What is LeadStrong?

LeadStrong is a leadership conference of the Anderson District incorporating engaging worship, led by Rev. Susan Leonard-Ray with the Clemson Vine band, and thought-provoking workshops centered around Discipleship, Outreach, and Worship. Registration for LeadStrong is now open at this link.

When and where will LeadStrong occur?

LeadStrong will be January 10, 2016 at Trinity United Methodist Church in Anderson, SC. Gathering begins at 2:30PM and LeadStrong will conclude at 5:30PM.

Who should participate?

All clergy and leaders within the local church are encouraged to participate. Consider those who would benefit from engaging worship and workshops focused on Discipleship, Outreach, and Worship.

How can I register?

Register online by Saturday, January 9. Follow this Registration Link to complete your registration. Contact Cathy Joens at cljoens@umcsc.org with any questions.

Join Trinity United Methodist Church in Anderson, SC for the 13th Annual Pumpkin Patch. Supporting local missions, the patch runs from October 7 – 31. The patch is open from 10AM – 8PM from Monday to Saturday and 12PM – 8PM on Sundays. Use the Pumpkin Patch Flyer for further information and publicity.

Make plans to attend BBQ in the Pumpkin Patch on Saturday, October 17 from 11AM – 4PM. The Cane Creek Bluegrass Band will perform and BBQ Half-Chicken plate lunches will be available. Purchase tickets by October 12 from at Trinity UMC’s church office or by calling (864) 224-2531.

The following organizations will be supported from Pumpkin Patch sales. Thanks for your support!

• AIM (Anderson Interfaith Ministries)
• Cancer Association of Anderson
• Costa Rica Missions (Methodist Rural Center)
• Parkinson’s Association of Anderson
• South Main Chapel & Mercy Center
• Mission 214

All Pastors and three to four laypersons from each church in the Anderson District are encouraged to join with Bishop Holston for a BBQ Bash! We will gather at St. Mark UMC in Seneca on Saturday, November 14 from 9AM – 2PM.

Use the Event Flyer to advertise the BBQ Bash to those who may be interested. We look forward to gathering together on November 14!

What is Crossing Borders?

Crossing Borders is a journey to El Salvador where participants learn from the Salvadoran people about their lives, histories and hopes for the future. A major focus of the encounter is to reflect on the meaning of working for justice rather than working for charity, understanding one’s role as a global citizen and humanizing the different issues that are present in our societies.

Why Crossing Borders?

Crossing Borders will give participants the opportunity to learn directly from the Salvadoran people about issues such as the impact of war, neo-liberal economics, U.S. foreign policy, migration, mining, the environment and a tradition of liberating faith. By spending time with persons in their homes and through a pilgrimage to holy places commemorating persons who offered their lives in Christian witness, our own faith will be strengthened and our solidarity with the Salvadoran people will change us.

Can I Participate in Crossing Borders?

Crossing Borders is designed for anyone wanting to have a better understanding of the people of Central America and the rich faith tradition of the Salvadoran people. Persons who want to understand more completely issues around migration in the United States will benefit from this journey. We ask that you be at least 18 years of age by the date of departure.

How Do I Sign Up and Learn More?

To register, please download and fill out the Crossing Borders Registration Form along with a deposit of $250 made payable to “Anderson District” and mail to Anderson District of the UMC, P.O. Box 1057, Anderson, SC 29622. Contact Rev. Keith Ray at keithr@clemsonumc.org with any questions.

South Carolina United Methodist Camps & Retreat Ministries invites you to come a day early to the SC UMC Annual Conference and be a part of our third annual golf tournament on Saturday, June 6, 2015. All proceeds will benefit the camper scholarship program providing much needed support for kids to be able to attend summer camp at Asbury Hills. Your participation will go a long way in helping us provide a God honoring experience for those who would not be able to otherwise afford it. We need donations, sponsors, volunteers, and most importantly – golfers

Fill out and send the Registration Form (PDF) to participate in this wonderful event.

The God We Can Know is a 7-week study designed for the entire congregation to explore the “I Am” sayings of Jesus found in the Gospel of John. Perfect for Lent or any time of year, this series will help you find and form an answer to the most essential question in the Christian faith, “Who do you say I am?”

One by one, Jesus’ statements grab our imagination, reveal more about his identity and purpose, and connect us to the God of Moses, who spoke the first “I Am.” These significant yet ordinary images (bread, light, shepherd, vine, and more) give us insightful ways to experience Jesus and point us to a God who wants to be known.

The DVD, filmed on location in the Holy Land, allows you to travel with Rob Fuquay and actually see the places where Jesus stood when he disclosed his true identity, and in what context he spoke each “I Am.” The book, DVD/study guide combo, and online support work together to provide one of the most meaningful, transforming initiatives your church can provide for the entire congregation.

Weekly themes include:

• Introduction to “I Am” – Knowing God
• I Am the Bread of Life – Knowing God’s Satisfaction
• I Am the Light of the World – Knowing God’s Guidance
• I Am the Good Shepherd – Knowing God’s Care
• I Am the True Vine – Knowing God’s Power
• I Am the Way, the Truth, and the Life – Knowing God’s Way
• I Am the Resurrection and the Life – Knowing God’s Possibilities

For more information, please visit TheGodWeCanKnow.com.

Journey to the Resurrection is an interactive Easter drama depicting Christ’s last week on earth. Trinity United Methodist Church (1809 North Main Street, Anderson) transforms into a marketplace with crafts, food, and live animals. The journey begins as Jesus and his disciples enter the marketplace. Follow Jesus to the Upper Room, the Garden of Gethsemane, the courtyard, the trial, the crucifixion, and resurrection. The journey lasts approximately ninety minutes as a cast of over 200 creates the experience as a gift to the community.

For free reservations and questions, call (864) 224-2531 or email officetumc@bellsouth.net.

Journey Times

• Thursday, March 19 – 6:30, 6:55, 7:20, 7:45
• Friday, March 20 – 6:00, 6:25, 6:50, 7:15, 7:40, 8:05
• Saturday, March 21 – 5:00, 5:25, 5:50, 6:15, 6:40, 7:05, 7:30, 7:55
• Sunday, March 22 – 4:00, 4:25, 4:50, 5:15, 5:40, 6:05, 6:30, 6:55

All laity and clergy leaders are invited to First UMC Easley on November 23, 2014 from 3-5:30PM. We will begin our time together in worship and transition into workshops at 4PM.

The following workshops will be offered:

• Apportionments
• Church Council
• Communication
• Finance
• Lay Leaders
• Meeting Well
• Messy Church
• Mission & Outreach
• SPRC
• Trustees
• Worship

After the workshops, helping agencies throughout the district will be available. Drop in to ask questions, pick up brochures, and see if there are opportunities for your church to serve. Refreshments will be offered.

Keeping Our Promises

What does a “More Excellent Way” of Stewardship look like…

• In your life?
• In the life of your local church?
• In the life of the SC Annual Conference?

Join keynote speaker Rev. Ken Sloane for our Stewardship Summit as we explore these issues together. We will spend time in worship with Bishop Holston, time for learning, and time for discussion.

Important Details

• September 20, 2014 from 9AM – 3PM
• Shandon UMC (3407 Devine Street, Columbia, SC 29205)
• For Clergy, Lay Leaders, Trustees, Finance and Stewardship committees