It's time to register for the
Five SC Presbyteries
Convocation and Stated Meetings
Saturday, May 21, 2021
at Presbyterian College & Thornwell
in Clinton, SC
- Gather with Church leaders from across the state at 9 AM
- Worship and Communion at 10 AM
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Guest Preacher: The Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).
- Lunch in Presbyterian College dining hall at 12 PM
- 120th Stated Meeting of Foothills Presbytery at 1:30 PM (Hartness-Thornwell Church)
- Tours of PC and Thornwell (optional) starting at 3:30 PM
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Covenant Connections are the stories of our connected relationships around Foothills Presbytery centered in Jesus Christ. A new blog is posted every other Thursday.
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Perplexed and Searching
Apr 21, 2022
A Sermon by the Reverend Dr. Chris Jones, Trinity Presbyterian
Luke 24:1-12
Easter Sunday, April 17, 2022
The disciples really believed that they were at a funeral. They watched him die on a cross, albeit from a distance. The women stayed close to Jesus and one another. The men were already preparing to move on.
We know what that feels like, every time we go to a funeral. Especially a funeral that we believe is too soon.
Then we do something that is unique.
We proclaim the great mystery of the Christian faith:
Christ is Risen!
Risen Indeed!
And while standing next to an open grave we sing:
Alleluia, Alleluia! Alleluia!
For death has no hold on us.
Those who are baptized into his death, will share in a resurrection with him. For I prepare a place for you and will come to have you join me.
Alleluia! Alleluia! Alleluia!
That litany is ancient. We began this journey with an admonition, from dust you were born, to dust you shall return.
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UKRAINE
We are grateful for the outpouring of prayers and calls from congregations and individuals asking how they can help. As the violence continues, the number of people being displaced internally and fleeing to neighboring countries increases by the day. And in the midst of the chaos, there are sibling churches and ecumenical partners who are already providing assistance with basic items for survival. Our first priority as PDA is to provide funding to these partners on the ground. While the scale of this crisis is new, receiving refugees from Ukraine and other countries in Central and Eastern Europe is not which means we have trusted, established partners with the knowledge and expertise to carry out this important work.
We are hearing that the reformed churches in Ukraine and the region are also feeling called to join in the humanitarian response. PDA, therefore, anticipates that our response will include both financial and technical assistance as the network of faith communities providing humanitarian assistance grows in the months ahead.
As we pray for an end to this violence, we ask the U.S. Government and our European allies to make a commitment to the Ukrainian people for a peaceful solution. We don’t know how long it will take, but we know that they will need help with the rebuilding of their country so that those who are fleeing now may one day return home safely.
Funds are being used for emergency humanitarian aid such as food items, shelter, medicines, diapers, hygiene items, etc.
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Session Minutes Review
Dear Pastors and Clerks,
It is time to drop off your 2021 Session Minutes for review by the Representation and Review Committee. The minutes, along with the forms listed below, should be dropped off at the Foothills Presbytery Office (2242 Woodruff Road, Simpsonville, SC 29681) between now and June 16th. Please drop off Monday through Thursday between 9:30 and 4:00.
The completed 2021 minutes will include:
· The 2021 Session Minutes
· The 2021 Congregation Meeting Minutes
*The Representation and Review Committee revised the Clerk’s Annual Review Form
for this year.
If dropping off at the Presbytery Office is not convenient for you, please contact Robin Morris at [email protected] to arrange a different way to submit the minutes.
Blessings,
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Susan Tompkins
Chair, Representation & Review
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Robin Morris
Associate Stated Clerk, Foothills Presbytery
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SC5 Presbyteries Retreat
(For Ministers, Educators, & Church Leaders)
October 24–26, 2022
Montreat, NC
Theme: Leadership Development Is Great And All That, And What I Really Need Is Some Time Rest, Refresh, & Renew!
How are you feeling these days? Really feeling? Energized, excited and engaged in ministry? Or are you dragging your feet into the pulpit? Contemplating the communion table might be a nice nap location? Or are you mentally designing an escape hatch in your office for that next visit with the pastor? Where is your spark for ministry? Is it possible to lead from a place of wholeness? Is there room for creativity, imagination, and play? How can you experience the fullness of life and living and leading? as Children of God?
See more details HERE, including leadership, registration, accommodations, and daily schedule.
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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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Youth Roundtable
Tuesday, May 3
12 noon
126 Augusta Street, Greenville
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Educator's Gathering
Monday, May 9
12 noon
at Tipsy Taco
1133 Woodruff Rd, Greenville
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Music Ministry Leaders
Wednesday, May 11
9:00 am
by ZOOM
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Western Region Gathering
8:00 am
Tuesday, May 24
We will meet at Panera in Anderson!
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Antiracism Ministry Team, Foothills Presbytery
Resources we have found challenging and inspirational:
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The historic Mother’s Day Offering
to benefit Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina
will be collected on Sunday, May 8.
This year’s Mother’s Day Offering card and pew envelopes will be mailed directly to your church in the next few weeks.
Again this year we are providing digital and printable materials you can use to promote the offering. Please visit the PCSC Mother’s Day Offering Toolkit in Dropbox where you can download materials.
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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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Each month for the remainder of 2022, we will send items from the PW Churchwide’s Justice and Peace Calendar. Feel free to share the information with friends and family, your congregation, and even post it in your newsletter.
Want the J&P calendar for the entire year?
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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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At the Festival of Homiletics, May 16–20, 2022, you’ll hear respected and thoughtful speakers present on the theme After the Storm: Preaching and Trauma.
To get the most out of the Festival of Homiletics, purchase the recordings for full access to on-demand content you can view anytime:
- All sessions in audio and video formats
- Bonus sermons and lectures from top speakers
- Private social networking with other pastors and leaders
of Homiletics, May 16–20, 2022.
We’re excited about the superb thinkers and teachers who will present on this year’s theme, “After the Storm: Preaching and Trauma”
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We are excited to announce that our
Since 1948, Camp Fellowship has provided unique summer programs for children & youth of all ages. We strongly believe camp is for everybody and work diligently to create exceptional programs that engage campers and guests in faith formation, community building, personal growth and development, and fun! Join us this summer for our 74th summer on the lake!
Also, Fellowship is offering a discount of $25
for the first 30 registrants from Foothills churches (CODE IS: Foothills25)
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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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MAY 2 @ 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
This is an online course is co-sponsored by the Center for Social Justice & Reconciliation (CSJR) and the Leadership Institute of Union Presbyterian Seminary.
Online Course Title: Awakening the Church to Social Justice
Course Dates: Mondays, May 2 – June 13, 2022, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. ET (No class meeting on May 30)
Course Description: This six-week, online course is designed to provide exposure to some foundational issues of Social Justice, with a view toward encouraging activism in local churches and communities. While historical and theoretical issues of injustice will be the doorway to engaging a more activist life, the focus of the course will ultimately be on possible avenues of practical application for social justice within the context of ministry.
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To view a FULL list of upcoming opportunities, visit:
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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
- May 9-13, 2022 (online)
- 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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Mark your Calendars for these Upcoming Events |
2022
April
28 Committee on Preparation for Ministry meeting
May
3 Youth Leaders Roundtable at Gather Gville
5 Committee on Ministry meeting
7 PYC Interviews
11 Music Ministry Leaders gathering by Zoom
12 Committee on Shared Ministry meeting at Fourth
19 Examinations Committee meeting
May 21, 2022
November 01, 2022
10:00 am - 2:00 pm Foothills Presbytery Stated Meeting # 121
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