Foothills Presbytery News
OCTOBER 31, 2024
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The Co-Moderators of the 226th General Assembly join Foothills Presbytery for a stop on PDA’s solidarity visit
The Rev. Tony Larson and the Rev. CeCe Armstrong share prayer skills and themselves to a crowd of about 50
by Mike Ferguson | Presbyterian News Service
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The Rev. CeCe Armstrong and the Rev. Tony Larson, Co-Moderators of the 226th General Assembly (2024), were among those gathered Tuesday at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Greenville, South Carolina. (Photo by Rich Copley)
GREENVILLE, South Carolina — The Rev. CeCe Armstrong and the Rev. Tony Larson, Co-Moderators of the 226th General Assembly (2024) , joined members of Foothills Presbytery and two staff from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance for a time of sharing on Tuesday at Fourth Presbyterian Church in Greenville, South Carolina. Valerie Young, executive and stated clerk for the Synod of South Atlantic, who organized PDA’s solidarity visit to churches and mid councils affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, also participated. READ FULL Article here
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THREE Foothills Congregations Honored as they
Celebrate 25+ Years (Consecutively) of giving to the PCUSA One Great Hour of Sharing (OGHS)
Foothills Presbytery stands out as the only presbytery across the denomination, with three congregations receiving this award (out of 166 Presbyteries in the PCUSA). Flat Rock (Anderson), Grace Covenant (Mauldin), and John Knox (Greenville) were honored with a special presentation for over 25 years of unwavering support for the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering (OGHS). This is a unique and remarkable achievement that we are all proud of. While the OGHS Offering has been around for even longer, the official record-keeping began in 1998, so we're pleased to celebrate this milestone.
It's truly remarkable to think that the generous contributions made all those years ago are making such a tangible difference in the lives of our neighbors today. As many of you know, part of this offering goes toward providing comfort and support during times of disaster—like planting trees so that future generations can enjoy their shade. Read More
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Joyful Celebrations
around Foothills Presbytery
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(above) While many people in Greenville struggled with prolonged power outages, members of Fourth Church who own The Peddler Steak House had the idea to donate their thawing steaks to the church so that the church could serve the Greenville community a hot meal.
Over 900 hot meals were prepared and given away!
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(below) The Planning for the Future Leader Collective -
(Think Tank, Property Advisory Committee, Stewardship Committee & Courageous Conversations) - met with Dr. Corey Schlosser-Hall, Deputy Executive Director of Vision, Rebuilding and Innovation, PC(USA) to view and discuss the presentation, "Imagining the Future".
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(left) Community Cookout, Belton Church: One of our congregants lead our congregation to take our community cookout off our church's campus and into the community. We put together a cookout where people could also get other non-perishable food items. We served over 150 men, women, and children.
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Honoring All Saints
Foothills Presbytery has a tradition of recognizing and celebrating the lives of Ruling Elders and Ministers (and their spouses), who have entered the Church Triumphant in the last year.
Please send the names of those Elders and Ministers (and their spouses) who have died since November 2023 through the present to Warren Templeton, by Thursday, October 31.
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Hurricane Helene Response
Helene caused devastating damage in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, and Tennessee. Foothills Presbytery is accepting 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. Your generous gifts will bring hope and encouragement.
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South Carolina Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Team (SCPDAT) is developing a list of trained Stephen Ministers who are willing to make day or overnight trips to the impacted Presbyteries and congregations (including Foothills Presbytery). If you are interested in serving in this way, please send name and contact information to Pressley Cox. | |
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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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Gaining a Better Understanding
Family Leave Policy
The COM is hosting two meetings to answer questions from Elders and Ministers about the Foothills Presbytery Family Leave Policy which was approved by COM in September and shared in the Commissioner’s Handbook for the November Presbytery Meeting.
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November 18th at noon in person, Foothills Presbytery
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November 18th at 3:00 via Zoom
REGISTER HERE
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McCray, Donyelle C. Is It a Sermon? Art, Activism, and Genre Fluidity in African American Preaching. Westminster John Knox Press, 2024. (251.0089 McCray)
“An informative and daring call to blur the boundaries of the sermon genre, exploring the "shoreline" of homiletics, or the place where preaching laps up against other modes of discourse.
“McCray explores how preaching merges with prayer, song, performance, and activism—the gospel dancing in and out of the forms we create for it. Consider the sermonic performance of Isaiah walking naked and barefoot for three years, the deaconess whose morning prayer rhythmically flows into sermon, or the gospel soloist who pauses in her song to tell a story or break into a sermonette. READ MORE
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Youth Leaders Roundtable
Our next meeting will be a late
Nov/early Dec date - TBD.
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Music Ministry Leaders
Our next gathering is 9 am,
Wednesday, November 13 by Zoom.
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Christian Educators Gathering
Our next gathering is
Monday, November 18, 12 noon
at First, Spartanburg
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Pastor Gathering for Mid-Size Churches
Our next gathering is
Monday, Dec 9 at 12 noon.
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Presbyterian camps offer hope and recovery after hurricanes
Presbyterian camps and conference ministries are more than just summer getaways — they’re vital hubs of community and recovery in times of crisis, writes Colleen Earp. (Outlook article)
Anyone who has attended a program at one of our 100+ PC(USA) camp and conference centers knows something about how meaningful it is to gather together in community. At camp, we can reconnect with God, one another, and even ourselves. We find some of our most important friends and mentors at camp. We learn something about our callings in life, in the church and beyond. Read More
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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.
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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Pansy Duke Scholarship
The Scholarship has been established by Ms. Pansy E. Duke, a longtime and faithful member of the Fort Hill Presbyterian Church, Clemson, South Carolina. The Scholarship is awarded annually to qualified individuals based on leadership, academic excellence, and the commitment to explore means to attain a life of faith-based servant leadership. Application and Information
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Montreat Status Update
Greetings! It’s been an eventful week in Montreat. This update will focus primarily on events unfolding here at Montreat Conference Center, with some additional community news posted below.
First, this is the first storm update written from our offices here at Freeland Hall. Power, water, and internet access returned to the building this week. Read More HERE
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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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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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Camp Fellowship is honored to host Trust-Based Relational Intervention® (TBRI) caregiver training through Connie Maxwell. It is a free training through Connie Maxwell at this time. 20 for lunch - snacks provided through out the day.
If you registered previously for the October 8th date please check your email about your transferred registration.
Wednesday, November 6, 2024
8:30 AM 5:30 PM
Fellowship Camp & Conference
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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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Dementia 101: The Basics is a free, live, Zoom webinar providing education and resource information to anyone in the public who wants or needs to learn about the basics of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia. First Session is Nov. 6.
This webinar is offered monthly. Pre-registration is required for each session.
To register, click here or scan the brain on this flyer.
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SOAP Regional Event
Content will be delivered via two 40-minute webinars with handouts and discussion questions. As follow up, there will be one live zoom call with keynoter Brittany Porch on Monday, November 18 from 7-8 pm.
The cost of the webinars, including live zoom meeting, is $20. Please register HERE.
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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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Let Justice Roll Down: God’s Call to Care for Neighbors and All Creation
Please join Presbyterians for Earth Care (PEC) for this unique monthly opportunity for community and meaningful study!
Fourth Sundays: Nov. 24th, Dec. 22nd, Jan. 26th, Feb. 23rd, Mar. 23rd, Apr. 28th, May 26th
7:00 pm Eastern- The study will run for 75 minutes each session. Click HERE for information & Zoom
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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
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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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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Mason & Hamlin
baby grand piano -
owner willing to donate
to a congregation that could use it. It is in very good condition and has been well maintained over the years. The estimated age is about 50 years.
It is currently on the showroom floor at Piano Central in Greenville.
If interested contact Steve Johnson, 864-818-6090
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