Tuesday
June 7, 2016
The morning session
The morning began at 7:30 A.M. with a worship service led by the Reverend Geneva Stafford and her choir from St. Mark UMC in Sumter, SC. This worship service included the celebration of Holy Communion.
The annual awards breakfast was led by the Reverend Jeffery Salley. Awards were given to the following persons and churches:
Reverend Kenneth L. Nelson –
JOSEPH B. BETHEA DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARD
South Carolina Conference Laity or Clergy who have shown a strong commitment to Christian social justice for at least five years are eligible.
Reverend Angela Ford Nelson and Reverend Steven Patterson –
BARBARA BOULTINGHOUSE BRIDGE BUILDERS AWARD
The Barbara Boultinghouse Bridge Builder award, named after a UMC deaconess, is given to a person or organization in the S.C. conference who has built bridge of understanding by promoting equity and inclusiveness without regard to race, gender, age, handicap or economic condition. It is sponsored by the Commission on Religion and Race.
Reverend George Olive and Dr. James Salley –
THE MICHAEL C. WATSON VOLUNTEER IN MISSION AWARD
The Michael C. Watson Volunteer in Mission Award is an annual initiative which recognizes clergy and laypersons who exemplify extraordinary volunteer mission service within the S. C. Conference.
The Bishop’s Five Star Award –
Church Pastor District
_ Advent United Methodist Church Rev. Michael Turner GV
_ Bethel United Methodist Church-St. Stephen Rev. Cindy Shaw CH
_ Chapin United Methodist Church Rev. Joseph Flowers CO
_ Dickson Memorial United Methodist Church Rev. Judy Hames AN
_ Goose Creek United Methodist Church Rev. Debra Dowdle CH
_ First United Methodist Church-Clover Rev. Thomas Wilkes, III RH
_ Harmony United Methodist Church-Johnston Rev. Steven Keck GW
_ Lebanon United Methodist Church Rev. Drew Martin CO
_ Little River United Methodist Church Rev. J. Kevin Gorry MA
_ Martha’s Chapel United Methodist Church Rev. Wade Wyatt, Sr. GW
_ Mays Chapel United Methodist Church Rev. Mark Anthony Williams OR
_ Mt. Carmel United Methodist Church-Ninety Six Rev. Thessa Smith GW
_ North Charleston United Methodist Church Rev. Wendy Hudson-Jacoby CH
_ Reidville Road United Methodist Church Rev. Danny Wiley SP
_ St. John’s United Methodist Church- Rock Hill Rev. Debra Quilling Smith RH
_ St. Luke United Methodist Church-Hartsville Rev. Gene Feagin, III HA
_ St. Luke United Methodist Church-Walhalla Rev. Richard Reams AN
_ St. Paul United Methodist Church- Camden Rev. James Smith HA
_ Trinity United Methodist Church-Greenwood Rev. LaShelia Mack Wyatt GW
_ Union United Methodist Church-McBee Rev. Dr. Steven Todd HA
_ Wesley United Methodist Church- Aiken Rev. Pattie Gordon OR
COLUMBIA DISTRICT
Lexington UMC, Rev. Ken Owens, Pastor
Cub Scout Pack 507
James H. Gregory, Scouting Coordinator
Red Bank UMC, Rev. W. Russell Freeman, Sr., Pastor
Girl Scout Troop 2323
Cub Scout Pack 518
Boy Scout Troop 518
Robin O. Smith, Scouting Ministry Coordinator
BISHOP’S AWARD OF EXCELLENCE
The Bishop’s Award of Excellence is established for the purpose of recognizing congregations and units within the United Methodist Church that extend their ministry to children and youth by creating a faith based environment for children, youth, their families and their leaders who participate in Girl Scouts of the USA and Boy Scouts of America.
Scholarships
The Seminary Student Scholarship – Frances Taylor
T. Dennie Smith Scholarship – Carol Waters
JANIE ROBINSON THOMASSON MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND RECIPIENT – Kenneth Faulkner
The South Carolina Merit Scholarship – Loren Faulkner
The South Carolina Advocate Scholarship – Ashly Higgins
THE COMMISSION ON ARCHIVES AND HISTORY AWARDS
The Herbert Hucks Award for Preservation and Interpretation of Church History goes to four churches this year.
Green Pond UMC, Gray Court, SC
Ann Vaughn, Church Historian
Rev. Bob Keely, pastor
Livingston UMC, Livingston, SC
Martha M. Sligh, Church Historian
Rev. Brandon Fulmer, pastor
Pisgah UMC, Aynor, SC
Judy Floyd, Church Historian
Rev. Jane Pearce, pastor
Mountain View UMC, Taylors
Frieda Anne Liston, Church Historian
Rev. Chris Arries, pastor
Centennial Church Award
Bethlehem, Manning (Jordan) Newman Swamp, Lamar
Florence District Hartsville District
Bi-Centennial Church Award
Simpsonville, Simpsonville Lane, Lane (Greeleyville)
Greenville District Florence District
St. Paul, St. Matthews North Charleston, North Charleston
Orangeburg District Charleston District
Salem, Dorchester Brandon, Greenville
Walterboro District Greenville District
Students in Mission
David Larymore, student at Charleston Southern University and member of the Charleston Wesley Foundation will serve at Rural Mission, Inc.
Joshua Simon, student at Claflin University from St. Paul United Methodist Church (Kingstree) will serve at Rural Mission, Inc.
LaToya Charley, student at Claflin University from New Covenant United Methodist Church (Bowman) will serve at Rural Mission, Inc.
Miyosha Foster, student at Lander University from Central United Methodist Church (Central) will serve at Aldersgate United Methodist Church (Charleston).
Sarah Davis, student at Spartanburg Methodist College from Woodland United Methodist Church (Rock Hill) will serve at Aldersgate United Methodist Church (Charleston).
Following the presentation of the awards Bishop Holston commended all of the recipients and challenged the attendees to continue to dream God Sized Dreams and to do just one more thing in their communities to make a difference.
At 8:30 A.M. Bishop Holston opened the Annual Conference with the singing of “Standing on the Promises of God.” After greeting the delegates he introduced Dr. Luther Smith who led us in Bible study. The focus scripture for the morning was Luke 9. Dr. Smith emphasized the importance of having power and authority as well as hospitality. Jesus invited the disciples to give hospitality the opportunity to do its work. Give yourself to the community – because we don’t bring it all. God has provided all that we need if we give ourselves over to the hospitality that is found in community. God is the source of sustenance. Dr. Smith challenged the participants not to sit around waiting for God to give them what He has already given. The homework assignment for tomorrow is: Luke 11:1 – 13. He invited the participants to make space for God to work by sitting with the text.
Rev. Ken Nelson greeted the delegates and thanked the Annual Conference for the Sunday offering of $13,228.00 received for Disaster Response and the Monday offering of $10.956 to support theological education for persons attending Seminary and Course of Studies.
He also reminded the delegates of the ongoing blood drive. Bishop Holston then led the Conference in a prayer for bereaved families.
Ms. Martha Thompson was featured in a video highlighting their ministries to children around the Conference. John 10:10 – “I came that you might have life and have it more abundantly.” This is what we are called to share with the children of our communities.
Reverend Kathy James, Director of Connectional Ministries shared a video of their ministries throughout the Conference in 2015 – 2016 after the devastating flood of October. Rev. James reported that over 7000 cleaning buckets and over 2,000 health kits were distributed. The flood affected over 40 UM churches. She shared the diligent work of the Conference Disaster Response Team and asked this team to stand to be recognized. She asked the Emergency Response Teams and the churches that hosted ERT teams to stand to be recognized as well. Mr. Derial Ogburn and the UMVIM team was also recognized. Rev. James then recognized the significant contributions of Rev. Greg Varner, Conference Disaster Coordinator, and presented him with a hammock so he and his family can rest and recover! Rev. James reported that UMCOR has provided us with a $1,000 grant for staffing under the direction of Mr. Wade Smith, and have received over $500,000 in donations. Rev. James introduced Mr. Greg Forrester, UMCOR Associate General Secretary, and Domestic Disaster Response to bring greetings. Lastly, Rev. James shared a video highlighting the work of all of the servant leaders involved in Connectional Ministries, and she thanked her team. She thanked Ms. Cynthia Williams who has accepted a position to work on the Disaster Response team and has resigned from the position as Convener. Rev. James asked Bishop Holston to receive the report and move it to record. Bishop Holston reminded the Conference that Advance Specials has been removed from the report. Rev. Steven Gaither came forth to provide to the report of Conference Global Ministries. He lifted up the work of the 14 Advance Special Ministries. He encouraged the Conference to continue to support Advance Special Ministries through our apportionments and the annual offerings on Advance Special Ministries Sunday. The best way to support these ministries is through involvement. Rev. James again asked that the report be moved to record. Bishop Holston asked for questions from the delegates. Mr. Larry Fetterly of First UMC in Easley stood to give credit to Mr. Neil Van Derlinden “UMCOR Man”. Mr. Van Derlinden passed away, however his inspiration to all of us continues.
Following the singing of “How Great is Our God” in English and in Spanish, Rev. Enrique Gordon invited the Conference to stand if we understood his greeting – which he spoke to us in Spanish (no one stood). Rev. Richard Reames then come forth to interpret Enrique’s greeting in English and he then provided the report for Hispanic and Latin Ministries. He challenged us to reach beyond the boundaries of prejudice and racism – because we are better than that! Rev. Elizabeth Murray challenged us to push past language as an excuse! She directed the Conference to visit the Facebook page and website that have been established. Pentecost Journey, UMC curriculum was rolled out in February, and more than 20 clergy and laity came and learned about the Latino population in our State. Rev. Emily Sutton invited the delegates to another Pentecost Journey will provided November18 – 19th at Aldersgate UMC in Greenville. Everyone is encouraged to get involved! Bishop Holston presented the report to the delegates for approval. The report was approved unanimously.
Bishop Holston called for the tellers to distribute printed copies of upcoming resolutions.
Mr. Lyle Wazer, stood at microphone 6 asked if there is an English as second language program. He encouraged us to have a Spanish as second language program so we can go out instead of having Spanish speaking brothers and sisters come to us.
A delegate (name not provided) stood at microphone 1 and asked for a point of personal privilege. He remarked about comment he overheard at a local establishment. He heard the staff remarking how kind ‘Those Methodists’ are! He thanked us for being who we are.
Bishop Holston led the Conference in the singing of Happy Birthday to Rev. Tim Rogers.
Rev. Ken Nelson then reminded the Conference to take part in the blood drive!
Rev. Dr. John Holler came forth to provide the report for the Epworth Children’s Home. He shared that children who arrive at Epworth are hopeless. Many of them may have never experienced an opportunity for a better life. The Conference celebrated 100% graduation rate for students at Epworth as well as the attainment of an exemplary status with the regulatory agency monitors Children’s Homes such as Epworth. Rev. Dr. Holler reported on the purchase of the former Carolina Children’s Home. In the next few weeks programs will begin at the new site and continue at the existing site. Epworth is starting the Center for Excellence in Foster Care. This program will focus on training Foster Parents by leveraging the rich connections of our local churches. This will enable children to remain in their communities. Rev. Holler shared the story of a brother and sister who recently graduated from high school and how Epworth will continue to support them as they begin college studies. Lastly, Rev. Holler shared two videos about the life saving ministries of Epworth. Bishop Holston placed the report before the Conference for approval. The report was unanimously approved.
Rev. Ken Nelson asked the Conference to prepare for the retirement service by clearing their areas. Bishop Holston invited Rev. Joe Long to come forth to offer prayer prior to the beginning of the retirement service.
The retirement service began at 11:00 a.m. with the singing of the hymn “Be Thou My Vision.” The retirees and their guests were recognized and honored by Bishop Holston on behalf of the SC Annual Conference. Rev. Ernest Etheredge and Reverend Erik Grayson participated in the passing of the mantle service in remembrance of the passing of the mantle between Elijah and Elisha in 1 Kings. The service concluded with a video featuring some of our retirees who shared reflections from their ministries and the benediction offered by Bishop Holston.
Rev. Ken Nelson asked the Conference to prepare for the retirement service by clearing their areas. Bishop Holston invited Rev. Joe Long to come forth to offer prayer prior to the beginning of the retirement service.
The retirement service began at 11:00 a.m. with the singing of the hymn “Be Thou My Vision.” The retirees and their guests were recognized and honored by Bishop Holston on behalf of the SC Annual Conference. Rev. Ernest Etheredge and Reverend Erik Grayson participated in the passing of the mantle service in remembrance of the passing of the mantle between Elijah and Elisha in 1 Kings. The service concluded with a video featuring some of our retirees who shared reflections from their ministries and the benediction offered by Bishop Holston.
The retirees included:
Carol Dianne Allison
John Mayford Altman, Jr.
Lee Curtis Bines
Joethel Jeannetté Cooper
James Henry Counts, Jr.
Ernest Calvin Etheredge
Harry Kyle Gindhart, Jr.
James Kevin Gorry
Roger Michael Gramling
Mary E. Green
Michael Loyd Guffee
Robert Wayne Horne
Elizabeth McKay Hudson Timms
Robert Eugene Lee
Stephen Ray Jordan
Pamela Gail Ledbetter
Bonnie Farias Miller
Jacki Sue Mitchel-Ratledge
Marie Elizabeth
Ray Jonathan Edward Smith
Deborah Ward Taylor
Jerry Eugene Temple
Tina Anderson Thomas
Mark Anthony Williams
Ad Interim (effective January 1, 2016)
Robert Lee Allen
Franklin Elbert Copeland
Tuesday,
June 7, 2016
The Afternoon Session
Following the lunch break the Conference reconvened at 2:00 p.m. for the Memorial Service wherein the clergy choir led us in the singing of “Total Praise” and other songs of celebration. Rev. Patricia Parrish’s sermon: “Remarkable Words of Promise” based on John 14:1 – 3. She reminded us that while we may not have words to express our feelings during those moments of grief, God has words – remarkable words. Words that bring us life even in the midst of death. Words that challenge us to choose life! Rev. Steven King led the service of Acts of Remembrance by ringing of the bell for each of our beloved clergy and lay members who passed away during the Conference year. The benediction was offered by Bishop Holston.
We remember the following loved ones:
Active Ministers
Date of Birth Date of Death
Robert Christopher Barrett December 15, 1973 February 24, 2016
Edwina Juliette Williams May 25, 1949 February 14, 2016
Retired Ministers
Eugene Holland Bedenbaugh June 4, 1935 February 16, 2016
Douglas Arthur Bowling November 10, 1943 August 19, 2015
George Raymond Cousar February 7, 1930 July 13, 2015
Harry Mulford Goewey September 21, 1924 June 15, 2015
Betty Sue Griffin August 22, 1932 August 16, 2015
Franklin Herman Johnson August 2, 1934 December 22, 2015
William Randolph Kinnett May 2, 1927 August 14, 2015
George Alfred McClenan June 22, 1947 April 30, 2016
Edward Donald McKinney May 9, 1923 December 4, 2015
Joseph Robert Nicholson, Sr. September 25, 1929 October 23, 2015
Lewis Carroll Pope, Jr. July 20, 1949 August 23, 2015
Fred Mortimer Reese, Jr. September 18, 1927 April 16, 2016
Dwight Moody Smith, Jr. November 20, 1931 May 10, 2016
Woodrow Marshall Smith April 7, 1937 January 5, 2016
Norris McDonald “Donnie” Swett December 5, 1936 December 8, 2015
William Joseph Vines October 11, 1931 October 12, 2015
Seth W. Williams March 25, 1944 September 7, 2015
Spouses
Betty Wilson Alewine January 26, 1931 June 29, 2015
Judy Risinger Benton June 6, 1947 February 29, 2016
Iris Faye Cothran January 13, 1938 December 22, 2015
Patricia Jenkins Cross December 27, 1934 August 7, 2015
Barbara Rate Davis July 8, 1957 September 12, 2015
Jackie Jennings Morris October 23, 1953 November 18, 2015
Sherry Prater Murphy May 8, 1946 January 15, 2016
Alice Patricia “Patty” Padgett December 25, 1940 September 26, 2015
Hazel Marie Abercrombie Templeton March 3, 1930 January 1, 2016
Bernard Issac Timmons October 18, 1953 March 18, 2016
Surviving Spouses
Helen Hutto Brabham February 5, 1922 May 13, 2016
Carolyn Crenshaw January 19, 2016
Olivia Rayfield Davis October 28, 1931 December 26, 2015
Mildred Kennerly Hendrix October 25, 1922 May 2, 2016
Agnes Dawsey Rogers April 30, 1927 April 17, 2016
Dorothy Coker Way January 22, 1922 August 24, 2015
Bernice Martin Wright January 17, 1931 February 27, 2016
Others
Mary Jo Chreitzberg
Reese Brodie March 21, 1920 March 29, 2016
The Conference reconvened at 3:26 p.m. with the singing of a congregational hymn.
Rev. Jeremy Howell presented the report of Equitable Compensation. He asked Bishop Holston to present report two A which requests apportionments in the amount of $550,000 to the delegates for approval. The report was approved. Report two B was also presented to the delegates and approved. Rev. Howell requested to move report 2 to record. This report was approved by the delegates. Rev. Howell then requested to move report 3 to the record. This report was also approved. Report 4 – pertaining to Renewed Vitality Situations was presented and unanimously approved. Rev. Howell asked Bishop Holston to move the entire report to record. The delegates unanimously approved the report. Rev. Howell, who will be rolling off of the board thanked his team for their work. He also thanked the District Secretaries and Ms. Beth Westbury. He then thanked Rev. Sara White for her support. Lastly, he thanked Mr. Skipper Brock, the Vice Chairperson for his work – and he invited Mr. Brock to introduce himself. Mr. Brock thanked Rev. Howell for his faithful service.
Mr. Arthur Springs, Executive Director of Camps and Retreat Ministries presented their report. He mentioned that the ministry has purchased a 15 passenger bus. He highlighted the successful golf tournament which was won by the Marion District. Rev. Tim Rogers came forth to accept the award. Mr. Springs then showed a video highlighting the ministry’s accomplishments. Mr. Springs introduced Mr. Jay Haar the Board Chair who presented a resolution requesting an extension of time to sell the Sewee property. The motion was unanimously approved by the delegates. Bishop Holston and the delegates thanked the ministry for their work.
Rev. Jeri Katherine Warden Sipes, Coordinator presented the report for Imagine No More Malaria. She invited her team to join her on stage at which time Bishop Holston thanked each of them individually for their work. Rev. Warden Sipes then presented a video about the Imagine No More Malaria ministry. Ephesians 3:12 – our God is more than able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we could ever hope for or imagine. This is certainly what we’ve seen in our Conference in light of the support that has been received thus far. The SC Annual Conference has donated more than $400,000 to this cause so far! She introduced Rev. Jerry Henderson of the National No More Malaria Association who thanked the SC Annual Conference for our support. Bishop Holston invited the delegates to come back this evening and to return with their pledge forms.
Bishop Holston asked Rev. Joseph James to come forth from the Nominations Committee
Page 85 line 18 – delete Lori Matthews and add Tara Start Jeffers
Page 92 Change Wyatt C. Minton to Paul Fry
Rev. James requested that Bishop Holston accept the motion to accept the report with corrections. The delegates unanimously approved the report.
Rev. Ken Nelson announced that all attendees are asked to register for the delivery of ice cream by children from Epworth to one local church!
Bishop Holston adjourned the Conference following a prayer offered by Dr. James Salley.
At 7:30 p.m. the Conference attendees reconvened for a concert by the Digital Age. The offering collected at this worship service will benefit the Imagine No More Malaria campaign.
