February 17, 2023

GIVE. ACT. PRAY.

The scale of the disaster facing Syria and Turkey after the Feb. 6 earthquake is becoming clearer. The 7.8-magnitude quake and its aftershocks have left more than 35,000 people dead and thousands more injured; these numbers will rise as search and rescue continues. Buildings have been reduced to rubble, and roads and bridges have been severely damaged, resulting in dangerous conditions for first responders. In some places, such as Aleppo, this destruction is compounding the damage of the now 11-year war in Syria.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is providing emergency relief and short-term recovery in the impacted areas through long-standing partners in Syria, in addition to ACT Alliance members in Syria and Turkey, all of whom are already on the ground. PDA will remain active throughout the entire recovery process, accompanying our partners in the area as they determine long-term program needs and providing financial support for building and resilience.

GIVE:

Financial support for relief efforts can be designated to DR999999-ST earthquake. Gifts can be made online by clicking here, by phone at (800) 872-3283, or by check made payable to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) with “DR999999-ST Earthquake” written on the memo line and mailed to Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), P.O. Box 643700, Pittsburgh, PA 15264-3700.

ACT:

• Download and use the bulletin insert

• Stay informed and like us on Facebook

• PDA is supported by your gifts to One Great Hour of Sharing. Download resources to

promote the offering with your congregation.

PRAY:

God of mercy, we pray the people of Syria and Turkey, and all other regions affected. In the face of the terrible images that come to us, we ask that your Spirit, O God, once again move in the midst of chaos and destruction.

May your Spirit be with the first responders, neighbors putting their lives at risk to help those around them, and anyone assisting during this time of emergency. May you provide protection, energy and strength through your presence. Be with them as they search for loved ones, guide them during the long hours and allow them to find hope through your Spirit.

Dear God, as the days go by, provide wisdom and discernment to the local government agencies. May they be instruments of your grace as they care for the people affected. That they may receive help and support from countries near and far, and that, as they aid, may there be enough for everyone.

As the stories are shared, and the recovery process continues, may your Spirit be with those who will be called to listen and to be agents of peace and hope.

Dear God, be with those

who weep,

who are angry,

who have lost hope,

who mourn out loud and in silence,

who don’t know what the future will bring.

May the prayers of your children rise to you.

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 led by the Foothills Retirement community staff & residents, with the Rev. Lerone Wilder, Ph.D. 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.

Book of Proposed Amendments to the Constitution

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.

Cost for in person- $60 per participant for workshop including lunch.
Registration deadline – Tuesday, April 11.
Register early – space is limited.

Please contact your church or Presbytery if you need financial assistance to attend.

Practical Advice for Churches with Few Children

At the APCE (Association of Partners in Christian Education) Conference last month Tori Smith, a diaconal minister and professional Christian educator in the Presbyterian Church in Canada shared her response to a frequently asked question, “What to do when the kids are few?” Read her response here.

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.

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.

Foothills Peer Ministry

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.

Youth Leaders Roundtable

Thursday, March 2

12 noon

Trinity Presbyterian

405 Trailblazer Drive Travelers Rest, SC 29690

*Please let Pressley know you want to be included for lunch.

Music Ministry Leaders

Our next Zoom gathering

will be

Wednesday, March 8

at 9 am by ZOOM.

CRE Cohort

Next Gathering is

April 11

at 12:30 pm

at the Presbytery office

Bring your lunch

In the fall of 2022, Presbyterian College unveiled a new strategic plan that introduced a new market position—America’s Innovative Service College. The strategic plan includes seven pillars of focus, one of which emphasizes our Presbyterian-relatedness. PC’s distinctive approach uses innovative service as a tool of self-discovery, an amplifier of problem-solving skills, and a catalyst of curiosity. Some of the new church-related initiatives include:

THE PRESBYTERIAN PROMISE SCHOLARSHIP AN $80,000 SCHOLARSHIP OVER 4 YEARS FOR ALL STUDENTS WHO ARE PRESBYTERIAN
SEMINARY ARTICULATION AGREEMENTS
CENTER FOR SOUTH KOREAN AND EAST ASIAN STUDIES
EXECUTIVE CERTIFICATE IN RELIGIOUS FUNDRAISING

Read Full Flyer

Presbyterian College is partnering with Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s Lake Institute on Faith and Giving to offer, for the first time in the southeast region, the Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising (ECRF).

The Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising (ECRF) is designed for religious leaders in faith-based organizations and institutions who wish to learn more about the spirituality of fundraising and gain a core foundation in fundraising principles. The ECRF covers four key topics and includes select required reading to be completed in advance and the completion of a final project. Read More

GREENVILLE CONFERENCE DATES

MAY 22-24, 2023

WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

2310 AUGUSTA STREET

GREENVILLE, SC 29605

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.

Give Now

Jump to Resources

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.

March 19, former pastor, Rev. Matt Matthews will return to lead worship (10am).
April 23, former pastor, Rev. George Wilkes will return to lead worship (10am).
April 30, 10am worship will be held in the current Fellowship Hall (original Sanctuary)
May 7, Anniversary Sunday! A special luncheon will be held after worship.

Potluck suppers will be held on Saturdays, March 18 and April 22, to allow people to visit with Rev. Matthews and Rev. Wilkes.

Summer Camp Registration is LIVE!

DID YOU KNOW...

...that 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!

...that the first 25 campers who register from Foothills Presbytery churches will automatically get a $50 Campership

...that Foothills Presbytery has limited need-based scholarships available. *See Camp Scholarship Application linked below.

...that this is the 75th Summer on the lake!

Check out the 75th Anniversary Celebration Activities below and on the Camp Fellowship Website

Summer Camp Registration

Camp Scholarship Application

Learn More

A resource we have found challenging & inspirational:

Family Matters to the People of God by Anita Coleman | Presbyterians Today

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!

Faith Formation Leader Connection

With Stephanie Fritz, Coordinator, Office of Christian Formation

and Miatta Wilson, Mission Associate, Office of Christian Formation

2nd Thursdays at 1PM EST and 4th Tuesdays at 8pm EST each month

One-hour sessions: to share resources on the topic and

then open to general conversation, questions, and sharing

https://zoom.us/j/92294289022?pwd=L3c1VlQ3VU9zVUU5cEFaMTZPYnRUUT09

Meeting ID: 922 9428 9022 Passcode: 165642

March Topic: Resources for Elder/Deacon training

Thursday, March 9 at 1PM EST Tuesday, March 28 at 8PM EST

April Topic: Adult Resources

Thursday, April 13 at 1PM EST Tuesday, April 25 at 8PM EST

May Topic: Children’s Resources

Thursday, May 11 at 1PM EST Tuesday, May 23 at 8PM EST

Ambassador Meetings are just around the Corner!

Learn more about Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina and ways that you and your congregation can continue to support this vital ministry to older adults.

Thursday, March 23 The Clinton Presbyterian Community

801 Musgrove Street, Clinton

Thursday, March 30 The Foothills Retirement Community

205 Bud Nalley Drive, Easley

Registration begins are 10:30 am, and the program begins at 11 am. We invite you to join us for a lunch afterward. Campus tours will be available.

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.

Grant timeline

Application opens: March 15, 2023

Q&A session 1: March 20, 2023 (1:00 – 2:30 PM ET). Sign up here.

Q&A session 2: April 13, 2023. Sign up here.

Q&A session 3: May 3, 2023 (1:00 – 2:30 PM ET). Sign up here.

Application deadline: May 15, 2023 at 11:59 PM ET

Award notification: July 14, 2023

Funding available: September 1, 2023

Grantee convening: September 25 - 27, 2023, in Durham, NC.

Applicants are asked to commit to attend the convening. This convening will bring all recipients together for a collaborative learning experience as they begin their balcony time. All reasonable expenses for the retreat will be paid separately from the grant.

Final reports due: March 31, 2025

LEARN MORE

Mission Trip to the

Ferncliff Disaster Assistance Center

Little Rock, Arkansas

September 10-15, 2023

Join Foothills Presbytery for a mission trip to the Ferncliff Disaster Assistance Center in Little Rock, Arkansas. Ferncliff is home to a 10,000 sq ft Disaster Assistance Center, commonly referred to as “the DAC”. They have a covenant relationship with Church World Service (CWS) and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA). The DAC serves as a site for the CWS Gifts of the Heart kits, as well as the national warehouse for tools and equipment used in the PDA volunteer villages around the country. Read Full Flyer

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!

2024 Churchwide Gathering for Presbyterian Women

August 8 - 11, 2024

St. Louis, Missouri

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.

COVENANT CONNECTIONS

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God is Love

Feb 9, 2023

Beth Lindsay Templeton, 2022

I have heard that God is love my entire life. I have said that God is love numerous times, especially when preaching. I’ve seen it on inspirational cards and plaques. There has never been a time in my memory when I did not hear that God is love.

But there have been times when that knowledge was hard to believe. How can a God of love take a beloved friend or husband from me? How could a God of love allow one country to invade another? How could a God who is love allow lynchings, rapes, mass murders, and all the other ways humans are intolerable to each other?

And how could I fathom a God of love? The only thing I had to compare with is how individuals love me. One person’s love, as important and magnificent as that is, seemed rather inadequate. So God’s love…as great and holy as that is…seemed inadequate. How could I grasp the wonder of God’s love as it seems to be proclaimed in scripture and sermons and devotional writings?