Volume 28 Issue 4 2017

The Liberty Hill Connection

From the Desk of the Interim Pastor... "Lent is the favorable season for renewing our encounter with Christ, living in his Word, in the sacraments and in our neighbor. May the Holy Spirit lead us on a true journey of conversion, so that we can rediscover the gift of God’s Word, be purified of the sin that blinds us, and serve Christ present in our brothers and sisters in need.” --Pope Francis at the Church of St. Anselm

He smiled and reached out his tiny hand to wave hello; He had never seen me before and would probably never see me again.

He was headed to New York City for the first time to visit his aunt. I was headed home.

He wore the tiniest jeans, and a black jacket with a neon green hood. His mother gave him animal crackers and he seemed to enjoy them. I love animal crackers.

I watched the monitor so I wouldn't miss my stop, but he kept eating his animal crackers, kicking his shoeless feet, and smiling.

A six month old bundle of smiles riding the train to New York City. A tired but grateful woman riding to the airport for the flight home.

In our daily lives, we hustle to and fro, here to there, to gather, to buy, to see, to hear, to repay, to repair. Every so often, we have an opportunity to slow the train, and engage the beauty of it all and give thanks to the risen Christ.

Easter is more than a day. Easter is a season. It is unlike the seasons of the year distinguished by heat and cold, by frost and sun, by grass and barren lawns, by coats and swimwear.

Easter is the recognition and the acknowledgment of a resurrected Christ who dwelt among us as fully human, fully divine. Easter is a decision that what seems dead and defeated is not the end of the story. We can take refuge under the wings of our Lord as the world around us swirls out of control. Easter gives us permission, even encouragement to wander into wilderness places to witness to those who have looked but have not seen. Easter bids us come and examine the tombs of despair and hopelessness. Easter invites us to live into the promise that "Because he lives, I can face tomorrow. Because he lives, all fear is gone. Because I know who holds the future, and life is worth the living just because he lives".

Blessings,

Dot

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As most of you know, my mom passed away January of 2016. The support and love I received from our church during this time was amazing, not surprising me at all. We are a very caring church. I would like to share something that Brenda Burns sent me this past Christmas, the first without my mom. I hope maybe you can use it for yourself or someone in the same situation. Your Care Team Elder, G. Moore

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Liberty Hill Presbyterian Church

Lakeside Ministries LakeStride 2017

5K Run (3.11miles & 1K (.62 mile) Fun Walk and 1K Color Fun Run

Date: Saturday, April 22, 2017 Location: LHPC Lakeside Pavilion, 52 Nautical Drive, Camden, SC 29020 Onsite Registration begins at 7:30 am; Race begins at 8:30 am; LakeStride will be held Rain or Shine Entry Fees: 5K Run $15.00 (includes a sports bag, provided by Founders Federal Credit Union, for the first 100 participants 1K Fun Walk and 1K Color Fun Run $10.00 Food and Drink will be served after the event. Awards in 5K: Top 3 male finishers Ages 13 and Above; Top 3 female finishers Ages 13 and Above; Top 3 male finishers 12 and Below; Top 3 female finishers Ages 12 and Below; Oldest Male and Oldest Female Finishers; Youngest Male and Youngest

Proceeds will benefit LHPC’s Lakeside Children’s Ministries.

Our Children’s Ministry includes the annual summer

Camp In a Van, LHPC Youth Group, and

Lakeside Ministries Summer Kid’s Church.

Camp in a Van will be held

June 18-22, 2017. Call the church office (273-9191) for

more information.

OFFICIAL ENTRY FORM NAME: _______________________________________________________Male _____ Female ______ Age on Race Day _________ ADDRESS: __________________________________________________City: ________________________ SC ________ ZIP __________ PHONE NUMBER: __________________________________________ EMAIL: ______________________________________________ EVENT: ___________ 1K FUN WALK ______________ 5K RUN ___________________ 1K COLOR FUN RUN Waiver: In consideration of your acceptance of this entry, I state that I am in proper physical condition to participate in this event. I hereby grant full permission to use my name and photographs for this event purpose. I understand the entry fee is non-refundable and numbers are non-transferable. If entrant is under 18 years of age, parent or guardian must sign entry form. Signature of participant or parent/guardian: ___________________________________________________________ Date: ______________________________

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"Long Ago at Liberty Hill"

By Sylvia Hudson

WATEREE MESSENGER: April 4, 1938 After some weeks of regular spring weather, heavy rains fell here last week, followed by low temperatures and frost on low lands. Heavy clothing and fire are necessary for comfort now.

WATEREE MESSENGER: April 7, 1939 We saw Miss Annie Jones on Sunday evening at the home of her parents. We found this young lady bright and cheerful although she has been confined to her room for several weeks undergoing surgical treatment for effects of infantile paralysis suffered when two years of age. She will return to the Hospital soon and the casts will be removed from her limbs and further treatment applied. Former treatment was beneficial but it is hoped that with the advanced methods in surgical and medical science, much benefit will be derived from the present course of treatment. CAMDEN CHRONICLE: April 9, 1940 Forest fires have recently prevailed in our section to a greater extent than for several years past. Our vigilant tower watchman, Broadus Bradley, and our faithful and energetic warden W.E. Cunningham and crews have been on the job both day and much of the night, but weather conditions have been such – high winds and dry days – that real fire control was humanly impossible. CAMDEN CHRONICLE: April 14, 1950 Teachers who spent Easter holidays at their homes here are: Miss Callie Jones, Columbia; Miss Margaret Richards, Columbia College; Miss Sophie Richards, Bishopville; Miss Marion Richards, Sumter; Miss Elizabeth Richards, Tank School; Mrs. J.H. Clements; Dry Creek School; Mrs. T.P. McCrae, Heath Springs. {Lot’s of teachers from Liberty Hill for such a small village! Editor} CAMDEN CHRONICLE: April 15, 1955 Rev. H. C. Paul’s churches are indebted to A. J. Richards, an elder in the Heath Springs Presbyterian church for his gift for a mimeograph machine, thus making it possible for the weekly church bulletins to be printed in Mr. Paul’s office. CAMDEN CHRONICLE: April 19, 1957 The Liberty Hill post office, a fourth class, served by a star route carrier, was not affected by the curtailment of mail service last Saturday. Some patrons were very much surprised to that mail was being dispatched and delivered as usual.

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Josh Kershner Harold and Ruby Kershner’s grandson

Daniel Scruggs and his shipmates on the USS Carl Vinson Neal and Delisa Clark’s son Charles Macdonald, Jr Deployed to Afghanistan Doug and Nancy Macdonald's nephew

Mr. Sam Branham Carol Meckstroth Tony & Millie Plyler Morrison & Jeanette Robinson Dell & Jodie Elliott Mrs. Susie Faile Peggy Sneed Tony & Millie Plyler Morrison & Jeanette Robinson

Bernice Branham Sandy Thomas (Harold and Ruby Kersner) Pat Bunch Daryl Horne (Terry Hoffman) Mica, Rob, Sebastian and Piper Victoria Bridger Knight (Millie and Tony Plyler) Jimmy Thompson (G Moore) Pam and Buck Warnock (Donna Hunter) Tom Sheridan (Doris Robertson)

Prayers For Our People Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12)

Prayer requests will remain on the list for 4 weeks. Please call or email the church office to place someone on the prayer list or re-list someone at the end of 4 weeks.

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A note from the Clerk of Session March 19, 2017

Greetings from the session of Liberty Hill Presbyterian Church. I am happy to report the session is hard at work through the holy spirit attending to the business of LHPC. We met on March 19, 2017 after normal church services concluded for a stated session meeting. After opening prayer, we discussed several old and new issues. Since the last meeting, the session has hired Peggy Sneed as part time office manager, and Sylvia Hudson has backup office manager. Peggy and Sylvia are both capable of doing the job and they have the support of the session and, I hope, the entire church, as they make sure the day to day business of LHPC is handled.

The date or April 23rd has been set for Dr. Lininger to come and preach and lead a round table discussion of his book A Color Blind Church. We have also invited Dr. Gene Rollins and Mr. William Gaither to join us that day. We will have a unified service at 10am, followed by lunch at 11am, and the book discussion at noon. Do put it on your calendar, and please come and enjoy the fellowship and conversation.

The session continued the discussion of the old country store. The committee has started discussions in the community to get ideas about the future of the building. We hope to have a recommendation come forth soon.

A Church Nominating Committee (CNC) is being assembled to help find the right persons to serve on the Pulpit Nominating Committee (PNC). If you would like to serve on this CNC, or would like to nominate someone to serve, please contact a session member. Once the CNC is chosen, these persons will choose the slate of people to be put forth for the PNC. The PNC will in turn search for the new permanent pastor for Liberty Hill Presbyterian Church. Please be in prayer for these yet unchosen people. They will have a heavy burden, and they will need your prayers.

Brother Gene has reported the choir is working on new music, and he is also considering other special musical events for 2017. We will report as more information is available. The Ghent Family trio will be singing at the Maundy Thursday service on April 13th, so please be in attendance for a great worship experience.

Dot has been leading a Lenten Study of He Chose the Nails by Max Lucado. We have been looking at the Easter story from a different point of view. The discussion has been wonderful and the participation has been exciting. If you haven’t been to Sunday School in a while, I encourage you to join us at the 10am hour. After the Lenten Study, normal Sunday School classes will resume. I would love to see you there as well.

We have a lot of irons in the fire for the future of Liberty Hill Presbyterian Church. Those of you who have worked on the session before know the commitment it takes to be a session member. Those of you who have never served, I encourage you to search your heart, and consider serving if the call comes. It is truly a humbling experience, but worth every minute. I see God at work throughout our church. The holy spirit rests in every square foot, and in every member’s heart. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 12:27, “Now you are the body of Christ, and each one of you is a part of it.” I hope to see you at church and Sunday School. Please contact me or any session member if you have any concerns. I can be reached at rmj2k9@gmail.com

Blessings,

Clerk of Session Rob Jones

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MAUNDY THURSDAY SERVICE

April 13, 2017

The Maundy Thursday Service will be a modified interactive presentation of His Last Days. This dramatic presentation of music monologues and audience participation will be presented by the Ghent Family Trio and will last approximately 45 minutes. The Service will follow Jesus from the inception of the Last Supper to his body being placed in the tomb. It is a somber but thought provoking presentation. It will begin at 6 pm followed by a chili supper. Going Forward in Jesus Name, Brother Gene

A COLOR-BLIND CHURCH

A Color-Blind Church

We will be placing an order for Dr. Leininger’s book A Color-Blind Church. Please let the church office know by April 5, 2017, if you would like a copy of this book. On April 23, 2017, LHPC will be hosting a roundtable discussion using the book, A Color-Blind Church by Dr. David

Leininger. Dr. Leininger served as pastor of Liberty Hill from 1981-1984, and during that period he initiated efforts to bring Liberty Hill, an Anglo Church and the neighboring African American congregation, Messiah together for worship and fellowship. Dr. Leininger, William Gaither, who was also actively involved in these efforts, and Dr. Eugene Rollins, the former pastor of Liberty Hill have all committed to coming and participating in the discussion. We would love to have you come and share in this occasion. The Round-table discussion will start after a fellowship meal which will be served at 11:00 after the 10:00 Church Services. The Round-table discussion will began at 12:00.

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Honduras 2017

Crocs for Honduras.....I had no idea how God would use this. I knew so many children needed shoes. They show up at church or school with shoes, but those are "good" shoes....maybe their only shoes. Most of the time they are barefoot in unsanitary conditions. So I prayed and talked to the Father about crocs for children. In prayer I asked for 100 pair of crocs. We had paid $5/pair last year for some in Pen Blanca so in my mind I thought we needed $500 or so...After presenting the need for shoes, I left for Honduras with $1100. Overwhelmed is a good word to describe how I was feeling. Our church, some family, and some of Baxter's clients all contributed to the cause. When we arrived in Honduras, we had been given a list from the church in El Eden and Rio Lindo. There was about 90 pairs of shoes requested. But on on Thursday that list jumped to 146 pairs of crocs. Maria (Glow International founder) and I were stunned. We were not sure we would be able to purchase all the crocs that had been requested. On Friday morning Maria and I set out with Geraldo who owns the hotel where we stay. He drove us to San Pedro Sula. Geraldo's wife, Ruby had suggested we shop at what turned out to be some sort of warehouse. Armed guards are at the doors.... wearing body armor and holding shotguns. They check your purse entering and leaving. There is even a guard in the elevator... We went to the basement where we encountered more crocs than I have ever seen in one place. Tens of thousands. Seeing the prices, Maria and I started to cry. 43 lempira. $2. Yes $2-$3 each. We had MORE than enough to purchase crocs. We had prayed for favor that morning before we left. We quoted Neh 1:10-11. We received more favor than we could believe. Geraldo paid for the crocs (we reimbursed him of course) so that we could get an extra 20% off. After purchasing crocs we bought a few pieces of clothing for Pastor Sandra. She was teaching on Sundays in clothes that were pitiful. We purchased powdered milk and diapers for her baby....4 months supply. Then we used the remainder of the money to purchase equipment for the soup kitchen. Our Father stretched and stretched the donations I had received. Your gifts made a HUGE impact in these two communities. There is no way to express the thanks I feel in my heart for your gifts. I always tell the people I work with in missions that my church family has the biggest hearts...that you give selflessly...and abundantly. I brag on you everywhere I go. The crocs were only a part of that week spent in Honduras. God was busy all week performing miracles in and among the people there and among us. I ask God every morning after I pray to bring much glory to His Name. You all most certainly glorified our Father with your generous hearts. Love to you all. Gwen

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Bible Study Girl news:

The BSGs finished their study by Kelly Minter of 2 Corinthians entitled "All Things New" on Saturday March 25th. Our next function is hosting a live simulcast by Priscilla Shirer on the power of prayer to be held on April 8 in the Betty Richards Hall. We will begin at 9:30 AM with coffee and pastries. Lunch will be provided. If anyone is interested in attending but missed the registration deadline, you can still attend by registering as an individual at the Priscilla Shirer simulcast website. On your computer enter "Priscilla Shirer live simulcast" and follow the instructions for individual registration. Then just meet us at the church on Saturday morning at 9:30. Please just let us know if you're coming so we can plan for lunch. During lunch we will discuss plans for our next study. Remember that any girl with a Bible is a Bible Study Girl. We would love to have you join us.

Mark Your Calendars for Camp In A Van: June 18-23, 2017

Camp-In-A-Van is a week-long unique blend of outdoor ministries and congregational ministry. It is a joint effort between Bethelwoods and our congregation. Camp-In-A-Van is designed for young people who have completed grades K5-6. Our 2017 Camp in a Van will be held June 18-23 at our Lakeside Ministries site. Bethelwoods Camp provides programming (staff, supplies, game equipment, curriculum resources, and miscellaneous stories and activities). The curriculum is Christ-centered and activity based, which encourages hands-on learning. The purpose of Camp-In-A-Van is to pro-vide a quality Christian outdoor ministry experience. During this time we hope to get young people enthused about learning about God and engaged with their peers.

Our family extends sincere thanks to all our Liberty Hill Presbyterian “family” for prayers and special thoughts during our loss of Tommy’s step-dad, Sam Branham, a/k/a “Grand Daddy”.

His illness was brief. Praise the Lord. He was very dear to all of us. We miss him VERY much. May God continue to bless you all. Please know that we love and appreciate you all.

Sandy and Tommy Granger and Family We would like to Thank each and every one for the many phone calls, cards, food and visits. Thank you for the many prayers. Please keep me in your prayers as

the healing takes a long time. I hope to be back with my Church Family soon. Harold Williams and Family

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CHURCH NOMINATING COMMITTEE The Session has formulated the plan for seeking a pastor for our church. There are several steps we will follow. The first step is the formation of a Church Nominating Committee. The Session has elected George Harkins and Laura Horton to represent the Session on this committee. These two elders have been charged with finding three other church members willing to serve on the Church Nominating Com-mittee. The goal is to have this committee in place by the first week of April. The second step in the pastor search process is for the CNC to poll church members about their desire to serve on the Pastor Nominating Committee. The goal is to have a slate of names for the CNC to consid-er by mid-April. Once the Church Nominating Committee has selected the five church members who are willing to serve on the Pastor Nominating Committee, a congregational meeting will be held to ap-prove the slate of church members who will serve on the PNC. During the congregational meeting, names can be nominated from the floor. Once the PNC has been approved, the Presbytery will provide a liaison to work with the PNC. The PNC will provide opportunities for the congregation to share their vision, thoughts, and con-cerns. The PNC is charged with carrying out the application process and for making the final recom-mendation for a new pastor to the Session and to the Congregation.

Update on the Pastor Selection Process:

Forming a Church Nominating Committee was the first step in our Pastor Selection Process. The members of this committee are Elders George Harkins and Laura Horton, representing the session, as well as church members Carol Mecksroth, Robin Shealy and John Thompson. The CNC will prepare a slate of candidates for the PNC. The slate will be presented to the congregation at a congregational meeting. Nominations may also be offered from the floor at the congregational meeting. Church members interested in serving on the PNC should contact the church office by Monday, April 17th or email Peggy Sneed at lhpc.comporium.net. Persons interested in serving on the PNC should give much thought and prayer as the process will involve:

Working closely with other members of the PNC and with the Presbytery liaison to follow Presbytery guidelines, to compile the church information form, and to compose the pastor application.

Seeking input from the congregation in regards to vision, present and future needs, and pastoral considerations.

Selecting top applicants and interviewing them. Recommending one of the applicants to the Session and to the Congregation as the

future pastor of LHPC.

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20 Meeting Lane

P.O. Box 170

Liberty Hill, SC 29074

RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED

Phone: 803-273-9191

Fax: 803-273-9192

Email: lhpc@comporium.net

Liberty Hill Presbyterian Church Li

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Nonprofit Org.

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Liberty Hill, SC

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April Activities & Events

Maundy Thursday Service Thursday, April 13 at 6:00 PM

(Chili Supper After the Service)

Easter Sunrise Service at Lakeside……...Sunday, April 16 at 7:00AM

Easter Sunday Service on the Hill………Sunday, April 16 at 11:00 AM

(Communion will be held at both services on April 16)

Easter Breakfast on the Hill………..Sunday, April 16 at 8:30 AM

After breakfast...Egg-Stravaganza with activities and egg hunt for the chil-

dren.

LakeStride (Lakeside/Windward Pointe) Saturday, April 22 at 8:30 AM

Unified Church Service...Sunday, April 23 at 10:00 AM, followed by lunch at

11:00 AM and Round-Table Discussion with Dr. Leininger at 12:00.