Dear Eastminster Family,

The idea of people gathering in small groups is as new as right now and as old as the Christian Church. No sooner had the Holy Spirit been poured out at Pentecost than people began coming together to share the journey of life as Believ-ers. Early followers of Jesus had fun and fellowship, eating together, sharing together, learning together, praying together, and serv-ing together.

Perhaps in response to the subtle de-personalization that comes with cyber-living, recent years have seen increased interest in the community and authenticity that can happen in small groups. Building on the good experience so many of you had in small groups this past spring, we are once again encouraging and organizing groups at Eastminster.

Whether you are a member or a non-member, I hope you will partici-pate in a small group. If you are already in a group I encourage you to reach out and invite someone who is not currently connected to a church. To find out more about options and details, contact Caroline Bennett (cbennett@eastminsterpres.org) or come to the Small Groups Kick-Off Dinner, Wednesday, August 26 in the gym. Email Anna at abower@eastminsterpres.org to RSVP.

If you’re looking for a different form of small group, I hope you will con-sider the Discovering the Bible overview seminar, the ALPHA introduc-tion to Christianity video series, or one of our Sunday morning classes. All of these and more are described in the brochure that was mailed to you last week. Member Involvement Coordinator Julie McDaniel (256-1654) at jmcdaniel@eastminsterpres.org is glad to answer your questions or provide further information.

See you Sunday,

EastminstEr UpdatE

Eastminster Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina

Volume 39 Number 25 August 23, 2015

803-256-1654 / www.eastminsterpres.org

STAFFDr. Bradley D. Smith

Pastor

Dr. Mark E. DurrettAssociate Pastor

Rev. Lynn A. GrandsireAssociate Pastor

Dr. James I. St. JohnParish Associate

Mr. Croskeys RoyallDirector of Children’s Ministries

Mrs. Fredna LeeDirector of Music Ministries

Mrs. Elizabeth BowerEDS Director

Mr. William L. Collins, Jr.Business Manager

Ms. Julie McDanielMember Involvement Coordinator

SERMONSunday, auguSt 23

9:00 & 11:15 a.m. - Sanctuary

11:15 a.m. Jubilee

“The Danger of Spirituality”

dr. Brad Smith

Ephesians 6:10-20

We are the Body

SHARING HIS LIGHT1 COR. 12

Welcome to Hannah GordonMiddle School Youth Director

It is with excitement that the Personnel Committee an-nounces the hire of Hannah Gordon as Middle School Youth Director. Hannah grew up in Myrtle Beach attending First Presbyterian Church. She graduated from the University of Alabama and has been serving First Presbyterian Church of Myrtle Beach as an intern for the last year and a half.

Youth Basketball RegistrationRegistration for Eastminster Youth Basketball has begun!

Registration packets can be picked up in the CLC or down-loaded on the church website. If you have any questions, contact Bill Ketchin at the church office (803-256-1654) or by email (bketchin@eastminsterpres.org).

Youth Kick-off Celebrations, Sunday, August 30, 5:00-6:30 p.m.

High school youth will be at the home of Emma Barr, 4809 Clemson Avenue. Middle school youth will meet at the home of Coley Brown, 484 N. Kings Grant Drive. Remem-ber to bring $5 for dinner.

Brad Sherrill’s “Apostle”“Apostle” is Brad Sherrill’s riveting new performance

based on Paul’s epic journey found in Acts, along with many of Paul’s most inspirational letters. “Apostle” is also presented with a beautiful new multimedia design featuring original videography captured in 2015 by Brad’s team at various Paul sites throughout Turkey and Greece. Join us September 27-28.

New Confirmation Class BeginsEPC has twenty-three 9th-grade students that will begin

a year-long journey of confirmation on August 23. Please pray for these students as they learn about God, the church, serving, and what it means to be a part of the Body of Christ! During the year students will spend two weekends away learning and sharing. They will serve together on various mission projects and will spend much time in small groups, learning, laughing, and praying! The class will be confirmed in April 2016.

Middle School Prayer BreakfastMiddle School Prayer Breakfast will resume in September! Come enjoy the BIBLE and BACON! The students are invited on the 1st and 3rd Tuesdays of the month to Sarah Long’s home, and on the 2nd Thursday of the month to John Bailey and Lyndsay Moore’s home! Rides to school are avail-able if needed.

Cornerstone ReturnsYouth Group will meet on Sunday nights in the Christian

Life Center starting September 13 from 5:00-6:30.Middle School: CLC, 3rd Floor, Arts and Crafts RoomHigh School: CLC, 3rd Floor, Multi-Purpose Room

Youth Group is a time for students to grow in their relation-ship with God and others in a fun, casual environment! We play games, meet friends from other schools, read the Bible and eat together. Make Sunday nights a priority for your youth! If anyone would like to become a Youth Leader, please call Laura Long at 530-6731. We could use your help!

Attention College StudentsIn an effort to stay in touch with you throughout the

school year, we would like to have your mailing addresses, emails, and phone numbers. Hopefully, this way we can keep you updated on what is going on here at church, and also send occasional words of encouragement to you. Please call the church, 256-1654, or email Tricia McCormick at tmccor-mick@eastminsterpres.org with that information.

Library Open HouseCome visit your EPC Library before or after the congrega-

tional lunch to check out our newest books, Bible studies and DVDs!

We have new selections in every category, from children to youth, from Christian fiction novels to the newest non-fiction writings by well-known authors. Many of the new releases are displayed on top of bookshelves for easy viewing. Take a look at some of our newest titles:

The Invention of Wings by Sue Monk KiddChasing Sunsets by Karen KingsburyThe Third Target by Joel RosenbergThe Case for Grace by Lee StrobelWhat to Do When You Don’t Know What to Do by Dr. David JeremiahHosea by Jennifer Rothschild

Red Cross Blood DriveEastminster will be sponsoring a blood drive on Sunday

August 30 in the Christian Life Center gym. The Red Cross will be set up from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm to take your dona-tion. Please come and help up to four people with your donation. August is usually a critical time when donations are down due to vacations and the summer period.

EPC Lost & FoundMissing a pair of glasses? Umbrella? Jacket?

Contact Shelli Knapp at the church office (sknapp@eastmin-stepres.org) to claim your lost and found item.

Write an Advent Devotional!Eastminster is currently accepting devotionals, written by

members, to be published in our annual Advent Book. If you would like to write a devotional to be included in this year’s

edition, please email communications@eastminsterpres.org.

Family Promise Returns September 6-13Family Promise is a ministry that serves homeless families

in our community. Our next opportunity to host them is the week of September 6-13. Yes, we will be hosting families on the Labor Day holiday! There are many volunteer opportu-nities, and all are family-friendly! Please contact Elizabeth Barber (ebarber77@gmail.com) or Lucy Corley (lcorley2@sc.rr.com) for any questions or sign up on the EPC website.

Key Card Access ChangesThe Key Card (FOB) Access System for the church has

been enhanced for the Christian Education Building with the addition of the Afterschool Program, which will begin August 17. An additional reader has been installed in the elevator. An individual will use the reader once inside the elevator to go to the floor desired (much like hotels use for premium floors). This enhancement will improve safety and will only be active during the week when the EDS and After-school Program are in session.

Work Trip to New Orleans with RHINO!RHINO is an outreach program of St. Charles Avenue

Presbyterian Church which actively works to help New Orleans residents restore their lives both physically and spiritually through the service of nationwide partners. We’ll be working with them to renovate homes in partnership with Habitat for Humanity, and continue to serve those in need as God calls us to do. The trip is Sept. 21-26 . Contact Mark Rosenberg (803) 446-0003 for questions and Julie McDaniel jmcdaniel@eastminsterpres.org to sign up.

Cub ScoutsAll rising 1st - 5th grade boys are invited to be part of

Eastminster’s Pack 10 Cub Scouts. They meet on Sunday evenings at the church. If you are interested in joining or would like more information, please contact Jason Anders at janders115@sc.rr.com or call at (803) 467-7781. Labels for Education & Box Top Collections

A BIG thank you for all the Box Tops & Campbell’s Soup Labels donated! We used our 3,700 points to get free art sup-plies for EDS.

Memorial Gifts Supporting the Eastminster Endowment

In memory of William W. Ketchin, Jr., given by Dr. George A. Lippard, Jr., M/M Stewart Harvin III.

In memory of Wade Hampton Oliver, given by Dennis Daye.

In memory of Julian J. Nexsen, given by Dennis Daye.

ALL EPC MUSICAL GROUPS RESUMEREHEARSALS SEPTEMBER 1-3 IN THE SANCTUARY BASEMENT.Everyone is welcome to join any of the choirs or instrumen-tal groups at EPC. No auditions necessary!Handbells Sr. High to Adult Tuesdays 6:00-7:30 Children’s Choirs K-5-5th Grade Wednesdays 5:15-6:00 Chancel Choir Sr. High to Adult Wednesdays 7:15-8:30Celebration Choir Sr. High to Adult Sundays 8:00-8:45Youth Choirs Middle & High School Sundays TBD

CONGREGATIONAL CARE & CONCERNHospitalsKalen Kloskey -Lexington

DeathsCongregational love and sympathy are extended to:Family of Sarah “Sally” Quantz Ellerbe, August 9.

Alex & April Getz on the death of her grandfather, James

Adams, August 7. Great-grandchildren, Anna Grace &

Adam Getz.

BirthsCongratulations and love to: Kalen & Richard Kloskey on the birth of their daughter, Lilla Garner Kloskey, born August 14. Brothers, Parker &

Taylor.

On weekends a minister is on call. If you have a crisis which one of the ministers needs to know about, phone 256-1654 and leave a message. A min-ister will return your call.

Eastminster Presbyterian Church3200 Trenholm RoadColumbia, South Carolina 29204

Update for August 23, 2015

Nonprofit Org.US POSTAGE

PAIDColumbia, SC

PERMIT No. 27

Deadline for UPDATEDon’t miss out! Send your information to share with the congregation to communications@eastminsterpres.org.Please have your information in by august 30th for the September 20th update.

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If you have time to spare and would like to help out in the Christian Life Center, give Bill Ketchin a call at 256-1654 or e-mail him at bketchin@eastminsterpres.org. We need help-ful smiling faces to greet and direct our many visitors.

Live StreamingUnable to attend? Out of town?Eastminster streams its services live on our website for both the 9:00 am and 11:15 am service. You can use this link (http://eastminsterpres.org/live-services) or go to the home page and click on sermons. The live streaming will be at the top of the page.