God our shelter, hold us under the shadow of your wings as we bow before you in grief and pain.
We pray for each family who has lost a beloved child, a parent, a friend;
we pray for those who have witnessed horror, and are wounded in body or spirit,
for each of them is a child made in your image.
We pray for ourselves, that we will find strength to support the brokenhearted, grace to find our way in the darkness of grief, anger and loss; light to sense your presence, even in the valley of the shadow of death.
Restore our hopes, our hearts, even as we weep with grief and tremble with anger.
Fill us, your wounded, willing people, with a peace that passes understanding,
the courage to nurture healing and hope, and the willingness to bear the Christ light, even in these days of shadow.
In the name of Jesus, we pray. Amen.
Prayer by the Rev. Laurie Kraus, Associate Mission Director: Compassion, Peace, and Justice PC(U.S.A.).
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SC5 Convocation, Worship, and Presbytery Meeting
A Family Reunion
by Robin E. Morris, Associate Stated Clerk, Foothills Presbytery
What a wonderful family celebration we had on Saturday, May 21st as the five South Carolina Presbyteries gathered for the first time since 2014 (Foothills, Trinity, New Harmony, Providence, and Charleston Atlantic). It was great to see old friends and to meet new ones! The day felt like a family reunion on the campus of Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC.
Convocation – We had the opportunity to hear from seven of our PCUSA covenant partners. Each of them brought greetings and information from their respective organizations.
Worship – The Moderators and Vice Moderators from each of the presbyteries served as liturgist in worship. Their varied voices reminded us that while we have differences, we are united in serving our Lord. The Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), delivered a message on “God is Doing a New Thing,” based on Isaiah 43: 18-19. We raised voices in song, centered in prayer, and celebrated the Lord’s Supper.
Foothills Stated Meeting – We held the 120th Foothills Stated Meeting on the campus of Thornwell. As a Special Order, we commissioned the 2022-2023 Presbyterian Youth Council. We enjoyed observing this next-generation reading scripture, acknowledging their gifts, and answering their call to serve in Foothills Presbytery.
Welcome - We also had the opportunity to welcome new family members, Chris Alexander, Stephanie Dion, and Alan Dyer. Chris is serving at the Salem Church as a Pulpit Supply Pastor. Stephanie recently received a call to serve as the Pastor at Eastminster Church, while Alan Dyer was called to serve as the Pastor at First Spartanburg.
Actions - Two recommendations from Council were approved. Our Presbytery Leader, Debbie Foster’s contract was extended for a second three-year term (January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2025.) The Sexual Ethics and Misconduct Policy was presented for a second reading and was approved by the Presbytery. This new policy will be placed in the Foothills Presbytery Manual of Operations. Training will be developed and implemented later this year.
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Congratulations to the Rev. Alan Dyer, who has been called as Minister of Word & Sacrament at First, Spartanburg. |
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Welcome to the Rev. Chris Alexander, who serves as Pulpit Supply Pastor at Salem. |
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Congratulations to the Rev. Stephanie Dion, who has been called as Minister of Word & Sacrament at Eastminster. |
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Hampton-Pinckney PorchFest is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization created in 2021 for the purpose of hosting family-friendly events unifying people around music while illustrating the value of historic preservation and historic urban neighborhoods throughout our community. Funds raised from events help commemorate the rich history of our community.
Join us for a casual evening of music with Jamie Wright as we tune-up for Hampton-Pinckney PorchFest and raise funds to commemorate historical sites in our community.
**Mattoon Church will be the first church to receive
a historical sign with funds raised!
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($25 each until June 5th. $30 each the week of the event.
Please note this is a rain or shine event. All tickets are non-refundable.)
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Music Ministry Leaders
The Music Ministry Leader's
next meeting is
August 10th.
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Christian Educators
The next lunch gathering will be
Monday, July 11 - 12 noon
at Tipsy Taco.
(1133 Woodruff Rd, Greenville)
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Youth Leaders Roundtable will not meet in June.
We will send out a doodle poll shortly to figure out summer meeting times.
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Antiracism Ministry Team, Foothills Presbytery
Resources we have found challenging and inspirational:
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Summer Camp Registration is underway! We encourage you to explore our summer camp options for children and youth (grades k-12) and register soon as some sessions are starting to fill! REGISTER TODAY!
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We need a volunteer crew to help us on the morning of MAY 14, 2022 as we do our SPRING SPRUCE UP! Let us know you plan to attend by RSVPing HERE!
- MEET THE SUMMER STAFF!
- We have an incredible team coming together this summer!
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Staff bios will go up here soon; and also on Facebook and Instagram!
- June 12th - OPEN HOUSE DAY - Join your friends and family at the lake for an afternoon of fun, faith and Fellowship! It all begins at 4 pm and will conclude with a cookout dinner and vespers (evening worship service).
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Visit campfellowship.org for more details and to register for this event.
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We are pleased to partner with Westminster Presbyterian Church to once again host our Summer Worship on the Water Series. You can learn more on our website and RSVP for several picnic lunches on the WOW event date. The first worship service for 2022 will be on May 29, 2022 with a picnic lunch to follow. RSVP for lunch HERE!
Next year we will be celebrating our 75th anniversary of Summer Camp Ministry at Camp Fellowship! We need your help as we begin to prepare for a Season of Celebration! Do you have photos or memories, maybe even an old t-shirt or craft projects tucked away that you’d be willing to let us borrow? Can you share some of the history and your own stories of how Camp Fellowship has impacted your ministry? Will you serve on our 75th Celebration Planning Team? Please call or email Kevin Cartee for more information.
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PIANO FREE TO GOOD HOME!
A family is moving soon and would like to donate their piano! It is in excellent condition.
Dimensions: t 6”l x 41”h x 24”d. Excellent condition.
Please contact Judy Goosen if you need more information or have questions, [email protected].
Thank you!
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AT PENTECOST, WE CELEBRATE THAT GOD OFFERS MORE THAN WE CAN PLAN.
The words of the prophet Jeremiah, “I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, to give you a future with hope” reminded the Israelites that God’s gestures, thoughts and plans for them are peaceful, abundant and hopeful.
Our gifts to the Pentecost Offering connect with God’s hope and future, supporting ministries with children, youth and young adults by building a life of faith. Together we are building futures of hope, and lives of vibrant faith. READ MORE
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PW Synod Gathering
October 21-23, 2022
Epworth by the Sea
St. Simons Island, GA
TWO registrations and payments are required: The Epworth registration for room and board is HERE. The SOSA REGISTRATION FORM must be printed and mailed to address on bottom.
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Choir Chairs - Free!
We have 34-35 choir chairs that need a new home. They are wooden with green fabric on the cushioned parts. They have under the seat storage, and they are in great shape!
Please contact Mandy Keathley for more information:
Mandy Keathley
Director of Music, Central Presbyterian Church
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Registration has officially opened for Stewardship Kaleidoscope, an annual conference offering outstanding plenary speakers, informative workshop leaders, provocative worship experiences and unparalleled networking opportunities for all who are passionate about stewardship and generosity. Scheduled from Sept. 26-28, the in-person program of this year’s hybrid conference will be held in Savannah, Georgia.
Drawing leaders from across the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America and other ecumenical partners, Stewardship Kaleidoscope is designed to ignite generosity in faith-based communities, give practical tools for cultivating generosity in congregations, expand the leadership capacity of those who lead stewardship initiatives, and cultivate adaptive approaches for funding Christ’s mission.
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Spring 2022 Volume 3, Issue 3
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Summer Study at Yale Divinity School runs June 6 - June 10 in an online format. Spaces are going quickly, so please register today. See the list of course offerings below. Full course descriptions are available online at the Summer Study website.
YDS Summer Study features distinguished faculty and is open to anyone interested in theological education, regardless of background, profession, and age. There are no prior educational requirements. Classes are small in size, run Monday-Friday, and engage with various topics designed to enlighten and enrich. Summer Study includes daily worship and a keynote address.
Participants receive a YDS Certificate of Completion at the end of the course week. Courses can count towards continuing education requirements for some clergy.
Courses are $400 with discounts for multiple course registration and for current YDS students. To register or get more information, go to summerstudy.yale.edu or call (203) 432-4473 or email [email protected].
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Synod of the South Atlantic
African American Clergy
and Educators Virtual Retreats
After much prayer and discernment for the need to remain connected, we will host a few more gatherings for African American Clergy and Educators. If you would like to receive information regarding these events, please submit your direct contact information at
PLEASE PLACE THESE PARTICIPATION DATES ON YOUR CALENDAR
the link for connection will be sent closer to the date of the event
April 29th
(following the Stated Synod Meeting)
July 15th
October 28th
In the past, we have hosted an African American Clergy and Educators Retreat at Epworth by the Sea on Saint Simons Island (GA) around the second week of September. The plan for an in-person retreat of this nature in 2022 is up for discussion. If you are interested in providing dialogue for this discussion, contact Rev. Cecelia D. Armstrong via email at [email protected].
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"Good Stewards of God's Grace"
Webinar Recording
Ruling elders, deacons, and ministers from across the country recently gathered on Zoom for the first Leader Formation webinar of 2022. The recording of "Good Stewards of God's Grace," presentation slides, and additional webinar resources are now available on the Leader Formation website.
Engage in an opportunity to provide feedback about this webinar and offer ideas for future events by completing the survey here.
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Considering a call to seminary?
Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, GA (next-door to Atlanta) is a PC(USA) seminary with a diverse and inclusive community that offers a robust education and full scholarship programs for all masters-level degree students. A seminary education can lead to careers to congregational ministry, chaplaincy, non-profit leadership, education, and so much more. All of our students share one essential characteristic: God has called each one to faithful discipleship and leadership in Christ’s Church.
If you’re interested in more information or a discernment conversation, please contact Sarah Kate Bumgarner at [email protected].
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2023 ANNUAL EVENT
January 25–28, 2023
Birmingham, AL
Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC)
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Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.
Matthew 11:28-30 (The Message)
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2022 Montreat Youth Conferences
June 5–August 6, 2022
A Montreat Youth Conference affirms youth in their calling to be and to shape the church of Jesus Christ.
Our desire is to help youth come to know and believe that they are the beloved of God and to be a place where authenticity, community, connection, and God’s truth thrive. We seek to be an inclusive space where each voice can be heard and where each heart can be molded; where change is invited, challenge is expected, and where all are embraced.
We have spent the last year, and more, in a season of disconnect through our challenges and circumstances. God calls us to be connected in all aspects of life. Through the stories of Mary and Martha, Jacob and Esau, Jeremiah, and many others, we are reminded that we are all inter-connected in God’s intentional actions. Join us as we explore the many ways that we can reconnect to live out God’s call.
Youth leave Montreat knowing that:
Their faith matters.
They are loved as they are.
They are part of a community of faith.
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Mediation Skills Training Institute
or Church Leaders
Mediation Skills Training Institute for Church Leaders
- June 13-17, 2022 (in person)
- August 1-5, 2022 (in person)
- November 14-18, 2022 (in person)
- The June session will be held in Fort Mill, South Carolina; the August session will be held in the Chicago area; and the November session will be held in the Phoenix area. Please check our website for updates.
Everyone Has to Deal with Conflict
Conflict is normal and inevitable – whether in the home, school, community, church or workplace. Leaders in all walks of life often have a responsibility to help others work through their conflicts.
The Mediation Skills Training Institute presented by the Lombard Mennonite Peace Center (LMPC) is designed to equip church leaders with the skills necessary to deal effectively with interpersonal, congregational, and other forms of group conflict. The five-day institute also includes a component on congregational mediation and consultation, placed within the context of family systems theory.
Although focused primarily on the church setting, the skills learned are directly transferable to other settings. Thus, managers in business, attorneys, experienced mediators, and others in leadership will be enriched by the training as well.
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Available Jobs
postings on our
website.
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One
May 19, 2022
By: Sara Cox
Throughout the 2021-2022 school year, the Foothills Presbytery Youth Council led “On the Road” events at ten churches. The “On The Road” events included games, energizers, keynote, and small groups centered around the theme: “ONE: One Hope, One Faith, One Baptism, One Lord.” The keynote time included reflections from youth on how the theme of ONE shows up in everyday life. PYC member Sara Cox shares her reflection below:
If someone asked you what made you feel like a part of something bigger than yourself, what would you say? Is your first thought the church? Maybe a sport? Theater? Mission work? For me, it’s band. More specifically, marching band. I don’t know if any of you have done marching band, I’m sure some of you have, but most probably not. Marching band, for those of you who haven’t done it, is all about taking a bunch of different pieces and making them one. You start your seasons earlier than the football team, sweating it out in late July-early August all day for two whole weeks before school starts just to learn the basics. A marching season lasts from July all the way to early November, and during that time you become very close with people. By the end of the season, it’s easy to get out on the field and perform one last time with people who have become close enough to feel like a second family.
The steps to get there, to a marching show that is as close to perfect as possible, is not easy. It’s hard learning where you’re supposed to go, keeping time, and playing by memory all at once. Read More
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Mark your Calendars for these Upcoming Events |
2022
May
26 Committee on Preparation for Ministry meeting
30 Memorial Day - Presbytery Office Closed
June
1 CRE Team meeting
2 Committee on Ministry meeting
7 Reading of Session minutes
9 Committee on Shared Ministry meeting - Zoom
13 FP Staff meeting
15 CRE Supervisory Team Luncheon and Disaster Response & Preparedness Team meeting
16 Examinations Commission meeting
June 17- July 9 General Assembly
27 Antiracism Team meeting
28 Reading of Session minutes
29 FP Staff Workshop
November 01, 2022
10:00 am - 2:30 pm Foothills Presbytery Stated Meeting # 121
Trinity Presbyterian Church, Travelers Rest
February 21, 2023
Presbyterian Communities, Easley
Mary 20, 2023
10:00 am - 2:30 pm Foothills Presbytery Stated Meeting # 123
Location TBD
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