From the Pastor’s Desk – April 2016

Dear Friends,

The commotions you hear in the background are the sounds of ladders being moved around; scaffolding being erected; and conversations by the Trustees, the Interior Arts Committee, and the Centennial Committee—as our faith-place is getting its face-lifted. This is a pretty exciting place to be, these days. (I wonder whether it would be happening without a commemorative Centennial coming up.)

The work is quite extensive—the hallways and entrance foyer in the Educational Building, the hallway behind the Choir Loft, the Sacristy, the three main vestibules, Asbury Hall—and expensive! If you would like to make any specific monetary contributions to this project, you may do so by designated gifts to “Centennial Upgrades”.

Have you heard what all is planned for our Centennial Celebration on May 8 (Mothers’ Day)?! On this special day:

• Our Festival Worship begins at 10:30 AM in the Sanctuary, and it will feature:

The inaugural performance of our commissioned anthem, “I Am Coming Soon”, by Larry Shackley, performed by our Charles Wesley Choir, with additional voices and instrumentalists

A Centennial Message, “Beauty Out of the Ashes”, brought to us by The Reverend Dr. Norman Rogers, son of the late George Lester and Mary White Rogers

Photos will be taken of the church service by award-winning local photographer Benton Henry of Latta. Photos will be available for purchase after the service.

• Lunch will be catered by The Davises of Laurinburg, a wonderful opportunity to ‘catch up’ with old friends.
• Unveiling of an updated history of our church, written by John Braddy. Copies will be available for purchase.
• We will have additional items for purchase before and after the service: commemorative plates, Christmas ornaments, and notecards/envelopes, featuring a print by our current pastor, The Reverend Bruce Sayre.
• A Commemorative Booklet, available on the day, will contain letters of greeting from our Bishop, The Reverend Jonathan Holston, and our Marion District Superintendent, The Reverend Timothy Rogers; a Proclamation from the City of Dillon; all the “Centennial Moments” delivered over the past eighteen months; and the liturgy of our Festival Service.

You cannot afford to miss this 100-Year Celebration! Ann and I feel very privileged to be the appointed pastoral family during this landmark year of Main Street United Methodist Church, and we look forward to meeting and greeting many families and friends of our church!

Cordially,

Bruce