Eastminster Today June/July 2024

Photo compliments of Bick Halligan ECAMP End-of-Year Performance

A Letter From Your Pastor

DearFriends,

Thequestionoflegacyisaweightyone.It'saboutwhatwe leavebehind,theimpactwehaveonfuturegenerations.But whattrulydefinesalastinglegacy?

TheBibleofferspowerfulexamplesofgenerosityshapinglegacies.Ruth'sunwavering commitmenttoNaomistandsthetestoftime.2Corinthians8-9describesthe MacedonianChristians,consideredoutsiders,whoextendedgraceviaafinancialgift forthepooramongtheearlyChristiansinJerusalem

There'snogreatergenerositythanGod's.Hemeetsusinourimperfections,yetloves usenoughtotransformus.Thisdivinegenerosity,mirroredintheheartstouchedby theHolySpirit,isthecornerstoneofalastingChristianlegacy–bothforindividuals andcommunities.

Eastminster'slegacyisfueledbythisveryspirit.Inthisissue,wecelebratethewitness andserviceofindividualswhoembodygenerosity:ouryouth,guidedbyEmily Higgins,andJackiePerrone,a75-yearmember.Weseeitintheenduringmarital commitmentofFrankandSarahBrown,andintheservantheartsofFrednaLeeand BillCollins.OurInspirationalGivingProjectandtheAdultVacationBibleSchoolare testamentstothissharedspirit.

Throughgenerosity,webuildalegacythatextendsbeyondourselves,onethatreflects thetransformativepowerofGod'slove.Read,myfriends.And,nudgedbytheHoly Spirit,beinspiredtogreatergenerosityofheartandspirit,wordanddeedinyourown lifeasadiscipleofJesusChrist.

ToGodbetheGlory!

Rev. Dr. Brad Smith, Senior Pastor

LEGACY OF GIVING

The recent improvement to our sanctuary's sound system exemplifies this beautifully. Generous giving ensured that the message of hope and love continues to resonate clearly, filling our hearts and lifting our spirits. This isn't just about clearer music; it's about ensuring that every voice raised in praise, every word of scripture spoken, reaches its intended audience, forging a deeper connection with Christ.

The Eastminster AV Director shared a touching experience. He met a fellow congregant who relied on two assisted hearing devices to participate in worship services. When discussing the sound system improvements, the AV Director expressed hope that the changes would be helpful. After the adjustments were made, the fellow congregant noticed the new speakers and acknowledged them with a smile. However, the most impactful moment came during the service itself. As Pastor Brad began speaking, the fellow congregant stood up, turned towards the sound booth, and gave a big thumbs up. This simple gesture spoke volumes about the profound impact of the improved sound system. It allowed a member of our congregation to fully engage in worship for the first time, fostering a deeper connection with his faith.

Through acts of generosity, big or small, we become active participants in shaping Eastminster's legacy. We become the saints of tomorrow, ensuring that the light of Christ continues to shine brightly for generations to come. Let us answer the call, let our hearts be filled with the spirit of giving, and together, let the music of faith echo through the halls of Eastminster for years to come.

GROWTH

Love at the Heart of Things - Adult VBS, August 18-19, 2024

by Dr. Douglass Key

ThisAugust,Eastminsterwillwelcome Rev.Dr.ElizabethHinson-Hasty,professorof TheologyandEthicsatUnionPresbytery SeminaryinCharlotte,toour2024editionof AdultVacationBibleSchool.Shewillbewithus forworshiponSundaymorning,August18th, andwillkeynotedinnergatheringsonSundayand Mondayevenings.

Her2021book,DutifulLove,exploreshowour knowledgeofGod’sloveforusthroughChrist informshowweloveoneanother,withparticular focusonfamiliesprovidingcareforchildrenand siblingssufferingfromseriousmentalillness.The lovethatChristhasforusisnotasentimental affectionasmuchasitisdutiful.Paulsaysas muchwhenhewritestothePhilippiansabout Christemptyinghimself,takingontheformofa slave(Philippians2:7).

Thelovethatoffersitselfforusonthecrossisthe samesortoflovethatrousesusfromsleepinthe middleofthenightwhenthephoneringsand someoneweloveisincrisisontheotherendofthe line.Wegetdressedandmeettheambulanceatthe hospitalbecausewelovethisperson,anditisoursto do.Itdoesn’tchangethefactthatwehavetobeat ourdaughter’sdancerecitallaterthatafternoon,and twohoursofsleepisnotnearlyenoughtosit throughfive-year-oldsdancinginatheatre.Butwe gobecauseweareneededanditisourdutyandwe loveasChristlovedus.

Howmightwepracticethatloveincommunity? Howdofaithcommunitiesthatincludecaregivers provideneededsupportandencouragementforour sistersandbrotherslovingdutifully?Howcanwe worktogethertoremovethestigmaofillnessand diseasesothatthosewhoarecommitted,loving caregiverscanknowthattheytooareloved?

Joinusforthisimportantconversationabouthow ourloveforoneanotherissuesincompassionand belongingforallofGod’schildren.

ADULT VBS AT A GLANCE:

SUNDAY, AUGUST 18TH

AM SERMON:

“God Who Calms the Troubled Seas”

PM SESSION: “The General Principle of Love and Compassion”

MONDAY, AUGUST 19TH

PM SESSION:

“Embodied Practices to Cultivate Love & Compassion”

A LIVING LEGACY

Thanks for the Memory

by Jackie Perrone

Howtodescribeturning 100yearsold?Nobody reallyexpectsthatorknows howtosumitup.YethereI am,searchingforthewords. Onewordstandsoutbright andclear:Eastminster.A capsulesummingupmost ofthislonglife.

Historybookshavecoveredthebigeventsatthis venerableColumbiainstitution.Iamawalkingarchive, holdingontomomentsthatnevermadeitintothebooks. JimPerroneandIarrivedinColumbiaasnewlywedsin 1947andhadthegoodfortunetoconnectwithafew dozencontemporarieswhowerestartinganewchurchon theeasternsideoftown.Wewerenotchartermembers,

joiningthiscongregationtwomonthsafterthecharter closed.FromDayOne,everynewmembertookon one,two,orfiveresponsibilities,implementingthe essentialtoolsforanewcongregationtogrowand thrive.Keepthenursery,weedtheflowerbeds,pass theofferingplate,usherandgreet,andcookup potluckdinners,therewasalwaysalottodo.

Thisledustothefamousyear,whichfoundmeas headoftheGirlScouttroopsandJimasheadofthe BoyScouts.Weneededarevolvingdoorandanextra washingmachinetokeepupwithitall.Actually Scoutswereanongoingthemeformanyyearsasour familygrew.Onefamousweekend,apatrolincluding oursonBrucewaslostovernightintheforestlandup theroad,withFortJacksonhelicoptersbeingcalled outtofindthem.Woundedpridewastheonly casualtyofthatescapade.Thegirls’carheadedfora campingweekendhadaflattireontheInterstate,and theyescapedhavingtolearnhowtochangeatire

becauseofgoodSamaritanswhosteppedin.Betsy tookherfirstinternationaltripwiththegroupvisiting theGirlScoutfacilityinCuernavaca,Mexico.Bruce wastheonlyBoyScoutwhowonbothmedalsfrom Troop10,votedbytheleadersandbytheboys.The Scoutingtraditionlivedoninouroffspring.Betsyand herhusbandBobFordwonScoutmasteroftheYear atthesametime,andtheirchildrencontinued Scoutingthroughtheirteenyears,oneachievingEagle rank.

Eastminsterprovidedotherhighlights.Clairewona necklaceofacrossforperfectattendanceforfiveyears atjuniorchoirpractice.(Nobodygavemeanyaward. Whodotheythinkgotherthere?)Manycan rememberthefamousepisodeoftheliberatedsheep roamingeasternColumbiatryingtoescapetheirroles intheChristmaspageant.Manyhoursofhardchasing finallyroundedthemup.Iwashonoredwithan HonoraryLifeMembershipinPresbyterianWomen.

Weacquiredsolidgoldfriendshipsduringthoseyears, mostofthemnowhavingprecededmeintothenextlife. OursuccessorsatEastminsterhaveinheritedasolid traditionofservice,worshipandfellowshipwhichfinds ourchurchstilllivelyanduseful.Iwouldn’tswapmy memorieswithanyone.Thankyou,Eastminster.

A LEGACY OF SERVING

Youth Fellowship & Missions

by Emily Higgins

EastminsterPresbyterianChurchclaimsthetagline, “Gatheringtogether.Reachingout.”Ourchurchlegacy maystartat3200TrenholmRoad,butitreachesfar beyondthat.Wehavearichhistoryofreachingoutto servebothourlocalcommunityandcommunitiesaround theworld.Thissummer,theyouthofthechurchwillbe continuingthatlegacy.

SeniorHighYouthwill“gathertogether”attheMontreat YouthConferenceJune9ththrough15th.This conferenceisaspecialgatheringofPresbyterianhigh schoolstudentsfromalloverthesoutheast.Montreat YouthConferenceaffirmsyouthintheircallingtobeand toshapethechurchofJesusChrist.Thethemethisyearis “PlantingPeace.”Studentswilllistentokeynoteleader DawnMartinHydeandPreacherGailHendersonBalsito. Theywillalsoengagewithasmallgroupandparticipatein

manyrecreationalactivities.Allofthistakesplaceonthe beautifulcampusofMontreatCollegeinBlackMountain, NorthCarolina.

ThefirstservicetripofthesummerwillbeJuly2nd through9th.TheseniorhighyouthwillflytoMarsh Harbor,Bahamasandspendtheweekrepairinghomes damagedbyhurricanes.Thistripisacrowdfavorite,and it’salmostbecomeariteofpassageforourhighschool students.Theworkisdifficultandsweaty,butthescenery andpeopleoftheBahamasareunforgettable.

Justdayslater,themiddleschoolyouthwillspendtheweek ofJuly7ththrough12thparticipatingintheBRIDGE MissionProgramatSaintSimon’sPresbyterianinSt. Simon’sIsland,GA.Thisuniqueprogramfocuseson ecologicaleducation,teachingtudentsaboutthe

currentenvironmentalchallengesandofferingsimple andeffectivewaystotakecareofGod'screationintheir dailylives.Studentswillcleanupmarinedebrisandalso workwiththemissionpartnersofSaintSimon’s Presbyterianchurch.

Finally,July14ththrough19th,anothergroupofsenior highstudentswillflyouttoDallas,Texasfordomestic missionwork.WorkingwithDallasYouthMission,the Eastminsteryouthwillhaveanopportunitytounderstand thesituationsofthosewhoarelivinginsuchalargecity. Missionworkwillincludethemesoffoodinsecurity, poverty,andhomelessnessinthismajorurbanhub. AllofthesesummeryouthtripsaddtoEastminster’s legacyinrichandmeaningfulways.Ouryouthtripsarean embodimentof “Gatheringtogether.Reachingout.”Each experiencewillenrichstudents’individuallegacies,aswell asthewholechurchcommunity.

Check-In With Emily Higgins, Director of Middle School Youth

Q:You'vebeeninyourrolealmostayear,whathasbeenyourfavoritemoment?

Emily:“Thisrolehasbeenadreamcometrueforme!Therehavebeensomanywonderfulmoments,butoneof myfavoritememoriessofarwasservingatHarvestHopeFoodBankwithourMiddleSchoolYouth.The eagernessandenthusiasmtheYouthbroughttoHarvestHopewashumblingforme.Iwaspreparedtohaveto motivatethemtowork,buttheyastoundedmewithhowmuchtheyaccomplishedinanhourandahalf.Even theHarvestHopestaffcommentedontheworkethic.Andwehadagreattimetogether!Itwasdefinitelya proudmommomentforme.”

Q:WhatdrewyoutoYouthministry?

Emily:“Ilovethatit’smyjobtoremindkidstheyarelovedbythecreatoroftheuniverse.Therelationship aspectofmyjobisthebestpart.It’sshowinguptobaseballgamessotheyknowthey’reworthyofmytime.It’s pickingupFaceTimecallssotheyknowIwanttohearfromthem.Yousimplycannottellapersonthattheyare lovedtoomuch.Themiddleschoolyearsareparticularlyvulnerable,andkidsneedsomeonewhowillbereal withthemandremindthemofwhatistrueaboutthem.It’sdeeplyfulfillingtodoso.”

Q:HowhavetheEPCYouthimpactedyourfaithjourneyoverthepastyear?

Emily:“TheEPCYouthhavemadememoreinquisitive.They’vepromptedmetodivedeeperandseek understandinginnewways.HaveyoueverwonderedifJesushadacrushinsixthgrade?Becausethatwas recentlyaskedatmiddleschoolBiblestudy.Ihadneverconsideredthisanditbroughtmetoadeeper understandingofJesus’humanity.HaveyoueverwonderedwhyPauldidn’tincludebraveryasafruitofthe spirit?Thatquestionstillhasmestumped,butI’vehadsomereallymeaningfultimewithGodtryingtofigureit out.Truly,theEPCYouthhavesparkedanewenergyintomyfaithlife.Iamsogratefulforthem!”

LEGACY OF DEDICATION

Staff Highlights

by Caroline Bennett

“Letthemorningbring mewordofyour unfailinglove,forI haveputmytrustin you.ShowmethewayI shouldgo,fortoyou Ientrustmylife.”

Psalm143:8

BILLCOLLINSBUSINESSMANAGER

2013-2024

Noonewantstobe“thrownintothefire”thefirstdayin anewjob.ButsuchwasthecaseforBillCollins,who started11yearsagoasEastminster’sBusinessManager.

Withnooneinthatroleatthetimetotrainhim,Bill’s initialdaybeganwithnavigatingplansforamajor sanctuaryrenovationprojectandits$3.8millioncapital campaignkickoffscheduledfortheupcomingSunday. Asifthatwerenotenoughtopromptapoundingheart, thedeafeningbuzzofthechurch’sfirealarmjoltedBill fromhisdesktosearchforthesourcedownhallways completelyunfamiliartohim.Luckily,itwasafalsely trippedalarmwithnorealfiretoextinguish. Nevertheless,Billfelttheheatofthejob.TheLord had preparedBillthroughouthiscareer,though,includinghis prior20yearsasBusinessManagementTeamDirector fortheBaptistConvention,andhetrustedfullythatthe LordsenthimtoEastminsterforareason.

“IcanlookbackonmylifeandseewheretheLordhas allowedmetodevelopinwaystotrainmeforajoblike this,”saysBill.“IjustservedtheLorddaytoday.Ialways trytopray,‘Lord,justputinfrontofmetodaywhatI needtodo.’Andthroughthat,theLordhasallowedme togetdonewhat’sneeded.”

Besidesthesanctuaryrenovationproject,othermajor accomplishmentsunderBill’spurviewwerethe expansionoftheMemorialGardenandColumbarium, thereplacementofthecarillons(churchbells), replacementofThompsonHall’sHVAC,andbringing HRuptospeedoncomponents–suchasE-Verify,SC NewHirereporting,EqualEmploymentOpportunity, andOSHA300–requiredforlargeremployerslike EPCwithits125employees.

Ashereflectsonthecompletedprojectsduringhis tenure,Billtakeslittletononeofthecredit,butinstead pointstothemanytalentedandknowledgeablepeople whotheLordplacedalonghispathtohelpeachproject succeed.HereferstothefoursomeofEPCmembersand professionalsintheirfieldsas“TheDreamTeam,”who togetherservedasvolunteerprojectco-managersover thesanctuaryrenovation:WarrenPropst,JohnBarr, SimpsonFant,andRandyCottrell.Billmentions anonymousdonors,suchastheonewho“savedtheday” whenthecarillonneededreplacing.HenamesKathy HelmswhohelpedsomuchwithHRissues.Herecalls hisgratefulnessforRobertMcWilliams’knowledgeof andhumbleinfluenceregardingthecampus’sHVAC historyandinfrastructure.

Althoughtheseaccomplishmentsareonalargerscale, hisstaffwouldsayBill’sgreatestaccomplishmenthas beentherelationshipshe’sbuiltwithhisteamof employees.Asamemberofhisstaff,Icanattesttothis andaddthathisattentiontodetailhelpsthestaff“set thetable”effectivelyforSundays,classes,events, meetings,weddingsandfunerals.

Threeyearsintohisjob,ifBillhadn’tfeltthefullimpact ofthechurchfamily’sloveforandadmirationofhim, hecertainlyfeltitin2016.OnaSaturdaymorningwhile runninganerrand,Bill’scarwashithead-onbyalarge truck,whichresultedinafour-cardemolition,including thetruck’scompletesplitintotwopiecesafterrolling overBill’svehicle.Inandoutofconsciousness,Bill

rememberspraying,“Lord,Idon’tknowwhathappened, butyoudo.”Hefeltimmediatepeace,beforebeing transportedbyairtothehospitalforbrokenwristsanda gashinhishead.

“Thechurchwasfabulousduringthattime.Ithinkit shockedmyfamilytoseehowgraciousthechurchwasand howtheyorganizedaMealTrainforus.Itwasjust incredible,”recallsBill.“Itwasaspiritualtimetoo,knowing theLordwasn’tfinishedwithmeyet,andrealizinghehad biggerplansforme.”

BillcontinuedinhisroleasBusinessManagerforeight moreyears,untilthisSpringwhenhefelttheLord’snudge towardretirement.“TheLordhasreleasedmefromthis job,”saysBill,whoplanstofocusonhishealth,aging mother,tenniswithhisdaughters,andtimewithhiswife.

“Itwasn’tjustajob,”Billadds.“It’sallbeenjoy,becauseI felttheLordcallingmehere.BeingintheLord’swillismost important.”

AlthoughBillmayhavebeen“thrownintothefire”atime ortwoduringhis11yearsatEPC,itwashisheartthatwas actuallyonfirefortheLord–andthataloneiswhatdrove himtosucceedinhisrole.

FREDNALEE-

DIR.OFMUSICMINISTRIES

1994-PRESENT

“Therehavebeenseasonsofgreat joyandgreatsorrowinmylife–timeswhenmydailymantrawas ‘IcandoallthingsthroughChrist whostrengthensme’andtimesof recitingversesofgreatinspiration, suchasPhilippians4:4-8,‘RejoiceintheLordalways.’ EastminsterPresbyterianhasbeeninthemidstofthose seasonsforthepast44years,”saysFrednaLee,whose commitmenttoEPCspansdecades.

In1980whileworkingonherMaster’sDegreeatUSC, FrednawashiredasasopranosoloistforEastminster’schoir, directedatthetimebyDr.DonaldGray,whowasalso Fredna’svoiceteacher.Nineyearslater,shejoinedthe churchwithherhusband,Michael.

IntroducingAlishaHudson: StartinginMay2024before BillCollins’retirementinJune, Alishawillbefillingtheroleof ExecutiveDirectorofFinance &AdministrativeServices, formerlyknownasBusiness Manager.

Since2016,AlishahasservedastheBusinessManagerfor SaxeGothaPresbyterian.From2011-2016,shewasCFOof theEpiscopalUpperDioceseofSouthCarolina.

InherroleatSaxeGotha,Alishaiscreditedwith: Revolutionizingthechurch’spersonnelfunction; Takingtheirfinancestoanewlevel;and Buildingstrongrelationshipsandgettingthingsdone.

“WeareconfidentAlisha’sskillsandexperiencewill addtoEastminster’sministry,andwepraiseGodfor leadinghertous,”saysBradSmith.Specialthanksgoto PersonnelChairBobStatonandhiscommittee–EmmaBryson,DavidParker,andKeltyRiddle–fortheircontributionstothesearchprocess.

“Backinthe80s,IhadmultiplerolemodelsintheEPC choirinthepersonsofWeezieMcFarland,JackiePerrone, ArrieBoyd,SueMcCutcheon,PaulineSpeight,Macand MildredMcGregor,DarylandMeredithMcKee,and LelandandLeVonneMcCoy.Dr.Grayandhiswife, Connie,werewonderfulmentors,colleagues,andfriends. Thesefolkstaughtmevaluablelessonsaboutdedication andservicetothechurch,”recallsFredna.

FREDNALEEDIR.OFMUSICMINISTRIES

1994-PRESENT

Thenin1994,thechurchhiredthreepart-timeChildren’s Choirdirectors:ConnieGray,AngelaPowers,andFredna Lee.“Thosewerethedaysofchildren’smusicals,whichwe oftenpresentedduringthe9:00serviceinthesanctuaryor onSundayafternoons,”saysFredna.“Therearequitea fewyoungparentsofcurrentECAMPsingerswhoalso participatedinoneofthosechildren’schoirsthatIled.”

AfterDr.Gray’sretirementfromhislongtimepositionat Eastminster,FrednawashiredinJanuary2008asfull-time DirectorofMusicMinistries.Sincethen,Frednaalso becametheMusicDirectorforEDS(2015-July2023), whichbridgestheDaySchoolandEPC’schildren’smusic; addedLessons&CarolstoAdventservices;oversawthe Jubileemusic(ledbyAugieGil);andstartedECAMP–theSundaynightmusicprogramforchildren–with PastorCroskeysandStefanieHammond.

Althoughpepperedwithmanyjoyfulmemories,her30 yearshavealsohadchallenges.In2009,Fredna’shusband wascriticallyillatBaptistHospital.Frednarecalls,“On June11,membersoftheChancelChoirtookturns

visitingalldayandbringingspecialtreatsformybirthday. Michaelpassedawaythenextday.I’llalwaystreasurethe memoryofthosespecialpeopleandwhattheydidforme thenandmanyotherdaysaswell.”

Then2020COVIDrolledin.“Offeringworship experiencesandmaintainingacommunityoffaithduring COVIDwasstressful,”Frednaremembers.“ButGodhad placedtheperfectpeopleattheperfecttimeatEastminster. Wewereabletoofferlive-streamworship,pre-recorded experiences,andworshiponthefieldbecauseof BillCollins,JamesCassidy,andAugieGil,aswellasour pastors.Eachofthemhadtheknowledgebaseandthe expertisetohelpEastminstersurviveandthrivewhenother congregationswerestruggling.I’llalwaysbegratefulto Godandtothemforcreativityandleadership.”

Whenconsideringthehymnsshehassungwithherchoir overtheyears,onestandsoutastheexpressionofher desirestoserveandlovetheLord.“Takemylifeandletit beconsecrated,Lord,tothee.Takemymomentsandmy days;letthemflowinendlesspraise.”*

Indeed,Fredna’sroleinEastminster’sMusicMinistryhas servedadivinepurpose.Herloveofscripture,music,and–mostofall–theLordhasguidedourchurchfamilyto praiseGodinsong.

*Havergal,FrancesRidley,“TakeMyLife,”1874.

“Myprayerforallofusisthatwewill findourLordandSaviorinthemidstof worship,whetheritbeduringtheoffertory anthem,themusicoftheJubileeBand,the prayers,theScripture,themessage,oras youapproachtheElderstoreceive communionandhearthelovingwords, ‘ThebodyofChristforyou.’”

FrednaLee DailyDevotional~May

20,2022

STANLEYHOLLANDDIRECTOROFCHAMPS

SPRING2024

Oneneverknowshow Godisworkingbehindthe scenes.Andonemaynot besureofGod’splansfor hislife.ButasStan Hollandsays,“Thereis alwayshopewhenwelook totheLordforthenext

Threeyearsago,Stanandhiswife,Veronica,movedto ColumbiafromTuscaloosa,AL,wherethetwowere "do-ers,"butfindingpurposeandmeaningintheirlives becamemoreimportantthan“doing.”Soafterservingas anationallyrecognizedbusinessandeducationexecutive, entrepreneur,nonprofitprofessional,community advocateandorganizer,Gallupcertifiedstrengthscoach, andretiredmilitaryofficer…hesettleddownin ColumbiaandwaitedforGodtoshowhimthenext purposeforhislife.

HebecameinvolvedintheForestAcresRotaryClub, whichsoonvotedhimasthenextPresident-Elect, effectivethisJuly.Itwasinpreparationforthatrolethat God’splanbegantoberevealed.ThroughRotary,Stan hadmetourPastorBenSloanandaskedhimifthey couldmeettodiscussinsightsandideasforhisupcoming role.SotheysetadateinFebruarytomeetatEPC.Their richdiscussionflowedfromRotaryideastocommunity issues,frompastpositionstocurrentpassions.

“Isattherespeakingbackandforth,whileatthesame timethankingGodforanansweredprayer–mydeepseateddesiretohavesomeoneclosewithwhomIcould speakandsharemythoughtsandfeelingsopenlyand freely….Isharedmypassionforouryouthandthework IhavedonewiththeminthemanyplacesI’velivedand worked,”saysStan.

Thatday,BentoldhimaboutEastminster’sCHAMPS program,thendirectedbyRebekahGaston,and encouragedhimtovolunteer.Sohedid.Andhecame tovisitEastminsterforworshipthatnextSundayas well,followedbyallSundayssince.

Atthesametime,theLordwasstirringhisheart towardCHAMPS,RebekahGastonannouncedajob changebacktoherformercareerinsportsphysical therapy.DuringherfiveyearsasDirectorof CHAMPS(aprogramdesignedtoprovidepromising studentswithavisionoftheirfutureandstimulate themtostrivetowardpost-secondaryeducation),she addedSummercampsandascholarshipprogramfor highschoolstudentsseekingcollegeadmission. RebekahdepartedforhernewjobinMarch,andStan decidedtoanswerthecall,acceptingEastminster's offerasthenewDir.ofCHAMPSinApril.

My,howGod’stimingissoperfect!

AmonghismanygoalsforCHAMPSinthecoming months,heplanstofocusonempoweringtheparents asmuchasthestudentstowardbeingthebestversion ofthemselves.“IbelieveGodtakesourmessesand turnsthemintoourmessage,”saysStan.“Churchis themostpowerfulchangeagentinacommunity.I wantCHAMPStoincreaseourfocusontheparenting portionoftheprogram,encouragingandguidingthe parentsonhowtopartnerwiththeirchildren.”

Inadditiontothiswiderfocus,hewillbehoninginon whatitmeanstobeChristlike.Hebelievesthatin ordertoreachtowardChristlikeness,wemusthave goodcharacter,conversations,andconduct.

“Iamthekindofpersonwhocaresdeeply,andmy commitmentistoGod.Mylifemustbealignedwith God’spurposeandwillformylifeandmyfamily’s,” saysStan,whoseeyesstayedonGodtorevealthenext stepforhislife.Andnow,he’swalkingconfidently andgratefullytowardthenewroleinwhichtheLord hasplacedhim.

SARAH AND FRANK BROWN

A STEADFAST LOVE THROUGH A LEGACY OF CARING by

Florence Nofal Gailey

One would be very pressed to find a love as enduring as that between longtime Eastminster members Sarah and Frank Brown.

After 61 years of marriage, they are as in love as ever – despite the fact that Sarah is in the final stage of Alzheimer’s. Read on to discover the philosophy by which they live out their days together – one that is centered around joy and love.

EnteringtheBrowns’sunlitapartmentatStill HopeswithFrank,Iwastouchedashecheerily remindedSarahofwhoIam,mychildren,andthe connectionsweshared.Althoughshehasaphasia, Sarahseemedtolisten.

SarahwasEastminster’svolunteerlibrarianfrom 1990to2009,arolethatFrankdescribedasthe pinnacleofhercareerasaneducator.“Sarahwas verydedicated,”Frankrecalled.“Shelovedthe churchstaff,thecongregation,andbeingwith children.Itwastheperfectpositionforher;she wouldhavestayedforever.”

However,asSarahbegantonoticedeficienciesin hermemory,shedecidedtoresignin2009.

“Shewantedtodothejobthewayitshouldbe done,”Frankexplained.In2011,theyreceivedthe diagnosisofAlzheimer’s.

HowSarahandFrankhandledherdiagnosishas madeallthedifference.“Afterthediagnosis,we spenttwoweeksdiscussinghowwewould respondtoit,”Frankrecalled.Theirdiscussion wasinformedbytheirextensiveexperiencein caregiving–havingcaredfortheirparentsanda familyfriendfortheprior23yearsaswellas Frank’sexperienceasaStephenMinisterat Eastminster.Theirconclusion,whichremains intacttothisday,wasthis:tolivejoyfully.As Frankputit,“Wehadnoideahowmuchquality timewewouldhaveleft,butweweregoingto

continuetoenjoylifeandeachotheraslongaswe possiblycould.”

Inthefollowingyears,SarahandFranktookevery opportunitytoenjoythepleasurestheyhadalways shared--music,theater,goodfood,andtravel. Theirtravelstookthemaroundtheglobe culminatinginatriptoSwitzerland,wherethey paraglidedoffamountaintopinInterlakendoing somersaultsintheair!

Theyear2020wasaturningpoint.BothFrank andSarahcontractedCOVID-19inNovember, andSarahrequiredhospitalization.Thesudden removalfromherfamiliarhomesurroundings provedverytraumatic;fromthatpointforward, Sarahrequiredtotalcare.InAprilof2021,Frank andSarahmovedtoStillHopes.Whiletheyhave helpeighthoursaday,Frankisveryinvolvedinall aspectsofSarah’scare.“Atmost,Iamawaythree

oftheeighthoursahelperishere,”Frank explained.“Thestressofcaregivingisconstant,so Iamintentionalaboutself-care.Beingwith peopleistherapeutic,soIhaveremainedinvolved insupportgroups,civicgroups,andactivitiesI enjoy.Ialsoexercisefivedaysaweek,andIdo deepbreathingandmeditation.”Atthispoint, FrankdoesnotforeseemovingSarahtoskilled care.“Ithinkthatwouldcausemeevenmore stress,”headmitted.“Sheishappyhere,andit’sa privilegetowalkwithherthroughthislast chapterofherlife.Theexperiencehasenriched mebeyondmeasure.”

FrankwasquicktopointoutthatheandSarah areveryfortunate.Whenreflectingonhowwell they’vedone,hehadthistosay:“Whenyou receiveadiagnosisofdementia,youmust rememberthatallisnotlost.Recognizethatthe individualaffectedisgoingtolosehisorher rationalabilities–thatisnotgoingtogetbetter. However–andthisiskey–thatpersonwillstill retaintheirintuitiveabilities.Intuitiveabilitiesare thosewederivethroughoursenses–sight,smell, hearing,taste,andtouch–andmostofthe pleasurewehaveinlifecomesthroughoursenses. So,livejoyfullybydoingthingsthatbringyou pleasure.”

FrankexplainedthatheandSarahcontinueto livejoyfully.Musicplaysconstantlyintheir apartment.Theirtripsaroundtheworldhave beenreplacedbydailyafternoontripsdownstairs totheicecreamshop,followedbydinnerinthe

dininghall.“Tothisday,wecontinuetoliveas joyfullyaswedidbefore–it’sjustthatnow,our worldismuchsmaller,”explainedFrank.“Ihave keptSarahbusy;wegoouthereatStillHopes;we’re notisolated.I’vebeenintentionalinavoidingsocial isolation,whichsooftenhappenstodementia patientsandtheirfamilies.”

Inadditiontolivingjoyfully,Frankofferedanother pieceofadvicetocaregiverswhomaystartoutnot knowingmuch:“Ifyoucanjustremembertolove thatperson,everythingwillbealright.Asthedisease progresses,apersonwithdementiawillbeignored moreandmore.Havingsomeonewhomakessure thatpersonknowstheyarelovedisreallycritical.I thinkthatisoneofthereasonsSarahandIareas strongacoupleasweeverwere–Ioverwhelmher withloveandaffection.”

3200 Trenholm Road

Columbia, SC 29204

(803) 256-1654

SUMMER WORSHIP SCHEDULE

JUNE 2 - AUGUST 4, 2024 JUBILEE