How do you embrace hope when many have experienced loss on so many levels? We have lost people, physical touch with others, hugs, and handshakes. There has been the loss of jobs, businesses, livelihoods, and months of education. We have lost many chances of celebrations and special feelings of communion with others. However, even amid the desolation of our losses, there is still HOPE!
In this session, gain insight on how to embrace hope. Find within yourself the determination and resourcefulness to carry on and live peaceful, productive lives! Join us for this powerful moderated panel discussion with influential Spartanburg clergy on maintaining hope amid challenge.
Meet our Panelists -
Rabbi Yossi Liebowitz - Congregation B’nai Israel
Rabbi Yossi Liebowitz was born in Brooklyn New York, holds a masters in Hebrew letters as well as two honorary doctorates. He has also completed his sixteenth year in the rabbinate. Rabbi has served in pulpits in New York State and on the West Coast. He continues to serve as the lead Rabbi for the Congregation B’nai Israel located in Spartanburg, SC. Rabbi Liebowitz is married to Carrie Liebowtiz and they have four children.
Rev. Leslie Lang- Associate Pastor for Young Adults and Missions, First Presbyterian Church of Spartanburg
Rev. Leslie Lang joined First Presbyterian Church of Spartanburg in April 2019. Originally from Hendersonville, Tennessee, and received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Texas Christian University and her Master of Divinity from Vanderbilt Divinity School.
Rev. Leslie’s work with First Presbyterian includes working with the mission and witness committee, overseeing the young adult committee, and facilitating small group discipleship ministry. In her free time, you can usually find her hanging out in a coffee shop, cooking, reading, or working on her Zumba moves.
Dr. Gary Jordan- Associate Minister of Mt. Moriah Baptist Church, Director of Chaplin Services, Hospital of Restorative Care, Spartanburg Regional Hospital System
Reverend Dr. Gary Jordan is the Director of Chaplain Services at Spartanburg Hospital for Restorative Care and an Associate Minister and spiritual counselor at Mount Moriah Baptist Church of Spartanburg, Incorporated. Dr. Jordan believes that everyday encounters are both an honor and divine. He also believes that it is within our encounters with one another that we have a mutual opportunity to be a blessing and a help along life’s journey.
Dr. Jordan and his wife Kimberly co-lead the Mt. Moriah Family Life and Marriage Enrichment (FLAME) Ministry where they lead couples’ retreats, seminars and facilitate marriage enrichment groups. He is also a trained Prepare/Enrich facilitator for premarital and couples counseling. Dr. Jordan has earned a Masters and a Doctor of Ministry degree in Pastoral Care and Counseling from Gardner-Webb University, School of Divinity. He is also a board certified chaplain with the Spiritual Care Association.
Dr. Jordan enjoys spending time with his wife and two sons, traveling and fishing. He believes laughter is good medicine.
About our Moderator:
Dr. Rev. Sheila Elliot Hodge - Pastor, Silver Hill Memorial United Methodist Church , Co-Chair, Spartanburg Interfaith Alliance
An ordained elder in the South Carolina Annual Conference, Rev. Hodge currently serves as the senior pastor of Silver Hill Memorial UMC, Spartanburg. Rev. Hodge was recently selected to serve as Co-Chair of the Spartanburg Interfaith Alliance in November of 2020. She is also a graduate of the Candler School of Theology at Emory University in Atlanta. A 2010 Riley Institute Diversity Fellow (a program of Furman University), she endeavors to be continually engaged in issues of diversity, difference and child advocacy. Rev. Dr. Sheila Elliott Hodge is a native of Columbia, and she is married to Dr. Anthony Hodge, senior pastor of Cumberland UMC in Florence.
