DS Update – December 11, 2008

The month of December has taken on a different face for us in the past few years. First of all, with no children at home and eight grandchildren (six of them age 3 and younger), our family Christmas has changed dramatically! We are incredibly excited that all of our children will be coming to Table Rock for a family Christmas this year. Another ongoing adjustment, after 30+ years of being a pastor of a local church, is that of not having a “congregation” to lead and share with through the wonderful Advent season. That continues to be very different for us.

Last week was full of the usual kinds of office responsibilities, meetings with pastors, an LBA meeting, and the ReFocus meetings and logistics of those. In addition, I enjoyed a Monday breakfast appointment with Scott Drury, Executive Gift Officer of World Hope, during which we discussed strengthening the ties of the district with this significant international ministry.

On Monday evening, it was a real treat for Joan and me to join with many area pastors (from a variety of denominations) at a reception and Christmas musical program on the campus of Southern Wesleyan University. We are grateful to the university and Rev. Jim Wiggins, Vice-President for Development, for making us feel so welcome and appreciated.

Tuesday was devoted to attending the funeral of Rev. Gipsie Miller in Charlotte, NC. Rev. Miller was Wesleyan Women Director Emeritus and the wife of the Rev. Dewey Miller, former NC West District Superintendent. Throughout Joan’s life, Gipsie was an icon of ministry, service, and above all, Christlikeness to her. We had the privilege of serving for many years with the Millers and they remain among the most admired and influential people in our lives. Her role in Wesleyan Women at the local, district and denominational level was incalculable. She was singularly significant in the creation and development of Community Missions within that organization. Her request for her funeral service to be a real celebration was realized. For someone who had walked so close to the Lord for almost all of her 101 years on this earth, how could it be anything else?

Last Friday night was a “watershed” moment for our district Hispanic Ministries. For some time, Amistad and El Camino have each held vigils one Friday evening each month from 8am to midnight. They moved this month’s service to what they are currently calling the “Church at Duncan” (Startex Wesleyan Church). The core group of 20 to 30 had been meeting in Pastor Dumar Camacho’s home in Taylors until recent weeks. Pastor Dumar (Amistad) invited the El Camino church and three congregations from NC to attend, and one from Atlanta came in support as well. (Based on those who stood as the congregations were identified, I think that there were, at most, 40 persons from outside the district.) It would be difficult to determine the exact number in attendance but the count given was over 150! The pews were packed and chairs were brought in as well. Pastor Dumar had hoped for 125 in attendance. What an evening it was! I was blown away by the crowd, the spirit of the service and the enthusiastic participation.

Pastor Dumar organized this event and gave leadership. Although I could not understand what was being said, I do know that he let the folks know that our Hispanic ministry is in a time of transition and expansion, and he presented the goal of 10 new Hispanic churches in the SC District in 10 years! This was received enthusiastically. Following the end of the service at around 12:30am, refreshments were served. I left for home and went to bed around 2:00am, tired but so very excited about what I had seen and heard. I have included a couple of pictures of the congregation.

As I mentioned, our newest Hispanic congregation is now meeting each Sunday evening at the Startex Wesleyan Church. We would like to express our appreciation to the Startex congregation and Pastor Ray Pooley for their support and cooperation. In addition, Pastor Dumar and others have been meeting with a core group from Simpsonville for several months on Thursday evenings. The Fountain Inn congregation and Pastor Bob Broome have graciously allowed them to use their facilities. Very recently, the United church (Easley) leaders and Pastor Tim Jones have opened their facilities and provided financial support for a new Hispanic congregation in Easley. Preliminary work has been done to lay the foundation for further expansion as we seek to reach the Latino community in our circle of accountability.

On Sunday morning, Joan and I had the privilege at being with the El Camino congregation again and sharing with them some of the transitions related to the Hispanic Ministries in general, and their congregation in particular. Our hearts were moved as we sensed the Spirit of the Lord and were particularly blessed by what we could understand of the many testimonies that were shared. I was aided with one of the testimonies by the fact that on Friday night Pastor Orvan Link identified a young man (with his wife and two little boys) who had just made a commitment to Christ. His testimony on Sunday morning moved him and all of us to tears as he spoke to the congregation.

What is happening in the burgeoning Hispanic work has been made possible because of the vision, commitment and sacrificial work of Pastor Orvan Link. For 12 years here in our district, he has been laying a foundation in preparation for this day. We celebrate the life and work of this “missionary” to the North American Hispanic population from Texas to South Carolina to Georgia. Who can know the full impact as he has ministered to hundreds of people who are now a part of congregations or have moved on to share with others what he has shared with them.

I failed to mention last week the opportunity that I was afforded to speak at a community Thanksgiving service that met at the A. R. Lewis Elementary School here in Pickens County. I was pleasantly surprised as I arrived to find a filled auditorium for this time of worship. I was there at the invitation of Rev. Donald Alexander, pastor of the Porter Chapel United Methodist Church, the host congregation for this community event which includes the Martin Grove congregation. Rev. Alexander’s late father, Donald, and uncle, Earl, served as pastors in this district. I appreciated so very much this opportunity to speak to a local and multi-denominational group and to reconnect with Donald after all these years.

I pray that the Christ of Christmas will be real in a most personal way as you prepare for sharing the “good news of great joy” to many who are discouraged and worried in these uncertain days.

DS Update – December 11, 2008

The month of December has taken on a different face for us in the past few years. First of all, with no children at home and eight grandchildren (six of them age 3 and younger), our family Christmas has changed dramatically! We are incredibly excited that all of our children will be coming to Table Rock for a family Christmas this year. Another ongoing adjustment, after 30+ years of being a pastor of a local church, is that of not having a “congregation” to lead and share with through the wonderful Advent season. That continues to be very different for us.

Last week was full of the usual kinds of office responsibilities, meetings with pastors, an LBA meeting, and the ReFocus meetings and logistics of those. In addition, I enjoyed a Monday breakfast appointment with Scott Drury, Executive Gift Officer of World Hope, during which we discussed strengthening the ties of the district with this significant international ministry.

On Monday evening, it was a real treat for Joan and me to join with many area pastors (from a variety of denominations) at a reception and Christmas musical program on the campus of Southern Wesleyan University. We are grateful to the university and Rev. Jim Wiggins, Vice-President for Development, for making us feel so welcome and appreciated.

Tuesday was devoted to attending the funeral of Rev. Gipsie Miller in Charlotte, NC. Rev. Miller was Wesleyan Women Director Emeritus and the wife of the Rev. Dewey Miller, former NC West District Superintendent. Throughout Joan’s life, Gipsie was an icon of ministry, service, and above all, Christlikeness to her. We had the privilege of serving for many years with the Millers and they remain among the most admired and influential people in our lives. Her role in Wesleyan Women at the local, district and denominational level was incalculable. She was singularly significant in the creation and development of Community Missions within that organization. Her request for her funeral service to be a real celebration was realized. For someone who had walked so close to the Lord for almost all of her 101 years on this earth, how could it be anything else?

Last Friday night was a “watershed” moment for our district Hispanic Ministries. For some time, Amistad and El Camino have each held vigils one Friday evening each month from 8am to midnight. They moved this month’s service to what they are currently calling the “Church at Duncan” (Startex Wesleyan Church). The core group of 20 to 30 had been meeting in Pastor Dumar Camacho’s home in Taylors until recent weeks. Pastor Dumar (Amistad) invited the El Camino church and three congregations from NC to attend, and one from Atlanta came in support as well. (Based on those who stood as the congregations were identified, I think that there were, at most, 40 persons from outside the district.) It would be difficult to determine the exact number in attendance but the count given was over 150! The pews were packed and chairs were brought in as well. Pastor Dumar had hoped for 125 in attendance. What an evening it was! I was blown away by the crowd, the spirit of the service and the enthusiastic participation.

Pastor Dumar organized this event and gave leadership. Although I could not understand what was being said, I do know that he let the folks know that our Hispanic ministry is in a time of transition and expansion, and he presented the goal of 10 new Hispanic churches in the SC District in 10 years! This was received enthusiastically. Following the end of the service at around 12:30am, refreshments were served. I left for home and went to bed around 2:00am, tired but so very excited about what I had seen and heard. I have included a couple of pictures of the congregation.

As I mentioned, our newest Hispanic congregation is now meeting each Sunday evening at the Startex Wesleyan Church. We would like to express our appreciation to the Startex congregation and Pastor Ray Pooley for their support and cooperation. In addition, Pastor Dumar and others have been meeting with a core group from Simpsonville for several months on Thursday evenings. The Fountain Inn congregation and Pastor Bob Broome have graciously allowed them to use their facilities. Very recently, the United church (Easley) leaders and Pastor Tim Jones have opened their facilities and provided financial support for a new Hispanic congregation in Easley. Preliminary work has been done to lay the foundation for further expansion as we seek to reach the Latino community in our circle of accountability.

On Sunday morning, Joan and I had the privilege at being with the El Camino congregation again and sharing with them some of the transitions related to the Hispanic Ministries in general, and their congregation in particular. Our hearts were moved as we sensed the Spirit of the Lord and were particularly blessed by what we could understand of the many testimonies that were shared. I was aided with one of the testimonies by the fact that on Friday night Pastor Orvan Link identified a young man (with his wife and two little boys) who had just made a commitment to Christ. His testimony on Sunday morning moved him and all of us to tears as he spoke to the congregation.

What is happening in the burgeoning Hispanic work has been made possible because of the vision, commitment and sacrificial work of Pastor Orvan Link. For 12 years here in our district, he has been laying a foundation in preparation for this day. We celebrate the life and work of this “missionary” to the North American Hispanic population from Texas to South Carolina to Georgia. Who can know the full impact as he has ministered to hundreds of people who are now a part of congregations or have moved on to share with others what he has shared with them.

I failed to mention last week the opportunity that I was afforded to speak at a community Thanksgiving service that met at the A. R. Lewis Elementary School here in Pickens County. I was pleasantly surprised as I arrived to find a filled auditorium for this time of worship. I was there at the invitation of Rev. Donald Alexander, pastor of the Porter Chapel United Methodist Church, the host congregation for this community event which includes the Martin Grove congregation. Rev. Alexander’s late father, Donald, and uncle, Earl, served as pastors in this district. I appreciated so very much this opportunity to speak to a local and multi-denominational group and to reconnect with Donald after all these years.

I pray that the Christ of Christmas will be real in a most personal way as you prepare for sharing the “good news of great joy” to many who are discouraged and worried in these uncertain days.

DS Update – December 11, 2008

The month of December has taken on a different face for us in the past few years. First of all, with no children at home and eight grandchildren (six of them age 3 and younger), our family Christmas has changed dramatically! We are incredibly excited that all of our children will be coming to Table Rock for a family Christmas this year. Another ongoing adjustment, after 30+ years of being a pastor of a local church, is that of not having a “congregation” to lead and share with through the wonderful Advent season. That continues to be very different for us.

Last week was full of the usual kinds of office responsibilities, meetings with pastors, an LBA meeting, and the ReFocus meetings and logistics of those. In addition, I enjoyed a Monday breakfast appointment with Scott Drury, Executive Gift Officer of World Hope, during which we discussed strengthening the ties of the district with this significant international ministry.

On Monday evening, it was a real treat for Joan and me to join with many area pastors (from a variety of denominations) at a reception and Christmas musical program on the campus of Southern Wesleyan University. We are grateful to the university and Rev. Jim Wiggins, Vice-President for Development, for making us feel so welcome and appreciated.

Tuesday was devoted to attending the funeral of Rev. Gipsie Miller in Charlotte, NC. Rev. Miller was Wesleyan Women Director Emeritus and the wife of the Rev. Dewey Miller, former NC West District Superintendent. Throughout Joan’s life, Gipsie was an icon of ministry, service, and above all, Christlikeness to her. We had the privilege of serving for many years with the Millers and they remain among the most admired and influential people in our lives. Her role in Wesleyan Women at the local, district and denominational level was incalculable. She was singularly significant in the creation and development of Community Missions within that organization. Her request for her funeral service to be a real celebration was realized. For someone who had walked so close to the Lord for almost all of her 101 years on this earth, how could it be anything else?

Last Friday night was a “watershed” moment for our district Hispanic Ministries. For some time, Amistad and El Camino have each held vigils one Friday evening each month from 8am to midnight. They moved this month’s service to what they are currently calling the “Church at Duncan” (Startex Wesleyan Church). The core group of 20 to 30 had been meeting in Pastor Dumar Camacho’s home in Taylors until recent weeks. Pastor Dumar (Amistad) invited the El Camino church and three congregations from NC to attend, and one from Atlanta came in support as well. (Based on those who stood as the congregations were identified, I think that there were, at most, 40 persons from outside the district.) It would be difficult to determine the exact number in attendance but the count given was over 150! The pews were packed and chairs were brought in as well. Pastor Dumar had hoped for 125 in attendance. What an evening it was! I was blown away by the crowd, the spirit of the service and the enthusiastic participation.

Pastor Dumar organized this event and gave leadership. Although I could not understand what was being said, I do know that he let the folks know that our Hispanic ministry is in a time of transition and expansion, and he presented the goal of 10 new Hispanic churches in the SC District in 10 years! This was received enthusiastically. Following the end of the service at around 12:30am, refreshments were served. I left for home and went to bed around 2:00am, tired but so very excited about what I had seen and heard. I have included a couple of pictures of the congregation.

As I mentioned, our newest Hispanic congregation is now meeting each Sunday evening at the Startex Wesleyan Church. We would like to express our appreciation to the Startex congregation and Pastor Ray Pooley for their support and cooperation. In addition, Pastor Dumar and others have been meeting with a core group from Simpsonville for several months on Thursday evenings. The Fountain Inn congregation and Pastor Bob Broome have graciously allowed them to use their facilities. Very recently, the United church (Easley) leaders and Pastor Tim Jones have opened their facilities and provided financial support for a new Hispanic congregation in Easley. Preliminary work has been done to lay the foundation for further expansion as we seek to reach the Latino community in our circle of accountability.

On Sunday morning, Joan and I had the privilege at being with the El Camino congregation again and sharing with them some of the transitions related to the Hispanic Ministries in general, and their congregation in particular. Our hearts were moved as we sensed the Spirit of the Lord and were particularly blessed by what we could understand of the many testimonies that were shared. I was aided with one of the testimonies by the fact that on Friday night Pastor Orvan Link identified a young man (with his wife and two little boys) who had just made a commitment to Christ. His testimony on Sunday morning moved him and all of us to tears as he spoke to the congregation.

What is happening in the burgeoning Hispanic work has been made possible because of the vision, commitment and sacrificial work of Pastor Orvan Link. For 12 years here in our district, he has been laying a foundation in preparation for this day. We celebrate the life and work of this “missionary” to the North American Hispanic population from Texas to South Carolina to Georgia. Who can know the full impact as he has ministered to hundreds of people who are now a part of congregations or have moved on to share with others what he has shared with them.

I failed to mention last week the opportunity that I was afforded to speak at a community Thanksgiving service that met at the A. R. Lewis Elementary School here in Pickens County. I was pleasantly surprised as I arrived to find a filled auditorium for this time of worship. I was there at the invitation of Rev. Donald Alexander, pastor of the Porter Chapel United Methodist Church, the host congregation for this community event which includes the Martin Grove congregation. Rev. Alexander’s late father, Donald, and uncle, Earl, served as pastors in this district. I appreciated so very much this opportunity to speak to a local and multi-denominational group and to reconnect with Donald after all these years.

I pray that the Christ of Christmas will be real in a most personal way as you prepare for sharing the “good news of great joy” to many who are discouraged and worried in these uncertain days.

SCD goes WordPress!

Things look different around here, don’t they?

Well, it’s for good reasons – we’ve completely re-worked our district’s website building it from ground up in WordPress.

Why? Functionality!

We want you to play an active part in the content found here at scwesleyan.org.  In switching our site to WordPress we will be able to offer the following features to everyone in our district:

• Each church will be able to set up and maintain their own page on the district site. If a church already has a website, they will be able to point their page to automatically redirect it there. If the church doesn’t have a website, they can use their page here at the district website to share information about current activities, victories and other information.  You can even purchase a domain (eg. www.churchname.com) and point it at your page on the district website!
• Departments will be able to update and share information at their convenience – are the district Wesleyan Women having a tubing trip down the Nantahala?  Now everyone will know!
• Churches will be able to share stories and submit them to be placed on the front page of the site.  Did your church just have it’s 200th birthday?  Submit a story with pictures and information — we’ll get it out there for everyone to see!
• Reports will be able to be filed via a web-form right here on the site!  Tired of downloading, printing and mailing your Quarterlies?  Fill them out right here – quickly and easily (more info on this coming soon!).
• Join in the conversation!  You’ll be able to add comments, thoughts and leave encouragement for each other through the comments feature — why, you could even leave comments on this post…

We are excited about these changes, and we hope that you will be too.  If you have any questions feel free to ask — we’ll be happy to help you get it all sorted out.  Change is a great thing, isn’t it?

~Admin