Posts by Category: News

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. 

Churches serve 350+ meals to essential workers in Williamsburg County.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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”…

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.

By Jessica Brodie. This month, nearly 30 local pastors will gather by Zoom for the first-ever online version of pastoral licensing school.

By the Rev. Tom Wall with Elsa Compton and Mackin Wall . As we gathered at the Brownsville, Texas, bus station, the January darkness was falling on our team from the Methodist Student Network (Wesley Foundation) at the University of South Carolina.

In a unanimous decision and for the good of public health, as well as the intense planning needed, the Salkehatchie Board of Managers has announced all 2020 Salkehatchie camps are cancelled.

As the coronavirus death toll rises and the disease continues to spread worldwide, organizers of General Conference have postponed the quadrennial church gathering. As of press time, that date had not yet been determined, but organizers said they are working toward a date in 2021. By Jessica Brodie.

In the middle of the coronavirus lockdown, there’s one thing South Carolina United Methodists can do to help others without ever leaving their home: Take the 2020 Census. By Jessica Brodie.