By Jessica Brodie. Across the nation, news about recent shootings of unarmed African-American men by law enforcement officers from Charleston to Baton Rouge have catapulted the nation into dialogue and debate. Reports circle of excessive police force and cities labeled “hostile to black residents.” Lawsuits and mobs have erupted. In some parts of the country and in South Carolina, there is a culture of fear and distrust among races, police and civilians. But in October, the church is hoping to replace some of the pain and fear with education, awareness and a healthy dose of Jesus.

About one year ago—Sept. 15. 2016—members of the South Carolina Conference United Methodist Volunteers in Mission Early Response Team tarped a home on Mosley Street in Orangeburg that had several trees on it and roof damage courtesy of Tropical Storm Hermine. Exactly one year later, the conference’s Disaster Recovery Ministry headed back to Franklin’s home to replace the damaged portions of her roof and do interior work, including her bathroom and kitchen ceilings.

South Carolina United Methodist Volunteers In Mission’s Early Response Team started preparation for Hurricane Irma well in advance when it was a Category 5 storm, along with all on the South Carolina United Methodist Disaster Response Committee. By Billy Robinson.

The missions ministry at Wesley United Methodist Church is expanding, and the church is thanking God for the partnerships that made it possible. By the Rev. Cathy Mitchell.

South Carolina will host a series of events of the Africa University Board and Advisory Development Committees this winter. The AU events will be held Feb. 22-25, 2018, at the North Charleston Convention Center, said James H. Salley, associate vice chancellor for institutional advancement for Africa University.

By Jessica Brodie. Pentecost Journey—a training event that would have helped local churches craft a plan for ministry with Hispanic-Latino neighbors—has been cancelled.

The energy for the South Carolina Conference’s Me to We Quilt Project is building. Quilt coordinators, who have come from the United Methodist Women, have stepped up in six of the conference’s 12 districts; six more are needed.

The Wesleyan Covenant Association will host its second international conference Oct. 14, and Mount Horeb UMC, Lexington, will host a live simulcast of the event.

Clergy and laity interested in learning more about Reconciling Ministries Network and exploring a way toward an inclusive United Methodist Church are invited to “The Welcome Table,” an evening of worship and dinner on Tuesday, Oct. 24.

A series of HealthFlex Exchange Benefit Workshops will continue across the state in October for those covered by United Methodist conference insurance.

By Jessica Brodie. As Hurricane Irma continues its devastating path across the Caribbean and on toward Florida, South Carolina is bracing for the worst. But United Methodist leaders say they stand watchful—and ready to respond with Christian aid should the need arise.

By Jessica Brodie. It started out as a vision from God given to one man, who took that vision and ran with it. And today, as it closes its 39th year of servant ministry, Salkehatchie Summer Service stands as an example of all God can do through His people called Methodists.