Foothills Presbytery News
July 2, 2026
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"Persevering Toward Wholeness"
June 22 - July 2, 2026 | Milwaukee, WI
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Foothills Presbytery delegates and advisory delegates:
Michael York (TE, Central), Frances Cox (Young Adult Advisory Delegate, Eastminster) Diane Lee (RE, North Anderson Community), Audrey Reese (TE, Westminster, Westminster), Phil Beckwith (RE, St. Andrews), Ameka Cruz (RE, First Greer), and Lynn Miller (TE, Limestone).
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Approximately 1,000 Presbyterians have gathered in Milwaukee for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s 227th General Assembly (GA), where the temperatures feel much like a hot South Carolina afternoon.
General Assembly, held every two years, is the highest governing body of our denomination. Throughout this week-long gathering, commissioners and advisory delegates are discussing, discerning, and voting on dozens of items of business submitted by presbyteries and other councils from across the country. The decisions made during this Assembly will help shape the life and witness of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) for years to come.
Yet governance is only part of the Assembly's work. Throughout the week, participants will also gather for worship, service opportunities, fellowship, learning, and celebrations of God's faithfulness across the church.
We are especially grateful for the leadership of our Co-Moderators, the Rev. CeCe Armstrong and the Rev. Tony Larson—both from South Carolina—who are guiding the Assembly with energy, grace, wisdom, and integrity as commissioners engage matters of theological witness, constitutional and polity items, social witness and justice, and faithful financial stewardship.
Please continue to pray for our Foothills Presbytery commissioners and advisory delegate (pictured above). They have been called to serve the wider church because of their unique gifts, wisdom, and faithfulness. Alongside Presbyterians from across the nation, they are discerning important matters that have the potential to shape not only our denomination but also our witness in the world. Together, they seek endurance to discern where Christ is calling the church today.
These are challenging days, but they are also days filled with holy possibility. May we remain open to the transforming work of God's Spirit, whose generosity and grace continue to form and reform the church for Christ's mission.
Grace and peace,
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Debbie Foster
Stated Clerk & Presbytery Leader
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If you'd like updates from the GA in real time, please visit:
227th General Assembly (2026) | Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Click here to read GA News in Brief:
The GA News in Brief is a daily newsletter published during GA227 June 27-July 3, keeping you informed on the latest news from the Baird Center in Milwaukee.
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THINK TANK REPORT
Embracing God's Future:
The Foothills Presbytery Think Tank (August 2024 – May 2026) has released its comprehensive report, charting a faithful path forward from institutional maintenance to spiritual imagination. Grounded in deep communal discernment, the report provides a vital roadmap for navigating systemic cultural and generational shifts. Below is a summary of the core findings, frameworks, and actionable steps detailed in the document.
We are sharing the full report here and asking for your feedback and reflections.
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Christian Educators
Summer fellowship time and a Mahjong lesson by Elizabeth Kelly Pope!
July 29 5:00-7:30 pm @ the home of Joan Jones. More details are to follow!
Our next gathering is Monday, August 17,
12 noon at the Presbytery office.
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Youth Leaders Roundtable
The next meeting will be on
Thursday, August 20.
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Music Ministry Leaders
Our next gathering is in August.
Details coming soon.
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Validated Ministers
Our next gathering is September 16 at noon at Re:Center.
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Re: Center
Work Day & Open House
Re:Center is a community hub for connection, art, and spirituality. Opening soon in Greenville! Come lend a hand and make a difference with us at our upcoming July Work Day!
July 10th: 9 am - 12 pm
OPEN HOUSE & RIBBON CUTTING
July 12, 3-5pm
125 Pelham Road, Greenville, SC 29615
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Beyond Fight or Flight
-a five-week leadership series from the Center for Healthy Churches designed to help congregations navigate tension with clarity, courage, and care. Conflict is not the enemy. Unaddressed conflict is.
Each week in this series introduces one practical leadership step you can use immediately with your team. Learn More
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The story of Éleos has been a story of stumbling forward — and seeing God create a massive snowball of grace through the tangled-up mess of His people saying yes.
Today, we look back on a ministry marked by God's grace. We just watched 100% of our 2026 seniors graduate from high school with concrete plans for their future.
Come Celebrate 10 Years With Us!
We want to celebrate this milestone with the neighborhood, the mentors, the students, and the partners who made it possible. You are a huge part of this story, and we would love for you to join us for our 10-Year Birthday Block Party! It’s a completely family-friendly event, so bring the kids and come ready to share some memories.
When: Sunday, July 12th | 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Where: Lead Collective (110 S. Pleasantburg Drive, Greenville)
What: Food trucks, a live DJ, awesome kids' activities, and a whole lot of joy.
Read the full Éleos story here.
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Cafe' Justo Coffee Crisis
In November, the Café Justo cooperative was unsure if they would be able to continue the incredible work that they had begun over 22 years before. A combination of inflation, pricing of their coffee that had not been adjusted for years, the devaluation of the dollar which led to them receiving 15% less for their already underpriced coffee, and pressures in the global market led to cash flow issues and eventually supply issues leading them to run out of coffee before this year's harvest came in which, in turn, frustrated many customers and exacerbated Café Justo's cash flow issues.
The cooperative is emerging from the 2025 crisis .... Read More
Read Cafe Justo newsletter & Order Link here.
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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.
August 5 Topic: Grant Writing
Register Here
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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.
July 15: COMs Role in Pastoral Care for Ministers
Click HERE to Register.
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VBS Kits - Free to a Good Home!
St. Giles has been cleaning out and organizing their craft supply room and have several past VBS kits they would like to donate to anyone that may be able to use them. Many include most of the decor items, crafts, odds & ends - some have never been used.
Two of the bigger kits we have are “Great Barrier Reef” and “”Tropical Rain Forest”. Please contact St. Giles for more information.
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Family Faith Formation Resources
Support the faith journeys of children and families with resources designed to be used both in church and at home. These books equip educators, ministry leaders, parents, and caregivers with practical tools for nurturing faith in everyday life. From trusted guides and conversation starters to hands-on practices, these resources help churches and homes partner together to share stories, spark meaningful conversations, and grow faith across generations. Visit the resource page.
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Christian Education &
Ministry Online Resources
PC9USA) Store, 2026-2027
Click HERE for their online
Resource Catalogue.
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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
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"Caring for the Earth - Stories from Faith Communities"
Gather your church groups in-person or online for this 7-part short film series designed to connect your faith to caring for God’s good earth. The 20-minute films highlight the powerful voices of leaders of many faiths who are leading with hope, compassion, and courage. Created for Sunday school classes, youth groups, and gatherings of all sizes, the series includes a study and discussion guide with suggested scriptures, prayers, questions, and resources for action. Learn More
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The Art of Transitional Ministry
August 16–21, 2026
Adult Continuing Education
Click here to learn more.
Sponsored by Montreat Conference Center, in cooperation with the Transitional Ministry Education Consortium
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2nd Annual HYMNFEST
August 22 at 4:00 pm
"God's Faithfulness"
at John Knox Church, Greenville
Featuring combined choirs and musicians from The Foothills Presbytery. Specific Churches and groups will be listed soon. Free event. Love Offerings Accepted.
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SC5 Leader of Leaders Event
Awed by All the Things
The five Presbyteries of SC will host a workshop on Intergenerational Ministry on Thursday, September 3, 2026 (New date!) at Seven Oaks Presbyterian in Columbia.
REGISTER
Event fee: $40 per participant for workshop, including lunch. Registration deadline – Thursday, August 20, 2026. Space is limited.
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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,” which reflects Stephen Ministries’ vision to help all people care and relate with greater compassion and excellence.
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Presbyterian Peace Fellowship - Gun Violence Prevention Ministry
Concerned about Gun Violence? Learn Faith-Based Skills for Gun Violence Prevention Sept. 15-18, 2026 Kansas City, MO The Presbyterian Peace Fellowship invites you to the 3rd annual Atwood Institute for Congregational Courage, a national training event at the Heartland Center near Kansas City. MO on Sept. 15-18, 2026. The Institute offers continuing education for lay leaders and clergy on educational, pastoral and action steps for gun violence prevention mission with congregations.
Space is limited. Click HERE to learn more.
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8th Annual Faith-Based Symposium
Thursday, October 8, 2026
9:30 -3:00 PM
Midlands Technical College-Airport Campus
1260 Lexington Drive, West Columbia, SC
Click here for Full Flyer
For more information: Sherri Caldwell, slcaldwell@aging.sc.gov, GetCareSC.com
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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.
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