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 […]
With social-distancing restrictions still being implemented as COVID-19 lingers into the summer months, churches are having to explore options for holding Vacation Bible Schools. Several Charleston children’s ministers have found a unique alternative. They’re collaborating in creating a virtual VBS experience for families. “In children’s ministry, as in all ministries, we’re trying to strategically plan […]
The coronavirus outbreak has had some profound effects on Baptist churches across the state, according to an online study of pastors conducted by The Baptist Courier in May. The Courier asked South Carolina Baptist pastors how the pandemic has impacted their congregations and what their plans are for the near future. As churches moved away […]
Update: All remaining weeks for Camp McCall, Camp LaVida, SummerSalt and KidSalt in July and August have been cancelled because of continued coronavirus concerns, directors of the four South Carolina Baptist Convention camps announced May 29. “It is with a heavy heart the South Carolina Baptist Convention and the South Carolina WMU announce the suspension […]
South Carolina Baptist Disaster Relief has donated thousands of masks and other protective gear to assist doctors, nurses and other medical personnel across the state in caring for coronavirus patients. The deliveries, made by SCBDR volunteers through April 10, included more than 16,327 N95 masks, 2,856 Tyvek suits, 1,040 goggles and 36,400 gloves. The supplies […]
As the COVID-19 pandemic spreads across the state, hospital chaplains have found new ways to provide a “ministry of presence” to critically ill patients and to family members who cannot be with their sick, and possibly dying, loved ones. “We have heard about the heroic actions of frontline doctors and nurses serving selflessly during this […]