March 2015

In This Issue Feature Articles Mercy not Sacrifice by Thomas Clanton………….. 2 View from the Pew by Robin Miller…………………. 3 Reflections of EPC Basketball Season……………... 4 EPC Making a Difference…………………………………………. 5 Feature Events EPC Talent Show & Dinner……………………………... 6 Palm Sunday Lunch & Egg Hunt……………………... 6 Wonderful Wednesday………………………………….. 7 VBS: Hometown Nazareth……………………………... 7 EPCYouth………………………………………………………………. 8 Adult Connections Presbyterian Women…………………………………….. 9 Amazing Grays……………………………………………... 9 Thank You Note…………………………………………….. 9 Current & Upcoming Events March Calendar…………………………………………….. 10 Birthdays & Anniversaries…………………………….. 11 Upcoming Events ………………………………………….. 12

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Mercy not Sacrifice

by Thomas Clanton Jesus says: Go and learn what this means, I desire mercy not sacrifice.

To me this seems to be one of the most important lessons of the Christian Life. What does this mean? Why is it important?

When Jesus says this in the New Testament, it is always in response to the Pharisees. As we know the Pharisees were the religious leaders of the time. They kept strict regiments and installed extra biblical restrictions to keep themselves far from sin. However, Jesus often calls them out for being motivated not by love for God, but for love of status and moral superiority. He is saying to them that their motivations are all wrong.

God wants us to love him above all things. He wants us to know him and become more like him. The more we become like him, the more obedient we become to the commands of God. This obedience, or mercy, is produced when our hearts are softened and changed by God. Out of this mercy, our good works and obedience flow. We don’t follow God’s commands to receive God’s love. We obey out of love for the one who first loved us. Jesus hints to us that this is the key to understanding the Christian life. We often get frustrated trying to change a sin pattern or control a certain situation. We put into place restrictions and safeguards, but it seems that things get more and more out of hand. Jesus tells us to stop trying to control things; instead, come to me, discover me, love me and then your heart will be driven to obedience out of this love.

Colossians 3 says “since you have been raised with Christ set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on earthly things. “ We often get frustrated with earthly problems and in our weakness we seek an earthly solution. Jesus says come set your mind on me and I will show you a more excellent way.

So, as we move throughout this month, lay aside the burden of control and focus more on the beauty, excellence, and sovereignty of Jesus Christ. Put your trust in his mercy and allow your mind to be fixed on heavenly things.

As Jesus says, “Go and learn what this means, ‘I desire mercy not sacrifice.’” (Matthew 9:13)

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View from the Pew

By Robin Miller My husband, John, and I moved to the Upstate in 2010 with our (then) four year old twins, Emma Kate and Read Parker Miller. As a family, we had lived in several different states and a couple of different countries prior to choosing Easley as our permanent residence. As soon as we were settled in our new home, I began to look for the “perfect church.” I was on a mission to find a church home that could reconcile my Baptist upbringing with John’s Episcopal one, a church home that demonstrated the divine nature of worship through music, and a church home that understood the importance of guiding children to a rich understanding of Christ’s love for ALL people.

After two years spent visiting churches in and around Easley, I became very frustrated. In a tearful conversation with a dear friend, I confided that my search for a church had been futile and shared my sense of failure for failing to provide my children with an opportunity to worship faithfully. My dear friend recommended that I visit Easley Presbyterian. The following Sunday was Youth Sunday. We visited Easley Presbyterian that Sunday, and that day, my search for a home church concluded. The reverence of the service appealed to John, the integrity of the music appealed to me, and the remarkable young people who stood in the sanctuary and shared their faith not only filled my heart to overflowing, but convinced me that Easley Presbyterian was a place where these “children” had learned through experience about the love of God and the abundant mercy of Christ.

As I write this, I am humbled and grateful to call Easley Presbyterian Church my “home.” and while it is far from “perfect,” it has provided my family an opportunity to worship and grow spiritually, as well as to serve others. If you are visiting for the first time, I look forward to meeting you and extending to you the love that has been extended to me and my family.

Reflections from EPC Basketball Season

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On February 15, we celebrated our season with a banquet in our Fellowship Hall. The room was filled with 100 players from 4-16 years old, girls and boys, who were all smiles enjoying pizza and reliving some of the great moments. The room was also filled parents, grandparents, friends and fans who followed the teams all year long and came together to encourage and cheer.

Also present were dedicated coaches who spent time each week teaching, coaching, nurturing, applying Band-Aids, listening and encouraging. After listening to the coaches talk about each team and player and also giving us their highlights of the season, it became obvious that EPC basketball is more about building relationships and friendships than x’s and o’s. We are grateful to our coaches who took time to lead our children and youth this year.

Here are some reasons that this year was so special to so many: Britt Burnett (coach for 1st/2nd co-ed team) — "We didn't end up with a many wins this season, but these kids had a great attitude about playing. We were down several games at halftime, and we would pull out the clipboard and pencils to show the kids what the other team was doing and how they could improve to get back in the game. They always responded with, 'It's not about losing or winning. We should be playing to have fun.' So, we decided to just play and have fun, and that's what we did."

Isabel Durham (9th grader)— Our coaches have helped us through life struggles we have had, and they are more like second mothers than coaches to us – although they are very good coaches!!

I am thankful to have had them in my life for four years.

Kaitlyn Ellison (5th grader)— I love basketball so much! Because basketball is good exercise, it is a good way to make friends, and it is just really really fun!

Gracie Ellison (3rd-4th grade team)— I like playing defense, and I have friends on the team.

Aaron Ellison (1st & 2nd CoEd team)— I got to practice with my dad.

Brayden Ellison (1st & 2nd CoEd team)—I got to play with my friends, and I got to shoot. I like to play defense, and I have a lot of fun.

Congratulations to ALL of our EPC basketball teams for a terrific season!

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Kairos prison ministry

is a national ministry that focuses on showing Christ to those incarcerated in America. Their mission focuses on Matthew 25:36 where Jesus is talking about whatever you do for the least of these, you do for him, The passage says: “I needed clothes and you clothed me; I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

Sandy Hagood & Tracy Barnes go March 19-22.

We have several members of our church who Deliver cookies by Noon on March 18. assist with this excellent ministry in a variety of ways. One way to help with this ministry is to go into the prisons on a Kairos weekend.

Carolyn Schmidt goes April 23-26.

We caught up with Carolyn Schmitt and asked her Deliver cookies by Noon on April 22. to describe her last experience at the Kairos weekend at the local women’s prison.

She explained to us that before you can attend a weekend you must go through the Kairos training. In the training they teach you how to lead small group discussions and speak to the common problems women in prison face. After training, the group of women meet with the prison chaplain on a Saturday morning to go over their plan for the day. The women in the prison set up the tables and staging area in the prison gymnasium. The women from Kairos enter the gym around 10:30. The women who signed up for the weekend enter the gym around 10:45. The volunteers then sing to the women as they walk in. The prisoners sit down at their assigned tables with two Kairos volunteers. Throughout the day there are six speakers who bring a message on a particular topic. After each speech, the volunteers help lead a discussion on the topic.

Carolyn says that it is the goal of the volunteers to encourage the prisoners to talk and think through what has just been said. She says it is much more impactful when the prisoners can come to realizations themselves without the volunteers giving them all of the answers. Carolyn sometimes speaks to the group.

This past month she recited two poems to the women. One of the poems she recited, “When he comes,” is an old spiritual song about faithfully waiting for the Lord. The volunteers stay for about 2 1/2 hours. They then have a follow up visit within a couple of weeks. Carolyn has seen women who have been resistant and hard hearted softened by the word of God. She has built relationships with these women and stays in contact the best she can. She has seen the struggles that these incarcerated women go through and has seen how God has given them strength and courage to carry on in the toughest of times. She wants to thank everyone for their support of this ministry and wants to remind you that the prisoners enjoy your cookies very much. Thank you for your support and please continue to be in prayer for all those who volunteer their time towards this wonderful ministry.

The EPW are responsible for providing volunteers at SHINE, the local soup kitchen, at 4:00 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of every month. Both men and women are needed. If you would like to participate in this loving ministry to the hungry, please call Karen Cooper at 859-2431.

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Come and enjoy some of EPC’s membership talent on our new Fellowship Hall stage Sunday evening, March 22.

This talent show will be combined with a youth mission fundraiser meal served by EPCHigh.

The meal will be served at 5:30 p.m. and will include spaghetti w/meat sauce, salad and garlic bread.

The show will start at 6:00 p.m. It will be about an hour of thoroughly entertaining performers ranging in age from young children through retirees!

Cost for dinner and show is $7 for adults and $5 for children 10 and under.

Palm Sunday Lunch and Easter Egg Hunt Celebrate the season with a covered dish lunch after church on Sunday, March 29, followed by our annual Easter Egg Hunt. All ages through 5th grade are invited to bring a basket and collect eggs!

If you would like to donate individually wrapped pieces of candy or small items for the eggs, please drop off in Ginna’s office. Remember the item must be able to fit in a small plastic egg.

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Lenten Series: “The Passion of Christ,” led by, Rev. Christie Gravely March 4 March 11 March 18 March 25

Garden of Gethsemane Arrest and Trial The Crucifixion Death of Jesus

The preschool and elementary children will study The Lord’s Supper during the month of March.

Wonderful Wednesday Meals March 4 March 11 March 18 March 25

Meatball Stroganoff w/egg noodles, mixed vegetables & dessert Baked chicken, scalloped potatoes, green bean casserole & dessert Taco bar, salad & dessert Baked ham, mac & cheese, green beans, rolls & dessert

Remember to sign up by noon each week on the Monday prior to Wednesday. You may use the tear slip from the bulletin or sign up online at www.easleypresbyterian.org/wonderful-wednesday-meal.php.

VBS for the whole

Church Family Hometown Nazareth June 7-11, 2015

5:30-8:30 PM

Get ready to run, play, sing and dance where Jesus did as a boy at our Vacation Bible School: Hometown Nazareth. We will step back in time and into the town of Nazareth complete with a working Marketplace, family “tribes,” exciting music and fun and games. One of the highlights will be the nightly visit to Mary’s House to hear from Jesus’ mother what he was like as a boy. Just like us, he had a family, had a name, traveled and went to church.

You don’t want to miss this trip to learn more about Jesus as a boy!

It takes a village to run this village…so sign up to volunteer today at www.easleypresbyterian.org/vbs-volunteer-registration.php Middle and High school students are encouraged to volunteer as well.

Register as a participant, order a T-shirt ($9), signup for dinner ($2perperson/per night) and order a music CD ($6), all at www.easleypresbyterian.org/vbs-particpant-registration.php Don’t forget – there is something just for 5thgraders!

Sign up for 5th grade Mission Madness and put your faith into action by serving others all week long!

8 Last month EPCHigh were equipped with more information on their summer trip to Belize. They studied the culture of Belize, the people who are living there, and the service we will be doing there.

We then began to learn more about what true service looks like. In the following months EPCHigh will be investigating how to do missions in a sustainable and healthy way. We discussed the importance of relationships and understanding. The main goal of our trip is to show the people we are serving Jesus and walk alongside them in their journey. Our main goal is not to finish x amount of

church walls by the end of the week, but to love the people we are serving. The students then split into groups and organized their trip fundraisers. They came up with some pretty exciting ideas and can’t wait to share them with you! EPCHigh also participated in the CROP Hunger Walk and connected to other Presbyterian youth groups at the Presbyterian Youth Council mid-year event.

Last month EPCMiddle also connected with other Presbyterian youth groups at the PYC mid-year event. They heard some great music about Sam Burchfield and had a time of worship and reflection. Some middle school students also participated in the CROP Hunger Walk on the Furman University Campus raising awareness and funds for hunger both locally and abroad. They were equipped in their faith by learning how to make Jesus the cornerstone of their life. We played a game that illustrated the importance of a firm foundation. We saw that it was a piece of cake to build a tower of blocks when you could have corner pieces but when these pieces were taken away everything began to fall apart. They also learned to love God for who he is instead of for what he gives by looking at the story off Jeroboam in 1 Kings 12 and 13. We had a dramatic reading of this story where we saw evil king, Jeroboam, attempt to manipulate the religious system to gain power. We learned from this that we shouldn’t just be moral and religious to receive some sort of blessing, but should be obedient out of love for God. We then learned about the perseverance of this faith through the man of God at the end of chapter 13. We learned from this story to continue in obedience even through intense temptation.

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Circle Meetings for March For more information about Easley Presbyterian Women, or about joining a Circle, please contact EPW Moderator Lori Brock at 350-4644 or lori_brock@yahoo.com.  Coordinating Team will meet in the Church Library on Mar. 25 at 10:00 a.m.  F.I.S.H. Circle will meet in Room E206 on Mar. 22 at 4:00 p.m.  F.R.O.G. Circle will meet in Room E201 Mar. 12 at 9:30 a.m.  Journey Circle will meet in the home of Kelli Burnett Mar. 15 at 6:30 p.m.  Joy Circle will meet in the Church Parlor Mar. 3 at 7:00 p.m.  Supper Sisters Circle will meet Mar 12 at 6:30 p.m.  Wednesday AM Circle will meet in the Church Library Mar. 11 at 10:00 a.m.

Amazing Grays March 11

April 16-18

Laura’s Tea Room in Ridgeway, SC

Callaway Gardens w/ Christian Tours

Join us for High Tea and be treated like royalty! You will not leave hungry from this 3 - 4 course meal. The cost is $30 which includes tax and gratuity. Please sign up and make your payment by March 4th. We will leave the church at 9:00 a.m. and be back by 5:00 p.m.

If you have any questions, call Denise at 616-7454.

For those going on the trip, Christian Tours will contact you individually with the itinerary.

EVENTS FOR MARCH

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TUESDAY, MARCH 3 Joy Circle, 7:00 PM (Parlor)

THURSDAY, MARCH 12 Supper Sisters Circle, 6:30 PM, TBD

FRIDAY, MARCH 6 BFF (Bible– Fellowship– Faith), 10:00 AM

FRIDAY, MARCH 20 BFF (Bible– Fellowship– Faith), 10:00 AM

SUNDAY, MARCH 8 Daylight Savings Time begins Diaconate, 6:00 PM

SUNDAY, MARCH 22 FISH Circle, 4:00 PM, E206 Talent Show & Dinner, 5:30 PM

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11 Wednesday AM Circle, 10:00 AM, Library Amazing Grays Outing to Laura’s Tea Room

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 25 PW Coordinating Team Meeting, 10:00 AM FRIDAY, MARCH 27 BFF (Bible– Fellowship– Faith), 10:00 AM

THURSDAY, MARCH 12 FROG Circle, 9:30 AM (E201) FRIDAY, MARCH 13 BFF (Bible– Fellowship– Faith), 10:00 AM High School Retreat to Montreat

SUNDAY, MARCH 29 (Palm Sunday) Covered Dish Lunch and Egg Hunt

SUNDAY, MARCH 15 Session, 6:00 PM Journey Circle, 6:30 PM, in the home of Kelli Burnett MONDAY, MARCH 16 Book Club, 7:00 PM

SUNDAY OPPORTUNITIES 9:00 AM Worship Service 10:00 AM Sunday School 11:00 AM Worship Service 5:00 PM King’s Kids’ Choir 5:30 PM EPC High 6:30 PM Adult Handbells

Other Weekly Meetings Prayer Group, Tuesdays at 10:00 AM Men’s Bible Study & Breakfast, Thursdays at 6:30 AM

WEDNESDAY OPPORTUNITIES 3:30 PM 4:00 PM 4:00 PM 4:45 PM 5:10 PM 5:30 PM 6:15 PM 7:10 PM

EPCMiddle Handchimes Youth Handbells Children’s Choir Youth Choir Dinner WW Classes Adult Choir

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Cathy Mitchell

2

Betty Smith Eric Dillon Hunter Collie

3 3 3

John Williams Jenna English Gabe Ploski

4 4 4

Wayne Prins Jason Hartis Devin Southerland

5 5 5

Judy Bell Murphy Mahaffey Scott Ross Barrett Rampey

6 6 6 6

Stewart Bauknight Claudia York Alan Groome Mimi Edwards Joanna Griese

7 7 7 7 7

Bo Jeanes Cheryl Bauknight Lily Weisner

8 8 8

Ginger Smith Sharon Mahanes John Dockery

9 9 9

Kathy Schonhar Steve Acres Laura English

10 10 10

Loraine Brockway Sam Daniels Matt Lake Bill Jameson

11 11 11 11

Byron Norris Tammy Davis Scott Graham Michael Ledford

12 12 12 12

Paige Succop Emily Giambalvo

12 12

Theresa Schonhar Brady Darity Peyton Beane

13 13 13

Carol Kantor Ellie Miller

14 14

Rut Galloway Marcia Ragsdale Pat Miller Drew Crittendon Arlo Young

15 15 15 15 15

Rusty Ritter Sally Barnes Joe Goodwin Charlie Syracuse

16 16 16 16

Nicole Prohaska Gracelyn Latham Thomas Clanton Brody Alexander

18 18 18 18

Savannah Lanford

20

Mac Moore

21

Vicki Fletcher Steve Lesley Gale Beasley Steve Loving Kim Welborn

22 22 22 22 22

David Cook Melissa Wilbanks Claudia Gibbons Gracie Wilson Angela Weisner

23 23 23 23 23

Ruth Rice Courtney Norris

24 24

Dianne Galloway Esther-Hannah Volk Scott Bowick

25 25 25

Eric Miller

26

Janet Hunt Carolyn Brice Hunter Lewis

27 27 27

Shirley Shepard Dan Dailey Will Young Alex Houck Charles Simmons Ava Dean Noah Ledford

29 29 29 29 29 29 29

Dee Goodwin Jennifer Graham Harris Smith

30 30 30

Barbara Shealy Anne Goudelock Sallie Robinson Kelton Cooper Joey Mathvink

31 31 31 31 31

Charley & Kathy Schonhar

4

Phil & Terri French

5

Carl & Nancy Walsh

5

Carey & Claudia York

12

Curtis & Ellen Davis

19

Scott & Dianne Durham

19

Murphy & June Mahaffey

25

Jim & Pam Rivard

28

UPCOMING EVENTS

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Mark Your Calendars HOLY WEEK APRIL 1 NO Wonderful Wednesday

JUNE 7 - 11 VBS - Hometown Nazareth

APRIL 2 - 7:00 PM Maundy Thursday & Tenebrae Service

JUNE 7 - 12 EPCMiddle - 6th Grade Mission Trip to Raleigh, NC

APRIL 3 - 12:00 PM Good Friday Service & Soup Luncheon Church Office Closed

JUNE 15 - 18 Crusader Basketball Camp

APRIL 5 Easter Sunday Services 9:00 & 11:00 AM Easter Breakfast 10:00 AM APRIL 26 Youth Sunday

MAY 6 Children’s Choir Musical in Fellowship Hall MAY 13 Children’s Choir Musical @ Foothills Presbyterian Community

MAY 25 Church Office Closed

JULY 3 Church Office Closed JULY 5 - 10 EPC week at Camp Buc

MAY 3 Confirmation Sunday

MAY 17 Graduate Recognition

JUNE 20 - 26 EPCHigh Mission Trip to Belmopan, Belize

JULY 12 - 18 EPCHigh to Montreat JULY 20 - 24 Sprout Day Camp (completed K5-2nd Grades) July 26 - 31 EPCMiddle - 7th & 8th Grade Mission Trip to Asheville, NC AUGUST 3 - 7 SOAR Day Camp (completed 3rd-5th Grades)

For more information, please visit www.easleypresbyterian.org and click the UPCOMING & CURRENT EVENTS tab or look in the bulletin insert.

Easley Presbyterian Church

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200 South 1st Street Easley, SC 29640 OFFICE 864.859.4220 FAX 864.859.0212

www.easleypresbyterian.org

Church Staff

Worship: Sunday 9:00 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.

Sunday School: 10:00 a.m.

Church Officers

Pastor Rev. Dr. Bill Seel Associate Pastor Rev. Christie S. Gravely Director of Christian Education Ginna Lister Director of Youth & Missions Thomas Clanton Director of Music

Session

Class of 2015 Stewart Bauknight Scott Beane Karen Cooper Joel Ledbetter Phil Lyles Monty Oxendine Carl Walsh Scott Wilbanks

Dr. Ralph Boggess

Class of 2016 Phil Barker Floride Caldwelll Paul Cook John Cutchin Chuck Dawkins Terri French Kathy Lyles Dan Nunnery

Class of 2017 Nick Caldwell Tracey Lake Dennis Latham Richard Mintz Ruth Rice Alfred Robinson Billy Waddell David Weaver

Elder Emeritus: Bill Robinson

Youth Choir Director

Diaconate

Angela Weisner Youth Handbell Director Bunny Deener Kindergarten Director Libby Dodson Church Secretary Jonene Garrett Financial Secretary

Class of 2015 Linda Black Rick Gantt Jennifer Graham Meg Jewell Steve Lewis Wilma Shealy Elizabeth Weaver David Whittemore

Class of 2016 Barry Brock Dottie Grantham David Houck Greg Lucas Deborah Mintz David Mitchell Heidi Roach Will Young

Class of 2017 Gregg Branham Kelli Burnett Rachel Coon Clare Nunnery Rex Rice Chuck Riehm Robert Sams Carey York

Nancy Cochran Christian Education Secretary

Trustees

Cynde Whitmire Building Superintendent

Hubert Bowick

Dan Spearman

Dexter Rogers

Tony Brock

Asst. Building Superintendent Mel Brock

The mission of Easley Presbyterian Church is to reach out and invite people to join in the life and love of Jesus Christ, to nurture them in the Christian faith within the tenets of Presbyterianism and to send them into the world to serve.