the
vine Quarterly Issue Volume 2-2019
Joy in the Journey by Lindsey Odom
I am so excited and blessed to be staying on full-time as the Director of Youth and Missions at Easley Presbyterian Church! I wanted to take a minute to say how I found my “Joy in the Journey� this past year through serving at Easley Presbyterian Church. My journey began as the Christian Education intern last summer. Then, I was asked to stay on as the Interim Director of Youth this past year. And now, I will begin work full-time as the Director of Youth and Missions! The community of faith at Easley Presbyterian is truly wonderful and committed to growing and serving as disciples of Christ. I have experienced this firsthand through the children and youth at Easley Presbyterian as they continually grow in their knowledge and understanding of faith while creating relationships and serving and loving others in all that they do. Easley Presbyterian Church is so committed to raising their children and youth in the family of Christ by teaching them the Christian way of life so that they may come to know and experience Christ for themselves, and grow into a life of faith. Because of this, I look forward to joining the effort to help the youth understand that each of them have their own unique call from God and that call provides them with opportunities to offer their talents and abilities in service to the church and the world. Recently, I graduated from Presbyterian College and it has been full of emotions. Presbyterian College was by far the best decision for me and I cannot thank my amazing family, friends, and professors enough for the past amazing three years there! Next year as I journey on to working at Easley Presbyterian Church and attending graduate school at Union Presbyterian Seminary, I am filled with joy because I will be surrounded by such a loving and encouraging community of faith at Easley Presbyterian Church! I look forward to working with both the Middle school and High school youth, and meeting those of you who I have not met yet!
Youth Sunday
Faith, Hope, Love For this year’s Youth Sunday we were blessed with a large senior class and had 4 seniors who spoke at each service. • 9:00: Noah Brock, Rosie Edwards, Rett Lister and Jason Taaffe • 11:00: Ali Latham, Hunter Lewis, Ben Prins and Olivia Roach They chose the text in I Corinthians 13 commonly known as the “love chapter.” The youth focused their messages around verse 13, “ So now faith, hope and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” After the seniors met with Dr. Seel to begin their sermon writing process, the high school youth had a planning meeting to choose hymns, write prayers and choose liturgy and scripture. Thank you for being a congregation who values our youth, supports our youth, teaches our youth and nurtures our youth! I am sure you were blessed by their inspirational messages, but if you didn’t hear them, you may listen to them online under the Sermons tab of the church website @ www.easleypresbyterian.org/epc-sermons.
Excerpts from our Youth Sunday Speakers While growing up in this wonderful church and community, I’ve been surrounded by the many stories of God, Jesus, his disciples, and many others. While I am glad to have been blessed enough to be raised here, I learned about God and his love from a very young age — before I could even put into words what love really was. Noah Brock
I cannot wait to see where God will lead me as I go through my next four years in Columbia. I am looking forward to not only staying connected with my current Christian community, but also to finding a new one at USC. As I go to college, I have to remember that I don’t always have to know everything and be prepared for every event (which has always been my biggest struggle). Sometimes, I just have to let the Lord lead me to where I’m meant to be. I have to put my trust in Him completely, and I have to have faith that He will lead me to where I’m supposed to be in my life. Rosie Edwards
Romans 5:1-5 means a lot to me because when I have dealt with many struggles—as most teenagers do— I have tried to focus on the lessons learned and keep trudging forward. I know I’ve never struggled like the characters in the Bible, but from them, and from many of you, I have learned how to stay strong in the face of difficulty. So if “suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope”, then maybe I can find the hope that the Bible talks about. Rett Lister
God doesn't want people just to follow instructions he gives them. God just desires to have a relationship with all of us and for us to trust in him. God doesn't want something from us, He just wants us. I would feel that I somehow need to earn my way into heaven and that I couldn’t make any mistakes. But in Matthew 9:13, Christ said "For I have come not to call those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners. Jason Taaffe
It has been the biggest blessing to have always had so many amazing mentors and people influence my life. Growing up in this church has never failed to make me feel so incredibly loved. Knowing that there are countless people here that I could turn to if I’m ever in need of some reassurance or just need a friend to talk to. Everyone at this church has watched me grow up and shaped me into the person I am today. This church has truly taught me the meaning of what I John 4:7 says: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” Ali Latham
One passage that stuck out to me is Colossians 2:6-7 which says, “so then just as you received Christ Jesus as your Lord, continue to live your lives through him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness. As I kept going through other passages relating to faith I kept being drawn back to this one in particular because it perfectly fit that chapter of Bill’s life. The more I thought about it the more I realized that even though we all don’t go through what he did at some point or another we had a dark time in our lives and God was always there to help us along the way or to quote from a story Bill Seel told one Sunday, sometimes he even carried us through the sand. Hunter Lewis And in that moment after, when my search for God’s comfort should have been the greatest, I kept silent, convinced that my blunder had been too great for even God to fix. Proverbs 3:5-6 states, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” Having faith in God’s works is more important than trying to figure him out, and that having trust in him will make the hard times in our lives easier to navigate. I use this story to remind myself that having faith in God will ease my tension and provide comfort to me. Ben Prins The morning of my second surgery, Christie and Thomas came to visit me in the hospital. tThey prayed over me and gifted me a small wooden cross to hold.After I arrived home and got settled, I was holding the cross and having a pity party for myself inside my head, and suddenly, it hit me. I could complain to God. I could yell at him, I could ask Him, “why me?’, I could ask him for perseverance; because God would probably rather me be angry than not speak to him at all. Who knew? As God and I had more discussions, the hope that I had lost track of began to stick out more clearly. Looking back on the two most difficult years of my life thus far, God had given me plenty of signs of hope. Olivia Roach
NONAGENARIANS HONORED AT LUNCHEON On Friday, April 26, the Congregational Care committee hosted a “Roarin’ Twenties” themed party for all of our church members ages 90 and above. There was abundant and delicious food, delightful hosts and hostesses, car valets, and even a photobooth which brought lots of smiles and laughter! Easley Presbyterian Church is fortunate to have members of all ages— from 9 weeks to 93 years.
Congratulations to the Confirmation Class of 2019!
Caroline Anthony: “God and Jesus loved us so much that He was able to give us His only Son, so that we would be saved. I believe that I am a Christian because I know God loves me and everyone around me.”
Lydia Branham: “I believe in one true God. It was always a hard concept for me that someone could give up their son as God did. No matter how difficult things are to understand, I know that God is there through and through.”
Wylie Furr: “I believe that God is all powerful, the maker of all heaven and earth. Through Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection, I know that I am saved from my sin. I know I am a Christian because of God’s grace and the precious gift of His Son.”
Frank Mitchell: “I’m a Christian. I believe Jesus is the Son of God and died on the cross for my sin. I believe the Holy Spirit, the Lord Almighty, and Jesus make up the Trinity.”
Mary Gray Cox: “The people at this church feel like family. Being at EPC has stengthened my relationship with God and I really enjoy going to church. I think my church family is who I am. We are one family in the house of God.”
Taylor Dickson: “I plan to devote my heart into striving to live more like Jesus everyday. Just as the disciples did, I want to set an example and share my faith with others. I believe that God is my guide and I should help others find him.”
Caroline Norris: “I connect with God through prayer. Throughout little moments in my day, I ask God to guide me. Asking for guidance helps me recognize how God is working in my life and how He is working through me to affect others.”
Ella Grace Respass: “I connect with God by reading the Bible and saying a prayer every night. Reading the Bible and prayer strengthens my faith and that is very important to me. I feel God’s presence and know He is there for me.”
Zach Stover: “My family raised me to know who God and Jesus are. Through attending church, reading my Bible, and prayer I know I want to commit to living my life in a relationship with God and in a way that praises Him.”
Taylor Stuckey: “I believe I am a Christian because I know that the Lord saved me and you and that He is almighty. Jesus died for all of our sins and not just one specific person.”
Porter Thompson: “Jesus means a lot of things to many people, but to me Jesus is very important because He died on the cross to save our lives and so we can pursue our faith. God is watching over us and has undefinable love for us.”
Lily Weisner: “This church is very important to me. It is my home, my safe house, my light in the dark. It leads me to do the right thing and helps me in my darkest hour. I try to help the church by being there for others and praying for those who need it most.”
A special thank you to the mentors and teachers who worked with and supported these students all year. Teachers: Dan & Clare Nunnery, Dennis & Thomas Willis: “I believe Jesus is a key for all Christians. He was crucified and was resurrected so that all of us could be resurrected into everlasting life with God the Father.”
Cooper Wilson: “I believe that God is love. He is the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He is always with us. He is always watching over us and guiding us to do the right thing.”
Cherie Latham
Mentors: Barry Brock, Lori Brock, Floride
Caldwell, Mario DiPietro, Sherry DiPietro, Betty Juberg, Kelvin Kearse, Monty Oxendine, Ruth Rice, Phyllis Sams, Wilma Shealy, Billy Waddell, Melissa Wilbanks, & Scott Wilbanks
Welcome New Members!
Grant Hollis IV
25 Round Rock Circle NE Rome, GA 30161 957-500-2328
Lindsey Odom
1125 Wynterhall Lane Dunwoody, Georgia 30338 678-763-3991
Andrew & Kaylee Matthews 109 Eastpark Way Easley, SC 29642 704-201-9365/704-941-9144
Debbie Queen
303 Kingsberry Drive Easley, SC 29642 864-561-4816
Baptisms
The Sacrament of Baptism was administered to Grant Wendell Hollis, IV; and also Grant Wendell Hollis V, son of Grant and Samantha Hollis, on April 7, 2019. Matt and Tracey Lake are the grandparents.
The Sacrament of Baptism was administrered to Mills Storme Young on April 28, 2019. She is the daughter of Will and Ellen Young, and the granddaughter of Paul and Pat Cook.
The Sacrament of Baptism was administered to Elizabeth Dial DuBose on May 12, 2019. Edie is the daughter of George and Sarah Dubose and the granddaughter of Dial and Kathy DuBose.
Congratulations! Congratulations to
Congratulations to
Zach & Mary Katherine Martin
Garrett & Janey Charles
Carson Wells
James “Cooper”
born February 20, 2019
born February 22, 2019
on the birth of their son
on the birth of their son
EPC Celebrates Ginna’s 20 Years of Service My heart is filled to overflowing! Thank you for the beautiful lunch and program to celebrate my 20th Anniversary at Easley Presbyterian Church. Thank you to all those who planned, decorated, prepared, plotted, served, donated and came to share in my special day. I was overwhelmed by the generous monetary gift and I adore the word art church picture for my office. As I read the words you choose for me, I smile, I laugh and I am humbled. As I mentioned, I said a simple prayer on the way to church that day, “Thank you, God.” I will continue to be thankful for the love and support that I constantly receive from this wonderful congregation. I am grateful for a fabulous staff that feels more like family. I am grateful for my family who are always here and never complain, even when, as they say, they are “voluntold” to do many jobs at the church. I could not do half of what I do without the unwavering support of Chad, Rett and Cameron. I am grateful for a congregation that believes that Christian Education is vital, important and necessary for our children, youth and adults. I hope that each of you in some way have felt or heard that you are a beloved child of God while at EPC. I look forward to more big events in the Big Backyard (without rain!), more Vacation Bible Schools to create, more visits in my office or in the hallway and more times of laughing and learning together. “Thank you, God and thank you Easley Presbyterian Church Family for the most wonderful and memorable 20 years.” With a heart full of gratitude, Ms. Ginna
Thanks! WORKING TOGETHER TO END HUNGER IN OUR LIFETIME It is with great pleasure that we announce the destination of the Rise Against Hunger meals you helped package on 11/14/2018. A shipping container, holding 285,120 meals, has been sent to Malawi for our partner Adventist Development and Relief Agency. Ending hunger is only possible if we continue to grow the movement. We encourage you to share the news about this shipment. Since 2005, volunteers like you have helped us distribute over 310 million meals worldwide. We can end hunger by 2030, but we can't do it without you.
Welcome to our Children’s Ministry Intern! Kaitlyn Brown will begin May 20. Stop by and welcome her!
My name is Kaitlyn Brown and I am excited to be serving as the Children’s Ministry Intern at EPC this summer. I just completed my Junior year at Presbyterian College as an Early Childhood and Elementary Education major with a minor in Psychology. I am from Iva, SC, and I grew up at First Presbyterian Church in Anderson. When I am not studying, I enjoy being involved in many different organizations that PC has to offer and spending time with my family and friends. I am looking forward to serving alongside each of you and getting to know your church family. I can’t wait for a great summer!
The Children's Choir presented "In the Image" on our last Wonderful Wednesday before summer break. On Wednesday evening, May 1, the children’s choir presented their Spring musical: “In the Image”, by Mark Burrows. We are all created in the image of our God and we are created to be creative. This light hearted musical examines what it means to celebrate creation through our own creativity. We also honor our Creator by taking care of his creation.
We are living in the image of God. We are loving in the image of God. The play featured: Clayton Anthony, Wyatt Burnett, Matthew Kilborn, William Kilborn, Avery King, Erin LaBrash, Quinn Miller, Aidan Moore, Abigail Norris, Anna Kate Sanders, Molly Sanders, Samuel Steese, Arden Van Wagner, and Arlo Young.
Our soloists were: Wyatt Burnett, Quinn Miller, Abigail Norris, Anna Kate Sanders, Molly Sanders, and Arden Van Wagner.
PW Our Presbyterian Women have had a very busy quarter. We sponsored a Women’s Retreat, had a Proper English Tea, raised over $200 for Preschool Pages, a project that donates books to local schools, and ended the quarter with our Easter Tree for Thornwell project.
We had 48 women attend our women’s retreat on March 2nd at Providence Presbyterian Church. It was a wonderful time of learning and fellowship. Our own Christie Gravely led us in a study of being still in our hectic lives. We also enjoyed a craft which was led by Toshia Leisten from Easley.
Our Proper English Tea was on March 30th. From our proceeds, we were able to donate $1052.31 to the Samaritan Health Clinic Pharmaceuticals and $1052.31 to our summer youth mission trip.
May 1st our EPC bus brought a full load of joy to Thornwell Home for Children. We were met with an overwhelmingly grateful reception. As we filled the previously empty shelves in the storeroom it became obvious that your donations were not only greatly needed, but very appreciated. We learned that when residents run out of basic items like tooth paste, paper towels, and deodorant, the house parents must use their monthly house budget to provide them. The games and books were met with a particularly ecstatic reception by the director of the Building Families Program. She can stop using her own money to provide these powerful tools that help families heal and grow. Your cash donations will enable children to continue with the highly effective therapeutic riding lessons they had begun at a local facility. Even more children may be able to benefit from this valuable therapy because of your kindness and generosity. I wish I could personally thank each of you who contributed to make the Thornwell Egg Tree a HUGE success again this year. Your generosity was overwhelming! Please know that the folks at Thornwell will put each and every thing we bring them to good use. Many thanks to Carolyn Brice, Marcia Humbert, and Tammy Darity, my faithful committee, as well as Mimi Edwards and Kelli Burnett for their help. I would also like to thank Marian Dawkins who drove the bus to Clinton so we might deliver all the goodies, our skillful bus driver, and Tony Brock, Jonene Garrett and Cynde Whitmire for all their suppport. Marge Moon-Thornwell Chair for EPW
Amazing Grays Amazing Grays
In March, the Amazing Grays had a beautiful sunny day at the Billy Graham Library in Charlotte, NC. Then in April, they they toured the Carolina Music Museum in downtown Greenville and ate lunch at Mary’s at Falls Cottage. As always, every trip includes some good food and fellowship! The Amazing Grays are looking forward to a Pontoon Boat ride on Lake Keowee in May. Look for information and sign ups on the board outside of the Church Office.
ADULT SUMMER SUNDAY SCHOOL 2019 June 2, 9, 16 and 23 - The Meaning of ‘the Law’
Dr. Bryan Bibb, Furman University Professor, Dorothy and B.H. Peace, Jr. Chair of Hebrew Bible After graduating from Furman with a degree in Religion, Bryan attended Princeton Theological Seminary, where he received a Master of Divinity and a PhD in Biblical Studies with a specialty in Hebrew Bible/Old Testament. He returned to Furman in 2000 as a professor in the Religion department, and so is currently in his 18th year of teaching. At Furman, Bryan teaches courses mainly about the Old Testament, but has expanded his courses to include subjects such as The Bible in Modern Culture, the History of Bible Translation, and the "Digital Bible."
June 30 - Atonement Theory John DuBose
John is a Year 2 seminary student at Union Theological Seminary in Charlotte.
July 7, 14, 21 and 28 – History of American Presbyterianism
Dr. Peter Hobbie, George and Emma Cornelson Professor of the Christian Religion,Emeritus Peter H. Hobbie came to Presbyterian College in 1990 after serving three years as chaplain and professor at Bethel College in Tennessee. Dr. Hobbie taught courses in American Religion, the History of Christianity, World Religions, Christian Doctrine, and the African-American Religious experience. He retired in 2014 and continues to reside in Clinton, SC.
August 4 - High School Mission Team Report August 11 - Middle School Mission Team Report August 18 - Faith and Works – a discussion between Paul and James
John Dubose
John is a Year 2 seminary student at Union Theological Seminary in Charlotte.
August 25 – The Bible in 45 Minutes Rev. Barbara Stoop
Recently retired minister at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Greenville, SC.
Coming up @ E P C May 19 June 2-6 June 9-14 June 17-20 June 22-28 July 7-13 July 15-19 July 29-August 2 August 18 September 8
Graduate Sunday Vacation Bible School EPCMiddle - Asheville Mission Trip Basketball Camp EPCHigh - Puerto Rico Mission Trip Montreat Youth Conference Sprout Day Camp SOAR Day Camp Movin’ On Up Retreat Rally Day
EPCMiddle
EPChigh
June 9-14 - Asheville Youth Mission Trip
June 20, 5:00-7:30 pm
Fellowship & Fun - Bowling @ Rock Springs, Eat @ Panera Bread, Pickup @ EPC
June 30, 4:00-6:30 pm
Sonic Sunday - Open Gym, Bible Study, Eat @ Sonic, Pickup @ EPC
June 22-28 - Puerto Rico Mission Trip
July 17, 4:00-6:45 pm
Prayer, Praise, and Pizza - Open Gym, Bible Study, Eat @ Merrill’s Pizza, Pickup @ EPC
July 31, 2:00-5:00 pm
Make a Splash - Pool Party @ Middle Creek Community Pool. Snacks provided.
August 4, 4:00-6:30 pm
Sonic Sunday - Open Gym, Bible Study, Eat @ Sonic, Pickup @ EPC
July 7-13 - Montreat Youth Conference July 19, 10:00-11:30 am
Bible Study & Coffee - Meet at Coyote Coffee
July 24, 1:30-5:30 pm
Playing @ Thornwell - Spend time playing with children at one of the cottages!
July 28, 2:00-5:00 pm
Make a Splash - Pool Party @ Pam Dillion’s house. Snacks provided.
S ummer S izzle June 2-6
VBS (K2-5th) 5:30-8:30 June 11
Playground & Popsicles (K2-K4) 10:00-12:00
June 27
Crafts & Cones (K5-2nd) 10:00-12:00 Cost: $5 July 8
Glazed Pottery (K5-5th)
June 12
9:30-12:30 Cost: $15
9:00-10:30 Cost: $5
Water Day (K2-K4)
ParTee Time (K5-5th) June 17-20 Basketball Camp (K4-7th) 9:00-11:30 Cost: $60
June 26 Tubing (3rd-5th) 9:00-5:00 Cost: $10
July 10
10:00-12:00 July 15-19
Sprout Day Camp (K5-2nd) 9:00-12:00 Cost: $40
Sign up for all events online at www.easleypresbyterian.org Activities are for grades just completed.
July 23
Bowling (K5-5th) 1:00-2:30 Cost: $5
July 29-August 2
SOAR Day Camp (3rd-5th) 9:00-12:00 Cost: $40 August 18
Movin’ On Up Retreat (5th) 12:00-6:00 Cost: $15
September 8
Rally Day @ Arran Farm 4:30-7:00 Cost: $9 per meal
Watch for more information in the weekly email or the bulletin insert.