Eastminster Today JuneJuly 2026 Revised by eastminsterpresbyterian

I N S I D E

F E A T U R E S

MISSIONS UPDATE:

Western North Carolina & More

EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT: Alex Rogers

WORSHIP & MUSIC: Courtyard Concert & Blessing of the Animals

ENDOWMENT UPDATE: Two New Endowment Funds

NED UPDATE:

Adult Combined Summer Sunday School

C. S. Lewis Study with Douglass Key Adult VBS

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT: USC’s Music Alumni Community Award

CARE UPDATE: Holy Rest Retreat

JOIN US THIS SUMMER: Jubilee Contemporary Worship

CHILDREN’S MINISTRY: Summer & Fall Volunteers Needed

YOUTH MINISTRY: Youth Vision Night

M&O MINISTRY: Welcome to the Neighborhood

COLLEGE RESIDENT Mary Robinson

03 Letter from Your Pastor

04 18 Articles 19 Mark Your Calendars I N E V E R Y I S S U E

Above Photo Compliments of Drew Walker Cover: Tina & Tom Burkizer with “Green Bean”

A Letter From Your Pastor

D

earEastminsterFamily,

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

Western NC Reflections

LAUREN CUNNINGHAM

ThisSpring,Eastminstersentateamof36memberstothe BlackMountainareaofWesternNorthCarolinatoserve familiesstillrecoveringfromthedevastatingeffectsof HurricaneHelene.Whatbeganasaweekofconstruction workquicklybecameanopportunitytosharehope, encouragement,andtheloveofChristwithour neighbors.

Duringtheweek,EastminsterpartneredwithHammer& Heart,alocalnonprofitorganizationthatprovidesurgent homerepairstolower-incomefamiliestohelpmaintain theirhomesinsafelivingconditions.Ourworkcrews assistedwithavarietyofprojectsthroughoutthe community.Volunteershelpedbuildskirtingona recoveredtrailerhome;buildsteps,decking,andrailings; andstainseveralnewlycompleteddecksandstairwaysin theneighborhood.

Whilethephysicalrepairswereimportant,someofthe mostmeaningfulmomentshappenedinconversations withlocalresidents.Teammembersspenttimelistening tostoriesofloss,hardship,andthelongroadtorecovery followingtheflooding.Wesharedmeals,prayedwith neighbors,andofferedencouragementtofamilieswho continuetofaceoverwhelmingchallengeseventwoyears afterthestorm.

Inadditiontoprovidingvolunteerlabor,theEastminster Missions,Service&Benevolence(MSB)Committeevoted togivechurchfunds yourmoneythatisgenerously giventoGodandourchurchtoareaministries Wegave $10,000toHammer&Hearttohelpoffsetthegrowing expenseofconstructionmaterialsneededfortheserepairs. MSBalsodonated$2,000toABCCMCrisisMinistry,a localfoodbankandassistanceministrythatjustlastyear providedfoodandclothingsupporttomorethan38,000 peopleinthecounty.

Western NC Reflections

LAUREN CUNNINGHAM

Althoughmuchprogresshasbeenmade,localleaders estimatethatrecoveryfromHurricaneHelenecouldtake morethan10years Theneedremainsgreat,andthe opportunitytoserveisremarkablyclosetohome.Justa fewhoursnorthofColumbia,communitiesarestill rebuilding,andGodcontinuestoopendoorsforministry, compassion,andrestoration

Reflectingonthetrip,TheresaDennissharedthatthe wordthatbestdescribestheexperienceis“joy.”Therewas joyandlaughterwithinthegroupastheyworkedsideby sideonconstructionprojects,butespeciallyjoyingiving backtohomeownerslikeWade.Onemomentthatstayed withherwasseeingWadesittingonhisnewlycompleted porchwithasmilealongsideafriend avisiblereminder ofhopeaftersomuchloss.Theresareflectedthatjustas Hammer&Hearthelpspeoplegetbackontheirfeet physically,Goddoesthesameforusspirituallywhenwe loseourway.Eveninthemidstofpain,Godhelpsus rediscoverhopeandjoy.Missiontrips,shesh d opportunitiesforpeopletoexperiencethatr Herencouragementtoothersconsideringfu simple:“Grabyourbestieandgo!”

Wearegratefulforeveryonewhoprayed,ga andservedonthistrip.Yoursupporthelped tangibledifferenceinthelivesoffamiliesin NorthCarolina.GoGod!

UpcomingMissionOpportunities

July20–31,2026–Pleaseprayforthen EastminstermemberstravelingtoUgan withSozoChildren'sMinistries. October29–November1,2026–FallM WesternNorthCarolina.

June2027–MissionTriptoUganda AdditionalstatesideANDinternationa opportunitiesarecurrentlyintheworks

Alex Rogers- Dir. Plant Operations

RYAN HOLCOMBE

Forthepastfiveyears,Alex Rogershashelpedkeep Eastminstermoving, functioning,andreadyfor ministry.AsDirectorofPlant Operations,Alexoverseesateam ofstaffmemberswhocarefor everythingfromcleaningand eventsetupstomaintenance, repairs,andlargercampusprojectsHisworkreaches acrosstheentirechurch,fromtheroofsoverheadto thepipesunderground.

AlexcametoEastminsterwithabackgroundin HVAC,whichhelpedhimstepconfidentlyintosome ofthemajorfacilityprojectshappeningoncampus. Sincethen,hehashelpedcoordinateroof replacements,steeplepainting,treework,andthe recentcourtyardrenovation.Thatprojectincluded planning,contractorcoordination,landscaping,turf installation,fountainplacement,andevenimportant sewerlinerepairsbeneaththesurface.

WhilemanypeopleknowtocallAlexwhentheair conditioninggoesoutorsomethingneedsfixing, muchofhisworkhappensquietlybehindthescenes. Hehelpsmanagecontractsforheatingandair, landscaping,inspections,andotheressentialservices. Histeamchecksfireextinguishersandelevator

phonesmonthly,keepsupwithemployeeschedules andpayroll,andrespondstocountlessdailyneeds acrosstheproperty.

Alex’sroleisbroad,practical,anddeeplyimportantto thelifeofthechurch.Everyclassroom,worshipspace, hallway,eventsetup,andgatheringdependsinsome wayonthefaithfulworkofPlantOperations.

OutsideofEastminster,AlexlivesinLexingtonwith hisfiancee,Courtney,theirdaughter,Josie,and Courtney’sson,Braxton.Theirdaysrevolvearound thekids,andwhenhehastime,Alexenjoysgolfing, fishing,gettingoutonthewater,andfindingfun placestogoasafamily.

ThisSpring,Alexreceivedthe“WaytoShine”award. Alexmakesgreatprogressquietlyandbehindthe scenes,andisknownforhavinga“servant’sheart.”

Courtyard Concert- April 19 SUNDAY-FUNDAY

Blessing of the Animals- April 26

A LEGACY OF CARE

The Butch Jones Endowment Fun

INTERVIEW WITH SUSAN JONES

OnMarch3,2026,TheButchJonesEndowmentFund becameofficial Aftermanyconversations,laughterand tears,SusanJonesanddearfriendsLindaandJimLathren signedadocumentofhope-afundthatwillprovide individualsdealingwithlife-alteringillnesses,theassistance neededtomodifytheirsurroundingstomakelifeabit easier.

Howard “Butch” Ligon Jones, Jr. ButchJoneswasakind,generousmanofdeepfaith,aloyal friendandalovinganddevotedhusband.Butchservedas bothaDeaconandElderatEastminster,taught SundaySchoolandattendedtheThursdayMen’sBible Studyformanyyears.HealsoservedontheFinance CommitteeandworkedcloselywiththeEndowment Committee.SusanandTheLathrenswanttoleavealegacy inhisnamethatwouldtrulyhelpothers “WhenwethoughtabouthonoringButch,helping individualsandfamiliesgoingthroughtimesofphysical andmentaldecline,seemedlikeanobviousandhonorable mission….especiallysinceButchdealtwithsimilar challenges,”explainsSusan.

“Lifecantakesomeunforeseentwistsandturns, especiallyinphysicalandmentalcapabilities,when someoneisdealingwithaseriouslife-alteringillness. Parkinson’sDisease,Dementia,MultipleSclerosis, Cancer,andALSarejustafewexamples.Many timesthesechangesrequireimprovingormodifying someone ’shometoaccommodatetheirnewreality. Thiscanbeexpensive,andwewanttohelpin honoringButch,”addedLindaandJim.

Linda, Jim, and Susan believe the Holy Spirit was at work when they independently and simultaneously arrived at this endowment idea.

To God be the glory.

A LEGACY OF HOPE

The Reinhardt Endowment Fund INTERVIEW WITH RICHARD REINHARDT

Forsometime,RichardReinhardthasprayedabout leavingalegacyforchildrenandyouththatwould enablethosewhoneeded“alittlehelp”financiallyto beabletoaffordchurchcamp,sportscamp, CHAMPSCamporanycamps/retreats He remembersfondlyhowmuchhelovedgoingtocamp asaboy.Heespeciallyenjoyedgoingtochurchcamp, butknewsomechildreninhisSundaySchoolclass wouldnotbegoingintheSummerbecauseit“wasn’t inthebudget.”

Healsowantedtoprovidefinancialassistanceforhigh schoolgraduateswhomaynotwanttogotocollege, butneedtolearnatradeorskilltosupportthemselves andtheirfamilies.

Richardexplains,“Collegeisnotforeveryone,and someyoungpeoplemaybebettersuitedorprefer learningatradeofsomekind,butmaybetheycan’t affordit....Youknow,somepeople,nomatterhow

goodtheyare,orhowhardtheyworkorprayatnight, theyjustneedalittlehelp.Andthatiswhatourfamily wantedtodo...toprovideaccessto‘help’foryoung people.”

OnJanuary27,2026,theReinhardtEndowment Fundwascreated.Theresearch,prayer,andofcourse, conversationswiththefinancial“experts”atEPC,had allcometofruition.

ThepurposeoftheReinhardtEndowmentFundis two-fold:“Tosupportthecharacter,faith,andfuture shapingministriesandoutreachoftheChurchby providingopportunitiesforchildrenandyoung peoplefromfamilieswithlimitedfinancialresources tobenefitfromopportunitiesrangingfromfunding forSummercampsandothercharacter/faithshaping experiences”and“tosupportindividualswithlimited financialresourcestoattendVocationalTrainingor TradeSchool.”

To learn more about the Eastminster Endowment, contact Alisha Hudson - Executive Director of Finance and Administrative Services - via email (ahudson@eastminsterpres.org), or Andy Lowrey, Chair of the Eastminster Endowment Committee, (feltonlowrey@gmail.com).

A Summer With Screwtape

DR. DOUGLASS KEY

C.S.Lewiswasbornin1898,inBelfast,Ireland(before thepartition).Hisfamilyweredevoutmembersofthe ChurchofIreland,partoftheAnglicanCommunion. HefoughtintheFirstWorldWarandreturnedto studyatOxfordearningdegreesinClassicaldisciplines –GreekandLatinLiterature,PhilosophyandAncient History,andEnglish.Hespentthefirst29yearsofhis academiccareer(1925-1959)asafellowinEnglish LiteratureatMagdalenCollege,Oxford.

Heisperhapsmostwell-knownforhisconversion fromanearlycuriositywithpaganCelticMysticism backtotheChristianityofhischildhoodinthe AnglicanChurch.Lewisiscelebratedtoday,63years afterhisdeath,notforhisinsightsintotheMedieval mindorhisfacilitywithGreekandLatinphilosophy, butforhisrelentlessdefenseofthereasonablenessof Christianfaithandpractice.In1946hewas proclaimedthe“ApostletotheSkeptics”byChad WalshinthepagesofTheAtlantic.Heis,bysome estimations,thepreeminentChristianapologistofthe twentiethcentury.In1990thereadersofChristianity TodayvotedhisMereChristianity“themost influentialbook(otherthantheBible)”

Eastminster’scombinedAdultSundaySchoolclass isgoingtospendthesummerwithCSLewisThe ScrewtapeLettersisoneofLewis’earlynovels, writtenin1942.Itisacautionarytaleaboutthe poweroftemptationanditsresistancefromthe perspectiveofanovicedemon,Wormwood,andhis mentor-uncle,Screwtape.Itisanironic,whimsical, oftendeeplypsychological,occasionallytheological explorationofthewaytheworldseekstoseparateus fromtheloveofGodinChrist.ThoughScrewtape neverquotesscriptureinhisletters,heoperatesout ofthetruthoftheEpistleofJames,that“friendship withtheworldisenmitywithGod.”Andheisall aboutgeneratingenmitywithGod.Howwillthe “patient”escape?

JoinusSundaymorningsat9:00intheAdult ReceptionHallthisSummer.Wehavecopiesofthe bookavailableforjust$7.50soyoucanreadalong.

USC’s COMMUNITY IMPACT ALUMNI AWARD

Heidi Carey - USC ‘91 & ‘94

INTERVIEW WITH HEIDI CAREY

ThisSpring,EPCmember andtalentedcellist,Heidi Carey,was“thrilledtobe nominatedforUSC’s CommunityImpactAward byhermentor,DrRobert Jesselson.”Shewasevenmore thrilledwhenshelearnedshe’d receivedtheaward!The AwardsCeremonywasheld onApril24,2026.

“TheCommunityImpactAlumniAwardrecognizes SchoolofMusicalumniwhoaremakingexceptional contributionstotheircommunities.Adedicatedcellist andcommittedartsadvocate,HeidiCareyisaproduct oftheSouthCarolinapublicschoolartssystem.A nativeofGreenville,SC,sheplayedwiththeCarolina YouthSymphonyandtheGreenvilleSymphony,as wellasattendedtheGreenvilleCountyFineArts Center,beforestudyingwithDr.RobertJesselsonat theUniversityofSouthCarolinainColumbia.

aprogramthatbringsmusictoourprisons,shelookedto scripture,andreflectsthatMatthew25:36isthereason shesaid“yes”tothisministryopportunity.Shealways lovedthisparticularinvitationinMatthewtoallofusto seeeveryonethroughJesus’eyes,andsheremembers fondlythat“anEPCMissionst-shirthasthisverseonthe back,andIamthankfulfortheopportunitytohaveseen ‘Jesusinprison.’”

Heidiisalsothankfulforherhusband,Ken,andtheirtwo children,ColsonandSally,whoenthusiasticallysupport hercontinued“impact”inthecommunity,allowingher tofollowherheart.

“Heidiattendedlawschoolandcontinuesherlaw careerasapartneratRileyPope&Laney,LLC.In 2025,shewasappointedbyGovernorMcMastertothe SouthCarolinaArtsCommissionandhonoredbythe SCPhilharmonicwiththeDr.BenjaminWilson Woodruff,Jr.Award.ShealsoparticipatesinArts Capacity,facilitatingchambermusicincorrectional institutions.Sheplaysahandmadecello,craftedby DamirHorvatin2018.”

Heidiis“passionateaboutmusicoutreach,legal excellence,andlifelongservicethroughfaithand communityinitiatives”*

Heidisaysshefindshergreatestinspirationinthe wordsofscriptureWhenshewasaskedbytheSouth CarolinaPhilharmonictojoinArtsCapacity,

“Iwasnakedandyougaveme clothing,Iwassickandyoutookcare ofme,Iwasinprisonandyou visitedme.”-Matthew25:36

2026 HOLY REST RETREAT

Making Space for Soul Searching

REV. EMILY MOONEYHAN

OneofthegiftsofexperiencingaHoly RestRetreatisencounteringan increasedsenseofGod’spresence withinus,asweareinspiredthrough creationandcommunity.Takingtime awayinanintentionalway,likeHoly Rest,helpsustorecognizethatGodis presentwithusalways,andweareable towelcomeGod’spresencecontinually.

“Thesessionswerethoughtprovoking andeveryoneshared,Idefinitelyfeltthe HolySpirit”

“TheweekendwasjustwhatIneeded!” “Itfeltlikecampforadultlife,just right”

DuringourrecentHolyRestRetreatat Montreat,wewereinspiredbythe awesomenaturalsettingtoconsider ourselvesasbeloved,known,and createdbyGod.Withtimetogetherin dailyprayerandworship,sharing deliciousmeals,fellowship,and thoughtfulconversations,ourretreat onthemountainwasfullofrestand reconnectiontoGod,oneanother,and creation.

SundayafternoonourgroupgatheredatSanctuaryTrailwith Dr.MarkEllison,certifiedForestTherapyguide,intheJapanese traditionalpracticeofshinrin-yoku,orForestBathing.Bydrawingour attentiontothepresentandthegiftofoursenses,wewereableto experienceoursurroundingsmorefullyandreceivethecalmingand healingbenefitsthatbeingamongthenaturalworld,particularlytrees, canprovide

Wearesoblessedtoliveinacommunitythatoffersrichopportunities fortimeinnature,beittwohoursawayorrighthereinourown backyards.Whetheryouareabletotakeaweekendaway,orsimplyan afternoon,Iencourageyoutogivesometimewiththetreesatry, unplugged,withabitofcuriosityandwonder...andseewhattheforest mightsharewithyou.

Come As You Are This Summer

RYAN HOLCOMBE

FormanyEastminsterfamilies,JubileeContemporary WorshiphasbecomeameaningfulSundaymorning rhythmbecauseofitscasualatmosphere,intimatesetting, andupliftingmusic.HeldinThompsonHall,Jubilee offersalessformalworshipexperiencewheremembers andvisitorscangatherastheyare,singfamiliarsongsof praise,andencounterGodthroughscripture,prayer, preaching,andcontemporaryChristianmusic.

ZekeBennett,whocurrentlyhelpsleadJubileeworship,sayshisown familyhaslongbeendrawntotheservicebecauseofitswelcomingfeel. “Jubileehasalwaysbeenmyfamily’schoiceofservicesbecauseofits morecasual,lessstructurednature,”heshared.“SinceJubileeisheldin ThompsonHall,theatmosphereitselfismoreintimate.”

Musiciscentraltothatworshipexperience.Withpercussion,guitars, keys,andvocals,thesongshelpbringthelyricstolifeManyselections aresongsworshippersmayhearonChristianradioandrecognize immediately,whileothersarechosenbecausetheirwordsarerootedin scriptureandconnectcloselywiththemorning’smessage.

Zekeisespeciallygratefulforthemusiciansandsingerscurrentlyhelping leadtheservice.TheJubileeteamincludestalentedfull-timemusiciansas wellasgiftedmembersoftheEastminstercongregation,including RodneySwanonbassguitar,AnnaYoungonvocals,andyouthmember KarsonRiddle,whocontinuestogrowasavocalist

AsSummerbegins,Jubileeoffersawonderful opportunitytotrysomethingnew.Withamore relaxedseasonalrhythm,Zekehopesmembers andvisitorswillfeelinvitedtocomecomfortably, worshipopenly,andexperiencetheHolySpirit movingthroughmusicandcommunity.

“MyconstantprayerforJubilee,”Zekesaid,“is thatGodmovesthroughthemusiciansto powerfullyinspirethecongregationtopraiseGod openlyandfully.”

"We love having church members participate in the music and are so impressed with Anna Young and Karson! They have beautiful voices, and we appreciate them sharing their gifts to the glory of God Zeke is doing a wonderful job as worship leader. His music selections are thoughtful and set the tone for the service, and his joy is contagious!" - Mary Elliott

JoinusforJubileeContemporaryWorshipthisSummerat10a.m.inThompsonHall,followingSunday School.Comeasyouareforarelaxedservicefilledwithmusic,prayer,andpraise.

HOLY WORK

Children’s Ministry Volunteers Needed REV CROSKEYS ROYALL

Children’sMinistryisnotsimplychildcareorfillingavolunteerslot itis holywork.EachSundayinSundaySchoolandeachSummerduring VacationBibleSchool,wehavetheopportunitytojourneywithchildrenas theybegintodiscoverwhatitmeanstowalkinfaith.

OurchildrenneedtohearthestoriesofScripture:Abrahamsteppingout intrust,MosesleadingGod’speopletofreedom,Ruthshowingsteadfast love,Jesuswelcomingthechildren,disciplesofallagessharingtheloveof Christ.Thesestoriesarenotjustancienthistory.Theyremindusthatwe, too,arepartofthelargerstory apeopleoffaithlearningtofollowGod together.

ServinginChildren’sMinistryalsoinvitesustowrestlewiththebig questionsalongsideouryoungestmembers.QuestionsaboutGod’slove, prayer,forgiveness,andhopedon'tdetractfromfaith;theyareoftenthe veryplaceswherefaithgrowsdeepest.Childrenbringhonestyandcuriosity thatcanstrengthenthefaithofadultsjustasmuchasweencouragethem

WhetheryoucanhelpJune15-18thisSummerduringVacationBible SchoolorserveregularlyinSundaySchoolnextschoolyear,yourpresence matters.TalkingwithkidsaboutthewaystheysawGodthatweek,sharing aBiblestory,orjustcaringaboutwhatisgoingonintheirlivescanleavea lastingmarkonachild’slifeandfaithjourney.Weinviteyoutoprayerfully considerjoiningus!

YOUTH VISION NIGHT

Reflecting, Dreaming, and Walking Together

EMILY HIGGINS

EastminsterYouthMinistrygatheredparentsand studentsforYouthVisionNightonMay17,anevening designedtoreflectonthecurrentstateofthisministry, dreamabouttheyearahead,andcelebratetheheartand missionbehindEPCYouth.

LedbyRev.RobSchoonover,AssociatePastorforSenior HighYouthandYoungerAdults,andEmilyHiggins, DirectorofMiddleSchoolYouth,theeveninginvited familiesintoadeeperconversationabouthow Eastminstercancontinuewalkingalongsidestudentsin faith.RobsharedhishopethatEPCYouthwouldbea placeofrestandrenewalinaworldoftenshapedby performanceandpressure.Emilyemphasizedthejoyand privilegeofbuildingrelationshipswithstudentsand familiesthroughtheformativeyearsofmiddleschool.

Together,RobandEmilynamedsomeof therealitiesfacingYouthMinistrytoday, includingoverscheduledstudents, changingattendancepatterns,andthe needforsteady,faithfulrelationships.In response,theysharedarenewedfocuson threeguidingprinciples:live,rest,and grow.Theseprincipleswillshape opportunitiesforfellowship,Biblestudy, Sundaymorningformation,servicetrips, conferences,smallgroups,andeveryday connection.

Theeveningalsohighlightedseveralprogramupdatesforthecomingyear.EPCYouthwillintroducegrade-and gender-specificsmallgroups,anewcurriculumcalled“StoryMakers,”andaWorshipReDiscoverymilestoneto helpstudentstransitionfromchildhoodintoadolescenceontheirfaithjourney

YouthVisionNightgavefamiliesachancetohearnotonlywhatischanging,butwhyitmatters.Atitsheart,the eveningwasaboutpartnership,helpingstudentsknowtheyareloved,supported,andinvitedtofollowChrist together.

M&O MINISTRY UPDATE:

Being a Neighborly Church

Rev. Emily Mooneyhan

WelcometotheNeighborhood!

Movingcanbeoverwhelming,anditisoften challengingtoconnectwithothersandform communityinanewplace.Eastminster’sMembership andOutreachcommitteewantstomakeasplashthis Summerandcomealongsideournewestneighborswith alittleextrakindnessandhospitality,andweneedyour help! Beginningthismonth,EPCwillbeginreachingoutto individualsandfamilieswhoarenewtotheareawith mailedoutreachpostcards,invitingthemtoworship withus!Wearehopefulthatasweengagefolkswhoare newtoourneighborhoods,knowingthattheyhave receivedthispostcardinthemail,wemightstrikeupa friendlyconversationtoextendasuper-easy,in-person invitetocomeandseewhatEastminster(andbeinga followerofJesus)isallabout!

“Throughthisdirectmail,we’rehopefulthatwe’llcapture newresidents’attentionandcreateaconnectionthat makesthemcurioustofindoutmoreaboutEPC-andgive themareasontovisit!Afterall,whodoesn’tlovegetting mailaddresseddirectlytothem(aslongasit’snota bill)?”-KristyStoneburner, EPCMembership

EnrichmentCoordinator

Evangelism Made Easy:

-Strike up a conversation. Listen, and extend an invitation to church for worship, study, missions or fellowship -Get curious! Ask directly if someone might be looking for a church home.

-Share EPC happenings with your friend groups and on your own social media

-Lead with kindness! A small act of Christ-like hospitality can go a long way.

-Engage with EPC’s social media with comments, likes and shares to help us spread the Good Word.

“Youshalltreatthestranger whosojournswithyouasthe nativeamongyou,andyou shalllovehimasyourself,for youwerestrangersinthe landofEgypt:IamtheLord yourGod.”-Leviticus19:34

EPC’S NEW “COLLEGE RESIDENT”

Welcome Mary Robinson

EMILY HIGGINS

MaryRobinsonisarecentgraduateofClemson UniversitywhowillbejoiningEastminster’sstaffthis Summer!MarywillbeservingasournewCollege Residentforthecomingyear.Sheisoriginallyfrom Virginia,butspentherhighschoolyearsintheLow CountryofSCwhenherfatherbecametheHeadof StaffofFirstPresbyterianChurchinHiltonHead. MaryservedasPresidentoftheClemsonPresbyterian StudentAssociation,whereshedemonstratedstrong leadership,deepfaith,andaheartforministry.

Assheprayerfullyconsidersafuturecalltoministry, thisresidencyyearwillallowhertoexperiencethefull breadthofchurchlifeatEastminster.BeginningJune 8,2026,Marywillspendtheyearlearningalongside ourpastoralstaffandministryteams,withaspecial focusonChildren’sMinistry.Weareexcitedforthe wayshergifts,energy,andloveforthechurchwillbless ourcongregation.

Outsideofministry,Marylovesspendingtimewith friendsandfamily,exploringthriftstores,andbeing outdoors.She’sadevotedmac-and-cheeseenthusiast, enjoysjustabouteverygenreofmusic,andcounts TaylorSwiftasherfavoriteartist.Asapastor’skid, someofMary’sfavoritememoriesareofgrowingup deeplyconnectedtoherchurchfamilyandfeeling knownandlovedbythecongregation.Sheisexcited tobuildthosesamekindsofrelationshipshereat Eastminster,andwecan’twaitforyoutogettoknow her!

“IamMaryRobinson,arecentgraduateofClemson University,whereIstudiedEnglishand Communications.IwasraisedinthePresbyterian Church(USA),asmydadisapastor.Theareasof ministrywhichIammostpassionateaboutinclude Children’sMinistry,writingandpreachingsermons, andhelpingwithmusic.Iamsoexcitedtobeginmy timehereatEastminsterasanintern,andIlook forwardtoexperiencingallareasofthechurch.This issuchawonderfulopportunityformetoget involvedwithandtolearnmoreaboutwhatitmeans tobeapartofthePresbyterianchurchbeforeIhead offtoseminary.Iamthrilledtobejoiningtheteam atEastminsterPres,andIlookforwardtomeeting everyonesoon!”

With Rev. Dr. Martha Moore-Keish

REV. DR. DOUGLASS KEY

Markyourcalendars!

ThisAugust,EastminsterwillwelcomeTheRev.Dr. MarthaMoore-Keish,theJ.B.GreeneProfessorof TheologyatColumbiaTheologicalSeminaryin Decatur,Georgia,toour2026editionofAdult VacationBibleSchoolShewillbewithusforworship onSundaymorning,August2nd,andwillkeynote dinnergatheringsonSundayandMondayevenings.

Earlierthisyear,manyinthecongregationjoinedthe churchwidestudyofDrMoore-Keish’sbook, ChristianPrayerforToday.Herbiblicalcommentary ontheEpistleofJamesinformedourreadingofthat letterduringLent.Andnowwehavethegreatprivilege

ofbenefitingfromherpresenceamongusinworship, fellowship,andlearning.

InadditiontoherteachingresponsibilitiesatColumbia, forthepastfouryearsMarthahasservedonthe PC(USA)’sSpecialCommitteeforaNewConfession thathasbeentaskedwithdraftinganewconfessionof faithforthePresbyterianchurchthatwould,ifratified, beincludedinourBookofConfessions.That committeewillpresenttheirdrafttoGeneralAssembly thisSummerinMilwaukee,shortlybeforeshejoinsus inAugust.

ThiswillputEastminsterontheleadingedgeofwhat willmostlikelybeatwo-yearseasonofstudy,reflection andfeedbackbeforetheconfessionisofferedfor ratificationbythewholechurch.Morethanthat, MarthasaidtomewhenwetalkedinMay,“Thisisa goodtimetotalkaboutthingslike,‘Whatare confessions?Whatisthismomentthatwearein?’...To talkmoregenerallyaboutwhatgivesrisetoaconfession. ‘Atwhatmomentsmightachurchoradenomination draftaconfessionoffaith?’”Andfurther,howisthis momentoneofthosemoments?Andhowdoesthis momentshapethelanguagethatisinthisconfessionof faith?

Confessionsformusinthefaith.Theyreminduswho weareandwhatwearefor.Theyholdusaccountable forthewayswehavefallenshortandforsakenthe gospel.Theyproclaimtotheworldbeyondourwalls whatmakesusdifferent,andwherewefindourhope. OnMay17,wewereledinworshipbyourfifthgrade Sundayschoolclassinaconfessionoffaith,aclasscreed, thattheywroteforus,fortheirchurch.Whatwesaywe believematters.Itgroundsus,convictsus,andgivesus courage.

JoinusinAugustforthisexplorationofwhatitmeans toconfessChristianfaithinourpresentmoment.

JUNE: