Open Hearts Open Minds Open Doors

Volume 20, Issue 4 April 2020

A monthly newsletter of Trinity United Methodist Church ...a Stephen Ministry Congregation

Come & See …

Message from Pastor Kim

Messages from Cindy

Fish Club Pictures

Memorials and Honoraria

Thank you Notes

Activity Page

Heavenly Humor

Easter Around the World

New Members

United Methodist Women’s Day

We Care for One Another

Christian love and sympathy

More new members

Birthdays and Anniversaries

Open Hearts Open Minds Open Doors

Until further notice, our Sunday morning schedule will be: Sunday School 9:00 AM

Blended Worship 10:00 AM

Kim

What A Difference a Day Makes

Some years ago a singer named Dinah Washington had a big hit song. The first two lines of the song were “What a difference a day makes, Twenty-four little hours”. We could change one word, and it would describe our world today. What a difference a MONTH makes. One month ago, who among us could have seen this coming? Covid-19 was something raging in China, and we had just started to hear of a few cases here in the USA.

Margo and I began the week of March 8 with a bit of anxiety as we awaited news of where our next appointment in the United Methodist Church was scheduled to be. We were worried about our son Matt's biopsy being done in Spartanburg that Wednesday. Our stress level was high to say the least. That Tuesday night we both went to bed sick and had a lousy night. We came home early Wednesday because we felt so bad. We just wanted to be home. For a few days we both were terribly sick with fever, chest pains, body aches, etc. I began to feel better by Saturday, but Margo got much worse. On Tuesday morning she asked me to take her to the hospital. The tests revealed viral pneumonia, a blood clot in her lung, sepsis and a diagnosis of the Covid-19 virus. When they pushed her down the hall to isolation I did not know if I would ever see her again. She was that sick.

While Margo was in the hospital, our world changed. Schools closed. Churches were ordered not to meet. We became an isolated society in 24 hours. All non-essential businesses were asked to close. What a difference a few days had made!

We Trinitarians have had a tough couple of years. First, a flood took our buildings. Now a plague has dispersed our people. Several people in our church have tested positive for the virus and received treatment. One person died from complications of the virus.

I saw a cartoon this week that showed an empty sanctuary with the caption “The church has left the building.” That is true. It is more important now than ever that we use the tools we have for staying in touch and reaching out to each other. Phone calls, emails, texts and Facetime have replaced our time together on Sundays and other times during the week.

Carolyn is doing a great job taking care of the office. Ralph has showed up every day to be available for whatever needs to be done. Andy Fowler has become proficient in Facebook and will bring our music online from our Facebook page, Trinity UMC Conway. I will continue to bring the good word and prayers on Sunday morning.

My wife and I would like to thank everyone who called, texted and sent cards during this difficult time. Margo is with me today because of an abundant God who answered thousands of prayers. I give him all the praise and glory.

Philippians 4:6-7 says “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” We pray for this peace as we face another 30 days of isolation.

HE IS RISEN!!

It is an April like no other April we have ever known. In all the uncertainty, we know that God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow. And, we have hope through Christ, our Lord and Savior. Let those thoughts give you peace and joy. This Easter join Rev. Kim on Facebook as we worship together from our homes. Better than most, Trini-ty UMC knows what it means to worship without a church building. We are the church, a family of faith and the body of Christ. Christians everywhere are now experiencing this simple truth. I know we all look forward to the day we can see each, hug each other, and come together. That day will come, and I can't wait. Meanwhile, let's celebrate Easter and remember we are 'Easter people,' because we serve a Risen Lord. I have seen ideas on social media about putting branches on your door for Palm Sunday or a ribbon on the door for Easter. I would invite you to make a very simple sign on a piece of paper that says, 'He is Risen!'. Place it on your door or take a picture holding it for your FB friends. Let's witness to God's amazing love! May God continue to bless you and your families as you stay home, stay safe and stay well. Love and hugs to you, Cindy

THANK YOU!!

A big thank-you to Linda Gainey and Meredith Hyman for texting and sending our children's Sunday School lesson each week. Thanks so much for helping our children and families stay connected with these enjoyable opportunities to learn more about Jesus.

Thank you, my church family, for your love and support. I treasure your prayers and appreciate your thinking of me. I am slowly getting better. My love and prayers continue for each of you every day, especially for all who are sick or have been sick with this awful virus. I am blessed to feel a little better each day and to be able to be home during my recovery. Love and Peace to you, Cindy

Be loyal to your church. Uphold it by your prayers, your presence,

your gifts, your service, and your witness.

Memorials

Given in memory of….

Harland Schuler Merilyn H. Holcombe Chamela Harrell Myrna T. Moore Martha N. Eleazer Robert W. (Bill) Stuckey Merilyn H. Holcombe Dianne Chinnes Adirenne Bell The Coopers Newell, Richardson & Co., LLC Angela Berry Brenda A. Allen

Honoraria

Given in honor of…. Coach Gary Gilmore Fay M. Holt Karen Watts

Dear Trinity, Thank you so much for the monogrammed blanket for our son, Everett. That was such a thoughtful gift with a great personal touch, and we are very thankful. Sincerely, The Beamons Nick, Kristen, Peyton, Georgia & Everett

Easter around the world

Easter traditions are important, but they vary widely. While Americans dye hardboiled eggs, Kenyans carve soapstone eggs and present them as gifts in banana-fiber boxes. In Bermuda, locals fly homemade kites on Good Friday — a tradition that began when a teacher illustrated Christ’s ascension to heaven using a cross-shaped kite. Ethiopian Christians observe a 56-day fast from meat and all animal products. On Easter, they dress in white to worship in churches decorated with handmade fabric. Then they feast with non-Christians on roast chicken, goat and rice. In France, church bells are silent between Holy Thursday and Easter to observe Jesus’ Passion. According to legend, the bells grow wings and fly to Rome to be blessed, returning on Easter with chocolate and presents. In one town’s main square, chefs make a giant omelet with 4,500 eggs to feed 1,000 people!

The week after Easter, some churches observe Holy Humor Sunday — a tradition dating back to the fourth century. Early Christian theologians coined the term “risus paschalis,” or “the Easter laugh,” saying God played the supreme joke on death. Some believers celebrated Bright Monday,

Sunday, March 8, was a special day. We celebrated three baptisms and three new members!!

Dylan Luttrell & his infant twins, Ava & Garrett, were baptized. Dylan & Ashley and Ashley’s mom, Marlo McIntyre, joined our church family.

Proud older brothers are Liam, Mason & Cash.

Congratulations to Phyllis Eisenman who was named our United Methodist Women’s Woman of the Year on Sunday, March 15, 2020.

Carolyn Floyd President Betty Goldfinch Circle

Karen Johnston President Sunshine Circle

Sha McCollum, member of the Bunnie Butler Circle

Chandler Abrams President Friendship Circle

Children’s Time with Cindy

Dee Nesbit, UMW President

Lisa Davis—Morning Prayer

Sara Reddick Soloist

Libby Cates—Scripture Reading

Rolling Green Village, 4 Hoke Smith Blvd Greenville, SC 29615 Eloise Smith Rm. 238 864-371-6829,

Conway Manor 3300 4th Ave., Conway, 29526 Angell Pettit (406 W) Jim Reddick (715)

Laurel Crest 406 Joseph Walker Drive W. Columbia, SC 29169 Jane MacDonald 803-828-9396

Lakeside Place Senior Living 478 Hwy 378., Lexington, SC 29072 Mozelle Goldfinch (Room 404)

Carolina Gardens 2310 Hwy 378, Conway, SC 29527 Lloyd Davis (Room 608)

The Palmettos of Garden City 9415 Frontage Road, Murrells Inlet, SC 29576 Davis McNeill (Room 208) Eagle Crest Carrie Raymor 3736 Robert M. Grissom Parkway, Apt. 223 Myrtle Beach, SC 29577—843-902-7032

Homebound Barbara Thompson 9613 Captain Smith Lane, Corryton, TN 37721

Annie Lou Spivey 512 9th Ave, Conway, SC 29526 Ruby Pittman 1706 Sherwood Dr., Conway SC 29526 MEMBERS Wayne & Karen Nobles Pat Rose Pete & Martha Johnson Iva Finkenbiner Jim & Sara Reddick Diane & Dale Ginty Joe & Saundra Parler Tina Hubbard Cheryl Robertson Dolly Updegraff Dennis & Jean Murdock Larry & Dorothy Deitrich Wally & Cookie Elston Robbie Yarborough

John Bunn Emma Lou Johnson Betty Ackley Lucy Olson Allen & Phyllis Koch Burnette Owens Harriet Floyd Lois Merzke B.G. & Jenny Gantt Doug & Raylene Williams Lana & Bob Fortson Athene Long Marti & George Hubbard Samantha Heinz Henry & Jac Cannon Lee Johnston Alan & Ellen Nagy Pete & Lettie Byrdic Jim & Deb Walls Janet Mayers George Driscoll

MEMBERS’ PARENTS Molly & Earl Nobles (Wayne Nobles’ parents) Rebecca Suggs (Gregg Suggs’ mother) Mary Hopkins (Bryan Hopkins’ mother) Carol Reis Starr (Erik Reis’ mother) Carolyn Holden (Carol Baker’s mother) Alex Strogen (Gray Strogen’s father) Carolyn Britt (Diane Parker’s mother) Barbara Nagy (Alan Nagy’s mother) Jimmy Richardson (Tamara Tindall’s father) Marilyn Johnston (Elaine Hyman & Joey Johnston’s mother) Molly Robertson (Steve Robertson’s mother) Barbara Calhoun (Alanda McLain’s mother) Betty & Alan Taylor (Rick Taylor’s parents) Beverly Mason (Margo Strong’s mother) MEMBERS’ FAMILY Caroline Robertson (Cheryl & Steve’s granddaughter)

Bill Darby (Jo Rush’s brother) Finn Brown (grandson of Sara Newton Reddick) Christine Kennerly (Pat Rose’s daughter) Vincent McLean (Lana Fortson’s brother-in-law) Bailey Anderson (granddaughter of Mary & Kip Miller) Willie Henderson (Betty Ackley’s son-in-law) Aston Grace Calhoun (daughter of Charles Calhoun & Sierra Joiner) Teresa Richardson (Ruby Pittman’s granddaughter) Jason Owens (Burnette & Geraldine Owens’ son) Lincoln Browning (Don Murphy’s great nephew) Chuck Johnson & daughter (Pete & Martha Johnson’s son) Ron Harper (Lynn Long’s brother) Allen & Fay McNew (Wayne Hill’s brother & sister-in-law) Valerie Boccabella (Betty Ackley’s daughter) Evelyn Dunn (Pete Peterson’s sister) Janet & Ron Kirkley (Mary Shellam Hill’s sister & brother-in-law) Mark Peters (husband of Patti Herbert’s niece) Leisa Smyly (daughter of Carolyn Causey) Ray Floyd (Lana Hudson’s brother) Denise (Linda Scott’s daughter) Alyson Iglesias (Nancy Hopkins’ niece) MEMBERS’ FRIENDS & FRIENDS OF THE CHURCH Rock Smith (Joe Hudson’s friend) Mac & Carolyn McCormick(Iva Finkenbiner’s friends)

Rev. Julian Riddle (Russ Nixon’s friend) Durwood Owens (Pat Gregory’s friends’ brother) Joey Jones (Sara Reddick’s friend) Janice & Danny Elmer (Jerri Woodle’s friends) Eddie Caskey (Meredith Hyman’s friend)

Marie Freeman (Lana Fortson’s friend) Barbara Jenkins (Lana Fortson’s friend) Beth Milcheck (Lana Fortson’s friend) Jim & Jan Green (Trinity’s drummer) Patty Springle (Pete & Martha Johnson’s friend) Pamela Paschall (friend of Trinity) Gary Gilmore (CCU baseball coach) Karen Coats (friend of Russ Nixon) Crystal Ray (friend of Mandi Hewitt) Armed Forces Michael Merzke (Diane Fouquet’s nephew) Matthew Merzke (Diane Fouquet’s nephew) Capt. Joseph O’Brien (Barbara Davis’ cousin) Jackson Schade (Genie Peterson’s cousin) Major Matthew Linton (Beth Linton’s grandson) Gene Austin Norris, Jr. (Gene & Carolyn Norris’ son)

Ray Davis (Gene & Carolyn Norris’ son-in-law) Dax Battaglia (Mary Ann Mehl’s nephew) Alex Kann (Mary Ann Mehl’s granddaughter) James Kostuch (Barbara Davis’ grandson) Austin Clark (Brenda Murphy’s friend’s grandson) SPC Russell Dozier, H Co, 118 CAB 30 ABCT, APO AE09330

SPECIAL REQUESTS

All in our church and community who were affected by the flooding.

Samaritan Counseling Service

We Care for One Another

Are there any among you sick? They should call for the elders of the church and have them pray over them. James 5:14

In the Hospital: Mary Altman—Surgery on 04/06/2020 at MUSC

Dr. & Mrs. Strong join the entire

Trinity Church family in

expressing our deepest sympathy

and Christian love to:

The family of Carter Hammersla, following his death.

Margo Strong & family, following the death of her aunt, Angela Berry.

Nancy Hopkins and family following the death of her

father, Robert McCord

Bill Racz & Yvonne Hilling

Mike & Cheryl Landry Dylan & Ashley Luttrell

Marlo McIntyre

PANTRY NEEDS AT CAP

Peanut Butter & Jelly Dry Lima Beans Pork and Beans Canned Meat Cereal/Grits/Oatmeal Box or Bag Potatoes Box Mac and Cheese

Monetary gifts are always welcome. Make your check payable to Trinity and

put CAP on the memo line. Thank you for loving, caring and sharing.

1 Brenda & Don Murphy

2 Saundra Crosland William Gainey Irene & Robert Booth Sharon Bailey

3 Rick Taylor Barrett Grooms

4 Katie Fox Ann Campbell Mary Jarvis Greg Smith Brett Johnson

5 Bonnie Silk Alex Marshall 6 Jared Cochell

7 Beth & Ken Calhoun Carol & John Bunn

9 Charles Gidney Drake Owens Todd Marshall

10 Karen Nobles Karen Johnston

11 Ann Bedwell Karen Watts Elaine & Terry Hyman Ella Wysong

12 Caleb Boyd

13 Stoney Harrelson

14 Samantha Hogan Lynette Hedgepath Gary & Kristi Updegraff

15 Harrell Hardwick Sid Blackwelder Miles Feldner Gina Hucks Todd Cox 16 Abby Freudiger

17 Cynthia Evans Larry Hyman Stella Gore

18 Becky & Mike Smith Beth & Travis Hyman

19 Xavier Campbell Todd Browning

20 Kathy & Ken Anderson

21 Janie Barnes Ford Graves A. J. Wysong

22 Brent Glasgow Barry Cates Trisha & Grant Cates

23 Linda & Boyd Gainey

24 Jerri & Joe Woodle Deborah & William Gainey Donnie Brown Patty Grunsky

25 Jennifer Grooms Cynthia & Dave Evans

26 Henry Cannon Melanie & Reid Murdock Jessica & Bob Rogers Anne & John Stewart Mandy Tobin

27 David Covington

29 Dottie Brown Jim Green

30 Molly Hopkins

Church office address

1317-B Third Avenue, Conway 29526-5038

Mailing address :

P.O. Box 1072, Conway, SC, 29528-1072

TRINITY

UNITED METHODIST CHURCH ...a Stephen Ministry Congregation P.O. Box 1072, Conway, SC 29528-1072

1317-B Third Avenue, Conway, SC 843-248-2194 phone, 843-248-4445 fax www.trinityconway.com

Change Service Requested ____________________________________________________

REV. DR. KIM STRONG, Senior Pastor 843-248-2343, parsonage; 843-877-3052, cell kstrong@trinityconway.com

CINDY SMITH, Lay Assistant Pastor 843-655-6562, csmith@trinityconway.com

DR. ANDREW FOWLER, Director of Music

843-457-9686 or andyfowler@sc.rr.com

CAROLYN CAUSEY, Business Administrator

843-907-0030 or ccausey@trinityconway.com

ANNE STEELE, Financial Administrator/Internal Auditor

RALPH FIELDS, Facilities Maintenance

APRIL BIRTHDAYS & ANNIVERSARIES

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

CONWAY, SC PERMIT NO. 136

NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION