The Vine Q2 2018

the

vine Quarterly Issue Volume 2-2018

Glimpses of Koinoia = We all remember the really big things people do for us. The parent who gave you a loan when money was tight. The friend who drove to your house at midnight when you got disturbing news.

The brother/sister/cousin/daughter/son who moved in with you when you were too sick to take care of yourself. The buddy from the repair shop who brought you gas when you ran out on the highway.

Sometimes it’s hard to believe that people would actually go to such trouble to look after us. Even so, we remain grateful for their love and sacrifice. But what about the little things that people do for us?

It’s easy to overlook them. While the really big things often remain impressed upon our hearts for a long time, the daily kindnesses are like a will-o’-the-wisp, landing briefly on our subconscious, a momentary delight.

But, in the economy of God’s Kingdom, no act of kindness, however small, is ever wasted.

In fact, there are little acts of kindness and self-giving that are the hallmark of Koinonia—life lived in Christian community.

One of the benefits of my ministry is hearing countless stories of how you—the members of Easley Presbyterian Church— have been kindhearted to one another.

• The church friend who brought you a pot of soup when you had the flu.

• The neighbor who raked your leaves at the same time as he raked his.

• The hospital employee, who also happens to be a member of the church, who showed up in your hospital room.

• The child who hugged you at the end of Sunday school.

Glimpses of the Kingdom of God

by Christie Gravely I could go on and on with these glimpses of God’s Kingdom here on earth. But instead, I’ll let Marian Dawkins share her story: My Dad currently resides in the Clinton Presbyterian Home, about an hour away from Easley. He is a lifelong member of Easley Presbyterian Church and misses being in Easley. Wilma Shealy displays acts of kindness by visiting with my Dad, Bill Ford, on a regular basis. She spends time with him and has gotten to know him. She knows the type of music he enjoys and the type of books he enjoys reading. She takes him the church newsletter and keeps him informed of church events. Wilma’s kindness and dedication to our Dad mean a lot to myself and my siblings.

Friends in Christ, the love we receive each and every day, in big and small ways, is abundant; and that is the gift from God of community! Let us, in turn, each and every day, share God’s love in big and small ways.

Missions Fundraising and Anonymous Gifts

by Thomas Clanton This summer the high school youth group will be visiting the Navajo Reservation in New Mexico to conduct service work. All year long the youth have been doing their best to raise money for their trip by helping church members complete odd jobs. This year’s Youth for Hire has been a great success. Thank you to all who have contributed!

The congregation has continued its generosity, not only in Youth for Hire jobs, but also in anonymous donations. Many members in the congregation have contributed money, without the need to be recognized, to help youth afford this trip. So far $3350 has been given in anonymous donations.

Both of these fundraising efforts embody the definition of Koinonia, and show the love that this congregation shares from the oldest to the youngest member.

NONAGENARIANS HONORED AT LUNCHEON The Congregational Care Committee hosted a luncheon on Saturday, April 14, at noon to honor the members of the Easley Presbyterian Church who are ninety years old and above. Each nonagenarian was allowed to invite a guest. The luncheon was held in the Multi-Purpose Room. Valet parking was provided by Bennett Ford, Marty Kwasniewski, Greg Lucas, and Monty Oxendine.

Our church is fortunate to have twenty-one members who fit in this category. Those appearing in the photo above from left to right seated are Kitty Garber, Virginia Gower, and Evelyn Watkins and those behind are Jack Brock, Bill Robinson, Chris Christopherson, and Hubert Bowick. Those not able to attend are Kay Cowan, Dardie Dilly, Bill Ford, Deedie Hancock, Gladys Jamison, Caroline Johnson, Mary Ellen Layfield, Ellen McDaniel, Betty Melton, Frank Merritt, Rusty Ritter, Jim Stuckey, and Harold Williams. Roger Levesque provided the entertainment. After the lunch, cake was served and each honoree was given a gift.

Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves.

The older you get, the better you get, unless you're a banana.

Mini Montreat Youth Conference

The Mini-Montreat Youth Conference is organized and hosted by the Presbyterian Youth Council of the Foothills Presbytery.

Jennifer Sheorn was the keynote speaker and the music was lead by Drew Wilmesherr! Our High School youth, chaperoned

by Pam Dillon, Mecia Hartis, and Thomas Clanton, joined other high school groups from other Foothills Presbytery churches.

Easley Presbyterian members, Benjamin Branham and Rosie Edwards, participated in the Presbyterian Youth Council which gave them the opportunity to be leaders for small groups and in worship.

Youth Sunday

Great Cloud of Witnesses This year’s Youth Sunday theme was “A Great Cloud of Witnesses”. Three high school seniors presented meditations on Hebrews 12:1-4 speaking on how the support they have received in this congregation has allowed them to establish and grow their faith in Jesus Christ. Freshmen, Sophomore, and Junior youth helped lead worship through prayer, confession, and liturgy. The youth orchestra, hand bells, and choir provided the music for the service.

This is a Sunday every year that reminds us to be thankful for the love and support this congregation has for its young people. The reflections this year show how God is faithful to provide the people and support for us to all grow closer to him. This was best summarized the reflection given by Hannah Willis, “This congregation is always raising me up and encouraging me even when they are not physically there. Y’all gave me the great cloud of witnesses that our verse speaks of, even when you were hundreds of miles away.”

Congratulations to the Confirmation Class of 2018!

Ella Bishop: “To me being a good Christian is not based on how much you talk about God but about how much time you spend talking to God.”

Will Bishop: “On a daily basis I find myself turning to God. I know that we are sinners and that Jesus died on the cross for our sins. To give back, I plan to live out the word of God by how I treat others each day.”

Kaitlyn Ellison: “Being a Christian is not just saying you believe in God. In order to really be a Christian you need to show that you believe, by going to church, reading the Bible, spreading God’s word, and trusting in God.”

Kerragan Howell: “I know that Jesus is love. I want His love and His light to shine through me to everyone I meet.

I want everyone to see Christ through me.”

Gracelyn Latham: “I believe that my faith is like a tree, that when swayed by the wind of sin will not cower or fall but will thrive and blossom with joy.”

Ethan Lee: “I am a Christian and Jesus is my Savior. Without Jesus I am a sinner but through Him I am forgiven and that gives me hope.”

Charlie Greene: “I believe that Jesus is forgiveness from sin. He died on the cross for our sins.

This means a lot to me because it shows that God loves us so much that He gave up His only Son.”

Cameron Lister: “The main way God helps me in my life is His eternal love.

Knowing that He loves me no matter what and He loves me all the time is a great feeling.”

Caroline Lucas: “God created all life, He gave His one and only Son for our sins. Jesus’ death and resurrection reminds me of the trees that lose their leaves in the fall and grow back luscious in the spring.”

Ella Owen: “I believe that Jesus is fully human and fully divine. Being fully human allowed Jesus to feel emotions and temptations that you or I would. Being fully divine allowed Him to not sin and provide salvation when He died on the cross.”

Noah Prins: “God is our Almighty Father who created the heaven and the earth. He created us in His image and He loves us so much that He sent His son Jesus Christ to earth. Jesus lived, died, and rose again so we could live with Him.”

Justin Taaffe: “I believe that Jesus is the way to heaven because He died for our sins which allows us to live an eternal life with Him and love others in the way that He loved us.”

Carys Waddington: “Jesus to me is my Savior and your Savior. Jesus to me is a sign. Even when bad things happen He is there for us.

My definition of the Gospel is the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus’ life.”

A special thank you to the mentors and teachers who worked with and supported these students all year.

Teachers: Dan & Clare Nunnery, Dennis & Cherie Latham Mentors: Barry Brock, Nick Caldwell, Thomas Clanton, Zane Coats, Karen Cooper,

Mary Crittendon, Mario DiPietro, Debra Gantt, Amy Moore, Wilma Shealy, Billy Waddell, David Weaver, Melissa Wilbanks

Welcome New Members!

Tim & Kelly Sheppard 109 Mountain View Court Pickens, SC 29671 864-630-5151/864-871-4653

Zach & Mary Katherine Martin Cameran 1801 Crestview Road Easley, SC 29642 864-908-8281/864-617-2389

Mike & Julie DeKoning 107 Springdale Lane Easley, SC 29642 864-354-8365/864-907-6382

Kevin & Mary Taaffe Jason, Justin, Jacob

205 Glen Laurel Drive Easley, SC 29642 864-908-6836/864-908-6837

Baptism The Sacrament of Baptism was administered to Riley Patrick Miller and Emory Thomas Phifer on March 4, 2018.

Riley and Emory are the sons of Thomas and Stephanie Phifer.

Congratulations to

Ryan & Paige Succop

on the birth of their daughter

Reese Collins born March 17, 2018 Grandparents: Johnny & Karen Cooper

Thanks!

Thank you for all those who made soup and desserts and to all those who purchased soup and desserts. We raised $1552 - divided equally to our local Salvation Army and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.

Thank you to all you donated to the Presbyterian Women’s Yard Sale!

We were able to raise over $3000 to be donated to Miracle Hill Children’s Home and Country Santa. ~ Loraine Brockway

What a blessing it was for the wonderful women of Easley Presbyerian Church to work together to have such a succesful Yard Sale! Thank you for three days of tireless hard work! ~ Loraine Brockway

Welcome to our Summer CE Intern!

Lindsey Odom will begin May 14.

Stop by and welcome her!

Hi, my name is Lindsey Odom.

I am a 2016 graduate of Mount Pisgah Christian School located in Alpharetta, GA. I was born and raised in Dunwoody, GA and am currently a junior at Presbyterian College majoring in Christian Education with a desire to continue serving in the ministry after college. Growing up at my home church, Dunwoody United Methodist Church, provided me with multiple opportunities to serve and discover my calling into ministry through various mission trips, being very involved in youth group, serving as their acolyte coordinator, teaching confirmation for 3 years, and being a part of worship committee and youth council for the church. I am an active member of the Tri Sigma sorority at PC as well as the chair for the Methodist college bible study group named Rethink Fellowship that meets at Broad Street United Methodist Church in Clinton, SC. In addition to serving as Youth Program Director at Broad Street United Methodist Church, I hold a position in the work study program at PC assisting Dr. Rebecca Davis, who is the head of the Christian Education department. In my free time, I enjoy running, piano, babysitting, art, and spending time with friends and family. I look forward to serving Easley Presbyterian this summer, and getting to meet everyone!

Thanks again, Lindsey

Have you ever wondered…

Stick your VBS @ EPC

J un e 3 -7 neck out…

5 :3 0 -8 :3 0 p m Register TODAY!

www.easleypresbyterian.org …what it was like to live in Bible time s? …if that guy in the den of lions reall y survived? …how the three friends lived throu gh a fire?

Find the answers to these questions— and more—in ancient Babylon!

VBS

and try ethiingr dif T -som Sh t sferent!

Grab a pair of sandals, your bathrobe, and your sense of adventure, and meet us in ancient Babylon!

We’ll talk to Daniel to learn all about his courage as a captive in a foreign land.

Order this T-shirt for $10 when you sign up for VBS

by May 20, 2018!

So Many Ways to Get involved!

You can volunteer and/or give to our VBS missions efforts.

For this year’s mission project we will be collecting money to purchase as many animals as possible to help end hunger and poverty around the world through Heifer International.

Donations accepted through June 7, 2018.

Mark your donations - “VBS Missions” Here is a list of animals we hope to purchase: • • • • • • •

Chicks - $20 Ducks - $20 Geese - $20 Honeybees - $30 Rabbits - $60 Goat - $120 Pig - $120

• • • • • •

Sheep - $120 Alpaca - $150 Llama - $150 Water Buffalo - $250 Fish - $300 Heifer - $500

5th Grade Mission Madness Our 5th graders will take part in several hands on service projects during VBS week like: working at United Christian Ministries, collecting can goods, and visiting some of our church members.

The Children's Choirs presented "The Tale of Three Trees" on our last Wonderful Wednesday before summer break.

Romans 8:28 - "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose. " This traditional folktale was adapted by Tom Long and Allen Pote to create a beautiful children's musical. The powerful message that God has a special plan for our lives permeates through the story of three trees that have dreams of what they want to be when they grow up. One wants to be a treasure chest, another an ocean­g oing boat, and the third a signpost to God. Their wishes come true in a way they never expected. Each tree finds itself in a place they never desired to be, yet in the end - "God's love changes everything."

We learn that God's dream for us is greater than anything we could dream for ourselves.

Jeremiah 29:11 - "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. "

The Preschool @ EPC The Preschool had Community Helpers Day with the City of Easley in April. We had the Fire Truck, Police Cruiser, Public Works Trash Truck, Drones, and a Case Front End Loader. The children were able to explore each piece and ask questions to our Community Helpers. They LOVED IT!!

Easter Egg Hunt and Family Picnic.

The Preschool @ Easley Presbyterian Church is offering day camps for pre-school children to enjoy some regular play time and fun activities with friends during the summer.

DETAILS: Who:

Where: Cost: When:

3-DAY MINI-CAMP CHOICES:

Space Camp June 26-28

K1-K4 completed (do not have to be currently enrolled in The Preschool @ EPC) Easley Presbyterian Church $75 per session— snacks & supplies included Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 9:00 - 1:00 (bring a bag lunch)

Little Luau July 24-26

Register online pay June 1!

Sign up on the form below andand return withby payment

by June 1.

Contact Jen Willey, Preschool Director @ 859-0737 or jen@easleypresbyterian.org. Also, visit The Preschool on Facebook!

Child’s Name:_______________________________________________ Age on Sept. 1, 2017____________

Parent/Guardian:____________________________________________Phone:__________________________

PW

Women’s Retreat 2018 Easley Presbyterian Women’s Winter Retreat was held March 16 -18, 2018 at the beautiful Kanuga Conference Center in Hendersonville, NC. The theme of Prayer Practices, Old and New included several sessions on Saturday. There was time Saturday afternoon to try out prayer practices and enjoy fellowship. The evenings were a good time for worship, fellowship, and games. We hope that each woman took away some new ideas about prayer and will use them to enrich her personal prayer communion with God.

Amazing Grays Amazing Grays

In March, the Amazing Grays enjoyed the Senior Follies in Anderson, SC. Then in April they took a trip to Walhalla, SC to visit the Museum of the Cherokee. Of course all of the trips include some good food and fellowship!

The Amazing Grays are looking forward to a Pontoon Boat ride on Lake Keowee and a trip the the State House in Columbia, SC. Look for information and sign ups on the board outside of the Church Office.

Coming up @ E P C May 17 May 20 June 3-7 June 10-15 June 18-21 June 24-29 July 2-5 July 8-13 July 8-13 July 16-20 July 22 July 30-August 3 August 12 August 26

Amazing Grays Pontoon Boat Ride on Lake Keowee Graduate Sunday Vacation Bible School EPCMiddle - Asheville Mission Trip Basketball Camp EPCHigh - Navajo, MX Mission Trip Passportkids Camp Montreat Youth Conference Camp Fellowship Sprout Day Camp EPC Family Cook Out SOAR Day Camp Movin’ On Up Retreat Rally Day