EastminstEr UpdatE

Eastminster Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina

Volume 37 Number 23 August 4, 2013

803-256-1654 / www.eastminsterpres.org

STAFF

Dr. Bradley D. SmithPastor

Dr. Mark E. DurrettAssociate Pastor

Rev. Lynn A. GrandsireAssociate Pastor

Rev. Jeffrey S. SmithAssociate Pastor

Dr. James I. St. JohnParish Associate

Rev. Jonathan S. WagnerAssociate Pastor

Mr. Croskeys RoyallDirector of Children’s Ministries

Mrs. Fredna LeeDirector of Music Ministries

Mr. William L. Collins, Jr.Business Administrator

Our Missionaries:

Rev. & Mrs. Donald Marsden-Virginia/Russia

Steven & Natalie Hall - Alaska

Sarah Snapp - Bolivia

Rev. John McCall - Taiwan

Steve & Kathy Amar - Virginia/Muslims in the US

George & Anne Harper - Philippines

Cindy Correll - Port au Prince, Haiti

Dr. John and Gwenda Fletcher - Congo-

Summer WorshipJoin us for Worship

Sundays @ 10:00 a.m. (Sanctuary & Jubilee)

Sunday School @ 9:00 a.m.

In the last days, God says,

I will pour out my Spirit

on all people.

Your sons and daughters will

prophesy, your young men will see

VISIonS

your old men will dream

dreamS

a C T S 2 : 1 7

Dear Eastminster Family,

The gift of a fresh beginning. For you. And yours. Isn’t it amazing how God continues reaching and stretching toward us? Sure, amidst our wan-dering and spiritual slumbering we are prone to lose sight, to lose perspec-tive. But God, through the gentle nudging of the Holy Spirit, awakens our desire for communion with our Master and for community with one another. So we come together as the Body of Christ, to share in the forgive-

ness and fellowship, the healing and wholeness, the meaning God provides. Below are some Growth Groups designed to offer a fresh beginning. For you. And yours.

SuNdAyS@5 (NEW!) - 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.

All groups meet from 5:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m. Sundays, beginning August 25Sunday evenings have been shortened and strengthened. Growth Groups are being of-

fered for all ages to provide parents options even as children are at youth programs. Pro-grams end in time for families to share dinner together. Growth Groups for individual adults or options for the whole family, includes:

Children & youth Growth Groups

Senior High Cornerstone Youth Fellowship Middle School Cornerstone Youth Fellowship 1st - 5th Grade ROCK Quarry Small Groups Nursery/Childcare through K4

Adult Growth Groups

Kerygma Leader Bible Equipping, with Mark Durrett Presbyterian Women Bible Study of 23rd Psalm, with Lynn Grandsire Faith & Film - Small group dialogue of film segments, led by Angie Durrett Marriage Enrichment, with Brad and Nancy Smith (repeat of Winter 2013 class)

Financial Peace by Dave Ramsey, led by Robin Gorman

Wednesdays (Beginning August 28)

11:00 a.m. Morning Bible Study of Exodus, with Mark Durrett

WE@EPC - 5:30 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

WE@EPC Growth Groups . . . Exodus Bible Study, with lead teacher Mark Durrett Alpha, facilitated by Jeff Smith and members Divorce Care, facilitated by members Grief Group, led by Lynn Grandsire Officer Training, led by Brad Smith Crossroads Career, led by

For more information and to register for any of the above classes, please visit www.eastminsterpres.org. Should you have questions, feel free to call Service Coordinator, Julie McDaniel at 256-1654.

In joy,

Brad

Did you know . . . Did you know? Did you know that you

spoke out in Vision 2020 groups and EPC is responding! In 2014, children will be issued pledge envelopes which will help our church and families teach our children the importance of giving to God.

Enrichment OpportunitiesSundays@5

Beginning August 25 from 5:00 - 6:30 p.m.On Sunday evenings from august 25 - november 24

youth programs for elementary through senior high are meeting, AND we are adding adult classes to this schedule! The classes offered will be different from those offered on Wednesday evenings and there will be no meals, giving everyone the opportunity to return home or go out to dinner with family and/or friends. In addition, there will be two special nights - October 6 (Family Night) and November

24 (Mission Night”) with a break from classes on October 13. Childcare will be provided for children 4K and under on these evenings.

Adult Classes Classes will meet in the Christian Education building, with

the exception of the “Faith and Film” class which will meet in Thompson Hall.

Choose from one of the following offerings• FaItH anD FIlm, Thompson Hall led by angie Dur-

rett• “FInanCIal PEaCE UnIVErsIty,” by Dave

ramsey, CE building room 357, led by robin Gorman • PrEsBytErIan WomEn’s BIBlE stUDy on

Psalm 23, CE building room 350, lynn Grandsire• KEryGma lEaDEr traInInG, CE building room

356, Mark Durrett• marrIaGE EnrICHmEnt (repeat of class taught last

year) CE building room 351, Brad & nancy smithsign up on the web www.eastminsterpres.org or in the weekly E-news. Register and Learn More!

+ + + + + + + + +EPW Daytime Women Bible Study

This study will begin meeting on Tuesday, October 1, in room 351 for five weeks, ending on October 29. Keep watch-ing for the time for this women’s Bible study lead by Jean Padgett, a Christian speaker and Bible teacher, on the 23rd Psalm. Many of you may remember that Jean has led studies at Eastminster previously.

Congregational Meeting The Session has called a congregational meeting for Sun-

day, August 18, immediately following the 11:15 a.m. service in the sanctuary for the purpose of nominating and electing officers.

August 18, Rally DayWorship 9:00 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.

Join us on rally Day, as we return to the Fall sun-day schedule! remember this is a casual dress sunday. Eastminster Choirs, Eastminster Chamber orchestra and organ will present “O God Beyond All Praising” arr. Josh Evanovich at both traditional services.

Join your church family following the 11:15 a.m. wor-ship service for a congregational lunch in the gym. Menu: Fried chicken, baked chicken, macaroni and cheese, green beans, blush vinaigrette salad, fruit, cobblers with vanilla ice cream, cookies. sign up on the web www.eastminster-pres.org or by calling mary at 256-1654, or e-mail her at mbaldauf@eastminsterpres.org.

Special Sunday School Info Session adults, if you have not found your sunday school niche

come to the adult reception Hall during the sunday school hour on rally Day. We will have a Seekers Hour with information and representatives to help you find your perfect fit for a sunday school Class.

Parents of Youth Meeting on August 18CallInG all ParEnts oF 7 - 12 GraDE

yoUtH! a parent meeting is planned on rally Day, au-gust 18, in the multipurpose room (3rd floor of the CLC) following lunch at 1:30 p.m. We will be handing out calendars and registrations for the Winter retreats, talk-ing about what will be happening this school year, and answering any questions you might have about the youth ministry. We look forward to seeing you all there!

Youth Advisors WantedEPC Middle School and High School Students meet on

Sunday nights from 5:00 to 6:30 to pray, study, eat snacks, sing and play games. If you feel that you are called to work with the youth, please consider joining Pastors Jeff and Jon in leading our youth program. Contact Laura Long at 530-6731 or e-mail laurapricelong@att.net if you want to learn more.

Universal Studios Orlando, Florida TripSeptember 5 - 8, 2013

Rising 7th - 12th graders, make plans for this year’s trip to Universal Studios, Thursday, September 5- Sunday, Sep-tember 8, 2013. The cost is $260 and our space is limited to 47 students (23 Jr. High and 24 Sr. High). Reservations forms are available from Tricia or can be downloaded in the E-News, or youth newsletter. Turn in the your registra-tion form with full payment to reserve your spot. Act now

because the deadline is August 26th. Sign up is on a first come, first served basis.

ThE SErENiTy PrAyEr

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change; courage to change the things I can; and wis-

dom to know the difference.

Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will direct your paths. Proverbs 3, 5-6

For our loved ones . . .In memory of Margery Pearce, given by Mary Lou Mapp. In memory of Eddie M. Williams, Sr., given by Edith D.

Strasburger.In memory of Leland Humphrey, given by Edith D. Stras-

burger, Ann Duncan, Katherine & Tommy Lawson, Wade & Susan Collins, Ichthus Disciples Sunday School Class, Sue McPeak, Bill & Jane Francis, Sally & Bill McWilliams, Betsy & Fred Miller, Dennis Daye, Ellen Moore & Charlie Weston, Robert & Joy Bierbaum.

In memory of M/M Leland Humphrey, given by Sandra & Bob Bethea.

In memory of Gale R. Kennedy, given by Edith D. Stras-burger, Ann Duncan, Bill & Susan Ratteree, Sol Blatt, Jr., Mrs. Mason Romaine III & family, Glenda & Rhett Wolfe, Ginny & Billy Tuller, M/M Edward Bender, Ron Fulmer & Sally Rogers, David J. Bridges, Betsy & Fred Miller, Peden McLeod, Reaves McLead, Bill & Sally Adkins, Robin Mc-Intyre Moseley, Dottie Neese Nidiffer, Dennis Daye, Dr. & Mrs. John Hill, Mark Sweatman, Ellen Moore & Charlie Weston.

In memory of Bernice Coleman Hubbard, given by Edith D. Strasburger.

In memory of Katherine Sawyer, given by Edith D. Stras-burger, Ann Duncan, Sharon & Pete Vanzant, Ginny & Billy Tuller, Mary Lou Mapp, Jack Robertson, Bobby, Janice, & Frances Adams, Marguerite S. Cassels, Arthur Spitz, Anne Holliman, Steve & Diane Wardrop, Katherine S. Deloach, Cindy Dieringer, B.J. Neal, Lyn & Doug Schultz, David & Sally Seavey, Cathy & Jimmy Mayo, Whitney Hammet.

In memory of Missy Boyd, given by Drs. Bud & Sally Klein.In memory of Jack Chambliss, given by Dennis Daye.In memory of Cheryl Glazebrook, given by Jim & Susan

Riser.In memory of Lisa Jeffcoat, given by Mrs. Charles D. An-

derson, John & Sharon Derham.In memory of Anna May Bryant, given by Barbara & Aus-

tin Boyd.In memory of Herb Waller, given by Ellen Moore & Char-

lie Weston.In memory of Molly Wood, given by Betsy McKay, Shirley

& Jim Knight, Ellen Douglas Schlaefer, John Lathan, R.L. Davis, Dennis Daye, Chris & Anne Weston.

In honor of Maria Harvin, given by Lucy Eggleston.In honor of Elise Flowers, given by Lucy Eggleston.In honor of Julia Markley, given by Lucy Eggleston.

WE@EPC ResumesWednesday, August 28

WE@EPC is returning on Wednesday, August 28 - November 20 with dinner at 5:15 p.m. and classes at 6:15 p.m. There will be a class break on October 9.

Classes offered are:•Alpha•Exodus Bible Study•Divorce Care Group•Officer Training•Crossroads Career•Grief Group•Children’s Choir Practice•Children’s Video Bible Study & Activities•Middle School Small Groups

Childcare will be provided for children 4Kand under on these evenings.

ALPHA HIGHLIGHT Alpha is a video based curriculum, facilitated by small

group leaders, that exists to help people explore the Chris-tian faith. This twelve-week series covers a variety of topics relevant to our faith, such as: What is the purpose of life? What relevance does Jesus have for our lives today? I like to call it a “Christianity 101 class” that anyone can enjoy regard-less of whether or not you are mature in your faith, young in your faith, or have no faith at all. The class is designed to be low-key, friendly, and fun. It’s also a great opportunity to connect with others in the church and develop close friend-ships. Class begins on Wednesday, August 28. We have din-ner together from 5:15 - 6:00 p.m. if you are able, and from 6:00 - 7:45 p.m we have a small group discussion on the 3rd floor of the CLC. If you are interested call Tricia (256-1543) or email her tmccormick@eastminsterpres.org.

Not Employed or Under-Employed?Crossroads Career Network offers programs and opportu-

nities for job seekers, career explorers, employers and regular church attendees to get involved. We meet most Wednes-days at 6:15 p.m. in the Christian Life Center, room C-269. Contact Jim Hatchell for more information: jimnsc123@gmail.com.

BIg changes for Children’s Choirs this year!We are changing the time to 6:15 - 7:00 p.m. on Wednes-

days! our new room location will be in the Education Building, E-253 for Angel Choir, director Katie leitner, and E-255 for Junior Choir, director Josh Day. Parents, feel free to bring your singers a little earlier than 6:15 p.m. so you can be on time for your class. at the conclusion of rehearsal, your singer will be delivered to Croskeys and his helpers in the ClC – rooms 261, 263, 265. Please retrieve them from the ClC.

Eastminster Presbyterian Church3200 Trenholm RoadColumbia, South Carolina 29204

Update for August 4, 2013

Nonprofit Org.US POSTAGE

PAIDColumbia, SC

PERMIT No. 27

Prayer ConcernsEPC Prayer ListPart of what it means to be a Family of Faith is to be in prayer for one another. Contact the church office at 256-1654 to be included on this Prayer list.

EPC Special ConcernsBoots Fuller, Remer Waguespack, Dr. Mary Tobin, those serving in our military, Stephen Ministers & their care receivers and all those in need of God’s special care.

On weekends a minister is on call. If you have a crisis which one of the ministers needs to know about, phone 256-1654 and leave a message. A minister will return your call.

DeathsCongregational love and sympathy are extended to:

Ann Mac & Claude Prevost, on the death of her grandfather, Don Calloway, July 14, 2013.

Millie McConkey, on the death of her brother, Henry Johnson, July 24, 2013.

Lyn & Doug Schultz, on the death of her father Rev. Dr. James Barker, July 27, 2013.

Deadline for UPDATEDon’t miss out! Have your information to share with the congregation in to tcarter@eastminsterpres.org.Our next newsletter will be August 18, 2013. Please have your information in by Wednesday, August 7.

Memories of Scotland, August 21 You are invited to join the Eastminster choir members

and friends, who toured Scotland this past June for dinner, as they share their photos and experiences. Dinner will begin at 5:15 p.m. in Thompson Hall with the standard meal pricing and the program beginning at 6:15 p.m. In addition to food, the evening will include music and great tales of adventure.

Handbell Practice Begins August 6 Handbells will begin practicing on Tuesday, August 6 from

6:00 - 7:30 p.m. in room E-354. If you are interested in join-ing this group, please e-mail flee@eastminsterpres.org.

Help Stock the gamecock Pantry for Needy USC Students – Through August 18

USC is opening a food pantry to provide supplemental food to students with documented need. The pantry will be run by students for students, but Eastminster can help stock it for the fall opening. Between now and Rally Day (August 18), please bring cans of fruit, vegetables, meat and fish, soup, peanut butter, etcetera to the bins located by the main reception desk and the CLC. Thank you for your help. Please contact Rachel Smith at smithrc8@email.sc.edu with any questions.

Bradley Lunch BuddiesOur first group of Bradley Lunch Buddies has graduated

from Elementary School! Thank you to those of you who have walked with your students since they were in third grade. This has been such a positive ministry of presence, that we are recruiting a new crop of Eastminster members to be Buddies. If you would be open to sharing a lunch hour once every two weeks during the school year, please contact Eastminster member John McArthur (jmcarthur@hsblaw-firm.com) or staff person, Doretha Evans (devans@eastmin-sterpres.org).

First Step Class?A New First Step Class will begin on August 25 and

end November 17, when the class will join the church. Go ahead and put this date on your calendar for Au-gust.

simple ways in addition to our major church initiatives. Eastminster Presbyterian Church needs to engage current members to move from mere membership to discipleship. EPC must engage current members to become active, to serve and give. By keeping EPC strong and grow-ing our church, we will continue to be in a position to reach beyond its walls, to include our community, nation and world.

Charles FrederiCk iriCk, Jr.Charlie is a life-long member having been confirmed at Eastminster. He is a real estate developer and is married to Laura Miot Irick. Charlie volunteers as a senior high youth leader, GIFT Class Sunday School Teacher, Vision 20/20 Co-Leader,Men’s Basketball League participant, and RHINO trip Advisor, and he has participated in a mission trips to Costa Rica and Kentucky. He is involved in the community with F3 Men’s Fitness group – (Fitness, Fellowship, Faith), City of Columbia Recreational League Participant, University of South Carolina, and a Local USTA tennis team participant. Charlie believes God continues to call Eastminster to be a welcoming place for people to discover, learn, and grow their faith in the Lord. He believes God is calling him to serve the church by mentoring the youth in the positive way he was mentored by his leaders, by continuing to explore God’s love and grow his faith alongside his peers, and by serving as a good representative of the many rewarding avenues for faith development and fellowship the church has to offer it’s members and the community.

anne lUCiUs kleitChesAnne has been a member of Eastminster since 2003. She is a CPA/CFP, and she and her hus-band, Johnny, have two children, Mary Anne and Joe. Anne has been a Sunday school and confirmation teacher, and is on the fellowship committee. She serves the community as the president of the Columbia Garden Club.Anne believes God is calling Eastminster to bring his people back home by providing a place

of worship that people will long to return to in peace and reverence each Sunday. By making church worship a regular part of their lives and motivating His peoples to miss the word when not in His house on Sunday. By answering this call, I hope to help facilitate actions that will focus on Sunday being a day of worship, and this will lead people back to God through a greater education of who he is and what he can mean to their lives.

James Field wardlawField has been an Eastminster member since 2002, and is in sales. He and his wife, Elizabeth, have two daughters, Lucy and Lee. Field serves at the Washington Street Methodist Church Soup Kitchen, worked with Habitat For Humanity, is a server at Transitions, participated in the Vision 2020 small groups, and he is an Upward Basket-

ball coach. He believes God is calling Eastminster to further expand its outreach in the Columbia area, as well as outside of our immedi-ate community. Our focus needs to be on drawing others into our church and moving towards Vision 2020. Field believes Eastminster is a great place for our families, singles, youth, and seniors to worship and serve. We have superb staff, facilities, Christian education op-portunities, and youth and senior programs. Eastminster could not be on a better track for the future.

slate OF2013 nOminees

for theOFFiCe OF elder

OFFiCe OF deaCOn

as proposed by the eastminster Officer nominating Committee

tO the memBers OFeastminster PresBYterian ChUrCh OF

COlUmBia, sOUth CarOlina

At the direction of the Session, the congregation is called to meet on Sunday, August 18, 2013, at the conclusion of the 11:15 a.m. worship service.

The Nominating Committee has contacted these nominees, and they have agreed to serve, if elected. If elected, they will serve a three-year term.

Any member of Eastminster Presbyterian Church has the right to make further nominations from the floor at the meet-ing, provided that the nominator has permission from the nominee and assurance of that person’s willingness to serve. Further nominations shall not be considered as a rejection of these nominees or of the Nominating Committee. Our Pres-byterian form of Government encourages such action as an expression of our freedom to choose anyone whom we feel to be qualified. Please make every effort to attend the meeting on August 26. Your participation in the elections process is vital to the life of the church.

“Elders and Deacons should be persons of faith, dedication, and good judgment. Their manner of life should be a demonstration of the Christian gospel, both within the church and in the world.”

The Book of Order

Presbyterian Church (USA)

nOminees for the OFFiCe OF deaCOn

staff. So, what else do we need to do? Her vision is for each member to grow spiritually by having a personal relationship with the Lord. Many of us experience that “I always feel good after church on Sunday” feeling. Let’s challenge ourselves to make it a DAILY walk, not just on Sunday. We can do this by helping each other tap into EPC’s many programs,studies, and small groups. “Out of the believer’s heart shall flow rivers of living water” (John 7:38).

llOYd inman hendriCksLloyd joined Eastminster in 1997. He is a retired president and CEO of the SC Bank-ers Association and an attorney. He and his wife, Susan, have two adult children. He has served as an usher, a greeter, a committee member for Vision 2020, has participated in the church trip to Israel in 2012, and vol-unteered to serve Christmas dinner to the homeless. He serves the community on the boards of the USC Library, Congaree Land Trust, SC Bar and more. He feels God is calling Eastminster to embrace and continue our new vision for all programs, in particular our strong youth programs, so that the youth will know and honor God as they grow older.

sharmin Barnes hillSharmin has been a member of Eastminster since 1982. She is a freelance writer and PR consultant, and she and her husband, John, have an 18 year old son, Jay. Sharmin is a former Elder and a Communications Committee member for more than 15 years; youth planning committee member 2012-13; confirmation teaching team member 2005 and 2008; participant in mission trips to Brazil 2009 and Peru 2011; and helped initiate outreach to AC Flora varsity football team for pregame meals to be held at Eastminster. She is a member of AC Flora PTSO Board 2009-13; volun-teer parent for AC Flora football 2009-13; volunteer editor for AC Flora e-mail newsletter 2009-13 and Brennen printed newsletter 2002-06; Bible study participant in Eastminster and community programs since 1998. She believes for 65 years, Eastminster has been called to show God’s love in our congregation, community and world. Through our many re-sources, and led by the direction of the Holy Spirit, we have a great ability to achieve our goals. She would especially like to see continued support for youth programming, seniors/retirees activities, intensive Bible study opportunities, Christian Life Center programs and local/global missions initiatives. She hopes we will continue to step out in faith to try new ideas to reach those who need to know Christ, just as the generations of Eastminster members before us did. The Lord’s Great Com-mission remains the same, but we have more ways than ever to spread the good news.

JOhn P. derhamJohn has been a member of Eastminster since 2010. He served as an Elder previously at Spring Valley and Lake Murray Presbyterian churches. John is retired and he and his wife, Sharon, have two adult children. John is a member of the Spiritual Discoveries Sunday School Class, has participated in various mission proj-ects, the R.H.I.N.O. Trip to New Orleans, Harvest Hope, and Habitat. He volunteers in the community with Good Works, Medical Missions, American Legion, and Presbyterian Disaster Relief. John’s vision for Eastminster is to have the membership actively involved is missions throughout our community and around the world. EPC should be committed to developing our faith through involvement in the many available Christian education opportunities, while maintaining our strong focus on youth ministry. These priorities can be accomplished through the appropriate allocation of resources in the budgeting process, along with strong leadership and support by our church staff, officers and members.

marY m. elliOttMary has been a member of Eastminster since 1991. She and Scott, her husband, have three children, John Douglas, Frances Anne and Will. Mary attends the Parenting Teens Sunday School Class, Kerygma and she serves on the committees for Mission Service & Be-

nevolence, Food for the Soul, the Count Team, and the Back Pack program. She is active at Ben Lippen as a volunteer JV girls basketball coach, and is the chair of the Board of Directors with the Family Shelter. She believes God is calling Eastminster to be a witness to Christ’s love through service to others. She envisions Eastminster expanding our mission offerings locally and abroad. For members who would like to serve but can-not afford to travel on mission trips, she envisions Eastminster providing ways to raise money to subsidize travel expenses.

elaine ChaPman FaireYElaine has been a member of Eastminster since 1982. She and her husband, Gaston, have four adult children. She is retired from a health insurance corporation. She served previously as a deacon, attended Kerygma Bible study, served on the MSB Committee; was in a Vision 2020 small group: chaired the St. Lawrence Place Christmas Party,

Circle of Giving, Transitions dinners, Operation Christmas Child, as a Connection Keeper and many others. She has worked with LRADAC and homelessness in the community.In reading EPC’s 2012 Annual Review, she was amazed by the breadth and depth of our ministries and activities. We have top-notch ministers, active officers and a highly experienced

nOminees for the OFFiCe OF elder

nOminees for the OFFiCe OF elder

henrY F. maBrY, Jr.Hank has been a member of Eastminster since in 1992. He and his wife, Catherine, have two children, Cate and Fil, and he works in commercial real estate. Hank has served as a deacon, attends the Spiri-tual Discoveries Sunday School class, has served on the budget review committee, stewardship committee, with Transitions dinners, Troop 10 scout committee, Kerygma Bible Studies, is a Bradley Lunch Buddy and participated in Vision 20/20. He is active in the Columbia Rotary Club and scouting. He believes God is call-ing Eastminster to love and to serve him, to love our neighbors, and to help others come to know Christ’s love for them. His vision is that Eastminster will continue to provide group op-portunities for all ages for personal growth and development of our faith. These opportunities can be through our worship services, Sunday school classes, Bible study, scout programs, mentoring programs and youth/adult/seniors programs. It is also his vision that Eastminster continue to develop its many resources to assist the elderly, poor, sick, and homeless of our community. In answering God’s call, Eastminster will become a place of refuge and comfort for all.

william g. newsOme iiiBilly has been a member of Eastminster since 1996, and is an attorney with Nexsen Pruet. He and his wife, Kim, have two daughters, Ann and Emily. He has served previously as a Deacon, on the Finance, Stewardship and Endowment Committees, has assisted with Sunday School, hosted the Stewardship phone bank, and participated in Bethel and Kerygma Bible Study. Billy served on the Oliver Gospel Mis-sion Board and Family Connections Board. He believes God is calling Eastminster to share Christ’s love and grace in our community and around the world through servant leadership, humility, and the faithful study of scripture. Billy’s vision for answering this call is for Eastminster to continue to take the lead in local and global mission projects, and to continue to em-phasize the study of scripture in our Sunday School classes and throught Kerygma, Bethel and similar, more involved programs.

sUsan CUnningham OwenSusan has been a member of Eastminster since 1991. She has served as a deacon and she and her husband, Franklyn have two chil-dren, Betsy and Franklyn. Susan cooks for the Transitions meals, is a kitchen ministry team leader, a Bradley Elementary Lunch Buddy, is planning to mentor former Lunch

Buddy as a CHAMPS student, and set up the Backpack Pro-gram at EPC. She previously served on the pastor nomination committee for Mark Durrett, and attends Bible study. She is active with Hammond School, the Columbia Tennis League and the Columbia Garden Club. Susan believes God is call-ing Eastminster to mentor children in our community. From her experiences working with Bradley, Jubilee Academy, and CHAMPS, she has found that these children need stability and

nOminating COmmittee memBersPam Halligan, Vice Chair Bill McDow, ChairJohn Hart Johnnie PearceLaura Long Kit PoundJulia Markley March Seabrook Berry Mattox Laura Self

consistency in their lives. Through our programs and support we can enable them to go beyond what their environment would allow.

henrY thOmas PriCeHenry has been a member of Eastminster since 2005. He retired as the Interim Dean of USC College of Journalism and Mass Communication. He and his wife, Bobbie, have two adult children. Henry has served on the Vision 2020 Coordinating Team; Associate Pastor Nominating Committee (Lynn Grandsire); Savvy Seniors Board;

Kitchen Ministry; Assist Decorating Committee as needed; Serve as copy editor on church materials when needed. In the community he is an occasional speaker at Shepherd Center; Speaker for various groups, both church-affiliated and-nonaf-filiated on general topics of propaganda and news “bloopers”; Conducts free Business Writing Seminars for church-affiliated groups. God has richly blessed Eastminster. Henry believes it is our responsibility to use those blessings, congregational ones, financial ones and leadership ones - to further God’s work and share with others the message and love of Jesus Christ. I think the Vision 2020 findings provide us many ways to do exactly that. I do not claim to know God’s will for Eastminster, but I promise to prayerfully use whatever talent, skill and ability God has given me to try to discern that will and act to carry it out.

marY Bett thOrneMary Bett a life long EPC member, was baptized and confirmed at Eastminster, and has served previously as a Deacon. She works part-time for the Columbia Audiol-ogy Group, and she and her husband, John, have two daughters and a son. Mary Bett

taught Sunday School, Women of the Church (Secretary), and District Shepherd. She has been a member of: Officer Nominat-ing Committee, Vacation Bible School Committee, Mentoring Committee, Christian Life Center Committee, Spiritual Dis-coveries Sunday School Class, Friends of CHAMPS, and has participated in ChristCare, Kerygma and youth mission trips. She is a member of the Junior League and Columbia Garden Club. She believes that God is calling Eastminster to strengthen each individual’s spiritual life in preparation for service. East-minster can answer God’s call by providing a place to feel God’s presence and listen for God’s will, and by offering opportunities to grow in faith through studying God’s word, to grow in hope through worship, to grow in love through fellowship, and to respond to God’s grace through prayer and service.

CarOline COleman BennettCaroline has been a member of Eastminster since 2001. She is a children’s book author and she and her husband, Zeke, have three children, Coleman, Anna Young, and William. Caroline has been a Vacation Bible School coordinator, VBS mission project coordinator, member of Christ Care and multiple other Bible Studies since 2001, Small

Group Leader Training co-leader, Small Group Bible Study Leader, Sunday School teacher (toddler through 8th grade classes), and Al-pha group facilitator. She is a Member/Sustainer of Junior Leagues of Charleston and Columbia since 2006, where she served on the Board and as chair of PR, Marketing and Smart Matters Special Events committees; served on Jr. Achievement and Meals on Wheels of Charleston, as well as Richland County First Steps, the Starfish Literacy Project Board and various other literacy-related efforts in Columbia. She is also a graduate of Leadership Charleston. She believes that God’s calling EPC to continue to expand with more depth in members’ relationships with Him, with one another and with those outside who are needy. She believes as we grow in both size and depth, the Small Group approach for Bible Study, internal communication, and outreach will be key in answering God’s call. She is looking forward to helping facilitate the expansion of the Small Group approach.

James Brian BlaCkwelderBrian joined Eastminster in 1998. He and his wife, Margie, have three children, James, John Campbell, and Molly, and he is a banker with Wells Fargo. Brian is a member of the Hope Sunday School Class, a preschool and Elemen-tary Sunday School teacher, Vision 20/20 small group leader, lead facilitator for Dave Ramsey’s

Financial Peace University, and attends WE@EPC. He is an active member in the community, is on the Board of Directors for the March of Dimes, coaches youth soccer for South Carolina United, and is a graduate of Leadership Columbia. Brian believes God is calling Eastminster to continue its outreach and mission through small group studies and interactions. As a previous leader for several small groups, he believes this kind of format allows for an open comfortable way to grow closer to God and to one another.

JeFFreY k. CastOJeff joined Eastminster in 2006. He is an ac-countant and married to Martha Casto. He is active in the Men’s Prayer Breakfast, is a Stephen Minister, Divorce Recovery Support Group, and attends the Spiritual Discoveries Sunday School Class. Jeff believes that our acknowledging the needs of an aging congre-gation is important, and should involve, expanding an already existing program of assisting the elderly with getting to medical appointments and returning from hospital stays is needed. In addi-tion, some elderly need advice in financial planning, procurement of vehicles and other issues. Our congregation possesses a wealth of knowledge that could be extended to these members as well as oth-ers outside the church as an outreach program. Programs could be conducted such as estate planning, creating trusts, and living wills as a contribution to the greater community.

COnstanCe r. ChaseConnie joined Eastminster in 1977. She is a retired kindergarten teacher, and she and her husband, David, have three adult children. Connie is a member of the Spiritual Discoveries Sunday School Class, taught VBS, worked in the Eastminster Day School, mentored both middle and senior high youth, helped with the new member class, and visited home bound members.

She believes God is calling EPC to make the knowledge of Christ our first priority. Each of us must be willing to fight for precious time with Jesus. Work, distraction, fatigue, and time limitations oppose us in our efforts. However, as we grow in our knowledge of Christ, we are more willing to put into action what He instructs us to do. We must have a willing spirit, be intentional in our study of the word and prayer, put into practice that which we glean, teach our children by both actions and deeds, and express thankfulness to our God. When each of us participates and resolves to faithfully serve God in our everyday lives, we will please Him by furthering the mission of the church by bearing fruit, fruit that will last.

James aleX dillardAlex joined Eastminster in 1985. He and his wife, Sarah, have a 2 year old son, Hank, and he works for Blue Choice Health Plan. Alex has served the church on the officer nominating committee, Vision 20/20, participated in a small group, Kerygma Bible study, Alpha, and is an EPC day school parent, and works with United Way Young Leaders Society. He believes God is calling Eastminster to continue developing the foundation in the education of God’s word starting with children in the day school, Sunday School, and youth group, as well as adult education with the likes of Bethel, Kergyma and WE @ EPC. Having a young son, he feels it is his call to make sure his son has every chance to participate in educational opportunities EPC has to offer, just as he did growing up at Eastminster.

katie redd evattKatie has been a member of Eastminster since 1997. She and her husband, Jim, have two children, Rachel and Molly. Katie currently works part-time with the Technical College System of SC. She has been an elementary Sunday School Teacher, helped with VBS, Jesus Rocks, served as the Moderator of the Presbyterian Women, worked in New Orleans

with R.H.I.N.O., and prepares food for the Transitions center. Katie believes God is calling Eastminster to continue its outreach to the unchurched and underprivileged in our community and throughout the country; to continue to enhance its strong youth program so that our youth will know, trust and honor God as they approach adult-hood; and to keep EPC a place it’s members can call home ---where its members are drawn to worship and praise God together.

thOmas Chiles griFFin, Jr. Tom has been a member of Eastminster since 1978. He is a retired banker and he and his wife ,Boo, have five adult sons. He has worked with scouting, the Kitchen Ministry, Alpha and Nooma, and he bakes pound cakes for various church meetings and the Transitions Center meals. He serves with the Boy Scouts in the community, the University of SC and Gamecock Sports. During the 20/20 visioning process, God asked us to listen and hear his voice. Now, he will give us the courage to change pace, to follow, to lead and to seek ways we can follow Jesus’ example of service others. God asks us to reach out to others in ordinary and

nOminees for the OFFiCe OF deaCOn