the
vine
Quarterly Issue Volume 1-2018
Koinonia through Prayer by Christie Gravely
Jesus’ wisdom and strength came from the time he spent with God in prayer. Jesus prayed morning, noon, and night. He prayed when alone by himself; he prayed with other people; he prayed in public; he prayed in the Jerusalem temple; and he prayed even while on the cross. Jesus Christ also encouraged his disciples to pray together regularly. Following the example of Jesus, the early Christian followers became people of prayer. The first chapter of Acts declares that, soon after Jesus ascended into Heaven, the first disciples were “constantly devoting themselves to prayer” (Acts 1:14). Throughout the early centuries, Christians gathered every day to pray. Here at EPC we take seriously Christ’s invitation to grow into a life of prayer. We have two groups that meet regularly to live out this call to discipleship through prayer and Bible study: •
Tuesday Morning Prayer Team
A few years ago, I went to see Christie to tell her about my shutin cards and to ask what else I could do in the church. She talked to me about joining the Prayer Group. My first thought was, “I can’t do that.” My words are too simple and my phrases are too short. But God told me different. He said I needed to obey, so I became a Prayer Group member. It has been a wonderful experience, even though my prayers are still simple and short! I love being with Betty, Julie, Debbie and Ruth each week. They mean so much to me. We pray for all the needs of our church, people, and the world. I realize now that God had a plan for me, and I needed to follow what He wanted me to do. Remember, if God is leading you to do something in the church, God is with you each step of the way. The Holy Spirit will give you the Spiritual gift to accomplish the task. “Nothing lies beyond the reach of prayer except that which lies outside the will of God” (from Our Daily Bread). ~Sally Barnes
•
Thursday morning Men’s Breakfast, Bible Study, and Prayer Meeting
The E.P.C. Men’s Breakfast Group has been meeting in our library on Thursday morning since 2002. The age of participants has ranged from 20-90. Over the years, we have studied many books of the Bible. We have also listened to lectures and sermons, even The Screwtape Letters, narrated by John Cleese. I enjoy the male fellowship and mentoring. We used to meet at 6:30, until it was voted to the current time. I have learned much about other’s life experiences including gardening, fishing. When raising a family, you sometimes need to ask “guy” questions. You are allowed to speak freely and probe into definitions and meanings. The meetings open and close with prayer. We meet at 7am on Thursday mornings and adjourn by 8am. We do make coffee but it is B.Y.O.B, bring your own breakfast. Please join us for fellowship and good discussion. ~Robert Sams.
If you would like to join one of these groups as they pray for the needs of our congregation and community please contact Associate Pastor Christie Gravely.
And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all. See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone. Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18
EPCYouth Experience Koinonia in a Variety of Ways
Ski Trip: EPCYouth joined youth from Easley First Baptist in January for our annual ski trip. Both groups had time to build new friendships and grow old ones. We were able to spend a full day and a half on the slopes with good cold weather! We were able to fellowship and grow in our faith in the evenings. We had many youth who had never skied before this trip. I am happy to say that everyone who attended the trip was able to ski successfully down the mountain by the end of the trip! This was a great trip that showed the strong bond of Koinonia our youth share through Easley Presbyterian.
Middle School Afterschool Time: EPCMiddle has a chance to practice Koinonia each and every Wednesday. After walking from school to church 6-8th grade students have a time of fellowship. From 3:30-5:30 they have the option to play basketball, video games, participate in hand bells or choir, do homework, or just talk. 25-30 youth have the opportunity to spend time with friends of their own age. This is an opportunity for youth to have church feel like home.
Middle School Afterschool Time continued It helps them have sense of belonging and comfort at a place where they know God resides. It is easier to invite someone to your home than to a strange place. Our Middle school students bring friends with them to the afterschool programs where they are able to hear about Jesus Christ in our evening program. Koinonia at work. Christian love and support from friends and for others.
NGU Basketball: The first weekend of the new year EPCMiddle and EPCHigh went to support Chad Lister’s North Greenville Crusaders men’s basketball team. Both groups had a great time cheering on the team as they bested Limestone 60-51. After the game the youth were able to congratulate Coach Lister on the big win. Supporting other church members and fellow Christians is a key part of Koinonia. Our theme this year is exemplified in the growth of support and Christian love in our youth.
EPCYouth Missions Fundraisers EPCHigh will be traveling to Navajo Indian Reser vation in New Mexico. EPCMiddle will be traveling to Asheville, Nor th Carolina.
Proceeds from all of these fundraisers will go to each of these trips. Thank you for supporting EPCYouth Mission! Youth for Hire:
Spring cleaning is coming up! EPCHigh students have been helping church members with odd jobs this school year. In the fall, youth helped church members move, rake leaves, and clean out attics. They are continuing their task of raising money for the summer high school mission trip. If you would like to hire a youth to help with any job around the house, please call Thomas Clanton 843-206-9870 or Sally Boozer 864 605-8932. All proceeds go directly to the hired youth’s mission trip balance.
Flocking:
Flamingo Warning! EPCYouth will be flocking yards with stylish pink flamingos beginning February 11. For $25 you can have a flock of flamingos visit a friend for three days. If, for some reason, you don’t love your new yard decorations, you can have the removed early for $20. If you are rebelling against this hot new millennial trend, you can pay $50 to have your house protected from all flamingo infestations. For flocking sign ups, removals, or insurance, please call Sally Boozer at 864-605-8932.
Order form with Payment Must be Turned in by February 18 Checks Payable to Easley Presbyterian Church Name:
Phone #:
T-Shirts:
Easley Presbyterian T-Shirts and Sweatshirts are on sale now. You can place an order by filling out a form and turning it into the church office. Orders are due by February 18. All proceeds go to benefit youth missions! Price each Short Sleeve T-shirt
$10.00
Long Sleeve T-shirt
$15.00
Youth SM (6-8)
Youth MD (10-12)
Youth LG (14-16)
Adult SM
Adult MED
Adult LG
Adult XL
Adult XXL *add $2 for XXL
Total
Lenten Devotionals Check out the 4 display areas in the hallways for your copy of this year’s Lenten devotionals. Walk through the Psalms with an eye toward the cross of Christ with these daily reflections for Lent that focus on repentance, reconciliation and renewal. Be enriched each day by the words of this ancient songbook that speaks directly to our journey with the Lord. Often, we give things up in order to practice sacrifice. This year, we are inviting you and the people you share your home with to practice love for Lent. Love never goes out of season. So, we hope your family will join our family this Lent in practicing love at home so that it can spill out into a world longing for God's love.
Here are some other reading options offered by Christianity Today: Lent comes early this year, which means the 40 days leading up to Easter (minus Sundays) may feel more like extended winter than the springtime we typically associate with the season. Rather than mourn the slow demise of cold and snow, however, we could view and early Lent as the perfect sort of season for curling up with a good book. Or several. And by “good book” I don’t mean the nonfiction devotional writing we feel compelled to read as appropriately penitential. I mean poetry and fiction that both nurture and confront the soul. ~Sarah Arthur Here are a few: Twice-Told Tales by Nathaneiel Hawthorne Brendan: A Novel by Frederick Buechner Emma by Jane Austen Death and Transfiguration by Paul Mariani Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky Purple Hibiscus: A Novel by Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie Helping the Morning: New and Selected Poems by Jeanne Murray Walker A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
Welcome New Members!
Garrett & Janey Charles
Bennett Ford
204 Camille Street Easley, SC 29642 706-304-8410
229 Brook Way Liberty, SC 29657 864-980-6547/864-630-9732
Velma Guyton
102 Mountain View Drive Easley, SC 29640 205-790-7170
Baptism The Sacrament of Baptism was administered to Benjamin Michael LaBrash and to Erin Annette LaBrash on November 19, 2017. Ben and Erin are the children of John and Allison LaBrash.
Congratulations to
Alex Heil & Chase Turner
married on January 6, 2018
Congratulations to
John & April DuBose on the birth of their son
Thomas Luke Congratulations to
born January 20, 2018
Mark & Lindsey Dolgin
Grandparents: Dial & Kathy DuBose
on the birth of their daughter
Lily Caris
Congratulations to
Lauren & Ben Robinson on the birth of their daughter
McKinley Rae
born January 23, 2018
born January 31, 2018
Grandparents: Phil & Sue Barker Great Grandparent: Eleanor Barker
Grandparents: Jim & Melissa Robinson Great Grandparents: Bill & Mary Robinson
Amazing Grays are always ready to GO!
In late November, Amazing Grays traveled to the Grove Park Inn to have lunch and view the Gingerbread Houses.
Amazing Grays
The Amazing Grays traveled to Newberry, SC for dinner and and then a show at the Newberry Opera House featuring Dublin Irish Dance.
Coming up. . . February 15
Upcountry History Museum in downtown Greenville Depart from church at 9:30am for a trip to the museum and lunch to follow in downtown. $7 per person for museum.
March 15
Senior Follies in Anderson SC Depart from church at 5:00 for dinner in Anderson. Follies begin at 7:30.
April 19
Cherokee American Indian Museum in Walhalla, SC Depart from church at 10:00 for a trip to museum. Lunch to follow.
May 17
Pontoon Boat Ride on Lake Keowee and Lunch Depart from the church at 9:30 to travel for a boat ride. We will conclude with lunch at The Lighthouse. $15 per person for boat ride.
PW Circles provide opportunities for Koinonia through small group fellowship, Bible study, and mission projects.
Christmas Mailbox Project is a Success!
We decorated 60 mailboxes witha variety of beautiful fresh greenery and a holiday red bow! Twenty-three volunteers gave their time and showed off their decorating skills in creating these festive mailboxes! The proceeds from this fundraiser were given to Thornwell Children’s Home and United Christian Ministries Winter Heating Fund.
Thanks to all who helped and supported our project!
Coming up . . . • Women’s Retreat @ Kanuga Conference Center, March 16-18. (see flyer ) • EPW Yard Sale -- May 5, 8:00 am - 1:00 pm -- Please begin saving items!
T h is VB S is s o m et h in g ! t u o b a g in r a o r h t r o w Join us in Babylon, where we’ll explore what life was like for Daniel and his friends, captives in a strange land. You’ll craft cool projects in the Marketplace, laugh as you play Bible-times games, visit with Daniel, and eat some interesting food. Plus, you’ll meet lots of new friends!
Easley Presbyterian Church June 3-7, 2018 5:30 - 8:30 pm Sign up and use your talents to help make this year's VBS the best yet! And sign up your child (completed K2-5th grade) to be a part of the VBS fun. www.easleypresbyterian.org
Co-Directors: Julie Bishop Kelli Burnett Anna Goodwin
the
E S
A
V
D
A
T
E
June 3-7 Vacation Bible School
July 8-13 Camp Fellowship
June 18-21 Basketball Camp
July 16-20 Sprout Day Camp
July 2-5 PassportKids! Camp
July 30-August 3 SOAR Day Camp
All ages
K4-7th Grade
3rd-6th Grade
K5-12th Grade
K5-2nd Grade
3rd-5th Grade
August 6-10 ARTS Camp 1st-5th Grade
Mark your calendar today! Register at www.easleypresbyterian.org
Summer 2018 Opportunities for Foothills Presbytery Day Camp at Piedmont Presbyterian Day Camp brings the experiential fun, fellowship and learning of Fellowship’s Summer Camp to YOU! This amazing opportunity for 1st through 5th graders enriches your summer faith-formation program and creates opportunities for evangelism and outreach in your local community at Piedmont Presbyterian Church. June 11 – 15 9 am – 3pm
$45 Includes lunch & a t-shirt!
Traditional Summer Programs / CAMP Foothills Presbytery’s churches are invited to register for any week of summer camp. Week long sessions run Sunday – Friday, beginning June 10 through the week of July 29th. FOOTHILLS week is July 8th – 13th, 2018. Scholarships are available.
SUMMER 2018
For more information on all of the summer camp programs we offer, please visit our website: www.campfellowship.org/summercamp
EPC will pay $25 toward EACH camper's fee! Use the coupon code: SESSIONS:
Me ACCEPTED LOVED SOMEBODY POWERFUL . STRONG PATIENT KIND A CHILD OF GOD
Pioneer - K-3rd grade
Pathfinder - 4th-5th grade
Discovery - 6th-8th grade
Wind & Water 6th-8th grade
Wind & Water 9th-12th grade
Night Owl 6th-9th grade
Base Camp Adventure 6th-9th grade
LIT 9th-12th
our 2018 Curriculum This summer, campers will dive into discovering what faith is all about and what itmeans to bea Child of God. We’vehand-picked passages that explore deep into what itmeans to bea confident disciple and leader in the community. Spend this summer exploring, connecting, and growing with us at Camp Fellowship!
Click HERE to register for any of these camps! Committee on Shared Ministry
The Preschool @ EPC
The Preschool participated in “Cards for Kids” sponsored by the radio station, Magic 98.9. Each child made a Valentine’s Day card that will be included in care packages delivered to GHS Children’s Hospital.
K m Km
Open Enrollment for 2018-2019 School Year has begun! We have been having fun learning about hibernation and the animals that do! The 3’s got to have snacks with their favorite bears!
Coming Up ... • Valentines Parties • Community Helpers Day • Egg Hunt • K4 Graduation
Contact Jen Willey, Preschool Director @ 859-0737 or jen@easleypresbyterian.org. Also, visit The Preschool on Facebook!
Coming up @ E P C February 11 February 14 February 15 February 24 February 25 March 15 March 16-18 March 16-18
H
March 25 O March 29 March 30 L April 1
Y
PC Choir & Ringers @ 11 am Service Ash Wednesday Service Amazing Grays to Upcountry History Museum EPCMiddle Snow Tubing Basketball Banquet @ 5 pm Amazing Grays to Senior Follies in Anderson EPCHigh to Mini Montreat Women’s Retreat
Palm Sunday Lunch & Egg Hunt Maundy Thursday Service @ 7pm Good Friday Service & Lunch @ 12 pm Easter Services @ 9 & 11 am - Brunch @ 10 am
W E E K
April 19 Amazing Grays to Cherokee American Indian Museum April 22 Easley Presbyterian & Easley First Baptist Choir Concert @ Furman University April 29 Confirmation Class joins the church May 2 Children’s Choir Musical May 6 Youth Sunday May 17 May 20
Amazing Grays Pontoon boat Ride on Lake Keowee Graduate Sunday
Visit www.easleypresbyterian.org for more information and to sign up.