By Laura Camby McCaskill. One United Methodist Church in Greenville, SC, is getting “messy.” And even though the pandemic is forcing most of that mess online and within homes right now, it’s still doing what it can to make disciples in nontraditional ways.
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Bishop L. Jonathan Holston and other leaders are working diligently to discern a plan of action for the 2020 session of the South Carolina Annual Conference, which has been postponed from June 7-10 because of safety concerns associated with the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. As of May 22, no new date had been set.
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Another United Methodist church in South Carolina has made the decision to join the Reconciling Ministries Network. St. Mark UMC, Columbia, is now the second UMC church in the state to pass a statement of affirmation and join the network, an unofficial caucus of United Methodists that promotes full inclusion of gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and other individuals in the life of the church.
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This month, United Methodists from across the state are invited to Beulah UMC, Gilbert, for a book signing featuring author and pastor the Rev. Tony Rowell. Set for 2-4 p.m. Saturday, June 13, the signing—which will include safety measures—will include refreshments, book sales and a chance to talk with the author and get your copy of the book signed by him. “What Would Granny Say? And Other Somewhat Embellished Memories” is a collection of faith-based essays written over the years by Rowell, an elder in the South Carolina Conference of the UMC.
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By Barb Christ. In the midst of the coronavirus self-quarantine, disaster response teams from Tennessee traveled to South Carolina’s Upstate to help after an EF-3 tornado devastated the community. The tornado hit Seneca and surrounding areas April 13, and early estimates report at least $250 million in damages that could take months of recovery efforts.
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Churches serve 350+ meals to essential workers in Williamsburg County.
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In two months, these ladies have given out and shipped more than 4,000 masks as of May 15. They have gone to 20 states and throughout South Carolina.
Read MoreHow quickly I started to forget the most important lesson the pandemic taught me: Let go of the steering wheel and let God be the driver. A reflection by Advocate Editor Jessica Brodie.
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By Bishop L. Jonathan Holston. Growing up in the Holston household, respect for your elders was the rule. Fear was not exactly what my brother and I had for our father, even though we were scared at times, but it was the awesome power of his presence. He was a yes sir/no sir kind of guy. If he asked you to jump, you asked how high. If he asked you to run, you asked how far. If he asked you to stand, you asked how long.
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As news, photos and other details surface surrounding the shooting death of an unarmed black man, Ahmaud Arbery—a 25-year-old who was jogging near his home in Brunswick, Georgia—United Methodist church…
Read MoreBy the Rev. Angela Halter Marshall Some people may think the pandemic has finally “gotten” to us. They may think being quarantined and the practice of social distancing has taken…
Read MoreBy the Rev. Amiri B. Hooker The solution to revive the social justice teachings of Jesus is not the all-out 2020 lynching of black men and women. Has society gotten…
Read MoreBy Dr. Robin Dease As a seminary student in Washington, D.C., I worked for Marriott Management Services in the George Washington University community. I had the awesome opportunity of catering…
Read MoreTornados swept across South Carolina in the early morning of April 13, leveling homes, claiming lives—and providing an opportunity for people of faith to step up as God’s hands and feet. By Jessica Brodie, Jill Evans and Billy Robinson.
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South Carolina has postponed its Annual Conference gathering and issued a call that churches remain closed to in-person worship and other activities until at least May 20. The announcements, released April 23, cited concern for public health and a conviction to do no harm amid the coronavirus pandemic. A new date for Annual Conference has not been set. By Jessica Brodie.
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With in-person church gatherings cancelled because of coronavirus through at least May 20, churches are settling in with a new routine of virtual connection. Read on for our roundup of ways South Carolina United Methodist churches are sharing the Good News amid the pandemic. By Jessica Brodie.
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By Jessica Brodie. The social and emotional impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is already difficult for some people, who struggle with being forced to stay inside, avoid friends and extended family, homeschool their kids and steer clear of large gatherings. But the financial impact is taking a toll, too. Many are furloughed from work or newly unemployed, facing pay cuts and other economic issues. Across the conference, some churches are doing well, while others are struggling.
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By Jessica Brodie. To help ease financial burdens created by the pandemic, conference benefits leaders have approved a three-month direct billing holiday for churches in South Carolina.
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The newest book from the Advocate Press is a collection of faith-based essays by United Methodist pastor the Rev. Tony Rowell. “What Would Granny Say? And Other Somewhat Embellished Memories”…
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With churches shuttered amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the Advocate newspaper is taking its annual Advocate Awareness Sunday (May 17, 2020) online. Want to help? Share our video and ‘What’s the Advocate?’ blurb with your congregation.
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