From the Pastor. First United Methodist Church Clover, SC. May 2018

Transcription

1 First United Methodist Church Clover, SC May 2018 From the Pastor As many of you know I was scheduled to go into the Kershaw Correctional Institute last month to minister to prisoners through Kairos Prison Ministry. However, because of the recent riot at Lee Correctional in SC, all the male prisons in SC were placed on lockdown by the state. This meant that two days before going on the retreat, the Kairos Men s Walk #37 at Kershaw was canceled. Mission: We, the congregation, in humble and selfless service to God, will go forth joyfully, empowered and enabled by the Holy Spirit, to seek out, welcome, accept, and nurture persons to become faithful and effective disciples for Jesus Christ. As much as this was a disappointment, maybe it was for the better. Because of recent gang activities in the prisons and the serious humanitarian issues of understaffing and misuse of cellphones and contraband, maybe the walk was canceled for a good reason. For example, one good thing that came out of the string of events since the riots at Lee, is that our Governor and State Legislature has pushed to increase pay for prison workers and are talking about attempting to alleviate the overcrowding of prisons and lack of supervision on several fronts. Thankfully, the Governor is looking at finding other solutions for accountability for nonviolent offenders in our state, rather than just locking them up. This problem of understaffing in prisons, overcrowding and cell phone usage is not only in SC, it is a national problem. Thankfully this has recently become a national discussion. Perhaps, we as a nation, will move to a place where we can manage to block cell phone signals to our state prisons for safety purposes. This seems so simple to me, but there are technical reasons we have been unable to do this up to this point, which has caused a host of problems within the prisons and outside of the prisons. You have probably seen reports in the news recently. Please watch for and act on legislation pertaining to understaffing/ overcrowding of prisons, and the need to block cell phone signals on prison grounds. (continued)

2 From the Pastor, continued Understaffing has been a problem for the past several years. Because of understaffing, prisons are often inhumane environments. I can tell you from my experience last year, not letting prisoners outside on the yard into the sunlight and fresh air, choosing to leave them (two men to a cell) on an inside block 24 hours a day and 7days a week is enough to cause deep psychological damage, and to make discouraged people angry and hardened. Jesus included the prisoner when he said in Matthew 25, whereas you have done it unto the least of these you have done it unto me. Prison is not a good place. People make mistakes and sometimes have to lose the privileges of freedom in order to give restitution to the society for their violations and to keep out society safe, but there are many ways people can give restitution and be restricted with boundaries. Shouldn t we try to find constructive and creative ways of rehabilitation, and to seek healing and hope for those behind bars paying their debt to society? Remember, most of these prisoners in Kershaw will eventually be released. What rehabilitation and restoration can take place in an understaffed, threatening environment? I do not have the answer, but I know that having 45 underpaid prison guards to cover the oversight of 1500 inmates in Lee Correctional was a mistake, and we now see the results with the recent riot, (worst in 25 years.) Hopefully we (Christians) will strive to help encourage our government to fund the prisons and to work toward prison reform in America. Hopefully we will remember that Jesus is attentive to this and has called us to be present with those prison through our prayers, our concern, our actions and our visitation. So we were not able to enter the prison as planned last month, but our cookies were. On Thursday, we gathered in Kershaw and delivered the cookies that had been collected from NC and SC for Kairos Walk #37. I had never been involved so closely on this front, where the cookies are sorted and loaded on a U-Haul Truck to take to the prisoners. On that Thursday the Kairos Team was allowed to hand deliver the cookies into the full prison population of Kershaw. 4,688 Cookies of Love and Grace. Thank you, First UMC, Thank you for your support of Prison Ministry! Thank you, for doing your part. Joy and Peace ~ Rev. Tommy Wilkes PS: There were four Kairos Walks in SC that were cancelled last month. My mom, Molly Wilkes, whom many of you know, was able to follow through with Kairos in the Women s Prison of Leath, and witnessed a wonderful experience of grace and spiritual liberation.

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4 Thanks to all of you who visited, sent cards, called, prepared food and said a prayer for us during Hugh s illness and death. We are so fortunate to be members of such a caring and loving church. Please keep us in your thoughts and prayers. The Hugh Robinson family To Our Church Family, Thank you for the prayers, cards and visits during the years of Dave s illness. I read all the cards to him. He enjoyed the visits and he enjoyed the food that so many brought. Special thanks to the Steve Camp Sunday School Class who always remembered us in prayer and never forgot us, and the Forever Young and Friends who always included us in their outings knowing that it would be difficult to attend. I also appreciate the many gifts made to the church in Dave s memory. My thanks to Tommy and Meg who were very supportive and close by during Dave s last days in the hospital and hospice. God gave Dave and me strength and love to face every day, and I will continue to need Him as I face each day without Dave. We are blessed to be a part of First Church. With many thanks, Melva Jones and family Dear Church Family, Thank you for the warm welcome you gave me when I returned to church a few weeks ago after a long illness and several hospitalizations. I have felt such love and compassion from you the past several months, as I truly traveled through the valley of the shadow of death. For more than 81 years, I have been blessed to be a part of the First Methodist Church of Clover. During my illness, my family and I have been encouraged by t he many cards, calls, texts, visits, flowers, and food from our dear church family. And the many, many prayers you have offered on our behalf have touched us deeply, strengthened our faith, and been a great part of my recovery. I am still receiving home health care, as well as the care of several highly qualified, loving caregivers. That care, along with the tender loving care of family and church members, has brought me to the place I am today. What a blessing to be part of such a wonderful and caring church family! With love and gratitude, Anne S. Adams

5 On this Memorial Day, May 28, 2018, we would like to honor all veterans who died while serving our country. Flags will be available on the table near the volunteer office from May 20 - May 28. As you place your flag at the bricks in the Memorial Park, remember your loved one and their service and sacrifice for us all. We will collect the flags on May 31 for future use. Thank you for your help celebrating this national holiday. Esther Circle - The word is Mama Cat is going to move into her new apartment finally. Our Esther Circle wants to give her a pounding: staple items she may need for her new place. We are meeting on Monday, May 14th, at 10:00am in the Steve Camp class. Joyce Shores will be presenting a thoughtful program. After the circle and pounding, we will clean our part of the kitchen. If you do not have a circle yet, come and visit. We would love to have you. Call with questions. Windy Bartee Festival of Tables United Methodist Women will host the fifth annual Festival of Tables ladies luncheon on Saturday, May 19, You can reserve a table for $5.00 and decorate in your chosen theme, using your tableware and decorations. Guest tickets are $8.00 each. Last year over one hundred women attended to preview the decorated tables and enjoy a delicious lunch. To reserve a table or if you want further information contact Linda Abernathy ( ) or Grace White ( ). Please plan to join us!

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7 Forever Young & Friends will not meet in May. We have the Wednesday night dinner on May 16 & if anything urgent comes up we can discuss it that evening. The Epworth By The Sea trip is May We have 19 people going. The bus will leave the church on Monday, May 21 at 8:30am. If you plan to ride or follow the bus, please be at the church by 8:20. TRIP TO FESTIVAL OF WISDOM & GRACE AUGUST Lake Junaluska Conference & Retreat Center PRICE - $374 per adult staying 2 adults to a room $ per adult staying 1 adult to a room Second payment of $ is due on or before MAY 29, 2018 Make checks out to FUMC Forever Young. On the for/memo line write Wisdom and Grace trip. Checks -@ the church office or in the offering plate in an envelope. INCLUDED - 3 nights lodging at the Terrace, 8 meals, all scheduled activities. LIST - Names will be added to the list when first payment is received. MORE INFORMATION & REGTRATION FORMS on the sign up table. Please fill out the complete form including circling Workshops you would like to attend. Junaluska s cancellation policy is on the registration form.

8 FY&F BEACH TRIP September 17 20, 2018 DAYTON HOUSE BEACH RESORT 2400 North Ocean Blvd, Myrtle Beach, SC Here are the package prices and what it covers: INCUDED - 3 Nights in Ocean Front Efficiency Units, 3 Breakfasts, Admissions to Legends, Dinners at: Original Benjamins, Chesapeake House and Carolina Roadhouse All taxes/gratuities PRICE - $255 per adult staying 2 adults to a room $395 per adult staying 1 adult to a room First payment of $130 due on or before JUNE 20 Second payment of $125 (two in a room) is due on or before AUGUST 2 Make checks out to FUMC Forever Young. On the for/memo line write beach trip. Checks -@ the church office or in the offering plate in an envelope. LIST - Names will be added to the list when first payment is received. A big THANK YOU to everyone who donated, helped, and came to visit and eat. It was a wonderful week of fellowship and giving as well as hard work. 29 coupons given out at the Food Project were used for free items the families needed. Donated Bibles and other inspirational literature were given away to anyone who wanted one. Needed items were donated to the church. Paperback books that didn t sell were donated to the York County Detention Center. Baby & youth clothing was donated to the Tender Hearts Ministries. Other items left over were donated to the Kidney Foundation. All donated yarn went to make afghans for the veterans at the VA hospital. The yard sale & hotdog lunch made $ that will be used on Forever Young & Friends missions and projects and to keep the cost of trips and other activities affordable.

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12 Those Who Serve May :30 Ted Bartee, Head Mark Jackson Ralph Miller Jimmy McGilberry 11:00 Sam Jackson, Head Lee Keller Bob Grindle Eddie Sherwood May 6 Vicki Reavis & Jon Valentine May 13 Renee Farris & Candy McCain May 20 Sarah Robinson & Meredith McDaniel May 27 Addie Yarbrough & Jackie Abernathy 8:30 Lobby - Lee Jackson Elevator - Kathy Hayes 11:00 Lobby - Catherine Cockman Elevator - Ann Grindle May 6 May 13 May 20 May 27 Denise Bono Geoff Dubiski Bob Grindle Tim Lyda 11:00 Service 8:30 10:50/11:00 5/6 Lindee Dover, Hope Long Becky Jackson, Kelly Nellums 5/13 Sarah Dover, Hope Long Janet Harding, Christine Payseur 5/20 Susan Killian, Hope Long Ann Grindle, Meredith McDaniel 5/27 Evelyn Cameron, Hope Long Chris Wilson, Kim Wise

13 FIRST UNITED METHODI ST CHURCH CLOVER, SC 124 Bethel St. Clover, SC Epworth s Annual Mother s Day Offering May 13, 2018 (803) FUMC Staff Reverend Tommy Wilkes, Senior Pastor twilkes@cloverfumc.org Reverend Meg Wilkes, Associate Minister mwilkes@cloverfumc.org Reverend J. Richard Gibson, Pastor Emeritus Cheri King, Director of Music Ministries - cking@cloverfumc.org Jon Valentine, Director of Children s & Youth Ministries jvalentine@cloverfumc.org Cathy Allen, BIG/Tweens Coordinator cmallen217@gmail.com Christine Payseur, Church Business / Technical Coordinator cpayseur@cloverfumc.org Shirley M. Davis, Administrative Assistant / Financial Secretary sdavis@cloverfumc.org Natasha Bilousova, Pianist Nannette Carnes, Organist Tracie Kite, Sexton - kitetracie@hotmail.com Hope Long, Nursery Care Worker / Coordinator Windy Bartee, Lay Leader Ray Reavis, Bob Grindle, Renee Gallien, Conference Lay Members

14 Clover FUMC Annual Calendar, Contacts, Holidays in United States May 2018 (Eastern Time) Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat :30am - Men's Prayer Forever Young - Bus UMM Retreat 5:45pm - Dinner Cinco de Mayo 6:30pm - BIG 2pm - Shirley Davis - MFC 6:30pm - Youth Fellowship 7pm - Marriage Enrichment 6:45pm - Choir Rehearsal UMM Retreat 9:30am - Staff Meeting - 6:30pm - Missions 6:30am - Men's Prayer 8:30am - Food Distribution Confirmation Sunday 6:30pm - Boy Scouts - Rm 7pm - Rebekah Circle 5:45pm - Dinner 12pm - Children's Team 6:30pm - Cub Scouts - Rm's 6:30pm - BIG 12:15pm - UMW General 6:30pm - Youth Fellowship 6pm - MYF - Jr High 6:45pm - Choir Rehearsal 7pm - MYF - Sr High Mother's Day 10am - Esther Circle :30am - Men's Prayer Festival of Tables 6pm - MYF - Jr High 6:30pm - Boy Scouts - Rm 5:45pm - Dinner 7pm - MYF - Sr High 6:30pm - Cub Scouts - Rm's 6:30pm - BIG 7pm - Martha Circle 6:30pm - Youth Fellowship 6:45pm - Choir Rehearsal :45am - Graduates Forever Young - Bus 12am - Clover Band BBQ - 7am - Ticked About Lyme 4:30pm - Trustees :30pm - Boy Scouts - Rm 6:30am - Men's Prayer 4pm - Clover Band BBQ - 4pm - Boy scouts Boston 6pm - MYF - Jr High 6:30pm - Cub Scouts - Rm's 5:45pm - Dinner 6pm - UMM - MFC 6:30pm - BIG 7pm - Admin Council 6:30pm - Youth Fellowship 7pm - MYF - Sr High 6:45pm - Choir Rehearsal Boy scouts Boston butts Church Office Closed 5pm - Choralier recital - 6:30am - Men's Prayer Forever Young - Bus Memorial Day 6:45pm - Choir Rehearsal 6:30pm - Boy Scouts - Rm 6:30pm - Cub Scouts - Rm's

15 12 Sara Benjivenga Ginny Turner Daryl Pierzinski 19 John Priestley 26 May Birthdays and Anniversaries Sun Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat 1 Ashley Chapman Susan Edge Ina Hope TC McCarter 2 Keitt Cato Peg Flint Kyra Travis 3 Cathy Allen Joe Dover Ty Hope, IV Anna Livingston Russell Myers David Skinnell Anniversaries: Janet & Charlie Love 4 Chris Adams Stephen Clinton Jane S. Robinson 5 Cody Bragg 6 Clara Dover Bob Grindle Aleea Doster 7 Libby Issacks Betty Robinson Bailes Barr Anniversaries: Mary Helen & Mike Allen 8 Jessica Ames Addison Sanford 9 Mark Adams Shirley Leroy 10 Jackie Jenkins 11 Clay Bartee Mary Gover Ann Summerlin 13 Cody Bryant 14 Lee Jackson 15 Jenny Player Grace White 16 Joe Killian 17 Andrea Hughes Delores Vanhook 18 Amber Skinnell Brian Maslankowski Jr. 20 Jason Anderson Allison Mitchell 21 Victoria Wilson 22 Beverly Alsobrooks Connie Counts Anniversaries: Josie & Ashby Skinnell 23 Renee Gallagher 24 Larry Beamguard Brooke Rhodes 25 Whicker Alsobrooks Janelle Brackett 27 Sandy Chapman Caleb Dixon Erin Crist Taylor Wilson Anniversaries: Cheri & Jason King 30 Kathy Hall 31 Zachery Daniels Caroline Davis Delores Killian Gladys Vaughan