|
122nd Stated Meeting of Foothills Presbytery
Tuesday, February 21, 2023
10:00 am
at The Foothills Retirement Community
(Presbyterian Communities of SC)
205 Bud Nalley Dr, Easley, SC 29642
Our day will begin with Worship planned by our Worship Committee and the Antiracism Ministry Team. Worship will be led by the Foothills Retirement community staff and residents, with the Rev. Lerone Wilder, PhD reading and proclaiming the Word (1 Thessalonians 5:11).
Included in the business portion of our Stated Meeting, we will:
- Review recommendations from the Bills & Overtures Committee and vote on amendments from the 225th General Assembly of the PCUSA.
- Celebrate the Rev. David Taylor in his retirement.
- Receive and welcome two Ministers to Foothills and examine a Candidate for Ordination.
- Hear highlights of the Shared Mission and Ministry of Foothills.
| |
|
General Assembly 225
Proposed Amendments to the Constitution
“The 225th General Assembly (2022) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) approved and recommended to the presbyteries, for their affirmative or negative votes, proposed changes in the language of the Book of Order that, if approved, will amend the Constitution.”
The Foothills Presbytery Bills and Overtures Committee has reviewed each of the 33 amendments and will make recommendations to the body at the Presbytery Stated Meeting on February 21, 2023.
In preparation for voting on February 21, please review
the General Assembly (PCUSA) handbook with the proposed amendments.
| |
|
In Christ Supporting Ministries
Bedrock Gathering Four Week Series: Where is the Gospel at Risk for us Today?
In this series we will explore crisis moments when the Gospel was at risk in the past and how they help us face where the Gospel is at risk for Christians now.
This month, with the Holy Spirit to guide our discussion, we will look at how the Gospel was at risk in the early Church’s understanding of Jesus Christ and
where we encounter parallel challenges today.
We will gather via Zoom the next four Thursdays starting February 2, 2023, from 7:00 – 8:30 pm.
Click HERE for more information.
| |
COME JOIN US!
Monday, February 6, 2023
6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Fort Hill Presbyterian Church
101 Edgewood Ave
Clemson, SC 29631-1403
| |
|
New date and location!
Participants attending will be able to purchase Sarah Lund’s books at a 20% discount off current sale price. The books will be distributed on the day of the event.
Please contact your church or Presbytery if you need financial assistance to attend.
| |
|
Salem Presbyterian Church
invites you to a
Restoration Service
Sunday, February 12, 2023
Our morning worship service at 11:00 am features the Rev. Dr. Franklin D. Colclough, retired pastor presently serving as a Moderator and Supply Preacher for Harmony Presbyterian Church, Alcolu, SC, and Cousar Memorial Presbyterian Church, Bishopville, SC.
After morning service, lunch will be provided for all attending at First Presbyterian Church, Anderson, in the Fellowship Hall, located at 302 W. Whitner Street, Anderson, SC 29624.
Our afternoon worship service at 3:00 pm features the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the PC(USA).
We hope you will come, and together we can share God's wonderful blessing.
In order to obtain an accurate count for lunch, please
RSVP by texting for calling Sister Alexander at 864-940-8140 or
317-719-3464 with your church name, last name, and total count by Saturday, February 4, 2023.
|  | |
2023 STATED MEETING REGISTRATION
Keynotes by, The Rev. Ruth Faith Santana-Grace,
Co-Moderator, 225th General Assembly
Preaching by, The Rev. Dr. Victor Aloyo,
President, Columbia Theological Seminary
Click here for Full Flyer
Registration deadline is February 1, 2023
| |
|
We have limited space remaining for our one-time screening of the documentary, RACE to Be Human on February 6th at 7 pm Eastern. RACE to Be Human is a 45-minute film that showcases young people as they discuss the impact of race and racism on their lives. We will present the film virtually on February 6th, and then have a panel discussion with some of those responsible for creating the film.
RACE to Be Human is a powerful doorway into a courageous conversation about something that impacts all of us––race. You will meet people of all ages––especially young people––from different regions who openly wrestle with how and why we are so separated from each other, the impact of those divisions, and what we can do to heal ourselves and others.
READ MORE
| |
|
Spring Lay School &
Commissioned Ruling Elder Training is
MARCH 10-11, 2023
at Presbyterian College
The registration fees for the Spring 2023 session:
Single: $280 Double: $160 Commuter: $75
The core courses are
Old Testament, Church History, Worship & Sacraments,
Polity; the elective course is John.
The registration Packet will be available in mid-February.
Sponsored by the 5 Presbyteries in South Carolina.
| |
College Scholarships
Let youth and young adults in your churches know that the PC(USA) supports their formation and education through 2023–2024 scholarships. PC(USA) undergraduate and seminary students are eligible for $4000–$8000 from the Presbyterian Mission Agency through the Office of Financial Aid for Service.
Applications are open from now till May 15, 2023, for full-time students enrolling for the 2023–2024 academic year. For more information see our full-page advertisement in Presbyterians Today.
To apply in English, Spanish or Korean, follow the QR codes pictured or click links below.
| |
|
This is a reminder to pastors and clerks, that it is now time to enter your 2022 Statistical Report. The Statistical Report can be completed at (http://oga.pcusa.org/stats). Please remember, the program works best using one of the following web browsers: Firefox, Safari, or Chrome.
In addition, they have provided a link to Frequently Asked Questions: http://oga.pcusa.org/section/churchwide-ministries/stats/frequently-asked-questions/.
We urge you to complete your report by the FIRST of FEBRUARY
to avoid long waiting times when you log on.
THE ABSOLUTE DEADLINE FOR ENTERING STATISTICS
IS FEBRUARY 14, 2023.
User IDs and church passwords are the same as in previous years. Please email me or call me if you need log-on information for your church. If you are not the person who will be filling out this information, please send this email to the correct individual and let us know who is responsible now as well. Remember – we are always happy to help (Monday-Thursday) with any problems or concerns that you might have. Please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Thank you,
LeAnne White
Communications Coordinator / Assistant Office Administrator
| | |
|
|
Music Ministry Leaders
Our next Zoom gathering
will be
Wednesday, February 8
at 9 am by ZOOM.
| | |
|
|
Christian Educators Gathering
Next Gathering is
February 27
12 noon, at Central
1404 N. Boulevard, Anderson, SC
APCE share- participants who attended the APCE Annual Event will share lots resources and ideas.
| | |
|
|
CRE Cohort
Next Gathering is
April 11
at 12:30 pm
at the Presbytery office
Bring your lunch
| |
|
Books for Lent in the Resource Center
The Resource Center’s OPALS website/online catalog has added Lent showcases of book covers in five categories: (1) New for 2023, (2) Study and devotion, (3) Preaching and worship, (4) Resources for children and families, and (5) Youth studies. These categories mirror ones used by the PC(USA) Store’s 2023 Lent Resource Guide. The Resource Center has copies of most titles highlighted in that guide available for loan, as well as additional titles from several other publishers.
| |
|
Good Enough: 40ish Devotionals for a Life of Imperfection, by Kate Bowler and Jessica Richie. Convergent Books, ©2022. (242 Bowler)
Good Enough is not your typical devotional book. Good Enough tells the reader that it is OK that life isn’t always “better.” It’s great that it is “good enough.” Reviewer Jeff Chu says it better than I can. “Winsome, wise, and true. Good Enough is a devotional for those of us who can’t stand devotionals. . . Overflowing with grace, humor, and clear-eyed counsel . . . ultimately, they convince me that I don’t need to be perfect, that I can be good enough—and there’s tremendous hope in that.”
I thoroughly enjoyed the writing style and the important messages the authors conveyed. I believe the book could be used in many different ways within the church, not just as a personal devotional. Highly recommended.
Pat Fuller, John Knox Presbyterian
| |
|
St. Giles Presbyterian Church
... is celebrating its 50th anniversary this spring! Thanks be to God for the investment of the Presbytery through the years. St. Giles will welcome two former pastors back to lead worship, as well as engage in extra mission commitments and educational programming. Please visit their website for more information. Everyone is invited to join in worship and special programming through these weeks.
| |
|
in a world of disaster, hunger, and oppression
Millions of people lack access to sustainable food sources, clean water, sanitation, education, and opportunity.
| |
The three programs supported by One Great Hour of Sharing - Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People - all work in different ways to serve individuals and communities in need. From initial disaster response to ongoing community development, their work fits together to provide people with safety, sustenance, and hope.
| |
|
Knowing you are in the midst of transition and leading a congregation, but feeling alone? Not sure how to frame your experience? Not sure how to partner with leadership to walk in the ways of Jesus in this time and this place? Gather with others asking the same questions. Walk with experienced teachers who are guides and fellow questioners. The Art of Transitional Ministry Week 1 focuses on the processes of transition, the context we find ourselves in and the person of the pastor as leader within a system.
Join our team for The Art of Transitional Ministry, Week 1: 7 weeks from 10:30-1:30 EST, online. Class begins February 16. Register NOW!
| |
|
THE PRESBYTERIAN PROMISE
AN $80,000 SCHOLARSHIP OVER 4 YEARS FOR ALL STUDENTS WHO ARE PRESBYTERIAN.
The Presbyterian Promise Scholarship is a commitment by Presbyterian College (PC) to recognize students for their merit and affiliation with the Presbyterian Church. PC seeks to develop students academically and spiritually in this signature scholarship. Students who are of members of Presbyterian churches will receive a scholarship for a minimum of $20,000 per year for up to four years—that’s an $80,000 commitment to you.
For more information and to apply visit our site: www.presby.edu/presbyterian-promise
| |
|
The Birthday Offering of
Presbyterian Women
Launched in 1922 to honor the 10th anniversary of the Woman’s Auxiliary in the Presbyterian Church in the United States, the Birthday Offering is an annual tradition for givers and receivers around the world.
Over the last 101 years, grants funded by Presbyterian Women have impacted the ministries of more than 200 organizations and transformed the lives of countless people.
While Birthday Offering projects and donation amounts have changed, Presbyterian Women’s commitment to improving the lives of women and children has not. Support the Birthday Offering so PW can continue funding mission projects for the next 101 years. Give as you have been blessed, generously and as led by the Holy Spirit.
To learn more, visit presbyterianwomen.org/birthday.
| |
|
Resource we have found challenging & inspirational:
| |
|
MARCH 2-5, 2023
Association of Smaller Congregations
at Epworth by the Sea on St. Simons Island in Georgia
Join us for four days of fellowshipping with other small churches as we learn how to Cross Bridges to New Things! In a new format from previous years, we invite you to spend time in a large group as well as small groups with our five wonderful workshop leaders and keynoter. Some of our topics will be Seasons of Change, Matthew 25, Building a worship/music service for elders, What 1001 communities can teach small churches, and more. Rev. Dr. Lisa Baroody Culpepper will be our keynote speaker. Supporting her will be our workshop leaders Dr. Phyllis Sanders, Phillip Morgan, Gad Mpoyo, and Carlton Johnson. More information and registration may be found at our website: www.presbyasc.org. HURRY as registration will be closing in February!
| |
|
Festival of Homiletics 2023 | Minneapolis
& Live Online
May 15 - 18, 2023
|
Join us this year for the 2023 Festival of Homiletics in Minneapolis: "Preaching Hope for a Weary World"
“Preaching Hope for a Weary World” is the Festival’s response to the hardships and heaviness that have been our reality the last few years. In these wearying days, what is our call to preach?
Hope.
The Festival of Homiletics 2023 will inspire us to a renewed sense of our radical calling. Our weary world needs us, preachers.
Come renew, refresh, and recharge your spirit!
| |
|
Reflective Leadership Grants provide Christian leaders “balcony time” to reflect on accomplishments, broaden perspectives and discern next steps
The Reflective Leadership Grant supports an opportunity for structured reflection for lay or clergy leaders of Christian organizations that are advancing their mission following the multiple pandemics — COVID-19, racial inequity, economic disruption and mental distress — that emerged and/or intensified throughout the past few years.
While all leaders are encouraged to practice some form of ongoing reflection, this grant aims to support those leaders whose work has made a demonstrable contribution to their organization’s mission. These leaders are at a pivotal moment for stepping back and reflecting on what has been accomplished, what is changing and what is stable. The Reflective Leadership Grant allows leaders to broaden their perspectives and gain clarity about what needs to happen next in their personal and professional life.
LEARN MORE
| |
|
Calling all College-Aged Young Adults!
We want you to join us for the 2023 College Conference @ Montreat! Whether you have attended a conference before, or you are new to Montreat altogether, College Conference offers a place for everyone to experience the overwhelming love of God in new and exciting ways. Learn more HERE.
| |
|
Fair Play Presbyterian Church has
61 creamed colored choir robes &
3 director/pianist robes (that are cuffed) that they are not using.
They range from sizes 0-5.
Anyone interested should contact Tawna Rogers at 864-634-5421 or [email protected]. We are willing to travel 1/2 the distance to avoid postal charges for the 5 large boxes they arrived in.
| |
|
Westminster, Greenville has 100+ black plastic chairs available to donate to another church.
Anyone interested should contact Steve Phillips by February 21st, 864-232-2424.
(We have 100 available but could donate a few dozen more if needed.)
| |
|
NEW Workshop:
The Bible and Film
March 6 - 8, 2023
Led by: Dr. Samuel Adams, Professor of Old Testament
Multiple Ways of Teaching and Learning
Friday, March 24, 2023, 10:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Led by: Dr. Lakisha Lockhart, Assistant Professor of Christian Ed
The Past, Present, and Future of Giving and Generosity
Online Workshop
3-part series
Dates: Tuesdays, January 17 - 31, 2023, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. ET
Click here for a full list of upcoming Educational Opportunities
| |
|
Click here to see additional
Available Jobs
postings on our
website.
| |
Reflections from the Presbytery Youth Council Retreats
Jan 26, 2023
“Attitude of Gratitude”
Middle School Retreat- November 11-13, 2022
Reflection by Eva Grow (Fourth), PYC Co-Moderator
When PYC came together in late August to discuss themes for our many retreats and gatherings for the year, we focused a lot on the season in which these events were going to take place. When tasked with collecting a theme for the Middle School retreat at Asbury Hills, we were reminded of the upcoming holiday, Thanksgiving. With the vision of pumpkins and turkeys in our heads we began to ask, “What does someone in middle school really need to hear?” Pondering over this question and the idea of Thanksgiving in our minds we landed on the idea of the different attitudes that come with the feeling of gratitude. As we all reminisced on the different “big feelings” we had as middle schoolers, we thought we could introduce one of these attitudes at each of the keynote times throughout the weekend.
Read More
| |
|
“Different Roads, Different Stories”
Senior High Retreat- January 6-8, 2023
Reflection by Sophie deMaine (John Knox), PYC Co-Moderator
The beauty of PYC lies in its members. Different students, different churches, different walks with God. Our differences are what allow us to function as a working team, because it means that every possible weakness is covered. With this in mind, we excitedly gathered in August to plan for the year. Pressley Cox led us in a “Dwelling in the Word”, a time of peace and reflection on the wonderful word of God. We studied the story of the Magi visiting the Christ child and were struck by the beginning and end of the story. The wise men had a calling to follow, so they set out on a long journey. Then, once they had completed their mission and seen the Light of the world for themselves, they were told to go back by a different route. They were changed, so therefore their path must also be changed. Read More
| |
Mark your Calendars for these Upcoming Events | |
2023
February
6 "At the River " Screening at Fort Hill
7 Bills & Overtures meeting and Stewardship Task Force meeting
8 Music Ministry Leaders gathering - Zoom
9 Committee on Shared Ministry meeting - Zoom and Finance & Stewardship meeting
13 FP Staff meeting and Stated Meeting Commissioner Orientation - Zoom
16 Stated Meeting Commissioner Orientation - Zoom
21 Foothills Presbytery Stated Meeting #122
at Presbyterian Communities in Easley
23 Committee on Preparation for Ministry meeting
27 Educators Gathering at Central & Antiracism Team meeting
Foothills Presbytery Calendar
2023 Foothills Presbytery Stated Meetings
February 21, 2023
10:00 am - 3:00 pm Foothills Presbytery Stated Meeting #122
Foothills Communities, Easley
May 20, 2023
10:00 am - 2:30 pm Foothills Presbytery Stated Meeting # 123
Location TBD
| | | | |
