In the heart of Anderson, where creativity thrives, we are gearing up for a night like no other - the 10th annual 24 Hour Musical! And this year we've gone bigger than ever: 20 possible shows, the largest volunteer group thus far, and an Anderson staple at the heart of the process.
So, what is the 24 Hour Musical? Imagine this: a group of theatre creatives and volunteers coming together with just 24 hours to conceive, rehearse, and ultimately perform a full-length musical, pushing participants to their creative limits entirely for charity.
This year, Market Theatre has chosen to support the South Main Chapel & Mercy Center, a beacon of hope and support for our community. The Chapel and Mercy Center provides outreach and support services to persons who are economically disadvantaged and to many who are houselessness. Check out below how the non-profit is changing the city's landscape with Elizabeth Hiott (Ministry Associate/Care Manager and Ride to Work Program Director).
Kurt Stutler, Pastor and Director at South Main Chapel and Mercy Center. Ken Ruinard/Independent Mail
What motivated the establishment of this non-profit?
South Main Chapel & Mercy Center was established to be a church that brings people together across boundaries to support one another with dignity and compassion by connecting all with opportunities to serve and to be served.
What are the South Main Chapel and Mercy Center’s primary goals?
Connecting the people of our church and the surrounding community to God through worship, study and fellowship.
Connecting people to support by meeting people where they are and offering them services that meet their spiritual, mental and physical needs.
Connecting people regardless of socio-economic status to opportunities for serving others by giving back and using their unique gifts in a purposeful way.
How did the organization identify the problems they wanted to solve?
South Main Chapel & Mercy Center created an inviting environment of radical hospitality. We opened our doors and created an atmosphere of welcome through meals, worship and services to address basic human needs. We listened intently to the stories of those who came through our doors and responded to their expressed needs in ways that were unique to their situation. We strive to see persons as children of God and fellow brothers and sisters in God’s family not as clients with problems to fix.
How do you reach the populations you serve and how many people are you serving in Anderson now?
Since opening our doors in 2014 the word quickly spread around the community that we are a welcoming community of faith offering meals and other supportive services to many who are living in poverty or homeless. We have utilized social media as well as more traditional media sources like newspaper articles to let others know what we do, where we are and what we need. In the previous year our ministry helped over 600 individuals.
What challenges do you face in implementing your programs and how do you address them?
Our greatest challenge is dealing with the limited referral resources when it comes to helping persons find emergency shelter, transitional housing and safe, affordable permanent housing. Through our Ride to Work Anderson program we are helping persons with transportation to and from work when they find employment but starting and keeping a job while living homeless is a great challenge. Our ministry is working cooperatively with other non profits in our community to solve the problem of inadequate housing in our community.
How do you see your organization evolving or expanding its impact in the future, especially alongside other programs in the city?
At the core of our identity is bringing people together across socio-economic boundaries to learn one another’s stories and use our God-given gifts to support each other. We see a future where more and more persons come from different backgrounds to serve in our ministry and find belonging in our family of faith. We see a future where we expand our cooperative efforts with other non-profits and churches who share our goals of alleviating human suffering brought on by poverty, homelessness, addiction and mental illness.
What’s the best way for individuals or other organizations to get involved or support your cause?
Volunteer at the Mercy Center during the week (Mon-Thurs)
Participate in our Sunday worship service at 11AM or our Thursday Bible Study at 10AM
Advocate for your church to become a Compassion Partner with us providing meals
Organize a group to come do a day of service project with us
Collect items from our needs list:
Become a follower of our Facebook page
We love speaking to church groups, businesses, schools, social clubs, civic organizations, and anyone else who is curious about who we are and what we do. Contact Kurt Stutler at 864-356-2125 to request a speaker.
Make a financial contribution to us:
Venmo: @southmainchapel
Mail: PO BOX 13545 Anderson, SC 29624
In Person: Sunday - Thursday 9AM - 1PM at 2408 South Main St, Anderson, SC 29624
