Volume 93 Number 3 May-June 2015

Transcription

1 THE SOUTH CAROLINA CHRISTIAN A Publication of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in South Carolina P O Box 80536, Charleston, South Carolina Orange Grove Road, Charleston, South Carolina T: FAX: Website: scdisciples.org roccsc@aol.com Volume 93 Number 3 May-June 2015 Pentecost Greetings! We celebrate Pentecost on the seventh Sunday after the resurrection, when the Holy Spirit came from Heaven in a special way. This was and continues to be the celebration of the fulfillment of God s promise as recorded in the Gospel of Luke: 3 After his [Jesus ] suffering, he presented himself to them [the disciples] and gave many convincing proofs that he was alive. He appeared to them over a period of forty days and spoke about the kingdom of God. 4 On one occasion, while he was eating with them, he gave them this command: Do not leave Jerusalem, but wait for the gift my Father promised, which you have heard me speak about. 5 For John baptized with water, but in a few days you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit. 6 Then they gathered around him and asked him, Lord, are you at this time going to restore the kingdom to Israel? 7 He said to them: It is not for you to know the times or dates the Father has set by his own authority. 8 But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. God released the promised dispensation of Divinity within humanity in the person of the Holy Spirit. God s plan to make us one in the Spirit was and is being fulfilled in everyone who truly repents and believes in the reconciling work of the Lord Jesus Christ on behalf of the world! God saw what we needed. God s love supplied the need. We needed Jesus the one who was the Word that became flesh and dwelt among humanity. Why did we need Jesus, you ask? We needed Jesus because there was no one on earth who could save humanity from the sentence of death that resulted from Adam s disobedience to God. Jesus is our Savior and Lord! Because of Jesus the world you, I and creation are reconciled to God. Because of Jesus we have power to live right. Because of Jesus we have power to talk right. Because of Jesus we have power to help make things right Because of Jesus the world, that is, you, I and all creation are reconciled to God. Because of Jesus we have power to live right. Because of Jesus we have power to talk right. Because of Jesus we have power to help make things right. Here is a helpful perspective on this power from Sermon Illustrations. Power can be used in at least two ways: it can be unleashed, or it can be harnessed. The energy in ten gallons of gasoline, for instance, can be released explosively by dropping a lighted match into the can. Or it can be channeled through the engine of a [car] in a controlled burn and used to transport a person 350 miles. Explosions are spectacular, but controlled burns have lasting effect, staying power. The Holy Spirit works both ways. At Pentecost, [the Spirit] exploded on the scene [in a presence that] was like "tongues of fire" (Acts 2:3). Thousands were affected by one burst of God's power. But [the Spirit] also works through the church--the institution God began to tap the Holy Spirit's power for the long haul. Through worship, fellowship, and service, Christians are provided with staying power. Let the power and presence of the Holy Spirit reign in our lives through acts of compassion and justice motivated by love! May the power of Pentecost continue to be harnessed in your life to be the best you can be for the glory of God and the good of creation!!! God s love, Sotello

2 Regional Personality Profiles Charles Cleaver :Membership in the Christian Church (DOC) has made a major impact on my life for approximately sixty-five years. Each of the six churches in which I have been a member offered different worship styles and yet had the same central theme, bring people to know God s love through Jesus Christ. The most common features of the six churches were the acceptance of anyone who believed and the allowance of all to participate in communion. The diversity of the churches created opportunities for my family and me to participate in different activities that enhanced our spiritual growth and recognize God s love for all regardless of background and social standing. I was blessed to have the chance for leadership roles in many areas including College Campus Ministry, Church boards, and teaching Sunday school (mainly at adult level). My positions included Elder, Deacon, Chair of Boards, Chair of many committees, and even as minister on a few occasions. I am thankful for the experience of serving on the General and Regional Boards. Serving on these Boards gave me a perspective and knowledge of how local churches work together to make a stronger denomination which reaches out to people all over the world. Serving as Treasurer for years on the South Carolina Regional Board gave me insight into how different churches raise and spend their money. I was impressed to see individuals from different backgrounds join together and learn to respect and honor each other in ways not seen before. Attendance at Regional Conferences have always been a joyous occasion for me. Memories of experiences at all these places continue to give me hope for a peaceful and just world that would be pleasing in the eyes of God. Denise Tanya Williams; I was born September 14, 1980 to Bro. Wendell and Deaconess Betty Coburn, I have one brother Corey W. Coburn of Ridgeville, SC. I am a High School graduate of Harleysville-Ridgeville High School. I have been married to Gerald Williams for 12 years. We are blessed with two children Gerald and Kayla Williams. I am a lifelong and dedicated member of the Zion Pilgrim Christian Church, Ridgeville, SC. At my church, I serve as the Administrative Assistant to Pastor Shaunette Lloyd and Co-chairperson of the Kitchen committee I previously served as the District II Union Secretary, and the 10th Annual Regional Conference Program director. I am currently serving in the position as the South Carolina Regional Board Secretary. I have been employed as an apartment manager for over the past 12 years. As Colossians 3:23 states, And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men I am willing to do whatever I can for the edifice of God s Kingdom.

3 News from Around the Region: District 1Fellowship News: District # 1: Quarterly meeting will be held July Beginning Outreach Ministries 600 Beach Road Walterboro, SC District Union # 1: Quartley Union will be held May 29-30, :00 AM. daily hosted by Pastor Freddie Lawton Sr.and the Antioch CC 3425 Mill Pond Road, Varnville, SC District Union# 2: Quarterly union will be held May 28-30,2015 beginning on Thursday with Youth Ministry, Friday will Disciples Women and Men Fellowship 7:00pm and Saturday beginning@ 9:00am With workshops, and Business Session. hosted by Pastor Shaunette Lloyd and the Zion Pilgrim CC 168 Campbell Thicket Rd. Ridgeville, SC Disciples Women Ministry News: Our Leadership Conference will be held Friday, June 5 Saturday, June 6, New Grove Hall Christian Charleston, Goose Creek, SC. We will begin at 4:00p.m on Friday with registration and the program will begin at 6:00 p.m. Saturday s program will begin at 9:00 a.m. with registration. Our theme for this conference is: Commitment, Attitude and Communication. There will be lots information to share with you on what s happening in and with Disciples Women Ministry Also a prize will be given to the Congregation with the most Disciples Women in attendance. The Registration fee is $25.00 per person. Please register in advance, we would like to prepare for you a wonderful time of spiritual Enrichment and meals. Registration may be mailed in advance. Regional Office c/o Barbara Williams P.O. Box Charleston, SC Disciples Women will sponsor a Pre Regional Conference Event on Thursday October 1, 2015 from 9:00am- Poplar Hill CC Keynote: Rev.Valarie Melvin Associate Regional Minister of the Christian Church in North Carolina. Commission on Ministry: The Commission on Ministry celebrated their Annual in state Retreat on May 15 th -16 th in Columbia SC hosted by Agape and First Christian Church Columbia, it was a beautiful time of renewal as Minister Jose Morales and Minister Daphne Gascot expounded on the Retreat theme: PREACHING AS GOD S CHOSEN METHOD, REVEALING SPIRITUAL WISDOM IN PLACES THE WORLD WOULD NOT LOOK! The Scriptural Text: 1 CORINTHIANS 1: Minister Larry Smith preached on Friday Night. Applicant Minister Rosa Orr preached a powerful Message on Saturday during the luncheon entitled A Fool for Christ! Along with the Ministers and their spouses it was approximately 50 people that attended the retreat. Special thanks to Pastor Susie and Overseer Cobb, Agape CC and to Virginia Ginny Braddock, Minister Jennifer Moreno and her family, First Christian Church, Columbia for all that you did to make our retreat a memorable an special event. St. Phillip CC: Mr. & Mrs. Haynes are proud to announce the graduation of their daughter Miss Brittany Nicole Haynes from the South Carolina College of Pharmacy of the University of South Carolina. Brittany received her doctoral hood on May 6, 2015 at the SCCP Convocation and Hooding Ceremony and graduated from the University of South Carolina with a Doctorate of Pharmacy on May 8, She graduated Cum Laude and she is a member of St. Phillip Christian Church in Reevesville, SC where Pastor Eva Husser is the Pastor On Thursday, May 21, 2015, De Shaun Booker was privileged to have a one-on-one meeting with Governor Nikki Haley at her office in Columbia. The meeting was in response to a letter De Shaun wrote to the governor. After the shooting of Walter Scott in April, De Shaun decided to write a speech entitled Change. Our pastor, Pastor Eva P. Husser graciously allowed him to read the speech to our congregation. The response from the congregation prompted my mother and me to forward his speech to our local, state, and national political leaders including President Obama and Governor Haley. Governor Haley was the first and only one to respond. She invited De Shaun to her office to hear his ideas. As a result of that meeting De Shaun along with our resource office, Deputy Ernest Hill, Jr are going to create a program aimed at improving police and community relations and instilling and reinforcing self-worth in our young people relations from elementary school through young adults. This program will be funded, implemented, and endorsed by Governor Haley. De Shaun is the 13 year old son of LaTrena Elmore and the grandson of Debra Elmore. Holly Hill CC: Shared that two of their youth went to Tallahassee, Fl to showcase their talents on the weekend of May 15 on America s Got Anointing. They showcased their talent of gospel music and had the privilege to walk the red carpet. We support our Youth and we're just want to acknowledge them on their achievements.shardajia and Shyleah Booker "The Booker Sisters!"

4 Rhett Avenue CC: We are excited and elated to extend an invitation to you and your congregation to join us for a one night Spring Revival. We are aware that there is much work to do in the vineyard and sometimes we get weary in the process, therefore the laborer must rely on the Lord to give us the strength to endure. Paul told the Philippians in Philippians 4:13, I can do all things thru Christ who strengthens me. For that reason, we need the Word of God for our strength. We pray that you are able to come and worship with us as we prepare our mind, heart and soul to be encourage, empowered and renewed thru the Word of God on Friday, May 29, 2015at 7pm. Our Shepherd, Pastor DJ Navarre will deliver the Word at this service. If you are not able to join us, we greatly appreciate your prayers and pray much blessings upon your ministry. First CC Charleston: Sunday - May 31 Graduate Recognition and Reception honoring 4 High School Graduates and 4 College Graduates. Sunday June 7 Say Something Nice Service and Pitch-in luncheon after worship. Tuesday June 9- Christian Women s Fellowship Salad Pot Luck Supper at the church. 6:30 PM Sunday Vacation Bible School Prayer Power Camp: Teach Us To Pray. Evenings June 28 through Wednesday, July 1 st 6:00 8:00 PM. Minister's Wives and Husbands Fellowship Ministry: Minister's Wives and Husbands Fellowship Officers For Term; Sandra D. Tucker - President Mary Reese - Secretary Virgie P. Lawton - Treasurer Agnes McDuffie - Asst.Treasurer Jeanette B. Hagood Chaplin Congratulations: Attention all South Carolina graduates! The Regional Staff extends our congratulations and may God s favor, grace and mercy be with you in your new endeavors! Youth Ministry : Ready for Some Summer? Summer starts now! Vacation Bible School Curriculum for children and youth! Here is a tip for Choosing your VBS Curriculum go to the Disciple Home Mission s webpage: VBS curriculum options which includes some great cultural explorations through Kids to Kids. There is a list of VBS materials that are to free download. All of them are directly related to the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ ).We are happy to include VBS materials that your congregation has developed and would like to share with others. If you would like to share them please to Jessica Kramer at jkramer@dhm.disciples.org 2015 Newsletter Due Dates: Dates for submitting newsletter items for July-August July 10 September-October September 11 November-December November 10 Christmount News: At the April meeting of the Christmount Council, Executive Director Michael P. Murphy announced his retirement for July Mike has served as Executive Director since 1998.Mike began at Christmount in October 1983 working the front desk in the evenings. He completed continuing education classes at Duke University in Nonprofit Management in At Indiana University Center on Philanthropy he earned a Certificate of Fund Raising Management from The Fund Raising School. He also earned certification as a Conference Center Professional from the International Association of Conference Center Professionals. In making the announcement, Mike stated, "Over the coming year, it is my intention to work with the Personnel Committee, the Search Committee, the Council and the Administrative Board to make the transition to a new Executive Director as smooth as possible." In a letter to Moderator Sarah P. Draper, Michael wrote, "I want to express my love and appreciation to you, the members of the Christmount Council & Administrative Board, the staff and the many friends of Christmount who have supported my work and efforts over the past 32 years. I look forward to your continuing support as I move through my transition to retirement and Christmount moves through its transition to new leadership for this ministry, this sacred space that has, is and will continue to touch and shape so many lives for Jesus Christ."

5 THE TWELFTH SOUTH CAROLINA REGIONAL CONFERENCE PROGRAM SCHEDULE AT A GLANCE POPLAR HILL CHRISTIAN CHURCH (DISCIPLES OF CHRIST), CROSS, SC Theme: Let God s Love Be Seen! 1 John 4:7-19 THURSDAY - OCTOBER 1, 2015 Pre-Conference Events 9:00 2:00PM Workshop and Luncheon sponsored by Disciples Women Ministry 7:00-9:00PM Evening Worship Service Hosted by: Commission on Ministry & Ministers Wives and Husbands Fellowship FRIDAY - OCTOBER 2, :00AM 8:30-9:15AM 9:15 9:30AM 9:30-10:30AM 10:30-10:45AM Registration/Exhibits/Health Screening (On Going) Gathering Devotion Conference Welcome/ Greetings Exhibitor & Health Screening Acknowledgements Banner Processional Worship & Regional Address Pastor Sotello V. long Break 10:45 11:00AM Praise Gathering 11:00-12noon Interest Forum Dr Mary Beth Westerfield Disciples Church Extension Fund 12:00PM-2:00PM Luncheon & Entertainment FRIDAY Evening 7:00-7:15PM Processional of Program Participants and Congregational Pastors/ Children/Youth/ Young Adult/ Young Adults at Heart 7:15-9:00PM Worship: Let God s Love Be Seen! Preacher: Minister Denise Bell, Regional Minister, Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in Georgia 9:00PM 10:00PM (After worship) Reception SATURDAY OCTOBER 3, 2015 CASUAL ATTIRE 8:00AM Registration/Exhibits/Health Screening (On Going) 8:30AM 9:00-10:15AM Gathering Interest Forum 10:30 11:45AM Fellowship Group Time: Disciples Men, Disciples Women, Disciples Youth, Ministers Wives & Husbands, Ministers 12:00-1:30PM Business Session 12-12:30 Memorial Service Recognitions& Thanks Communion 1:30-4:00PM Cookout Recreation and Games SUNDAY OCTOBER 4, 2015 Worship All churches are invited to worship in a spirit of unity centering on the theme and text: Let God s Love Be Seen! 1 John 4:7-19 Poplar Hill Christian Church, Cross, Denise Bell

6 The Twelfth South Carolina Regional Conference of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) Poplar Hill Christian Church, Cross SC, October 1-4, 2015 Let God s Love Be Seen! 1 John 4:7-19 REGISTRATIONFORM Title Preference (Mr. /Mrs. / Ms. / Rev. / Dr. /Bro. / Sis) First Name Last Name Address City State Zip Code Telephone Number ( ) Church REGISTRATION FEES (Early Due Date: Registration postmarked bythursdayaugust20, 2015) Total Church Seed Money Donation $ Pastor Registration $ Adult Registration* ` Cost Number Adult Early Registration $50.00 x (Postmark by August 20 th ) Senior Citizens (65 &Older) $35.00x Adult Late Registration $60.00 x (Postmark received after August 20 th ) Registration Children/Youth 17 years and less($10.00) * Please indicate the number attending by age! 6 to 12 years # attending 13 to 17 years # attending I cannot attend, but want to make a donation to help the Conference! TOTAL ENCLOSED (Note: Churches submitting multiple registrations please attach a list of all the names of those persons covered by the registration fee on an attached list!) MAKE CHECKS PAYABLE TO: Christian Church in SC or CCSC and mail to: P O Box Charleston, SC roccsc@aol.com Fax: You may also submit payment via credit card online at at the Make a Contribution link and send a copy of the payment confirmation to the Regional Church Office.

7 NOTE! NOTE! NOTE! For the July August Newsletter The due date for articles is July 10, 2015 Please submit any articles, church activities, church Anniversaries, etc. to the Regional Church Office at: We rejoice in sharing the news of God at work from our doorsteps to the ends of the earth and from the ends of the earth to our doorsteps. The South Carolina Christian P O Box Charleston, SC