INSIDE
FEATURES
2026-27 THEME:
Come and See...Journey with Jesus
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT:
MISSIONS: Where in the World is EPC? High School Bahamas Trip & W NC (Fall)
SENIORS: Spring/Summer Tours - Photo Splash
NED:
Adult PM Fall Classes - Douglass Key Small Groups Facilitators’ Workshop & Kickoff Dinner - Caroline Bennett
MEMBER SPOTLIGHT:
Eleanor Boyd - Leadership at EPC & Beyond
NEW AT THE CLC
Healthy Cooking with Sandy Spann
CARE: Fall Book Study: Empathy
FAITH FORMATION FRAMEWORK: Children & Youth Journey
CHILDREN’S MINISTRY: Sunday School Leaders Needed
EAA: Fall Offerings at the Academy
WORSHIP & MUSIC: Taiwanese Pastors Return with Dr. John McCall
Risa Cuenin - Assistant Treasurer 03 Letter from Your Pastor 04 18 Articles 19 Mark Your Calendars
Cover Image provided by Pastor Croskeys Royall. Pictured clockwise from top: Margie Stuart, Anna Cope, Julia Purdy, Caroline Cobal & Beth Seabrook.
WELCOME
A Letter From Your Pastor
DearEastminsterFamily,
Partofthejoyoflivingintothebaptismalcovenant—raisingthe childrenandyoungpeopleentrustedtousasachurchfamilyinthe nurtureandadmonitionoftheLord—isthatGodcallssomeof themintoordainedministry.JamesBlackwelder,whojust completedhissecondyearofseminary,iscurrentlythefifth Eastminstermembertobegintheordinationprocessoverthepast15 years.
Inasimilarvein,I'mexcitedtoreportthatwearewelcomingourfirst"CollegeResident"on June8.MaryRobinsongraduatedfromClemsonUniversityinMayandwillspendthe comingyearserving,sharing,andlearningamongus.The"CollegeResident"program,made possiblebymembergenerosity,allowscollegegraduatesconsideringchurchvocationsto spendayearexperiencinglifeandministrythroughEastminster(readmoreonp.17). Additionally,threecollegestudents—MichaelBalthazor,NicholasBeitz,andWalkerBell— areservingasEastminsterExperience(E2)internsthisSummer.Pleaseaffirmallthreeof theseyoungadults.
Alsointhesepages,youwilllearnaboutthesortofmembergenerositythatmakestheabove opportunitiespossible.Pages8-9tellthestoryoftwodifferentEastminsterfamilies recognizinghowGodhasblessedthemandrespondingbygivingthanksthroughgiftstothe EastminsterEndowment.WheretheDonahoTeachingChurchFundandInspirational GivinggiftsenableourE2internsandCollegeResidents,thesetwonewfundswillopen doorstoopportunitiesforyoungpeoplewhomightnototherwisebeabletotakeadvantage ofthem.
God'sworkintheworldneverstops.NeitherdoesChrist'sministrythroughEastminster. ThankyouforrespondingtothegoodnessofourLordinworshipandservicebydoing justly,lovingmercy,andwalkinghumblywithourGod.
In Christ’s love,
Rev. Dr. Brad Smith, Senior Pastor & Head of Staff
Journey with Jesus
RYAN HOLCOMBE & DR. DOUGLASS KEY
Eachyear,Eastminster’sprogramthemehelpsgive shapeandlanguagetothelifewearecalledtoshare together.Thisyear’stheme,“ComeandSee:Journey withJesus,”grewoutofconversationswithprogram staffandchurchofficersabouttheworldaswe experienceitnow,theworldGodintendsforus,and whatittakestomovefromonetotheother.
Thefirstlistincludedwordslikechaos,division, hostility,confusion,anddisorder.Thesecondimagined thelifeenvisionedbythegospel:acommunityshaped byredemption,healing,forgiveness,mercy,andpublic witness.Thequestionbecame:howdowemovefrom onerealitytowardtheother?
TheanswerisJesus.
InJohn1,whenthefirstdisciplesbeginasking questions,Jesusdoesnotofferafullexplanationor demandimmediateunderstanding.Instead,hesays, “Comeandsee.”Itisaninvitationtostepcloser,to walkwithhim,andtodiscoveranewwayoflivingby watchinghislifeunfold.
ForEastminster,“ComeandSee”isnotaninvitationto admirehowwellwe“dochurch.”Itisaninvitationto re-enterthestoryofJesusandallowthatstorytoform us.Wecometoworship,wheretheclaimsandnoiseof theworldaresetaside.WestudytheGospels,where Jesus’wordsandactionsconfrontandcomfortus.We serveinmission,wherelovebecomesvisibletothose mosteasilyoverlooked.Wegatherinfellowship, rememberingthatwedonotjourneyalone.
Thisyear,EastminsterwillwalktogetherwithJesus throughworship,study,service,andcommunitylife. Wemaybechallenged.Wemaybechanged.Butthe invitationremainsfullofhope:Comeandsee.
Risa Cuenin- Assistant Treasurer
SARAH GLENN LEVENTIS
WhenRisajoinedEastminster earlierthisyearasAssistant Treasurer,shebroughtwithhera uniquebackground,aloveof learning,andanappreciationfor theunexpectedwayslifecancome fullcircle.
OriginallyfromJapan,Risa studiedEnglishLiteraturein collegebeforebeginninganMBA programatUMassAmherst focusedonfinanceandleadership.
Whilepursuingherdegree,anopportunityatEastminster camealongthatfeltliketherightfitattherighttime.
"I believe timing plays an important role in many of life's biggest moments," Risa shared. "Joining Eastminster felt like another opportunity to learn, grow, and expand my experience."
AsAssistantTreasurer,Risahelpsmanagemanyofthe financialprocessesthatsupportthedailyworkof Eastminster.Fromreviewingtransactionsandassisting withbankreconciliationstohelpingmaintainaccurate records,herworkhelpsensureEastminster'sresourcesare managedresponsiblyandeffectively.
AlthoughmuchoftheFinanceDepartment'swork happensbehindthescenes,Risaseesitsimpact throughoutthechurch.Bysupportingsoundfinancial practicesandprovidingaccurateinformationfordecisionmaking,thedepartmenthelpsequipEastminster's ministriestocarryouttheirmission.
Sincejoiningthestaff,onethingthathasstoodout toheristhewelcomingcultureamongemployees. Shehasespeciallyenjoyedgettingtoknowher coworkersandlovesseeingchildrenplayingoutside herofficewindowduringtheday.
Outsideofwork,Risaenjoysspendingtimewith herhusband,John,andtheirtwocats,Smokeyand Zora.Shealsoenjoyswatchingmoviesandrelaxing bythepool.Lookingbackonherjourney,she recentlydiscoveredthattheuniversitysheattended inJapanwasfoundedin1870asthecountry'sfirst Christianinstitutionforwomen.
Learningthatitsfounderwasmarriedtoa Presbyterianmissionaryhasgivenheraneven greaterappreciationforthelongstandinghistoryof ChristianityinJapanandmadeherconnectionto Eastminsterfeelespeciallymeaningful.
Lastmonth,14EastminsterHighSchoolstudentsand fouradultleaderstraveledtoMarshHarbour,Bahamas, toservealongsideourministrypartners,the Hendricksonfamily,atKirkofthePinesChurch. Throughouttheweek,theteamhadtheprivilegeof sharingChrist'slovethroughpracticalserviceand meaningfulrelationships.
Oneoftheweek'smostmemorableprojectswas installingabrand-newrooffortheSandsfamily (picturedbelowcenter),whosehomewasdestroyed whenHurricaneDoriandevastatedtheislandin2019. Theteamalsocompletedprojectsaroundthechurch, attendedthechurch'syouthministrynight,andhelped distributefoodinanunderservedcommunity,where familiarfacesquicklybecamenewfriends.
Whiletheprojectswereimportant,thegreatestwork Godaccomplishedwasintheheartsofthosewho served.Studentsandleadersreturnedhomewitha deeperfaith,agreaterloveforGod'speople,anda renewedunderstandingthatservingothersisoneofthe waysChristtransformsus.Theweekwasapowerful reminderthatGodisatworkaroundtheworld—and inviteseachofustojoinhim.
Serve in Western NC this Fall:
“God showed up throughout the entirety of the mission trip. I felt his presence everywhere! In every laugh, smile, and even cry, God was there! What a gift it is to be reminded that true joy does not rely on our circumstances, but on the Lord alone!” — Leyton Garrett (bottom left)
We'reexcitedtoreturntoWesternNorthCarolina October29–November1tocontinueserving communitiesimpactedbyHurricaneHelene(2024). PartneringwithHammer&Heart,ourteamwillhelp homeownersintheBlackMountainareathrougha constructionproject.Beonthelookoutformoredetails andregistrationinformationontheeventspageonour website.Spaceislimitedto25participants.
COMING THIS FALL FOR ADULTS
Sunday School, WE@EPC & Sundays@5
DR. DOUGLASS KEY
TheNurture,Education,andDiscipleshipministryis excitedtoexploreourtheme–“ComeandSee:Journey withJesus”–withthecongregationthroughoutthis programyear.WhenJesuscallshisdisciples,hecalls themawayfromtheirnets,outfrombehindtheirtax tables,beyondtheirchildhoodhomesandvillagesto discoverfromhimwhatitmeanstoknow,loveand serveGodwithalltheirheart,mind,soul,andstrength. InthefirstchapterofJohn’sgospel,Jesusinviteshis firstdisciplestocomeandsee(John1:39)howGod’s Wordmadefleshinhimredefineshowtheyunderstand theirworldandtheirlivesinit.
WhenwejourneywithJesus,nothingiseverthesame again.WhenwecomeandseewhatGodisdoing,what Godwantsfromusandhopesforus,welivedifferently. OurexplorationofthatrealitywillbeginonPromotion Sundaywithanimportantthree-weekcombinedAdult SundaySchoolClasswherewe’llthinkabouthowwe readscripture–whereourJourneywithJesusmust begin.“TheBibleMakesSense:Strategiesfor InterpretingtheBible”willmeetonAugust9,16,and 23,at10:00a.m.,inThompsonHall.Ifreadingand understandingtheBibleissometimesdifficult,thisclass willprovidethetoolsandprinciplestolistenfaithfully forwhatscripturewantsustohear.
ThisFall,youareinvitedtojoinachurch-widestudyof abookbyanauthorwho,morethanalmostanyonein NorthAmerica,hasdevotedhislifetothinkingabout whatjourneyingwithJesusinvolvesandrequires. StanleyHauerwastaughtattheDivinitySchoolatDuke Universityformanydecades.Heisarespectedand influentialauthorofover40books.In2001,hewas named“America’sBestTheologian”byTimemagazine. In2025,hecollaboratedwithCharlesMooretocompile fromthoseworksanintroductiontohisthoughtsonthe Christianlife,entitledJesusChangesEverything:ANew WorldMadePossible
WehavenegotiatedwiththepublisherofJesusChanges Everythingtopurchasecopiesofthisbookinbulkata pricewherewewillmakeitavailabletoeveryfamilyin thechurchfreeofchargeinSeptember.
Wewillbeginourdiscussionofthebookduring WE@EPC,whichbeginsSeptember16th,intheAdult ReceptionHallafterdinner.Additionalvideoresources willbeproducedeachweekforSmallGroupleadersand SundaySchoolteacherswhoreadalongwithus.
ToaccessvideoarchivesofAdultClasses,visitourwebsite (www.eastminsterpres.org)andselecttheRESOURCES button.Youwillseethelinkinthepull-downmenu.
COMING THIS FALL FOR ADULTS
Sunday School, WE@EPC & Sundays@5
OurSundays@5AdultBibleStudywillbeginon September13,intheGrayMusicRoomunderthe sanctuaryat5:00.OurFallstudywillcoverthefirst 11chaptersof John’sgospel,startingwiththe invitationto“ComeandSee”inchapteroneand journeyingwithJesusallthewaytothegatesof Jerusalemattheendofchapter11before Thanksgiving.
“FollowingJesusisneversafe,”Hauerwasoncewrote.“Itistheworstkindofimmorality,theworstkindof unkindness,torobothersoftheirrighttosufferinordertorelieveournaggingfearthatperhapswealsooughtto bepreparedtosuffer”(p.22).
ComeandseethedifferenceJesusmakes.
WHAT’S NEW AT THE LYNN TEMPLE JONES LIBRARY? CHECK IT OUT!
Need Some Encouragement?
The Library has added many great reads to our collection, including new releases by favorites Max Lucado and Lysa TerKeurst.
Looking for Pastors’ Suggestions?
Among the many books added to our library this Summer, we’ve included these selections suggested by our pastors.
What about Titles for Teenagers?
We have something for everyone in EPC’s Library! Great new books for youth have just been added. Come and CHECK IT OUT! (EPC Admin Hall)
Rev. Amos Disasa - Keynote CAROLINE BENNETT
EveryJuly,myfamilytakesourfavoriteannualbeach vacation.It’satripthatIstartthinkingaboutand preparingfor365daysinadvance.Preparationsinclude menu-setting,July4thpartyplanning,weatherchecks, orderingkayaks,boardingdogs,packing….Andallthe advanceworklessensanxiety,smoothsoutpotential problems,andbetterensuresamorefulfillingoverall experience.Wefeelpreparedforthejourneyahead.
Godhascarvedoutamuchbiggerjourneyforallofhis people.It’sourspiritualjourneythroughlife,leadingto eternityinHeaven.Muchmorethanpreppingforatripto thecoast,thisjourneyrequiresall-inpreparationofmind, body,andsoul.
DO YOU FEEL PREPARED?
Eastminster’s55+SmallGroups–whichareformenand women,couplesandsingles,andeveryage–helpprepare forthisall-importantjourney.Throughweeklygatherings, Biblestudy,prayingtogether,servingothers,anddiscussing howscriptureappliestodailylife,SmallGroupsare essentiallyamicrocosmofthechurch.Withinthe comfortableatmospheretheyprovide,SmallGroupscan makeourlargechurchfeelsmaller,amoreintimateanda safeplacetobehonestandopenasyougrowinfaith together.
Somarkyourcalendarnowforthe11thannualSmall GroupsKickoffDinner,Wednesday,September9th, whenRev.AmosDisasaofDallas’sFirstPresbyterian Churchwillspeaktousonthisimportanttopic: “AlwaysBeReady:YourLifeAsaTestimonyofHope,” basedon1Peter3:13-22.
“FollowingthewayofJesusmademembersofthefirst churchesstrangerstotheirneighbors.FirstPeterwas writtenfortheseoff-centercommunities,tellingthem toalwaysbereadytogiveanaccountofthehopethatis inthem,withgentlenessandreverence,”saysDisasa. “Joinusasweexplorewhatitmeanswhenourlives causeotherstowonder,What'swithyoupeople?...and howwerespondwithoutfallingintoeithersilenceor belligerence.Becausethehopeinusisnotmere optimismoraposturethatthingswillworkout.Itisa person:therisenChrist.”
CurrentmembersofSmallGroupsandanyone interestedinjoininganewoneareinvitedtothe September9thKickoffDinner,5:15-7p.m.,in ThompsonHall.Questions?ContactCaroline Bennettatcbennett@eastminsterpres.org.
HEALTHY COOKING AT THE CLC
Sandy Spann’s Unique Approach
WhenparticipantsgatherforoneofSandySpann's HealthyCookingClassesatEastminster,theyquickly learnthattheclassisaboutmuchmorethanpreparinga meal.Alongwithpracticalcookingtipsanddelicious recipes,Sandyhelpsparticipantsunderstandhowfood affectstheirhealthandwhythechoicestheymakeinthe kitchenmatter.
ForSandy,cookinghasbeenalifelongpassion.Her motherfirsttaughthertocookwhenshewasjusteight yearsold,andthatearlyexperiencesparkedaninterest thateventuallyledhertopursueacareerinnutrition, earningdegreesinFoodandNutritionandInstitutional Managementalongtheway.
"I choose the theme and then choose the ingredients and develop the recipe," Sandy said. "Then, hopefully they are more willing to try something new and really think about what they are eating."
BeetArugulaSalad,Sandyspenttimediscussinggut healthbeforemovingintothecookingportionofthe program.Shebelievesthatunderstandingthenutritional benefitsoffoodisjustasimportantaslearninghowto prepareit.Sheencouragesparticipantstofocusonsimple, sustainablehabits,suchasincorporatingmorefruitsand vegetablesintotheirdailymeals.
ForSandy,however,thegreatestrewardhasbeenthe relationshipsformedaroundthetable."Thebestpartof teachingtheclassesisinteractingwiththeparticipants," shesaid."IhavemetpeopleIdidn'tknow,andtheyareso muchfun."
Thisyear,Eastminster'sChristianLifeCenter CommitteelaunchedHealthyCookingClasses,allowing Sandytosharebothherprofessionalknowledgeandher loveofcookingwiththecongregation.
Eachclassbeginswithatopicshebelievespeoplewantto learnmoreabout.Fromthere,shedevelopsrecipesthat fitthetheme,carefullyconsideringflavor,nutrition, cost,andeaseofpreparation.Whileparticipantsmay enjoysamplingthefinisheddishes,creatingtherecipesis oftenoneofthemostchallengingpartsoftheprocess. Educationiswoventhroughouteachclass.Duringa recentdemonstrationfeaturingShrimpPastaandaKiwi
AstheHealthyCookingClassescontinue,participants leavewithmorethanrecipes.Theyleavewithnewideas, practicalknowledge,andanopportunitytoconnectwith otherswhilelearningtogether.
Sandy’snextclassisonAugust20th!Formore informationaboutofferingsattheCLC,checkoutthe CLCMinistryNewsletterinThursday’sENews.
Asayounggirlgrowingupin Columbia,EleanorBoyd recallswalkingdoor-to-door withhermom–notjustto visitneighbors,butto supportcharitable organizationsforcancer researchand He
maternal/infanthealth.Sincethatearlyage,Eleanor hascommittedtimetoservingothersinher community.
“Mygrandfather,J.ClarenceDreher,whowasa memberofEPC,taughtourfamilythatcommunity serviceisanobligationofgoodcitizenship,”says Eleanor.“AsChristians,ourfamilyhasalwaysfeltthat Godwantsustohelpothersinthecommunity.”
Soonanygivenday,itwouldn’tbeasurprisetocatch hervolunteeringatTransitionsorreunitingfoster childrenwithlovedones…orhelpingwomenbuilda newworkwardrobeandgainjobinterviewskills. Takingcommunityserviceastepfurther,shehasmade alifelongcareerofitbecauseofthejoyitbringstoher life.
“Ireallyneverplanneda careerinthenon-profit sector,butIwas volunteeringforanonprofitinMemphis,TN, andtheyaskedmetoapply forajobthere.Iwashired.I wassoinspiredbythe impactofourworkand howmuchitmeanttothe peoplewewereserving that Ishiftedthefocusofmy MastersofPublicAdministrationDegreeworktowards non-profitmanagement.Thereissomethingvery fulfillingaboutbeinginabusinessthatimprovesothers’ lives,”shecontinues.
After28yearsoflivinginMemphisandRaleigh,Eleanor returnedtoColumbiain2018withherhusband,Larry, andtheirsons,ChristianandElliott.Asonewhonotonly grewupwithagreatdadandgrandfatherbutalsois surroundedbyboysinherhome,shewasdrawntoajob thatfocusedonfathersandfamilies.
NowEleanor’sdaysarefilledhelpingfathersbetter supporttheirchildrenthroughtheMidlandsFatherhood Coalition.AsSeniorDevelopmentConsultant,she developsexternalrelationshipsandidentifiesresources forMFC,whileraisingawarenessabouttheimpactof fathersontheirchildrenandtheroleofMFCinthe community.
“Ihaveheardsomeprettyincrediblestoriesthatwould breakyourheart.Toseethesefathersgainconfidencein parenting,finishtheireducation,becomeemployedand nowlifttheirheadsupandmakeeye-contactwithyouis priceless,”sharesEleanor.
Throughheryearsofhands-oninvolvementwithothers inthecommunity,Eleanorhasbecomeaforceforfathers andhealthyfamilies.
“When fathers are
involved,
children have brighter futures in all areas: healthy relationships, education attainment, economic mobility, behavior, and lifestyle choices. Children are three times less likely to live in poverty when fathers are involved.”
ELEANOR BOYD (ELDER - CLASS OF 2026)
The Gift of Empathy
REV. EMILY MOONEYHAN
Expressingourselveswithunderstandingandkindnessisaskillthat canhelpallofus,whetherweareathomewithourfamiliesorout intheworld.ThisFall,wehaveanexcitingopportunityforpersonal andspiritualgrowththroughCareMinistry'sWe@EPCWednesday eveningprogramming,andyouareinvitedtobecomeapartofit.
OurCarepastorsandStephenMinisterswillbeleadingabook studyonTheGiftofEmpathybyJoelBretscherandKenneth Haugk.Together,wewillapproachthefamiliaryetunderusedskill ofempathy,exploringwhatempathyisandisn't,howtoapplyitto manydifferentkindsofrelationships,andsharingpracticalideas andreallifeexamplestohelpusmakeempathypartofeveryday livingandrelating.
We'llmeetonWednesdayevenings,September16through November18,at6:00p.m.,followingWednesdaynightdinner. Childcareisavailable.Registrationwillbelocatedonourwebsite, underUpcomingEvents.Iencourageyoutothinkandprayabout joiningusandhelpingbringmoreempathytoourconversationsand relationships.I'mexcitedtoseehowGodwillshowup,andIhope you'lljoinusthisFall.
Empathyisaboutlookingattheworldfromsomeoneelse's perspectivetoexperiencewhatthey'refeelingandthenexpressing yourunderstandingofthosefeelingsbacktothem.It'sarealgift, bothfortheonereceivingempathyandfortheoneofferingit.
Ourgroupwilldiscussthebookstudyand shareasweexploreandpracticethehowtosofempathizing,discoverhowtoapply empathytodifferentareasofourlivesand relationships,learnfromoneanother's experiences,andgrowasanempathetic faithcommunityatEastminster.
Nomatterourcurrentlifecircumstances orseason,wecanallbenefittremendously fromimprovinghowwerelatetoothers.
Takingpartinthisstudywillbean excellentwaytoaddtoourcaringskills andenjoymoreChrist-likeconnections witheveryoneinourlives:withinour church,ourfamilies,friendships,and beyond.
FAITH FORMATION FRAMEWORK
Journey with Jesus PASTORAL STAFF
WhenournewprogramyearkicksoffonSunday,August9,anewerainFaithFormationforchildrenandyouthwill beginatEastminster.Aftertwo-and-a-halfyearsofstudyandconsultationbythemembersandstaffofourNurture, EducationandDiscipleshipMinistry,thenewFaithFormationFrameworkwillbefullyimplemented.The Frameworkisanintentionalandcomprehensiveprogressionforchildrenandyouththatwillintroduceandreinforce thebiblicalknowledgeandChristianpracticesandbeliefsthatareessentialforlifelongdiscipleship.
In“DreamingandDiscerning:ThePathForward–OpenOurDoors24/7,”Eastminsteridentifiedasafoundational goalofFaithFormation:"Eastminsterwillcreateasolidfaith-basededucationalfoundationforchildren,middle/high schoolyouthandtheirfamilies."
In2024,theNEDMinistryappointedataskforceofofficersandparentstoworkwiththestafftoexplorewhat that"solidfaith-basedfoundation"mightconsistof.Wequicklylearnedthatthechurchcannolongerlimititself todeliveringfaithformationprogrammingat10:00a.m.onSunday.
AnessentialcomponentoftheFrameworkisreinforcingSundaymorningsforchildren,SundaynightsatKingdom KidsandClub345,whileBiblestoriesandfaithlessonsinmiddleschoolareextendedandenrichedonWednesday nights.ThevisionoftheFrameworkisforyouthtoarriveatConfirmationinninthgradewithadeepknowledgeof scriptureandthefaithofthechurch,freeingConfirmationtobeareflectiononandconfirmationofthefaiththey have,onethatistheirstoown,live,andenjoy.Webelievethisframeworkwillcreateasolid,faith-based,educational foundationforourchildrenandyouth.
GodcallsustosharehisWord withnewgenerations.At Eastminster,ourChildren’sand YouthMinistriesofferawide varietyofprogramstonurture thefaithofyounger generations.Weinviteyouto prayerfullyconsiderwhether Godiscallingyoutoservein oneofourChildren’sorYouth Ministryprograms.
OpportunitiestovolunteerincludeSundaySchool teachers,SmallGroupleadersandhosthomes,and WednesdaynightBibleStudyleaders.
NateHerringhadthistosayabouthisexperienceasa Children’sSundaySchoolvolunteerlastFall:
“Itwasaverypositiveexperience.Itwasgreattomeet andgettoknowotherparentsinthechurch,aswellas beingwiththechildrenfairlyregularly.
“It'swonderfultoseehowexcitedthechildrenareto sharetheirknowledgeandgivetheirthoughtsontheir interpretationsoftheBiblestories.Thereis,ofcourse, crowdcontrol,butthat'salsoimportant,asitgivesthe childrenachancetoplaytogether,experiencesharing challenges,orcomeoutoftheirshellsabit....Allinall, itwasarewardingexperience,andIhopetobeableto helpagainthissemester.”
SarahAnneHarden,picturedabovewithherfamily, hadthistosayaboutbeingaChildren’sMinistry volunteer:
“IrecentlyvolunteeredforVBSandlovedit. VolunteeringforChildren'sMinistriesissomethingthat meanssomuchtome.Itissuchablessingtoservemy churchandgivebacktoacommunitythathaspoured
somuchintomyownlife.Oneofmyfavoritepartsis watchingthechildrengrowintheirrelationshipswith God,whilealsobuildingconnectionswiththeirchurch family.SeeingtheirexcitementastheylearnBiblestories, worshiptogether,andformfriendshipsremindsmehow importantitisforchildrentofeelloved,supported,and rootedintheirfaith.
“WorkingwithEastminster'schildrenprovides opportunitiestoplantseedsthatcanshapeachild's relationshipwithGodforyearstocome.Beingableto servealongsideothersinmychurchfamilyisincredibly rewarding,andeveryyearIleavefeelinggratefulforthe chancetohelpcreateawelcoming,joyfulenvironment wherechildrencangrowintheirfaithandknowtheyare deeplylovedbyGod."
Wearegratefultohavesevenyoungadultscommitted tohelpingusthisyear,andwouldlovetocontinue growingthatteam!Ifyouhaveaheartforhelping childrenandyouthgrowintheirfaith,pleasecontact PastorCroskeysRoyall,wholeadsourChildren’s Ministry,orEmilyHiggins,DirectorofMiddleSchool Youth,attheChurchOffice(803)256-1654.
Pictured are Sarah Anne and Jonathan Hardin with their sons, Wells, Sellas, and Payson.
Fall 2026
Dr. Augie Gil
BeginninginJuly2025,theEastminsterArtsAcademyhas alreadyjoyfullyledover70studentsinartsinstruction! Thesestudentsparticipatedinone-on-oneinstruction–studyingpiano,voice,andguitar– oringroupworkshops. AstheArtsAcademybeginsitssecondyearofartseducation, groupinstruction,andlegacybuilding,howisGodcalling youtoparticipate?
FallandSpringLearningTerms
StartinginFall2026,theEAAwillcontinuetoofferweekly lessonsinavarietyofartisticdisciplines.Studentscanchoose 30-,45-,or60-minuteprivatelessons.Additionalworkshops andgroupclasseswillalsobeavailable.
FallTerm:
Monday,August17–Friday,November6,2026
NolessonsonLaborDay;make-upoptionswillbe available.
RecitalDate:Tuesday,November17,2026inthe EPCAdultReceptionHall
Recitalparticipationisencouragedbutnotrequired. RegistrationopensthisSummer.Interestedindividualsare encouragedtofillouttheInitialInterestFormontheEAA pageontheEastminsterwebsite.Paymentswillbeginin August.
LessonsandWorkshops
Privateinstructionwillbeavailablein:
Voice
Piano
Strings(violin,viola,cello,doublebass)
Guitar
Otherdisciplinesasrequested! Additionally,short-termgroupworkshopswillinclude:
Photography
VisualArt
MusicLiteracy&Appreciation
Ifyouhaveadisciplineyou’dliketoseeoffered,shareyour ideasusingtheinterestformontheEAAwebpage!
Make a Joyful Noise Choir: FALL UPDATE
TheMakeaJoyfulNoiseChoirwascreatedto provideanopportunityforalltoraisetheirvoices andlearnaboutmusic-making.Eastminsterhasbeen blessedwithanincrediblemusicministrythatcreates wonderfulmusiceverySunday.Atthesametime, thiscanbeintimidatingtothosewhodon’toften makemusic.MakeaJoyfulNoiseistheperfect opportunitytogatherwithothercongregation memberstosingwithoutfearofjudgment,tolearn aboutthemusicwesinginthePresbyterianChurch, andtodowhatitisthatGodhascalledustodo–nottosinginthemostbeautifulway,buttomakea joyfulnoise!
ThisgroupwillmeettwicethroughouttheFall.Stay tunedfordatesbyreadingtheweeklybulletin announcementsandvisitingthe“UpcomingEvents” portionoftheEastminsterwebsite.
ThereistrulyaplaceforeveryoneattheEastminster ArtsAcademy,nomatteryourageorexperience level.Weareexcitedtocontinuetonurtureartistic growthinourchurch,homes,andworship.
Forquestionsorassistance,pleasecontact Dr.AugieGilatagil@eastminsterpres.org.
TAIWANESE PASTORS RETURN
Welcome Back Rev. Dr. John McCall
DEVOTIONAL EXCERPT (2019)
Sharmin Hill
WhentheTaiwanesepastorsvisitedEastminsterin Septemberof2019,wehostedtwodelightfulgentlemen atourhome.One—RenHow—wasapastorata TaiwaneseAmericanchurchinLosAngeleswhojoined theTaiwantravelersearlierthatweekinMontreat,and hisEnglish,thoughaccented,wasexcellent.Theyboth wereneverfarfromtheircameras,andtheyshowedus manyphotostheyhadtakenthatdayinColumbiaand duringtheeveningprogramofspeaking,singing,and dancingforapackedcrowdinourCLC.
Asweenjoyedasnackaroundourkitchentablebefore retiringfortheevening,RenHowpresenteduswith severalTaiwanesemementos,whichincludedsome postcard-sizeprintsofhisownpaintings.Hewasa pastorandanartist!Beautiful!Wethankedthemboth andcalleditanight.
Thenextmorningatbreakfast,thetwoenthusiastically dugintogritscasserole,cinnamonrolls,freshfruit,and coffee.ThenRenHowshowedushismorning devotional,oneofhisowncreation.Arisingathisusual 5a.m.timeinourguestbedroom,hesaidhemeditated onhispreviousdayandlookedathisColumbiaphotos.
Theabovesketch(whichhegraciouslyallowedmeto photograph)washistakeaway. Hishandwritingsays:
ThanksbetoGodforhisgrace!
Achurchwithmission,heart,andfollowingGod’scalling! Loveoneanotherwhodoesn’t[look]likeyou! Faithinactionchurch!
Asthis1Corinthiansversesays,ourTaiwanesefriends weregreatexamplesofhowourindividualgiftscanbuild upthechurch.RenHow’s“revelation”or “interpretation”ofhisEastminsterexperienceis humbling,butheremindsusweareallbrothersandsisters inChristwhereverweare,sharingourstorieshoweverwe can.
Rev.Dr.JohnMcCall,missionaryandfriend,alongwith about20TaiwanesepastorsreturntoEastminster August 29-30tofellowshipwitholdfriends,enjoyameal (CulturalNight-Saturdayp.m.),andworshipwithuson Sundaymorning.Dr.McCallwillpreachthatmorning.
Interestedinlearningmoreorhostingapastor(s)?
ContactLauraLong(llong@eastminsterpres.org), orvisitUpcomingEvents(www.eastminsterpres.org)
GIVING
A Commitment to Growth COMMUNICATIONS
IfyouarenewtoEastminster,youmaynothaveheard theterm,“InspirationalGivingInitiative,”butyou haveprobablybenefitedfromfinancialgiftsgivenby graciousdonorstoensurethatEastminster’slegacyis deeplyandfirmlyrooted.
*TheInspirationalGivingInitiative(2023),whichis separatefromtheoperatingbudget,focusedon donationsmadeby2025,withtheimpactofthis increasedgenerosityripplingoutwardandpropelling ourministriesforwardthrough2026.Donors participatinginthisinitiativewereaskedtomaintain theircurrentcontributionstothechurch’soperating budget,whilealsopledgingadditionalsupportforthis specialinitiative.
Onewaytomaintainahealthylegacyisthrough advancementsintechnology.Someoftheseadditions haveresultedinphysicalchanges/improvementstoour campus,e.g.,arevampofoursanctuarysoundsystem, soundbuffersinthestairwellleadingtotheAdult
*ExcerptfromEastminsterToday-April/May2024
ReceptionHall,exteriorcamerastoensuresafety,and newlightinginThompsonHallforJubilee ContemporaryWorshipaswellasintheChancel,for improvedworshipexperiences,bothin-personandvia livestream.Fundingforregularguestmusiciansin worship,aswellassupportfortheEastminsterArts Academy(EAA)willalsobeprovidedbyInspirational Giving.
Tomakeimpactfulchangeslikethis,Worship&Music, Communications,Property,andFinancecontinueto collaboratewithguidanceandapprovalsfromour officers--butnoneoftheseenhancementswouldbe possiblewithoutyoursteady,behind-the-scenes generosity.
Recentlyapprovedorinstalled:
SanctuaryandCampusCameraSystemExpansion
OriginalChancelCameraswillbemovedto ThompsonHall(Upgrade)
ChoirMicrophoneInstallation
StoolSeatingforAVStaff
Flatscreen,WallMount&SplitterforNelle GunterRoom
Inaneraofinnovation,theabilitytounderstand,aspire to,andmaintaintechnologicalcurrencycanbeelusive andchallenging,butwegettotry.Eastminsterisso fortunatetohavebeenblessedbythebenevolenceofso manyforsolong.Thankyou,EastminsterFamily.
“The Inspirational Giving Initiative is a testament to the power of faith and generosity, which is evident through Eastminster’s legacy. As we move forward, this initiative offers a beautiful opportunity to plant seeds for Eastminster’s current and future witness to Jesus Christ.”
- Rev. Dr. Brad Smith
August:
Mark Your Calendars... August & September
AUG 2: LAST DAY OF SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE
AUG 2: AUGUST PRAYER CARDS AVAILABLE
AUG 2-3: ADULT VBS
AUG 5 & 19: PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
AUG 9: FALL WORSHIP SCHEDULE RETURNS
AUG 9, 16, 23: NEW COMBINED ADULT SS STUDY
AUG 9: SUNDAY SCHOOL KICKS OFF FOR CHILDREN & YOUTH
AUG 16: BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS PEACE SERVICE
AUG 17: EAA FALL SEMESTER BEGINS
AUG 19: BIBLE DOERS
AUG 20: HEALTHY COOKING CLASS
AUG 20: TRANSITIONS THIRD THURSDAY
AUG 23: COMMUNION SUNDAY & PEANUT BUTTER SUNDAY
AUG 23: CONGREGATIONAL LUNCHEON
AUG 23: CLUB 345 & KINGDOM KIDS START
AUG 26: SMALL GROUP FACILITATORS’ WORKSHOP & DINNER
AUG 29: TAIWANESE PASTORS “CULTURAL NIGHT” POTLUCK
AUG 29: FALL CHOIR RETREAT
AUG 30: REV. DR. JOHN MCCALL PREACHING
September:
SEPT 1-30: SOCKS IN A BOX COLLECTION
SEPT 2, 16 & 30: PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
SEPT 6: SEPTEMBER PRAYER CARDS AVAILABLE
SEPT 6: BRUNCH AT 10AM (THOMPSON HALL) 9 & 11:15AM CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP (SANCTUARY)
SEPT 7: LABOR DAY (CHURCH OFFICE CLOSED)
SEPT 9: SMALL GROUPS KICKOFF DINNER
SEPT 13: ADULT SS CLASSES RESUME
SEPT 13: SUNDAYS@5 CLASSES START
SEPT 16: WE@EPC MEALS & CLASSES START
SEPT 16: BIBLE DOERS
SEPT 17: TRANSITIONS THIRD THURSDAY
SEPT 17: EPW FALL GATHERING
SEPT 18-19: OFFICERS’ RETREAT
SEPT 25: COME FIND REST CONCERT
SEPT 27: FIRST STEP CLASS STARTS
SEPT 27: PEANUT BUTTER SUNDAY
Eastminster Presbyterian Church
3200 Trenholm Road
Columbia, SC 29204
(803) 256-1654
SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE
ENDS AUGUST 2, 2026
JUBILEE CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP 10:00 AM THOMPSON HALL TRADITIONAL WORSHIP 10:15 AM SANCTUARY
FALL WORSHIP SCHEDULE
BEGINS AUGUST 9, 2026
9:00 AM TRADITIONAL WORSHIP SANCTUARY 11:15 AM TRADITIONAL WORSHIP SANCTUARY
11:15 AM JUBILEE CONTEMPORARY WORSHIP THOMPSON HALL