the 147th STATED MEETING PRESBYTERY OF

WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA

July 25, 2026, at Neighborhood locations

(Note: The "In Brief" for the Western Neighborhood 
has not yet been submitted)

Our clerk for this meeting, Julia Rush of Lowell Presbyterian Church, confirmed a quorum as per the rules for the neighborhood meetings. A total of 34 ministers and ruling elder commissioners were present along with 27 visitors for a total attendance of 61.

Worship was led by Artisan’s organizing pastor Reed Conley, along with Leary Davis of Artisan. Communion was celebrated by the Revs. Pat Reid and George Thompson. Conley preached from Ephesians 2. He noted that an artisan was someone who makes something with great care, who sees possibilities where others only see raw materials. His flock is composed of people he said never thought would be together worshipping while becoming a family. The sermon ended with a hope that we all continue to see the work of the Master Artisan, whose work is never finished.

The offering from the meeting was designated for Lincolnton Youth Neighborhood Collective, a joint mission of several churches of different denominations in the city. The offering total came to $374.

A presentation by Guatemala Leadership Team Co-Chairman Doug Michael of First Presbyterian Church, Newton, included remarks by a visiting member of El Redentor Church in Guatemala, Aide Rodas, with translation help from her daughter, Jasmine.

Terri Forsyth of First Presbyterian of Belmont, chair of the Malawi Mission Leadership Team, talked about the work our Presbytery continues to do (with a special thanks for help with the hygiene packs). She also discussed the upcoming Malawi Mission Network conference to be held at Montreat Conference Center on August 18-21.

During lunch (coordinated by the folks at Southminster Presbyterian in Gastonia) participants were scattered around at the tables with people they (mostly) didn’t know to share experiences and stories. Breakfast items were handled courtesy of First Presbyterian of Mount Holly.

The meeting concluded before noon.

Prayerfully submitted,

John Pea

Robinson Memorial Presbyterian Church

Following the prayer of invocation and Land Acknowledgement, the Rev. Kathy Campbell welcomed us to Crossnore Presbyterian Church. She shared with us the rich history of the church and the soon-to-be-completed renovations to the sanctuary, which have taken a year to complete. They will have their first service in the sanctuary on August 9th!  

Karl Campbell recognized Ruling Elders who were attending their first Presbytery meeting, as well as any visitors. Dennis Howell then guided us through the Clerk’s report, as well as any additional reports for information, leading us to the worship service. 

Worship was led by the Rev. Maggie Lauterer, assisted by Jim Taylor and Rev. Campbell. Maggie’s sermon was based on Matthew 6: 25-35, where Jesus reminded us that our lives are like lilies of the field, a theme which Maggie used to take us on a beautiful journey. Maggie is a lover of day lilies, and she showed us how beautiful and how fleeting they are. They only bloom for one day, and if you pay attention, you will see their beauty. And so, like our lives, we need to see and notice the wonder and beauty all around us, not just nature, but all creation. We all came away with a deeper appreciation of the brief nature, not only of lilies, but of our lives. Communion followed, and all were fed and nourished through this time of worship! 

Following worship, we took a brief break to get refreshments and share in some fellowship as the worship elements were cleared. After a bit of calling folks back, the meeting continued.

The Commission on Ministry Report was given by Rev. Michael Poulos, who drew our attention to the reports in the packet. He then called us to proceed with the commissioning of Jim Taylor to the role of Presbytery Associate.  

Dennis Howell shared a few personal remarks based on his history with Jim, who was his pastor at Newdale for many years. He then proceeded with the introduction to the commissioning. 

The Moderator then propounded the constitutional questions to Jim, and he responded affirmatively to all of them. Poulos offered a prayer after which the Moderator welcomed Jim into the ministry of the PWNC as a Presbytery Associate.  

Poulos then shared the Youth Team report and drew attention to the wonderful experiences that youth have on trips to Guatemala, as well as other youth events in our Presbytery. He will be attending with a group at Montreat soon and asked for our prayers! Michael set the stage for the upcoming Guatemala report.  

Report of Disaster Recovery Team was offered by Garland Honeycutt, pastor at Green Mountain and Buladean Churches. Green Mountain suffered significant losses during Helene, as they are situated right along the Toe River. Garland shared the wonderful news that they were able to return to worship in the sanctuary on the first Sunday after Easter and the power was restored on Pentecost Sunday! He also shared that they have just received a check from FEMA to help finish restoration of the lower level of the church. He opened the floor for others to share some of their stories. John and Beth Hall gave us updates on Micaville and Newdale and their ongoing efforts. Newdale will soon be open for worship after the handicap ramp is completed. Nearly all of the churches in our fellowship received financial support which was used to help so many families and organizations in our area. This was a highlight of the meeting to finally be together and share these wonderful stories of recovery and compassion. Byron Wade also reminded us of the work that Anne Waple is doing on our behalf and that there are still funds available for those in need.  

The Guatemala Report was given by Kathy Ward and Susan Maveety. They reminded us of the many connections we have, not only with one another but also with our Guatemala churches. Susan shared just how powerful it was on her first trip where she said, “she got the bug” - the bug to continue in this amazing connection with people in Guatemala. When you come face to face with folks, something amazing happens, and it will change you forever. She and Kathy both echoed this theme. The packet had additional information about how we are involved and opportunities to participate in this ministry. 

The Malawi report was given by the Rev. Michael McKee, pastor at Newland Presbyterian, calling our attention to the display area in the back as well as the many opportunities to share in this amazing ministry. We have so many connections with people around the world and our lives are richer for it. Wade also shared with us as he had just returned from Malawi in April.  

The Mayland Fellowship Report was offered by Honeycutt. Each year, the fellowship gives scholarships to deserving young students who are either beginning or continuing their college careers. Edwina Sluder, chair of the scholarship committee, awarded five $1,000 scholarships on behalf of the Mayland Fellowship. This group has faithfully supported students for many years, and we are grateful for their work. 

Wade, General Presbyter, shared his thoughts with us at this time. He brought us into the work that he is doing to strengthen our churches and the many areas of his ministry with us. He thanked us for our willingness to participate in this new adventure of neighborhood meetings and as always, encouraged us to continue to be the church in this time and place. He is always ready to help in this great journey of faith together.  

The prayers of intercession were offered by pastors John and Beth Hall, and after some brief instructions about how we would proceed to lunch by Kathy Campbell, the meeting was adjourned by moderator Karl Campbell.  

Lunch was served!

Respectfully submitted,

Jim Taylor, Presbytery Associate

and member of Crossnore Presbyterian Church

Rev. Julie Hester, Rev. Kevyn Amos, and Rev. Leah Epps served as worship leaders for the day, along with music leadership from Candace Triplett, Maudette Denison, and the Dulatown Choir. Rev. Epps preached on Matthew 25. Rev. Amos, Rev. Hester, Elder Stevens, and Elder Hall served communion. Lynn Hennessee of Greenway offered a Minute for Mission highlighting the day’s offering and mission project supporting Davenport A+ Elementary School. Those who gathered for the Central Neighborhood meeting gave over $600 and collected clothing items to give to the Davenport A+ Elementary Clothing Closet.

Rev. Keith Grogg offered the COM report, welcoming Rev. Karen Akin and Rev. Marti Hazelrigg to the Presbytery of Western North Carolina. Rev. Akin and Hazelrigg offered a greeting to the Central Neighborhood.

Rev. Bobbi White offered an update from the Malawi Ministry Team. Rev. Rachel Matthews offered an update from the Disaster Recovery Team. Rev. Betsy Ray offered an update from the Youth Ministry Team. Rev. Kevin Frederick spoke about the Men in the Mirror International program. David Staniunas, the Records Archivist from the Presbyterian Historical Society (PHS), spoke about the options for congregations to store records electronically with the PHS.

The Neighborhood Celebration continued in the Greenway fellowship hall. 

The Dulatown Choir opened our time of celebration with, “I Trust In God” by Elevation Worship. Rev. Chad Smith of Mercy Church offered the Resolution of Thanks to First Presbyterian Church of Lenior, Dulatown Presbyterian Church, and Greenway Presbyterian Church for hosting the Central Neighborhood Presbytery meeting at Greenway.

Elders from most of the 27 Central Neighborhood congregations shared how the congregations are connecting with communities. Everyone enjoyed lunch together before heading home.