New church start ‘Open Hearts UMC’ celebrates first birthday

GREENVILLE—In 2023, the first wave of churches left the South Carolina Conference of The United Methodist Church. But one group of people who lost their church home in the separation process stood firm in its identity as United Methodists and were faithful to find a way to continue as such.

The Rev. Karen Jones led that flock of 131 people to launch a new church.

On July 1, they celebrated their first birthday as a congregation called Open Hearts UMC.

Open Hearts celebrated with worship, birthday cake, balloons and a potluck lunch, with rooms full of joy and laughter.

“Our celebrations belong not only to this congregation, but to all United Methodists who have sought hope in the midst of separations,” Jones said. “We celebrate four baptisms and a 90 percent growth in membership from 131 to 250 members in 12 months.”

They launched in the church building that was once the Trinity campus of Buncombe Street UMC, formerly Trinity UMC.

Within a few months of its launch, they discerned their name to be Open Hearts UMC, what Jones called “a perfect reflection of the warm and welcoming community here.”

“‘Open Hearts’ quickly identifies who we know ourselves to be, but it communicates that identity to the world with unmistakable clarity,” Jones said. “This name is a promise to the Greenville community that we will be steadfast in who we have always been in the past, and who we hope to be in the future: a congregation that loves like Christ and is open to all.”

In celebrating their first birthday, Open Hearts UMC not only acknowledges the journey they have been on, but also the promising path that lies ahead. With faith as their guide and love as their compass, this congregation is set to continue shining brightly as a beacon of hope in the United Methodist community and beyond.

Looking ahead, they said they are excited for what the future holds for their congregation. They said they are ready to continue spreading the message of hope and love to all who need it.

“As we celebrate our first year together, we are reminded of the promise of a new day and the strength that comes from faith and love,” Jones said. “Here’s to many more years of growth, ministry and spreading the light of the Holy Spirit to all who need it.”

They strive to make their mark in the Greenville community as a church that is missional, inclusive and compassionate, hoping to be not only Easter people who are living into the resurrection, but Pentecost people ignited to be the church in the world.