Foothills Presbytery News

August 27, 2026

The 2nd Annual Foothills Presbytery Hymnfest was a huge success, featuring choirs and musicians from First Greer, Pickens, John Knox, First Spartanburg, Walhalla, St. Andrews, Seneca, Eastminster, Westminster, Trinity & Central.

Special thank you to John Knox for hosting this years event.

Click the video link on the left, or scroll through photos HERE.

2026 Hymnfest Bulletin

Small(er) Churches Gathering

On Monday, our small church leaders gathered at the Foothills Presbytery office to connect, listen, and share. We carved out space to talk about the unique joys, challenges, and questions shaping our congregations right now. It was a powerful time of encouragement, hearing signs of hope, and lifting each other up in ministry. Thank you to everyone who joined the conversation and encouraged us all!

FOOTHILLS PRESBYTERY

2026 - 2027 Youth Retreats

Middle School Retreat Event Page with Schedule & Forms

High School Retreat Page with Schedule & Forms

"The health of the church is deeply tied to the health of its leaders. Throughout the

listening groups, there was a clear recognition that leaders are being asked to carry

increasing complexity, often without sufficient support. Additionally, younger

generations are longing for connection, opportunities, and support.

"Bright Spots:

The next generation is central, not supplemental. Foothills Presbytery’s Youth Council stands as a powerful example of leadership development done well, shaping young people who are engaged, thoughtful, and deeply connected to their faith and the Church."

-Think Tank Report

Foothills Presbytery Peer Ministry

Music Ministry Leaders

Our next gathering is Wednesday, September 9, at 9:00 am, on Zoom.

Validated Ministers

Our next gathering is September 16,

12 noon at Re:Center.

RSVP with LeAnne here.

Youth Leaders Roundtable

The next meeting is

Thursday, September 17,

12 noon at Westminster, Greenville.

Christian Educators

Our next gathering is Monday, Sept 28,

12 noon at the Presbytery office.

Share your Photos with us!

There are so many wonderful events happening in our churches around Foothills this summer. We would love to hear from you! Please send photos, information and updates about your VBS, summer missions, Montreat Conferences, and any other special events you are willing to share!

Email them to LeAnne White at lwhite@foothillspresbytery.org!

SC5 School of Theology

Registration is Open!

Please click HERE to view the Fall 2026 booklet , which includes class information, schedule, professor bios, and more.

Connect your high school grad & college student with local Campus Ministers:

We are looking for ways to connect with your high school grads and other college students. UKirk/PSA Campus Ministries want to be prepared to offer a place for our students to engage in fellowship, worship, inspiration, and service.

Click here for more information!

Thornwell Announces new Church Relations Advisor: Ella Casto-Waters

A proud product of Foothills Presbytery, Ella grew up volunteering at Thornwell with her home church, First Greer. Both of her parents are PC(USA) ministers, and she is an ordained ruling elder. In her new role, Ella partners with church leaders to educate churches on Thornwell's programs, coordinate campus visits, and arrange volunteer opportunities.

If you would like to introduce yourself to Ella, please email her at ecastowaters@thornwell.org.

Side by Side

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS!

Did you know it takes 15-20 volunteers to make one day at Side By Side Respite happen John Knox Presbyterian Greenville, SC with our current enrollment? Our Friends are paired with a Volunteer, while another amazing Volunteer team helps prepare, serve, and clean up lunch.

Come join us on Monday, September 21, from 9 am - 1 pm for volunteer training at John Knox. Please let Laura know if you plan to attend: lreichen@johnknoxpres.org or 864-244-4053.

Click here for FLYER.

Synod of South Atlantic African-American Clergy and Educator Retreat

Wednesday, September 9 - Friday, September 11, 2026 | St. Simon's Island, GA

Facilitators: Rev. Neema Cyrus-Franklin & Rev. Erika Rembert Smith

The Around the Table Retreat Cohort Model is designed for parents, caregivers, church leaders, volunteers, and faith formation practitioners who are longing for deeper connection, meaningful spiritual practices, and practical ways to nurture faith in everyday life. Read more here!

When Faith Hurts:

Empowering the Faith Community to Recognize and Respond to Child Abuse & Sexual Assault

October 6-8th, 2026 at Holy Cross Episcopal Church 205 E College St, Simpsonville

This training will prepare attendees to recognize and respond to cases of sexual abuse, physical abuse, emotional abuse and neglect. We will discuss the prevalence of child abuse, the impact of abuse on spirituality, the interest offenders have in churches and faith-based camps and schools, and will offer suggestions for working to assist a child in coping with maltreatment. Register

2026-2027 Minister ID cards

are now available for minister members of Foothills Presbytery.

Please contact LeAnne White if you would like to pick up your card.

Montreat Conference Center

South Carolina Inn at Montreat

You can book your next room with a view of beautiful Montreat HERE.

Help Foothills Presbytery support the on-going mission of SC Inn at Montreat: Give via this GiveButter campaign link.

Practical & Innovative Resources for CHURCHES

Empowering your ministry with essential tools, training, and support to serve your community and foster vibrant congregations.

PRC - Practical Resources for Churches

Commemorating 70 years of the

Fellowship of the Least Coin, 1956–2026

As God continues to bless the Fellowship of the Least Coin, two new FLC resources are ready to download and share. The meditations and prayers in the new C ircle of Prayer, volume 28, Sharing Christ’s Healing Peace in the World, acknowledge that although injustice, poverty, violence and suffering are ever-present realities in this world, Christians are uniquely empowered and equipped to bring Christ’s healing peace to neighbors and nations. And a new in-gathering liturgy is also available.

Presbyterian Women | PC USA Women's Organization

Church Financial Leadership

Grants Available Now

If you are a pastor, commissioned ruling elder (CRE), a leader of a 1001 New Worshiping Community or a member of a stewardship team we have Church Financial Leadership Grants available for you. The grants will enable you to institute best practices for church financial leadership, introduce you to new models of giving and stewardship, and offer you new ways to talk about money and form generous disciples within your church. Learn more

Leader Formation Webinar for Ruling Elders and Deacons

October 29, 2026 | 7:00-8:30 pm (EDT)

Registration opens on September 23

Registration closes on October 21

More information will be available on the

Leader Formation webpage and in the

September Leader Formation Newsletter

Sunday, August 30, 11 am

ALL ARE WELCOME!

Walhalla Presbyterian Church

600 S Main Street, Walhalla

Join us as we worship God through

song in a special service featuring hymns written by Fanny J. Crosby

Montreat Conference Center is pleased to bring you our monthly newsletter August in Montreat. Please find updates from our president, highlights on programmatic offerings, and ways that you can engage with Montreat. Specifically, in this issue we are talking about the Harry Bryan Bridge reconstruction, future youth conferences, and our upcoming Women’s Connection conference.

SACK Lunch Conversation

Join us for this monthly Zoom meeting for sharing across the synod: experience, resources, and best practices on a new topic each month. We meet on the first Wednesday of the month from 12-1 pm.

September 2 Topic: New Worshipping Communities

Stephen Ministries 50th Anniversary Celebration and Learning Event

Saturday, September 12, 2026

8:00 - 4:00 PM

at Cathedral of Christ the King

2699 Peachtree Rd NE, Atlanta

This event is part of a nationwide tour celebrating Stephen Ministries’ 50th anniversary and is built around the theme of “Building a More Caring World.”

CPR (Pediatric & Adult) & AED

and First Aid Training

Thursday, September 24, 9:00 AM 3:00 PM

Fellowship Camp & Conference

Training Includes:

CPR and Hands-on Practice
Proper use of an AED
First Aid for common injuries and emergencies
Recognizing and responding to cardiac emergencies
Practical Emergency-response skills and opportunities to practice lifesaving techniques

COM SACK Lunch Conversation

We added a new monthly Zoom for sharing across the synod! Conversations on the 3rd Wednesday of the month will focus on topics related to Committees on Ministry. We meet from 12-1 pm (Eastern Time). Register to receive the monthly invitation. You aren’t obligated to attend every session.

September 16: GA227 & Implications for COM

Click HERE to Register.

Bible Study: Fall Season begins September 15 and 16, 2026. Bi-weekly virtual Bible study on 1 John. Tuesdays, 7-8:15 pm or Wednesdas, 8:30-9:45 am. No cost, no commitment, come as you can. Register to receive the resources and meeting link. Learn more.

The Gospel for Such a Time as This: Saturday, October 3, 2026, 9:00 am to 3:30 pm. This workshop explores how the Gospel is at risk in the sweeping changes facing the modern Christian church. One-day workshop is for pastors, church leaders, and congregation members seeking practical insights for moving forward in this new era. Learn more.

Mountains, Ministry, and Momentum

Presbyterian Youth Workers Association

October 5-8, 2026, Registration now open

Youth ministry leaders spend much of their time investing in others. From Oct. 5-8, the Presbyterian Youth Workers Association (PYWA) will provide space for those leaders themselves to be encouraged, equipped and renewed. Under the theme “Come to the Mountains,” PYWA’s annual gathering will bring together youth workers from across the country for worship, keynote presentations, workshops and networking opportunities. The event is open to ordained and non-ordained leaders, paid staff and volunteers alike. Read more

** Foothills participants will receive a special rate at the William Black Lodge. Please contact Pressley Cox for more information.

A TWO-DAY EVENT FOR PRACTITIONERS THAT BRINGS TOGETHER THEORY, THEOLOGY & PRACTICE

October 8-9, 2026

In-Person & Hybrid | Charlotte, NC

More Information and Registration

SAVE

THE

DATE!

8th Annual Faith-Based

Symposium

9:30 AM-3:00 PM

Thursday, October 8th, 2026

Midlands Technical College-Airport Campus

1260 Lexington Drive

West Columbia, SC 29170

More information: Sherri Caldwell, slcaldwell@aging.sc.gov, GetCareSC.com

SAVE the DATE

Inman Presbyterian Church 100th Anniversary

October 18 - 11:00 am

Join us for a special celebration as we commemorate a century of Inman Presbyterian Church. We invite you to participate in a meaningful worship service, followed by a delightful luncheon and afternoon of activities.

Save the date for the

2027 Churchwide Gathering of Presbyterian Women!

August 5 - 7, 2027

Visit presbyterianwomen.org/gathering for more information. And don’t forget to share your enthusiasm for the Gathering on social media! #PWGathering #2027ChurchwideGathering