From anywhere to everywhere

By Bishop L. Jonathan Holston

“Sing to the Lord a new song; sing to the Lord, all the earth. Sing to the Lord, praise his name; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.”—Psalm 96:1-3 (NIV)

As we approach the opening of the 2018 session of the South Carolina Annual Conference, I am filled with excitement and hopeful expectation. We will celebrate the culmination of this past year of ministry and look to the future with enthusiasm about the ways God will continue to use us in the communities across our state and around the world to make disciples.

You’ve heard me say before that our lives may be the only sermon some people will ever hear. What we do matters. Our theme this year, “A More Excellent Way: In Mission from Anywhere to Everywhere,” highlights the importance of being missional—living our faith through our actions.

Members of local congregations will be present during the lunch break to share about the ways they are in mission so others can get ideas for new ministries and discuss best practices related to existing ministries.

On Tuesday evening, get ready to make history! We will attempt to break a Guinness World Record for the longest human chain to pass through a hula-hoop. The Hulapalooza fun is part of the Abundant Health Initiative, a global effort to improve health by promoting active lifestyles, good nutrition and access to preventative care.

We will worship, singing and praying together as the body of Christ gathered in Greenville, the now-familiar location for our time together. If you are unable to be with us in person, tune in to the livestream video online.

I am delighted to welcome to our Annual Conference experience the Right Rev. Mildred B. Hines, bishop of the South Atlantic Episcopal District of The African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church (AMEZ) to share with us in praise and worship, as well as Dr. Herbert Marbury, associate professor of Hebrew Bible at Vanderbilt University, to lead us in Bible study.

Come ready to hear God’s word proclaimed so you will go back to your homes ignited with the fire of the Holy Spirit, ready to declare God’s glory to all people!

And if you have to, use words.