Annual Review 2015ssm-eastminsterpres.s3.wasabisys.com/s3fs-public/...Dear Eastminster Family,...

Annual Review 2015

In Loving Memory of Thelma Carter, Director of Communications

Eastminster Presbyterian Church 1997-2015

2015 Annual Review

Eastminster Presbyterian Church Columbia, SC

Table of ContentsA Year in Review with our Senior Pastor .....................................................................................................5

Eastminster Staff ..........................................................................................................................................6

Year-End Membership Report......................................................................................................................7

Membership Information..........................................................................................................................8-9

Congregational Deaths ...............................................................................................................................10

Church Officers.............................................................................................................................................10

2015 Benevolences..................................................................................................................................11-12

Financial Comparison & Budget Summary ...........................................................................................13-14 Worship & Music..........................................................................................................................................15

Church Relations ........................................................................................................................................16

Nurture, Education & Discipleship.........................................................................................................17-19

Evangelism & Membership.........................................................................................................................20

Building Families Program ..........................................................................................................................21

Stewardship ...............................................................................................................................................22

Communications.........................................................................................................................................23

Personnel ...................................................................................................................................................24

Finance .......................................................................................................................................................25

Eastminster Day School...............................................................................................................................26

Congregational Care ..................................................................................................................................27 1,000 Year Flood Highlight..........................................................................................................................28

Property......................................................................................................................................................29

Fellowship & Kitchen .................................................................................................................................30

Christian Life Center ..................................................................................................................................31

Mission, Service & Benevolence .............................................................................................................32-34 2015 Highlights.......................................................................................................................................35-45

Dear Eastminster Family,

Welcome to Eastminster’s 2015 Annual Review. These pages are de-signed to provide a glimpse of how we are collectively responding to, and joining in, God’s work in our midst. Our hope is that both members and visitors alike find this document to be an informative and inspiring resource that points to our living Lord.

Inside you will read of the births of babies and of the birth of a substantial small group ministry. You will see evidence of a new visual identity that conveys our identity in Jesus Christ while also symbolizing Christ’s call for

us to be a people who are constantly “gathering together and reaching out.” What can-not be captured with words, but must nonetheless be noticed, is the nuanced beauty of the Holy Spirit’s stirring in ways seen and unseen in the hearts and souls of the people of Eastmin-ster.The thousand year flood caused devastation across our community with damage to over 80 Eastminster family homes, including 27 families experiencing everything from months out of their homes to demolition. As awful as the devastation was, hundreds and hundreds of Eastminster members put Christ’s love in action, rescuing others by boat, giving thousands of hours serving, and providing significant emotional, spiritual and financial support.

As a state, the people of South Carolina witnessed the brutal murder of nine people gath-ered for a Bible study at Emmanuel AME Church in Charleston. In the Spirit-inspired response of victims’ family members, we also witnessed forgiveness and love that was far stronger than the perpetrator’s hatred. Inspired by our brothers and sisters in Christ at Emmanuel AME, the Eastminster Session joined the chorus of voices that contributed to the Confederate Flag being removed from the State House grounds.

As a church family, we purchased property we’ve previously been leasing from the Carolina Children’s Home, and we continued to grow in giving which enabled increased giving be-yond the church. As members of a participatory body of faith, many of you authored Daily Devotionals in 2015.Again, even as I type these words I am mindful of the limitations of this overview. These pag-es tell of small groups and list the names of those that have been baptized, professed faith in Jesus Christ, been married, or died to this life. These pages cannot, however, begin to con-tain the prayers lifted, the Bible stories read and lessons taught, the faith modeled, the grace received, or the selflessness and service shared. Said differently, helpful though the portrait painted by these pages may be, they are merely pointers to the inscrutable, undefinable but undeniable presence of our God.In Joy,Brad

Brad SmithPastor/Head of Staff

A Year in Review - From Our Pastor

Eastminster Annual Review - Page 5

Eastminster StaffPASTORS & PROGRAM STAFF

Dr. Bradley D. Smith, Senior PastorPam Tessier, Administrative Assistant to Senior Pastor

Rev. Lynn A. Grandsire, Associate Pastor for Congregational CareShelli Knapp, Administrative Assistant for Congregational Care and Fellowship

Rev. Brian Marsh, Associate Pastor for Young Adults, Evangelism & Membership (Starting 3-16) Tricia McCormick, Administrative Assistant for Youth, Children and Evangelism & Membership

Laura Long - Senior High Youth Director (Part Time)Hannah Gordon - Junior High Youth Director

Dr. Mark E. Durrett, Associate Pastor for Adult Education and DiscipleshipJulie McDaniel, Member Involvement Coordinator, and Administrative Assistant

for Adult EducationDoretha Evans, Director of CHAMPS (Part Time)

Dr. James I. St. John, Parish Associate for Fellowship (Part Time) Rev. Chris Scott, Parish Associate

Mr. Croskeys Royall, Director of Children’s MinistriesAaron Moore, Family Specialist, Thornwell, Building Families (Starting 2-16)

WORSHIP & MUSICFredna Lee, Director of Music (Part Time)

Joshua Evanovich, OrganistJim Masek, Handbell Director (Part Time)

Linda Steffey, Children’s Choir Director (Part Time)Morgan May, Jubilee Worship Leader (Part Time)

Brooks Lane, Bryant McGowin, Matt Mossman, Sound Technicians (Part Time)

ADMINISTRATIONBill Collins, Business Manager

Maria Harvin, Administrative Assistant for Business and FinanceChristy Rippy, Treasurer

Anna Bower, Financial Assistant / ReceptionistBlythe Lewis, Director of Communications

Bryan Call, Director of Information TechnologyFrancine Barry, Drop-In Nursery Coordinator (Part Time)

Lauren Halter, Congregational Childcare Coordinator (Part Time)Regina Jeffcoat, Director of Food Service (Part Time)

Sue Finch, Michael Bond, Julia Smith Kitchen Assistants (Part Time)Betty Barton, Wedding Coordinator (Part Time)

FACILITIESBob Sturm, Director of Plant Operations

Tony Taylor, Senior Maintenance Technician Lorenza Kennedy, Maintenance Technician (Full Time)

Mike Cook, Ronald McCollough, Sidney Williams, Maintenance Technicians (Part Time)Lee Mitchell, Housekeeping (Part Time)

CHRISTIAN LIFE CENTERBill Ketchin, Director of Christian Life Ministries

Susan Faulk & Bill Rose (Part Time)

EASTMINSTER DAY SCHOOLAnita Poole, Director

Lucy Corley, Assistant Director & Afterschool Program Coordinator


Year-End Membership Report

January 1, 2015 – December 31, 2015

Regular Membership as of December 31, 2015: 2,171

Gains: Letter of Transfer 36 Reaffirmation of Faith 25 Profession of Faith 2 Confirmation 31 94

Losses: Letter of Transfer (84) Removed from Rolls (17) Death (16) (117)

Regular Membership as of December 31, 2015: 2,148

Affiliate Members as of December 31, 2015: 8 TOTAL REGULAR AND AFFILIATE MEMBERSHIPAS OF DECEMBER 31, 2015: 2,156

Baptisms: 34Member Marriages: 8 Non-Member Marriages: 2


New Members in 2015

Anderson, Clarke Austin

Anderson, Foster Major

Andrews, Madeline Graham

Babcock, AnnaBelle LaRoque

Babcock, James Emerson

Baldauf, Mary Patricia

Black, Mary Chandler

Bradshaw, Cynthia Beatrice

Brearley, Jr., William DuBose

Brearley, Kennah Johnson

Breland, Branford Isaac

Breland, Rebecca Murrell

Brown, Sarah Jennings

Colpini, Anthony Tyler

Colpini, Lilla Theus

Cone, IV, Dallas Simmons

Cone, Mollie Sharp

Curtis, Dustin Kenneth

Curtis, Jessica Mary

Davidson, Alice Graham

Dobyns, Paul Thomas

Dobyns, Stacey Burnette

DuBose, Claudia Rion

Elliott, William Price

Emery, Virginia Anne

Evatt, Rachel Harper

Fant, Hal Williams

Felder, Anna Baskin

Getz, April Kelley

Gordon, Hannah Cassell

Harrington, Megan Barrett

Harrington, Steven Thomas

Hassinger, Carter Wilson

Hassinger, Jr. James Peyton

Hege, Amber Nichols

Helms, Amy Laura

Hutto, Lisa Slatton

Lippard, Stefanie Regan

Livingston, Everette Jeryl

Livingston, Sumner Green

Locke, Mark Henry

Loewen, Ronald F.

Mazur, Frances Susan

McCabe, Jr., John Franklin

McCormack, Rebecca Magill

McCrary, Lucy Baylor

McDow, Jr., William Curry

McGowan, Kate Coleman

McGowan, Marshall West

Moore, Christopher James

Moore, Mary Wallace DeBerry

Moses, Ashlee Carmichael

Moses, Marion Moise

Nichols, Lula Cynthia Barnett

Oakley, Margaret Lanier

Oakley, Ross Stanton

O’Neil, James McPherson

Parks, Isabelle Janine

Phillips, Allison Michelle Dyer

Phillips, IV, Clarence Ernes

Ramsey, Elizabeth Parks

Ratteree, Susan Derrick

Reynolds, Jackson Lloyd

Schraibman, Sarah Grace

Scoville, Lucy Verner

Searcy, Patrick Noble

Shoe, Betty June

Shuford, Bradley Banks

Smolka, Meredith Jeanette

Spitz, April Kemp

Spitz, Richard Lee

Sylvest, John Daniel

Sylvest, Yu Hong

Teas, Cole Parsons

Tomlin, Paris Marie

Tompkins, Brooke Lea

Turner, Andrew Barrett

Turner, Courtney Taylor

Waller, Grace Manee

Walsh, Hollis Adair

Walsh, Michael Stanley

Warrington, Jacquelyn Paige

Watson, Dargan Jackson

Wellman, Lynn Grube

Wellman, Sr., Michael Allen

Whiteside, Kris Anderson

Whiteside, Mary Lauren

Wild, David Wesley

Wild, Marcella Ann

Winterhalter, Jason James

Wolfram, Alisa Macholl

Wolfram, Andreas


Member Births in 2015

Member Marriages in 2015Robert Hall McWilliams, Jr. *Mary Kathryn Marsha 1/30/15

*George Parks BunchAlisa Malia Autterson 4-25-15

William Henry Daniel, V*Lauren Alexis Barnett Snell 5-9-15

Ronald Douglas Aiken, IILeesa Michelle Benggio 5-23-15

Jack William Wolfe, Jr.*Bailey Rogers Reed 6-6-15

*Joseph W. ClarkeMary Louise Patterson 6-6-15

*Jason Scott BelkAnna Grace Jeter 6-20-15

John McLaurin Mood*Margaret McKissick Bruton 10-24-15

*denotes non-member

Member Baptisms in 2015 Grace Barnett AmickJohn Lawrence AmickEmerson LaRoque BabcockEmily Giles BarnesBowen William BarthelWilliam Hamrick BlackElizabeth Mae BradleyKennah Johnson BrearleyWilliam DuBose BrearleyBaker Montgomery BrennanGraham Vincent Burbage Alec Dennis Chaplin Hunter Grace CobiaWilliam Harrison ColpiniLouise Herring CovarBenjamin Pierce DouglasWeston Michael DoverClaire Ellen FlemingMargaret Lee FlemingEvelyn Holliday HarrisonLillian Strait HoppmannMargaret Grace HutchisonGeorge Stearns HuttonTennent Porter JeffordsWallis Gray JohnsonRichard Abner JonesCaroline Marie LavalKatherine Towles LovelacePhillips Lancaster McWilliamsTeena DeBerry MooreElizabeth Claire MosesBanks Wyatt MyersWilliam Reed NatvigElayne Calloway PrevostVirginia Campbell RhodesElizabeth Ann ScottAnna Grace SipesApril Kemp SpitzThomas Joseph SylvestKellen Anderson Whiteside

Bradley, Elizabeth MaeDover, Weston MichaelWhiteside, Kellen AndersonHutton, George StearnsPrevost, Elayne CallowayEdmonds, Samuel DouglasLovelace, Katherine TowlesBurbage, Graham VincentNatvig, William ReedMyers, Banks WyattBlack, William HamrickMoses, Elizabeth ClaireFleming, Claire EllenFleming, Margaret LeeMoore, Teena DeBerryLeppard, Cora McIverJohnson, Wallis GrayHarrison, Evelyn HollidaySipes, Anna GraceKnight, Clara GrazierKnight, Evelyn ConnorsRoof, Katherine ShawGriffin, Elizabeth McKenzieHudson, Henry HarrisBarnes, Emily GilesColpini, William HarrisonCovar, Louise HerringScott, Elizabeth AnnKloskey, Lilla GarnerBowie, William EdmundJones, IV Richard AbnerHenderson, Emma GraceShuler, Heyward Lee Ard, Collin LouiseStoneburner, Madison ClaireUlmer, Caroline EvelynWalker, Alice RushtonHarrington, Elizabeth Sloane-LibbyMimms, Margaret Lyerly


Elected Elders

Elected Deacons

We wish to thank the officers of the class of 2015 for serving faithfully during their three-year terms.

In Memoriam Eastminster Members Who Joined the Church Triumphant in 2015

Carol Jones Watson, January 10, 2015Jo Lynn Carey Cartwright, January 12, 2015Sidney Ray Ferguson, February 9, 2015Helen Elizabeth Willis Miller, February 19, 2015Dominick Tringali, February 21, 2015Mary Androne, March 1, 2015James McKnight Timmons, April 9, 2015Julian Jacobs Nexsen, May 6, 2015

William W. Ketchin, June 18, 2015W. Hampton Oliver, July 5, 2015Sarah Means Ellerbe, August 9, 2015Wylma Anne Wates, September 5, 2015Patricia Quinn Tuite, September 19, 2015Betty Harden, October 6, 2015Donald Manning Bryant, Sr., October 18, 2015Sande Jeter, December 2, 2015Thomas C. Wattenbarger, December 3, 2015

CLASS OF 2017Pat Buyck Bobby Fuller Mike Gorman Jack Hupp John Leighton Robert McWilliams Ellison Robinson Wehman Sieling Catherine Theus Phyllis Trippe

CLASS OF 2017 Scott Barber Pete Balthazor Mary Counts Connie Derrick Chris Johnson Jennifer Rayfield Scot Seigler Justin Self Margaret Smolka Doris Stapel

CLASS OF 2018Sally Ames David Beitz Sharon Bryant Sara Lynn Curtis Melanie DaVega Bill Francis Rusty Harris John Hart Susan Jones Greg Moise

CLASS OF 2018 Jason Burbage Randy Cottrell Louise Cruea Harper James Beau Long Berry Mattox Julie McCue Beth Oliver Anne Seabrook Rodney Swan

CLASS OF 2016John Derham Mary Elliott Elaine Fairey Lloyd Hendricks Sharmin Hill Hank Mabry Billy Newsome Susan Owen Henry Price Mary Bett Thorne

CLASS OF 2016 Caroline Bennett Brian Blackwelder Jeff Casto Connie Chase Alex Dillard Katie Evatt Tom Griffin Charlie Irick Anne Kleitches Field Wardlaw

CLASS OF 2015John Barr Tara Barr Virginia Bates Jane Brissette Andy Lowrey Alison McGowan Michael Schraib-man Stephen Searcy Marilyn Stradtman Charlie Weston

CLASS OF 2015 Sharon Besley Jeff Burden Abbot Carnes Simpson Fant Carol Hill John Hudson Susan Laird Kay Lydon Hagood Tighe Scott Verzyl


2015 BenevolencesThrough the Budget and Designated Giving

Disbursements

Amazon Mission Fellowship $500.00

Benevolences Expenditure $2,153.50

Bethel Evangelical Secondary School $2,100.00

Bradley Mentoring Program $10,277.89

CHAMPS $26,273.26

Christar $2,000.00

Circle of Giving $724.19

CODE Ministries - Raising a Voice $2,500.00

College Ministry - USC $2,200.00

Columbia Area Mental Health Summer Program $2,000.00

Columbia Pastoral Counseling Center $4,500.00

Cooperative Ministry $17,679.81

Court Appointed Special Advocates - Richland County $2,000.00

Disaster Assistance - Earthquake in Nepal $2,500.00

Disaster Assistance - Flood Relief $103,664.70

Easter - One Great Hour of Sharing $3,558.00

Family Promise $260.00

Family Shelter $10,006.33

Farmers and Hunters Feeding the Hungry $550.00

Feeding Children Everywhere $10,015.00

Footcare Ministry $4,635.82

Free Medical Clinic $2,500.00

Gideons $2,000.00

Habitat for Humanity $30,000.00

Hannah House $1,000.00

Harvest Hope Food Bank $15,000.00

Heifer International Fund $1,422.68

Hope Unlimited $5,000.00

IMCK Good Shepherd Mission Hospital - Congo $2,500.00

Joy Gift $4,926.00

Jubilee Academy $15,651.00

Law Enforcement Chaplaincy $3,000.00

Medical Benevolence Foundation $62,679.82


2015 BenevolencesThrough the Budget and Designated Giving

Medical Mission $2,000.00

Midlands Sexual Trauma Service $1,500.00

Migrant Ministry $2,338.00

Mission Trips $52,801.18

Missionary Support $43,925.48

Montreat Conference Center $1,000.00

Nile Seminary Student Scholarship $3,000.00

Nile Theological Seminary $5,000.00

Nurturing Center $1,000.00

Parish Nurse $1,000.00

Presbyterian Communities of S.C. $13,277.00

Presbyterian Women Missions and Benevolences $3,858.00

Shepherd’s Center $500.00

Sistercare $2,500.00

Souper Bowl of Caring $30,000.00

St. Lawrence Place $1,000.00

The FriendShip $10,000.00

Theological Training for Prisoners CIU $5,000.00

Thornwell - Building Families Program $100,000.00

Thornwell Children’s Home $8,607.01

Three Rivers - Children $2,500.00

Transitions Center $17,003.43

Trinity Presbytery - Per Capita Assessment $29,000.00

Trinity Presbytery - Unified Benevolences $116,000.00

Turning Pages/Literacy Council $500.00

Washington Street UMC Soup Cellar $5,000.00

Women’s Shelter $3,975.34

$818,063.44


Finance - 2015 & 2014 Comparison

2015 2014 Actual Budget Actual Budget

INCOME

Undesignated Pledges and Offerings $3,033,079.46 $3,029,000.00 $2,973,116.23 $2,893,000.00

Administration & Property Revenue $124,808.00 $125,250.00 $118,100.01 $150,900.00

Total Income $3,157,887.46 $3,154,250.00 $3,091,216.24 $3,043,900.00

Expenses

Worship & Music $63,750.15 $70,375.00 $66,863.74 $68,325.00

Evangelism & Membership $9,220.04 $10,600.00 $2,773.10 $10,600.00

Nurture, Education & Discipleship $59,121.45 $65,930.00 $52,927.48 $69,680.00

Fellowship $5,837.96 $10,825.00 $5,959.24 $10,250.00

Congregational Care $14,058.17 $17,400.00 $11,523.01 $17,000.00

Mission, Service & Benevolence $422,730.13 $434,400.00 $416,831.11 $423,400.00 CHAMPS $24,273.26 $25,000.00 $25,695.62 $27,000.00

Administration $50,297.68 $53,250.00 $46,320.65 $53,550.00

Communications & Computers $113,718.44 $115,250.00 $111,725.72 $113,000.00

Property $426,598.46 $415,450.00 $445,243.15 $404,450.00

Kitchen $56,554.04 $63,700.00 $56,836.58 $62,500.00

Personnel $1,704,673.97 $1,864,070.00 $1,701,100.68 $1,776,395.00

Christian Life Center $8,000.00 $8,000.00 $5,214.09 $7,750.00

Total Budgeted Expenses $2,958,833.75 $3,154,250.00 $2,949,014.17 $3,043,900.00

Total Net Income $199,053.71 $0.00 $142,202.07 $0.00


Finance - 2015 Budget Summary

2015 Annual 2016 Annual Budget Budget % ChangeREVENUE

Pledge Income $2,680.000.00 $2,830.000.00 5.60%

Non-Pledge Income $320,000.00 $320,000.00 0.00%

Pledge Payments for Prior Year $10,500.00 $13,600.00 29.52%

Sunday School & Loose Plate $18,500.00 $18,200.00 -1.62%

Administrative Income $125,250.00 $139,150.00 11.10%

Total Income $3,154,250.00 $3,320,950.00 5.28%

EXPENSES

Worship & Music $70,375.00 $72,125.00 2.49%

Evangelism & Membership $10,600.00 $11,500.00 8.49%

Nurture, Education & Discipleship $65,930.00 $65,215.00 -1.08%

Fellowship $10,825.00 $10,725.00 -0.92%

Congregational Care $17,400.00 $18,650.00 7.18%

Mission, Service & Benevolence $434,400.00 $474,050.00 9.13%

CHAMPS $25,000.00 $23,000.00 -8.00%

Administration $53,250.00 $58,910.00 10.63%

Communications & Computers $115,250.00 $102,575.00 -11.00%

Property $415,450.00 $448,900.00 8.05%

Kitchen $63,700.00 $64,600.00 1.41%

Personnel $1,864,070.00 $1,962,700.00 5.29%

Christian Life Center $8,000.00 $8,000.00 0.00%

Total Budgeted Expense $3,154,250.00 $3,320,950.00 5.28%


Worship and Music Mission: To work with the clergy, Session and choir director in creating meaningful worship opportunities, including Sunday morning and Jubilee worship services, as well as weddings, services in witness to the resurrection and other worship occasions. Accomplishments in 2015:

• Reconfigured Jubilee worship space to a “landscape” format.

• Offered communion by intinction several times throughout the year and offered gluten free options.

• Learned how to effectively utilize the new chancel area, lights, sound system and video in the Sanctuary.

• Explored new music in our hymnals.

• Hired a new Jubilee music leader.

• Bought and installed new paraments in the Sanctuary.

• Held a choir concert for flood relief and a Christmas concert with all musical groups participating.

Goals for 2016:

• Offer the Seder meal on Maundy Thursday, March 24, 2016, in conjunction with the Kitchen Ministry.

• Explore offering a variety of spoken creeds in all worship services.

• Continue to plan and prepare for the Choir Tour of Italy in 2017 and recruit participants from the Music Ministry and the congregation.

• Continue to recruit and encourage EPC members of all ages to participate in the various musical groups. • Continue to enhance sound and video quality at the Jubilee service • Plan and execute a Kirkin’ of the Tartans service at a traditional worship service. Want to know more?Worship and Music Chair: Henry Price (2016) - [email protected] Eastminster staff support: Dr. Brad Smith, Fredna Lee


Church RelationsMission: Ministers and lay people to participate in the PCUSA denomination’s processes and programs for our presbytery. Accomplishments in 2015:• Currently-serving Ruling and Teaching Elders attended three Stated Meetings and two Called Meetings

of Trinity Presbytery during the year.

• Kept Eastminster Session aware of work being done within Trinity Presbytery.

• Encouraged all second-year Ruling Elders to attend at least one Trinity Presbytery meeting.

• Supported Chris Scott’s move to Trinity Presbytery as Teaching Elder.

• Eastminster contributed our ministers and members to the work of Trinity Presbytery and our larger denomination, to mention a few: Mark Durrett and Martha Casto – Committee on Ministry Boyd Scott – Committee on Preparation for Ministry Brad Smith – Nominations Committee Lynn Grandsire and Bobby Fuller – Permanent Judicial Committee Jim St. John – Synod Permanent Judicial Committee, Chaplain/ SC Senate Chip Amaker – New Church Development Committee Frank Shuler – Personnel Committee John McArthur – Administrative Commission for the Gracious Dismissal of Westminster PC Dennis Daye and Jim St. John – Trustees Kappy Hubbard – Trustee, Thornwell Home for Children Frank Brown and Jane Brissette – Mission Discernment Task Force David Beitz – Outdoor Ministries Pat Buyck – Trinity Sudan Ministries Jane Brissette – Moderator of Trinity Presbytery Goals for 2016:

• Send five Commissioner Ruling Elders and our Teaching Elders to all Trinity Presbytery. Stated and Called Meetings throughout the year; assure all second-year Ruling Elders attend at least one Presby-tery business meeting.

• Assist Session’s Liaison Committee established for monitoring and advising Session on issues of con-cern within the denomination.

• Encourage more Eastminster Ruling Elders and lay members to participate as members of Presbytery ministry committees and special commissions.

• Foster a missional spirit within Eastminster and the Presbytery whereby churches share their talent and experience with sister congregations to help all churches grow and strengthen their membership and to find ways to work across congregations to better grow God’s Kingdom.

• Involve interested Eastminster members in the 2016 Presbytery Visioning Process that will reshape the ministry and mission of our Presbytery for future Kingdom work.

Want to know more? Church Relations Chair: Jane Brissette (2016) - [email protected] Eastminster staff support: Dr. Brad Smith, Pam Tessier


Mission: To offer a biblically-based education program so that children, youth and adults may grow in their understanding of and commitment to Jesus Christ. To develop, administer and oversee the education pro-gram in fulfillment of the Great Commission of our Lord.

Accomplishments in 2015:

Children’s Ministry

• Cradle Roll 2015 – 17 out of 25 families attended.• Jesus Rocks held activities and fellowship for elementary children.• St. Patrick’s Day Party for pre-K• Worship Discovery gave Bibles to 25+ second graders.• Easter Egg Hunt• Cookies in the park at Citadel Park• Vacation Bible School with 190+ children• First grade sacrament training• Citadel Park Cupcake Party• Parenting workshop with Joanne Tate at Forest Lake Presbyterian Church• Guyology• Trunk or Treat• Mini-mission trip to Charlotte, NC, with Myers Park CROSS program

Youth Ministry (Junior High)

• The Great Escape youth conference at Lee University, Cleveland, TN• Mission trip to Charlotte, NC, at CROSS Missions• Trinity Presbytery MS Youth Retreat in Black Mountain, NC• Monthly local mission/service at God’s Storehouse and Harvest Hope• Hired Hannah Gordon as the Middle School Youth Director.• 16 students attended the Advent Retreat.• Hunger Games Lock-In and canned food drive for Harvest Hope• Started gender/grade-based small group Bible studies.• 17 youth leaders• 19 Sunday school teachers• Four Prayer Breakfasts each month.• Christmas Tree Fundraiser

Nurture, Education & Discipleship


Nurture, Education & DiscipleshipYouth Ministry (Senior High)

• Youth Sunday with 100 Senior High participants• Confirmation of 30+ 9th graders• Baccalaureate Sunday• Fun in the Son at Hilton Head, SC• Montreat Youth Conference• Sunday school speakers: Adrian Depres, Nancy Smith, Don Barton, Todd McClinton• Lock Out• College Preaching Day & reception• College Breakfast in December

Adult Ministry

• Adult Sunday school classes• Combined Sunday school classes at various times with Sarah Snapp, Rev. Michelin with Hospital Ste.

Criox/Leogane, Haiti, and Steve and Kathi Amar.• WE@EPC classes• Sundays @ 5 programs• Completed inventory of all library items.• Updated the library computer system.• Purged collection of books and materials that were out of date or not used.• 450 participants in weekly Small Groups• Two Kick-off dinners for Small Groups• The Way of Suffering – Stations of the Cross for Holy Week.• Trip to Greece and Turkey• Living Nativity• Developed for a college ministry.


Nurture, Education & DiscipleshipGoals in 2016:

• Find contact information in order to maintain contact with college-age adults.• Address the need for specific young adult Sunday school class aimed at singles or married couples with

no children.• Create adult discipleship task force to evaluate Faith Formation and Discipleship for Adults.• Create a curriculum listing offerings in different areas.• Appoint communications liaison to coordinate information on adult education opportunities.• Continue to support parents with faith development and regularly invite (appropriate) guest speakers.• Provide training for parents to help them answer questions about other denominations and religions.• Schedule mission trip for older elementary children and their parents.• Maintain and enrich our youth program’s effectiveness with our special needs participants.• Review and possibly revise the Safe Church Abuse Prevention Policy.• Review the entire infant through senior-high programming with the new youth director.

Want to know more? NED Chair: Mary Bett Thorne (2016) - [email protected] Eastminster staff support: Mark Durrett, Croskeys Royall & Julie McDaniel


Evangelism & Membership Mission: To extend God’s grace to first-time visitors, inquirers, members and non-members alike.


• Hosted First Step classes, geared to potential members to inform about Eastminster as a church home as well as about what Presbyterians believe.

• Continued to serve as the A.C. Flora football team’s “meal home,” providing devotional messages as needed and contributing to meal costs.

• Promoted and carried out a successful Celebration of Faith, March 14-15, featuring Dr. Richard Boyce, Dr. David Olshine and Brian Maness.

• Sponsored a men’s softball team.• Continued to staff the greeter ministry and the welcome desk in the sanctuary each Sunday.• Initiated a correspondence “pen pal” project with women in prison.

Goals in 2016:

• Study the Time and Talent responses for E&M volunteers, and invite interested members to serve. • Plan and carry out neighborhood mailings to invite non-members to attend Eastminster events and

activities.• Contact EPC members whose attendance lags over a period of weeks to determine if a problem ex-

ists and how EPC can respond.• Consider new outreach projects, like a speaker event, and invite members and visitors to attend or

participate.• Determine how E&M can support other EPC activities (example: outreach for Vacation Bible School

attendees).• Begin making plans for 2017 Celebration of Faith.• Continue with greeter ministry, prison pen pal project, support of AC Flora football meals, follow-up

on Sunday visitors, support of First Step class.

Want to know more?Evangelism & Membership Chair: Sharmin Hill (2016),[email protected] Eastminster Staff Support: Dr. Brad Smith, Tricia McCormick, [email protected]


On the Horizon for 2016 Building Families Program at Eastminster

Aaron Moore - Family Specialist

Thornwell’s Building Families Program is excited to an-nounce...We have a new Family Specialist in the Colum-bia, SC Area!

Aaron Moore is joining the Building Families Program as a Family specialist and will serve the Columbai area of Richland County, SC. Aaron has been working and serving families for more than 20 years in the Human Services Profession. He began his career as a foster/adoptive parent and then began pursuing his education as a social worker. He received his BSW from Limestone College, an MSW from the University of South Carolina, and an MFT from Webster University.

Aaron has worked with juveniles and their families within the South Carolina Judicial System and has also provided case man-agement services for children and families who were facing crisis within the Social Services and the Family Court Systems. Aaron held a position as a Residential Coordinator, serving vulnerable adults who were at risk of being homeless, due to their mental illnesses and physical disabilities. He has also pro-vided in-home therapeutic services and behavior modification and counseling throughout the Midlands, Upstate and the Low Country regions of South Carolina, resolving family conflicts and issues of domestic violence, facilitating Family Group Con-ferences, and conducting adoptive and foster parents’ train-ings. Aaron has served as a youth mentor and friend. He is the father of two, the grandfather of one, and has been married to his friend and spouse, Mildred, for over 26 years.

Aaron will have an office here at Eastminster, next to the CHAMPS office on the second floor of the Christian Education Building. With Aaron’s arrival to Thornwell, a greater number of families will receive the assistance they need in the Columbia area. Please welcome Aaron should you see him on campus.


Mission: To educate, encourage and inspire the members of Eastminster con-cerning the privilege, responsibility and “joy of giving” by recognizing that all we are and all we have are gifts from God, entrusted to us so that we may be good “stewards” for God’s glory. The Stewardship Ministry has responsibility for en-couraging faithful stewardship of our time, talents and treasures.


• Conducted successful Time and Talent Campaign during the spring with Ser-vice Commitment Service being held on May 17, 2015.

• Due to the thousand year flood, the financial pledging campaign titled “Joy and Generosity” was started later with Dedication Sunday being held on November 22, 2015.

• Held the Officer Stewardship Commitment Breakfast on November 1, 2015. Field Wardlaw was the speaker.

• Sponsored the Combined Adult Sunday School Class with the Rev. Dr. John Frye as the guest speaker on September 20, 2015.

• Wrote daily devotionals which were emailed over a three-week period prior to Dedication Sunday.• Several church members gave testimonials regarding stewardship on Sunday, November 8, 2015. These

testimonials were called “View from the Pew.”• Created a brochure to promote giving to the endowments of the church.• Created videos for Stewardship to be displayed during services and around campus.• Continued to write handwritten notes to members of the church who pledged to give and serve.• Proactively encouraged new members to give of their time, talents, and treasure.

Goals for 2016: • See an increase in the number of members completing Time and Talent commitment cards, includ-

ing following through and serving.• Re-evaluate/restructure the Time and Talent form.• Encourage the use of the Spiritual Gift Inventory on-line.• See an increase in the number of members pledging and in the amount pledged.• Arrange an outside speaker to teach/reflect on stewardship.• Again recruit members to write stewardship themed devotionals.• Increase awareness of, and giving to, the EPC endowment.• Again arrange for members to share testimonies either via video or during worship.

Want to know more?Stewardship Chair: Chris Johnson (2017) - [email protected] Eastminster staff support: Brad Smith, Bill Collins, Maria Harvin

Stewardship


CommunicationsMission: To develop and implement strategies to inform, educate and inspire members about opportuni-ties to grow in faith and service, while also raising awareness of Eastminster and its activities in the com-munity.


• Assisted with the technological transformation of Thompson Hall for Jubilee.• Began streaming live services via the internet at church website.• Upgraded and replaced audio/video carts to be used by Sunday school classes and for various events.• Produced videos to highlight ministries and missions for presentation in Sanctuary. • Coordinated the tracking of church inventory. • Crafted a Disaster Recovery Plan for the church. • Expanded Computer Lab for EDS, and increased overall technical assistance.• Revealed Visual Identity Campaign: A Visual Identity Team was selected

based on their knowledge of communications/graphics/printing/marketing, etc. They worked with ADCO to develop, document and communicate to the congregation, the new brand/ identity that the pastoral staff, EPC staff, and church lay leaders embraced. This brand identity included our new logo, and tagline “Gathering Together …Reaching Out.” A style guide was also created to help everyone understand how our logo should and should not be represented.

• Held a successful Visual Identity Kick-Off Sunday lunch event. • Began replacement of logo on letterhead, door mats, existing promotional items and other items.• Engaged an outside consultant, Vaughan Communications, during the vacancy of the Communication

Director after Thelma Carter passed away. Vaughan Communications conducted a Communications Audit and presented it to the Senior Pastor for his review.

• Hired Blythe Lewis as the new Director of Communications.Goals for 2016:

• Begin work with our current website vendor to update the site to include a more mobile-friendly view.

• Complete “Wayfinding” - External & Internal signage upgrade. Large sign on front lawn will be re-placed by early 2016. Other external sign replacements and internal signage will be completed as well.

• Purchase a production color copier to replace leased copier.

• Produce the 2015 Annual Review.

• Continue to work with the Communications Audit to determine processes that either need to change or be put in place.

• Continue to create new collateral with new logo to replace old items.

• Research current website via Google Analytics to determine most used pages to eliminate unused pages of the website.

• Unveil new church website by early fall.

Want to know more? Communications Chair: Mary Elliott (2016) - [email protected] Eastminster staff support: Blythe Lewis, Bryan Call, Bill Collins


PersonnelMission: To be a resource for the senior pastor and the various areas of ministry involved in the manage-ment, care and supervision of church employees.

Accomplishments in 2015: Assisted Eastminster Day School (EDS) with implementing the Afterschool Program.• Assisted in assuming the evening cleaning responsibilities for EDS in order to move away from contract-

ed services.• Hosted the staff appreciation luncheon in May • Provided nurture and education in a loving Christian environment for 187 children representing 141 fami-

lies with approximately 105 of all children enrolled are children of EPC members.• Created a part-time position for Small Groups Coordinator/Librarian• Created a trial part-time position for a Congregational Care Visitor• Assisted the Senior Pastor with the successful application to the Lilly Endowment National Clergy Re-

newal Program in order to provide for a sabbatical scheduled for the summer of 2016.• Review insurance and benefits renewals for 2016 for staff.• Hired Hannah Gordan as the Middle School Youth Director.• Hired Morgan May as the Jubilee Worship Leader.• Hired Shelli Knapp as the Congregational Care Administrative Assistant.• Conducted first fully implemented June evaluation process for all staff including Eastminster Day School

employees.• Made compensation adjustments based on initial compensation study feedback.

Goals for 2016:• Review and revise the Safe Church Policy.

• Plan the Staff Appreciation Luncheon.

• Assist with filling staff vacancies and otherwise support EPC staff.

• Assist the Senior Pastor with planning and implementing his sabbatical scheduled for the summer of 2016.

• Support search committee in hiring the Senior High Youth Director.

• Support Associate Pastor Nominating Committee in their search for an Associate Pastor of Young Adults, Membership and Evangelism.

• Continue to refine the compensation study to provide a guide for salary management.

Want to know more?Personnel Chair: Hank Mabry (2016) - [email protected] staff support: Dr. Brad Smith, Bill Collins


FinanceMission: To be good stewards of the gifts God has graciously provided to Eastminster.

Accomplishments in 2015:• The accounting functions of the Eastminster Day School (EDS) were moved to the church finance office

where the general ledger, accounts payable and financial statements are now managed by the church treasurer.

• Conducted the 2014 audit, which consolidated for the first time the EDS financials within the church audit.

• Continued to review the revenue of the Capital Campaign, the expenses of the renovation project and other capital campaign expenses, and began making principal payments on the loan for the capital campaign projects.

• Assisted in the purchase of the Carolina Children’s Home lot by recommending the funding stream.

• Assisted in reviewing and approving several purchases by the Communication Committee, such as streaming equipment to broadcast services on the internet, computer purchases, front sign, copier purchases, and server purchase.

• Invested $250,000 of the reserve fund in a five-year certificate of deposit with the National Bank of South Carolina at the rate of 1.8%.

• Compiled an inventory of fixed assets which was completed by March 31, 2015.

• Developed a Disaster Recovery Plan.

• Developed a Ministry Gift Policy and the Agency Fund Agreement with Central Carolina Community Foundation.

• Assisted with the establishment of the Flood Recovery Fund for designated donations and assisted with the approval of distributions from this designated account.

• Received and processed a substantial gift for the Memorial Garden.

Goals for 2016:

• Continue to work with Central Carolina Community Foundation to develop policies which will guide endowment giving.

• Promote endowment giving and planned giving at Eastminster.• Conduct the 2015 Audit.• Begin building the reserve fund for the church back up to a maximum balance of $750,000.

Want to know more? Finance Chair: John Derham (2016) - [email protected] staff support: Dr. Brad Smith, Bill Collins & Christy Rippy


Eastminster Day School Mission: To provide quality early childhood education and child care as an integral part of the total minis-try of the church. Accomplishments in 2015:

• Provided nurture and education in a loving Christian environment for 187 children representing 141 families with approximately 105 of all children enrolled are children of EPC members.

• Twenty-five families signed the Covenant Family agreement bringing the total number of families participating to 97 for 2015-16. Each new family received a personal phone call outlining the program in detail as well as a confirmation email specifying their status.

• The EDS financial operations have been successfully brought under the umbrella of the church as of 1st quarter 2015.

• Annual evaluations were implemented and annual contracts for teachers were discontinued. Teach-ers are now on a continual employment status providing more job stability.

• The EDS Parent’s Organization funded new shelving and toys for the two Nursery rooms.

• The EDS Afterschool program started as of August 2015 with 9 children being served and Lucy Corley as the program coordinator.

• Scholarships for children and families involved in the Bradley Lunch Buddy program have been devel-oped so that they can be included in the Afterschool program.

Goals for 2016: Create a School Improvement Sub-committee to:• Review and implement improved staff recognition program.• Assist staff with child development.• Clarify how EDS will be incorporated with the new visual identity for EPC, and implement logo chang-

es for all communications.Consult with a child educator/administrator regarding:• The responsibilities of the various parts of the Day School organizational structure (i.e. staff, church

administration and ministry team), and assessment of the overall curriculum.• Evaluate and determine the full-time calendar for 2016-17, balancing parent needs/desires with staff-

ing availability/desires.• Continue to evaluate the Afterschool Program and create an Afterschool Sub-committee that in-

cludes educators with elementary age experience.• Review and revise EDS Policies where needed.• Create a sub-committee to evaluate existing EDS facilities and capacity.

Want to know more? EDS Chair: Elaine Fairey (2016) - [email protected] Eastminster staff support: Bill Collins


Congregational Care and ConcernMission: To serve in the name of Christ because of His love for us and His church, and to show God’s love and concern for members of the church by providing visitation, encouragement and support.

Accomplishments in 2015:• Stephen Ministry increased leadership team by one person, sent two people to leadership training, cre-

ated a position for Congregational Awareness, created a video to inform congregation about Stephen Ministry.

• Held a preliminary Rheumatoid/Psoriatic Arthritis Support Group Meeting.

• Worked on brochure for Resurrection Hope Groups.

• Provided a class entitled “Gifts and Legacies” that considers final testimonies, funeral planning, impor-tant documents and stories of God’s faithfulness throughout life.

Goals for 2016:

• Assess congregational care needs and utilize different educational/professional/and lay trained individu-als to provide care. Assess and evaluate results of care and impact in community to determine staffing needs at Eastminster.

• Provide and ongoing “Gifts and Legacies” class at least annually. (It was suggested to start later than early January for a Wednesday evening time, or have a Saturday morning time when we did all of it at one time.)

• Continue to provide additional support groups and assess need for ones we have had in the past or are ongoing.

• Start second ministry of note writing for our homebound folks, nursing home and rehab members. These groups could be called Love Bearers or have a different name, but be linked with the other note writing ministry. From the desk of Lynn Grandsire: A Narrative of Congregational Care and Concern This year was a very different year for care of EPC Members due to the flood in October. Our congre-gation made hundreds of phone calls, personal visits, meals and assistance in cleaning and sorting out personal belongings in damaged homes. Most of all, our EPC members shared the love of Christ with members of EPC and the community during and after the flood. Our regular ministries are Stephen Ministry, Care Teams, Visiting of Home Bound Members, Love Bearers note writing, and care of the be-reaved through Food for the Soul. In addition, we celebrated a public commissioning of Stephen Lead-ers and recommitment of our current Stephen Ministers in a worship service. Our ability to provide Home Communion increased as previously ordained elders have continued to serve home communion with the currently serving elders. This ministry helps keep our home bound members more connected to EPC. Thank you for caring for each other as the body of Christ. Want to know more? Congregational Care and Concern Chair: Connie Chase (2016) - [email protected] Eastminster staff support: Rev. Lynn Grandsire, Shelli Knap


The 1,000 Year Flood EPC Responds

Over 80 Eastminster families were affected by the flooding that occured last October. It is amazing how the Eastminster family showed grace through assistance to fellow churchmembers and the Forest Acres communi-ty during a very stressful and almost surreal time for the Midlands. We are still hearing from church members who were helped by someone from Eastminster, whether it was that they received a meal, financial assistance to help with shelter, or repairs made immediately where possible to damaged homes. Six months later, there are still people who are in need, and this church family faithfully continues to prove that they are commited to share with others what they have to help those in need, whether here at Eastminster, in the community or in the world. Here are a few statistics of how you’ve helped in response to the “thousand year flood.” DID YOU KNOW THAT:• More than 80 Eastminster families were affected by the flooding last October.• 23 volunteers and EPC’s full staff made calls to every member household to see if they were okay and to

assess any damage.• Five different Small Groups came together immediately to assist other members with clean-up.• More than 89 meals have been provided for displaced families or families without functioning kitchens,

etc., and members are still signing up to serve.• Groups of junior and senior high youth went door-to-door in their neighborhoods offering help.• More than 10 pallets of distilled water were delivered outside the CLC and were made available to mem-

bers and neighbors.• $103,664.70 was given by EPC members for “Disaster Relief - Flood Damage” in 2015.

.


PropertyMission: To maintain and develop Eastminster’s facilities and property as an important part of our vibrant ministry.


• Made progress on resolving the problems with the crosswalk between the Christian Life Center and the Christian Education Building.

• Finished enhancements to Thompson Hall for the purpose of improving this area for Jubilee worship. The layout was changed to landscape which increased the seating capacity to approximately 250 maxi-mum seats.

• Painted the exterior of the Christian Life Center.

• Re-established the schedule for carpet replacement, and replaced carpet in the back hallway of the CLC.

• Began the expansion of Memorial Garden, which is scheduled to be completed no later than June 2016.

• Resolved compliance issue with radio coverage of the church campus as required by the City of Colum-bia Fire Marshall and code.

• Installed card access in the elevator of the Christian Education Building to enhance the security for Eastminster Day School.

• Purchased the Carolina Children’s Home lot, which is currently used for parking.

Goals for 2016:

• Continue replacement of Christian Education Building windows due to rotting.• Develop a five-year schedule for maintenance and painting of church property.• Re-stripe the parking lot of the Christian Life Center.• Investigate repairs to the parlor windows and woodwork.• Finalize the expansion of the Memorial Garden.• Repair all leaks around the physical plant.• Upgrade the lighting in the Christian Life Center to LED lighting to be more efficient.• Install HVAC management controls for the Christian Education Building, Thompson Hall and Admin-

istration Building. Once installation is complete the entire campus will be controlled and monitored through a software program to provide better efficiency.

• Assist the Communications Ministry with implementing new directional signage campus wide.

Want to know more?Property Chair: Tom Griffin (2016) - [email protected] staff support: Bob Sturm, Bill Collins


Fellowship & KitchenMission: To recognize the importance of being together as the Body of Christ. To provide intergenerational opportunities for Eastminster members and friends to gather for fellowship, food and fun.

The Fellowship Committee serves as the umbrella committee for several ministries, including Presbyterian Women, PEP (formerly Savvy Seniors), the Kitchen Committee, the Sportsmen’s Banquet, the Advent Re-treat, and other church-led opportunities, such as trips to the Holy Land. The Fellowship Committee also coordinates congregation-wide meals, Supper Six supper club, Movie Night, and Easter’s Loaves and Fishes luncheon.


• Presbyterian Women remain vital and active in Circles and at special events. Four dozen women partici-pated in an Ester Bible study. Eastminster had representatives at the Church Women United meeting at Northminster Church. A home-cooked meal and cookies were again provided for the USC Presbyterian Student Center.

• PEP (People Enjoying People – PEP@EPC), always ready to embrace diverse opportunities for fellow-ship and service, held monthly meals with special programs, as well as their annual Christmas luncheon at the McCutchen House. These lunches typically attract 50 or more senior adults.

• “Loaves and Fishes” provided covered dish meals at the church for those with no family in town at spe-cial times such as Easter and Thanksgiving.

• The Advent Retreat in Black Mountain, NC, featured guest speaker, Jennifer Pharr Davis, gifted hiker and committed believer. More than 140 attended this year’s retreat.

• More than 50 kitchen volunteers continued to help serve and clean up after each Wednesday night dinner and at a number of special church-wide dinners throughout the year. These events were also supported by the Fellowship Decorating Committee.

• The Fellowship Committee provided support and lunch at the EPC Golf Tournament held September 20.• The Opportunity Fair held as a part of Celebrations Day in September was a Fellowship Committee

initiative.


Christian Life CenterMission: To support the programs of Eastminster Presbyterian Church and the Christian Life Center. To develop and apply these programs to provide support for the spiritual, mental and physical fitness of our members and of the community. To provide opportunities for individuals and families to participate in classes, exercise and sports activities. To enhance the ability of Eastminster to engage in mission and community outreach. All to the Glory of God.

Accomplishments in 2015:• Formed a basketball sub-committee to assist more efficiently the many different league teams from Eastmin-

ster that participate.• Added an additional trainer this year to assist members with workouts as needed.• Established a database for all training equipment in the CLC and its usage.• Performed a statistical analysis of attendance in the CLC to determine peak times of usage.• Purchased a new elliptical machine and donated the old one.

Goals for 2016:• Organize more events and classes for the members of CLC and Eastminster.• Utilize the information gathered during 2015 to provide direction for growth of the offerings of the CLC.

Want to know more?Christian Life Center Chair: Alex Dillard (2016) - [email protected] staff support: Bill Ketchin, Bill Collins

Goals for 2016• Continue its ongoing support for overseas mission trips, PEP, Presbyterian Women, the Kitchen and

Decorating Committees, the Sportsmen’s Banquet, Advent Retreat, and a number of dinners for the entire congregation.

• In addition, the Easter Courtyard Celebrations will continue, as will the occasional Loaves and Fishes lun-cheons. Want to know more? Fellowship Chair: (2015) Anne Kleitches - [email protected] Eastminster staff support: Rev. Jim St. John, Bill Collins, Shelli Knapp, Regina Jeffcoat


Mission, Service & BenevolenceMission: To encourage members to respond to the good news of the Gospel by moving beyond them-selves in service to others. From serving children here in the Midlands to mission trips in the United States and beyond, the Mission, Service and Benevolence Ministry offered many opportunities for Eastminster’s congregation to serve others.


• Supported flood recovery efforts both financially and physically, which included dozens of volunteers giving hundreds of hours.

• Financed half of a Habitat for Humanity home in West Columbia, along with Eastminster volunteers helping to build the home.

• Funded a social work position for Building Families, a program of Thornwell Home for Children.• Began hosting with Family Promise as part of Columbia’s initial affiliate; hosted six families to date.• Packed 32,000 meals for Feeding Children Everywhere, which were sent to Haiti.• Enjoyed presentations from missionaries who are doing seminary training in Asia (George and Anne

Harper), teaching children of missionaries in Bolivia (Sara Snapp) and working to reach Muslims in the US (Steve and Kathi Amar).

• Continued weekly service to the homeless through our Footcare Ministry; and through monthly service at Washington Street Soup Cellar and Transitions.

• Mentored 57 children through Lunch Buddy program at Bradley Elementary, and packed backpacks with weekend food for 25 children at Bradley throughout the school year.

• Donated 2,805 pounds of peanut butter and other food to Harvest Hope.• Continued the Third Thursday meal at Transitions, with over 150 people providing food and/or serving

on the third Thursday of each month, as well as lunch on Christmas Day.• In honor of 9-11, collected and distributed “Cookies for First Responders.”• Hosted Circle of Giving with The Cooperative Ministry, and the St. Lawrence Place Christmas Shop and

Dinner in partnership with First Calvary Baptist Church.


Mission, Service & Benevolence

Accomplishments (Con’t)• Prepared and served lunch at the Washington Street Soup Cellar 12 times in 2015, on the first Tuesday

of every month.• Cared for 200 pairs of feet through the Footcare Ministry. • Held a diaper drive for the Family Shelter which resulted in the donation of multiple dozens of diapers

for those residents• Sent 125 shoeboxes to Operation Christmas Child.• Twenty-three members traveled to Leogane, Haiti, to work with Medical Benevolence Foundation at

Hospital Ste. Croix. Purchased an anesthesia machine for the Hospital. Funded an engineering study that will provide most efficient use of hospital buildings, priorities for building improvements needed, equipment needed and training for hospital staff for best use of the equipment. Bought equipment for the hospital lab and a washer and dryer for the general hospital. Provided operating funding for the maternity clinic at Darbonne, Haiti, and a full-year scholarship for an aspiring nurse to attend the FSIL Graduate Nursing School.

• Purchased two water filtration systems for the Living Waters of the World mission that will be later installed in third world countries by our Eastminster Living Waters Team.

• Completed the Mission Partner list that is now available on the Eastminster website.• Utilized grant applications process to keep communication and conversation open and ongoing be-

tween EPC and the agencies receiving benevolence money.• Sent letters to the 2015 mission partner agencies, notifying them of the amount EPC is pledging for

2015, and requesting they return the grant applications.

Goals for 2016:

• Create a 2016 flood rebuilding fund in excess of $50,000.

• Host two work trips to Leogane, Haiti, to continue working at Hospital Ste. Croix, the maternity clinic at Darbonne and the FSIL Graduate Nursing School. Work toward building a hospital incinerator, a guest house for work teams on hospital grounds, continued improvement of storage space and ward rooms.

• Identify a new missionary relationship in a Spanish-speaking country in close proximity to the U.S. so that we can expand our international work trip experience to include youth participants. Consider Do-minican Republic, Panama, Cuba and other near nations for less expensive travel options.

• Install a Living Waters for the World water purification system that will serve 500 people in the rural community of Jaraba LeVega, Dominican Republic.

• Continue to support both financially and physically our local, global, and PCUSA mission commitments which will perpetuate the Lord’s work in 2016.

Want to know more?Mission, Service and Benevolence Chair: Field Wardlaw (2016) - [email protected] staff support: Dr. Mark E. Durrett, Julie McDaniel, Doretha Evans (CHAMPS)


Each third Thursday of the month, the faithful volunteers who serve at Transitions gear-up to head over with pasta, pound cake and ba-nanas, to help out at a facility for adults who are transitioning back into the workplace and hopefully a life of independence. There are a lot of regulars in the crowd of volunteers each week. There are even rumors that two young women consider making pasta for Traditions each month, their “girls night out.” They have special aprons just for this occassion that they wear while cooking the noodles and putting together the other ingredients for their pasta bowls. More to come on the “church ladies.”

With this joy in servitude comes reward for many who enjoy the Tran-sitions Tradition. It is easy to understand with such a popular minis-try filled with great enthusiasm and fearless leadership (Laura Long)that the efforts would not go unnoticed, even though that was never the point. Eastminster Presbyterian Church was named, “Faith-hood Partner of the Year” for 2015. When we asked Laura Long about the award, she said, “Just glad it means something to the residents. And it’s great for all of us, too. We show up and enjoy food and faith with people who are trying hard to get back to their normal lives. I think it is a good experience for all ages.”

We heard recently that one female resident of Transitions said the thing she enjoyed so much about the Eastminster visits was fellow-ship among friends, so not only is there a great meal, but also the faith-led interaction is enjoyed by all. To round out the year, a large group enjoyed a meal on Christmas Day after worship to wish their friends at Transitions a Merry Christmas, and cheers to the hope of 2016, a brand new year for blessings.


Music Highlights: High Hill Retreat & Flood Recovery Concert


Highlight: Small Group Kick-Off

In 2015 Eastminster began its Small Groups Ministry. Following the model of Jesus’ “small group” of disciples, Small Groups at EPC are designed to draw groups of 12 or fewer people together to study God’s Word, pray and serve on a regular, weekly basis. Since its kick-off in February 2015, more than 550 people have joined Small Groups, studying various Christian topics and serving the community in a multitude of ways. Guided by Hebrews 10:22-25, Small Groups diligently draw nearer to God as they encourage one another toward love and good deeds. This ministry offers groups of all types -- Women’s, Men’s, Couples’ and Mixed – and are suitable for all ages, from youth to seniors. It is never too late to sign up for a Small Group, although the kick-off events in September and January serve as the widespread call for new mem-bers and start-up groups. Small Groups are a great way to grow in faith and friendship at Eastminster. If you’d like to learn more about Eastminster’s Small Groups Ministry, contact Caroline Bennett at [email protected] or 256-1654.


2015 Highlights


Music Highlights: Carrol Choir, EDS Christmas Program, Christmas Dinner & Concert, Jubilee Musicians & Music Camp


2015 Highlights


2015 Highlights - Visual Identity

EPC’s New Logo: The Symbolism Behind the Design

As a whole, the logo conveys a sense of people being drawn by God: gathering together, and reaching out, to share the Good News of Jesus Christ in both word and deed.

THE CROSS:The cross is central--the focus of our attention and gaze. The cross remains open recalling how God reaches out to us and our call to reach out to other people. The equal armed cross is similar to many Christian crosses in history and similar to the cross found in the Eastminster sanctuary on the lectern, communion table, and at the top of the sedilia, at the back of the chancel.

THE COLORS AND SHAPES:The colors of light and dark blue and green remind us that God is the creator of the water, sky, and firmament. The light blue represents baptism. The green symbolizes growth. Blue, green, and white are also the most common colors chosen by Eastminster members when they were asked what color reminds them of Eastminster.

THE OVERALL SHAPE:The Overall Shape is circular, reminding us that God is sovereign over all of creation. The outer edges are rounded symbolizing God’s love and forgiveness.

THE QUADRANTS:The quadrants reflect the people, in all their variety, being drawn to the cross. Each quadrant is an arrow that points to the cross where Christ died sacrificially, and from his death he rose victori-ously. The quadrants also symbolize the wings of the dove--The Holy Spirit--who descends on the Church of Jesus Christ.


2015 Highlights - Visual Identity

From EPC’s Style Guide: Appropriate Logo Use


Eastminster Presbyterian Church3200 Trenholm RoadColumbia, SC 29204

803-256-1654www.eastminsterpres.org

April 20, 2016

Annual Review 2015ssm-eastminsterpres.s3.wasabisys.com/s3fs-public/...Dear Eastminster Family,...

Documents

Transcript of Annual Review 2015ssm-eastminsterpres.s3.wasabisys.com/s3fs-public/...Dear Eastminster Family,...