THE ADVOCATE

Recently, I realized that I was not receiving the SC UNITED METHODIST ADVOCATE. For some unknown reason, the subscription had not been renewed. Nita took care of matters and soon a whole packet of past issues arrived. Each issue was filled with interesting stories from around the world. Some of these I had read online or in other sources. However, it was the stories of United Methodists in South Carolina that I had really missed. Not only what is happening in our churches, but also what we are thinking. The March edition had stories about our Knit One, Pray One ministry and Kathy Heustess being named Executive Director of The Coastal Samaritan Counseling Center.

Since 1837, THE ADVOCATE has been important to S.C. Methodism. At times, it was the subject of its own headlines. One of my faith heroes, McKay Brabham, served as its editor during the Civil Rights Era and irritated many Methodists with his views. During my tenure as Chair of the Advocate Board of Trustees, Maryneal Jones created discontent with her editorials about Methodism and its leaders. Publishing schedules and formats have varied and now is a 24-page monthly newspaper. Financial struggles have been prevalent through the years and readership has waxed and waned. However, it has been and continues to be an important voice of South Carolina Methodism.

Although I read a lot of news online, the format of print media often entices me to read significant articles that I would not chose to read online. A newspaper and a cup of coffee constitutes one of the finer moments of a day. I hope THE ADVOCATE continues to serve Methodism for years to come. I promise not to let my subscription lapse again. I need to encourage others to read it also.