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Eastminster Today

A MAGAZINE ABOUT THE MINISTRIES OF EASTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Dec 2016/Jan 2017

Inside: advent community outreach JANUARY 11: SMALL GROUPS KICK-OFF

SCOUTING: THE GRIFFIN LEGACY CONSIDER HAITI: FEBRUARY 18-25

Advent Issue


CONTENTS Dec/Jan 2016-17

features: also in this issue:

LOOKING Back WELCOME NEWEST EPC MEMBERS p.5 AC Flora, Faith & Football Fridays p.7

LOOKING Forward: Small Groups KICK-OFF p.18 CELEBRATION OF FAITH p.19

Welcome

2

Scouting for LifeTROOP 10 & THE GRIFFIN LEGACY: 6 EAGLE SCOUTSp.8

October 30: Remembering Dedication Sunday & Kirkin’ Worship! p.4

our

leadership PASTORAL STAFF: DR. BRADLEY D. SMITHSenior Pastor

DR. MARK E. DURRETTAssociate Pastor - Adult Ed; Missions, Service & Benevolence (MSB)

REV. LYNN A. GRANDSIREAssociate Pastor - Presby Women; Congregational Care & Concern REV. BRIAN J. MARSH Associate Pastor - Young Adults; Evangelism & Membership DR. JAMES I. ST. JOHN Parish Associate - Visitation; Fellowship

REV. CHRISTOPHER A. SCOTTParish Associate - Visitation

EASTMINSTER DAY SCHOOL (eds) STAFF: MRS. ANITA V. POOLEDirector of EDS MRS. LUCY CORLEY Assistant Director of EDS

christian life center (clc) staff:

MR. BILL KETCHIN, III Director of CLC

VISIT OUR WEBSITE: WWW.eastminsterpres.org Eastminster Today is a publication of Eastminster Presbyterian Church. Please provide feedback to [email protected]. © EPC Communications 2016

Music Ministry SAVE THE DATES! p.12

SPRING/WINTER-CLASSES & MENU4-page Insert Center

Thank you for your

dedication & service


Welcome Dear Eastminster Family,

Did your family have a special way of calling you home for supper? My family lived on a cul-de-sac and I can still picture my Mother standing on the front porch, call-ing for my brothers and me to come home for supper. My Mother has since died to this life, but again this Christmas the rest of the family will gather in the house that has been home to the Smith family for over forty-eight years.

Gathering together, whether for a simple meal, special occasions or sharing fellow-ship can help us stay connected while also helping us remember who and whose we are. Gathering together as a church family is much the same; only it is God who ultimately calls us. We study and share; we listen and pray; we laugh and encourage; and along the way we are equipped to go and reach out as ambassadors for Jesus Christ.

I hope each of you, including those who have for whatever reason been away, will gather at Eastminster this Advent season and in the new year as well. And, strengthened by the Holy Spirit through our shared life, I pray all of us will, in turn, reach out to others. Thinking about reaching out, I want to ask each of you to adopt at least one of the following “reaching out” challenges. Will you: 1. Be one of 150 Eastminster members who invite a friend or neighbor to share in an Eastminster ministry

experience, whether it be worship, study or service?

2. Be one of 75 members who reach out by serving/studying on an Eastminster trip to: Haiti in February, Uganda in July, Costa Rica in July, Italy in October, or Taiwan in October?

3. Be one of five college students who form the next class of The Eastminster Experience, a six-week sum-mer seminar that exposes participants to multiple facets of ministry?

4. Be one of 100 new people to reach out by serving at a local ministry, joining a small group, or partic-ipating in a Sunday or Wednesday class? (For more information on all these opportunities, contact Member Involvement Coordinator Julie McDaniel.)

Yes, God is calling you; your church family is calling you: “Come, let us gather together to encourage and build up one another so that we can reach out, joining in our Lord’s Kingdom adventure both near and far.”

In joy,

Brad

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Thank you for your

dedication & service

Class of 2016

Office of Elder:

John Derham Mary Elliott Elaine Fairey Lloyd HendricksSharmin Hill

Office of Deacon:Caroline Bennett Brian Blackwelder Jeff Casto Connie Chase Alex Dillard

Hank Mabry Billy Newsome Susan Owen Henry Price Mary Bett Thorne

Katie Evatt Tom Griffin Charlie Irick Anne Kleitches Field Wardlaw

EASTMINSTER TODAY

Remembering EPC’s Kirkin’

Welcome New Members & Dedication Sunday 2016

EASTMINSTER TODAY

Remembering EPC’s Kirkin’

Welcome New Members

Brian Barbian transfers from First Pres. to join his wife, Maddy, in membership. He is a Manager

with Blanchard Machinary. They live on

Chimney Hill Rd and have one daughter, Maggie.

Jessica Fairey (with husband,

Gaston, already a member) joins by reaffirmation of faith. She is a genetic counselor with Palmetto Health. They live on Hanson Ave.

Carla & Ed Moore from Barnwell SC. Ed is the AD at AC Flora High School. Carla is a teacher at a montessori school. They live on Winstron Rd. Son is Graydon.

Jesse and Katie Smith join. Jesse by reaffirmation of faith and Katie by transfer of letter from Westminster

Presbyterian in Greenville, SC. Jesse is a banker with First Citizens and Katie is a homemaker. They live on Hillside Road with thier daughters Ella and Adeline.

Jennifer & Don Lott join by trans-fer of letter from Shandon Presby-terian Church. Dan is an attorney

with Lott and Searcy, LLP, and Jennifer is a homemaker. They live on Devonshire Drive with

their sons, Daniel and William.

Marya Marsh joins by transfer of letter from First Presbyterian in Corpus Christi, TX. Marya is a homemaker and lives on Sylvan

Drive with her husband, Rev. Brian Marsh, and their sons

Connor and Brenden.

Carol and Harry Bell transfer

from Shandon Pres. Harry works with USC as a budget director and Carol works for the state

with Dept. of Admin. They live on Montclair Dr.

Dorothy Lott joins by transfer of letter from Shandon Presbyteri-an Church. Dorothy is a retired

school teacher and lives on MacGregor Drive. She joins her

son, Dan, and his family in mem-bership here.

EASTMINSTER TODAY

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 7thCHRISTMAS CONCERT & DINNERCAROL & JUNIOR CHOIRS: SCHEDULE: REPORT TO REHEARSAL AT 5:15 PM. ALL CHOIR MEMBERS WILL BE FED IN THE CHOIR KITCHEN. (NO MEAL RESERVATIONS NEEDED FOR YOUR CHILD.)

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 14thFAMILY GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING 5:30 - 7:00 PM - GYM - YOU MUST LET CROSKEYS KNOW IF YOU ARE PLANNING TO DECORATE SO HE WILL HAVE ENOUGH KITS. [email protected]

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 18th THE LIVING NATIVITY 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM & 7:00 PM(ENJOY HOT COCOA TOO!)

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24th CHRISTMAS EVE WORSHIP CHILDREN’S SERVICE 5:00 PM CAROL & JUNIOR CHOIRS PERFORM AT THIS CHRISTMAS EVE SERVICE ONLY.

EPC Day School: Mock Election Hosted 11/8 A Cow, An Eagle & A Fish

EPC Children’s Ministry: MARK YOUR CALENDARS CHRISTMAS TRADITIONS AT EPC

Veterans Day Guest Speaker Master Sergeant Darin Wink Retired United States Marine Corp.

EPC’S Drop-In Nursery Who? Babies & Children Ages 6 weeks to 4 Years Old Where? CLC First Floor: Room 119: (Ages 6 wks - 14 months) Room 117: (Ages 14 months - 2 yrs) Room 115: (Ages 2-4 yrs) When? 9:00 am - 12:30 pm Tues/Wed/Thurs Cost? $45 Reg fee (+$10 each addl.) $6/Hour (+$2/hr. each addl.)

Contact Nicole Morris, Dir./Drop-In, with questions, or to sign-up at [email protected].

ac flora

EASTMINSTER TODAY

Food, Fellowship & Football

For the past seven football seasons, blue and red jersey-clad young men can be seen streaming into Thompson Hall on game day headed to the buffet line. It’s pregame meal time!

Eastminster is the home of A.C. Flora High’s Falcon football team’s weekly meal. This community partner-ship began in 2009 when then-first-year head coach Dean Howell was looking for a location for varsity players and coaches to gather for a meal. The goal was finding a convenient spot off-campus as a “retreat” where a meal could be served and a brief inspirational message could be delivered in 45 minutes. Eastminster members who were Falcon parents agreed to line up volunteers for set-up and clean-up duty if Thompson Hall could be provided at no charge. Thus, a successful partnership was born. Meal time happens quickly. Players and coaches, as many as 80, arrive about 3:30 p.m. to enjoy a hot Lizard’s Thicket meal and a parent-provided dessert. Eastminster pastors, Fellowship of Christian Athletes representatives and others have provided the devotion through the years, along with the team’s chaplain, the Rev. Dr. Chris Johnson, A.C. Flora grad and former Falcon football player. Meal attendance is voluntary, and no roll is taken. Messages often focus on making good choices, stepping up as a leader, giving one’s all, showing good sportsmanship and being champions on and off the field — all with a Biblical context. Players and coaches can write prayer concerns on index cards to drop in the “prayer box,” and a team of parents prays for them weekly. About 4:00 p.m., the team heads back to campus to prepare for the game, and by 4:30 p.m. volunteers have Thompson Hall tidied up and ready for the next event. The Evangelism and Membership Committee supports this ministry through an annual meal fund

donation, as well as through volunteers who help serve. An Eastminster bus makes the run to and from Flora’s campus to transport those needing a ride. Eastminster members are always welcome to help each game week, 3:15-4:15 p.m. Eastminster members and former/current Falcon parent volunteers include Lisa and Madison Dye, Karen and Johnny Hudgens, Sharmin and John Hill, Mandy and John McCabe, Shannon and George Mc-Cutchen, Alison and Bryant McGowan and Laura and Kevin Long. Players through the years have frequently mentioned the meal as one of their favorite Falcon football mem-ories. The annual Falcon Sunday at the Jubilee service each October welcomes the team and their families.

Eastminster Partners with AC Flora for Weekly Team Meal & Message

“Eastminster has been a blessing to AC Flora football. I tell our players and coaches all the time that we have something special going with this partnership that most programs do not. This warm and inviting location helps create a sense of family that binds us together each week. My goal is that our players have a first-class experience during their time on the team, and East-minster is a big part of that equation. These Fridays may be the only time some hear the love and truth of the gospel.” - - Reggie Shaw, Falcon Head Coach

“Having been involved from the start, I am always moved by the devotionals we’ve had over the years. I truly feel I get as much or more from this ministry as the young men do! I have seen some players come to know the Lord and many others receive encouragement to seek the Lord. The message is simple: Football is a great game and teaches many things, but Jesus is the greatest champion and following him will be the way to champion the rest of our lives...” - Madison Dye, EPC Member & Parent of Jamey Dye, former Falcon football player

Submitted by: Sharmin Hill, Evangelism & Membership

ac flora ministry


Submitted by: Boo Griffin

Eastminster’s Boy Scout Troop 10 has been very busy turning Cub Scouts into Boy Scouts and Boy Scouts into Eagle Scouts, (at an amaz-ing pace and rate) since 1951. At the Chris-tian Life Center on each third Thursday of the month, the Indian Waters Council Eagle Scout Boards of Review are held. Fairly appro-priate since Troop 10 has awarded 340 young men with Eagle Scout medals in less than the span of an average lifetime. Many Eastminster families including the Carpenters, Hudgens, McGowans, Stiles, McCants, Jeeters, Harvins, and a lot more have names on placards on the wall of honor at the CLC; however, one family in particular comes to mind where Scouting is concerned.Boo and Tom Griffin’s five sons are Eagle Scouts. When I learned of this amazing feat under one roof, I asked Boo about the Griffin boys and scouting (for I feared someone had their math wrong) and she said, “Big Tom is

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also an Eagle; and I am a Curved Bar Girl Scout. That is like an Eagle Boy Scout....” Make that 6 Eagle Scouts and one Curved Bar Girl Scout. She went on to say, “Scout-ing is such a wonderful activity for children. Parents help. Scouts help, serve and grow. It’s a win win win.”About Tom Griffin, Jr., says Boo, “I finally penned down Big Tom in NYC, while we were on the Circle Line boat cruise around Manhat-tan. (Curved Bar Girl Scouts don’t like loose ends.) Tom has been an Eagle for 50 years. He said ‘what stays with an Eagle Scout for a life-time is confidence, perseverance and integrity.’”

- Tom Griffin, Jr.

Tom Griffin III, first-born of the Griffin sons, started at Eastminster in scouts and finished an

Eagle at St. Joseph’s in May of 1999, where he is pictured left with his 86 year-old grandmother on the site of the ceremo-ny. “Once you become an Eagle, it’s a lifetime commitment. It’s not something that ends once you achieve the goal. You have a responsibility to continue to be that Eagle, to live with integrity and

Scouting: A Griffin Tradition Troop 10: Prepared for Life


loyalty.”

- Tom Griffin, III Robert Griffin is the second born Eagle Scout in the Griffin elite and had this to say about his experienc-es as a scout: “Scouting at Troop 10 taught me the importance of overcoming obstacles and rising to the occasion. No matter how bad things may appear, if you keep a positive attitude and ‘keep moving forward’ there is nothing you cannot accomplish.”

- Robert Griffin

Daniel Griffin, (above) close third son (Rob-ert’s twin) and Troop 10 Eagle, shows us through two different excerpts written 15 years apart that the Scout Laws apply throughout your entire lifetime because it becomes a mindset that you live daily.“Ever since I was a little boy, I have wanted to go

to the Citadel. My grand-father, uncles and great uncles on both sides of my family were Citadel men: men of purpose, strong values, and unflinching morals. These attributes are also the foundation of the Scout Laws. When I was eleven years old and crossed over from Cub Scouts to Boy Scouts and

began to learn and put into practice the Scout Laws, I noticed that Citadel men, my family, my church, and Scouts all stood for about the same things.” - 2001 When Daniel was asked recently for a statement about the impact of scouting on his life as a man, this is what he said:“The Scout Laws inform a man’s character. The Scout Motto ‘Be Prepared’ can save a man’s life. This simple guide stood me in good stead as a Army Ranger in the Iraq war. It saved my life and that of my men, many, many times.” - 2016

-Daniel Griffin

“Daniel was an infantry officer serving in Ramadi, Iraq, during a dark time of that war. He led at least one mission a day for 359 of the 379 days he served there.” - Boo Griffin

John Griffin, Eagle Scout and son number four, was also a Troop 10 Eagle and awarded the honor in 2004. John is pictured right on the day of his ceremony.

(from John’s Ambition and Life Purposes Statement)“I know that receiving my Eagle is not the end, but rather, the beginning of a lifelong experience and dedication to helping others.”

- John Griffin

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Scouting: A Griffin Tradition Troop 10: Prepared for Life

EASTMINSTER TODAY

William Griffin, Eagle Scout and son number five, was also a Troop 10 Eagle and awarded his medal in January of 2009. Pictured in the news-paper clipping above with William (center) are Eagles Ladsen Harvin and Will Kennedy, both also members at Eastminster.Says William about being an Eagle Scout, “I would say being an Eagle scout required meeting a standard , and the idea of having any standard at all is both unique in the world and a useful guiding star in adulthood”

- William Griffin

Today the troops at EPC continue to thrive - Thanks goes to those scout leaders and parents who make scouting a priority, dedicating their time and talent to these young men and wom-en. There are many examples of families at EPC - like the Griffins - who have Eagle Scouts in immediate or extended family. Congratulations, gentlelmen! (all 340 of you)

To find out more about the troops at Eastmin-ster, contact the Christian Life Center (803) 256-1650 and ask for Director, Bill Ketchin.

Pictured above are the Daisy Scouts of Eastminster. A new K-1st troop kicked off this past October, marking the return of girls’ scouting to EPC - Per Croskeys Royall, “Awesome!”

ready to get moving? join the clc!

?’s contact bill ketchin - (803) 256-1650

Scouting at Eastminster

High School Ski Retreat

February 17-19, 2017

?’s Contact Laura Long

EASTMINSTER Men’s Basketball

steve bates league

REGISTER BEGINNING DECEMBER 1, 2016

REGISTRATION ENDS JANUARY 2, 2017

GAMES START IN JANUARY

REGISTER ONLINE

WWW.EASTMINSTERPRES.ORGGO TO MINISTRIES/CLC/ CLASSES & PROGRAMS

R eaching Out: Community

$185.00 2 Nights lodging, church bus riding, east coast skiing,

new friend meeting, cheap food eating....


st. lawrence place christmas shop &

dinner: mon. dec.12

arts & crafts room thompson halldinner & gifts

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Scouting at Eastminster R eaching Out: Community

Last month you donated over 100 coats to our friends at transitions....

bring new socks to the bins around campus... we are counting! (on you) kate liggitt, liz twitty & christopher twitty

can you top it???.... accept the liggitt & twitty challenge!

circle of giving... december 10 9AM-1PMmake cookies; donate a gift; help set up on friday, 12/9, or take a shift on saturday; witness epc sharing the love of Christ with children living in area shelters. contact Jennifer Branham if you want to help at [email protected]. above right: sam roddey 2015 confirmation class

EPC’s Holiday Schedule & Office Closings:Saturday, December 24 - CLOSED (Christmas Eve Services: 5, 7 & 9 PM - Traditional)Sunday, December 25 - No Sunday School, 10:30 AM Worship Sanctuary - No Childcare Monday, December 26 - CLOSED - EPC Staff Holiday Saturday December 31 - CLOSEDSunday, January 1 - No Sunday School, 10:30 AM Worship Sanctuary - Childcare Provided Monday, January 2 - CLOSED - EPC Staff Holiday

EASTMINSTER TODAY

An Evening of Italian Cuisine & Song to Benefit EPC’s Music Ministry

don’t miss this event! there will be a Silent Auction

with VARIOUS packages INCLUDING VACATION SPOTS

& MEALS FROM local restaurantS

Bella Italia FRIDAY,

February 10, 2017 6:30-8:30 p.m.

LOCATION TBA

SingWe NoelChristmas Dinner & Concert

Wednesday, December 7 Dinner in Thompson Hall - Buffet Opens at 5:30 p.m. Concert in Sanctuary - 6:45 p.m. All EPC Choirs Will Perform

Featuring Favorite Carols and Familiar Tunes Including the Music of Polar Express & Home Alone

$6.00/Person & Reservations Are Required. (Call Shelli Knapp at Ext. 122)

Peanut Butter or Canned Good (for place in bins)

= Concert Ticket Childcare available beginning at 5:15 p.m.

Lessons & Carols: Sunday,

December 18th

EPC Musicians will Accompany Christmas Hymns & Favorite Carols!

9:00 & 11:15 a.m. Traditional & Jubilee

Worship (Prelude music will begin 10

minutes prior to start of worship.)

LTJ Library Update: Readers Team Recommends Novels for Winter Days:

EASTMINSTER TODAY

LTJ Library Update: Readers Team Recommends Novels for Winter Days:

Is there anything more cozy than curling up with a great novel on a cold Winter’s day? Take a look at some of our suggested reads for the season, all available in our Library (second floor, Education Building).Come Rain or Come Shine, by Jan Karon:This is a feel-good book that includes heartbreaks. If you have read any of Jan Karon’s previous books in her Mitford Series, you know the characters and have invested in them – flaws and all. The author manages to handle the weirdness in dysfunctional individuals and families with insight that reveals love at every turn and leaves readers with hope. Come as you are and enjoy! The Bridge, by Karen Kingsbury: In this novel, The Bridge was a bookstore in a small town in Tennessee that had served several gen-erations as a home away from home. Unfortunately, the 100-year flood caused devastation to the books and the setting. It is easy for Columbians to relate to the situation with our recent 1000-year flood! It is a love story of books and the lives they touched – the past, present and the future. It follows several relationships as they question what God has planned for them in the midst of their current challenges. It is sad but uplifting, as readers watch God’s Amazing Grace and the characters’ acceptance that He is truly a God of second chances.The Photograph, by Beverly Lewis:A prolific writer, Beverly Lewis has set many of her books in the Pennsylvania Amish country where she lived as a child. The pivotal point in this story is a photograph of a devout girl who disappears leading to her family’s fear that she has been wooed away from the Plain people to live in the world. While the Amish were encouraged to worry less and trust God more, it was a challenge for the courting age with their very restrictive rules. The story moves at a slow pace reflective of the society it presents, but has many similarities of all families grounded on faith and love. Submitted by Nelle Holcombe, Library Readers Team

Visit the Lynn Temple Jones

Library! check out a

book or a dvd for you, or

you +

Upcoming in January:

On-Line Card Catalog via eastminsterpres.org!

See what’s new in the Library, research books on specific topics

and scan the DVDs to check out – all with a click of a mouse!

Be on the lookout for this added

feature to our website in 2017!

Other Books to Consider:

A Pioneer Christmas Collection: Nine Sto-ries of Finding Shelter and Love in a Wintry Frontier, by various authorsThe Christmas Candle, by Max LucadoIn Search of the Real Spirit of Christmas, by Dan SchaefferChristmas Stories for the Heart, by various authorsThe Christmas Shoes, by Donna VanLiereChristmas Gift, by Ferrol Sams

EASTMINSTER TODAY

Consider HAITIconfirmation 2016-17 (9th graders)

Important Dates to Remember:Sunday, December 11 Mandatory SS, 10:00 AMJanuary 20-22, 2017 Mandatory Retreat at WHITE OAKSunday, February 12, 2017 Mandatory Sunday School, 10:00 AMSunday, March 5, 2017 Mandatory Sunday School, 10:00 AMSunday, April 2, 2017 Examination with Session, 10:00 AM Sunday, April 23, 2017 Confirmation Sunday, 9:45 AM Breakfast

mission opportunities: Transitions: Any 3rd ThursdayCircle of Giving: December 10St. Lawrence Place Party: December 12Mission Day & “LOCK-OUT” December 21 Souper Bowl of Caring Saturday Work Day: February 4, 2017

“My summer living in the SOZO Children orphanage in Uganda was Spirit-filled. God was present in the 70 children we served; in the village homes with no floors, electric-ity or water; in the women’s ministry where we shared and made jewelry; and in the others that I served along-side. I hope you will join us next summer as we continue to watch God move through Africa!” - Katherine Long Sophomore, Clemson University

EASTMINSTER TODAY

Consider HAITI January 12, 2010, marks the date of one of the greatest earthquakes in the western hemisphere – 7.0 Magnitude – with its epicenter in the town of Leogane, Haiti. More than 300,000 died with an additional 3 Mil-lion people affected by life-changing injuries. Eastmin-ster’s Mission team, challenged by senior pastor Brad Smith, began wondering what we could do to help this near neighbor nation....

A conversation with our long mission partners at Med-ical Benevolence Foundation gave us the solution we needed. Prior to the earthquake, MBF had been sup-porting Holy Cross Hospital (above left) in Leogane, for more than 30 years. No church congregation had ever ‘adopted’ the Haitian hospital and related ma-ternity clinic in the nearby village of Darbonne. (“Why shouldn’t we?” thought Brad.)

Members Kathie Williams and Pam Haligan accompa-nied MBF officers in 2013 to see the hospital and to begin dreaming of the many ways Eastminster could make a difference by reaching out. Our 2015 first gift of $50,000 and some funds from our missions’ budget purchased an ultrasound machine for the maternity department at the hospital. Dr. John Lauver and nurse Debbie Boyer worked with Haitian doctors and nurses to teach them the correct use of the machine as it ap-plies to maternity care but also encouraged the staff to use the machine for other purposes such as finding cancerous masses that could assist surgery planning.

Another portion of that first gift supported the mater-nity clinic at Darbonne. Haiti has one of the highest birth-related mortality rates in the world. With the support of MBF and churches like Eastminster, there were only 2 deaths in more than 2000 births at the Darbonne clinic last year!

Submitted by Jane Brissette

Since 2013, Eastminster has sent five work teams to work at the hospital and at the Darbonne clinic. Dr. David Hicklin and Melanie DaVega worked with local dentists to deliver care and hygiene to many. March Seabrook, Susan Ratteree, Billie Muthig and others helped with medical training. Anne Seabrook has become the essential member of every team she’s participated on with her French language and her organizational abilities! Betsy Bakhaus has captured thousands of wonderful photos. Mark Rosenberg, a contractor on several trips with ‘MacGuyver’ skills has become famous around Leogane. And John Arnold, John Bakhaus, Peter Brissette, Matthew Burns, Eddie Laney, John Derham, and Bill Ratteree have built countless shelves.

Not to be outdone, our ministers Brad and Mark were up on ladders, hammers and paint brushes in hand, making their contributions too, but their words of en-couragement were the best - not only to us, but also to our Haitian hosts and co-workers. Robin Muthig built a patient inquiry system...Anne Seabrook, Sha-ron Besley, Jane Brissette, Sheila Arnold, Josephine Laney and Virginia Penninger organized mountains of supplies and painted the entire second floor of the hospital. The list goes on...

Our next trip will be February18-25, 2017. There’s a place on the trip for YOU! We need home improvement folks and dental and medical professionals of course, but there is something for ev-eryone to do in Haiti. Translators are provided. Partici-pants must be at least 16 years old. Cost is $1000 per person which covers air and ground transportation, lodging, meals, and work materials. Trip expenses are tax deductible. We especially need medical personnel to go with us, so invite your internist or your dentist! To sign up, contact Julie McDaniel at [email protected], or 256-1654. For more information, contact Jane Brissette at [email protected].

confirmation 2016-17 (9th graders)

february 18 - 25, 2017


In Loving Honor and Memory:

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Leverage Your Giving 1. Give appreciated stock and avoid the Capital Gains Tax. 2. Are you at least 71 years old? If so, making a Qualified Charitable Distribution directly from your IRA can increase your gift and lessen your taxes. 3. Get a deduction for your business by giving to God’s work through your business account. 4. Give now, remembering that gifts given by December 31, 2016, are tax-deductible. Please note that all church facilities will be closed on Saturday, December 31. Therefore, your

Call 256-1654 to speak with Business Manager, Bill Collins, or Treasurer, Christy Rippy. Your Tax/Financial Adviser should also be able to help.

Please note that all church facilities will be closed on Saturday, December 31. Therefore, your contri-butions must be received in the church by Friday, December 30, or postmarked by Saturday, De-

cember 31, in order to receive a tax deduction in 2016. Stock gifts must also be transferred into the church’s account by this date. If you are sending stock, please notify the treasurer’s office so that

you will receive the proper credit. Gifts Supporting the Eastminster Endowment: In honor of Don & Janet Jeter, given by Wayne & Melissa Fritz. In honor of Jeff & Clarissa Adams, given by Wayne & Melissa Fritz. In honor of Dr. Sarkis Derderian’s birthday, given by Kat Rowland. In memory of Patty Tuite, given by Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Twitty. In memory of Rudolph Mitchell Newman, given by Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Twitty. In memory of Linda Sue Martin, given by Mr. & Mrs. Christopher Twitty. In memory of Van D. Lott, Jr., given by Mary K. Strasburger. In memory of Annette Glenn King, given by Kelley & Anthony Woody. In memory of James F. Crosby, Jr., given Clay & Kathryn Weeks, Cam & Emory Smith. In memory of Herbert Ames, given by Sandra & Carter Weston. In memory of Rudolph Mitchell Newman, given by M/M Christopher Twitty.

In memory of H. W. Oliver Counts, given by Helen Childers, Gerda Kahn, Osmund & Barbara Dixon, Cathy Goewey, Juda & Richard Reinhardt, Shirley J. Knox, Martha & Sterling Beckman, Kennerly M. McLendon, Sarah & Frank Brown, Susan Owen, Anna B. McCord, Mr. W. Paul De Borde, Dr. & Mrs. March Edings Seabrook, Sharon Hinnant, John Faye Berry, Chad Berry, & Dian Berry, Michelle & Shane Spittler, The O’Bradovich Family, Monroe A. David, Merwin & Virginia Rogers, Jane Williams, Jack & Marilyn Hupp, Sarah Brewer, Doug & Lyn Schultz, Harry & Barbara Mims, Janet Bealle.

In memory of Chester Guerry, given by Helen Childers, Joseph Brannan, Silas Holmes, Leon S. Williams, Pitt & Greene Electric Membership Corporation, Lula D. & Morell Jones, Wayne Eastman, Carolyn Pumphrey, Betty S. Quiat, The Rose T. Wilkins Family, Nancy Stephenson, Allison Stevens, & Sherri Johnston, Rhonda Williams, Sarah & Frank Brown, Jimmy & Jennifer Taylor, Catherine & Ed Blacka, Booth & Associates, LLC, Russell & Pat Shealy, Engineering Design & Testing Corp., North Carolina Electric Membership Corporation and Joe Brannan, Charles & Frances Guerry, Lee Craig, Edgecombe-Martin County Electric Membership Corporation.

Memorial Gifts Supporting the Flower Guild: In memory of H. W. Oliver Counts, given by Joe & Carol Anderson.

Memorial Gifts Supporting the Frank Harden Sunday School Class: In memory of H. W. Oliver Counts, given by Joni Sloan.

Memorial Gifts Supporting the Missy Boyd EDS Scholarship Fund: In memory of H. W. Oliver Counts, given by Mitzie Trotter. Gifts Supporting the Library Fund: In honor of Cornelia Williams, given by the Rotary Book Club.


The JOY GIFT TEA is December 6th. Join us in the Adult Reception Hall from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m., or drop in when convenient. Enjoy delicious food and fellowship and support the ministries of EPW by making a donation again this year. All EPC women are invited. The Joy Gift Special Offering is on Sunday, December 18, 2016.

While the Joy Gift Tea is an annual event, EPW circles are active all year. Bible Study schedules for the new year will be shared in the bulletin and via e-mail, so please stay tuned. Submitted by Rev. Lynn Grandsire & Lilla Colpini

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EPW Joy Gift Drop-In epw circles

Circle Outreach Highlights:

In November, Circle 1 took up a Love Offer-ing for missionary Sarah Snapp and supported Children’s Garden.

Circle 3 provides Welcome Baskets to the “Homeless No More” organization. This year, they provided 28 baskets. These baskets wel-come new residents to the facilities, and gradu-ates of the programs take their basket contents with them as they move forward.

Circle 6 has supported Jubilee Academy with healthy snacks, and has also provided scholar-ships for children to play on EPC basketball teams.

Christmas at Eastminster..The Flower Guild Thanks You.

Wreaths gracing exterior doors, the Chrismon tree illuminating the Palladian window, lush poinsettias tucked around every corner, wreaths and garlands festooning the sanctuary, emitting the aromatic fragrance of Christmas...All this sets the stage and prepares our hearts for the birth of the Christ child.Poinsettias donated at Christmas not only honor loved ones, but also sup-port the entire Flower Guild Christmas decorating project.

Thank you for your generosity in making Christmas at Eastminster such a meaningful and memorable experience!Submitted by Carol Anderson


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Choose the Life! The countdown is on! Our next Small Groups Kick-off Dinner will be held in Thompson Hall on Wednesday, January 11, 5:30-7:00 p.m. This semi-annual event is open to current Small Group members, as well as anyone who’s interested in joining a new Small Group. In the Winter/Spring session, DISCIPLESHIP will be the focus as Small Groups are invited to join in this season’s church-wide study of Choose the Life: Exploring a Faith That Embraces Discipleship, by Bill Hull, or The Jesus Lifestyle, by Nicky Gumbel.

If you haven’t yet attended one of our Kick-off Din-ners, it’s a must-see! It is easy to feel the warmth in the room as Small Group friends reunite after the holiday break. They’re genuinely excited to circle up, eat together, share their latest news, and pray together. The most anticipated and inspirational part of the evening, though, is always the personal testimonials given by several members

Traditionally, the Small Groups Kick-off is a spiritual event that encourages members to draw nearer to God and to one another.

Following Eastminster’s “Reaching Out” theme and scripture, “...make disciples of all nations,” all members are asked to reach out and invite oth-ers to this January event. Members not currently involved in Small Groups are invited to take Step One: Join a new “Jesus Lifestyle” Small Group. Many of these will be starting in January, and there’s plenty of space for anyone -- member or non-member -- wishing to join a Women’s, Men’s, Couples’ or Mixed Small Group. Sign-ups will be available at the Kick-off Dinner.Modeled after Jesus’ own small group of disciples, EPC Small Groups are comprised of around 12 people who study God’s Word, talk about how to follow Him in life, pray and serve together, as they meet once each week. If you are interested in joining a new Small Group, email [email protected].

The Jesus Lifestyle choose the lifeWritten by Nicky Gum- bel, author of the popular ALPHA series, The Je-sus Lifestyle, is an in-depth study of Jesus’ Sermon on the Mount. New Small Groups will meet on Wednesday nights, 6-7:15 p.m. Con-tact [email protected], or [email protected] for details or to join. Books will be available for pur-

chase at EPC in January. Anyone interested in leading one of these new Small Groups should contact Caroline Bennett or Pastor Brian Marsh at the email addresses above.

Pastor and author Bill Hull shows his passion for helping the church return to its disciple-mak-ing roots in his book, Choose the Life: Ex-ploring a Faith That Embraces Discipleship. He says, “I meet so many who desire change. The question often becomes, ‘How do I change, what can I do?’ My answer is the Choose the Life journey. I invite you to join me in exploring the kind of faith that embraces discipleship. This will challenge you simply and change you deeply.”

small groups restart in january!

Submitted by Caroline Bennett, Small Groups Coordinator & Librarian


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ReachinG Out... through your GIVING...

Your financial pledge touches the lives of people in our church, community and world who need our love and sup-port. Open your hands and extend your reach by submitting your financial pledge to-day! Here are some ways you can PLEDGE:

On-line pledging via eastminsterpres.org

Automatic Bank Draft

Mail to 3200 Trenholm Road

Drop in Sunday offering plate

Call in pledges to Christy Rippy, 256-1654, ext. 130

Choose the Life! Make Our Guests Feel Like Family

Could You SERVE As A GREETER in 2017?

(just 1or 2 Sundays)9:00 or 11:15 a.m. worship

If the Answer is “YES,”Sign-Up Here!

Contact Rev. Brian Marsh with ?’s, or to volunteer to SERVE IN 2017.

[email protected]

with guest

author “Choose the

Life” &speaker

pastor bill hull

Celebration of Faith faith, fiddle & fare

March 10-12, 2017

Plan to Bring a Friend Saturday for Food, Fellowship & Outdoor Music Featuring:


www.eastminsterpres.org Church Business Office (803)256-1654 Christian Life Center (CLC) (803)256-1650 Eastminster Day School (803)771-1512

Eastminster Presbyterian Church3200 Trenholm RoadColumbia, South Carolina 29204

Nonprofit Org.US POSTAGE

PAIDColumbia, SC

PERMIT No. 27

JoinUs forWorship Traditional Worship - Sanctuary: 9 AM

Sunday School: 10 AM Traditional Worship - Sanctuary: 11:15 AM

Contemporary Worship (“Jubliee”) - TH: 11:15 AM

For online, live streaming during worship hours, go to “Sermons” & live feed will come up automatically - no password, just a few clicks to join us.

HolidayWorship at Eastminster Christmas Eve: 5 PM: Children’s (Infants - 2K) 7 PM: Family Candlelight (Infants - 5K) 9 PM Candlelight Communion (No Childcare) Enjoy Handbells in Parlor at 6:45 p.m., and 8:45 p.m. on Christmas Eve. Christmas Day: 10:30 AM Traditional Worship (No Childcare)

New Year’s Day: 10:30 AM Traditional Worship (Childcare Provided)

Eastminster Today...EASTMINSTER TODAY ge . WE ARE LOCATED AT 3200 TRENHOLM RD. IN COLUMBIA, SC....

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