FAITH FORMATION
HOSPITALITY
Nurture Education & Discipleship Fall Opportunities LEARNING DIFFERENCES
Updated Disability Language Fall Socials Taiwanese Pastors Visit Fall Mission Opportunities MISSIONS
“Bring a Friend to Church” Fall First Step Class EPW Putting God First... Even When Planning
Return to Montreat Leader: Rev. Rachel Smith Fitch
DearEastminsterFamily,
WhereIgenerallypreferquietandthebackgroundmusicof birdssingingorthebreezeblowingthroughtrees,thereisa powertowordsandmusicdancingtogether,handinhand,to awakenthesoul.WrittenintheformofaprayertoGod,theinsightfulmessagebelow usuallycomeslacedwithenergydeliveredbyaNorthernIrishChristianfolkrock worshipbandcalledtheRendCollective.IsharethemherebecauseIbelievetheyspeak toourtime,ourcountry,andtous:
BuildYourkingdomhere,Letthedarknessfear ShowYourmightyhand,Healourstreetsandland SetYourchurchonfire,Winthisnationback Changetheatmosphere,BuildYourkingdomhere Wepray
WeseekYourkingdomfirst,Wehungerandwethirst Refusetowasteourlives,ForYou'reourjoyandprize Toseethecaptiveheartsreleased,Thehurt,thesick,thepooratpeace WelaydownourlivesforHeaven'scause WeareYourchurch,AndweprayreviveThisearth
Asyouwillreadinthepagesthatfollow,ourFallsermons,studies,serviceopportunities, andspecialprogramswillenablepeopleofallagesandatvariousplacesintheirfaith journeystothinkanddiscusswhatitmeanstoseekGodfirst.LearningfromtheOld Testament,andfromJesus’followerswhohavegonebeforeus,we’lllookatwhatit meanstobe“SeekingGodfirst,evenwhen ”asin,“evenwhentheworldseemsin turmoil”or“evenwhenyoustruggletobelieve.”
Sothatwecanmostauthenticallyencounterhimforwhoheis,we’llalsobediscovering andre-discoveringourLordasheisrevealedtousintheGospels.Doingthiswill confrontourtendencyto“editaway”thewaysJesuschallengesus,evenasitwillfreeus tomorefullyexperiencethelife-givinggraceandloveoftheincarnateSonofGodwho diedthatwemighthavelifeandhaveitabundantly Engage,myfriends,engage!
Rev. Dr. Brad Smith, Senior Pastor
by Anna Mills Cox
This year, Eastminster will embark on a journey grounded in the teachings and actions of Jesus, which can be found in the Gospel of Matthew 5, 6, and 7 (the Sermon on the Mount) and the miracles recounted in chapters 8 and 9. The theme, "Seeking God First, Even When...” reflects a crucial truth: true freedom lies in staying focused on, and in following, the whole Christ- the Christ whose words and deeds were perfectly congruent, the Christ who embodied God's love and power, even power made perfect in weakness.
Manymightunconsciouslycreatea"Jesus"intheirownimage,overlookingtheradicalmessageand miraculousactsrevealedintheGospels.Jesuswasnotjustagreatteacher;hewasGodincarnate, demonstratingdominionovernatureanddeathitself.Thisyear,Eastminsterwillexplorehowtoseek thiscompleteJesus,evenwhenlifethrowscurveballsandchallenges.Examplesoflessonsand messagesmayinclude:
SeekingGodFirst,evenwhenlifeisfallingapart.
SeekingGodFirst,evenwhenyouwilllikelybeforgotten.
SeekingGodFirst,evenwhenyoufeelinadequate.
SeekingGodFirst,evenamidfamilydysfunction.
Bydelvingintotheseandotherscenarios,Eastminsteracknowledgesthedifficultywhilerecognizing God'sunwaveringpresence.Sermonsandstudieswillhelpusconfrontthetendencyto"edit"Jesusfor ourcomfort.Instead,EastminsterwilldiscoverthetransformativepowerofseekingtheGodrevealedin allofScripture,aGodwhowalksbesidehiscreationevenwhen.... Thisyearpromisestobeoneof profoundspiritualgrowthasEastminsterexploresthelife-givingmessageofJesus.JoinEastminsterand discoverthefreedom,strength,andpeacethatcomefromseekingGodfirst,ineveryseasonoflife.
TheEastminsterchurchlogobeautifullyembodiesthespiritofthisyear's theme.Thecentralcross-openandwelcoming-reflectsGod'sunwavering loveandoutstretchedhandtowardshispeople.Thevarietyofcolors surroundingthecrossrepresentsthediversecommunityofEastminster drawntogetherbyfaith.ThedovesdescendingsymbolizetheHolySpirit guidingEastminsteronitsjourney.
Justasthearrowspointinwardstowardsthecross,thisyearthepeopleofEastminsterturntheir heartsandmindsinwards,seekingGodfirst.AsEastminsterexploresthechallengesandtriumphsof life,thelogoservesasaconstantreminderofthelove,grace,andstrengthfoundinprioritizingone’s relationshipwithGod.
by Caroline Bennett
“LoveattheHeartofThings.”That’sthethemeofthis year ’sAdultVacationBibleSchool,featuringRev.Dr. ElizabethHinson-Hasty,professorofTheologyand EthicsatUnionPresbyterySeminaryinCharlotte.
TojumpstartthetwodaysofBibleSchoollessons,Dr Hinson-Hastywilldeliverasermonentitled“GodWho CalmstheTroubledSeas”onSunday,August18,atall threeworshipservices.ThissermonwillfocusonMark 4:35-41.OnSundayandMondaynights,she’llcontinue thelessonsatdinnereventsinThompsonHallfrom 5:30-7pm,fundedbytheDonahoTeachingChurch Endowment.
Basedonher2021book,DutifulLove,theSundayand Mondaynightprogramswillhoneinon“TheGeneral PrincipleofLoveandCompassion”and“Embodied PracticestoCultivateLoveandCompassion,” respectively.
“FormyfirstpresentationonSunday,IwilluseMark 12:28-34asacenteringtextformycomments.Iwillbe drawinguponresearchthatIdidforDutifulLove: EmpoweringIndividualsandFamiliesAffectedby SeriousMentalIllnesstotalkabouttheconnection betweenself-loveandneighborlove,particularlyfor peoplewhoarecaregivers Inthesecondpresentation, thecenteringtextwillbeJeremiah17:5-8,andIwill explorefourspiritualpracticesintheChristiantradition, includingguidedmeditation,”saysDr.Hinson-Hasty.
Ingeneral,whatshouldparticipantsexpecttotake awayfromAdultVBSthisyear?
Dr.Hinson-Hastygivesusasneak-peak.“‘Cumber’ isaconceptusedbyQuakerstonamethingsthat hinder,burden,orcausetroubleordistressinour livesbrokenrelationships,caregiving responsibilities,politicalchallengesorothertensions withinthelargercommunity,andtheweightof takingcareoforlackofaccesstoenoughmaterial resourcesandpossessionstocareforourselvesand others.Isthereanyoneamonguswithout‘cumber’? Duringthesetwointeractivepresentations,Ihope forparticipantstotakeawaythefollowing:
Adeeperunderstandingoftheneedsand experiencesofcaregiversforparents,siblings, children,andfriendsandwaysthat congregationscansupportcaregivers; Aheightenedawarenessoftheconnection betweenself-loveandneighborlove;and Fourpracticestocultivateloveandcompassion ineverydaylife”
TO RSVP FOR ADULT VBS, SCAN THE QR CODE OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE’S UPCOMING EVENTS.
by Dr. Douglass Key
Inhisbook,FaithAfter Doubt,BrianMcLaren exploreshowwerespond whenthecomplexitiesof adultlifebeginto challengeandtestthe simplecertaintiesofour faiththatwearetaughtas children.
Hetracesthreegeneraloptionswetendtochoose betweenwhenthefirmrulesandconventional truthsweinheritedstopansweringthequestions thatourlivedexperienceintheworld,withits complexityandnuance,isnowasking Thefirstoptionistoputourhandsoverourears andshouttheoldanswersmoreloudlyand confidentlyhopingtosilencetheinconvenient questionsthatwillnotletusgo.“Hopingto suppressinconvenientquestionsanddoubts,we becomemorerigorousthaneverbeforeindefending whatwesaywebelieve.”
Thesecondoptioniswegiveupandabandonfaith altogetherfiguringthatifeverythingisnottrue everywhereandalways,ifthetruthismore complicatedthanitissimple,wecan’treliablyknow anythingthatistrustworthy.
Thethird,andfarmorepreferableoption,istotake thesenew,inconvenientquestionsanddoubtsback tothefaithofourchildhoodinsearchofnew,more nuanced,andsatisfactoryanswersthathelpus understandbothourfaithandworldmore completely.Thatprocessofdiscernmentand explorationisnecessarilycommunal.Ittakesplace withinthebodyofChristandistheonlywaythat lifelongfaithcanbesustained.
“HOPING TO SUPPRESS INCONVENIENT QUESTIONS AND DOUBTS, WE BECOME MORE RIGOROUS THAN EVER BEFORE IN DEFENDING WHAT WE SAY WE BELIEVE.”
OurministriesofAdultFaithFormationat Eastminsteraretheplacewherethatexplorationand inquirytakesplaceincommunity.InourSmall Groups,SundaySchool,andmid-weekclasses,weare notsatisfiedmerelytorepeatthereductiveanswers thathavestoppedworkingbutaredeterminedto listentoscripturewithnewears,toreflectonour experiencewithfaithfuldetermination-confident thattheGodweknowinJesusChristwillleadustoa greaterunderstandingofhispurposeandaplanthat makessenseoftheworldasweknowit.
Torefusetoengagewiththecomplexityandnuance ofadultlife,toassumethatweknoweverythingabout Godthatweneedtoknowin9thgrade,istorisk facingthedifficultiesandtragediesoflaterlifewitha faiththatisinsufficienttoourneeds.Toclingtoan unexaminedfaithistodiscoveronedaythatthefaith ofyourchildhoodisentirelyirrelevanttothelifeyou actuallyliveAnunexaminedfaithisanunreliable faith.
by Dr. Douglass Key
That’swhywebelieveFaithFormationisalifelong journey.That’swhyweencourageeveryoneinthe congregationtoparticipateinaSmallGroupwhere theycanfindsafespacetobringtheirquestionsanda communityofaccountabilitythatwillbetheir companionsinthesearchforgreaterunderstanding.
That’salsowhywepromote,celebrate,andresource SundaySchoolclassesforadultsateverystageoflife. The10c’clockhouronSundayistheonehour duringtheweekwhenwecangatheradultsin communitiesofstudyandreflectionwhileatthe sametimeprovideourchildrenwiththeessential groundinginthestories,prayers,andsongsofthe faiththatwillbethefoundationoftheirownsensemakingastheymatureandtheworldinterrogates theircommitments,priorities,andassumptions.
SmallGroupandSundaySchoolarenotaneither/or propositionbutaretwocomplimentarypursuitsthat strengthenourlifetogetherasafaithcommunity.
OnSunday,August25th,wewillholdourthird AdultSundaySchoolOpenHouse,andon Thursday,September5th,wewillkickoffourSmall GroupsfortheFall.
Ourchurch-widestudyfortheFallisabookthat sharesourperspectivethatanunexaminedfaithisan unreliablefaith.Itwillinviteustore-examinethe Jesusweworshipandserve.Itwillchallengeusto considerallthewaysinwhichwehavechosento disregardorignoretheclaimsthatJesusmakesonour livesthatareuncomfortable,threatening, inconvenient,orcounter-culturalItwillsendusback tothegospelstorecoverthosepartsofJesusthatask ustodothehardthings,thatcallustoriskour comfortandwell-being.
For30yearsRickLawrenceservedastheeditorof GroupMagazine,aninfluentialjournalofyouth ministryHewasDirectorofGroupPublishing’s YouthMinistryResourcesTeam.Heisajournalist andculturalresearcherandakeenobserverofthe church.HeisnowtheExecutiveDirectorof VibrantFaith,anorganizationthattrainsand coachesministryleadersfromawidevarietyof Christiantraditions
Rick’snewbookisEditingJesus:Confrontingthe DistortedFaithoftheAmericanChurch.Itasksus sincerelyandhonestly,toconfrontthewaysin whichwehaveeditedJesusforourownbenefitWe seeJesus,Lawrenceclaims,“throughthetintedlens ofourtherapeuticpriorities-tacitlydemandingthat HemoldHimselftoourexpectations,neediness andexistingbeliefsystems.”
ThroughthisstudywewillencounterJesus,thereal Jesus,theJesusthatconfrontsourself-centeredness andintendstoremakeus.Andintheprocess,we willrediscoverthegoodnessandmercyofJesusall overagainandemergewithexaminedfaiththatis morerobustandresilientthanwhenwestarted.
SCAN THE QR CODE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT ADULT CLASSES & OTHER NED OFFERINGS.
by Caroline Bennett
Theword“retirement”isn’tanywhereintheBible.It’sa revelationthatthelate,greatBillyGrahamonceshared withRev.Dr.SteveEasonwhenheaskedhimhowhis retirementwasgoing“ThenIcametorealize:Howdo youretirefromyourbaptism?”continuedGrahamto Eason.“IfGodcallsyouintoministry,hewouldnever say,‘Idon’tneedyouanymore.’Wenevergetoutof ministry;wejustchangethewaywedoit.”
ThesameisalsotruewithChristiandiscipleship.“It’s notoneanddone,oncesomeonebecomesaChristian. It’snotsomethingthatyoujuststepinto.It’sthestartof alifelongjourney,”saidDr.Eason,whowillbethe featuredspeakeratour10thannualSmallGroups KickoffDinneronThursday,September5.
AuthorofMakingDisciples,MakingLeaders,Dr.Eason isaretiredPresbyterian(USA)pastor,pastoral counselor,teacher,andconsultant.For40years,he servedchurchesofallsizes,mostrecentlyatMyersPark PresbyterianChurchinCharlotte,NC,asSeniorPastor. Toemphasizetheimportanceofgrowinginalifeof discipleship,Dr.Easonwillpresentthetopic“Cultivate” whilefocusingontheParableoftheSower.
“Thisparablegivesusarealitycheckthattherearealotof thingsworkingagainstusintheworld:weedsandbirds androcksareinthefieldsofChristiandiscipleshipJesus isarealist,andhe’stryingtotellussomethingThere’sa strugglehere–therearestormsinlifethatare impediments–andthere’sawrongfoundationtobuild yourlifeon,”saidDrEason“Jesusistellingusinthis
parablethatyouhavetocultivatetohavearelationshipwith God.Ican’tthinkofabetterwaytocultivateone’sfaiththan throughSmallGroups.”
“Thatfourthsoil–theoneofthefour–that’swherewefind ourlifeinChrist,empoweredbytheHolySpiritina communityoffaith,likethatofSmallGroups,”hecontinued “SmallGroupsarerichsoil,notshallowplaces”
TolearnmoreaboutcultivatingyourfaiththroughSmall Groups,makereservationsnowtoattendtheKickoffDinner, byvisitingourwebsiteorscanningtheQRcodebelow. Childcareisfree,anddinneris$8/adultor$4/child.
FundingprovidedfromEPC’sDr.JoeBryanDonaho TeachingChurchEndowmentFundhasmadespeaking events,suchastheSmallGroupsKickoffwithDr.Easonand AdultVBSwithDr.Hinson-Hasty,possible.TheDonaho FundwasestablishedinthanksgivingtoGodforDr. Donaho’sencouragementandemphasisforEastminsterto equipandenablemenandwomentoclaim,develop,anduse theirGod-givengiftsinservicetoEastminsterandtothe Churchuniversal.)
Summeriswindingdown,andsoonthecrispautumnair willbeuponus.HereatEastminster,weareexcitedto welcomechildrenandfamiliesbacktoaseasonfilledwith engagingactivitiesandopportunitiestogrowtogether! MarkyourcalendarsforPromotionSundayonAugust 11thThisspecialdaykicksoffthereturnofSunday Schoolandchildren’sadvancementtoanewclassaswell asSWAG.Toseealistofallchildren’sSundaySchool classes(3K-5thGrade),visit eastminsterpres.org/ministries/children/.Then,planfor SeptemberaswereturntoECAMPonSeptember8th.
ECAMP(EastminsterChildren’sAfternoonMusicProgram):Thisvibrantprogram,offeredinpartnershipwith ourMusicMinistry,caterstochildreninpreschoolthrough5thgrade.Dividedintotwogroups,Treblemakers (2nd-5thgrade)andJAM(K4-1stgrade),ECAMPprovidesadynamicspaceforkidstolearnabouttheBible,sing upliftingsongs,andparticipateinfunmusicalactivities.TheprogrammeetsonSundaysat5pmintheSanctuary, followedbyadeliciousdinnerinthebasementfrom6:05pmto6:30pm.ECAMPkicksoffonSeptember8th!
SWAG(SavedWithAmazingGrace):Thisintermittentfellowshipgroup,aimedatchildrenin1stthrough5th grade,offersauniqueblendoffaithexploration,fellowship,andservicePeriodically,SWAGgathersonSundays from5pmto6:30pmtoexploreachosenthemethroughmusic,games,andactivitiesthatpromotekindnessand givingbacktothecommunity.SWAGkicksoffonAugust11th!
Readytogetinvolved?WeencourageallparentsandchildrentojoinusforPromotionSundayonAugust 11thandallFallactivities!Foranyquestions,pleasefeelfreetocontactAssociatePastorforChildrenand TheirFamilies,Rev.CroskeysRoyall.Let'smakethisFallaseasonofgrowth,connection,andjoyforour childrenandfamiliesatEastminster!
EastminsterYouth byEmilyHiggins
GoodbyeSummer.HelloFall!We’vebeentoThe Bahamas,Montreat,St.Simons,andDallas,andnowwe arepreparedwithfreshpencilsandnewschoolshoes.But howaboutanewweeklyroutine?Couldyouconsider addingEastminster’syouthprogramtoyourFallschedule? Wehaveseveralopportunitiesforouryouthtoget involvedinthelifeofthechurchstartingthisAugust.
PromotionSunday2024isAugust11th.Youthandtheir parentsareinvitedtoinformationalmeetingsstartingat10 amthatmorning.Meetingswillcoverthecalendarforthe year,upcomingevents,andtripsTherewillbe opportunitiestosignupformealsandchaperone.These meetingswillbebeneficialtobothnewandreturning youthmembers.
SundayNightYouthGroupwillalsoreturnonAugust 11th.SundayNightYouthGroupisacrowdfavoriteand theperfectopportunitytoinviteafriendtochurch SundayNightsarereservedforfun,fellowship,andservice together.Theactivityvariesfromweektoweek.Inthe past,theyouthgrouphasdonethingslikekickball,tiedye, andmakingblessingbagsforthehomeless.YouthGroupis from5to6:30pmeverySundaynight,andtheevening
alwaysconcludeswithamealtogetherasacommunity,a chancetolaugh,fellowship,andrelax.
IntheweeksfollowingAugust11th,all6ththrough12th graderswillmeetforSundaySchoolat10am.HighSchool meetsintheMultipurposeroom(CLC).MiddleSchool meetsonthe2ndflooroftheCLC(rooms261,263,and 265).NinthgradeConfirmationclasseswillbeheldduring theSundaySchoolhourandwillbeginafterLaborDay.
InadditiontoSundaySchoolandSundayNightYouth Group,allyouthareinvitedtoWednesdayNightBible StudybeginningAugust21stMiddleSchoolmeetsfrom6 to7:30pm,andHighSchoolmeetsfrom7to8:30pm ThisisatimeoffellowshipandstudyingGod’sWord together.WednesdayNightBibleStudyisdiscussion-based, providingspacetoaskquestionsandseekunderstanding. Dinnerisalsoprovided!
Asyourfamilyadaptstoanewseasonandnew routines,wehopeyouwillprioritizejoiningus SundaysandWednesdays. WelookforwardtoseeinghowGodmovesin Eastminster’syouththisprogramyear!
“Bring
Dr. Ben Sloan
AsPresbyterians,weknowthepowerofinvitation.Mostfolksdon'twanderinbecauseofasign;theycome becauseafriendinvitedthemtoshareintheblessingsofourchurchfamily.
RememberJesus'words?"Inolongercallyouservants,butfriends"(John15:15).Whenweinvitesomeoneto church,we'reinvitingthemtothehouseofourgreatestFriend
OnSunday,September15,let'sopenourdoorswidefor“BringaFriendtoChurch”Sunday!Ministers,elders, deacons,andevenourchildrenwillbeleadingthecharge.Wewillhavespecialgiftsforyoungguestsand hospitalitytreatsforeveryone.AtEastminster,warmwelcomesareawayoflife.
Interested in Membership? Take the First Step!
Afriendoncetoldmejoiningachurchislikethe differencebetweenbeingafosterchildandanadopted one.Bothfindcare,buttruebelongingcomeswith commitmentBecomingpartoftheEastminsterfamily startswiththeFirstStepClass,startingSeptember22.
AtFirstStep,you'llmeetothersontheirfaithjourneys, hearaboutourministriesfromeachstaffmember,and discoverhowyoucangetinvolved.We'llcelebratenew membersonDedicationSunday,October27th.
TaketheFirstStepwithus!Visitourwebsiteat www.eastminsterpres.orgtolearnmore.
“BuildingOthersUpAccordingtoTheirNeeds…”
neurologicaldifference?InanefforttoactasChristwouldin engagingthosearoundus,particularlyatchurch, understandingthatdifferentdisabilitypopulationsliketobe describedindifferentmannersisagreatplacetostart
Forinstance,manyindividualsandfamiliessimplypreferthe term“disability”over“specialneeds,”orviceversa.And evenfamilieswithinourownchurchhavedifferent preferencesinthiscase MembersoftheDownSyndrome communityandmanyotherdiagnosespreferperson-first languagetoreflecttheirdiagnosis.Forexample,we’dlikely say“Sarah,whohasDownsyndrome,is12andlovesto dance,”ratherthansomethinglike,“ADownskid,Aiden.” Butontheotherhand,manyAutisticpeopleprefertouse theirdiagnosisfirst Forexample,youcanjustsay“autistic child,”ratherthanuseperson-firstlanguage,whichreflects thatautismisabig,proudpartofwhothatpersonis.It’salso prudenttosay“wheelchairuser”ratherthan“wheelchair bound”or“crippled.”
churchisaimingtobetrulyinclusiveofallmembersofour churchandourextendedcommunitywhileprovidingall individualswiththelevelofsupporttheyneedtofeel comfortableandthriveatEastminster.
Astheworldaroundusstrugglestoincludeallmembersof oursociety,regardlessoftheirneedsandabilities,as Christiansweunderstandthatwearenotcalledtoliveas theworldlives;we’recalledtoliveasChristwouldlive. ThesewordsfromEphesians4:29ringsotruetomewhen Ithinkofthissentiment:“Donotletanyunwholesome talkcomeoutofyourmouths,butonlywhatishelpfulfor buildingothersupaccordingtotheirneeds,thatitmay benefitthosewholisten.”
Weallknowthatthewordsweusearesoimportant, includingthewordsweusetodescribevaryingdisabilities. Andsomanydisabilities,especiallylearningandprocessing disorders,aren’tevenvisibledifferences.Whatifwe’re tellingothersaboutourLearningDifferencesMinistryor findingourselvesvoluntarilyleadingSundaySchooland identifysomeonewhohasaphysicaldifferenceor
Evenwhenyouhaveintentionsofhonoringthosearound youthroughyourwords,itcanstillbeconfusing,Iknow. Thegoodnewsisthatmanyfamiliesandindividualswith disabilitiesareopentobeingaskedabouttheirpreferences AndwithalittleresearchandevenaquickGooglesearch,it’s easytolearnapopulation’spreferenceswhenitcomesto language.It’salsowisetolistenintentlytothewaythefamily ofachildoradultwhohasadifferencedescribestheir diagnosis,andavoidusingnegativewordslike“limited,” “impaired,”or“suffersfrom ”
“BuildingOthersUpAccordingtoTheirNeeds…”
byKatieAliceWalkerandAndreaFerree
Ifyou’reunfamiliarwithourLearningDifferences Ministry,knowthatAndreaFerree,ourResidentLearning Specialist,andahostofEPCmembersarehelpingwitha thrivingBibleStudyforyoungadultswithdisabilitiesand uniqueneeds.Andreaalsoactsasashadowforour youngerchildrensothattheycanparticipateinSunday School,VacationBibleSchool,andotherchurchactivities
withtheirpeers Eastminsterismoldingandtailoringthis growingministryintowhatourchurch’sfamiliesneed,and formanyfamilies,mineincluded,weareallsogratefulto growinourwalkwithChrist.
TheLearningDifferencesMinistryishostingsocials August20andSeptember17onthe3rdflooroftheCLC at6pm.Formoreinformation,contactAndreaFerreeat aferree@eastminsterpres.org.
“I’ve always believed that a hallmark of Eastminster is our welcoming spirit.”
-KATIE ALICE WALKER
FallMissionsOpportunitiesAbound byRev.Dr.BenSloan
Beingamissionaryisn't reservedforclergy–it'sacall forallofus!ThisFall,we haveexcitingwaystoserveas the"handsandfeetofthe Lord."-Ephesians4:12
ShineaLightonYoungMinds:
BradleyLunchBuddies:Sharestoriesandbrightenthe dayforstudentstwiceamonth.ContactStanHolland (sholland@eastminsterpres.org).
CHAMPS:Mentorpromisingyouth,encouragingfaith, andevenvisitinginspiringlocations.ContactStan Holland.
FeedtheHungry:
TransitionsThirdThursdays:Donatepoundcakes, pastasaladorbananas(toEPCby3:00pm),package meals(3:45pm)orservemealstothehomelesseach month(around4:30pm)atTransitions.ContactAlison McGowan(alisonmcgowan11@gmail.com).
WashingtonStreetSoupCellar:Prepareandsharefood withthoseinneedonthefirstTuesdayofeachmonth (11:30am-1:30pm).ContactHappyHolmes (happyrossy@scrrcom)
Plus,Don'tMiss:
FirstRespondersRecognition:We’llhonorourheroes onWednesday,September11!
UpcomingSeasonalDrives&Events:USCvsClemson FoodDrive,Women'sShelterSouper,FamilyPromise, OperationChristmasChild,andmore!
AWarmWelcomeAwaits:
ThisSeptember,we'llhost18TaiwanesePastorsJoinusin extendingtrueSouthernhospitality!(Contactdetailsfor hostingandeventstocome).
As3Johnremindsus,"Weoughttoshowhospitalitytosuch people"(v.8).Let'sanswerthiscalltogether!
WhatisEPW?
EastminsterPresbyterianWomenareforgivenandfreedbyGodinJesusChrist,empowered bytheHolySpirit,andcommittedtonurturingourfaiththroughprayerandBiblestudy.We supportthemissionofthechurchworldwide,workforjusticeandpeace,andseektobuild aninclusive,caringcommunityofwomenthatstrengthensthePC(U.S.A.)andwitnessesto thepromiseofGod’skingdom
WhoisEPW?
AllwomenofEastminsterPresbyterianChurch!
Congratulations2024EPWHonoraryLifeMembershipAwardRecipients: SharonDerham&LucieEggleston
Circles 1 & 3 meet on the second Monday of the month at 10am in Thompson Hall Our next Circles Meeting is September 9 Fall Book Study: Max Lucado’s How Happiness Happens... “Finding Lasting Joy in a world of comparison, disappointment and unmet expectations...”
JUL
AUG
SEPT24
AUG 21SUMMER PRAYER BRUNCH 10AM
THOMPSON HALL (TH) (DROP-IN NURSERY AVAILABLE - CLC)
SEPT 17FALL GATHERING 12-2PM (TH)
OCT15PRAYERBREAKFAST 8:30AM(TH)
NOVEMBERPRAYERBREAKFAST 8:30AM(TH)
NOVEMBER21CENTERPIECE WORKSHOP 6:30PM
DECEMBER15HOLIDAYSOCIAL 3-5PM(THEOLIVERS’)
JANUARYINTERGENERATIONAL TEA(TH)
FEBRUARY7-9THEVINERETREAT (THECOVE,NC)
MARCH13PRAYERBREAKFAST 8:30AM(TH)
APRIL 24SISTERS IN CHRIST DINNER 5:30PM (TH)
Empoweryourfamily'sfutureandlearnhowtoleavealastinglegacybyattendingEastminsterPresbyterian Church'sspecialevent,"SeekingGodFirst,EvenWhenPlanning:EstatePlanningforChristianFamilies," happeningonSeptember19,2024.
ThisinformativeeveninghostedbyEastminster’sEndowmentCommitteecaterstoadultsofallstages,offering valuableinsightsandpracticalguidanceonweavingfaithintofinancialplanningbecause,afterall,allwehaveandall wearecomesfromGod.
Thenightkicksoffwithadeliciousdinner,followedbyaninspiringupdateontheimpactfulworkbeingdoneby EastminsterinAction.Youwillwitnessfirsthandhowyourchurch'sministriesaremakingadifferenceinthe communityandaroundtheworld.
Followingtheupdate,attendeeswillhavetheopportunitytochoosefromthreetargetedbreakoutsessionstailored tothedifferentstagesoflife:
Planning101:YoungAdults/YoungFamilies:Thissessiontitled"StartingStrong:BuildingaFinancial& FaithFoundation"isdesignedfornewparentsandyoungadultslookingtoestablishasolidfinancial foundation.Itwillcoverthebasicsofestateplanning,suchaswills,powersofattorney,andbeneficiary designations,allfromaChristianperspective.
Planning201:ParentswithTeensandYoungAdults:Asyourfamilygrows,yourneedsevolve."Guiding YourFamily'sLegacy:Conversations&Considerations"willexplorestrategiesforfosteringopen communicationaboutinheritance,whileconsideringfactorslikecollegesavingsandfuturehealthcareneeds
Planning301:Retirees:"LeavingaLastingLegacy:Bequests,PlannedGiving,&CharitableStrategies"focuses onthelong-termplanningneedsofretirees.Thissessionwilldelveintotopicslikebequests,retirementplan withdrawals,charitablegivingoptions,andlongtermcare,equippingparticipantstomakeinformeddecisions thatreflecttheirfaithandvalues.
"SeekingGodFirst,EvenWhenPlanning"providesavaluable opportunityforChristianfamiliesto:gainessentialknowledge aboutestateplanningandChristianstewardship,discoverhow tonavigatefinancialconversationswithlovedones,andexplore optionsforleavingalastinglegacythatalignswiththeirvalues.
Youdonotwanttomissthisenrichingevening.Foreventdetails andregistration,pleasevisithttps://eastminsterpresorg/
AdventRetreat,December6-8,inMontreat
byCarolineBennett
Distracted.Weallsufferfrom it.AndduringtheChristmas season,it’sallthemorea problem,especiallywhenit comestobeingdistractedfrom thewholereasonfor Christmas.Thisisthepurpose
ofEastminster’sannualAdventRetreat,aweekend escapetotheserenesettingofthemountainsof Montreat,whereweareinvitedtorefocusonGod.
Thisyear’sfeaturedspeakerwillbeRevRachelFitch, whogrewupatEPCwithhersiblingsandparents, PastorBradandNancySmith.AgraduateofDuke DivinitySchool,Rachelrecentlycompletedher pastoralresidencyatFirstPresbyterianChurch, Greensboro
ThethemeofAdventRetreatweekendwillbe “SeekingGodFirst,EvenWhenWeDon’tKnow WhereWe’reGoing,”focusingontheGospelstoryof ZechariahandElizabeth.
“Inourdistractedculture,weneedtolearnhowto refocusonGod,theGiveroflife,”saysRachel.“Atthe retreat,wewillbeexploringtheholydisruptionthat happenswhentheangelcomestoZechariah,thenthe reorientationoftheirlivessincetheangel’s appearance ”
AswelookathowZechariahandElizabethrerouted theirlivesandrefocusedonGod,wewillbethinking aboutourownlives,lookingbackatpast
unexpectedencountersthatmayhavestoppedusin ourtracks,andgrowingbeyonddistractionswith oureyesonJesus.
OnFridaynight,wewillkickoffwithcarolsanda children’sChristmasstoryaroundthefire,followed byaVespersservice.Saturdaywillofferamorning fullofactivitiesforchildrenandyouth,aswellas learningsessionsandsmallgroupbreakout discussionsforadults.Theafternoonwillbeopen forhiking,paradewatching,shopping,orresting.
Sundaymorningworshipwithcommunionwill wrapuptheretreat.Thefoodisdeliciousat Montreat’sAssemblyInn,whereallwillbegathered foraweekendoffun,learning,andlaughter.
“Thehopefortheweekendisforallparticipantsto befullypresent,beingremindedofGod’sgoodness andtheSpiritthat’sactiveinourmidst.Thisretreat isforustoslowdownandlisten,whilepreparing forthisAdventseason,”saysRachel.
RachelismarriedtoStephenFitch,whoisthenew associatepastorofMt.HorebMethodistin Lexington,SC,wheretheyrecentlymovedwith theirone-and-a-halfyear-oldson,Isaac
ToregisterfortheAdvent Retreat,scantheQRCodeor gotoeastminsterpres.org. EarlyBirdpricingends September3,andfinal registrationendsNovember3.
3200 Trenholm Road Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 256-1654
SUMMER WORSHIP
ENDS AUGUST 4, 2024
JUBILEE 10:00 AM THOMPSON HALL TRADITIONAL 10:15 AM SANCTUARY
FALL WORSHIP SCHEDULE BEGINS AUGUST 11, 2024
9:00 AM TRADITIONAL WORSHIP SANCTUARY 11:15 AM TRADITIONAL WORSHIP SANCTUARY
11:15 AM JUBILEE WORSHIP THOMPSON HALL (10:00 AM SUNDAY SCHOOL)