Foothills Presbytery News
June 26, 2025
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Pastors, Youth Leaders, Educators:
You’re Invited to a Listening Session!
We need your input!
Join us as we explore big questions together and help us shape the future of God’s church in Foothills Presbytery. We are holding several listening sessions across the presbytery and we want everyone’s voice to be heard, including yours.
If you are unable to join in your region, please feel free to participate in another gathering if that date is more convenient….Or you may want join more than one!
Click here for the full schedule!
Listening Sessions for Ruling Elders and Validated Ministers will be added soon.
Responses are appreciated to LeAnne White.
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CSM Mission &
Outreach News
During 2025, the Mission and Outreach team of the Foothills Presbytery Committee on Shared Ministry will highlight partner ministries and mission opportunities every month. Each month's newsletter will include ways to engage in the featured ministry on the calendar to the left.
June Mission Newsletter
Pride Month
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Music Ministry Leaders
Our next gathering is Wednesday,
July 16 at noon at John Knox, to finalize plans for the hymn festival in August!
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Youth Leaders Roundtable
The next gathering will be
Thursday, August 7 at 10 am at the Presbytery office.
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Christian Educators
Our next gathering is August 18
at First Pres Anderson.
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Font and Faith
is an initiative that is committed to walking with and resourcing churches and families as we live into the promises made in baptism.
There are several ways for you to be involved – Summits for pastors, educators, and congregational leaders and one-day Intergenerational Regional events (see below) for families which are happening between August 2025 and February 2026.
Join us for an informational session on Zoom every Tuesday in June at 2:00 EDT
to learn more.
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PDA Western North Carolina
Work Team Site
Volunteer groups to help residents rebound from Hurricane Helene now have three new options for housing and hospitality.
Canton Pres, First Pres - Spruce Pine, & New Hope Pres in Asheville. If you have site-specific questions, contact Anne Waple; more details here.
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Hurricane Preparedness
Hurricane season begins June 1st. Now is the time to prepare and get ahead of the storm. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division website has tons of great information for families.
You can also download the 2025 South Carolina Hurricane Guide for essential information.
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Are you looking for resources for Christian Education and Ministry?
If so, follow this link to find what you need for group study, leadership training, ministry building, Sunday School classes, and children's ministry.
You may use the interactive catalog or download the pdf version.
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Certification in Pastoral Crisis Intervention (PCI)
Charleston Southern University (CSU) – Dewey Center for Chaplaincy, in collaboration with the International Critical Incident Stress Foundation (ICISF), is pleased to offer the world’s first university-based certification in Pastoral Crisis Intervention (PCI). This examination-based certification is an attestation of knowledge in crisis intervention within the pastoral context.
Read More
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Frontera de Cristo
Beginning in 2026, FDC's budget will increase substantially not only because of the financial responsibility of the two mission co-worker positions but also because of the exciting expansion in the Children's Enrichment Ministry and continued growth of the Love Mercy, Do Justice ministry.
Donate today so that FDC will be well positioned to finish this year strong, and be able to expand its impact in 2026.
DONATE NOW
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South Carolina Inn Winterization Campaign
The South Carolina Inn at Montreat has developed a campaign to raise funds for a winterization / weatherization project for the William Brearley House at the South Carolina Inn so that it can accommodate guests year round. Also, as the area recovers from the impact of Hurricane Helene, an updated Inn will be able to host groups working on recovery efforts. For more information, download the full document.
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A Youth-led Community Garden Activity
The Presbyterian Giving Catalog has witnessed first-hand how the power of individuals and groups make a significant and lasting impact for people and communities. With this in mind, we have created a new activity, a Community Garden, to be enjoyed by all members of your church who are interested.
Download the newly released Giving Catalogue Phase III or Phases I through III and get started today.
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Synod Grants & Christian Education Scholarships
Hemphill Grant: Established by Mary E. Hemphill through the Synod of South Carolina. Grants to small churches with a membership of 100 or less in South Carolina, for church building improvement/relief. Deadline for applications to this grant is October 1, 2025.
For more information on this and other
Synod of South Atlantic Grants,
visit Synod of South Atlantic Grants.
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Small & Mighty
Leaders of small membership churches in Florida, Georgia, and South Carolina
are invited to the Association of Smaller Congregations (ASC) Monthly Zoom Conversation
We meet on the First Tuesday of the month from 7-8 pm EST
Register to Receive the Zoom Link
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Synod of South Atlantic 1st Wednesday SACK Lunch
South Atlantic Community Knowledge monthly zoom conversations.
When you register here, (or use the bar code) each month you will receive a reminder and zoom link to attend the 1st Wednesday SACK Lunch conversation (noon - 1:30pm ET).
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New Around the Table
Quick Sheets - free downloadable:
Church Leader Quick Sheet:
Includes ideas and QR code to examples and printables to create and give to families.
Parent Quick Sheet: This one is for parents and grandparents with suggestions for short family moments together to share a prayer, a story, give thanks, or notice where they see God.
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The first 25 campers who register for summer camp from Foothills Presbytery churches will automatically get a $50 Campership! When registering, use Campership Code: Foothills50
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Leader Formation Webinars
Next Session: Pondering God with Presbyterians: What Does It Mean to Say “Jesus Saves”?
Webinar July 17, 2025 | 7:00 - 8:30 pm (EDT) Registration Deadline July 9, 2025
All Webinar Series Recordings
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We have several items this month
that are being offered as donations
on a first come, first served basis.
Please see contact person
listed below with photos for more information:
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Nicholtown Church has several items they would like to donate:
- Pulpit
- Communion table
- Baptismal font
- Choir Robes: 11 green and 13 burgundy
- Wooden Chairs: About 30 wooden chairs
Please contact the presbytery office if you are interested.
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Church Sign Letters
St. Giles has acquired a new church sign, and they have letters that they no longer need. They are 6.75" tall, and the width varies. If anyone can use them, please call the church office, 864-244-4887, or email Wanda Allison, wanda@stgilespres.org.
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Small church closing -
donating Baptismal Font & Communion Table:
Contact Linda Thompson: linjackson213@gmail.com if interested or with questions.
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Presbyterians for Earth Care is launching an exciting new program: Young Adult Environmental Justice Advocacy Network!
This network will bring together people ages 18-35 who are working for environmental justice in their local communities and congregations, in the PC(USA), and in our nation. Interested? Please click here to complete their interest form!
Questions: Contact Emma Marshall - pecyaorganizer@gmail.com.
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The Presbyterian Promise Scholarship
The Presbyterian Promise Scholarship is a commitment by Presbyterian College (PC) to recognize students for their merit and affiliation with the Presbyterian Church. Students who are of members of Presbyterian churches, or who attend Presbyterian/Reformed secondary schools, will receive a scholarship for a minimum of $24,000 per year for up to four years—that’s an $96,000 commitment to you.
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Presbyterian College Summer Youth Ministry Experience 2025
July 21 - 24
A week of service and discernment, primarily for middle school youth, on the campus of Presbyterian College and the surrounding community. If you have any questions, please email Buz Wilcoxon at bwilcoxon@presby.edu
Click HERE for FULL Flyer.
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August 4-6, 2025!
2025-26 Horizons Bible Study at Columbia Theological Seminary
Gather with other PW Bible Study leaders to dive deep into the study with author, Rhashell Hunter. Comfortable and affordable housing is available on a first come, first served basis.
For questions, contact Helen Blier: blierh@ctsnet.edu.
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Prism 2025 Event
This online leadership event is available through Union Presbyterian Seminary and the Center for Excellence in Christian Education. The event this year is on August 9, 2025, with a focus on stewardship.
Click here for more information.
Questions: Email Renda R. Brinson
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2025 Women’s Connection
Pull Up a Chair
August 8–10, 2025
Women’s Connection 2025 will be a time for women to connect with old and new friends, a time to care for yourself; a time for space and Sabbath.
More Information
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The Art of Transitional Ministry
is again offered at the Montreat Conference Centre during the week of August 10–15, 2025.
If you are curious, or need a week in the North Carolina Mountains to discern your future in ministry, go to https://montreat.org/events/transitional-25 for more information.
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S.T.E.P.S. 2025
Saturday, August 23, 2025
(Pre-registration deadline August 12)
This event will offer two workshop sessions, with worship in between. A time for fellowship and lunch will follow the second workshop and a boxed lunch may be purchased for an additional cost. The preacher of the day, The Rev Cecelia “CeCe” Armstrong, will offer a workshop during this time entitled Lesson Planning for Learners.
Register HERE: https://capresbytery.org.
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Foothills Music Ministry Leaders present
1st Annual HYMNFEST
August 24 at 4:30 pm
at John Knox Church
35 Shannon Drive, Greenville
Free Event - Love offerings accepted.
Featuring Combined Choirs and Musicians from: Pickens, First Spartanburg, First Greer, Seneca, Eastminter, St. Andrews, Walhalla, John Knox, Westminster Greenville, Central Anderson, Limestone, Liberty
Full Flyer
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ZOOM Meeting
for Church Record Keepers
August 27, 3 pm
Keepers of church records will want to join this ZOOM meeting on August 27, 3 pm. Join Presbyterian Historical Society archivist David Staniunas to discover how to handle your own congregation’s records for the long term and learn how we do it at your national archives. More information will be forth coming.
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The Leadership Institute - TWO New September events!
Compassion Across Borders - September 16-18, 2025, a call for solidarity with, and justice for, migrants in the church. Learn more and register here!!
BTSR Legacy Celebration - September 23-25, 2025, in collaboration with the Baptist House of Studies and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Virginia. Learn more and register here!
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2025 Fall Craft Week
A Kaleidoscope of Art!
September 21–26, 2025
Come gain proficiency in an art form of your choice, and enjoy the community of other artists during a fall week in the mountains. Bring a group from your church, community, family, or come alone. We can help you figure out the details! Learn More
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PW’s Triennial Gathering
Synod of South Atlantic and Synod of Living Waters
Epworth by the Sea, St. Simons, GA
October 17-19, 2025
Our PW Synod Gathering, held once every three years, is an opportunity for women to nurture faith, exchange ideas, discover mission opportunities, strengthen relationships, and relax. Participants will enjoy workshops, tours, plenary sessions with inspiring speakers, worship, music, Bible study, and more.
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Korea Peace Journey:
October 21 – 30, 2025
Presbyterian Peace Network for Korea (PPNK) Mission Network of PCUSA. Led by
Kurt Esslinger & Unzu Lee, Mission Co-Workers
Registration: May 1, 2025
Please contact for more information at: peacenetworkforkorea@gmail.com
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Border to Border
Delegation Coffee
Migration & Faith
will be held October 31 through November 8. Travel to the Guatemala border and learn about the Café Justo cooperative. Dates include an introductory visit with all of Frontera de Cristo's ministries.
Download the flyer here.
Register and pay online.
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Angels are Watching Over Me
Rev. Meg Flannagan, Co-Pastor at St. Giles
Jun 19, 2025
The last year was a heavy lift for our region. Hurricane Helene, stormy politics, and wildfires worried and fatigued us all. Children noticed. They listened. They wondered. When spring thunderstorms arrived, they asked, “Is this another hurricane? Is this a severe storm? Should we sleep downstairs tonight?” Hearing these anxieties expressed from the children at St. Giles, we decided to focus our annual Vacation Bible School program on biblical people who were in danger and afraid, and the angels who helped them. We selected four stories: Hagar & Ishmael (Genesis); Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel); Daniel in the lions’ den (Daniel); Peter freed from jail (Acts 12). Then, we took time – months! – to reflect on potential activities, artwork, music, and more. We settled on the theme “Angels Are Watching over Me.” Read More
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Mark your Calendars for these Upcoming Events
2025
June
26 Committee on Preparation for Ministry meeting
July
3-4 Office Closed in Observance of July 4!
8 Stewardship Committee meeting
10 Investment Committee meeting
15 Think Tank meeting
16 Music Ministry Leaders meeting
21 Disaster Commission meeting
31 Financial Officers Forum
Foothills Presbytery Featured Events
Foothills Presbytery Calendar
Foothills Presbytery Stated Meetings
- November 11, 2025, at Nazareth
- February 17, 2026, at St. Giles
- May 16, 2026 - Location TBD
- November 10, 2026, at First, Spartanburg
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