Women in Ministry

The greatest joy of ministry is being able to share the news of Easter and yesterday, once again, women were part of telling this story.

Leaders Need Easter

Dan Dick shares a powerful Easter message in his blog. I encourage you to read it all.

"As Christian leaders, we NEED Easter. We need it because it reminds us of who we absolutely must be as clergy and laity guides in the Christian faith. It reminds us that we are entrusted with three (at least…) impossible tasks, made possible by the Lord and Savior we follow. These three irrefutable, unimaginable, and seemingly impossible tasks are:
love sinners
lead change
create a counter-culture"

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A Twist and Turn

The Board of Trustees of Spartanburg Methodist College has been searching for a new president and on Tuesday we were summoned to the college to make the final decision amid discussion that it wasn’t appropriate for us to meet during Holy Week. However, it did provide an interesting time of reflection on many fronts. Wisteria, azaleas, dogwood and other signs of spring along the way offered inspiration for new possibilities not only for me, but also for SMC. In the life of the church, Holy Week can be very demanding. This day away seemed like a gift and a way to focus on the way to Easter.

The Presidential Search Committee reviewed the process and named their selection of Dr. Colleen Perry Keith. The Board of Trustees unanimously approved this choice and look forward to Dr. Keith’s leadership. Her appointment is significant as she will be the first woman president of this institution and her main charge is fundraising. It will be a new day at SMC, one for which Dr. Keith seems to be well prepared. I am excited about the possibilities that are before us.

Spartanburg Methodist Campus

A Charleston Visit

“Charleston – where history lives,” an advertisement line that captures what Ron and I enjoy about this centuries old city and calls us to make periodic visits. Although cloudy and rainy, we ventured forth last Saturday for a Charleston experience. As usual, we walked the streets of The Battery area, peaked through the wrought iron garden gates, checked out unique shops on King St, read historic markers and looked for treasures at The Market. Of course, picking a place to eat was the biggest decision of the day. Fleet Landing was the winner and we enjoyed its waterfront views and well-prepared seafood. All of this is to explain the new banner on my blog.

However, the biggest treat of the day was a visit with Ms. Nell, a former resident of Myrtle Beach who now lives with family on Johns Island. As always, our conversation was stimulating and included many subjects. We looked over the marsh, watched a variety of birds come to the feeders, and admired her lovely new home. Her grace and smile offer joy and hope to all who know her. Thanks, Ms. Nell.