The 2019 South Carolina Annual Conference will feature two Mission Initiatives – Native American Elder Baskets and a Food Drive for Harvest Hope Food Bank of Greenville.
“Under Bishop Holston’s leadership, Annual Conference has become much more than an opportunity to worship and attend to the business of the church,” said Chris Lynch, a member of the Annual Conference Mission Initiatives Team. “Through an annual mission emphasis, the United Methodist Church in South Carolina has had incredible opportunities to impact the community where Annual Conference is held – and far beyond.
“This year is no different as we partner with Harvest Hope Food Bank of Greenville and the Conference the Committee on Native American Ministries to make a difference in the day-to-day lives of those in need. These two ministries offer Annual Conference attendees a tangible way to be the hands and feet of Christ in our world.”
Elder Baskets
Each charge in the South Carolina Conference is asked to create one Elder Basket and bring it to
Elder Baskets are plastic clothes baskets filled with non-perishable items, which are given to elderly Native Americans in need. Many Native Americans live well below the poverty line.
The Committee on Native American Ministries shares these baskets to help them through particularly trying times.
“We tend to feel that, with government assistance, our elderly are able to take care of themselves – but they aren’t,” said the Rev. Cheryl Toothe, a member of the Committee on Native American Ministries. “Anything we can do to help is
Elder Baskets can be dropped off in the marked location in the Exhibit Hall at the Greenville Convention Center.
If the people of a charge would like to help beyond providing one Elder Basket, they also can purchase gift cards (for discount stores such as Walmart, Dollar General, etc.) with which CONAM later will buy additional supplies once the initial supply of Elder Baskets has diminished.
More information about Elder Baskets,
including a list of most-needed items.
Food Drive
Harvest Hope Food Bank is a critical line of support for more than 500 partner agencies who take feeding missions directly to those who live in the most economically fragile communities.
Partner agencies are nonprofit organizations providing communities with a food pantry, soup kitchen or other programs to feed hungry people. They include faith‐based organizations, family shelters, and after-school programs.
Everyone attending the 2019 Annual Conference is encouraged to bring non‐perishable food items with them and place them in Harvest Hope boxes that will be situated all around the Greenville Convention Center.
Pastors, delegates and other leaders are encouraged to conduct food drives at their local churches, and bring those donations to
Please place all donated items in the Harvest Hope boxes by the end of business Wednesday, June 5.
More information about the Food Drive,
including a list of most-needed items.
