While watching one of the first NFL games during the pandemic, I heard a strange, unexpected sound. In the background, fans were cheering. It didn’t matter if it was first down or fourth down, or if a team was about to score or a player had fumbled. They cheered all the same. The constant noise […]
All three of South Carolina Baptists’ universities reopened in August, but with modified class schedules and recommended health and safety measures being implemented during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Anderson University opened its campus Aug. 19 for in-person classes. Under a revised plan, in-person classes are to meet on Labor Day and fall break will be […]
Depending on whom one asks and their locality, doctors and nurses are having varied experiences in treating coronavirus. In some places, doctors are grateful for signs as of late that the virus may not be impacting their areas as much as anticipated. In other quarters, the number of cases and those hospitalized with life-threatening symptoms […]
Closed sanctuaries, social distancing, mask requirements, seating limits and congregational singing restrictions could put a huge damper on normal church life. Yet, in spite of having all the pandemic precautions in place, some South Carolina churches are growing. Utica Baptist in Seneca, for instance, has seen 15 baptisms in a span of three weeks that […]
The statement, “Church life has drastically changed,” is a glaring understatement. Data gleaned from a recent online sampling during the first week of August by The Baptist Courier gives a glimpse of just how much congregational life across the state now differs after nearly six months of heightened health precautions. Although in-person attendance has fallen […]
As COVID-19 cases continue to rise daily across South Carolina, several churches in harder-hit communities have decided to pause or backtrack on their reopening plans, returning to drive-in and online-only services. A recent study examining Americans’ responses to COVID-19 shows that a majority (64 percent) are “somewhat uncomfortable” or “very uncomfortable” taking a seat in […]
“Our country is not perfect, and we all know that, but it is a country that has stood for freedom — not just within its borders, but around the world,” said Ch. Col. Greg Woodbury, who retired in July 2019 after more than 30 years as a U.S. Air Force chaplain. “As I’ve traveled the […]
Graduation from South Carolina Baptists’ three universities looked very different this May. At Anderson University, a page on its website was developed for the commencement program, including the names, hometowns, degrees and academic honors. The page also included videos from the university president and featured the school’s concert choir, virtually performing “I Know the Plans […]
For years, Jean Talbot, a member of Mountain Springs Baptist Church in Piedmont, has been making pillows for people who are recovering from illnesses or surgeries. But now she’s using her sewing skills to make face masks for others. About 13 years ago, Talbot was diagnosed with breast cancer. After her surgery, she couldn’t find […]
South Carolina Baptists’ two benevolent ministries, the Ministries of Aging and Connie Maxwell Children’s Home, are being diligent in making sure the vulnerable populations of elderly and children in their care stay well during the coronavirus outbreak. When SCBMA leaders learned the pandemic had reached South Carolina in early March, they immediately took action to […]