Eastminster Today Magazine Oct/Nov 2025

OCT/NOV 2025

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TODAY S T E W A R D S H I P

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INSIDE FEATURES

SPENDER, SAVER, OR SOMETHING ELSE?

Stewardship 2026

WHERE DO OUR TITHES GO? Annual List of Benevolences

TIME & TALENT

Getting “Plugged In” - Children’s Ministry

LOOKING BACK

Blessing of the Backpacks Peace Service Will For Hope Presents

CONNECTIONS

The Power of Table Fellowship

PERSONNEL UPDATES

Thank You Lauren Halter Employee Spotlight- Martha McCain

SETTING THE TABLE Serving Behind the Scenes

CELEBRATING DR. BEN SLOAN A Tenure to Remember

PILGRIMAGE INTO LETTING GO A Book Review

THE VINE 2026

Speaker Announced

THE HEALTHY GRIEF TASKFORCE Congregational Care Announces

IN EVERY ISSUE 03 Letter from Your Pastor 04 18 Articles 19 Upcoming Events

WELCOME

A Letter from Your Senior Pastor

D

ear Friends,

Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12 provide vivid images of God’s ability to bring remarkable oneness out of many. By describing the miracle of the diverse parts of the body, each contributing in unique ways to create the even more miraculous whole body, or telling of the different gifts given by the Holy Spirit so that the church has the variety of talents needed to fulfill her mission, God is the ultimate master artist.

As you read the stories that compose this issue of Eastminster Today, take note of how the spirit of those passages are evident in our church family. First working at Eastminster while a USC a student 18 years ago, Lauren Halter has provided “behind the scenes” care for a generation of little ones, the oldest of whom are now entering college themselves. Meanwhile, Ben Sloan, who grew up at Eastminster, returned home in “retirement” these last three years, modeling Christ’s love and servant heart through his work in missions, membership, and care.

Lauren and Ben’s respective witnesses represent the proverbial tip of the iceberg. To be the church God has for us to be, everyone’s prayers and engagement are vitally essential. Note the wonder of the pieces of the jigsaw puzzle coming together: financial generosity, hands-on missions, quiet communion preparation, stitch at a time Prayer Shawl knitting, one handwritten note at a time Prayer Matters care, and much more. They all come together to form a whole that is, thanks be to God, so much more than any of us can do individually.

People sometimes tell me they are overwhelmed by the breadth and depth of discipleship opportunities Eastminster provides. Don’t be overwhelmed, be amazed…or awed! With each of us simply responding to God’s goodness by leaning in, in ways that feed our souls, even as we give ourselves- time, talent, and treasure- to the God who first gives himself to us in Jesus Christ.

Thanks be to God! Gratefully,

Dr. Brad Smith, Senior Pastor, Head of Staff

“I appeal to you therefore, brothers and sisters, on the basis of God’s mercy, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your reasonable act of worship...” Romans 12

SPENDER, SAVER, OR SOMETHING ELSE? Preparing for His Kingdom

BY SIMMONS PURDY - STEWARDSHIP CO-CHAIR There are two types of people in this world, and they always marry each other, right? I’m talking about “spenders” and “savers.”

Money is widely understood to be a leading cause of divorce, personal finance isn’t taught thoroughly in our education system, and our grandmothers forbade us from speaking of money at the dinner table. Yet nearly 2,300 Bible verses are dedicated to the topics of money, wealth, and possessions. Why then the societal disconnect from something that is clearly of such great importance to God? In God and Money, authors John Cortines and Gregory Baumer challenge the age-old financial identities of “spender” and “saver” by introducing a radical third category that reflects God’s ultimate purpose: “servant.”

God and Money explores real-world financial scenarios, like buying a house and saving for retirement, through this lens of servanthood. Is there an exact point at which buying a house morphs from providing for my family’s basic need for shelter into providing a zipcode status symbol? When does my retirement account become a reflection of hoarding rather than a pragmatic preparation for my later years?

Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us of the exact and only source of and purpose for our possessions. “But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, so that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your ancestors, as he is doing today.” Our ability to earn money and accumulate wealth comes from God, and he gives us that ability so that we may partner with him as servants for his Kingdom.

When preparing to make their annual church pledges, Cortines and Baumer have a thorough system for determining how much money their families will contribute to God’s work in the church. But the question they ask isn’t, “How much should we give?” Instead, Cortines and Baumer ask themselves, “How much do we need to keep?”

How can such a subtle shift in our hearts and minds free up our physical resources for their intended purpose? It’s simple, but not easy.

“But remember the Lord your God, for it is he who gives you power to get wealth, so that he may confirm his covenant that he swore to your ancestors, as he is doing today.” Deuteronomy 8:18 Your dedicated Stewardship Committee invites you to please join us in worship on October 26th to celebrate God’s provision and purpose. As we walk forward in the Sanctuary to offer our financial pledges to God’s work at Eastminster, let us set aside our spender and saver tendencies in favor of servanthood. It is truly a gift and privilege to partner with God, and his faithful flock at Eastminster, to fulfill his covenant!

Eastminster’s Stewardship Committee: Co-Chairs: Adam Hegler & Simmons Purdy Committee Members: Peyton Bryant, Matt Riddle, Thomas Rhodes, and Richard Slater PAGE 4

EASTMINSTER TODAY

CHILDREN’S PROGRAMS IN FULL SWING How You Can Help

BY REV. CROSKEYS ROYALL Eastminster’s Children’s Sunday afternoon/evening programming currently has record high attendance, and we are so thankful. Our Sunday School program is also up and running again. In each room, we have teachers to lead age-appropriate Bible stories and to guide the children through building relationships with God and one another, but teachers can’t do this alone. We also have classroom helpers to assist with crafts, snacks, and transitions, but what truly matters is the one-on-one conversation, the listening ear. When you step into a classroom, you plant seeds of faith that blossom far beyond Sunday mornings.

Sunday evenings come alive with music and exploration.

We had 150 children on campus for combined activities during our Sunday night Fall Kickoff. Kingdom Kids for 4K-2nd grade and Club 345 for 3rd-5th graders blend devotionals with a shared meal and music, hopefully leading to deeper discussions on how Jesus’ teachings shape daily life. When our Sunday night helpers share their musical talents or their skills for guiding meaningful dialogue, they help kids discover that worship isn’t just an event on Sundays, it’s a way to live.

Some children thrive in large groups, while others need extra support to feel included. We’d love to pair volunteers with kids who require specialized attention, whether it’s help staying focused, processing instructions, or simply having a trusted companion. These individual relationships authenticate our message that every child is deeply known, cherished, and celebrated by God. Yes, our attendance figures are impressive—and a testament to EPC’s welcoming spirit, but every child wants to be in a community where people notice them, pray for them, and walk with them. It’s these healthy, faith-filled relationships that sustain spiritual growth far beyond Sundays. The more adults who step forward to help, the more robust our community becomes.

There’s a place where your gifts can spark faith and joy in the youngest members of our church family. If you would like to get plugged into Children’s Ministry as a Sunday School teacher or Sunday night volunteer, please let us know. Your presence makes all the difference!

Contact Pastor Croskeys (croyall@eastminsterpres.org), or Mrs. Stefanie (shammond@eastminsterpres.org) to find out more.

EASTMINSTER TODAY

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HOW YOUR OFFERING HELPS...

2024 BENEVOLENCES

DISBURSEMENTS:

Benevolences Expenditure........................................................................................................................$2,315.87 Bethel Evangelical Secondary School in Ethiopia.....................................................................$2,100.00 Bradley Programs............................................................................................................................................$14,610.43 Camp Cole............................................................................................................................................................$14,073.27 Campus Ministries.....................................................................................................................................$5,500.00 Capernaum Young Life Program........................................................................................................$10,000.00 CHAMPS Program...........................................................................................................................................$12,660.01 Cooperative Ministry..................................................................................................................................$25,096.80 Daybreak Pregnancy Crisis Center......................................................................................................$5,000.00 Disaster Relief....................................................................................................................................................$33,270.13 Epworth Children's Home........................................................................................................................$5,000.00 Family Promise of The Midlands.........................................................................................................$20,591.00 Family Shelter................................................................................................................................................$10,000.00 Flora Football Devotional Meals.............................................................................................................$1,500.00 Footcare Ministry...............................................................................................................................................$6,693.61 Free Medical Clinic.......................................................................................................................................$10,000.00 Gideons International..................................................................................................................................$2,000.00 Habitat for Humanity...................................................................................................................................$42,737.29 Haiti - Hospital St. Croix..............................................................................................................................$5,000.00 Harvest Hope Food Bank.........................................................................................................................$30,070.00 Heifer International Fund..............................................................................................................................$1,514.74 Homeless No More..........................................................................................................................................$3,820.00 Homeworks of America.............................................................................................................................$6,000.00 Imck Good Shepherd Mission Hospital - Congo..........................................................................$2,500.00 Joy Gift Offering..................................................................................................................................................$5,195.75 Jubilee Academy..........................................................................................................................................$10,000.00 Jumpstart SC Prison Ministries...........................................................................................................$10,000.00 Laurens County Cluster/Hanson’s Circle..........................................................................................$1,000.00 Law Enforcement Chaplaincy................................................................................................................$3,000.00 Lighthouse for Life.........................................................................................................................................$5,000.00 Live Oak Counseling Center.....................................................................................................................$5,000.00 MeadowFeed.....................................................................................................................................................$3,000.00 Medical Benevolence Foundation.....................................................................................................$15,000.00 Medical Missions..........................................................................................................................................$46,000.00 Midlands Fatherhood Coalition............................................................................................................$5,000.00 Midlands Sexual Trauma Service..........................................................................................................$1,500.00 Migrant Ministry.................................................................................................................................................$3,479.87 Mission Trips....................................................................................................................................................$134,446.63 Missionary Support.....................................................................................................................................$49,500.00 Montreat Conference Center...................................................................................................................$1,000.00 PAGE 6

EASTMINSTER TODAY

HOW YOUR OFFERING HELPS...

2024 BENEVOLENCES

DISBURSEMENTS:

Nile Seminary Student Scholarship.....................................................................................................$3,000.00 Nile Theological Seminary.........................................................................................................................$5,000.00 Nurturing Center..............................................................................................................................................$2,000.00 One Great Hour of Sharing..........................................................................................................................$4,209.00 Operation Christmas Child...............................................................................................................................$214.92 Presbyterian Community Charitable Care......................................................................................$11,286.00 Presbyterian Women Missions and Benevolences.....................................................................$2,492.00 Queens Chapel New Church Development.....................................................................................$2,500.00 Reconciliation Ministries Addiction Treatment........................................................................$10,000.00 Refugee Ministry..............................................................................................................................................$15,366.00 Rise Against Hunger.....................................................................................................................................$15,200.00 Salvation Army..................................................................................................................................................$18,473.52 SC Inn at Montreat............................................................................................................................................$1,000.00 Scholarships for CHAMPS Graduates...................................................................................................$52,137.57 Scout Troops.......................................................................................................................................................$2,000.00 Servant Leadership Awards........................................................................................................................$5,285.08 Shepherd's Center...............................................................................................................................................$500.00 SisterCare..............................................................................................................................................................$5,000.00 Sozo Children's Home...................................................................................................................................$2,000.00 Sudan - South Sudan Presbytery...........................................................................................................$2,500.00 Taiwanese Pastor Exchange...................................................................................................................$10,000.00 Theological Training for Prisoners........................................................................................................$5,000.00 Thornwell Home for Children...................................................................................................................$9,020.50 Transitions Homeless Shelter.................................................................................................................$101,035.21 Turning Pages SC Adult Reading Program.....................................................................................$2,000.00 Trinity Presbytery, Synod & General Assembly.........................................................................$165,488.40 Washington Street UMC Soup Cellar................................................................................................$10,000.00 Women's Shelter................................................................................................................................................$8,638.96

TOTAL: $1,041,522.56

EASTMINSTER’S COUNT TEAM...SERVING BEHIND THE SCENES Sam Agee Vernon DeHart Sarah Foster Maria Harvin Mark McGregor - (Right) Richard Reinhardt Jim Stevens - (Left) Jayne Walker

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BLESSING OF THE BACKPACKS Fall Kickoff Peace Service

BY REV. EMILY MOONEYHAN

Eastminster held a Blessing of the Backpacks service this year as our quarterly Peace Service- an additional worship opportunity for healing, prayer, and blessing. Over 130 Kindergarten through High Schoolers, their families, as well as educators and special guests from Bradley Elementary joined together in Thompson Hall on August 17th for an uplifting Jubilee Contemporary Worship service, blessing our students and their backpacks, and kicking off another school year with worship and prayer.

As students entered, each child received a “Blessed to be a Blessing” tag with Eastminster’s logo to attach onto his or her backpack, which lined the front of the stage as we gathered for worship. Children and families made cards of encouragement to be shared with their teachers or sent along with donations of school supplies to Bradley Elementary School. A prayer wall, fashioned out of a repurposed vintage chalkboard, became adorned with brightly colored sticky notes of prayer for a successful school year. As we were led in worship and song, the atmosphere was full of joy- hands lifted in praise, dancing in the aisles, and smiles all around. It was such a special moment to see our families worshiping together with such unabashed gladness.

Following worship, each age group was able to share some time of fellowship- including a reception in the Parlor, where the hospitality overflowed with wonderful finger foods, lots of conversation and a special moment of recognition from and for the Bradley Elementary teachers and administrators.

Through Bradley Lunch Buddies, Eastminster has had a long-standing relationship with these neighbors. The Blessing of the Backpacks Peace Service afforded us the opportunity to gather for worship and bless all of our children, their teachers, administrators, and families- a very fitting beginning to another great program year.

“I am so grateful our church participated in the Blessing of the Backpacks this year. As an educator, it was deeply meaningful to be recognized and supported by my church family at the start of a new school year. Gathering families, teachers, and community members together for prayer and encouragement was uplifting for all, reminding us that we walk this journey of learning and faith together” said Jessica Laval.

Jane Francis added, “I love the Peace Service, the Blessing of the Backpacks was particularly joyful. Thompson Hall was filled with happy faces of children, parents, and grandparents enjoying singing and praying to glorify God. What a wonderful way for the children to begin the new school year!”

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EASTMINSTER TODAY

AN EVENING OF HOPE

Jim Sonefeld Shares His Story

BY SHARMIN HILL

Musician and author Jim Sonefeld shared his personal journey from addiction to hope with a packed Thompson Hall on August 24th, presented by the Will For Hope foundation supporting mental health solutions.

Jim—also known as “Soni,” the beloved drummer with Hootie and the Blowfish—combined humor and original songs with an honest telling of his experiences with fame, alcohol, drugs and the resulting suffering.

To a rapt audience, he explained his turning point was when his young daughter approached him one morning after a night of indulgence and said, “Daddy, what are you doing?” What am I doing, he began to ponder. With the guidance of friends and family who helped him confront his reality, Jim began the road back with mental health steps to recover and thrive.

Will For Hope was established by the Hudson family who lost their brother Will to suicide. The foundation sponsors programs like this “Evening with Jim Sonefeld” to keep Will’s memory alive and provide funding to programs seeking to destigmatize mental illness.

“Jim was amazing and shared his very unique story in a relatable and compelling way,” said John Hudson of the founding family. “The feedback we’ve received from so many who attended has been wonderful, which certainly helps reaffirm that Will For Hope is doing a lot of good for others.”

To learn more about Jim’s story, his book, Swimming with the Blowfish: Hootie, Healing, and One Hell of a Ride, provides an autobiographical look at his spiritual path through the rise, fall and rebirth of Hootie.

“It’s always a celebration to share my experience while encouraging self-examination, because together the process can heal all of us,” Jim said. “To see such a big group spending time together on a Sunday afternoon tells me there are many seeking connections to discover more truth, hope, and love.”

EASTMINSTER TODAY

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CONNECTIONS

The Power of Table Fellowship

BY CHRIS & STARR LAWSON

We were invited to the Small Groups Kickoff Dinner eight years ago after God's prodding us to find a church in our new home community. We had no idea that two years later, 2020 was going to validate our obedience to come to Eastminster. When the crisis came, we were perfectly positioned to weather the storm.

The event at that time looked just like a usual Wednesday night supper at church. We understood the need for Small Groups because we had either led one in our home or attended for over 30 years. Small Groups had been the best way for us to meet and make new friends. They are also the perfect way to find a family to join... Christ's family.

That night eight years ago, we joined a Small Group at Eastminster.

Since then, Eastminster has literally continued to "feed us" throughout all of the storms that have come our way in our lives here. Our church family has seen us through so many times of crisis and still does, even as recently as this entire year. We have been given the "oil for our lamps" each and every week. God has been so good to us.

So... it is not surprising that this year at the Small Groups Kickoff meal, we were blessed more abundantly than we could have ever imagined. Surrounded by a huge crowd of believers who showed up for the delicious and satisfying meal, we were fed not only physically, but spiritually that night. We left feeling satisfied.

When we look at how God feeds his children, we begin to understand. God always has a plan to feed his children.

The disciples asked Jesus, "How?" when faced with a large crowd and a meager supply of food. Watch how there is always enough food for everyone when they come to God's table.

Are you ready to come to the table?

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EASTMINSTER TODAY

PERSONNEL SPOTLIGHT Thank you, Lauren Halter

BY REV. CROSKEYS ROYALL Lauren Halter started with Eastminster in 2008, first as a nursery worker with our kids on Sunday mornings, and then also in our CLC Drop-In Nursery during the week. In that time, she also became our Director of Church Childcare and one of the best examples of Jesus' care for children that Eastminster has ever known.

An entire generation of kids, their parents, and EPC staff have been the recipients of her incredible, innate skills in working with young children. Her deep understanding of the joys and challenges that our church's families have had allowed her to walk with them through these challenges.

As the Associate Pastor who has worked directly with Lauren for most of her time at EPC, I truly can say that Lauren Halter has meant a lot to our entire church family. Lauren remembers the names of children who are now adults. She is others-focused, and to this day she is truly interested in the paths of the many children whose lives she has touched. The amount of trust, respect, and friendship that we all have for her cannot be overstated.

Lauren was honored in August with a reception overflowing with hugs and some tears, as Pastor Brad prayed over her in thanksgiving and well wishes for what will absolutely be a brighter future for any who come to work with and know her. Thank you, Lauren Halter, you will truly be missed!

Above: Lauren Halter with Joanna “Jo” Stephens, who we welcomed as our new Dir. of Church Childcare in September. Jo joined our staff in August, and we look forward to her leadership, care, and friendship.

EASTMINSTER TODAY

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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT

Martha McCain: Director of Drop-In Nursery COMMUNICATIONS Martha grew up in Murrells Inlet, SC, and attended College of Charleston where she received her BA in Communications in 2002, followed by Mercer University where she received her JD in 2005. She married Josh McCain in 2006, and they settled in Charleston, where she practiced law, and he completed his residency and fellowship in radiology at MUSC. Their three daughters, Anna Claire and twins Ashleigh and Caroline, were born during their Charleston years.

With the birth of the twins in 2011, Martha heeded the call to become a stay-at-home-mom. In 2012 the McCains moved to Columbia where Josh began practicing at Lexington Medical Center with Lexington Radiology Associates.

When the twins began preschool in 2014, Martha indulged her life-long adoration of infants and toddlers by joining the EPC Drop-In Nursery staff as a baby room attendant, and she has continued working in some capacity at the nursery, as a baby room attendant or substitute, depending on the year, ever since.

Her daughter Anna Claire is a senior at A.C. Flora, and Ashleigh and Caroline are eighth graders at Hammond. Martha and Josh are very proud of all three of their daughters.

“In parenting, we have poured our energy and focus into developing their intellectual gifts, and are particularly proud of their academic achievements. Additionally, they are exceedingly kind and well-rounded young women,” beamed Martha.

Anna Claire is also employed by Eastminster, and works on our AV staff under James Cassidy, who has very nice things to say about how capable she is. Recently, she was named one of eight National Merit Scholarship Semifinalists in Richland One. Congratulations, Anna Claire McCain!

In closing, Martha had this to say, “The children of the EPC Drop-In Nursery brighten my day every day, and I am thrilled and honored to assume a vital role in the nursery’s operations.”

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The McCain Family: Josh, Ashleigh, Anna Claire, Caroline and Martha McCain

EASTMINSTER TODAY

SETTING THE TABLE

Serving Behind the Scenes

BY RYAN HOLCOMBE - COMMUNICATIONS Much of what allows Eastminster to function smoothly on Sunday mornings—and throughout the week—depends on the quiet coordination of volunteers. These ministries aren’t always visible, but they are essential. From preparing communion to maintaining the church grounds, each one represents faithful time, logistical planning, and shared responsibility.

Communion Prep

Each Communion Sunday is made possible by a team of volunteers working behind the scenes.

Setup is currently led by Worship & Music chair, Jeff Thordahl, and past chair, Nancy Scott, with help from Katie Evatt, John Waite, Jayne Walker, Sharon Shuler, Pam Halligan, and Joyce Rogers—many of whom bonded during a past Reformation trip. Jan Cambre oversees logistics for Communion Sunday at Still Hopes, where a pastor leads communion for residents. (And yes—the bread comes from Trader Joe’s.)

Prayer Shawl Knitters

The Prayer Shawl Ministry meets on the first, third, and sometimes fifth Wednesdays. Led by Betty Snyder and Martha Cathou, this group of knitters crafts shawls, scarves, and hats for those experiencing hardship or illness. Their work is a tangible expression of prayer and compassion. Items are also donated to shelters during the colder months. All skill levels are welcome to join for fellowship and service. A special commissioning service for this year’s handmade gifts will be held on Sunday, January 11, at 4 p.m. in the Sanctuary.

Lawn Care/Weekly Weeders

Every week, a dedicated team of volunteers keeps Eastminster’s campus beautiful. Around 12 members rotate lawn care duties, committing 2–4 hours weekly to mow, edge, and maintain the grounds. Another 20 volunteers serve as Weekly Weeders. Sharon Derham and team spend a few hours every other week trimming beds and pulling weeds. Their consistency and care allow the church to steward its outdoor space with excellence.

Sanctuary Keeper

For over a decade, Sharon Vanzant has quietly maintained the beauty and reverence of Eastminster’s Sanctuary. Now stepping back, she hopes to pass the torch to others. This behind-the-scenes ministry takes about an hour a week for two people—an ideal service project for a Small Group or Sunday School Class. Volunteers straighten pew racks, tidy the space, and often find it a peaceful time for reflection. Interested in joining the Sanctuary Keeper rotation? Contact Sara Lynn Curtis at curtis.saralynn@gmail.com.

EASTMINSTER TODAY

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THANK YOU, DR. BEN SLOAN A Tenure to Remember

INTERVIEW WITH PASTOR BEN Since 2022, Pastor Ben has guided Eastminster’s mission efforts with energy, faith, and compassion. As he prepares to leave his role at the end of the month, he reflected on his time here, the growth of mission work, and his hopes for the future.

Q: When did you begin serving at Eastminster, and how did you step into your role?

I came here in October of 2022. Brad asked me to come in as Parish Associate for Congregational Care, and when Brian Marsh left, I took over his position. Emily Mooneyhan became the Congregational Care Pastor.

And I really love the way Eastminster has responded to missions. It was an opportune time because everybody was coming out of COVID—people were trying to get back to doing things and getting out there.

Q: Why do you see missions as such a vital part of church life?

Mission trips are the best way to explore new worlds, to go where you’ve never gone before, and to do things for the Lord that you weren’t able to do during COVID paralysis. It’s been a great joy and privilege. And the people of Eastminster have responded so well. We had 31 people go on the North Carolina mission trip. I’ve seen the Mexico mission trip grow from just my son year. That kind of expansion has helped people in need, encouraged the poor, and strengthened faith—not just Romans 1:11 about wanting to see the Romans for their “mutual encouragement.” That’s exactly how short-term mission trips work.

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knows no stranger. His enthusiasm for welcoming all to Eastminster has been especially evident in Membership & Outreach with our new member

and me, to seven people, and then to 16 people this

of those we serve, but of those who go. Paul talks in

“Ben Sloan has a servant’s heart and a spirit that

classes. It is with this same spirit that he serves, leading multiple groups on mission trips over the last three years, from Western NC to Abaco. He has been responsive to every ask, generating enthusiasm in others to serve alongside him....Ben (& Kay) will be truly missed.” - Rev. Dr. Brad Smith

EASTMINSTER TODAY

THANK YOU, DR. BEN SLOAN A Tenure to Remember

INTERVIEW WITH PASTOR BEN

Q: What have been some highlights from recent mission trips?

We had 31 people go on the North Carolina mission trip.One man told me he had to crash through his window and swim out to a boat to be rescued; we’ll dedicate it one year after Hurricane Helene hit. That’s amazing to see—the impact for those families, and also for the volunteers who gave their time and energy to make it happen.

Q: Beyond trips, what other mission work has been meaningful to you?

It’s been a great joy to see Eastminster respond in so many ways—feeding the homeless, supporting Alpha Transitions, serving in the soup kitchen, Footcare Ministries, and Bradley Lunch Buddies. Every effort has been a chance to live out our call to serve others.

Q: What words would you leave with Eastminster as you transition from your role?

I love the Halverson Benediction, which I say often: “Remember, you go nowhere by accident. Wherever you go, God is sending you. Wherever you are, he has placed you. God has a purpose for your life right where

Q: How does stewardship connect to mission work?

The wonderful thing about mission trips is that you give of yourself to God, and I believe he blesses us when we take a risk for him and step out in faith. My hope is that Eastminster will not only continue, but also grow in missions and outreach.

MISSIONS and M&O Support Staff & Roles: Lauren Cunningham MSB - Trip Logistics & Registrations Stefanie Hammond M&O - First Step Class Lead Kelly McGrady Administrative Support Kristy Stoneburner M&O - First Step Class & MSB Support

you are.”

“I don’t think Ben Sloan has ever met a stranger.

His sincere desire to lead people to the love of Christ creates immediate trust. This default, paired with genuine kindness and a willingness to serve with others through Missions and Membership & Outreach, makes him approachable and available to minister in those one-on-one moments.”

Kristy Stoneburner - M&O

EASTMINSTER TODAY

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IN REVIEW: A PILGRIMAGE INTO LETTING GO

Helping Parents and Pastors Embrace the Uncontrollable

BY DR. DOUGLASS KEY So the family Root embark on a pilgrimage. They set off to walk St. Cuthbert’s Way, a pilgrimage track through the Scottish borders, from Melrose Abby to Lindisfarne. Along the way they reflect on the nature of control, how to release it and surrender to the uncontrollable ways of God. The resulting book is an invitation for parents to stop Authors Andrew and Kara Root’s A Pilgrimage Into Letting Go, a new contribution to the conversation about parenting youth and emerging adult children, is thoughtful and spiritually rewarding. Andrew, who teaches youth and family ministry at Luther Seminary in Minneapolis, and his wife Kara, the pastor of Lake Nokomis Presbyterian church there, have two

authentic freedom and connection available in letting go. This sort of surrender involves living intentionally in the present – not grieving past mistakes, obsessing over missed opportunities, or nursing old wounds – and equally not deferring life, joy, presence, and connection here and now in an effort to keep from falling behind in the future. The present is “the only

children in their late teens. They have come to understand themselves as control-freak parents and to the realization that this is not good for their children.

“In modern parenting, helicopter parenting has given way to snowplow parenting: preparing the road of life for our kids rather than preparing our kids for the road of life” (p. 2).

trying to control everything and experience the

real time and place, the only concrete location of connection with God. God is here now and we are here now, even if our minds or hearts struggle to be here now” (p. 61).

This book would be a meaningful resource for group discussion among parents who are anxious about their children approaching adulthood in this tumultuous world. There are great questions for reflection and prayer disciplines sprinkled in with stories of the walk and research that grounds their experiences in solid social science.

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EASTMINSTER TODAY

DEDICATION SUNDAY IS OCTOBER 26

Stewardship Hosts Courtyard Celebration and Dedication

BY THE STEWARDSHIP COMMITTEE This Dedication Sunday, our Stewardship Committee is honoring all of you, the givers... givers of your time, talent and resources to share the love of Christ here at church, in our community, and out in the world.

Please join us in the Courtyard on October 26, at 10 a.m., for an intergenerational time of fellowship with refreshments. If you haven’t felt the thick cushion of turf under your feet, or seen and heard the new fountains, you are in for a treat. These recent renovations and beautifications are being made possible through Eastminster’s Inspirational Giving initiative. We will also dedicate the space during our time together on the 26th.

You’re invited, so please stop by! This is also a great time to meet and welcome members of the First Step Class who will join the church at 11:15 a.m. Sanctuary worship that day.

Jan 30th - Feb 1st

2026

THE COVE

SPEAKER: SOPHIE HUDSON

THE COVE CHAPEL

SPEAKER SOPHIE HUDSON IS THE AUTHOR OF SEVEN BOOKS AND CO-HOST OF THE PODCAST, “THE BIG BOO.” SHE LOVES TO LAUGH AND HOPES THAT WOMEN FIND ENCOURAGEMENT THROUGH HER STORIES, AND LEARN TO APPRECIATE EVERYDAY JOY-FILLED MOMENTS....

Payment Schedule: 10/17 $100 (Non-Refundable), 11/14 2nd Payment Due, 1/9 Final Payment Due

EPC CARE MINISTRIES INTRODUCES The Healthy Grief Taskforce

BY DR. CAROL BYRD

Grief is part of the human experience. We have all experienced grief over the loss of family members and close friends, loss of job, loss of pet companions, and so much more. Grief touches every heart.

As Christians, we believe that God draws close to us when we grieve and gives us strength to carry on.

We lean on our faith, our friends, our families, and we seek professional help to work through the grief.

The Healthy Grief Taskforce was formed by our Session in June of this year to research the programs and centers in Columbia and the surrounding area that are addressing the needs of those who grieve.

We are also exploring programs and centers in other areas of the country that are addressing this vital need. Some of the centers that we have explored are: Good Grief in New Jersey, Kate’s Club in Atlanta, The Center for Grieving Children in Maine, and Kinder Mourn in Charlotte.

There are nine members of the Healthy Grief Taskforce offering their expertise in the areas of clinical, medical, legal, pastoral care, and finance. We are praying to discern God’s voice and will. Please be in prayer for us as well. Following this discernment process, the taskforce will return to Eastminster’s Session with our findings and recommendations.

Are you walking through a valley and need someone to walk with you and/or listen to you without judgement? Eastminster's Stephen Ministers would love to meet you. Stephen Ministers are highly trained individuals who provide care for those in crisis. Whether it is the death of a loved one, loss of a job, a divorce, issues with children, or just an overwhelming schedule, contact Rev. Emily Mooneyhan (803) 256-1654 or

As we move forward with our research, we are open to the possibility that God might be calling our church to launch a faith-based program to provide support and help to grieving adults and children. It might even be possible to develop a communitywide Grief Center, enlisting the resources of other churches in our area.

emooneyhan@eastminsterpres.org.

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