March 14, 2024

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Foothills Presbytery's Ministers serving in Validated Ministries recently gathered for lunch to connect and enjoy a time of fellowship.

At the end of our time together, Elizabeth Jones closed us in prayer with these words:


O, Lord, blessed are the versatile, the adaptable, those who hear and answer your call to serve in ministries that utilize their best gifts and talents; those whose special type of ministry allows them to reflect your energy, imagination, and love in genuine and unique ways; ways that allow them to be your hands and feet in the world. Blessed are all of these who hear and accept your call and continue to bless those who are served by them. Lord, stay with us as our Lenton journey continues. May we be overwhelmed and humbled by your incomparable love and grace as we walk toward the cross. Amen

Pictured: Jennifer Fouse Sheorn, Tim Holland, Phil Beckwith (COM), Debbie Foster, Sandy Thrasher (COM), Elizabeth Jones, Beth Templeton, Mary Morrison, Nath Briley, Christi Brown, & Erin Farry (with daughter Maisie). Validated Ministers unable to attend: Charles Campbell, Kathy Chamlee, Jan Culpepper, Patrick Jinks, Merwyn Johnson, Trey Kuhne, Ralph May, Trey Meredith, Julie Meredith, and Denny Read.

Foothills Presbytery’s

Antiracism Ministry Team (AMT)

Your Antiracism Ministry Team (AMT) became a permanent committee of council in 2021. You can read more about our roles and responsibilities here. We have been meeting for three years now. Each month we center ourselves with a devotion before reflecting on events of church and culture. We discuss the many ways our committee members and our congregations are engaged in learning about and acting related to antiracism before processing assigned readings. The entire team agrees, “This is holy and sacred work.”


We are excited to share a 6-minute short film that gives a taste of one of our teams’ projects during 2022 and 2023. We interviewed seven people: pastors, elders, and members of churches in Foothills Presbytery. Their stories span two generations.

The film is just a hint of the full interviews. Ultimately the interviews will be the basis for a Courageous Conversations course (six to eight 45-minute sessions) that we will share with congregations.

Annual Reading of Session Minutes


This year we are grateful that we offer four opportunities to gather and review minutes. You may choose whichever option is better for you.

 

  • Tuesday, April 9 - noon at First Church (Spartanburg)
  • Thursday, April 11 - 6:00 pm at Central Church (Anderson)
  • Tuesday, April 23 - noon at the Presbytery office (Greenville)
  • Saturday, May 18 - Following the Stated Presbytery meeting at Limestone (Gaffney)


If you are unable to attend one of these gatherings, you may drop off your 2023 Session Minutes at the Presbytery Office, 2242 Woodruff Road, Simpsonville. Or you may contact Robin Morris at the Presbytery Office to make other arrangements. (Email is rmorris@foothillspresbytery.org or telephone: 864.288.5774.)


Please complete two forms that you will bring with your minutes to the review.

 (Click on the title of each form below to open the document.)

 

1.  Clerk’s Session Minutes Review Form  

 

2.   Financial Review & Audit Form

 

Thank you for your continued service to the church and for your faithful work as a Clerk. We look forward to seeing you at one of the regional gatherings where we can learn from each other as we complete the annual review of Session minutes.

 

Grace and Peace,



Representation & Review Committee

Foothills Peer Ministry

Youth Leaders Roundtable

is Thursday, April 4,

12 noon at Fourth

Music Ministry

Leaders 

is Wednesday, April 10,

9 am - Zoom

Christian Educators Gathering

is Monday, April 15,

11 - 2 pm at Limestone


Youth Leaders, Church Educators, and Music Leaders

are invited for a Sabbath Day on Monday, May 20

at Camp Fellowship. More information to come.

Dear Pastors and Clerks of Session, 

 

It is time to submit your Terms of Call for 2024.


The 2024 Annual Terms of Call is to be completed by Installed Ministers and Associate Ministers of the Word and Sacrament (Installed Teaching Elders).


*Click here for the Annual Terms of Call Form or you can also find it on the Foothills Presbytery website under Forms.


Please complete this form and submit by March 18, 2024.  


  • We will also accept a scan of the document approved by your congregation.
  • Stated Supply, Interim Ministers, or Commissioned Ruling Elders do not need to complete this form.  (Terms are reflected on your annual contract.)
  • The Ministers serving in Validated Ministry do not need to complete this form.


If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Warren Templeton at WTempleton@Foothillspresbytery.org or 864-288-5774.  

 

Foothills Presbytery Committee on Ministry

Foothills Earth Care Congregations


Fourth Presbyterian Church, Greenville, and North Anderson Community Church are both certified as Earth Care Congregations by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s Presbyterian Hunger Program through February 2025. The Earth Care Congregation certification is designed to recognize churches that make the commitment to take seriously God’s charge to “till and keep” the garden.

 

This status speaks to the serious commitment that Fourth and NACCP have made to care for God’s earth. To become an Earth Care Congregation, these congregations affirmed an Earth Care Pledge to integrate environmental practices and thinking into their worship, education, facilities, and outreach. 


Read More HERE

The congregations of Foothills Presbytery are blessed to have creative people among them.


Are you one of those creative people?

Are you musical?

Do you do woodworking?

Are you a weaver?

Do you dance?

Do you find yourself on a stage? Or backstage?

Are you a writer…of fiction, non-fiction, poetry?

Would you like to connect with a peer group in the presbytery?


Below is a link to a Google form that will gather names and email addresses of self-identified creatives in Foothills Presbytery. From this compilation we will send out a list of those persons who select the same type of creativity. For example, we’ll send a list names, email addresses, and affiliations of the textile/fiber artists to everyone who selected textile/fiber arts as a description of their creative art. It will be up to the members of the group to decide if they want to connect or gather in some additional way. But you’ll know that each other is out there!


We hope that eventually these groups might gather and create together – perhaps a “Foothills Creates Day” at Camp Fellowship. But for now we are just connecting people. This list will not be distributed beyond the presbytery and will not be used for soliciting artistic donations to any cause. It is simply a way of further weaving us together as a presbytery.


Please give the form link to everyone in your congregation who would be interested in participating in a creativity-based group. We welcome student creators as well. If you have questions, contact Lynn Miller at limestone.presby.pastor@gmail.com.

FOOTHILLS CREATES INTEREST FORM

300th Anniversary of the St. John Passion by J. S. Bach

Performed by SC Bach at Westminster (Gvlle) on March 24

SC Bach will mark the 300th anniversary of Johann Sebastian Bach's timeless St. John Passion with a performance of the oratorio on Sunday, March 24, at 4p at Westminster Presbyterian Church, Greenville.

 

Attendance is free; donations are always welcome. For more information, visit www.scbach.org or contact director@scbach.org.

Have you ever considered volunteering with the national church?


Perhaps you have a heart for disaster ministry or love extending compassion to God’s world. You’re invited to attend an information session about the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance National Response Team. The NRT is a team of national volunteers who represent the PC(USA) after natural and human-caused disasters. Learn more and watch the NRT Video HERE.


Spring Adult Retreat

April 5-6, 2024

at Camp Fellowship



KEYNOTE LED BY 

DIANNA WRIGHT

Director of Ecumenical Relations for the Office of General Assembly, PC(USA)



REGISTER HERE


The Fair is sponsored by Rainbow PUSH Coalition and NCNW (National Council of Negro Women), and hosted by the Greenville Drive Minor League Baseball Team in honor of Jackie Robinson Day.

 

We invite you, your members, students, parents, and youth directors to join us for the 2024 King Legacy HBCU Fair and to stay for the Jackie Robinson Day baseball game which will follow. Admission to the 2024 King Legacy HBCU Fair is free to the public. Admission to the Jackie Robinson Day baseball game and meal vouchers are complimentary for all HBCU Fair participants.  

 

Our goal is to create a unique HBCU experience through sharing information, onsite application, admission, financial aid consideration, and of course, HBCU entertainment. Representatives from 20 or more Historically Black Colleges and Universities will be present to meet you. Please plan to bring your Youth Department to participate. Vans and buses are welcome.

REGISTER HERE

Please join the

First Presbyterian (Spartanburg) Chambers Singers

Thursday, May 2, at 7:00 pm

in the

Church sanctuary

as they present their spring concert,

A Day in the Life.


The program will take you on a journey through the joys, sorrows, and wonder of the every day, beginning at dawn and concluding at bedtime. There will be time in the outdoors, a little romance, sorrow but also hope, the warmth of a summer evening and more. All the music is from living composers, with soloists from the group and a guest string quintet to help accompany several of the pieces.

 

The Chamber Singers comprise both church members and interested musicians from the community. For many years they sang at the Biltmore House’s Candlelight Christmas, and in addition to concerts in the Spartanburg area they have also performed at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC and at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC. There is no charge for the event.

The National Black Presbyterian Caucus has announced its 48th biennial conference in Charlotte, NC on June 19-21, 2025.

Learn more and subscribe to the NCPC newsletter here

Summer 2024 Registration is OPEN!


The first 25 campers who register from Foothills Presbytery churches will automatically get a $50 Campership!

When registering, use Campership Code: Foothills24

 

Foothills Presbytery has limited need-based scholarships available. Click Here: Scholarship Application

Scholarship Deadline is April 1.

First Church, Greer has two communion tablecloths that they would like to offer to any congregation within the presbytery. 

Both are sized 45 inches x 85 inches and are in good condition. Photos below. Arrangements for pick up can be made by calling the church office at 864-877-3612.

Reminder!


We are still receiving payments, contracts, and other communications to our physical address, which no longer has a mailbox.

 

PLEASE ensure that your front office, financial office, and all personnel who send any mailed correspondence use our NEW mailing address: 


Foothills Presbytery

P.O. Box 1118

Simpsonville, SC 29681-1118


Thank you!

South Carolina Inn at Montreat

"Your Home in the Mountains"

 

Maybe you need an inexpensive place to stay for a Montreat conference, or a place for personal relaxation and renewal, or a place for a family gathering in the mountains, or a place to stay while you explored all there is to do in the Black Mountain and Asheville area. The South Carolina Inn at Montreat might be just the place you need.

 

The South Carolina Inn at Montreat, "Your Home in the Mountains," is a hidden gem. It consist of the William Brearley Home (on the left in the picture above), a 3 story lodge style accommodation, with two indoor gathering areas, a porch full of rocking chairs, and a gas log fireplace. On the right in the above picture, are the Kirk Apartments. They eight apartments, offer breathtaking views of the valley. These apartments vary in their accommodations and kitchen arrangements. Two are designed to accept people with physical challenges. The Suite Carolina, attached to the William Brearley Home, but with a separate entrance will supply two persons in upscaled accommodations. The Suite and apartments have both heat and air-conditioning.

 

Take time to download the brochure and visit www.scinnatmontreat.org for more information or to make a reservation online. Questions? Call 828-669-7460.

 

We would love to see you at The Inn!

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 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

Presbyterian College is excited to offer a new program focused on fundraising, philanthropy, stewardship, and other giving initiatives for congregations and other faith-related organizations. PC is proud to partner with the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy (Indiana University) to offer the Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising (ECRF).


This unique partnership enables this outstanding course to be offered in the southeast region. The executive certificate program provides the research, tools, and customized training to meet the growing needs of leaders in religious communities and fundraisers of faith-based organizations. The focus of the ECRF is on the cultural, organizational, and philanthropic practices unique to religious institutions. These practices in turn enable donors motivated by spiritual and religious values to experience the joy of generous giving.


This would be an ideal program for clergy or other faith leaders as well as stewardship or advancement staff members in religious communities, schools, or service organizations. For PC(USA) pastors, there is also a scholarship offered through the Presbyterian Foundation to offset some of the costs of attendance.  


Program Dates: May 20-22, 2024 (3 hour online component afterwards)


Location: Covenant Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC

Sign Up
Presbyterian Foundation Scholarship Information

2024 Financial Forums


2024 is here! I am happy to announce that we will continue our quarterly financial gatherings of treasurers, finance committee chairs, pastors, and others (all are welcome). While we will not be meeting first quarter, we will be meeting on the following dates:


  • April 23
  • July 30
  • October 29


Please mark your calendars accordingly and spread the word! I am looking forward to seeing everyone at these gatherings, if not before. 


Blessings,


Olanda Carr, Jr.

Senior Ministry Relations Officer – East Region

Toll Free:1-888-711-1318


Reminders from

your Stated Clerk


  • Changes in Foothills Presbytery's Terms of Call for Pastors 
  • Changes to the Book of Order (PCUSA)
  • Changes in the PCUSA Board Pensions Health Care Plan for Retirees and Pastors










For 75 years, One Great Hour of Sharing has provided Presbyterians a way to share God's love with our neighbors in need around the world.

 

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.

GIVE NOW
JUMP TO RESOURCES

On the Road to GA226 - Issue 7 - February 2024

Published on Feb 29, 2024


MID COUNCIL MINISTRIES

‘Along the Road’ podcasts: recent and upcoming episodes


Five new “Along the Road” podcast episodes have been made available since November, three from the “Encounter” series for mid council and church leaders and two “Nourish” episodes for deacons and ruling elders.


Listen to all Along the Road episodes directly from the Mid Council Ministries section of pcusa.org or from popular streaming services.


Click here for more information

Get ready for an exhilarating experience as we extend a warm invitation to the much-anticipated 2024 Southeast Region Conference! This year's event promises to be an inspiring celebration of unity, collaboration, and the incredible diversity that makes our region truly special. Embrace the power of unity as we explore the richness that comes from our diversity. This year's theme, "One Body, Many Parts," emphasizes the strength we gain when we come together, each contributing our unique talents, perspectives, and experiences for the greater good.


Stay tuned for more details, including registration information, in the coming weeks. We can't wait to gather as one body with many parts, united for the greater good!


https://nationalnbpc.org/

Opportunity for High School Youth

JULY 22-27, 2024

PRESBYTERIAN COLLEGE, CLINTON, S.C.


Join us for an enriching five-day gathering at Presbyterian College, Clinton, S.C., where rising high school juniors and seniors will come together to explore their callings and gifts for leadership in the church. 

Co-hosted by the Miller Summer Youth Institute at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and the Office of Spiritual Life at Presbyterian College, this unique event offers students the chance to learn from experienced faculty and staff from both institutions, to delve into vocational discernment activities, and to engage in guided theological reflection. This gathering promises to be a transformative experience for those seeking to explore their callings and who want to learn more about what the path to leadership in the church might look like! 

Students can expect to engage in group discernment activities, enjoy downtime on the Presbyterian College campus and in the City of Greenville, and participate in worship. Room and board will be provided on the PC campus. 

REGISTER

Charleston Atlantic Presbytery BUS transportation to St. Louis!


Transportation—Kelly Tours:

• Trip to St. Louis, MO takes 12 hours & 37 minutes. Bus will depart August 7, 2024

• Bus seats 56 passengers, to be comfortable we are looking for 40 ladies to commit. Last time we picked up ladies in Columbia & Spartanburg.

• There will be a Relay Driver and regular driver due to regulations.


Read More Here

We are pleased to announce Yale Divinity School’s first non-degree, online certificate program in Youth Ministry Leadership! This nine-month, digital, cohort-based program will launch in September 2024 focusing on three key areas: leadership theory in church organizations, theological and spiritual care for youth (with an focus on mental health), and empowerment, liberation and justice work with youth. 

 

Participants will learn from renowned YDS faculty including Willie Jennings, Joyce Mercer, Almeda Wright and more, other select learning institutions and the Yale Youth Ministry Institute network of experts and practitioners.

 

Applications are currently being accepted. Our inaugural cohort will be limited to 20 participants. Click here for more information and to apply. Questions? Email kelly.morrissey@yale.edu.

Apply for Montreat Summer Staff!


Do you know a young adult looking for a summer job? Montreat Conference Center is currently accepting applications for its 2024 Summer Staff season. All young adults who are at least one year out of high school are invited to apply.


Available positions cover a wide range of skills and interests such as A/V production, childhood education, marketing, environmental studies, hospitality, and more! All positions are paid and include the option to live on campus. Plus, certain positions may qualify for college credit.


This is a great opportunity to gain valuable job experience and enjoy life in our close-knit mountain community. If you think someone you know would be interested, please encourage them to apply at montreat.org/summer-staff!

Click here to see additional 

Available Jobs

on our website.

Mark your Calendars for these Upcoming Events

2024


March

14 Committee on Shared Ministry meeting

16 REC meeting

25 Antiracism Ministry Team meeting

28 Committee on Preparation for Ministry meeting


April

1 PDA National Response Team Info Session

4 Examinations, Youth Leaders Roundtable, and Committee on Ministry meeting



Foothills Presbytery Featured Events


Foothills Presbytery Calendar




2024 Foothills Presbytery Stated Meetings

  • May 18, 2024, at Limestone
  • August 3, 2024 (Virtual)
  • November 12, 2024
Quicklinks

Camp Fellowship

Resource Center of Foothills Presbytery

Stewardship of Creation Connections Feb-March 2024 Newsletter