Connectional Ministries sets course for hopeful future

By Allison Trussell

COLUMBIA—Meeting for the first time since the pandemic, Connectional Ministries gathered Saturday, Sept. 9, at Trenholm Road United Methodist Church.

With a devotion based on Joshua 5:13-15, the Rev. Millie Nelson Smith, director, offered a hopeful look to the new future in which Connectional Ministries and the conference find themselves.

“God is not done with us yet,” she reminded the group. “We are on holy ground but must trust God for everything. … God wants us to be victorious!”

She encouraged the four areas—Advocacy, Discipleship, Laity and Outreach—to look at the ministries that are working and those that aren’t in their area. Perhaps, she suggested, it is time to look outside the box and do things differently.

“Our mission remains the same despite the separations,” she said. “We still have leaders, communities, churches and people to engage and connect.”

The Rev. Cathy Joens and Chris Lynch spoke on the upcoming plans for Safe Sanctuaries and youth. Four ministries of the conference were highlighted with speakers: Killingsworth, Church and Community Workers, Dementia Care Ministry and Epworth Children’s Home.

Gail Corn was recognized and honored for her many years of work in the conference. She will be retiring at the end of September.

Connectional Ministries will meet again Feb. 17, 2024.