BAMBERG -- Churches throughout the country will celebrate the progress women have made in the pulpit during Women's History Month. Mount Carmel United Methodist Church in Bamberg will join other United Methodist churches as it observes Women in the Pulpit at 11 a.m. Sunday, March 8.

Nancy Rivers, a native of Denmark and a United Methodist certified lay speaker, will deliver the message during the worship service. She will be supported by Mount Carmel's women lay speakers and others who serve in leadership capacities.

United Methodist certified lay speakers have completed a series of courses designed to teach leadership, assist and support programs of the church, and assist with conducting worship services and presenting sermons, devotions or meditations. To maintain certification, they must reapply each year by completing and submitting an annual report and take at least one advanced course every three years. Many lay speakers go on to become full members of clergy.

On May 4, 1956, in Minneapolis, the General Conference of the Methodist Church approved full clergy rights for women. Half a century later, more than 12,000 United Methodist clergywomen serve the church at every level, from bishops to local pastors.

Rivers said she has tremendous support from pastors and laity. "As I continue to study God's word, more and more, it has become my quest to encourage and empower women," Rivers said. "I want to become the vessel that God desires of me."

Rivers is married to Anthony Rivers, and the couple has four children -- Shakora, Yoshanna, Nianne and Anthony Jr. A student at Voorhees College, Rivers is active in her community and serves in several capacities at her church.

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