South Carolina United Methodist Conference Hand-in-Hand in the Rock Hill District October 2013 Rev. Joe N. Long, Jr., District Superintendent Lollie Haselden, District Secretary 139 Elizabeth Lane, Rock Hill, SC 29730 803.328-0218 803.328.6209 fax rhdist@umcsc.org Inside this issue: Conference 2-3 Take the Pledge 4 Important Dates and Local District News 5-13 Classifieds 14 The S.C. UMC Advocate 15 S.C. UMVIM 16 LJA and Epworth by the Sea 17 Flyers 16-22 Thanks to Joy Preveaux, our District Communicator, the Rock Hill Newsletter is up and running again. Since the last one, much has been done. With Annual Conference in June, we sent forth some of our parsonage families and welcomed others. Across the district our people responded generously to the Stop Hunger Now effort. Many helped with the preparation of meals for Haiti, and enough was given to return funds back to hunger ministries in our district. Summer was full of special ministries. The Rock Hill District hosted four Salkehatchie Summer Service camps. Our youth and adult volunteers also participated in other camps. Our youth attended Asbury Hills, Spirit Singers and Immerse. We even had a week of Asbury Hills camp at Cornerstone UMC. We are now holding charge conferences. Each church is reporting on ministries completed this past year and preparing for 2014. Is it amazing to hear the creative and helpful ways our people make disciples while transforming the world. Keep it up. Joe
Hand-in-Hand in the Rock Hill District October 2013 Page 2 Conference Announcements Bishop Holston at Lake Junaluska Confirmation Retreats Bishop Holston Let s fill the Lake with South Carolina Confirmands on November 8-10, 2013! Bishop Holston will be at Lake Junaluska during the confirmation retreats at Lake Junaluska November 8-10 and looks forward to meeting with the South Carolina confirmands in attendance. As a senior pastor one of my greatest highlights was traveling to Lake Junaluska with young people for confirmation events. I look forward to the opportunity to meet with you and enjoy a wonderful time of confirmation and learning about the church. - Bishop Jonathan Holston Bishop Holston will be available to meet with groups from South Carolina on November 9th. Confirmation Retreats being offering at Lake Junaluska November 8-10 include: The Intentional Growth Center Foundation for Christian Formation 2014 Granville Hicks Leadership Academy for Clergy & Laity January 31-Feburary 1, 2014 at Claflin University (see attached brochure) RECLAIMING THE ART OF PREACHING - Featuring Bishop Violet Fisher, the Rev. Dr. Zan Holmes, and the Rev. Dr. William Bobby McClain REGISTRATION BEGINS SEPTEMBER 17, 2013 REGISTRATION FEE IS $100. Make Checks Payable to Claflin University for the Granville Hicks Leadership Academy. FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: MS. TANEDRA WASHINGTON AT (803) 535-5186 OR BY EMAIL AT TAWASHINGTON@CLAFLIN.EDU
Hand-in-Hand in the Rock Hill District October 2013 Page 3 Let s Get Creative with God Flyer presented by the Connectional Ministry s Committee on Lay Leadership Spiritual Formation Team @ Lexington UMC, Lexington, SC See Flyers section for more information!
Hand-in-Hand in the Rock Hill District October 2013 Page 4 The following information is from www.startchurch.com A New Jersey court ruled that if you send a text message to someone who is driving, and that person crashes, you can be held liable for the accident equally with the person driving the vehicle. This has a great impact on church-owned vehicles and other church transportation activities because it can land the texter in court and possibly jail. Today, there are many churches in court because of texting and driving issues involving their church. The court's ruling opens the door to the pastor getting dragged into court because he/she sent a text message to the volunteer driver of the church van. Dangers of texting and driving On September 21 st, 2009 a young man by the name of Kyle crossed the double center of the roadway and with the front driver's side of his pickup truck he struck a married couple that was on their motorcycle - injuring both of their left legs severely. Kyle called 911 and did his best to stabilize the couple, but after receiving medical treatment both of them still lost their left legs (Kubert vs. Best and Colonna). Needless to say, the couple filed a lawsuit against the driver and proved the driver was texting at the same time that he became distracted and crossed the centerline. But they did not stop there. They also went after the person with whom he was texting. The court stated that as a matter of common civil law, the "person sending text messages has a duty not to text someone who is driving if the texter knows, or has spe- cial reason to know, that the recipient will view the text while driving." Many churches send volunteer drivers out to pick up children, elderly, or disabled people to take them to church. In that process, the pastor or other church staff/volunteers text them to inquire of their whereabouts or to inform them to pickup so-and so. This court case has special implications, because the sender knows that the volunteer is driving. Many states classify as assault by auto or vessel when one is driving and texting and he/she causes an accident that seriously injures another person. This is a crime that can lead to years in state prison. However, the court in New Jersey went further and implied the inference that one could be electronically present in the car, causing a distraction if "the sender knows that the recipient is both driving and will read the text immediately." By that argument the "sender has taken a foreseeable risk in sending a text at that time." What churches can do? While texting is a very powerful and useful tool, used outside of its proper context it can like anything else, cause some lasting legal trouble. Churches should have a cell phone use policy, like the one included in our Vision Software tool, that covers texting from both the sender and receiver's point of view. Developing a culture of safety while driving on church business will go a long way to reduce the possibility of an accident and liability on the church. Nothing goes farther than a message from the head of the church. You develop a culture of safety by making it known that you value it enough to require every staff, volunteer, or other personnel to get adequate training on the dangers of texting while driving. One way to do it is by creating a document or flyer that is given to everyone who will drive a vehicle on church business. Another way to do this is to make all drivers on church business read and understand the church cell phone use policy.
Hand-in-Hand in the Rock Hill District October 2013 Page 5 Important Dates and Local District News October 4th - Clergy evaluations sent to clergy and S/PPRC chairs. Return completed and signed evaluations by Friday, November 15th. 6th World Communion Sunday (offering) 13th Children s Sabbath (for information and resources http://www.umcsc.org/home/childrens-sabbath-october-12-13/ ) *churches may choose an alternate date to celebrate 20th - Laity Sunday 24th Lead Like Jesus Encounter (clergy are expected to participate) November November 15th Advisory Response Forms sent to clergy and S/PPRC chairs. Return completed and signed advisory response forms by Friday, December 20th. November 19 th Conference Clergy Gathering at Lexington UMC Lead Like Jesus Encounter Thursday, October 24, 2013 8:30am-5:00pm Woodland UMC 1.0 CEU earned for full participation Cost: $20/person payable to Rock Hill District Contact the district office for information about available scholarships. Lead Like Jesus helps train people to lead in a way that God is glorified, people are served, and organizations are more effective in impacting the world for the Kingdom of God. All district clergy are expected to attend this one day leadership experience. This event will serve as the district clergy meeting for October. Some space may be available for laity. More information will be sent to clergy via email. Registration deadline is Friday, October 18 th. Contact Lollie at the District Office (rhdist@umcsc.org or 803-328-0218) with questions. November 3rd! Don t forget to set your clocks back an hour! Apportionments Update Through apportionment giving we make possible United Methodist ministries from our district to the ends of the Earth. To date, Rock Hill District churches have submitted 47.46% of our 2013 apportionments. Please, do all you can in this important area of service. Your gift counts.
Hand-in-Hand in the Rock Hill District October 2013 Page 6 BIG Yard Sale October 5th Kings Mountain Chapel UMC, 1130 Philbeck Rd., York 7:00 12:00 Lots of good yard sale items, biscuits, hotdogs and a bake sale. ~~~~~ Fish Fry October 19th Cornerstone UMC, 2697 Heckle Blvd., Rock Hill 4:00-8:00 Come get the best fish you ll ever have and all you can eat! Many bake sale items are available too.
Hand-in-Hand in the Rock Hill District October 2013 Page 7 Saturday Oct 26th: Mt. Vernon UMC, 2160 Smithford Rd, Hickory Grove will sponsor a Holiday Bazaar with crafts, gifts, frozen casseroles, desserts, and much more. Beginning at 10:00 am (no prior sales). Proceeds help defer mortgage. Come be amazed at the offerings! AND 1st Sunday lunch: Mt. Vernon will be serving a public lunch at $8.00 per plate on Oct. 2nd from 11:30 am - 1:30 pm. Proceeds help defer mortgage. Delicious food and best deal in town! On October 2, 2013 our monthly First Wednesday of the month "Breakfast & Devotion" will be at 6:30 a.m. at Cornerstone UMC, 2697 Heckle Blvd. Devotion based on Upper Room lesson for the day; country breakfast served; everyone welcomed!
Hand-in-Hand in the Rock Hill District October 2013 Page 8 MT. Holly UMW, Rock Hill, S.C. will be hosting their annual bazaar on November 23-7:30 am till 2:00 pm. Bazaar will be featuring vendor/crafters, and bake sale. Breakfast and lunch will be served. Our famous homemade vegetable soup & cornbread will be served for lunch and soup will be available for sale by the quart for take out orders. ALL PROCEEDS WILL BE USED FOR OUR UMW MISSIONS. Applications for vendors/ crafters will be taken up to Nov. 15. For more information email B_Williams@comporium.net or call Mt. Holly UMC at 803-327-5779. Fourth Annual "Vendor Paradise" Sat., Oct. 12, 2013 9 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. Aldersgate United Methodist Church (across from The Mayflower Restaurant) 2115 Celanese Rd., Rock Hill, SC Indoor and outdoor shopping Over 50 artisans and merchants Silent auction Bake sale Barbecue Children's activities Door Prizes Winter Coat Drive The recent cool mornings have had many of us dreaming of fall weather. As you look for coats, jackets, scarves and gloves when fall actually arrives, please bring those items that no longer fit or you re considering replacing to Friendship UMC. We are planning a coat drive in October and will give coats to the men s warming shelter at Bethel UMC and the women s warming shelter provided by the Salvation Army. Contact Friendship UMC, Rock Hill at 803.324.0172 for more information to donate.
Hand-in-Hand in the Rock Hill District October 2013 Page 9 SC United Methodist Women Annual Meeting WHEN AND WHERE: October 25, 2013 October 27, 2013 Bethel UMC 245 S. Church Street Spartanburg SC 29306 CONTACT: Linda DuRant 803 345-2671 for more information Installation of new officers. Memorial Service for UMW who passed away in 2012. Rock Hill District UMW meeting on September 21st at Philadelphia UMC Ft. Mill. Photos courtesy of Rev. Linda Dunn. Recognition of all District UMW Officers
Hand-in-Hand in the Rock Hill District October 2013 Page 10 YORK CHURCH CELEBRATES SESQUICENTENNIAL ANNIVERSARY 150 years ago the Reverend Narlett and other community members organized Wesley Methodist Episcopal Church in early 1863. The church now known as Wesley United Methodist Church has stood as a beacon of light and hope to the members and community for the past one and a half centuries. Located in the heart of the city of York, SC and with a mission statement that reads, We are our brothers and sisters keepers, our mission is to minister and nurture the members of our congregation and the community at large, in order to make disciples for Jesus Christ, the Wesley congregation continues to touch the lives of people through it s various missions and ministries. The anniversary Committee has planned several events and activities to illuminate and celebrate the church founding, history and ministry to the people. Members of the committee along with Pastor, Sheila Elliott have diligently worked to contact former members, pastors and friends to make them aware of this special milestone in the life of this church. Special events to celebrate the anniversary have already been held in July and will continue throughout the year until early November. A Pew Packing Sunday where family members of past and present members were invited to attend the Homecoming Services that kicked off a three day revival. The Saturday following the revival, members and friends attended a Church Picnic at Alexander Park for food, fun and a wonderful time of fellowship! Upcoming events that will emphasize this unique congregation s heritage include a Fall Festival on October 6, and a Pot Luck Dinner planned for October 30th. On November 1 st, the church will host a Praise and Worship Night for the community, including an invitation to area churches to come and participate in praising God for what he has done and is doing in the life of this congregation. The Celebrations will end with a Special Sesquicentennial Church Worship Service on November 3 rd, 2013 at 3:00PM. Area United Methodist Churches are invited to this special service to worship with the congregation. Bishop Jonathan Holston has planned to attend and members and friends are looking forward to hearing his message of inspiration and hope for the future. The Anniversary Theme Celebrating our History, Embracing the Future, gives each member an opportunity to use the momentum and joy of celebration as a way to reach out to others as this congregation continually strives to make disciples of Jesus Christ! Wesley United Methodist Church Church Anniversary Committee
Hand-in-Hand in the Rock Hill District October 2013 Page 11 York-Clover Cluster Senior Dinner The York-Clover Cluster held their annual Senior Dinner on Saturday, September 21st at Trinity UMC York. Over one hundred attended for a delightful dinner, dessert, fun door prizes and special entertainment by The Black Family Singers who always draws a crowd wherever they worship in song and glory. These brothers are a favorite in the community. This event is always the highlight of the year in the York-Clover Cluster, not only by our churches within the cluster but also other community churches. All seniors are invited, they also invite anyone of all ages to come and join in. No one is ever turned away! If you would like to attend next year s dinner, contact Alice Smith at Trinity-York to be put on the mailing list. Photo courtesy: Rev. Linda Dunn
Hand-in-Hand in the Rock Hill District October 2013 Page 12 100 Catawba UMC held their 100th Year Celebration on Sunday, October 13, 2013 at 11am followed by a barbeque dinner on the grounds. District Superintendent Rev. Joe Long and Rev. Robert Eubanks were guest speakers. Faithful members from the past and present shared "the old, old story" through the Word and Song. Please join us every Sunday at 9:30am for Sunday School and 10:30am for Worship as we begin God's next 100 years. 4785 College Rd Catawba, SC 29704 Rev Beth Burgess Drennen 864-270-2268.
The Wesley House Hand-in-Hand in the Rock Hill October 2013 Page 13 Greetings from the Winthrop Wesley Foundation! We are off to a fantastic start this semester with lots of new students already experiencing Jesus and growing in faith together, all because of the support of our district churches! However, with that influx of students comes an increase in our regular needs as well as some new ways that we could use your help. As always, we are very much in need of churches to support us financially. We also have material needs such as: -postage stamps (for mailings) -paper products (cups, plates, napkins) and plastic utensils -paper towels and toilet paper -cleaning products -hand soap, dish soap and dishwasher detergent Additionally, at a recent Wesley Board meeting we designated some new projects and ways that we would like to improve this vital ministry: -1) Every week we serve a free pasta lunch to students and the surrounding community. We have 2 ovens/ stoves that we use for this purpose, but at least 1 of them could use replacing (both of them do not work perfectly). -2) We find that students (as well as community members) have trouble finding our building. We'd like to have a noticeable, attractive, permanent sign to put out front that would increase exposure but also allow us to advertise events (much like a church). -3) Until recently, we had a former student who donated his services as a landscaper. He has since moved away. While we have a student who currently mows the lawn and weed-eats, we would like to establish a rotation for interested churches/church groups to come and maintain our flower beds and clean up the property. The frequency of the rotation would depend on the number of churches/groups we have sign up. If you, your church or a group within your church is willing to help address any of these needs, please contact Rev. Ricky Howell at winthropwesley@gmail.com or 803-327-5640 or 803-327-5640. We greatly appreciate the support of our Rock Hill District churches! Blessings and Peace, Ricky Howell Director, The Wesley Foundation at Winthrop University
Hand-in-Hand in the Rock Hill District October 2013 Page 14 classifieds Part-Time Position Available for Music Director For Clover United Methodist Church Responsibilities include: -Play piano on Sunday morning services; and some special services. -Select, prepare and direct music for adult choir and Sunday service. -Plan for and direct weekly evening choir rehearsals. -Select, prepare and direct music for Children s Sunday School and lead music for Vacation Bible School. Send resume to: PPRC Representative, George Pendleton P.O. Box 317 Clover, SC 29710 WANTED Your news! Send in your church s happenings for services, fundraisers and events to be published in the Hand-in-Hand Rock Hill District s newsletter. Did you receive a copy of this month s district newsletter? Keep your church members and ministry leaders in the know of our important district and conference news. You may send call the district office or email the district office information at rhdist@umcsc.org by the 25th of each month. The only requirements are to send all attachments in JPG or PDF formats. Take advantage of this wonderful opportunity, share your news today! Make copies and forward the newsletter Pass it ON!
Hand-in-Hand in the Rock Hill District October 2013 Page 15 Dear friends in Christ, We have gone to press on the October edition of the Advocate, which is online at www.advocatesc.org and will be arriving in mailboxes this week (and chock full of news this month!). Now we are beginning work on the November edition. WE WANT YOUR NEWS AND OTHER SUBMISSIONS! The deadline for the November edition is October 10. Please send any items for publication to us by this date: news stories, press releases, calendar blurbs, letters to the editor, idea exchange stories, call stories, classified ads, display ads, photos, story ideas, etc. Email directly to me at jconnor@umcsc.org. Also, just a reminder that if you have new members join your church, we'd love to send them a free subscription to the Advocate for one year. Simply email me names and addresses of new members and we will handle the rest. And if you would like to get your church members super-connected to the UMC at the district, conference, jurisdictional and global level, please consider a church plan. Pricing has recently been streamlined and is very affordable. Email me and we can talk further. Pricing is $10/member with 10+ participants for the print plan, and $1/member for the online plan (based on the average weekly attendance or the size of your email list). Thanks, and have a great day! We are so grateful for all you do to make disciples for the Lord. Blessings, Jessica -- Jessica Connor, editor S.C. United Methodist Advocate newspaper 4908 Colonial Dr. Columbia, SC 29203-6070 803-786-9486, ext. 338 803-735-8168 (Fax) AdvocateSC.org
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Hand-in-Hand in the Rock Hill District October 2013 Page 17 Lake Junakuska Conference and Retreat Center Go to: ww.lakejunaluska.com For more information! Christmas at Lambuth 2013 December 3-6, 2013 - A special seasonal program for adult groups or individuals who wish to experience a meaningful preparation for celebrating the Christ in Christmas. You will enjoy browsing through the beautifully decorated Lambuth Inn, intriguing displays and delightful entertainment. Appalachian Christmas at Lake Junaluska December 12-14, 2013 - Friday evening, the Lake Junaluska Singers will delight with classic Christmas carols. On Saturday, enjoy our traditional Craft Fair, followed by a special Christmas performance by The Cockman Family. Saturday evening, the festivities will conclude with an awe-inspiring performance of Handel s Messiah. Two and three night packages available starting at just $143 per person. Lodging, meals, and concert Ski Lake Junaluska December 2013 - March 2014 - Lake Junaluska Youth Events is proud to present an exciting worship lineup for 2014 Ski Lake Junaluska, including special speakers Rachel Held Evans, Duffy Robbins, and many more! Come with your youth group for a great ski weekend packed with worship, fellowship and skiing! Please call 800-222-4930 FREE if you have any questions. Everyone must take time to sit and watch the leaves turn. ~Elizabeth Lawrence~ December 26, 2013 - January 1, 2014 Peace By The River A post-holiday retreat for pastors. Come rest and renew amidst our magnificent live oaks. No Agendas! The clock is not important! Special rates for pastors! For more information go to www.epworthbythesea.org or call 912-638-8688. See attached flyers for more events at Epworth By The Sea is this issue!
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