EASTMINSTER TODAY Page

Eastminster Today

A MAGAZINE ABOUT THE MINISTRIES OF EASTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Dec 2017/Jan 2018

Inside: MSB advent community outreach OCTOBER 29: DEDICATION SUNDAY & CONGREGATIONAL MEAL

Glimpses of Italy INSERT WINTER/SPRING CLASSES & WE@EPC MENU

Advent IssueMALL TO MANGER CARDS ARE AVAILABLE

EASTMINSTER TODAY Page

CONTENTS

Features:

2

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

EASTMINSTER DAY SCHOOL (eds) STAFF: MRS. NICOLE MORRISDirector 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 communications@eastminsterpres.org.

Special thanks to Henry Price and Maria Harvin for proofing assistance.

© EPC Communications 2017

ALSO:

LOOKING Forward: EPW EVENTSp.12 &17

HS MISSIONS & CONFIRMATIONp.13 SG & LIBRARY UPDATES p.18

SHARING THE JOY ADVENT: MSB p.14

NEW CLASSES & WE@EPC MENU INSERT

LOOKING Back: WELCOME NEW MEMBERS p.4 RHINO UPDATE p.5

Dec/Jan 2017-18

October 29: Dedication Sunday, Kirkin’ Worship & CONGREGATIONAL LUNCHEONp. 6

Music Ministry Glimpses of Italy p.10 MY HEART, CHRIST’S HOME CONCERT p.12

EASTMINSTER TODAY Page

Welcome

3

Thank you for your

dedication & service

Class of 2017

Office of Elder:

Pat Buyck Bobby Fuller Mike Gorman Jack Hupp John Leighton

Office of Deacon: Scott Barber Pete Balthazor Mary Counts Connie Derrick Chris Johnson

Robert McWilliams Ellison Robinson Wehman Sieling Catherine Theus Phyllis Trippe

Jennifer Rayfield Scot Seigler Justin Self Margaret Smolka Doris Stapel

Dear Eastminster Family,

In order to know who you are, you have to know your story, don’t you? So, what is your story? What’s our story? Reflecting recently on the American story, author and Rabbi Jonathan Sacks said, “The defining narrative we Americans have told about ourselves is ultimately a biblical story — an exodus story of various diverse peoples leaving oppression, crossing a wilderness and joining together to help create a promised land. The American social structure,” says Sacks, “was based on biblical categories. There was a political realm, but the heart of society was in the covenantal realm: marriages, families, congrega-tions, communities, charities and voluntary associations.”

Biblical faith shapes our Constitution with phrases such as, “All men are created equal and endowed by their creator with certain unalienable rights,” articulating a bold vision of the worth of all people, and the dream of democracy as the fulfill-ment of the Providential plan. Only now, observes Sacks, “America’s covenantal institutions are weakening.” Slowly but surely America is losing strong marriages and families, losing strong congregations and communities.

I share these observations with you because I think they are on-point, and because they speak to us: the church. However, as real and distressing as these concerns are, I believe there is hope. I believe that just as God called and empowered a response team, the Body of Christ, nineteen hundred years ago, so each of you, Eastminster, and churches everywhere are part of God’s response team today.

Community matters. God has created us in community; and, as tempting as it is to take the Sunday off, to be away, or to think no one will notice, being together as a covenant community matters. Your staying connected week by week encour-ages others in the Eastminster family, even as they also encourage you. Strengthened by our covenant community, the Eastminster family is then both individually and corporately equipped to positively impact the Columbia community for Christ. And embodying the covenant connectedness and selflessness our Lord gives us, the Body of Christ is positioned to impact people and countries around the world.

During these days of Advent, Christmas and New Year’s, I encourage you to remember your story and to re-connect with God and the Eastminster family. Let us each reclaim the importance of covenant community, Sunday by Sunday, and every day in-between.

Share the joy,

EASTMINSTER TODAY Page 4

Welcome New Members

Jason Belk joins by reaf-firmation of faith. He lives on Stanley Street with his wife, Anna-Grace, and daughter, Emma Kate.

Jason is a sales manager for Coca-Cola. He joins

Anna-Grace in member-ship here, along with her

parents, Don & Janet Jeter, and

extended family.

Julie Keenan joins by reaffirmation of faith. She lives on Kathwood Drive

with her husband, Joe, and children,

Liam & Frances, and joins them in membership here.

Julie is a teacher at Satchel Ford Elementary

School in Columbia.

Lanie & Jim Kitchens join by transfer of letter from

Church of the Apostles in Columbia. Jim is a CPA,

and Lanie is a homemak-er. They live on Tomaka

Road with their children, James, Eliza & Mac. They

join Lanie’s sister, Elizabeth Helmboldt, and her family in membership.

Chris & Starr Lawson join by reaffirmation of faith.

They are both retired and live on Chateau Drive. They have three adult

children.

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13thFAMILY GINGERBREAD HOUSE DECORATING 5:30 - 7:00 PM - GYM - YOU MUST LET CROSKEYS KNOW IF YOU ARE PLAN-NING TO DECORATE, SO HE WILL HAVE ENOUGH KITS. CROYALL@EASTMINSTERPRES.ORG

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 17th THE LIVING NATIVITY 5:00 PM, 6:00 PM & 7:00 PM (STOP BY FOR CHILI & A GRILLED CHEESE)

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

EASTMINSTER TODAY Page 5

Welcome New Members

RHINO: Rebuilding Hope In New Orleans

Fourteen missionaries traveled to New Orleans on October 23 (six from EPC) to continue the work on homes in the Ninth Ward, twelve years after Hurricane Katrina. This last trip marked the eighteenth trip from Columbia to the New Orleans area. Pictured above are most of the folks who worked together that week, including John Hart, Clay Robinson, Ellen Moore and Charlie Weston. Former member, Fred Miller, came all the way from California to participate. The homeowner is the gentleman to the right of John Hart. Also in the group are RHINO staff members, as well as representatives from other Presbyterian Churches. EPC’s Sr. Pastor, Dr. Brad Smith (photographed to right and below right), also traveled to New Orleans to lend a hand. The group enjoyed pleasant weather and great progress. If you are interested in participating in 2018, or in learning more about RHINO (Rebuilding Hope in New Orleans,) contact Julie McDaniel at jmcdaniel@eastminsterpres.org, or 256-1654 (143).

October 23-28, 2017

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Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans Dedication SundayOctober 29, 2017

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Kirkin’ o’ the Tartans Dedication SundayOctober 29, 2017

Dedication of Pledge Cards

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Hospitality & Fellowship Trunk Or Treat & MoreOctober 29, 2017

Greeters: Melanie DaVega & Sara Davis Greeters: Anne Kleitches & Kate Liggitt Mary Bett Thorne & Grandson, “Jack” (9/23)

Katie Alice & Drew Walker with Children, Andrew & Alice Summerton Gals: Betsy McDonald & Helen Childers

Paule-Nise Stinfil, RN & Haiti Coordinator for MBF, with MBF reps, George & Rose Courtney, and Haiti Missionaries, Liz & Sam Agee

EASTMINSTER TODAY Page 9

Hospitality & Fellowship Trunk Or Treat & MoreOctober 29, 2017

Nicole Morris - Dir. of EDSJohnny Bascum & Telula Brenden

“PING-PONG GREAT,” Raymond Burke

Elizabeth Smolka, Carter Montgomery, & Gracie DavidsonWilliam Smolka, Christopher Twitty, Hill Teas, James Kitchens, Van Clarke, Hannah Gordon, Colson Carey, & Hugh Barringer

Kate Liggitt, GiGi Bartlett, Julia Kososki, friend of EPC Youth, Adair Long, & Lane Swan

EASTMINSTER TODAY Page 10

Voyage to Italy: October 12 - 2 4 , 2 017 Tracing the Paths of Saints

he Italy travelers, who just recently returned, had a lot to say about what they saw, but even more to say about how they felt upon traveling to places where saints Francis and Clare, Catherine and Anthony, all lived and were laid to rest. The trip was mapped-out for the travelers to follow the Apostle Paul to the end of his life and service, “Outside the Walls” of Rome....to see both the landscape and beauty of the Italian peninsula, as well as evidence of some of the struggles of Christ-like souls through the centu-ries and what it took to follow and to honor their Lord with their lives.

Fredna Lee reports in almost a whisper that the group’s sharing communion down in the cata-combs of Rome was one of the most spiritual moments of her life. “Having communion in the catacombs near Rome, and visiting the churches of St. Clare and St. Francis were two emotional

and spiritual moments that I will always remem-ber,” she told us. John Arnold had this to say when asked for a favorite memory: “Most moving for me was St. Paul’s Outside the Walls. To be at a site that has such solid historicity to its tradition-al credentials was powerful.”

Fred Hanna, another EPC traveler, was im-pressed by the many masterpieces he saw while there, “The architecture, sculptures, and paintings in these churches by historically famous Renais-sance and Medieval artists such as Michelange-lo, Bernini, and Leonardo, to name a few, were inspirational and overwhelming to behold in both quality and quantity.”

One of the blessings of Eastminster’s NED (Nurture, Education and Discipleship) Ministry is a hands-on approach to the complete learning experience. These types of spiritual and intellectual jour-neys make Biblical places and names more tangible in our minds and hearts. To suggest a destination for 2018, or to find out more about our next voyage, contact Dr. Mark Durrett.

T Basilica of St. Mark - Venice Gondolas - Venice Interior of Basilica St. Mark - Venice

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Voyage to Italy: October 12 - 2 4 , 2 017 Tracing the Paths of Saints

Roman Coliseum: Martha Mason, Connie Derrick & Jane Brissette

Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls Basilica of St. Mark - Venice

Overlooking Rome: Connie Gray, Susan Faulk, Fredna Lee & Cheryl Yates

Florence Duomo Cathedral

EASTMINSTER TODAY Page 12

Columbia’s Sandlapper Singers

Thank you to our Children’s Choirs, (Angel and Junior) Adult Choirs,

(Chancel, Celebration and Handbells) Director, Fredna Lee, and Organist,

Joshua Evanovich, for a masterful concert ben-efit performance on November 12, in support of 2018 Youth Missions Ministries. We had an

audience of over 250, and your generous donations added up to almost $1900.00!

GO GOD!

EPC SINGERS (L to R): Connie Gray, Rusty Sox, Alex James, Cyntha Dobson & Fredna Lee

Present A CHILD’S PERSPECTIVE

Featuring John Rutter’s “Mass of the Children”

Thursday, December 14 7:30 PM (Doors open at 7:00.)Eastminster Presbyterian’s

Sanctuary For tickets and information, visit sandlappersingers.org. Members of Eastminster receive a 20% discount on tickets when ordering online. Use the code EPC17.

SAVE THE DATES: Virtual Women’s Conference (Fri & Sat) We will gather in Thompson Hall.

www.ifgathering.com

EASTMINSTER TODAY Page 13

confirmation 2017-18 (9th graders)

Important Dates to Remember:January 19-21, 2018 Retreat Weekend #2 at WHITE OAKSunday, February 11, 2018 YOUTH SUNDAYSunday, March 11, 2018 Examination Review 10:00 AMSunday, March 18, 2018 Examination with Session 10:00 AM Sunday, April 15, 2018 Confirmation Sunday & Joining Date 9:45 AM Breakfast (GYM)

mission opportunities: Transitions: Any 3rd ThursdayCircle of Giving: December 9St. Lawrence Place Party: December 11 Living Nativity: December 17Mission Day & LOCK-OUT: December 27-28 Souper Bowl of Caring Saturday Work Day: February 3, 2018

Wed/TH DEC 27-28 BOOK IT!

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Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.... Saturday, December 9: Circle of Giving

Each year since 1995, Eastminster has host-ed The Cooperative Ministry’s Circle of Giving. Children living in area shelters shop, wrap gifts, sing songs, have refreshments and make gifts for their immediate families, special teacher, or a friend. This event takes place on the second Saturday in December (this year Dec. 9), from 9:00 a.m. until1:00 p.m., in Thompson Hall. Volunteers, teens and adults, will help set up on December 8 beginning around 4:00 p.m.; volunteers also help the children shop, wrap gifts and do small crafts.

Two volunteer shifts are available on Decem-ber 9: 8:45 until 11:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. until 1:15 p.m. Please contact Kathie Williams if you are able to help at kwilliams@edventure.org. Cannot be there? We also need donations of gift bags of all sizes (no wrapping paper needed!), cookies for the day of the event, and unwrapped new gifts in the $10-20 range. Gifts should be delivered to the Circle of Giving box-es in the CLC lobby or the CE building lobby the week of Dec. 4 or before. Over 100 children select more than 300 gifts each year. All gifts are donated by members of Eastminster! Suggestions for gifts include culturally diverse baby dolls, bath toys, Elmo, big cars, big trucks, race cars and Hot Wheels, and Barbies, Barbie clothes or doll clothes, “beauty shop” sets, “Polly Pocket” dolls, footballs, basketballs, Legos, superhero toys, jewelry and jewelry making kits, Nerf Frisbees and other items, watches, tool sets, aftershave and toiletry kits (deodorant, spray, body wash), wallets/billfolds, baseball caps, sparkly jewelry, makeup kits, nail polish (manicure/pedicure) kits, bath gel/lo-tion kits, perfume, purses, necklaces, earrings and jewelry sets, and umbrellas.

Kathie Williams: Lead Coordinator - kwilliams@edventure.org Julie McDaniel: EPC Staff Support jmcdaniel@eastminsterpres.org

Note: PLEASE do not donate breakable items; monogrammed items, photo albums, housewares, Christmas items & knick-knacks. Remember: they do not have a home to put them in!

Volunteer:

History:

Donate:

Contacts:

Gift Suggestions:

Shop, Sing, Snack & Wrap for Families

Mall To Manger Cards Are Available For Dedication.

EASTMINSTER TODAY Page 15

Peace on Earth, Good Will Toward Men.... Monday, December 11: St. Lawrence Place

bring new socks to the bins on campus....

We will SERVE our Holiday Meal at Transitions on December 21. John Arnold will lead us in song as we enjoy catching up with our friends at Transitions, and spreading the warmth of the season. Extra volunteers are needed (4:30 - 6:30 p.m.). YOU CAN HELP! Make a pound cake, pasta salad, a pie or cookies....or bring ba-nanas and clementines to the Church Office. We also need small dessert plates & more. Contact: Alison McGowan alisonmcgowan11@gmail.com Socks in a Box, another Transitions ministry, has been led by EPC youth since 2011 when Grayson Hill began collecting socks through AC Flora. In 2012 & 2013, his brother, Haynes, partnered with Daniel Lott to collect at churches. Mary Curtis Twitty took on the project in 2014; and in 2015, her siblings, Liz & Christopher, and friend Kate Liggitt took the reins!

Since the mid-1990’s, Eastminster and First Calvary Baptist Church have partnered to provide Christmas gifts and a special meal for the residents of St. Lawrence Place on the second Monday of December. Our churches take turns hosting. This year the Christmas Shop and Dinner will be hosted by First Calvary, and will take place on Monday, December 11. Much has already been done but there are still a lot of ways you can help before then!Last month, the staff at St. Lawrence Place collected wish lists from their families so they could let us know what types of gifts we needed to provide. This year, Eastminster has committed to buying 2 gifts (one educational and one fun), for 47 children. Members can bring new, unwrapped gifts to be put in a “Christmas Shop,” where the parents living at St. Lawrence Place will be able to shop for their families. Gifts are being collected now and should be delivered to the church no later than Thursday, 12/7. The Shop will be open for those residents on Monday afternoon, and after they have chosen one educational gift and one fun toy for each of their children, volunteers will wrap the presents. Around 6:30 p.m., the families and volunteers from First Calvary and EPC will gather for dinner and fellowship, including pictures with Santa!

Thank you for helping to “Spread the Joy” this holiday season! The gifts you are providing will make such a difference for these families who are going through a difficult time. This is a great way to share the love of Christ. Please contact Liz Agee at sagee12345@aol.com, or call her at 546-1411, to find out what the gift needs still are, or to see if she needs additional volunteers on December 11. This is a great opportunity for children and youth to serve each December.

Christmas Shop & Dinner

Thursday, December 21: Transitions Holiday Meal & Socks in a Box

EASTMINSTER TODAY Page

In Loving Honor and Memory:

16

Gifts Supporting the Eastminster Endowment: In honor of Woods Carter Mann, given by Catherine W. Mann. In honor of Fredna, Diana & Shelly, given by Meredith McKee. In honor of G. Edmund Richmond, Jr., MD, given by Heather Coleman. In honor of Dan Lott, given by Dr. & Mrs. Allan Weldon.

Memorial Gifts Supporting the Eastminster Endowment: In memory of William Woodward “Hootie” Johnson, given by Mary Lou Mapp, Doris B. Wrenn, and Kathy Price Stitt. In memory of William “Bill” Tarrant, given by Bartow & Betty Gilbert, the Ted Haigler Sunday School Class, Mary & John Anderson, and Joyce S. O’Sheal. In memory of E. Roy Benton, Jr., given by Mary Bull Benton. In memory of James Latimer Dendy, Jr., given by Barbara & John McArthur.

Memorial Gifts Supporting the Dr. Joe Bryan Donaho Teaching Church Fund: In memory of Zachary Marsh, given by Kelley & Anthony Woody, Val & Betsy Dunbar Sawyer, Bill & Sally McWilliams, Helen Childers, Mary Counts, Jim & Ann St. John, Austin & Barbara Boyd, and Bartow & Betty Gilbert.

Memorial Gifts Supporting the Music/Choir Fund: In memory of Daryl McKee, given by Jack & Marilyn Hupp, Terry L. Dennis, Doug & Martha Hughes, Becky Webb, and Penny Nieri.

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

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, 2017, are tax-deductible.

Please note that all church services will be held on Sunday, December 31, and an offering will be received. If you are unable to be present on Sunday, December 31, your contributions must be received at the church by Friday, December 29, by 5:00 p.m., or postmarked by Saturday, December 30, in order for you to receive a tax deduction in 2017. If you are sending stock, please notify the treasurer’s office for instruc-tions, and to ensure that you receive the proper credit.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS Wednesday, April 11, 2018 WILL UNIVERSITY Dinner & Classes DETAILS TO COME

THE STEVE BATES LEAGUE REGISTER DEC 1, 2017 EPC'S IN-HOUSE LEAGUE 6 TEAMS - 3 GAMES MON PM'S JANUARY TO mid-APRIL

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The JOY GIFT TEA is December 12th. Join us in the Adult Reception Hall from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., or “drop in” when convenient. Enjoy delicious food and fellowship, and support the ministries of Eastminster Presbyterian Women by making a donation again this year. All EPC women are invited. The Joy Gift Special Offering is on Sunday, December 17, 2017.

EPW Joy Gift Drop-In: 12/12

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 support 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

join us for

THE PEACE SERVICE December 10 - 4:00 PM

PRAY TOGETHER, ENJOY QUIET FELLOWSHIP & THE LORD’S SUPPER.

Adult Reception Hall

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What ’s New in The Lynn Temple Jones Library?his holiday season, take some time to sit by a warm fire with an inspiration-al book. Your church library, located on the Administration Hallway, has a “sleigh’s load” of new children’s books, adult fiction novels, and the latest Christian living books by top authors. Below are a few titles. Come and check them out! Contact Caroline Bennett, EPC’s Librarian, at extension 124 for help.

T

mall Groups will start back up in January! Are you currently looking for a new study, author, or approach? Rev. Brian Marsh recommends, The God Conversa-tion, a book about how the use of stories, a universal language, can boost the confidence of Christians in their ability to witness freely, during routine activities with others. (Other Small Group study suggestions are pictured below.)

S

Light a Fire, Open a Book

Submitted by Caroline Bennett, Small Groups Coordinator & Librarian

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through your GIVING....for 2018

Your financial pledge touches the lives of people in our church, community and world who need our love and support. Open your hands and extend your reach by submitting your financial pledge today!

Here are some ways you can PLEDGE: Online Pledging via eastminsterpres.org, Automatic Bank Draft, Mail to 3200 Trenholm Road, Drop in Sunday Offering Plate, Email Pledges to Christy Rippy at crippy@eastminsterpres.org.

drew & joni richardson

katie alice & drew walker

Middle School SUMMER 2018

SON SERVANTS MISSION TRIP: June 25 - 30Chattanooga, TN

$300

Contact Hannah Gordon (843) 450-7846, or hgordon@eastminsterpres.org with ?’s.

THE GREAT ESCAPE CONFERENCE: July 28 - Aug 1Ocklawaha, FL

$350

EASTMINSTER TODAY Page

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

Address Service Requested

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

HolidayWorship at Eastminster Christmas Eve: 10 AM: Traditional Worship (No SS, Childcare: Infants - 2K) 5 PM: Children’s Service (Childcare: Infants - 2K) 7 PM: Family Candlelight (Childcare: Infants - 5K) 9 PM: Candlelight Communion (No Childcare)

Christmas Day: 10 AM: Traditional Worship (No SS, No Childcare)

New Year’s Eve: 9 & 11:15 AM: Jubilee & Traditional (No Children’s or Youth SS, Childcare for Infants - 2K) Children’s Church for 3K-5K (3 Services)

UNABLE TO JOIN US AT 3200 TRENHOLM ROAD FOR WORSHIP? JOIN US VIRTUALLY! Visit our website and CLICK ON THE “LIVE WORSHIP FEED” BUTTON. No Password Required.