Foothills Presbytery News
OCTOBER 3, 2024
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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.
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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.
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PYC Middle School Retreat |
Cost: $175
Youth & Adult
(includes all meals on Sat, breakfast on Sun, lodging, programming & t-shirt
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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.
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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
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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
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Validated Ministry Pastor Gathering & Lunch
Wednesday, October 9
11:30 am at the
Foothills Retirement Community.
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Music Ministry Leaders
Our next gathering is 9 am, Wednesday, October 9 by Zoom.
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Christian Educators Gathering
Our next gathering is
Monday, October 21, 12 noon
at Easley
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Youth Leaders Roundtable
Our next meeting is
Thursday, November 7
at Other Lands
(731 Rutherford Rd, Greenville)
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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
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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
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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.
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at St. Michael's Lutheran Church
2619 Augusta Street Greenville, SC 29605
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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.
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1st Wednesday SACK Lunch
A monthly Zoom for sharing across our Synod.
11/6 Mental Health Ministries
12/4 Racial Justice/Social Witness
REGISTER
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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
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Click HERE for Full Newsletter
Including a List of Upcoming WOW Events
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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.
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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
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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.” | |
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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.
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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
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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
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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!
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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
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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
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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.
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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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