Foothills Presbytery News

OCTOBER 3, 2024

Many areas around the six counties in Foothills Presbytery have regained access to power and resources, while others still need to be completely connected to communication. 

 

RESPONSE EFFORTS

 

The South Carolina Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Team (SCPDAT) and the Foothills Presbytery Disaster Preparedness and Response Commission (DPRC) are implementing a response plan. As the days pass, and you continue to assess your church's damage and how your community and neighborhood are impacted, please report those to our office. A Presbyterian Disaster (PDA) team will arrive in our area late next week.

 

Western North Carolina and large portions of Florida have been hit exceptionally hard. The Red Cross and other first responders are in the area, and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance teams have arrived.

 

Search and rescue efforts are still underway, particularly in NC. Please make way for first responders to do what they are trained to do. We are not currently planning to send any teams into the area. Clean-up will be a long-term challenge, and there will be plenty of opportunities to provide support locally and regionally over the months ahead.

 

HOW CAN I HELP?

GIVE ACT PRAY

 

Helene caused devastating damage in South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Foothills Presbytery is accepting Disaster Assistance Donations to support the relief effort in communities located in our area. This response includes assisting the congregations and communities of Anderson, Cherokee, Greenville, Oconee, Pickens, and Spartanburg counties. Please report any damage to your church property and report ways that your community or neighborhood needs relief efforts. Your generous gifts will bring hope and encouragement.


Donations may be sent to Foothills Presbytery, PO Box 1118, Simpsonville, SC 29681, or through Pay Pal @foothillspresbytery. (Please indicate that your donation is for Hurricane Helene relief on the memo line.) OR, you can donate online by clicking here.

Need-based grants are available through the Board of Pensions for emergencies and unexpected expenses. These are available now to all eligible PC(USA) employees as they recover from the effects of Hurricane Helene. Two types of assistance are available:

Emergency grant up to $1,000

Who can apply: Any employee on your staff — even if they are not enrolled in the Benefits Plan.

How to apply: Please contact BOP Consultant Elizabeth Little, elittle@pensions.org

Emergency Assistance up to $5,000

Who can apply: Benefits Plan members and groups of members affected by a natural disaster.

How to apply: Employees can fill out this application(also available in Spanish) and email it to memberservices@pensions.org. Groups of affected members should contact their relationship manager or Church Consultant.

PYC Middle School Retreat

Cost: $175

Youth & Adult

(includes all meals on Sat, breakfast on Sun, lodging, programming & t-shirt

MSR Registration & Forms

PYC High School Retreat

Cost: $175

Youth & Adult

(includes Sat breakfast & lunch, Sunday bfst, snacks, lodging, programming and t-shirt.

Please Note: There is possibility that our venue for the retreat will change.

HSR Registration & Forms


DISASTER THROUGH A THEOLOGICAL LENS

October 18 - 19, 2024

Presbyterian College


A series of four workshops designed to expose the participants to the importance of awareness in disaster preparedness from a theological viewpoint. This class is offered through the SC5 School of Theology at Presbyterian College.

Registration extended through Oct. 6


 Read More  


Presbyterian Women’s

Triennial Gathering

October 17 - 19

2025 Epworth By the Sea,

St. Simon’s Island, Georgia


Save the Date!

SC5 School of Theology


Registration for the 2024 Fall Semester of the SC5 School of Theology is now open. Classes will be held at Presbyterian College on October 18 & 19.

Registration extended through Oct. 6


Click HERE for Registration Flyer

School of Theology Info & Registration

Foothills Presbytery Pastoral Support & Peer Ministry:

Validated Ministry Pastor Gathering & Lunch

Wednesday, October 9

11:30 am at the

Foothills Retirement Community.



Music Ministry Leaders 

Our next gathering is 9 am, Wednesday, October 9 by Zoom.


Christian Educators Gathering

Our next gathering is

Monday, October 21, 12 noon

at Easley

Youth Leaders Roundtable

Our next meeting is

Thursday, November 7

at Other Lands

(731 Rutherford Rd, Greenville)

Status on Relief Efforts at

Montreat Conference Center


Progress continues on recovery efforts in Montreat. Town staff and recovery teams are working diligently to address roads and other infrastructure challenges.

 

The conference center is relying on staff working remotely to communicate updates as we are able. One major recurring rumor that we CAN address: Lake Susan Dam performed as designed and has held throughout.



Complete Update

New Management Nov 1st at

South Carolina Inn at Montreat


South Carolina Inn at Montreat Board has transferred management of the Inn to the leadership of the William Black Lodge in Montreat. Tommy Brown, Director of the William Black Lodge will oversee operations of the South Carolina Inn at Montreat on November 1, 2024.

 

Complete Announcement

SC Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Team Publication to Help Congregations

 

Linked below is a wonderful publication to help congregations prepare for the times when disasters may confront sessions and congregations. "Prepare to Care" is a PDA document to assist sessions and congregations.

 

Download the document.

2024 When Faith Hurts Conference


at St. Michael's Lutheran Church

2619 Augusta Street Greenville, SC 29605

The Insurance Board offers the TULIP Program for Ministries, designed for churches in our network that rent or lease their facilities to tenants without insurance.


TULIP provides affordable general liability coverage for both one-time and recurring events, protecting both the tenant and the church.


National Black

Presbyterian Caucus



Community News

for Everyone in the Pews


1st Wednesday SACK Lunch


A monthly Zoom for sharing across our Synod.


11/6 Mental Health Ministries

12/4 Racial Justice/Social Witness


REGISTER

ONE Choir - TWO Performances! - ONE message of Hope!

November 13 and 17!


Bringing a Message of Hope - Again

Four years later, the choir has returned to the community that supported them so kindly during their 2020 pandemic sheltering at Camp Fellowship to say “Thank You!” and to share TWO performances as they wrap-up their 2024 tour – LIGHT OF HOPE!


Learn More


Click HERE for Full Newsletter

Including a List of Upcoming WOW Events

Presbyterians Supporting Christian Education (PSCE)


This program hopes to provide collegial, personal, and professional support for those engaged in ministry. In 2025, the program will provide two different types of cohorts: one for professional educators, volunteer educators, and pastors; the second for Commissioned Ruling Elders (CRE/CP), those persons serving as solo pastors in small congregations. Cohorts will meet together monthly for a year and will be guided by a facilitator. Click HERE to learn more.

Applications due November 30, 2024.

Winter Camp 2024


All the fun of camp and winter activities combined for one great weekend! Campers will craft, play games, watch movies, roast marshmallows, decorate cookies and our Christmas Tree, and so much more! We invite all families to join us for a free campfire side dinner before we say goodbye on Saturday evening. All participants will receive a discount code for Summer Camp 2025 registration!


REGISTER

Sermon in my Pocket - New Date!

February 1, 2025

This workshop is designed to equip you for writing and preparing to preach or teach a sermon in six manageable steps. As Ruling Elders, we have the responsibility (and privilege) to “provide for the church’s worship and encourage the people’s participation.”

Sermon in My Pocket Event Page

The Clergy Collective - Online, October - May 



For any ministers from any denomination interested in sharpening as leaders through a stimulating Seminar and implementation coaching group. We meet once a month during the academic year.

  • Seminars: Monthly, 75-minutes, October–May, online only, instructor-led
  • Coaching Groups: Monthly, 90-minutes, September–May, online or in-person options, small group with a coach

Learn more. 

Happy Fall Y'all!


Join us every Saturday in October for a day packed with exciting activities, entertainment, and more for the whole family.

Gates Open 10 AM to 5 PM, Day Pass $15 person or $45 for family of four.


www.lushacresfarm.com (at Thornwell)

 

Corn Maze, Corn Cannons, Barnyard Animals, Hayride, Face Painting, Playground, GaGa Ball, - Mini-Corn Maze, Barnyard Basketball, Mini-Train Rides, Jump Pad, Corn Pit,

Photo Opportunities  

Biblical Preaching and Pastoral Leadership for Complicated Times

Led by Rev. Drs. Alex Evans and Brian Blount


Feeling overwhelmed by the world's complexities? Join us October 7th - October 9th! This workshop equips pastors and church leaders to navigate difficult times with the enduring strength of biblical preaching and compassionate leadership. Read More

The Jesus & Justice Advocacy Conference for young adults is

coming to Charlotte this fall!

 

Calling all young adults with a passion for advocacy and leadership! The free event, which will be held annually at sites across the U.S., is scheduled to take place this year at the Union Presbyterian Seminary Charlotte Campus from Oct. 18–20. College students, seminarians and young adults in or near Charlotte are invited to attend in person.


Learn more and register today!

Walk to Fight Suicide with Your Place of Worship


Greenville Out of the Darkness Walk

November 9, 2024, Conestee Park, Greenville



Why Start a Team? Members from communities of all types can make a difference by walking in the Out of the Darkness Community Walk, on Community Walks are a great team-building event, and a way to promote health and wellness by encouraging you to get out and walk together for a common cause. Download Sponsorship Packet/ Flyer Here

Montreat College

Conference



January 2 - 5, 2025


Women of the Church Day

at the Lake!


Saturday, February 22, 2025

10:00 am - 2:00 pm


Clemson Outdoor Lab & Retreat Center

415 Charlie White Trail

Pendleton, SC 29670



2025 Presbyterian Youth Triennium


The 2025 Presbyterian Youth Trienniumwill take place on July 28-31, 2025 in Louisville, KY, at the Kentucky International Convention Center and surrounding hotels – all located very close to the Presbyterian Center in downtown Louisville.


Click here 

to see

Available Jobs

on our website.


Mark your Calendars for these Upcoming Events



2024 October

3 Committee on Ministry meeting

8 Coordinating Council meeting

9 Music Leaders gathering (Zoom) and Validated Ministers lunch

10 Investment Committee meeting, Finance & Stewardship Committee meeting and Committee on Shared Ministry meeting (at the FP ofc)

18-19 SC5 School of Theology

21 Educators gathering

24 Committee on Preparation for Ministry meeting


Foothills Presbytery Featured Events


Foothills Presbytery Calendar


Foothills Presbytery Stated Meetings

  • November 12, 2024, at John Knox
  • February 18, 2025, Location TBA
  • May 17, 2025, at Westminister Greenville

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