Exodus For Followers Of Jesus

Dr. Bradley D. Smith Pastor Dr. Mark E. Durrett Associate Pastor Rev. Lynn A. Grandsire Associate Pastor Rev. Jeffrey S. Smith Associate Pastor Dr. James I. St. John Parish Associate Rev. Jonathan S. Wagner Associate Pastor Mr. Croskeys Royall Director of Childrens Ministries Mrs. Fredna Lee Director of Music Ministries Mr. William L. Collins, Jr. Business Administrator
Our Missionaries: Rev. & Mrs. Donald Marsden-Virginia/Russia Steven & Natalie Hall - Alaska Sarah Snapp - Bolivia Rev. John McCall - Taiwan Steve & Kathy Amar - Virginia/Muslims in the US George & Anne Harper - Philippines Cindy Correll - Port au Prince, Haiti Dr. John and Gwenda Fletcher - Congo

From Wilderness To Wonder

STAFF

EASTMINSTeR UPDATe
803-256-1654 / www.eastminsterpres.org
Volume 37 Number 30 September 29, 2013

Eastminster Presbyterian Church, Columbia, South Carolina

Dear Eastminster Family, Each fall Eastminsters officers invest a Friday evening and Saturday morning, coming together to worship, to share and to plan for the coming year. This past weekend, in addition to being encouraged in Christ through the teaching of Dr. Dave Peterson, we also shared an update regarding Vision 2020. I want to share that update with you. Many of you participated in the Vision 2020 small groups last fall. From your conversations, study and prayers came 2,400 dreams and ideas. The Coordinating Team, guided by Gods Spirit, then distilled those dreams and visions in such a way that they presented both six future stories that describe Eastminster in the year 2020 and a substantial (25 pages) document detailing specific actions that will help us become the church God is calling us to be. Together these are the Vision 2020 Summary and Findings that were presented to the Session and Diaconate this past spring with the Future Stories being shared during worship services in May. At that point we had a grand vision that was both exciting and, quite frankly, overwhelming. What has happened since then is the all-important step of breaking big ideas into smaller specific action items. To do this, the Summary and Findings document was divvied up with our various Session and Diaconate ministry areas, with each zeroing in on Vision 2020 input pertaining to its area of our church life. The different ministry committees of the church were then charged with developing a time-line for implementing action items with particular focus on the 2013-2014 goals. This step is complete and was shared with the Officers Friday night. You can view the Future Story Scenarios and the 2013-2014 Goals by visiting the church web site (www.eastminsterpres.org). Here are just a few of the 2013-2014 goals (some of which are already happening). So that Eastminster embodies a sense of family, fellowship and community, we will offer Supper Six gatherings and periodic intergenerational events, including Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. So that we nurture one another as disciples of Jesus Christ, we will provide daily devotionals via email. So that both children, parents, and the entire church family can grow in Gods grace, we will provide weekly Sunday afternoon growth group opportunities for 1st-5th graders, middle schoolers and senior highs, while offering concurrent growth opportunities for parents and the larger church family. So that we experience the joy of serving, missions opportunities such as Transitions, Bradley Elementary, Foot Care and Soup Cellar will be supported even as we explore new ways for families to serve together. If God is calling you to step in at Eastminster but you arent sure where to start, Julie McDaniel at 803.256.1654 or jmcdaniel@eastminsterpres.org is ready to help. In joy, Brad

SUNDAY, sEPTEMBER 29
9:00 & 11:15 a.m. - Sanctuary 11:15 a.m. Jubilee Dr. Bradley D. Smith From Wilderness to Wonder Does God Have Favorites? Exodus 11:1-10

DAILY CALENDAR
SUNDAY, SEPtEMBER 29
8:00 Celebration Choir Rehearsal 9:00 Worship & Childrens Church 10:00 Sunday School First Step Class Generation Change 1st Grade Sacrament Training Jubilee Band Practice 10:05 Chancel Choir Rehearsal 11:15 Worship & Childrens Church Jubilee Worship 2:00 Girl Scout Mtg. 5:00 Sunday@5 Elementary Program Middle Highs Sr. Highs Childcare 6:20 Closing Worship

We invite all women to attend this five-week study on the 23rd Psalm led by Jean Padgett. Some of you may remember Jean from her Rooms of Your Life class she taught at Eastminster. The class will meet on Tuesday mornings at 10:00 a.m. in room E-351 beginning on October 1. Childcare in the Drop-in nursery will be provided for women attending the Bible Study. Please join us for Breakfast in the Breezeway on Sunday, October 20 from 8:30 a.m. - 8:55 a.m. Breakfast finger foods, as well as coffee and juice, will be served in the breezeway as we enjoy a brief time of fellowship together prior to the 9:00 a.m. worship service. Hosted by the Fellowship Committee. Calling all men! Youre always welcome to join us at 7:00 a.m. each Monday morning (excluding holidays) as we gather in Thompson Hall for a full breakfast, for an enriching, enlightening Bible study (currently the book of Acts), for great fellowship, and for prayer. We conclude at 8:00 a.m., whether our teacher-of-the-day is finished or not, so that everyone can get on to the office or the shop or the golf course. No reservations needed. We hope to see you! Does the church have your e-mail address? If not, we cannot share our daily devotionals from Exodus with you. Also, did you know that the classes on Exodus that Mark Durrett is teaching on Wednesday mornings and evenings can be viewed on line? Even if you cannot attend the class, you can watch the lesson on your computer or tablet on YouTube. Go to www.eastminsterpres.org and follow the link on the front page.

Womens Bible Study Beginning October 1

Breakfast in the Breezeway

MOnday, SEPtEMBER 30

7:00 Mens Prayer Breakfast 9:00 Count Team Fifty Plus Exercise Class 10:00 Senior Fitness 2:00 Pastors Mtg. 2:30 Program Staff Mtg. 5:30 Yoga Cub Scouts Mens B/B League 6:30 BSF 7:00 Sr. High Girls D-Group Sr. High Boys D-Group Troop 10 Meeting

Mens Monday Morning Breakfast Bible Study

Did You Know?

TUESDAY, OCtOBER 1

7:15 MS Prayer Breakfast 9:00 Drop-In Nursery 9:30 Staff Meeting 10:00 Senior Fitness EPW Psalm 23 Bible Study Savvy Senior Planning Team 11:00 EPW Coordinating Team 11:45 Tuesday Lunch 12:30 Visitation 3:00 Exercising for Arthritis 4:00 Grief Groups 4:30 Brownies 5:00 Tai Chi EPW Cookies to USC Students 5:30 Zumba Fitness 6:00 Handbell Rehearsal MSB Team 7:00 Zumba Fitness Scottish Country Dance

For our loved ones . . .

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 2

9:00 Fifty Plus Exercise Class Drop In Nursery 9:25 EDS Chapel 9:30 Prayer Shawl Ministry 11:00 Exodus Bible Study 5:15 WE@EPC Dinner 5:45 Childcare 6:15 Officer Training Crossroads Career Ministry WE@EPC Classes Womens Divorce Care Grief Group Angel/Junior Choir Rehearsal 7:15 Chancel Choir Rehearsal

In memory of Dorothy Virginia DuBose, given by the Sharpe family. In memory of Katherine Sawyer, given by Martha S. King. In memory of Molly Wood, given by Gary & Bea Daves, Gloria Douglass. In memory of Leland Humphrey, given by Anne McCants. In memory of Dorothy Vanderlip, given by Billie Manning. In memory of Gale Kennedy, given by E. Anne Gillespie. In memory of Ann Howe, given by Lawrence & Felicia Gressette.

THURSDAY, OCTOBER 3

9:00 Drop-In Nursery 10:00 Senior Fitness 3:00 Exercising for Arthritis 5:00 Yoga 5:30 Zumba Fitness 7:00 Zumba Fitness 7:30 Jubilee Band Practice

We are again organizing another exciting Eastminster basketball season so remember to include us in your familys plans for this fall! Youth Basketball Registration started on September 1st. Look for your registration form in the E-News or on the web site. Teams will be available for boys and girls in 2nd grade through high school, and will be formed based on the availability of coaches and gym space. All current EPC youth basketball coaches and anyone interested in coaching or helping with basketball, please contact Bill Ketchin at 256-1654 or bketchin@eastminsterpres.org.

Eastminster Youth Basketball 2013

EPC Youth Basketball Coaches

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 4

9:00 Fifty Plus Exercise Class 11:00 Support Staff Mfg. 2:00 Flora Football Team Meal

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 5
7:00

BSF Leader Meeting

First Grade Sacrament Training is a two-Sunday special track for first graders to learn about Communion and Baptism. Games, self-directed stations and Power Point presentations convey an age-appropriate, Reformed understanding of what the sacraments mean. This is held during the Sunday school hour, 10:00 - 11:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 29 and October 6. No advance registration is required. Join us in the CE building room 251.

First Grade Sacrament Training - Begins September 29

CARE & CONCERN

EPC Prayer List Part of what it means to be a Family of Faith is to be in prayer for one another. Contact the church office at 256-1654 to be included on this Prayer List. EPC Special Concerns Boots Fuller, Remer Waguespack, Dr. Mary Tobin, Carol Strasburger Hoefer, those serving in our military, Stephen Ministers & their care receivers and all those in need of Gods special care. Hospitalized this week Carol Tanner, Merritt Chapman Deaths Congregational love and sympathy are extended to:

Middle Schoolers, please join us November 8-10 at the Blue Ridge Assembly in Black Mountain, NC. Keynote speaker will be Steve Lindsley, the pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Mount Airy, NC, and Eastminsters Semih Sendur, Jubilee Band Director, will be the music leader. Cost for this retreat is $155.00 per person for Early Bird registration by Monday, October 14 or $180.00 per person by Monday, October 28. Contact Tricia, tmccormick@eastminsterpres.org for information or to register.

Trinity Presbytery Middle School Retreat

Noahs Ark Everything I need to know, I learned from Noahs Ark

ONE: Dont miss the boat. TWO: Remember that we are all in the same boat! THREE: Plan ahead. It wasnt raining when Noah built the ark . FOUR: Stay fit. When youre 60 years old, someone may ask you to do something really big. FIVE: Dont listen to critics; just get on with the job that needs to be done. SIX: Build your future on high ground. SEVEN: For safetys sake, travel in pairs. EIGHT: Speed isnt always an advantage. The snails were on board with the cheetahs. NINE: When youre stressed, float awhile. TEN: Remember, the Ark was built by amateurs; the Titanic by professionals. ELEVEN: No matter the storm, when you are with God, theres always a rainbow waiting. Crossroads Career Network offers programs and opportunities for job seekers, career explorers, employers and regular church attendees to get involved. We meet most Wednesdays at 6:15 p.m. in the Christian Life Center, room C- 265. Contact Jim Hatchell for more information: jimnsc123@gmail.com.

Nicole & Edgar Morris, on the death of her father, Robert G. Hoffek, September 22, 2013. Grandchildren, Jack & Lucy Morris.
On weekends a minister is on call. If you have a crisis which one of the ministers needs to know about, phone 256-1654 and leave a message. A minister will return your call.

Not Employed or Under-Employed?

... Eastminster Presbyterian Churchs tithes and offerings help support the work of missionaries from Haiti to South America to the Orient. Please continue to joyfully give and know that you are allowing Gods work to be done. Jeff Burden

Did you know . . .

Dont miss out! Send your information to share with the congregation to tcarter@eastminsterpres.org. Please have your information in by Wednesday, October 3, to be shared in our next newsletter on October 13, 2013.

Deadline for UPDATE

Eastminster Presbyterian Church 3200 Trenholm Road Columbia, South Carolina 29204

Nonprofit Org. US POSTAGE PAID Columbia, SC PERMIT No. 27

Update for September 29, 2013

Go Tell It on the Mountain The Story Behind the Story is the theme this year. Our speaker is Dr. Robert Fuller, pastor and head of staff at Fairview Presbyterian Church in North Augusta. We are once again at Blue Ridge Assembly, December 6 through December 8, and the retreat will spotlight Bobs insights (along with his guitar skills), bring us a return of our own terrific Appalachian Band, grant us incredible opportunities for fellowship, and help prepare all of us for Advent. Grab a brochure when you are at the church and sign up!

Eastminster Advent Retreat - December 6 - 8

SerVing on Sunday September 29

OFFICERS PRAYER: Deacon Betsy McDonald DEACONS: Laura Long, Kay Lydon Elder Kathie Williams (Jubilee) Deacon Scott Verzyl (Jubilee) GREETERS: (9:00) Bill & Linda Gillespie Lloyd Hendricks William & Kappy Hubbard Susie Horger (11:15) Mike Gorman Elizabeth Helmboldt Bill & Jane Francis Don & Darla Helms INFANT ROOM - CLC 115 (9:00) Mandy & Will Brawley (11:15) Joan & Brian Boyer TODDLER ROOM - CLC 117 (9:00) Lori & Wade Douroux (11:15) Alicia & Bruce Harper 2-K ROOM - CLC 119 (9:00) Greg & Jessica Sharp (11:15) Joe & Ashley Sitton CHILDRENS CHURCH 101 - 3K (9:00) Kit & Amy Williams (11:15) Will & Ashley Yarbrough CHILDRENS CHURCH 103 - 4K (9:00) Greg & Ainsley Rhames (11:15) Mark & Christina Richardson CHILDRENS CHURCH 106 - 5K (9:00) Shelly & Scott Dempsey (11:15) Wade & Lori Douroux

October Circle Meetings

Circle 1 - 10:00 a.m., October 14 - Parlor Circle 2 - 10:30 a.m., October 14 - Florence Fowlers home Circle 3 - 10:00 a.m., October 14 - Judy Smalls home Circle 6 - 6:00 p.m., October 9 - C-265

Eastminster is seeking a volunteer to help answer phones and greet visitors on Thursdays from 12:00-1:00 p.m. If you can spare just one hour each week to cover the front desk at lunch time, please contact Tricia at 256-1654.

We Need you at the Reception Desk!

Asheville, NC mission trip with EPC Tweens and Parents

Great job EPC! Over 1000 emergency snack packs for Western NC school kids and their families were assembled! Peace of mind comes from not wanting to change others but by simply accepting them as they are.