Hilton Head Monthly Voice Voice of the Lowcountry 
ST. ANDREW BY-THE-SEA UNITED METHODIST CHURCH WELCOMES REV. DEASE
St. Andrew By-The-Sea United Methodist Church and its new senior pastor are making history.
The Hilton Head Island church will welcome the Rev. Dr. Robin Dease for her first sermon on July 4. Dease said she is the first African American woman to serve as lead pastor of a white United Methodist church in South Carolina.
JULY 1
First Thursdays Art Market: Meet more than two dozen local artists as they present their work on the first Thursday of the month. Stroll the plaza, see the exhibits, talk with artists and enjoy live music, complimentary wine samples and more. As a special treat, the July art market features several artists painting live in the plaza. Free entry. 4-7 p.m., The Shops at Sea Pines Center, 71 Lighthouse Road, Hilton Head Island. 843-363-5699 or theshopsatseapinescenter.com.
JUNE 1
NEW HOPE BEREAVEMENT SUPPORT GROUP: An open bereavement support group for anyone who has lost a loved one through death. Free. 3-4:30 p.m. Lowcountry Presbyterian Church, 10 Simmonsville Road, Bluffton. 843-706-2296 or hospicecarelc.org.
ART LEAGUE OF HILTON HEAD AWARDS BIENNALE WINNERS
The Art League of Hilton Head awarded 13 winners at the opening reception of the 2021 Biennale, 27th National Juried Art Exhibition on May 7.
More than $5,000 in cash prizes were awarded. The national call for entries attracted 735 artworks from 40 states. Top pieces were selected based on originality of concept, composition and execution. The exhibition is the longest-running national juried art exhibition in the area, a news release said.
MAY 1
Artist Talk: Artist Robin Elise Maaya will present her latest exhibition “Home Away From Home,” that tells the story of a Savannah family living in harmony with the struggles of caring for a special-needs child. Free. Noon-2 p.m., Cedar House Gallery, 122 East 36th Street, Savannah.
APRIL 1-3
Private Easter Wagon Ride: Hop aboard the red wagon for a spring exploration of the Sea Pines Forest Preserve, while playing a game of Easter I-Spy. Cost is $95 for a group of 20 people. Reservations required. 1-4 p.m., Heritage Farms, Greenwood Drive, Hilton Head Island. 843-785-3333 or seapines.com.
CHURCH OF THE PALMS LOOKS FORWARD TO REOPENING ITS DOORS SOON
Although a date has not been set, Church of the Palms in Okatie is hoping to soon reopen its doors — at least partially.
Since the majority of the church’s members are in the high-risk age group, Church of the Palms has been extremely cautious during the COVID-19 pandemic. The church, which is part of the United Methodist Church, has offered live streaming worship services since the beginning of the crisis. They also host Bible studies, spiritual formation classes and small group meetings on Zoom.
