The 2020 Carolinas Black Clergy Leadership Retreat, “Crossroads: Where Faith and Innovation Meet,” has been rescheduled for Aug. 24-28 at Kingston Plantation.
Read More2020 Black Clergy Leadership Retreat rescheduled for Aug. 24-28
Posts by Category: News
This is the category for Advocate news and feature articles.
United Methodists unveil ‘dismantling racism’ initiative
United Methodist Church leaders launched a plan of action to galvanize church members and others to actively stand against racism in the wake of the death of George Floyd and protests across the U.S.
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Strong book sales mean second press run on Rowell essay collection
‘What Would Granny Say?’ available as paperback, eBook A month after its latest book launched, the Advocate Press has sold out of its first press run and is now in…
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UMC pastors participate in Bennettsville prayer vigils
Various council members, elected officials, religious and community members joined together in Bennettsville, SC, May 18 to pray for the community.
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Photo by Mike Dubose, United Methodist Communications
With help from S.C., Healing Guatemala aids starving amid pandemic
By Jessica Brodie. A white flag hangs outside many of the homes in a remote village outside Chuisajcaba, Guatemala—a town with many already in poverty, their situation exacerbated because of a nationwide coronavirus lockdown. “Help,” the flag cries wordlessly. “We have no food.” Thanks to the efforts of one United Methodist ministry, Healing Guatemala, led by South Carolina pastor Dr. Luke Rhyee, the people are starting to get some much-needed assistance. Still, the needs are great—and grow greater every day.
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Being the church in COVID: From drive-up church and tiny weddings to Zoom fellowship meals
By Jessica Brodie. For the fourth month running, United Methodists are embracing new ways to be the church in the midst of a pandemic that has shuttered businesses, schools and other large gatherings in the interest of public health and safety.
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Conference launches ‘restart’ resource to help churches reopen
The South Carolina Conference has created a comprehensive resource to assist churches as they prepare for the resumption of in-person worship and other gatherings, following the lifting of restrictions scheduled for June 14. By Dan O’Mara.
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Safety, health concerns prompt Asbury Hills to cancel camp this summer
A pledge to be safe and follow Methodism founder John Wesley’s urging to “do no harm” amid the coronavirus pandemic has prompted Asbury Hills to cancel its summer camp plans this year.
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Sharing faith in the pandemic: Laywoman steps up online ministry efforts
By Jessica Brodie. Toni Roberts Norris Taylor has a passion for Christ and helping other people and churches be all that God is calling them to be. Before the coronavirus pandemic, she was already leading a weekly Bible Study class, Sunday school and small groups in-person. But when the COVID-19 lockdown forced churches and other ministries to stop meeting in-person, Taylor stepped out in a new way, taking her faith online.
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Church gets ‘messy’—even in pandemic
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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No date yet for rescheduled Annual Conference
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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St. Mark becomes second UMC in state to join Reconciling Ministries Network
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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Tony Rowell book signing set for June 13
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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Tennessee volunteers dubbed ‘minutemen’ after quick response to help after Seneca tornado
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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Caring for the caregivers
Churches serve 350+ meals to essential workers in Williamsburg County.
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Have mask, will ship! Women bless others through mask-sewing ministry
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 MoreA disaster within a disaster: ERTs rush in to help after tornados
Tornados 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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Photo by Matt Brodie. Volunteers work hand-in-hand with homeowners in North after tornados swept through South Carolina the day after Easter.
Annual Conference postponed
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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Photo by Matt Brodie. South Carolina has postponed its Annual Conference gathering. A new date has not been set.
Churches adjust to new normal as distance worship enters month three
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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The Rev. Laura-Allen Kerlin shows how staff at Advent UMC, Simpsonville, are getting creative during social isolation—pictures of their members in the pews.
Apportionments down, but not necessarily giving
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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Mount Carmel UMC, Bamberg, put out sterile gloves and a tithing bucket at a recent drive-up church service.
