By Allison Trussell. More than 300 youth from 15 churches descended upon Lexington Jan. 19-21 for the South Carolina Youth Basketball Tournament, and four champions were crowned.

By the Rev. Carol Cannon and Dr. James B. Vigen. About 100 people from the Orangeburg area gathered on a cold Sunday afternoon in January at St. Andrew’s United Methodist Church to watch the movie “Selma,” eat a light supper and share in table conversation following the movie.

By Jessica Brodie. South Carolina was hit with an unusual blast of winter weather last month, but that didn’t stop United Methodist churches from doing their part to “be Jesus” to their community. One Darlington church in particular stepped up in a bold new way.

While many people will be giving up something for Lent, the congregation of Wightman United Methodist Church will be encouraged to take something up—Bible journaling.

The Commission on a Way Forward is nearing the completion of its task of making recommendations of possible ways forward for The United Methodist Church regarding the inclusion of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning/queer persons in the global denomination.

Africa University will hold key meetings of its leaders and advisors in the Palmetto State Feb. 22-25, 2018.

By Jessica Brodie. Final registration is continuing this month for “Come to the Water,” the men’s ministry spiritual weekend, set for Feb. 16-18, 2018, at Christ United Methodist Church, Myrtle Beach.

Claflin University will host the 26th Annual Granville Hicks Leadership Academy for Laity and Clergy Feb. 1-2, 2018, at the James and Dorothy Z. Elmore Chapel.

By Barbara Dunlap-Berg. Growing up on a small farm in South Carolina, James H. “Jim” Salley never dreamed of becoming the associate vice chancellor for institutional advancement at Africa University, the first university founded by the General Conference of The United Methodist Church on the continent. Nor did he expect to give more than $130,000 to establish an endowed scholarship to honor his parents and ensure exemplary education for students from across Africa. But that’s the story.

All are invited to join an interfaith dialogue about polarization and peace during the Interfaith Peace Conference March 1-4, 2018, at Lake Junaluska.

By Jessica Brodie. If South Carolina men’s ministry leaders have their way, no man will be left behind when it comes to Christ. But right now, they have to admit: United Methodist Men are looking a bit gray. While there’s nothing wrong with this, it leaves out an entirely different generation of men who could use that kind of Christian male fellowship and discipleship. And that, they say, is simply not acceptable. That is why they're shifting into overdrive this year in a bold new outreach to intentionally reach younger men and draw them into the fold.

By Jessica Brodie. Just in time for the New Year, those who manage long-term disaster recovery are trying a new way of scheduling United Methodist volunteers to increase help for those who need it the most. Starting in January, South Carolina Conference Disaster Recovery Ministries is releasing planned workweeks ahead of time so volunteers across the state can join in an existing effort and, therefore, help more people.