THE UNION HERALD
AUGUST 2026
4077 Hwy. 378, Leesville SC 29070
Telephone: 803-532-3305
Email: unionlutheranchurch4077@gmail.com
Web address: unionlutheransc.org
Dear Saints of Union,
Union is on the path to an adventure right now. We don’t know quite where we’re going, but we are moving. In the past few months, you have welcomed me and my family. We have been experimenting with Christian Education. We have brought in some new members and we’re looking forward to a few more. We are working on communications, on telling the story of what God is doing at Union, and on getting ready for the next chapter of Union’s history.
One of the challenges of adventuring as a church is that we don’t have an end goal, as such. There’s no point where we stop and say that we’ve done what we came to do. We are building disciples in community, and that work is never done. We are following God, whose work isn’t over until the kingdom has fully come. We are here for the journey. We are here to walk this path together. We are here to follow God, even when we don’t know what’s around the next corner.
Adventuring is living in in-between time. We aren’t where we started, and we aren’t where we’re going. We have one foot in the kingdom of God and one foot in this world. We are between the promises God made when we were baptized and when we get to see the promises kept. We are between church as we used to know it and church as it will be. We are between being the people we were and the people we are growing into.
In-between time isn’t always easy. It takes patience and strength not to be in one place or another. It can be frustrating, always to have another step in front of us. But this is the life that we’re called to live.
The Bible is full of journeys. Abraham and Sarah, the Israelites in the wilderness, Jesus during his earthly ministry, and the disciples in the book of Acts, all of them wander, following the will of God. Sometimes they complained about it, too, or tried to take their own paths. (Check out Genesis 16, Exodus 17, or Acts 16:6-9.) God is patient with the people, and keeps on guiding them, no matter what.
In this particular in-between time, Union is going to do some things that we have always done. We are going to hear and teach the word of God. We are going to receive God’s body and blood in the Lord’s Supper. We are going to support one another in prayer and conversation. We are also going to do some things that might be different or new. We’re going to work on new ways to invite our neighbors to be part of what God is doing here. We’re going to pray together and listen for where God is leading us. We’re going to try things that may not work, learn what we can, and keep going.
In the Bible, people didn’t always have much choice about going on an adventure. Following God through the wilderness didn’t have an off-ramp. You do have a choice. God invites you into this, but doesn’t force it. I hope that you’ll stay connected with Union, that you’ll be active in worship and in learning, that you’ll be part of Homecoming and all the good things we have to celebrate here. I hope that you’ll try out something new, that you’ll pray for God’s guidance, that you’ll be part of the conversation about what Union’s next chapter will hold. God has a mission for us and a plan for us. We get to discover it and to be part of it together. Thanks be to God.
Pastor Emily
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The August Newsletter is given in loving memory of my wife, Betty S. Bedenbaugh whose birthday is August 11th and in loving memory of my wonderful son, Chris Bedenbaugh, by Wyman Bedenbaugh.
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Highlights of the Church Council Meeting — June 14, 2026
Council Approvals
- Approved $200 for Forever Changed
- Approved $200 for Kimberly Heindl (Homecoming)
- Approved increasing Pastor Emily weekly time to 30 hrs (from 20 hrs)
-
Other Items Discussed
- Pastor Emily’s Report
- Supply Organist (July 19)
- Homecoming
- Housekeeping
- Report from Administrative Assistant
- Weekly Bulletin/Use of Celebrate Insert - Worship and Music Committee to discuss
- Next Meeting: August 2, 2026
-
Respectfully submitted,
Benji Ricard
Council President
GENERAL FUND FINANCIAL REPORT FOR THE YEAR 2026 – June 30, 2026
Beginning Balances:
CD $ 84,929.67
Checking $ 97,576.83
Sunday Offerings $ 86,748.00
Expenses Paid $ 89,042.95
Offerings Compared to Budget 2026
Year-to-date offerings $ 86,748.00
Needed offerings (22 x 3,490.14) $ 90,743.64
Difference – Deficit $ (3,995.64)
Respectfully Submitted,
Leesha Hall & Gail Worrell
BUILDING FUND ACCOUNT – June 2026
Balance Sheet
Beginning Balance (6/1/2026) $19,294.67
Deposits (June 2026) $ 1,145.00
Withdrawals (June 2026) -$ 7,742.23
Ending Balance (6/30/2026) $12,697.44
Deposit Details
Contributions (June 2026) $ 1,145.00
Total Deposits (June 2026) $ 1,145.00
Withdrawal Details
J.R. Fallaw Mechanical Services (HVAC repair) ck# 1041 -$ 245.00
J.R. Fallaw Mechanical Services (HVAC repair) ck# 1042 -$ 7,497.23
Total Withdrawals (June 2026) -$ 7,742.23
Respectfully submitted,
Tim Derrick
Building Fund Treasurer
Practice with fellowship on Wednesdays at 6:30 PM. We would love for you to join us!!! Summer is a great time to be with us!
CHRISTIAN MINISTRY CENTER
A wooden chest is in the Narthex for donations of needed items.
The need is great for ready-to-eat items also.
Items currently needed: Cooking oil, cereal, sugar, flour, jelly, macaroni and cheese, pasta salad, hamburger helper, canned vegetables (green beans, peas, beets, diced tomatoes), dried beans, pasta sauce, canned meats (tuna, chicken, SPAM and more), shelf stable milk, canned pasta (ravioli, spaghetti), personal hygiene products, paper products and laundry and dish detergent.
EVERY DONATION MAKES A DIFFERENCE!!!
The Children’s Ministry will not be meeting during the month of August during the worship hour. We will have VBS on August 1st! We will kick off again in September!!!
KIDS SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASS COMING SOON! LOOK FOR DETAILS!!!
The Lutheran Men will meet on Saturday, August 1st at 8:00 am the annual workday here at Union. They will be putting out pine straw, cleaning up sidewalks and setting up tables for Homecoming on August 9th. All hands are needed!!!
THE UNION WELCA WOULD LOVE FOR ALL LADIES TO BECOME A PART OF OUR GROUP. WE WILL MEET SUNDAY, AUGUST 30TH, IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THE SERVICE FOR OUR MONTHLY MEETING.
The Union WELCA sent donations to the following organizations:
Kyushu Gakuin Christian school for girls in Kumamoto, Japan
Newberry College Food Pantry (pantry for students)
Newberry Nursing Scholarship Fund (for nursing students)
The Union WELCA also bought $200.00 worth of food items for Christian Ministry Center!
SERVICE PARTICIPANTS FOR AUGUST 2026
|
LECTOR |
Janet Ricard |
|
GREETERS |
Frances Bouknight and Barbara Jean Murray |
|
USHERS |
Available |
|
ACOLYTE |
Available |
|
COMMUNION PREPARATION/FILL CANDLES |
Gail Worrell |
|
COMMUNION ASSISTANT |
Sara Coffman |
|
TABULATORS |
Bob Oswalt, Carlton Shealy, John Worrell |
|
DATE |
ALTAR FLOWERS |
BULLETIN COVERS |
CHILDREN’S MESSAGE |
|
|
|
|
|
|
AUG 2 |
Elaine Riddle |
Wyman Bedenbaugh |
Pastor Emily |
|
AUG 9 |
John and Gail Worrell |
Betty Bedenbaugh |
Kathy Bennett |
|
AUG 16 |
Available |
Julia Norris |
Available |
|
AUG 23 |
The Blackburns |
Gerald Yenny |
Julie Flowers |
|
AUG 30 |
Available |
John and Julie Flowers |
Benji Ricard |
Did you know? The average attendance for June 2025 was 54 members per Sunday. The average attendance for June 2026 was 60 members per Sunday!
Join Pastor Emily on Sundays at 9:30 AM!
WE REMEMBER IN PRAYER CONCERNS:
PRAYER CONCERNS
When a special need for prayer arises, please call Pastor Emily Blackburn at 864-498-8558 or the church office at 803-532-3305.
Annelle Bedenbaugh, Betty Bedenbaugh, Wyman Bedenbaugh, Peggy Derrick, Larry Gimbruch, Joe Metts, Betty Price, Janet Ricard, Dial Shealy, Doris Smith, and Brewston Snelgrove
and others of our special concern especially…..
Linda Adams, Bishop Ginny Aebischer, Jeff Ayer, Clint Black, Jay Black, Hunter Bledsoe, Florence Bowers, Gary Boykin, James Chapman, Linda Cockrell, Leigh Anne Crumpton, Dena Deese, Buster and Sharon Elrod, Margie Epting, Akeysha Frawley, Allison Freeman, Elizabeth Jo Gibson, John Gibson, Ginger Henson, Doris Hicks, GrayLynn Jackson, Barbara LaMotte, Lance Lowman, Bernie Metts, Louise Oxner, Clinton Parnell, Ann Pilat, Kay Shirey, Denise Snelgrove, Jayden Stephens, Fred Swygert, Cathalee Whittle and Rick Williams.
*** Please inform Donna if you need to add/take name off prayer list. ***
Dear Union Lutheran Family,
Thank you for the lovely cards, calls, texts and other messages since my hip replacement surgery. Recovery is going well and I am so thankful for that!
I appreciate all of your care and concern. Our church family is very important to me!
Janet Ricard
Dear Members of Union Church,
Thank you so much for the devotional book you gave me for graduation! I really appreciate it. Thanks for thinking of me!
Respectfully, Garrity Cullum
The Blessing of the Backpacks will be held on Sunday, August 2nd during the worship service. All students and teachers are asked to bring their bags to church for prayers and blessings.
AUGUST 2026 
|
Sunday |
Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
|
26 |
27 |
28 |
29 |
30 |
31 |
1 VBS !!!! 8:00 AM LMM WORK-DAY 10:30 AM -1:00 PM
|
|
2 9:30 AM SS CLASSES 10:30 AM WORSHIP/ COUNCIL MEETING |
3 |
4 9:30 AM QUILTING
1:00 PM BIBLE STUDY |
5
CHOIR PRACTICE 6:30 PM |
6 |
7 |
8 |
|
9 HOMECOMING 10:30 AM SINGING 11:00 AM WORSHIP LUNCH TO FOLLOW |
10 |
11 9:30 AM QUILTING
1:00 PM BIBLE STUDY |
12
CHOIR PRACTICE 6:30 PM |
13 |
14 |
15 |
|
16 9:30 AM SS CLASSES 10:30 AM WORSHIP |
17 |
18 9:30 AM QUILTING
1:00 PM BIBLE STUDY |
19
CHOIR PRACTICE 6:30 PM |
20 |
21 |
22 |
|
23 9:30 AM SS CLASSES 10:30 AM WORSHIP FACILITY RESERVED |
24 |
25 9:30 AM QUILTING
1:00 PM BIBLE STUDY |
26
CHOIR PRACTICE 6:30 PM |
27 |
28 |
29 |
|
30 9:30 AM SS CLASSES 10:30 AM WORSHIP/ WELCA MEETING |
31 |
1 |
2 |
3 |
4 |
5 |
August BIRTHDAY AUGUST ANNIVERSARY
8 - Ann Bedenbaugh 3- Mr. and Mrs. Clint Attaway
11- Janet Ricard 4- Mr. and Mrs. Tim Koon
14- Randy Taylor 18- Mr. and Mrs. Todd Hall
17- Ellen Attaway 26- Mr. and Mrs. Lyn
Jarad Hallman Bedenbaugh
18 - Carlton Shealy 30- Mr. and Mrs. Buster
20 – Clint Attaway Elrod
23- Pastor Emily Blackburn
Leo Guy
25- Donna Fulmer
Our church family rejoices with you!
_________________________________________________________________________________________
The council has approved removing the bookshelves and books in the hallway leading to the Fellowship Hall. If you are interested in any of the books, please take them.
WEEKLY BIBLE STUDY! A weekly Bible study is on-going here at the church in the ACTS Sunday School room on Tuesdays at 1:00 PM. Pastor Emily is continuing the study of the Book of Acts. Please come join us!
Carter and Holmes Orchids have named an orchid after our dear brother in Christ, Steve Shealy, who joined the Triumphant in January 2026. It is a Spring Lavender Cattleya Hybrid. You can order you an orchid in memory of Steve to enjoy in your home by going to
eBay: Cattleya Steve Shealy – Spring Lavendar Cattleya Hybrid. Cost is $19.95
Lexington School District One (Gilbert, Lexington) begins Tuesday, August 4th.
Lexington School District Three (Batesburg-Leesville) begins Tuesday, August 4th.
Lexington School District Five (Irmo, Chapin) begins Tuesday, August 11th.
Saluda School District begins Wednesday, August 5th.
Wyman King Academy begins Thursday, August 5th.
LORD, we lift up in prayer all the teachers, students, support team, administrators and parents as the 2026-2027 school year begins.
In Christ’s Love, Amen.
VACATION BIBLE SCHOOL IS SATURDAY, AUGUST 1ST FROM 10:30 AM – 1:00 PM!!!
HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE.
LINK: https://forms.gle/K489SRNrLkZPj65W8
Our wonderful children will be learning Bible stories, having snacks and lunch, singing and learning motions with the music, plus craft time! A mission project for Christian Ministry Center will also be done! JOIN US!!!!
Why register? It helps us plan for numbers, emergencies, and it includes a photo release for pictures online.
HOMECOMING
AUGUST 9TH, 2026
SONG SERVICE: 10:30 AM
WORSHIP: 11:00 AM
PICNIC LUNCH: Following worship service with VIP’s our honored guests
FOREVER CHANGED: More music after lunch
You can sign up in the narthex for food you are bringing or just pack your basket and join us. Tea/lemonade/paper products and ice will be provided.
No Sunday School on Homecoming Sunday.
What an honor to celebrate with our VIP’s!!
The Quilters of Union Invite You!
Please join us on Tuesdays at 9:30 am for fellowship and
Designing quilts for Lutheran World Relief and for others.
What a giving of your time and talents!!!
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Please join us on Tuesdays at 9:30 am for fellowship and
Designing quilts for Lutheran World Relief and for others.
What a giving of your time and talents!!!
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L&B NURSING FACILITY
The ACTS Sunday School class traveled to the L&B Nursing facility off Barr Woods Road in Saluda in July and graciously took watermelon slices and shared with all the residents. The residents thoroughly enjoyed a sweet treat and visits from Union members. There are approximately 25 residents at this facility.
Thanks to the ACTS Sunday School class was actively sharing Jesus’ love among others who need it the most. Please Join Them in their Next Visit!
