Christmas at Lee again brings Christmas meal to incarcerated men

BISHOPVILLE—Christmas at Lee, an annual event that feeds men incarcerated at Lee Correctional Institute, was another success this year. More than 1,000 residents were fed this year.

Participants who helped included Cumberland United Methodist Church (the Rev. Martin Quick); Bethesda UMC (the Rev. Shawn Chestnut); Faith UMC (the Rev. Edward R. McKnight); Mount Seal (the Rev. Cynthia Williams); Kennedyville UMC, Scotts Barbeque and Jeremiah UMC (the Rev. Norma Bartelle); Lake City Circuit (the Rev. Mark Mitchell), St. Paul UMC, Wisacky, and Warren Chapel UMC (the Rev. Evelyn Fulmore); Kairos Ministries; Church on the Move (Pastor Paula Morris); Great Commission Church (Pastor Derick Fort)’ Alice Drive Baptist Church (Dr. Clay Smith); and Zion, Steward Chapel and New Hope UMCs in Charleston (Rev. Lee and Cheryl Johnson).

The men were incredibly touched and overjoyed and experienced a beautiful lunch from different churches and caterers.

The Rev. Edward McKnight, senior chaplain of Lee Correctional Institute and pastor of Faith and St. Mary UMCs, said his goal is to include more churches in Christmas at Lee within the conference.

“Jesus stated that as we visit those in prison, we are visiting him. My version is that as you feed those in prison, you are feeding Jesus,” McKnight said.

South Carolina Resident Bishop L. Jonathan Holston ministered on the subject, “What Really Matters!” One of the things that really matters is when we are not selfish and are selfless.

As he said, “What really matters is that we are empathetic and have a desire to love those who may need our love. … What really matters is that that we represent Christ and his model.”

What really matters, McKnight added, is that we make disciples for the transformation of the world. What really matters is that we please God.

“I want to thank all who gave and all who had a desire to give this year. May God bless you and keep you,” McKnight said.