NOMINEES for the OFFICE OF DEACON

SLATE OF 2020 NOMINEES For the OFFICE OF ELDER and OFFICE OF DEACON

As proposed by the Eastminster Officer Nominating Committee

TO THE MEMBERS OF EASTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA

At the direction of the Session, the congregation is called to meet on Sunday, July 19, at the conclusion of the 9 am and 10:30 am worship services. The purpose of the meeting is threefold: 1) to act on the Nominating Committee recommendations for Elders and Deacons for the class of 2023; and to act on the Session’s recommendation to changes in the terms of call for 2) Dr. Brad Smith and 3) Dr. Douglass Key.

The Nominating Committee, which was elected by the congregation in April, has prayerfully deliberated and contacted these nominees who, if elected, have agreed to serve. If elected, they will serve a three-year term.

Further nominations shall not be considered as a rejection of these nominees or of the Nominating Committee. Our Presbyterian form of Government encourages such action as an expression of our freedom to choose anyone whom we feel to be qualified.

Ballots will be mailed, hopefully to be received by July 20. Please make every effort to return your ballot before July 26, or as soon as possible. Your participation in the elections process is vital to the life of the church. Thank you.

Ann Cameron and her husband Andy joined Eastminster in November of 2019. She has served as an elder at Shandon Presbyterian Church. She participates in the Spiritual Discoveries Sunday school class and serves as a Bradley Lunch Buddy. She was in a D&D small group and is part of the Discernment Team. “I believe God is calling Eastminster to gather as an engaged and inclusive community of faith to witness to the love of Jesus Christ. As a family of faith, we are to be committed to service to our community and the world. My vision for answering this call is to lead a Christ-centered life, serving our church, our community and the world.”

Elizabeth Crouch joined Eastminster in the fall of 2013. She is a health economist, and is currently an assistant professor at the University of South Carolina Arnold School of Pub-lic Health. She has served on the Fellowship committee, as the President of the EDS Par-ents Organization and as coordinator for Adult VBS. She is a member of the GIFT Sun-day school class. Elizabeth is married to Andy Kahle and they have two young children, Hollins and Frannie. “I believe God is calling Eastminster to continue in our outreach in loving our community through our service and gifts.”

Carmen Atkins is married to Mac, and they joined EPC in January of 2005. They have two boys, Tilden and Carter. She is a paralegal with SmithRobinson. She participates in the Third Thursday meals for Transitions, and as a Bradley Lunch Buddy. She has taught elementary and middle school Sunday school, and led a D&D small group. She is a member of the Hope Sunday school class, and has served the youth program on Sunday nights. She believes we should be strong as a church, continuing to learn and grow in the Gospel while caring for one another, staying focused on the needs in our community, and being welcoming to all.

Dustin Curtis is married to Jessica, and they have one son, Grant. They joined Eastminster in 2015. Dustin is the head football coach at A.C. Flora High School. He and Jessica have taught HS Sunday school for three years, and they serve at Transitions. He chaperoned the 2019 South Dakota youth mission trip. He currently serves on the D&D Discernment Team. He believes God is calling the EPC congregation to grown in knowledge and understanding of the Bible and all Jesus stood for; to be a church that looks outward for every opportunity to serve each other, our community, and the world through missions.

NOMINEES for the OFFICE OF DEACON (cont.)

Warren Darby, Jr. is married to Shannon and they have two boys, Taylor and Walker. He works for the SC Power Team in economic development for SC electric cooperatives, and he joined Eastminster in 2011. Warren serves as a Bradley Lunch Buddy and with Habitat for Humanity. He is in a small group and is a member of the JOY Sunday school class. “My vision for EPC is for our members to have a meaningful and personal connection to the Church. Being connected to the church will lead to being more involved with small groups, Bible studies, mission trips, stewardship, support, etc. This connection will also deepen their faith and love for Christ and Eastminster Church. My vision is to ini-tiate and advocate for that connection.”

Shannon McCutchen is married to George and they have three children, Thomas, Lee and Ellen. She joined Eastminster in 1995. Shannon is a lecturer at USC. She has taught Sunday school, worked with VBS and youth group, and participated in EPW. She is a member of the Sparrows Sunday school class and a women’s small group. She served on the APNC for Nick Demuynck “The joy, love and fellowship that I have been blessed with as a member of EPC is contagious and I want to share that with others. I see many people in our community that have lost hope or never had hope. I see God calling EPC to provide hope!”

Charlie Mimms is married to Melissa, and they joined Eastminster in 2014. They have two children, Margaret and Marion. He is a commercial general contractor. He is a member of the GIFT Sunday school class, the Men’s New Testament reading group, and serves on the Property Committee. He believes God is calling Eastminster to continue leading by facili-tating and growing the church and Christianity. His vision in being a leader would be to help grow and support the body of members and how they see our church and community going forward.

Thomas Rhodes joined Eastminster in 2011. He is married to Caroline, and they have three young children, Lee, Virginia and Norris. Thomas is owner/entrepreneur of Rhodes Graduation and Rhodes Branding. He serves as an usher and is a former youth group lead-er. He participates in Prayer Matters and in a small group. He believes God is calling EPC to be a central place for love and service in our community. “Our church has been truly blessed not for our own enjoyment but so that we can share within our community. We have so many needs in the Midlands, and EPC is well-positioned to help!”

Teresa Shelton has been a member of EPC since June of 2016. She is a physician's assis-tant. Teresa is a member of the Solid Rock Sunday school class and serves with Family Promise. She sings in the choir, and is a member of a small group. She believes God is call-ing Eastminster to share his love to our community and around the world. Her vision is to become more involved in the mission of the church personally and to encourage other as well.

Amy Teas is married to Buz; they have two sons, Cole and Hill. They joined EPC in 2003. She is a consultant for a California-based company and works part-time for Cricket Newman Designs. She teaches high school Sunday school. She has served with VBS and is the service project coordinator for EPW. She served on the APNC for Nick Demuynck. She believes God is calling Eastminster to be a place where people feel at home, where we gather to learn and be energized by God’s word, and then are led to go out into the world shining a bright light for our Lord and Savior.

NOMINEES for the OFFICE OF ELDER

Liz Agee has been a member of Eastminster since 1991. She is married to Sam, and they have two grown sons. Liz is a retired speech language pathologist, and served as an elder in the class of 2013. Liz has been involved in many areas of Eastminster’s life, serving as a Ste-phen Minister since 2002, with Lunch Buddies, Prayer Matters, St. Lawrence Place, mission trips, and small group leader. She believes that God is calling Eastminster to continue to reach out and spread his love not only within the congregation, but out into our community and world, showing acceptance of all people as His children, created exactly as they are. She hopes to work on planning new outreaches and experiences for all members.

Randy Cottrell joined Eastminster in 2006, and served as a deacon in the class of 2016. He is married to Terry and they have several grown children. Randy sings in the choir and serves with the Lawn Care team and on the Worship and Music team. He has chaired the Property committee and writes for the Daily Devotionals. “I believe EPC should grow as a beacon to our neighborhood and city; I envision neighborhood gatherings in the field and expanded use of the gym.”

Jane Francis joined EPC in 1999. She is married to Bill, and they have one grown daugh-ter. Jane is a retired CPA. Jane has taught youth Sunday school and served with VBS. She was part of a Christ Care group and has been involved in several adult Sunday school clas-ses. She led a D&D small group this spring and currently is the EPW Treasurer. She be-lieves God is calling Eastminster to lead in bringing people to know Jesus Christ, as well as to help those in need. “My vision for answering this call is to be a light so that my actions and encouragement will draw others to love and trust Jesus as they lives their lives, and to be compassionate and a help to others in service and in my life.”

Alex Dillard joined Eastminster at confirmation in 1987. He is married to Sarah; they have a son, Hank. He is an analysis director for BlueChoice HealthPlan. Alex served as a deacon in the class of 2016. He serves with Prayer Matters, is a member of the JOY Sunday school class and a small group. He took part in three years of Kerygma Bible study and the Alpha class, and served with the Vision 2020 workgroup. “Brad's words immediately came to mind when Hank turned 9 in April. He's already 50% done with living under our roof! I want Eastmin-ster to be as big an influence on his life as it was on mine. I see Eastminster continuing to build on the foundation of the 1980's, through all those years under excellent leadership of Associate Pastors, and the recent guidance under Laura Long.

Jeff Casto is married to Martha, and has been a member of Eastminster since 2006. He is a budget manager for the SC Judicial Branch. Jeff served as a deacon in the class of 2016. He has been a Stephen Minister, participates in the Men’s Prayer Breakfast, and is a member of the Spiritual Discoveries Sunday school class. “In the last four months, Eastminster has risen to the challenge to provide worship services (online), exercise class and other options. There are many shut-ins and others who may not have a home church. This has opened the door for a whole area we may be able to use as outreach.”

NOMINEES for the OFFICE OF ELDER

Linda Long joined Eastminster in 1994. She is married to Jimmy, and they have three chil-dren, Henry, Blythe and Adair. She teaches fifth grade at Brennen Elementary. Linda has served as chair for Circle 6, and is a past moderator of EPW; also she was president of the EDS Parents Organization. Linda has served on the Bahamas mission trip in 2014, and is active in her Sunday school class. “This year as we have lost our “in-person” church com-munity, I am ever mindful of our interactions with other people in the world. I believe that Eastminster should continue to strengthen our focus on outreach and mission, and that we should continue to “be the church.” One of my favorite quotes is from Dr. Seuss: “To the world, you may be one person. But to one person, you may be the world!”

Bruce Moseley has been a member of EPC since 2005. He is married to Marsha, and is an administrator for East Point Middle Academy. He is a Stephen Minister/Leader, and has worked on both RHINO mission trips and Habitat for Humanity builds. He served on the Prayer Matters team and on the core team of writers for the Daily Devotionals. “We are living in very turbulent times, and I believe that God is calling Eastminster to be a unifying force not only in Columbia but throughout our state. I see us as being out front and out-spoken in bringing God’s people together.

Susi McWilliams is an attorney and is married to Robert; they have three grown sons. Susi joined Eastminster in 1982, and has served as an elder in the class of 2012. She is a member of the Solid Rock Sunday school class and is in a small group. Susi serves with Transitions, and has served on three Pastor Nominating committees and on presbytery committees. “2020 has taught us we should not take life for granted, including opportunities to see each other in person and to worship and pray together as the body of Christ. I believe God is call-ing Eastminster to meet the challenges of this year and beyond by creating new ways of min-istering to our community who now sorely miss the personal touch of another human being. We must meet fear with faith and combat hate with hope.”

Beth Oliver is married to Hampton, and they have three children, Rex, Wade and Kate. She joined EPC in 1996, and served as a deacon in the class of 2016. Beth is a math tutor specializ-ing in SAT/ACT prep. She was an interim co-director for children’s ministry in 2005, has lead VBS, and taught children’s Sunday school for many years. She has led the Operation Christ-mas Child collection and serves with Family Promise. She believes God is calling Eastminster to be the hands, feet and heart of Jesus throughout Columbia and around the world. Her vi-sion is for each of us to discern the special talents God gave us individually, and to use them collectively for His purposes.

Alison McGowan joined EPC in 1993. She is married to Bryant, and they have three grown children. Alison is an accountant, and previously served as an elder in the class of 2016. She co-teaches the Sparrows adult Sunday school class and is the team leader for the Third Thursday meals at Transitions. She coordinates the College Ministry and is on the team of wedding directors here. “God is calling EPC to be a kind and compassionate leader in this community and world. If we start with the small things we can do, God will take care of the rest.