Foothills Presbytery News
April 16, 2026
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Foothills Presbytery 132nd Stated Meeting
Saturday, May 16, 2026 at Central Pres Church
1404 North Boulevard, Anderson, SC 29621
"While We're Young"
As a connectional church, we gather not only to conduct business - but to strengthen our shared life, listen for the Spirit, and encourage one another in the work of ministry.
At this meeting, we will be led in worship by our Presbytery Youth Council (PYC) and celebrate the commissioning of the 2026-2027 PYC. Their leadership is a powerful witness to the future God is shaping among us - inviting us to live with courage, creativity, and hope while we're young in faith and imagination.
Together, we will continue building a presbytery that is connected, innovative, and committed to becoming a beloved community across generations.
9:00 am - Check-in & Fellowship, 10:00 am - Worship & Meeting
REGISTER HERE
Lunch is available by prepaid registration only.
Childcare is provided for ages 6 months through 4K.
Deadline to Register for Lunch & Childcare: Thursday, April 30 at 12 pm.
Commissioner Orientation: Thursday, May 14 at 5:30 pm (via Zoom)
Details will be included in your registration confirmation email.
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CONGRATULATIONS to the
Foothills Presbytery
2026 General Assembly Commissioners:
1. Phil Beckwith - RE, St. Andrews Presbyterian Church
2. Frances Cox - Young Adult Advisory Delegate, ____Eastminster Presbyterian Church
3. Ameka Cruz - RE, First Church Greer
4. Diane Lee - RE, North Anderson Community Church Presbyterian
5. Lynn Miller - TE, Limestone Presbyterian Church
6. Audrey Reese TE, Westminster, Westminster Presbyterian Church
7. Michael York - TE, Central Presbyterian Church
Debbie Foster (Presbytery Leader & Stated Clerk) and Robin Morris (Associate Stated Clerk) will join them. Please pray for our commissioners as they prepare for online meetings June 22 - 24, travel, and in-person service, worship and work June 27 - July 2.
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Annual Reading of Session Minutes
This year we are grateful that we offer three opportunities to gather with Clerks of Session and to review minutes. We find that when we gather to review minutes that we learn from each other.
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Thursday, April 30 at Noon at First Church (Spartanburg) 393 E. Main St, Spartanburg
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Tuesday, May 12 at 6:00 pm at Central Church (Anderson) 1404 North Blvd, Anderson
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Tuesday, June 9 at noon at the Presbytery ofc (Greenville) 2242 Woodruff Rd, Simpsonville
Click HERE for more information and to download necessary forms.
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Christian Educators
Our next gathering is Monday, April 20,
1:00-2:30 at the Presbytery office. (Option to bring your lunch at 12:30.)
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CRE Cohort
The next meeting will be on Wednesday, April 22 at noon at the Presbytery office.
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Youth Leaders Roundtable
The next meeting will be on
Thursday, May 7 at noon.
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Music Ministry Leaders
Our next gathering is Wednesday,
May 13 at 9 am on Zoom.
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Validated Ministers
Our next gathering is via Zoom on
Tuesday, May 19 at noon.
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Financial Officers Forum
Tuesday, April 28th at the Presbytery
Topic: Leasing Property / Tax Implications
12 noon - 1:30pm. A light lunch will be served.
Please kindly RSVP to confirm your attendance to olanda.carr@presbyterianfoundation.org or LeAnne White, lwhite@foothillspresbytery.org) by EOD Friday, April 24th. Should you prefer to join us virtually, please let me know and a link will be provided.
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Side by Side Volunteer Training
- April 26
Come join us on Sunday, April 26, from 1:30-5:30 for
volunteer training at John Knox for our Side by Side
Respite ministry for individuals living with memory
loss and their caregivers! We currently have over 25 families on the wait list. Our goal of increasing the daily active roster to 15 Participants per day to reduce the length and wait time on this list.
Please let Laura know if you plan to attend!
(lreichen@johnknoxpres.org or 244-0453)
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Annual Mother's Day Offering
On Sunday, May 10, Presbyterian churches throughout the State of South Carolina will receive the annual Mother’s Day Offering in support of the charitable care ministry of Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina (PCSC).
Thank you for your generosity. Gifts may be made by check through your congregation, or online at giving.prescommunities.org.
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Ecumenical Transitional Leadership Training
Innovative hybrid training program designed to equip pastors and lay leaders across denominations for the vital work of interim ministry. Over the course of this program, participants will engage with 11 modules covering essential competencies for transitional ministry. Get all the details & Register Here
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Limestone Presbyterian Church, located in the heart of Gaffney, South Carolina, is seeking a Music Director. Limestone Presbyterian Church’s vision for ministry includes worship, education, outreach, and fellowship. Worship is our most important activity. Music is a key component of our worship. Limestone enjoys a traditional worship service that incorporates familiar hymns and liturgy. We have a history of being blessed with an exceptional music program, especially for our size.
This part-time musician will provide music leadership for our worship services and other special services, working with our minister, organist, pianists, handbell ensemble, chancel choir, and occasionally other musicians.
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First Presbyterian Church, Anderson
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Benefits Regional Summits:
Support for Congregational Leaders
Join us for an informative town hall designed to support pastoral leadership and congregational decision-makers.
Located throughout the country, the Benefits Regional Summits will provide important updates and insights into the Benefits Plan of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and related programs offered by the Board of Pensions. Among topics, you will hear about:
- Medical Plan cost trends and changes in the healthcare system
- Dues package subsidies that would ease financial burdens for congregations, pastors, and their families
- Plans and programs that support those who serve the Church, including Assistance Program enhancements
You will also have the opportunity to ask questions.
We hope you will join us at a summit near you for collaborative conversation about the Benefits Plan and what’s ahead. There are three abbreviated ones in SC that will last approximately 90 minutes. Tentative schedule:
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Greenville: Tuesday, April 28th at 10am at Fourth PC
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Columbia: Wednesday, April 29th at 10am at Eastminster PC
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Florence: Thursday, April 30th at 10am at the Presbytery office
There is also a half-day event in Charlotte:
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Wednesday, April 22nd at 10 -2 pm at FPC Charlotte
The Board Bulletin Spring 2026 - The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
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April 2026 WoW newsletter
Please note that you have two registration opportunities:
- Godly Play training, April 14-16, 2026
- Upcoming online Children's Ministry Refresh led by my colleague Dr. Christine Hong on Thursday, April 30 at 2:00 PM Eastern Time.
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Thornwell 150
Documentary Hosting Opportunity
Thornwell’s 150th Anniversary Documentary is now available to our faith partners. We would like to extend the invitation for presbyteries and churches to host their own screenings! Click here to view a short preview link here for your convenience.
Elizabeth Milhous, Vice President for Mission Advancement, 864-922-1878, will serve as the Thornwell contact for planning these events.
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ShalomFest: Sun April 26, 1 - 5 pm
A special invitation has been extended by Temple Israel for ShalomFest Favorites '26 – a cultural festival of Jewish music, arts, history, customs, and pastries. ShalomFest will take place on Sunday, April 26, 2026 from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm on the campus of Temple of Israel, 400 Spring Forest Road, Greenville (north of Haywood Mall).
Admission is FREE for this family-friendly event that is meant for people of all religions.
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Thriving in Ministry Conference 2026 at Pres College, April 27-28
Designed for clergy and other church professionals, offering two days of learning, reflection, and fellowship.
There is no cost to attend the conference and the cost of a hotel room is covered for the first 20 participants who register.
REGISTER
This conference flyer has all the details including speakers, logistics, and registration.
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SUMMER CAMP 2026 at Camp Fellowship!
REGISTRATION IS OPEN
The first 25 campers who register from Foothills Presbytery churches will automatically get a $50 Campership! When registering, use Campership Code: Foothills50
Visit the Camp Fellowship website for new and continuing programs and opportunities designed for all ages and interests.
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June 22 - July 2, 2026
Issue 8 of GA227's "On the Road to GA"
is hot off the virtual presses!
OPEN THE MARCH
2026 ISSUE
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New Campus Ministry Fellowship Available for Univ of Dubuque and Univ of Dubuque Seminary Students
The Donald Bloesch Fellowship will place those accepted into a UD/UDTS master’s degree program at the center of Campus Ministry, assisting in the areas of relational, worship, and discipleship ministries. Responsibilities may include overseeing small groups, providing musical leadership for chapels, helping to coordinate worship services, preaching, developing a team of students to support chapel webpages and social media, and more.
Applications are now open. For more information and to apply, please visit https://www.dbq.edu/aboutud/employment/jobs/#G
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Special Offerings for 2026
World Communion Offering | Season of Preparation
Received during the Season of Preparation, especially World Communion Sunday pcusa.org/wco Resources distributed in July
Christmas Joy Offering | Season of Advent and Christmas
Received during the season of Advent, esp the Sunday before Christmas pcusa.org/christmasjoy Resources distributed in October
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Bethelwoods and Bowties 2026
Come join us for a fabulous evening at Bethelwoods Camp & Conference center for Bethelwoods and Bowties 2026! Get ready to dress to impress in your favorite bowtie and enjoy a night of fun, food, and dancing.
See you there!
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We are pleased to announce that we are currently accepting applications for the Yale Divinity School Certificate in Youth Ministry Leadership!
This is a nine-month, digital, cohort-based program where participants learn from faculty and staff from Yale Divinity School and other leading institutions. The next cohort for this academic and practical primer on the themes relevant to leading resilient, healthy, theologically rooted youth ministries will run from September 2026 - May 2027. Applications close on May 15th so save your spot now!
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The Mid America/Lincoln Trails (MALT)
"Art of Transitional Ministry" April 27-May 1
Training offers education for both Weeks I & II at the Mercy Conference and Retreat Center in St. Louis, MO.
Read Full Flyer
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Pres Assoc of Musicians 2026
Worship & Music Conference
June 21-26 & June 28-July 3, 2026, Montreat
Join worshipers of all ages - musicians, leaders, and learners - for the largest annual gathering of Presbyterians welcoming participants of all denominations. Your participation is an investment in the dynamic growth of the Church as we explore the promising future together.
Register Now
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S. T. E. P. S Theme: Share Abundantly In Every Good Work (II Corinthians 9:8)
Saturday, August 29
Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church
Details Coming!
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Clergy Roundtable - April 16: 10-12 pm
Family of Origin Group Coaching - April 16 at 1:30 pm
Change Your Mindset About Conflicts - Multiple date/time options
Restorative Conversations - May 12
Peaceful, Productive Pastor-Parish Partnerships (P5) -
May 14: 9 am
All Spring Training Opportunities Click Here
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