Congregational Development is a ministry of the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church seeking to reach more people and new places with the good news of Jesus for the transformation of the world.

In the Anderson District we are a community of God’s people on a sacred journey together. The District Committee for Congregational Development seeks to come alongside and resource churches in the Anderson District for growth. The most prominent way we do this is through grants from the District Twenty Percent Funds which may be awarded to any church desiring to begin or continue an initiative which leads to increased involvement in ministries, growing financial strength, and/or expanding ministry offerings.

Anderson Application Jan 2020:  Application: Word

Anderson Application Jan 2020 Application: PDF

The South Main Chapel & Mercy Center (SMC&MC) is a United Methodist Church new church start in the Anderson District. The church is located in what was once the Orrville UMC, 2408 South Main Street in Anderson. The idea for the church grew out of a vision first cast by our DS, Rev. Susan Leonard-Ray. After a visit made by Susan, Rev. Kurt Stutler and Carol Burdette (President of the United Way of Anderson County) to Triune Mercy Center in Greenville, plans began to formulate around establishing a church and ministry in this location that like Triune works with and alongside those dealing with homelessness and poverty.

The project was selected as a recipient of new church start support from the SC Annual Conference and Rev. Kurt Stutler was appointed in June as the founding pastor. Sunday morning worship with a diverse congregation is averaging 65 in attendance proving that it is possible for God’s people to become one family across social and economic boundaries. A fellowship dinner supported by several area churches, non-profits and businesses is held every Sunday after worship.

Below is a list of other ministries and services started since June

• Weekly community meal sponsored by Concord Baptist Church
• Alston Wilkes Society has moved their Anderson office to SMC&MC
• A representative from SC Works comes once a week to help with job placement services
• A counselor from Anderson Mental Health Center is on-site one day per week
• A volunteer faith community nurse is on-site
• An Art Room is open one afternoon a week
• A community garden has been established
• A once homeless couple have been assisted with housing and employment and life coaching
• Individuals have been assisted in accessing recovery services, transportation, hygiene packets, small food packs, and even pet placement
• A weekly prayer service is being held at noon Wednesdays
• A weekly Women’s and Men’s Bible Study is being held at 5:15 on Thursdays

Some needed items are:

• 25 United Methodist hymnals (1989 version)
• Blankets
• Socks
• Thermal underwear
• Hats
• Gloves
• Bottled water
• Diapers
• Art Room supplies—canvas, sketch pads, tape, acrylic /watercolor paints, colored pencils, fabrics
• Office supplies—3 hole punch, staplers. Scissors, paper trimmer, tape, postage stamps, copy paper, pens, paper clips, white out
• Copier/Printer ink cartridges (HP 950) Black and Colors
• File cabinet with a lock
• City bus passes
• Gas cards
• Paper plates, cups and napkins
• Plastic 2 quart pitchers
• Cleaning products (kitchen, bathrooms, floors and dusting)
• Tissues
• Iron and Ironing board
• Backpacks
• Bicycles (in good working order)
• Dream Item: Van or Mini-Bus