Category Archives: Activity

PKIA pool party for 2015

Activity

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Everybody got WET at the PKIA pool party this year. Had a great time with the kids and parents and even a few Grandparents. Our community has been blessed with folks like Claire, Amanda and the rest of the people in the Children’s program, that put so much effort into all the events that keep our children and their parents engaged in our Church. Thank you all !!!

 

2015 Vacation Bible School

Activity

Again this year, Providence UMC joined with Ebenezer UMC to host a combined Vacation Bible School. We’ve found that two small country churches can combine their somewhat limited resources, both monetary and physical, to come together to have an awesome, meaningful time for VBS.

The theme for our 2015 VBS was Camp Discovery.DSCN1903

We spent4 days at “summer camp” learning God’s Word, sharing God’s love and absorbing God’s Spirit. The bible stories had a meaningful impact on the kids. The stories were enhanced by the Big Timber Bible Challenge, a time of learning scripture verses through song and seeing cool science experiments. The kids really enjoyed making pillowcases, birdfeeders and lanterns during craft time. They also did a great job learning some awesome songs with movements and sign language. I even think the songs had just as much of an impact on the adults as they did on the kids. The kids, and adults, too, enjoyed snack time, especially the S’mores everyday. We had a great group of adult and youth volunteers helping make it a wonderful experience for the kids – Amanda, Amy, Beverly, Candice, Dyanna, Elizabeth, Gracen, Jennifer, Jessica, Karen and Kay. Thanks go out to all of you for being willing to devote your time and energy to make it an enjoyable experience for the kids.

We finished the week with a closing service and cookout on Thursday night. It was a good time for 2 communities to come together to celebrate the future of our 2 churches – the children and the youth.

Next year, Ebenezer UMC will host the combined VBS. I hope everyone will make plans to join us for what will surely be an amazing time for the kids to learn about God’s Love on a deeper level. We hope to see you then!

LaClaire Mizell, 2015 VBS Director

BLESSING OF THE SOWING

Activity, Pastors Corner
“BLESSING OF THE SOWING”
At Providence United Methodist Church
Farmer Church Service MAR15-007
 
On Sunday, March 1, 2015, a special “Blessing of the Sowing” worship service was held at Providence UMC. Pastor Terry Martin used Matthew 13 as the theme. The idea stemmed from the “Blessing of the Fleet” ceremony used in areas of South Carolina where captains and boats are blessed and prayers are made for bountiful harvests in the coastal waters of the state.
Farming has always been the major income producing industry of Providence Community, located seven miles west of Holly Hill. Rev. Martin’s idea of having this service of blessing was accepted with enthusiasm by those who continue to work with the soil. These farmers brought seed, flats of plants ready to plant, and farm machinery to church on March 1 for blessing. Miniature tractors also lined the altar rail.
Following the singing of the last hymn, Bringing in the Sheaves, the congregation assembled outside where tractors and various other pieces of farm equipment were parked on the church ground. Church families involved in the farming industry stood in front of this equipment which represented millions of dollars invested in this field. Using an evergreen branch and the church baptismal basin, Rev. Martin offered prayers and blessings for those who work in this field as well as for many others who have jobs and income related to this occupation. This was an opportunity to remember the need and reality of God’s blessings in every avenue of life, because the farmers have seen both profitable years and years of devastating losses.
A visiting couple, traveling from Boston to Florida to seek warmer weather, stopped to worship at Providence on that Sunday. They were in awe of the fact that a service would be dedicated to those whose work is so closely related to their faith and said it was one of the most moving services they had ever witnessed.
In addition to being primarily a farming community, the families here have sent children into many other fields. These include banking, construction, education, industries, insurance, journalism, legal, management, medical and sales.
Life in Providence is centered around this Methodist church which was established by circuit riding preachers in the 1700’s. The first church building was constructed around 1810. Research shows that Providence UMC has always paid 100% of the conference apportionments for as far back as records exist.

Fat Tuesday Pancake Supper

Activity

Fat Tuesday is the traditional feast before the start of Lent, so Glen Lancaster and some of the men’s group hosted our very first (and hopefully not our last) Fat Tuesday Pancake Supper at the Social Hall. Fifty less one made an appearance to eat pancakes, sausage and bacon all prepared by the excellent chefs of the Providence men. (although Maida snuck in and gave a hand flipping platters.) Lots of good camaraderie and fellowship along with great food.

A big shout out to Glen for organizing this cookout, great idea and a resounding success. Well done.