Rev. Luther H. Rickenbaker, III, Pastor

This Sunday, May 27, the Day of Pentacost, we shall confirm into the Central membership four very talented and erudite sixth graders.  During some very interesting classes, they have kept me on my "P's and Q's."  It has been my pleasure to participate in these sessions with Jacob Burnett, Taylor Clark, Andrew Harrelson, and Jefferson Savage.

Their knowledge of church, the Bible, and what church membership involves is truly impressive.  I appreciate the positive influence of their homes and this church, as I know you do.  This class, and the unique personality of each member, is a wonderful additon to Central's membership.

Along with their parents, with reference to the pledge made at their baptisms, we have done what we said we would do and we will continue to do it.  We have so ordered our lives after the example of Christ, that these young people, surrounded by steadfast love, are "established in the faith, and confirmed and strengthened in the way that leads to life eternal."

On Trinity Sunday, June 3, when we celebrate the sacrament of Holy Communion, I will travel with Robert Mitchell and Liz Patterson to the Florence Civic Center to attend the South Carolina Annual Conference.  This is the first time in many years that the conference will be held at a location other than the campuses of Wofford College or Claflin University.

This year's conference will involved extra attention from the clergy and lay members.  We will elect delegates to the General and Southeastern Jurisdictional Conferences.  We will remember that these conferences meet every four years.  The General Conference determines new policy and revisions for The Book of Discipline of the United Methodist Church, and the primary business of the Jurisdictional Conference is to elect bishops.

Liz Patterson is one of over eighty lay members who have been nominated for election to the General and Jurisdictional Conferences.  Robert Mitchell has been invited by our District Superintendent to be a teller.  He, along with many other devoted clergy and lay people, will be handing out ballots and counting the votes.

We are so very appreciate that, over a five day period, Robert and Liz are giving of their time and talents to help make this conference one the best ever!

I'll see you Sunday when we celebrate the birth of the Christian Church at Pentacost with the Confirmation Class of 2007.

Luther