How Can We All Get Along?

How can we register?

Register online at this link or contact Cathy Joens at cljoens@umcsc.org or (864) 940-1893.

Who is invited?

Each pastor is encouraged to bring 5 people with them to this event. All are invited to gather around the table for an honest conversation on race, so feel free to invite friends and family as well!

What is the purpose?

We hope to open our hearts and minds as we receive and share personal experiences around race. We realize these conversations can be challenging but believe they are vital as we walk down the long road of healing. As we share, discuss, worship, and feast around the tables, we expect to encounter God in our conversations and one another.

When and where is the event?

How Can We All Get Along? will meet in the Saint Mark Center at Saint Mark UMC on Sunday, April 30 from 4-6PM with dinner to follow. Saint Mark UMC is located at 616 Quincy Road, Seneca, SC 29678.

Annual Conference 2017

We are excited as we prepare for Annual Conference from June 4-7, 2017. Watch the following video for information on our new location, the TD Convention Center in Greenville, SC. Check back for further updates on Annual Conference 2017.

Vacation Bible School Curriculum

Now is the time to begin preparations for Vacation Bible School. Cokesbury is having a 20% sale on all VBS curriculum.

Contact Karen Gaston, the Greenville/Spartanburg Community Resource Consultant, to get started. Karen can be reached at (864) 254-8904 and kgaston@cokesbury.com.

Flood Bucket Donations

The United Methodist Committee on Relief (UMCOR) has put out an urgent call for cleaning buckets. “Recent flooding, fires, and storms in numerous conferences in the U.S. has nearly depleted our network supply of cleanup kits also known as cleaning buckets,” said Catherine Earl of UMCOR. “Your help is desperately needed to help replenish the supply.”

The conference will collect cleaning buckets until September 24th.
 In the Anderson District, Trinity United Methodist Church in Anderson has offered to be a drop-off site for flood buckets. The District Disaster Coordinator will see that the flood buckets are delivered to the Louisiana Flood victims. If you have questions please email an_disasterresponse@umcsc.org or call or text (864) 280-9336.

A complete list of items for the cleaning buckets can be downloaded here.

 

Bishop Holston’s Forward Focus Tour

How Can We Register for Forward Focus?

Register online at this link or contact Cathy Joens at cljoens@umcsc.org or (864) 940-1893. Submit your registration by Wednesday, January 18.

Who is Invited to Forward Focus?

All pastors in the Anderson District are encouraged to bring five leaders or potential leaders to the Bishop’s Forward Focus. The cost is $5 per person which covers refreshments and program expenses.

What is the Purpose of Forward Focus?

Bishop Holston will lay out the vision for the Anderson District and South Carolina Conference. We will share in a time of encouragement and challenge to strengthen our common ministry.

When and Where is Forward Focus?

Forward Focus will meet in the Christian Life Center at Clemson UMC on Saturday, January 21 from 9AM-12PM. Clemson UMC is located at 300 Frontage Road, Clemson, SC 29631.

Africa University Scholarship Dinner

An Evening of Elegance

When: Friday, July 22, 2016 at 6PM
Where: Buncombe Street UMC, 200 Buncombe Street, Greenville, SC
What: Silent Auction, Dinner, Singing, Dinner Theater
Speaker: Dr. James H. Salley, Associate Vice Chancellor for Institutional Development for Africa University

Tickets are $25.00 each and can be purchased by emailing Carleathea Benson at cabenson@umcsc.org or 864-903-3222. Our goal is 200+ present and for Anderson and Greenville Districts to raise $7,500 each for Scholarships for Africa University Students. More information can be found and shared in the Evening of Elegance flyer.

Mission Fair

Greetings from Freda Brock, District Lay Leader

Pastors, Lay Leaders, and Lay Servants of the Anderson District the time is fast approaching for our Annual Conference to be held in Florence June 5-8, 2016. Once again the Lay Leadership Area of Connectional Ministries will celebrate the mission and ministries of local churches across the South Carolina Conference. This is the 3rd year for the Local Church Mission Fair. I am pleased to say that the Anderson District is blessed with great leadership from both clergy and laity! We need for the wonderful missions and ministries from our local churches to be represented at the upcoming Mission Fair. This is an opportunity to share your mission projects with other United Methodist across the state.

Please consider submitting and sharing your ministry. The date for the Mission Fair is Monday, June 6, 2016, 12 noon-2 pm at the Florence Convention Civic Center in the Exhibit Hall. The form for submission is online at this link. The deadline for registration submission is April 30, 2016.

If you have any questions, please contact Lisa Livingston at llivingston@agapesenior.com or Donald Love at del12345@aol.com. Also, if there are any pictures that need to be submitted please e-mail them to Donald.

Love and Blessings,
Freda

 

Safe Sanctuary Training

Who is Safe Sanctuary Training for?

All churches who want to learn about the best practices of a Safe Sanctuary Policy. Persons who work with children, youth, the Trustees, and SPRC would benefit greatly.

When and where is Safe Sanctuary Training?

The training will occur on Sunday, May 1 from 4-5:30PM in the Fellowship Hall of Trinity UMC in Anderson, SC.

How can I register for Safe Sanctuary Training?

Register using this link by April 25 for Safe Sanctuary Training.

Church Administration Workshop

What is the Purpose of the Workshop?

This workshop is designed to provide church officers, pastors, church secretaries, financial secretaries, treasurers, and business administrators the information they need to keep proper records for the administration of the church in accordance with the Discipline and Federal and State laws. Much of this material is NOT taught in seminary or Lay Job Function Workshops.

Rev. Robert Cox, the workshop presenter, is in his 20th year of service in the South Carolina Annual Conference. Prior to feeling his call to ministry, he earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration and Master of Accounting from the University of South Carolina. He worked in public accounting for two years and then was the Corporate Controller for South’s largest moving and Carolina storage company. Robert brings years of training and practical experience that can help churches of any size understand and keep the various records that are required by the United Methodist Church and governmental agencies.

Register online at this link by Tuesday, April 19.

What Does the Workshop Cover?

Membership Records, Giving Records, Financial Records, Personnel Requirements, and Legal Requirements.

When and Where is the Workshop?

The workshop is on Saturday, April 23 from 9AM – 2:30PM at Emmanuel United Methodist Church. Emmanuel UMC is located at 2901 Dobbins Bridge Road in Anderson, SC.

What is the Cost?

The cost is $25.00, payable at the seminar. The cost includes refreshments, lunch, and all materials. Please make checks payable to: Anderson District.

How Do I Register?

Register online at this link by Tuesday, April 19. Contact Robert Cox at rlcox@umcsc.org or (864) 554-2008 with any questions.

Twelve Keys to an Effective Church

What is Twelve Keys to an Effective Church?

A one day conference led by Dr. Ken Callahan, author of Twelve Keys to an Effective Church, focusing on growing as and into strong, healthy congregations. Dr. Callahan will identify essential qualities of successful, growing churches and will offer all congregations a way to unlock their potential for effective ministry. Registration is now open at this link.

When and where will LeadStrong occur?

LeadStrong will be February 13, 2016 at Pendleton UMC in Pendleton, SC. Gathering begins at 9AM and will conclude at 3PM.

Who should participate?

All clergy and one to three leaders within the local church are encouraged to participate. Consider those who would benefit from excellent teaching by Dr. Ken Callahan and engaging discussion on growing as and into strong, healthy congregations.

How can I register?

Register online by Friday, February 12 at this Registration Link. Contact Cathy Joens at cljoens@umcsc.org with any questions.