INSPIRATIONAL GIVING
Courtyard Renovation & Beautification
STAFF MINISTRY HIGHLIGHT
Rev. Rob Schoonover:
Associate Pastor for Sr. High Youth & Younger Adults
EASTMINSTER ARTS ACADEMY
Summer Arts Intensive
CARE MINISTRIES
Mindful Mondays, Communicating Celebrations & Concerns
NED MINISTRY UPDATE
All Things VBS
COMMUNITY NEWS
EPC’s Footcare Ministry Receives Award
MISSION TRIPS
Travel to Serve
WELCOME
Spring First Step Class
PEACE SERVICE
Blessing of the Animals
A Letter from Your Pastor Dear Friends, “We are an Easter people and Alleluia is our song!” These words were spoken by Pope John Paul II in 1986, a year before he visited Columbia. I am reminded of that quotation as I take stock of the many ways God is active in our midst at Eastminster today.
Looking at the recent milestone celebrations of Easter, Confirmation, Children’s Emphasis, and Baccalaureate Sundays, I have sensed Christ’s presence. Looking around, new beginnings are evident in our newly renovated Courtyard, and in the launching of the Eastminster Arts Academy which will provide opportunities for both students and adults. Looking ahead, I see you all, the church family, living the resurrection via participation in 11 different week-long service and growth opportunities during June and July.
You’ll find information regarding many of these opportunities in the pages that follow. From Vacation Bible school to adult mission trips, and from providing opportunities for others in our community as well as for our own church family, we are blessed to be able to bear witness to the resurrection and the in-breaking of the kingdom of God right here and right now!
How is it you are being attentive to the Holy Spirit work in the world around us? How is God calling you to join in sharing the Good News? As you read these pages, I pray you will ponder those questions and respond as God leads you.
And remember, on those Sundays when you are out of town, join us via our live feed. Simply go to www.eastminsterpres.org and click on “WATCH” at the top.
Love in Christ,
Dr. Brad Smith, Senior Pastor
“Praise the Lord. Praise the Lord from the heavens; praise him in the heights above. Praise him, all his angels; praise him, all his heavenly hosts.” - Psalm 148:1-2
INSPIRATIONAL GIVING Lush Green, Year-Round Blooms Grace Renovated Courtyard
CAROLINE BENNETT EarlyEastermorning,asthesunpeakedoverthesanctuary,worshippersatthatSunriseServicewereamongthefirstto experiencethesheerbeautyofEastminster’srenovatedcourtyard.
Nestledinthemiddleofoursanctuarybuilding,DaySchool,ThompsonHall,andfrontbreezeway,thecourtyardover timehadbecomeasloping,patchyterrainaffectedbypuddlingrainwaterandrootsofoldertrees.Theoriginalcourtyard plansweredrawn52yearsagoin1973.However,withthehelpofdonatedfundsthroughtheInspirationalGiving Initiative,Eastminster’scourtyardhasreturnedtoitsgreengrandeurwithevenmoreopportunitiesforquiet,reflective moments,communingwithfriends,orworshippingoutdoors.
Aroundtheperimeterofthecourtyard,awidevarietyofplantingsnowofferbloomsyear-round.ApricotDriftRoses, pastelAfricanLilies,andblueHydrangeaswillpaintthisquaintspotwithSpring/Summerflowers.Thirty-fivepink CamelliasoftwovarietieswillblossomfromFallthroughWinter.AndAsiaticJasmine,withitsspreading,variegated leaves,providegroundcoveraroundtheperimeterthroughallseasonsInfrontofthebrickarchwaysdownthefront breezeway,thepurpleleavesofJapaneseMapleswillslowlyturnreddishintheFallCentralinthenewcourtyardliesa greencarpetoflushZoysiaCashmereturf,thatstandsthickandsoftunderfoot.This4,200squarefeetofgrassliketurf anditsgentleslopetowardcentraldrainswillwithstanddownpoursandwinds,aswellaswearandtearfromthousands offeetthattrampleandtrodtheterrain.
Afterthesunfadestodark,thewarmlightingcastfromantiquebronzefixtureswillilluminatethecourtyardandallow fordusk,dawnandnighttimeusage.
INSPIRATIONAL GIVING Lush Green, Year-Round Blooms Grace Renovated Courtyard
CAROLINE BENNETT EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT Rev. Rob Schoonover - Associate Pastor for Sr. High Youth & Younger Adults
ANN CAMERON - CHAIR APNC “I believe in the Triune God, who out of love created the heavens and the earth. That God’s treasure of creation was human beings, people like you and me, who were created for worship. I believe that God is not done with the church and I desire to be a part of the exciting things happening in the church today. - Rev. Robert Schoonover
APNC RECOMMENDS Rev. Robert W. Schoonover MEET THE
The Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (APNC) was charged with finding the person that God has prepared and called to serve as the primary clergy for Senior High Youth and Younger Adults at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. For over a year, we looked for a passionate, relationally-oriented minister called by God to fill this position and join us as we journey in faith together. We believe that the Holy Spirit has truly led us to that person and that person to us. The APNC unanimously and enthusiastically recommends Reverend Robert Schoonover to be our new Associate Pastor for Senior High Youth and Younger Adults.
MENTORS & PEERS: REFERENCES & TESTIMONIALS Rev.JulieBailey
SeniorDirectorofAlumni&ChurchRelations
ColumbiaTheologicalSeminary Decatur,GA
“RobisthekindofpastorIwantformyfamily.Heisgenuine,reflective,anddeeplycommittedtohis faithandtothoseheserves.Hispresenceiswarmandwelcoming,andhebringshumorandinsightto everysituation.Robunderstandsthesignificanceofavitalyouthprogramandisdedicatedto nurturingthenextgenerationinthewaysofChrist.”
Rev.BradleyKiblerBond,AssociatePastorforCongregationalVitality
ShallowfordPresbyterianChurch Atlanta,GA
“Robhasaspecialwayofconnectingwithallgenerations--helivesintherealworldbutalso offersaspiritualdepththatisinvitational,relatable,andauthentic.Itiseasyforyouthtoconnectwith Robbecauseofhissenseofhumor,hiscompassion,andtherespecthegivesthem.Robbelieveswe areallcalledtoparticipateinGod’skingdom.”
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT Dear Eastminster Church Family, My name is Rob Schoonover and I truly believe that God has called me to be the Pastor of Senior High Youth and Young Adults at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. I am excited about what God is already doing through the ministries of Eastminster, and can’t wait to begin serving with you.
Here are some insights into my faith journey... I grew up in Marietta, GA, where I was the youngest of three kids. My family bounced around churches growing up until we joined First Presbyterian Church of Marietta, where I was baptized and confirmed at age 14...Through that family of faith, I found friends, a sense of belonging and really learned who I was.
Despite my adolescence having its fair share of challenges, my church youth group was the first place where I was exposed to the unconditional love of God and a community of friends who I still hold close to this day.
After graduating from high school, I struggled to name my purpose. Deep down, I knew the answer, that God was calling me into ordained ministry. But throughout my college years and into my mid-20s I wrestled with this call. I spent time in numerous different expressions of the Christian faith and developed a deep love for the study of scripture and theology. Feelings of selfdoubt and unworthiness plagued my early 20s until finally, in January of 2018, at the urging of my girlfriend, Melissa, who later became my wife, I sent an application to the Candler School of Theology at Emory University where I began my journey toward discerning a call to ministry.
Still wrestling with my call, I interned at a local PCUSA church down the road from Emory and absolutely fell in love with the church. When I graduated in 2021, I no longer carried the uncertainty of becoming an ordained minister. I felt and believed (and still believe) that God is not done with the Church and I desired to be a part of the exciting things happening in a church today...For that church to be Eastminster, a healthy, dynamic Body of Christ, with strong Children’s and Youth Ministries- is a true blessing.
My family can’t wait to meet you!
Pastor Rob
THANK YOU, ASSOCIATE PASTOR NOMINATING COMMITTEE
Ann Cameron, Chair
Elizabeth Barber
Alec Chaplin, Jr.
J. D. Elliott
George Hutton
Annie James (Youth)
Drew Richardson
Bill Stallings
Marcy Swan
ROB, HARRIS (19 MONTHS) & MELISSA
THE SCHOONOVER FAMILY:
EASTMINSTER ARTS ACADEMY Creativity and Community Spark at EPC DR. AUGIE GIL There’ssomethingdeeplysacredaboutcreativity:itreflectstheimageofourCreatoranddrawsustogetherin joyfulexpression.ThisSummer,EastminsterPresbyterianChurchislaunchingitsnewministrythatwill encouragethecollectivesparkofcreationinallofus:theEastminsterArtsAcademy(EAA).Whetheryou’ve paintedforyears,sunginthepews,orarepickingupaguitarforthefirsttime,theEAAwillbeaplaceforallages andlevelsofexperiencetolearn,refine,create,andgrowincommunity.
LedbyDr.AugieGil,theAcademywillofferexpertinstructioninawelcomingenvironment.Morethanjusta seriesoflessons,theEAAseekstobecomeahubforstorytelling,skill-building,andthenurturingofgiftsacross generations.
SummerArtsIntensive:July21–25 TheEAAwilllaunchwithaweek-longSummerArtsIntensive,offeringyouthandadultsachancetodiveinto creativeexpression.ThisjoyfulweekwilltakeplaceJuly21-25,2025onEastminster’scampus,andwillinclude:
MusicalTheatre(Rising7th–rising12thgrades):8:30a.m.–5:30p.m.,withaPerformanceShowcaseonFriday, July25,at6:00pm
VisualArt(Tuesday–Thursdayonly)
Youth(Rising7th–rising12thgrades):10:00a.m.–12:00p.m.
Adults:2:00–4:00p.m.
BeginningGuitar(Tuesday–Thursdayonly)
Youth(Rising7th–rising12thgrades):10:00am–12:00pm
Adults:2:00–4:00p.m.
“EAAwillbeginwithaweek-longMusicWorkshop,welcomingYouth (Rising7 -Rising12 )&Adultstoexploreartisticexpression... th th ajoyfulpreludetotheAcademy’sfulllaunchintheFall.”
-Dr.AugieGil-DirectorofWorship&Arts
EASTMINSTER ARTS ACADEMY Creativity and Community Spark at EPC
DR. AUGIE GIL
FallandSpringLearningTerms: StartinginFall2025,theEAAwillofferweeklylessonsinavarietyofartisticdisciplines.Studentscanchoose30-, 45-,or60-minuteprivatelessons.Additionalworkshopsandgroupclasseswillalsobeavailable.
FallTerm:
Monday,August18–Friday,November14,2025
NolessonsonLaborDay;make-upoptionswillbeavailable
RecitalWeek:November17–21,2025(twodateoptionsprovided)
Recitalparticipationisencouragedbutnotrequired.
RegistrationopensthisSummer.InterestedindividualsareencouragedtofillouttheInitialInterestFormonthe EAApageontheEastminsterwebsite-justscantheQRCodebelow.PaymentswillbegininAugust.
LessonsandWorkshops: Privateinstructionwillbeavailablein:
Voice
Piano
Strings(violin,viola,cello,doublebass)
Guitar
Additionally,short-termgroupworkshops,willinclude:
Photography
VisualArt
GroupGuitar
GroupDrumming
MusicLiteracy&Appreciation
(Ifthere’sadisciplineyou’dlovetoseeoffered,letusknow!UsetheinterestformontheEAAwebpagetoshareyour ideas.)
ACreativeCommunityBegins... ThereistrulyaplaceforeveryoneattheEastminsterArtsAcademy nomatteryourageorexperiencelevelWe areoptimisticforthisfirstyearofjoyfulexploration,skillfulinstruction,andSpirit-ledcreativity.Maythisbethe beginningofmanyyearsofartisticgrowthinourchurch,homes,andworship.
HOLISTIC HEALTH & WELLBEING Mindfulness Mondays
DR. CAROL BYRD & REV. EMILY MOONEYHAN Christianmindfulnessisawayofdiscoveringthejoyof peaceinthemidstofasocietyclutteredwithtoomuch information,toomanydemandsplaceduponus,and toomanypolitical,religious,andculturaldivisionsWe feeldistractedbecausewehavesomanyvoicescallingto usforourattention.Wewatchthenews,wespend endlesshoursonsocialmedia,wesurftheInternet,all thewhiletryingtosiftouttruthandmeaningand comingupshort
Jesustalkedaboutmindfulattentionwhenhetold Martha,“Youareworriedanddistractedbymanythings. Thereisneedofonlyonething.Maryhaschosenthe betterpart,whichwillnotbetakenawayfromher” (Luke10:41,42).Wediscoverovertimethatwhenweare abletoquietourmind,focusingonGod’spresence whichiswithusalways,weareabletofindpeacedeepin ourspirit.Thispeacecarriesthroughthedayandhelps ustofeelmorealiveandpresentinallouractivities.
InherbookRightHereRightNow,AmyOdenwrites, “Asmindfulnessrootsusmoredeeplyrighthere,right now,wehaveeyestoseeandearstohearGod.Wewake upnotonlytoourselvesbutalsotoGod’slifeinusand intheworldaroundus.ThisGodwho‘movedinthe neighborhood’hasbeenhereallalong,oftenheldat arm ’slengthbytheclutterthatdistractsourattention. WebecomemindfuloftheOnewhomadeusandWho
holdsuswithinGod’sownlife”(p.14).Wemindfully (intentionally)lookforthemanywaysthatGodis showingupinourlivesChristianmindfulnessisaway ofpayingattention,especiallytothesmallblessings thatcometousthroughoutourday.
ThisSummer,CongregationalCareMinistrieswill beginprovidingChristianMindfulnessopportunities basedonHolisticHealthandWellbeing:Cultivating intentionalpracticesandconversationstobenefitour mental,physical,emotionalandspiritualwellness. Rev.EmilyMooneyhanandIaredelightedtooffer MindfulnessMondays,anopportunityforustogather togetherandpracticeChristianmindfulness.Wewill offera9amclassonthefirstMondayofeachmonth anda5p.m.classonthethirdMondayofeachmonth. WewillconcludewitharetreatintheFall.Comejoin us!
MindfulnessMondays
June2@9am&June16@5pm
July7@9am&July21@5pm
August4@9am&August18@5pm
HolyRest:AContemplativeRetreat
September21-24,2025
CoastalRetreatCenter,IsleofPalms,SC
CELEBRATIONS & CONCERNS A Reminder About Online Options REV. EMILY MOONEYHAN Eastminsterisblessedtohavesomanymembersofall agesandstagesoflife.Wehaveyoungcoupleswho havejustbecomeengagedandareplanningawedding, parentswhoareexpectingtheirfirstormaybeeven theirthirdchild,andgrandparentswhomaybe expectingtheirveryfirstgrandchild.Weareadiverse anduniquechurchfamilyanditisimportantto celebrateoneanother’smilestones.
Justasimportantasthecelebrationsaretheconcernstheabilitytoofferappropriatesupportwhenan Eastminstermemberisdiagnosedwithanillness, undergoingsurgery,orrecoveringthrough rehabilitation-aswellaswhenamemberhaslosta lovedone.
Allofthesecelebrationsandconcernsareimportant toshareinatimelyfashionsothatapastormayreach outtocongratulateafamily,orvisitamemberwhois recoveringfromsurgeryinthehospital,orjusthavea prayerwhenamemberishurting
Asmostofyouknowfirst-hand,itcanbe inconvenientorevenafterhourswhenyoufinally haveaminutetoshareimportantnewswith Eastminster-andacalldoesn’tseemlikethebest option.Wewanttoremindyouthatthereisanonline optionfornotifyingEastminster’spastoralstaffof bothcelebrationsandconcerns.
HaveyouvisitedtheCarehomepageonourwebsite? Justgotowww.eastminsterpres.org,andclickonthe “MINISTRIES”buttonatthetoptoseealistofour ministriesThenselect“Care”fromthemenu,which willtakeyoutotheCarehomepage.Inthattop section,thereisawayforyoutoletusknowofany celebrationsorconcernsthatareonyourheart.
Clickontheblue,“CELEBRATIONS& CONCERNS”buttontoprovidesomebrief information.Anemailwillthenbesentimmediatelyto EPC’sCareministries.Thisisaquickandeasywayto alertEastminsterwhenyouarecelebrating-orinneed ofsupportfromapastorandyourchurchfamily. ContactKellyMcGradywithanyquestionsatext.123, oremailheratkmcgrady@eastminsterpresorg
NEW: WE ARE NOW CELEBRATING GRANDPARENTS VIA FLAT SCREENS...
VISIT OUR WEBSITE’S CARE MINISTRIES PAGE TO LET US KNOW YOUR NEWS
PLEASE INCLUDE GRANDCHILD’S FULL NAME & DATE OF BIRTH, & PARENTS’ NAMES . A FEW RECENT CELEBRATIONS:
CHILDREN’S VBS Live it Out! - Love Like Jesus REV. CROSKEYS ROYALL It’sthattimeofyearagainwhenwearegettingsuper excitedaboutVacationBibleSchool(VBS)atEPC.
ThisSummer,Eastminsterwillbebuzzingwith excitementasmorethan250childrenfromages4-11 and75+volunteerscometogetherforourannual VacationBibleSchoolfromJune23-26.Withalively SummerCamptheme,they’llembarkonan unforgettablejourneyoffaith,friendship,andfun discoveringhowto"LoveLikeJesus"inwaysthat shapeheartsandstrengthenspirits.Aswepreparefor thisincredibleexperience,weinviteyoutojoinusin
makingitpossible.
EchoingAnneScottandLaneChappell,VBS Leaders,intheirrecentdebutinpre-worshipvideo announcements,weneedyourhelp!Torefreshyour memory,let’ssay250kidsattendVBS(andsomeyears it’sactuallymorethan250),butsay250attend
That’s1,600snacks
2,000bathroombreaks
1,000crafts
NottomentionBibleStoriestoteachandsongsto lead-Allthistosay,weneedYOU!Whetheryoucan lendahelpinghandinorganizingactivities,guiding ourgroupsofchildren,orsimplysharingasmile,your supportisvitalinbringingthisministrytolife.Come bepartofsomethingtrulyspecial-volunteertoday andhelpuscreateaVBSfilledwithjoy,love,and lastingimpact!EmailCroskeysifyou'dliketobea partoftheaction(croyall@eastminsterpres.org).
Eastminster Welcomes Home Dr. Emily Theus, Ph.D. ADULT VBS DR. DOUGLASS KEY TheNurture,Education,andDiscipleshipMinistryisexcitedtopresentDr. EmilyTheus,a2025ReligiousStudiesPh.D.inTheologygraduateofYale DivinitySchool,asourkeynotespeakerforAdultVacationBibleSchoolin August.Emily,thedaughterofCatherineandWaltTheus,grewupat Eastminster.Itwasherexperienceshereasachildthatshesays,“gavemethe strongfoundationandinterestinthefaiththatultimatelydrovemetobea theologian.”
WhileatEastminsterEmilyservedontheTrinityPresbyteryYouthCouncil andwasoneofourfirstE2internswhileincollege.Shehastwiceservedon theplanningteamfortheMontreatYouthConference,andnextsummer (2026)willbetheCo-Directoroftheconferenceforthesecondtime.She graduatedfromtheUniversityofSouthCarolinawithadoublemajorin MathandReligionbeforepursuinggraduatestudyinTheologyatYale.Her dissertationexploredhowthedoctrineofRevelationinformsourstewardship ofandcareforcreation.
DuringhertimeherethisSummer,Emilywillleadusinanexplorationofthe DoctrineofProvidencewhichseekstounderstandthenatureofGod’s ongoinginvolvementincreationandourlivesinit.Providencehaslongbeena particularemphasisoftheReformedtradition,asitaffirmsourbeliefthatour livesarelivedwithinthelifeoftheTriuneGod.Itexpressesourradicalbelief thatGodcontinuestoact,thatGodhearsandanswersprayer,thatwearenot aloneandhavenotbeenleftonourowntomakelifeinthisworldmeaningful andpurposeful.
EmilywillpreachinworshiponSunday,August3,ourlastSundayofthe Summerworshipschedule.OntheeveningsofSunday,August3,and Monday,August4,wewillgatherfordinnerinThompsonHallwhereshewill leadusintoagreaterunderstandingofGod’sin-breakingpowerandpresence inourworld.Childcarewillbeprovided.Pleasejoinusforthisexciting opportunitytolearnfromachildofEastminster
Maundy Tuesday FOOTCARE MINISTRY OLIVER HARTNER Theword“Maundy”comestousfromtheMiddleAgesasearly formsofEnglishandFrenchweremuddledwiththeLatinverb “mandare,”meaningtocommand,andso,Maundybecame synonymouswiththeriteoffootwashing Overtime,thepracticeof washingfeetfellfromfavorwhenthechurchchoseitssacraments thoseoutwardandvisiblesignsofinwardgracethatconnectour realmwiththecelestial.Butduringtheformofworshipthat followedsoonafterJesus’sdeathandresurrection,thewashingof feetpreceded everycelebrationoftheEucharist.Afterall,Jesus washedthefeetofhisdisciplesasanexampleoftheservantleadershipendorsedbyGodthroughthewordsand deedsofhis Son,andJesusorderedthemtodothesame(John13:2-17).
Allofthistosay,thewashingoffeetisnolongeraregularanduniversalpracticeamongmostChristiantraditions.
Nevertheless,atEastminsterthepracticeliveson.ThiscongregationhasperformedtheritualeveryTuesdayfor almost20yearsthroughapartnershipwithChristCentralMinistries.InrecognitionofEastminster’sunwavering commitmenttotheunderprivilegedofourcity,andinappreciationofthisinter-congregationalpartnership, ChristCentralMinistriesrecentlypresentedFootcareMinistryvolunteerswithadecorativeplaqueimbuedwith theirgratitude.
AlongwiththefinancialandvolunteersupportofEastminster’scongregants,thisministryowesmuchofits remarkablelongevitytoLibFoster,whoshouldersmostoftheburdenforitsadministrationandlogisticalneeds. Shekeepsmeticulousrecordsforbudgetingandpurchasing,andsheoffersnewvolunteersthetrainingand supporttheyneedtobesuccessful.JoinusonanyMaundyTuesday!EmailLibatlibfoster@aol.com.
SUMMER MISSION TRIPS Hands & Feet DR. J BEN SLOAN EachSummer,Eastminstervolunteersmakeplansfortravel,sayprayersforclarityandunderstandingofwhatGodwants themtodoforand“be”totheirbrothersandsisterssometimesacrosstheglobeBradSmithusedtoreferfromthepulpit attimestothedifferenceortransitionbetween“gettinghereandbeinghere,”meaningworshipThedifferencebetween “getting”toSozoorChiapasand“being”ateitherlocationisalotmorechallengingthanmakingsureeveryonehason shoesbeforetheypileintheminivan.Butpeopledoit.Theygo...andthentheyoftengobackformore,becauseitis meaningfulworktodoandmeaningfulworkbringsafeelingofbelongingandpurpose.Eastminstervolunteersare literallybeingthehandsandfeetofChristintheworldThankyou
OnJune11,agroupoftwelvewomenwilltraveltotheSozoChildren’sVillageinUganda,Africa,toloveonchildren andteachthemaboutJesus.Theladiesinthephotosaboveareexcitedaboutservingandarecurrentlytransitioning fromgettingtheretobeingthereSomehavebeenbeforeandothersareexcitedtovisitforthefirsttimeTheSozoladies alongwithvolunteergroupswhoaregoingtoMarshHarbour,Bahamas(HighSchoolYouth),CROSSinCharlotte (MiddleSchoolYouth),andChiapas,Mexico(Adults,ParentsandYouth)willbecommissionedduringJubileeWorship onJune8.
CommissioninggroupsformissionworkispartoftheGreatCommission,“theinstructionoftheresurrectedJesus Christtohisdisciplestospreadthegospeltoallnationsoftheworld”(Wikipedia)Considerdippingyourfootinthe pondclosetohomethisFall.HaveaconversationwithsomeonewhohasservedinWesternNorthCarolina.Thereisno bettertimethannowtobethehandsandfeetofChrist.
September6-13:WesternNorthCarolina-Adults JoinusinWesternNC.WewillbuildandrefurbishhousesthatwerewipedoutbythefloodsofHurricaneHelene.We willbestayinginthebeautifulmountainsofMontreatattheSouthCarolinaInnTeamleads:Jane&PeterBrissette& Rev.BenSloan.Thecostis$25/day.Visithttps://disaster-rebuilders.orgtolearnmore.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS “Church is not an organization you join; it is a family where you belong, a home where you are loved and a hospital where you find healing.” - Nicky Gumbel (Alpha) Marion AldridgeAffiliate Member
Henry & Harriet Armistead
Linda Connelly Rhonda Cortés Joye & Julius Davis
Rebecca Hall Gary, Meredith, Reese & Riley Housman
Nancy, Will, Lizzie & Mary Margaret Hull
Scott & Milla Davis
Charles & Mary Hardin
Bob Wells & Lou Schoenlein
Katie Hutchings
Lorien & Will Owens
BLESSING OF THE ANIMALS Peace Service on the Field - May 4
REV. EMILY MOONEYHAN Eastminster'sfirst-ever"BlessingoftheAnimals"worshipserviceonMay4 drewneighbors,members,andlocalmediaattention.Rev.EmilyMooneyhan andEPC'sCongregationalCareandConcernMinistryteamwerehopingfor somethinguniqueandappealingtoanintergenerationalcrowdforthisSpring's PeaceService-anadditionalworshipopportunityforhealing,prayerand blessing.
ManyEPCmembershaveexpressedinterestinhostingaworshipservice outdoorsonthefieldacrossTrenholmRoad.InlookingthroughTheBookof CommonWorship,theideaofhostingaBlessingoftheAnimalsworshipservice becameawelcomedidea.CarepartneredwithMembership&Outreachforthe eventtosupportHowlmoreAnimalSanctuary.Over50animalswereblessed byRevEmilyMooneyhanandDrCarolByrdduringworshipEachpetwas awardeda“CertificateofBlessing”andencouragedtosnapaphotoalongwith theirfamily.
Declaringalongwiththepsalmistthat“TheEarthistheLord’sandallthatisin it,”weunderstandthatGodblessesallofcreation.Anoutdoorworshipservice, alongwithourfurryfamilymembers,isawonderfulopportunitytoliftupour roleasstewardsofcreationOurBlessingoftheAnimalsservicealsoprovideda timeofprayerforthegriefthatcomeswiththepassingofoneofourdearpets, aswerememberthosepetswhomwehavelovedthroughoutourlives.
"AlmightyandeverlastingGod,Creatorofallthingsandgiverofalllife,let yourblessingbeuponalltheseanimals.Mayourrelationshipwiththemmirror yourlove,andourcareforthembeanexampleofyourbountifulmercyGrant theanimalshealthandpeace.Strengthenustoloveandcareforthemaswe strivetoimitatetheloveofJesusChristourLordandyourservantFrancis. Amen."-excerptfromTheBookofCommonWorship(2018)
KristyStoneburner,Eastminster'sMembership&Outreacheventlead,hadthis tosay,"HostingourfirsteverBlessingoftheAnimalswasateameffort,for sure.Thereweresomanydetailsthat,withoutthetremendoussupportofour volunteers,bothleadinguptoandonthedayoftheservice,wouldnothave beenpossible.THANKYOUforansweringourcalltoserveourcongregation andcommunityonthisday,forwhatwas,indeed,agloriousday!”
ThenightlynewsanchorendedtheSundaynightreportindicatingshehoped thiswouldbeanannualserviceforEastminsterSheadded,"IknowwhereI'll bethistimenextyear."
SAVE THE DATES...June & July JUNE:
JUNE 1: SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE BEGINS
JUNE 1: JUNE PRAYER CARDS AVAILABLE
JUNE 1: ADULT SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL BEGINS
JUNE 2: E2 INTERNS START
JUNE 4 & 18: PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRY
JUNE 1-6: CAMP IMPACT AT CAMP COLE
JUNE 2: MINDFULNESS MONDAYS (9AM)
JUNE 8-13: CHAMPS CAMP
JUNE 8: COMMISSIONING - JUBILEE
JUNE 11-23: SOZO WOMEN’S MISSION TRIP
JUNE 15-20: MONTREAT WORSHIP & MUSIC CONFERENCE
JUNE 16: MINDFULNESS MONDAYS (5PM)
JUNE 19: TRANSITIONS THIRD THURSDAY
JUNE 22: PEANUT BUTTER SUNDAY
JUNE 23-26: CHILDREN’S VBS
JUNE 29: COMMUNION
JULY:
JULY 2, 16 & 30: PRAYER SHAWL MINISTRIES
JULY 4: EASTMINSTER FACILITIES CLOSED
JULY 6: BREAKFAST 9AM TH (NO SUNDAY SCHOOL)
JULY 6: ONE WORSHIP SERVICE 10:15 SANCTUARY
JULY 6: JULY PRAYER CARDS AVAILABLE
JULY 6: COMMISSIONING - SANCTUARY
JULY 7: MINDFULNESS MONDAYS (9AM)
JULY 7-13: HS MISSION TRIP - BAHAMAS
JULY 9: NO ADULT COMBINED SS REPEAT PM CLASS
JULY 12: HANDBELL RETREAT
JULY 13-18: MS CROSS MISSION TRIP - CHARLOTTE
JULY 15-17: CHILDREN’S MUSIC CAMP
JULY 17: TRANSITIONS THIRD THURSDAY
JULY 21: MINDFULNESS MONDAYS (5PM)
JULY 21-25: EAA SUMMER ARTS INTENSIVE
JULY 26-AUGUST 2: CHIAPAS MEXICO TRIP
JULY 27: PEANUT BUTTER SUNDAY
JULY 27: SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL ENDS
Eastminster Presbyterian Church
3200 Trenholm Road
Columbia, SC 29204 (803) 256-1654
(9:00 AM ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL - ADULT RECEPTION HALL) 10:00 AM JUBILEE WORSHIP THOMPSON HALL
27 10:15 AM TRADITIONAL WORSHIP SANCTUARY
SUMMER WORSHIP: JUNE 1, 2025 - AUGUST 3, 2025
