Healing Waters Dedication – April 19, 2009

HEALING WATERS WESLEYAN CHURCH

DEDICATION AND LAUNCH WEEKEND

After the final exit interview of the April 2009 Church Planter Assessment Center was completed, Joan and I left for Beaufort to attend the Launch Service for Healing Waters Wesleyan Church. For this new congregation, the weekend began on Friday evening, with a dinner at the Golden Corral, giving an opportunity for out-of-town guests to fellowship with those involved in this new church plant.

Saturday offered a full day (and evening) of events. Beginning at 10:00am, there were health screenings, a talent show, sports and recreational events, games for the children, and an all-day thrift sale. We arrived in Beaufort just in time for me to attend the Dedication Choir Concert at 6:00pm, featuring the Armstrong Atlantic University Gospel Choir (Savannah, GA) and the B. J. Gospel Choir of Huspah Baptist Church (Yemassee, SC) in a lively evening of music and inspiration and praise to the Lord.

Sunday morning was a bright, beautiful and incredibly significant day as the dream and vision of Rev. Brenda Singleton became a reality . . . a dream and vision of birthing a Wesleyan Church in her home region! When we arrived at 10:30am, people were gathering for what would be an almost three-hour service of praise and worship, history, recognitions, and celebration. Eighty-six people, including visitors and invited guests, filled the renovated/redecorated facility at 1 Joe Frazier Road. The dedication message was delivered by Rev. Donavon Shoemaker, pastor of the First Wesleyan Church in Jersey City, NJ, and long-time friend and mentor of Rev. Singleton (and seminary classmate of mine from 1969-72.) It was nothing short of thrilling to join with him in witnessing this event. I had the privilege of sharing greetings and leading in the Litany of Dedication.

Following the service, we all enjoyed a delicious meal together, giving us opportunity to reflect on all that has brought this pastor, this congregation, and this district to this point, while also providing time to look ahead and to continue to cast the vision for this, our newest church.

We were joined by others from our district for this occasion: Rev. and Mrs. Larry Burke (Marci), Rev. and Mrs. Donnie Massingill (Margie) and Mr. and Mrs. Phil Kellett (Julie). We are grateful to these who came to lend their support and for those of you who prayed and helped make this vision become a reality. I also want to express appreciation to Greg Edmonds who made a special delivery of the piano donated by the Eden Church and the organ donated by the Chesnee Church. The pulpit furniture donated by the Seneca Church and other items from Community Wesleyan Fellowship (now closed) had already been delivered by Jeff Galloway and Steve Love. In addition, Steve also made a special trip down to Beaufort to address some of the HVAC needs.

We give thanks to God for this new church and Pastor Singleton and their core group. Let’s continue to support them with our prayers and efforts on their behalf.

~Pastor Buddy