Structure

Terry Harter grew up in Lutheran churches all over the world. While most of those churches were in New York, Terry’s faith was fed in places like Germany, the UK, and Australia. All through life, in the ups and downs, faith gave him structure. “Faith guided me,” Terry says.

When he moved to Myrtle Beach, Terry tried several churches - even non-Lutheran denominations. “I was looking for something that felt like home,” he shared. But the other churches didn’t quite give him that feeling. Something was missing.

Terry’s first worship experience at St. Philip Lutheran Church was on Christmas Eve of 2021. “At St. Philip, it was like coming home,” Terry said. “The liturgy, the service itself, the whole package.” Even beyond worship, Terry feels he can live out his life-long faith through the variety of ministries St. Philip offers. “I have the opportunity to make a difference,” Terry says. “I love that. It’s very important to me.”

Now, Terry is involved in many ministries that make a difference in our local community in tangible ways. He has given to Christmas in July, brought in school supplies, and regularly contributes to St. Philip’s monthly meals for the homeless. “If I’m going to give, I want it to have meaning. I like to help the community we’re in; that’s part of the mission.”

Terry attends St. Philip because it is a home that nourishes his faith in multiple ways. At St. Philip, Terry found quality worship, tangible ways to serve, and multiple ways to live out his faith - across the world, and right here at home.