By Jeffrey Tillerson
SPARTANBURG—The United Methodist Men of Silver Hill Memorial United Methodist Church hosted its second annual Harry C. Campbell Memorial Prayer Breakfast. The breakfast was held Jan. 10 at 7:30 a.m.
It was a gathering of the UMMen and male youth to show our commitment to our faith and our church. To solidify our unity, all men wore black suits with light blue ties and a light blue handkerchief. To get our male youth involved, the UMMen purchased ties and handkerchiefs for those that could attend this glorious event giving our Lord all the praise.
In attendance, there were more than 45 UMMen and male youth that participated in signing a leadership contract. The contract outlined four tenets: one, leadership is a decision (make it); two, leadership is an obligation (step up); three, leadership is hard work (get tough); and four, leadership is a community (connect).
The breakfast focused on prayers for the five factions in which the UMMen concentrate their ministry efforts. These prayers were for our youth, educators, businesses, churches and community. They were led by Akili Jabulani, a senior at Dorman High School; Wanda Jackson-Owens, principal of The Early Learning Center at Park Hills; Audrey Allison, co-owner of Allison Allstate Insurance Agency; Charlton Williams, coordinator of the Academic Advisement Center for Spartanburg Community College; and Hope Blakely, Spartanburg County Clerk of Courts.
The speaker for the occasion was our very own Rev. Jerry Gadsden, pastor of Silver Hill Memorial UMC. The program culminated with the presentation of the second annual Emory L. Williams Award, given to the UMMen Man of the Year. This year’s winner was James R. Lewis. The first award was given to Mr. Williams posthumously.
This award exemplifies the service and commitment to Silver Hill Memorial UMC, the community of Spartanburg and the UMMen as being good disciples in spreading the word of Jesus Christ.
Tillerson is UMMen president for Silver Hill Memorial UMC.
