Churches face divisive issues

Greenwood pastors say nontraditional
Trinity wording could be offensive

June 21, 2006

From staff reports


Using words different from the traditional divine Trinity — “Father, Son and Holy Spirit” — could be offensive to some members of a local congregation of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), a Greenwood minister says.
The Rev. George Wilson, associate pastor and minister of visitation of First Presbyterian Church in Greenwood, said the denomination is searching for a way to be gender-inclusive. But, “we still haven’t found a way to do that,” he said.
Delegates to the church’s national assembly received a policy paper Monday that suggests using gender-inclusive wording when describing the Trinity — words such as “Mother, Child, Womb” or “Rock, Redeemer, Friend.”
The “receiving” status is a step short of approving the language.
“As for our congregation, I have had a number of elders and members call with concern over the idea that the denomination might embrace names that aren’t biblical,” said the Rev. Chris Leonard, pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Greenwood.
“I plan to use only those names which are purely biblical and will most often in my teaching, preaching and devotional life use the words that Jesus gave to the world in the Great Commission.”
Leonard said there is “an important distinction” in the general assembly’s “receiving” as opposed to “approving” the alternative wording.
“I don’t think they (alternative descriptions) would fit in with most of the congregation,” Wilson said. “Maybe with specific services.
“What we’re trying to do, it’s difficult. Different words stir up different images in mind. What might sound good to me, someone else would find offensive. For older folks, it’s offensive. We are trying to find something acceptable to young and old, and all genders.”
The action of the general assembly, meeting in Birmingham, Ala., means that church officials can propose liturgies that have alternative phrasing for the Trinity. However, congregations do not have to use these liturgies.
Assembly delegates defeated a move by conservatives to send the bid to change the Trinity back to a committee for further study, The Associated Press reported.
The committee that had worked on the proposal since 2000 said the traditional language for the Trinity should still be used. However, congregations should look for “fresh ways to speak to the mystery of the triune God” so churches can “expand the church’s vocabulary of praise and wonder,” the panel recommended.
Other proposed Trinity options would include: “Lover, Beloved, Love,” “Creator, Savior, Sanctifier” and “King of Glory, Prince of Peace, Spirit of Love.”
“I believe that it is fine to try and articulate our faith regarding the mystery of the three-fold nature of God in new ways, as long as they are absolutely supported by the Word of God,” Leonard said. “It is important to note that the report did not seek to change the wording of our Baptismal Vows, when we baptize only in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit.”
The committee that has studied the Trinity said one reason that alternative wording needs to be considered is that the Father and Son language “has been used to support the idea that God is male and that men are superior to women,” The Associated Press reported.

AA teams announce schedules

June 21, 2006

By JIM JOYCE
Special projects editor

Region I and III of Class AA involves area high school football teams, and the respective coaches are glad there have been no changes for the next two years.
Region I includes Abbeville, along with Crescent, Liberty, Palmetto, Pendleton, Walhalla and West-Oak.
Region III has Batesburg-Leesville, Mid-Carolina, and Newberry, plus three area teams of Emerald, Ninety Six and Saluda.
The realignment continues through 2008, and area coaches are happy they don’t have to worry about any new teams during that time.
“It’s been the same the past two years,” Abbeville coach Jamie Nickles said. “What’s going to be the adjustment for us is having seven teams in a region.
“That can cause us to cross-bracket with Region II, but I think it’ll be a challenge.”
He said Palmetto came into the region as the seventh team, one reason being that those involved in the scheduling process are trying to get teams geographically as close as possible.
“It’ll be tougher this year,” Nickles said. “We have great coaches who work hard in the off season.
“We’ll see how it plays out. We’ll work hard and get ready for August.”
Carolina High is a new team on the Abbeville schedule, which is missing Greenwood and Clinton for the 2006 season.
“We will play Greenwood in our jamboree,” Nickles said.
Emerald’s Vikings have a new coach on hand for the 2006 season, Mike Clowney moving into his first head coaching position.
He had coached at Greenwood previously.
“The teams have all been very good and competitive,” Clowney said of the region. “We feel privileged to be able to be in it.”
“The region is very strong,” he added. “Newberry was AAA and was very competitive. Ninety Six won championships in A, and they are very competitive. Everybody knows Batesburg-Leesville has been strong, and we’ve won one (title) here at Emerald.”
For the new year, Emerald will not face Woodruff, which was replaced by Ware Shoals.
“It’s primarily the same, except for that one switch and I think we’ve got a chance to be very competitive,” Clowney said. “Our mission is to get better each day.”
In the meantime, down the road a few miles, is Ninety Six, where coach Mike Doolittle is back for another couple of years in the AA ranks — after spending four years in the A division.
“It’s a good thing,” he said. “Our coaches get along well, we have some good rivalries developed within the region, and we are close to each other.
“You will not play anybody in the playoffs in a tougher region. Year in and year out, each teams has good players who are well-coached.”
Ninety Six’s schedule changes include Woodruff and Gilbert being out, and Hanahan and Silver Bluff being added.
“We’re excited about it,” Doolittle said. “We’ve got a good corps of offensive players returning. We’ve got four linemen back, both running back are back, and we have good receivers.”
Some defensive players will have to be replaced, however.
Wayne Bell, at Saluda, feels a little stronger about Region III-AA. “There’s no doubt, our region is the toughest in the state from top to bottom,” he said.
“Four of the five in the playoffs were from our region. We have to work extra hard, because we’re one of the smallest in the region.”
Saluda picked up Woodruff, McCormick and Ware Shoals, and will miss Chapin, Pelion and Cherokee (N.C.) on the 2006 slate.
Bell added, “I see our region this way — Batesburg is a fine team. Emerald has returning players who will be good, Newberry is always tough, coach Doolittle does a good job at Ninety Six, and, hopefully, we will get better.”

Opinion

Starting schools early hasn’t solved problems

June 21, 2006

There has been a debate in South Carolina for some time about whether to start school each year around the first of August or wait until later. Finally, state lawmakers mandated that school cannot start before the third Monday in August, beginning next year.
Those who want a later starting date appreciate the new rule. Many, however, don’t think it has gone far enough. They would prefer that school not begin until after Labor Day.
There will continue to be disagreement about the relative value of earlier and later starts. That’s clear. There will, no doubt, be logical and practical arguments, too, that will be used to justify the reasoning on both sides. All of these, though, can be put aside and attention can be focused on one thing.

THERE IS ONE OVERWHELMING fact that ought to be considered. Early start dates have not done all that much to improve education in the Palmetto State. In fact, two school districts with later start dates - in Greenville and Horry Counties - have scored the highest on the Palmetto Achievement Challenge Test (PACT). The conclusion, then, should be obvious.
From all indications, the movement to seek later start dates has been pretty much a parental grass-roots effort that conflicts with the desires of some of the education bureaucracy. Be that as it may, since all districts will have later start dates next year, it shouldn’t take long to determine what effect that will have ..... whether the debate will end or intensify. That, of course, will depend on whether there’s a conscientious effort to get the job done, and there’s no reason to think that won’t happen. Most teachers, after all, know how much difference they can make in the life of a child.

Obituaries

Albert Buzhardt

GREENWOOD — Albert Patterson Buzhardt, 85, resident of 101 Fulton Street, husband of Connie Corley Buzhardt, died June 19, 2006 at his home.
Born in Edgefield County, April 29, 1921, he was a son of the late Joseph C. and Ivey Corley Buzhardt. He was a graduate of Greenwood High School and was a US Army Veteran of WWII. He retired as a supervisor from Greenwood Mills, Harris Plant.
Mr. Buzhardt was a member and former deacon of Harris Baptist Church and formerly served as church treasurer. He was also a member of Joppa Masonic Lodge No. 387 A.F.M., Greenwood Mills Quarter Century Club and the Greenwood Mills Old Timers Mens Club.
Surviving in addition to his wife of the home are two daughters, Debra Leeke and husband Terrell of Greenville and Martha Ann Davis and husband Tommy of Greenwood; grandchildren, Sallie Manning and husband Frank, Patrick McAmish, Anna Blair and Caroline Davis and Shelly and Casey Leeke. One great-granddaughter.
Mr. Buzhardt was prede-ceased by four brothers, Robert, Holloway, J.C. and Henry Bell Buzhardt and three sisters, Martha McDowell, Ellen Turner and Lura Fuller.
Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM Thursday from the Blyth Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Frank Thomas officiating.
Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Patrick McAmish, Frank Manning, Harold Buzhardt, Olin Turner, Steve Buzhardt, Dan Buzhardt, Lee Buzhardt and Foy Wall.
The family is at the home on Fulton Street and will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:00 to 8:00 Wednesday evening.
Memorials may be made to Hospice Care of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29646 or to Harris Baptist Church Building Fund, 300 Center Street, Greenwood, SC 29649.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.blythfuneralhome.com
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Buzhardt family.
PAID OBITUARY

Bob Fulmer, Sr.

GREENWOOD, SC — Robert Clark “Bob” Fulmer, Sr., 66, of 107 Melanie Court, died Monday, June 19, 2006, at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Lauren County; a son of the late Chester Garfield and Victoria Metts Fulmer. He was a graduate of Ford High School and was retired from Duke Power. He was currently employed by Piedmont Agency of Aging. He was a member of the National Guard and First Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, where he was current President of the Miller-Sprouse Sunday School Class.
Surviving are Loving friend and companion, Billie Rae Hodges of Greenwood; a daughter Donna Lynne Beacham of Clinton; a son Robert “Bobby” Fulmer, Jr. of Greenwood; three sisters Raye Johnson and Ruth Nelson both of Laurens and Shirley Smith of York; two brothers Von Preston “Fats” Fulmer and James “Bubba” Fulmer both of Laurens; five grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Services will be 2:00 p.m. Thursday at First Mt. Moriah Baptist Church with the Rev. Bryant Sims and Rev. Kenny Stanley officiating. Burial will follow in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Laurens.
Pallbearers will be Zeke Becker, Roy Keller, Jerry Scott, Larry Davis, Tony Dahl, David Daniel, Dennis Little, and Danny Polatty.
Honorary escorts will be Billy Coursey, Bill Rushton, Don Rushton, C. Brown, Dale Kittles, Christine Parkman, J.C. Doolittle, former and present employees of Duke Power, and members of the Miller-Sprouse Sunday School Class of First Mt. Moriah Baptist Church.
The body is at Harley Funeral Home where the family will receive friends Wednesday night from 7:00 until 9:00 p.m. and will be placed in the church at 1:00 p.m. Thursday.
The family is at the home.
Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY

Elnora Gunter

SALUDA, SC — Elnora Hare Gunter, Born July 27, 1915, near Clouds Creek in Saluda, South Carolina, to Sidney Bowles, Sr. and Iva Crout Hare Bowles.
She owned and operated Henry’s Dry Cleaners and Self-Service in Saluda, South Carolina, with her husband Henry Gunter for forty years.
Mrs. Gunter was a life-long Lutheran and a member of Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church in Saluda for sixty-five years. She was a member of the Ladies Bible Class and Women of the ELCA Circle. She was a volunteer at Saluda Nursing Center for twenty years where she was named Volunteer of the Year.
She was predeceased by her husband, Henry Jefferson Gunter. A sister, Geraldine Aull and a brother, Sidney Bowles Hare Jr. also predeceased her.
Mrs. Gunter is survived by her sons and daughters-in-law Jeff and Dolores Gunter of Hendersonville, North Carolina, and Vann and Ann Gunter of Columbia, South Carolina. Also surviving are grandchildren Lisa Bryant, Kim Smoak, Jeff Gunter, Jr., Nancy Gunter and Henry Gunter, five great-grandchildren and a sister Mary Ruth Stockman of Batesburg, South Carolina.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the nurses and staff of Saluda Nursing Center for their loving care.
The family will receive friends from 6 until 7:30 PM, Wednesday evening at Ramey Funeral Home.
Funeral services will be 11 AM, Thursday, June 22, 2006, at Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church with the Rev. Rodney Gunter and Rev. Ed Miller officiating. Interment will follow in Travis Park Cemetery.
Memorials may be made to Mt. Pleasant Lutheran Church, 101 North Calhoun Street, Saluda, SC 29138 and Saluda Nursing Center, P.O. Box 398, Saluda, SC 29138.
PAID OBITUARY

Eddie Jennings

McCORMICK — Services for Eddie Jennings are 1 p.m. Thursday at Mount Lebanon Baptist Church, Parksville, conducted by the Rev. E.M. Gordon, pastor, assisted by the Revs. Melvin Gordon, James Price, Herman Lyons and Minister Carrie Adams. Burial is in the church cemetery. The body will be placed in the church 12.
Pallbearers and flower bearers are members of McCormick High School Class of 1972.
Walker Funeral Home is in charge.

Zelma Josephine ‘Jo’ Little

DUE WEST — Zelma Josephine “Jo” Little, 85, formerly of Decatur, Ga., widow of Thomas Winton Little, died Sunday, June 18, 2006 at Abbeville County Memorial Hospital.
Born in Meridian, Miss., she was a daughter of the late Norris and Zelma Hendon McClure. She was a former member of Clairmont Hills Baptist Church, Decatur.
Survivors include two daughters, Joan E. Little of Due West and Barbara L. Burton of Decatur; a brother, Norris McClure Jr. of Asheville, Ala.; two sisters, Elinor Quick of Meridian and Virginia Porter of Willis, Texas; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren.
Graveside services are 11:30 a.m. Thursday in Magnolia Cemetery, Meridian.
Visitation is 9-11 Thursday at Barham Funeral Home, Meridian.
Memorials may be made a charity of one’s choice.
Harris Funeral Home, Abbeville, is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.harrisfuneral.com

Conner Parsons

Conner Michael Parsons, infant son of Michael J. and Amy Finley Parsons of 1108 E. Laurel Ave., died Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Survivors include his parents of the home; paternal grandparents, Jimmy and Jean Parsons of Hodges; maternal grandparents, Barry and Denise Beasley Finley of Honea Path; maternal great-grandparents, Bobby and Irene Finley and Dennis and Sara Beasley, all of Honea Path.
Graveside services are 10:30 a.m. Thursday in Baby Land, Oakbrook Memorial Park, conducted by the Rev. Charles Caldwell.
The family is at the home of Jimmy and Jean Parsons, 1222 Gary Road, Hodges, where visitation is 6-8 tonight.
Memorials may be made to Make-A-Wish Foundation of America, 3550 N. Central Ave., Suite 300, Phoenix, AZ 85012-2127.
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is in charge.
Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.blythfuneralhome.com

Sara Rhodes

GREENWOOD — Sara Murphy Rachels Rhodes, 86, formerly of 1517 Woodlawn Road, widow of Paul Rhodes, died Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at NHC Health Care.
Born in Opelaka, Al, she was the daughter of the late James Clem and Frances Askew Murphy. She was retired from Greenwood Mills Plant # 5 and was a member of the Quarter Century Club. Mrs. Rhodes was the last surviving member of her immediate family and of the Methodist faith.
Surviving is a daughter, Connie Schultz, and her husband Mike, of Greenwood; a son, Jerry Rachels, and his wife Lisa, of Greenwood; five grandchildren, Brent Rachels, Brad Rachels, Kevin Schultz, Dana Schultz, Laurie Nickles and Heather Parker; six great-grandchildren; and four step-great-grandchildren.
Services will be 12:00 noon, Thursday at Harley Funeral Home Chapel. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Kevin Schultz, Brad Rachels, Brent Rachels, Bruce Robinson, Tommy Robinson and James Hughes.
The family will receive friends at Harley Funeral Home on Wednesday from 7:00 until 9:00 PM.
Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society, PO Box 1741 Greenwood, SC 29648.
The family is at the home of her daughter, Connie & Mike Schultz, 119 Woodlawn Road, Greenwood, SC 29646.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY

Bernice Saxon

WARE SHOALS, SC — Bernice Taylor Saxon, 95, widow of Ariel Grady Saxon died Monday, June 19, 2006 at Church Home for the Aged, Ft. Valley, Ga. She was born in Laurens County, a daughter of the late William B. and Myrtie Lee Kirby Taylor and was retired from Greenwood Mills.
Mrs. Saxon was a member of Ware Shoals First Baptist Church.
Surviving her are: one son, James W. Saxon and wife Betty, Warner Robbins, Ga., five grandchildren, James Saxon, Jr. and wife Jo Ann, Virginia Newberry and husband, Dale, Susan Cooper and husband, Frank Moore, Ronald Saxon and wife, Gail and Eva Marie Chastine and husband, Ray. Also seventeen great-grandchildren and four great-great-grandchildren.
She was predeceased by a son, Ariel Grady Saxon, Jr.
Funeral services will be conducted Friday at 11 AM at Parker-White Funeral Home with Rev. Leon Jones officiating. Burial will follow in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Great-grandsons will serve as active pallbearers and the Dorcas Sunday School Class will sit as the honorary escort.
The family is at the home of Eva Marie Chastine, 3369 Poplar Springs Road and will receive friends Thursday, 7-9 PM at Parker-White Funeral Home.
PAID OBITUARY

Bill Simpson, Sr.

GREENWOOD — Thomas William “Bill” Simpson, 89, of 153 Pin Oak Drive, formerly of Waterloo, husband of Dorothy Cebor Simpson, died Tuesday, June 20, 2006 at his home.
Born in Shipman, Va., he was a son of the late George N. and Mattie Lou Purvis Simpson. Bill played professional baseball for the Richmond Colts until he was called into service. He was in Marine Corps Sergeant, veteran of WWII, where he was twice wounded on the landings of Kwajalein and Iwo Jima. He retired from Sears Roebuck & Co.
He is survived by his wife of the home; a son Thomas, of Greenwood; a daughter Sandra, of Winchester, Va; three grandchildren and fourteen great-grandchildren.
Full of honors. Full of years.
Memorials may be made to Hospice of the Piedmont, 408 W. Alexander Ave. Greenwood, SC 29646.
Interment will be in the Veterans Cemetery in Culpepper, Virginia, at a later date.
Harley Funeral Home & Crematory are in charge of arrangements.
Online condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.harleyfuneralhome.com
PAID OBITUARY

Margie Smith

GREENWOOD — Margie Moon Smith, 78, resident of 1402 East Durst Avenue, widow of H. Marvin Smith, died June 19, 2006 at Self Regional Medical Center.
Born in Greenville County, November 3, 1927, she was a daughter of the late George H. and Mary McKellar Moon. She was retired from Greenwood Mills Chalmers Plant and was a member of Jordan Memorial Baptist Church where she was a member of the Mary Ouzts Sunday School Class.
Surviving are a son, Rodger Smith and wife, Rhonda of Greenwood; two grandchildren, April Smith Timms of Spartanburg and Amy Ranae Smith of Charlotte, NC; four great-grandchildren; a nephew, Frank A. Boxx, Jr. and great-nephew, Patrick Grayson Boxx, both of Ninety Six.
Funeral services will be conducted at 12 Noon Friday from the Blyth Funeral Home Chapel with Dr. Glenn Mosteller and Rev. Lindsay Powell officiating.
Burial will be in Greenwood Memorial Gardens.
Pallbearers will be Grayson Boxx, Jason Rodgers, Josh Timms, David Johns, Ben Parham and Mike Dorn.
Honorary escort will be the Mary Ouzts Sunday School Class of the church along with Pauline Black, Lib Brock and Mary McClain.
The family is at the home on Durst Avenue and will receive friends at the funeral home from 6:00 to 8:00 Thursday evening.
Memorials may be made to Jordan Memorial Baptist Church, 1515 East Durst Avenue, Greenwood, SC 29649.
To make online condolences or further information please visit www.blythfuneralhome.com
Blyth Funeral Home & Cremation Services is assisting the Smith family.
PAID OBITUARY