March 16, 2023

Antiracism Collaboration

On March 13, Rev. Erika Rembert Smith met with the Antiracism Ministry Team at the Foothills Presbytery Office. Erika chairs the Anti-Racism Committee in Central Florida Presbytery. She shared information about the history, activities and goals of their team. The Foothills Antiracism Ministry Team also shared our history, current activities, and hopes for our next year. This collaboration was affirming and holy. Rev. Smith is the Pastor of Washington Shores Presbyterian Church in Orlando.

Resources we have found challenging & inspirational:

TILL "A Mother's Power" (movie)

"Who Lynched Willie Earle?: Preaching to Confront Racism" by William H. Willimon

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.

Registration deadline – Tuesday, April 11.

SC 5 Lay School Spring Semester

Last weekend, the SC5 Lay School met at Presbyterian College for the 2023 Spring Semester. Foothills Presbytery had seven students in attendance: 2 were taking their first class and 2 have completed the required coursework and took the offered elective.

During the graduation ceremony on Saturday evening, Janis Blocker was recognized for 23 years of faithful service as the Lay School Registrar. Donnie Woods, the Dean of the Lay School, presented Janis with a certificate of recognition, letters of gratitude from each of the five SC presbytery leaders, flowers, and a gift card for a stay at the Biltmore Inn.

Donnie passed the baton of Dean to Debbie Foster, the Foothills Presbytery Leader and Stated Clerk. Debbie will serve as Dean beginning with the 2023 Fall Semester. Donnie’s service to the Lay School was honored at last fall’s graduation ceremony. Words of appreciation and love were shared by students and professors for Donnie’s and Janis’ service and commitment to the SC5 Lay School.

Robin Morris, our Associate Stated Clerk, will become the registrar for the SC5 Lay School in June.

SC5 Lay School Fall Semester will be October 13 - 14, 2023.

Foothills Peer Ministry

Christian Educators Gathering

Monday, March 27

12 noon at Fort Hill

Clemson, SC

VBS & Summer Schedule

resources and ideas.

Youth Leaders Roundtable

Thursday, April 6

12 noon

at First, Anderson

CRE Cohort

Tuesday, April 11

12:30 pm

at the Presbytery office

Bring your lunch

Music Ministry Leaders

Our next Zoom gathering

will be

Wednesday, April 12

at 9 am by ZOOM.

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

.....And the South Carolina Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Team (SCPDAT) are joining together to recruit and train volunteers from our churches and Presbyteries who are interested in learning how to be a Crisis Cleanup Volunteer in the event of

a natural disaster impacting our state.

"Crisis Cleanup is a collaborative disaster work order management platform that improves coordination, reduces duplication of efforts, improves efficiency, and improves volunteers' experience.”

Volunteers can be anyone who can use a computer or a phone, and has the willingness to listen to survivors tell their story as they seek help from volunteer work groups who are responding to the disaster. As a Crisis Cleanup (CC) volunteer you complete an online “form” on the CC website for each survivor you speak with, which will then alert work teams as to who needs what kind of help/assistance. Once trained, volunteers are asked to commit to at least 1 hour/day, calling survivors of a disaster and inputting their information into the CrisisCleanup software.

This link will take you to the Crisis Cleanup website where you can learn more

about Crisis Cleanup and even watch the short training video.

CrisisCleanup is an ingenious tool that has been used to help thousands of

survivors across the USA to get the help they need in the aftermath of a disaster. SCPDAT seeks to train volunteers BEFORE a disaster happens in our state, so we can serve survivors in a more timely way. Training is easily accomplished by watching an online video with a follow-up Zoom meeting with a CC staff person to answer your questions.

If you are interested in volunteering or have questions, please contact Sally Dyer ([email protected]), Foothills Presbytery SCPDAT member.

Mr. Rogers Day Resources

Fred Rogers was a minister of the Word and Sacrament in the PC(USA) and a notable public figure whose work around peace and reconciliation are worth remembering.

Rogers was also a pioneer in the world of Christian education and formation of young children. March 20th was his birthday and the day that the PC(USA) has chosen to highlight all we can learn from his work. The Presbyterian Peacemaking Program and the Office of Theology and Worship have partnered with the Office of Christian Formation to provide resources for celebrating Mr. Rogers Day. Find an intergenerational worship resource and a hymn as well as ideas of 15 ways to celebrate, a coloring post, and links to various curricula; all these can be used at any time during the year. The resource Building a Neighborhood Together was recently updated and soon the updated four-session Peacemaking in the Family resource will be available.

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.

Learn More

Presbyterian College 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 will be the first time this incredible program will be taught 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.

Registration and more information can be found HERE.

GREENVILLE CONFERENCE DATES

MAY 22-24, 2023

WESTMINSTER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

2310 AUGUSTA STREET

GREENVILLE, SC 29605

Columbia Theological Seminary

is hosting a virtual event about their

Doctor of Ministry (DMin) program

on Tuesday, March 28 from 7-8 p.m. ET.

If you’re curious about the DMin program, this is a great opportunity to hear from alums about the impact of their studies on their ministries in various contexts. Register here.

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.

in a world of disaster, hunger, and oppression

Millions of people lack access to sustainable food sources, clean water, sanitation, education, and opportunity.

One Great Hour of Sharing Daily Calendar of Family Activities

Each day at or after meal time, consider these reflections and questions for the week ahead. Place a coin or a “gift” in your fish coin bank or a jar, and end by saying the prayer of the week or one of your own.

Monday

After a natural disaster, it can be hard to find places to cook or to even find food. Say a prayer for those struggling with food insecurity and give a gift for each meal you ate today.

Tuesday

Using the online map, find a Presbyterian Disaster Assistance partnership near where you live. Say a prayer for those recovering from natural and human-caused disasters. Organize a group to make Gift of the Heart kits.

Wednesday

Communication can be very difficult after a disaster. Give a gift for every call, text or email you received from a loved one today.

Thursday

In some countries, people have to travel for miles to find clean water, especially after a disaster. Share a gift to help clean water reach people who need it.

Friday

Who are the helpers in your life? Whom do you call upon when you face difficult situations? Thank someone in your life for the specific ways they support you.

Find daily activities for the entire Season of Lent HERE.

Give Now

Jump to Resources

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

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

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

Save the Date

Reclaiming Our Calling:

Deacons & Ruling Elders and the Care of Souls

A Leader Formation Webinar

April 27, 2023

7:00 - 8:30 pm (eastern)

Are you seeking a more vibrant ministry of pastoral care that does not solely rely on the pastor? Have you ever wondered what to say when visiting someone who is navigating cancer or a chronic illness? Do you find yourself struggling between how to validate people's emotions and how to assure them of the promises of God? Join us as we explore the care of souls in a congregational context and the role that ruling elders and deacons play in that important work.

More information will soon be available here

You are invited to

Come See Columbia Seminary!

For almost two hundred years, Columbia Seminary has nurtured pastors and leaders for the Presbyterian Church and beyond. Come experience your seminary for a day!

Come See Columbia Day - April 20, 2023

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

Download the Border-to-Border Registration Form and pay by check

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!

Introducing the

2022–2023 PW/Horizons Bible Study

The 2022–2023 PW/Horizons Bible study, Celebrating Sabbath: Accepting God’s Gift of Rest and Delight, by Carol M. Bechtel, is truly buzzworthy! That’s why this series of emails has taken flight! Don’t miss an update—check your inbox often. This is the ninth in the series!

2024 Churchwide Gathering for Presbyterian Women

August 8 - 11, 2024

St. Louis, Missouri

March is Women's History Month

PW wants to hear from you! How will you or your group observe Women's History Month? Click here to email the PW your story and photos.

If you need ideas, consider the following:

The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution, and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum commemorate and encourages the study, observance, and celebration of the vital role of women in American history.

Click HERE for Full Fyler

Click here to see additional

Available Jobs

postings on our

website.

COVENANT CONNECTIONS

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Introducing Valkyrie Supply…

Mar 9, 2023

Introducing Valkyrie Supply: How the Creation of a Basic Needs Hub at Converse University Revealed a Communal Commitment to Love of Neighbor

By Rev. Eliza Smith DeBevoise, University Chaplain at Converse

I began as the University Chaplain at Converse in August of 2021. Very shortly into my time there, I started noticing that the small food pantry (run out of the Office of Spiritual Life) was receiving more and more traffic. By talking with my students, I began to realize that our small-scale model was not meeting the needs of the student body sufficiently. I partnered with Rebecca Parrish, our director of institutional grants, and we began researching food insecurity nationwide on college campuses.

By connecting with a national non-profit called Swipe Out Hunger, we were able tailor a food insecurity survey to the specifics of our university. I sent this out in January of 2022 and as we expected, our level of need was higher than our current model could address. Eventually, we decided to launch a basic needs hub at Converse, co-locating an expanded food pantry with personal hygiene products and a career closet. We named our project the “Valkyrie Supply”. Through community partners, individual donors and grants, we were able to raise over $30,000 to renovate a space in our student center to make this vision a reality. We had our Grand Opening on February 3rd and we are proud to now be able to offer more comprehensive supplemental support to our student body. We quickly learned that 1 in 3 college students are facing hunger nationwide (Why college hunger – Swipe Out Hunger – Swipe Out Hunger (swipehunger.org). Read More