hunger Now mission project. Rates and Registration Information Packages include housing, meals,and program. See website for complete details and additional package options. Program Only groups provide their own housing and meals. Rates are the same for youth and adults. Weekends: Package: $245 / person Program Only: $105 / person Weeks: Package: $317 / person Program Only: $120 / person For more information and to register: registrar@lakejunaluska.com

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