Foothills Presbytery News

November 14, 2024

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to God in heaven.” -Matthew 5:16

Last weekend, 198 youth and adults gathered at Asbury Hills in Cleveland, SC for the Presbytery Youth Council (PYC) Middle School retreat. The theme “Light of Many Colors” was brought to life by keynote speaker Rev. Julie Bailey from Columbia Theological Seminary. Julie began each keynote with a reminder of the first two questions from Belonging to God: a First Catechism:

Who are you?

I am a child of God.

What does it mean to be a child of God?

That I belong to God, who loves me.

Throughout the weekend, the youth and adults reflected on what it means to live as a child of God, to view others as children of God, and to let their light shine by sharing God’s love to all. From singing and playing to talking and dancing, the theme was woven throughout everything we did.

“The best thing about leading these PYC retreats is watching everyone grow friendships through Christ. Whether that be the leaders in PYC, or the kids in small groups, the community of faith is so strong and always growing!” Hope Johnson, Central , PYC Co- Moderator

“Having the opportunity to serve on PYC at the retreat allowed me to embrace what it means to be a child of God, act as a faithful disciple leading others to Christ, and foster a sense of belonging and unity. I will forever cherish how everyone who attended was able to deepen their faith and truly become a family over a short period of time.” Campbell Ballard, John Knox, PYC Co- Moderator

We give grateful thanks to the 22 PYC leaders who lead the weekend with creativity and lots of energy.

The weekend would not be possible without the leadership of the following adults:

Julie Bailey, Keynoter, Columbia Theological Seminary

Nora Beth Norton, Music Leader, Grace Covenant

Joan Jones, PYC Adult Leader, Eastminster

Kelli Burnett, Easley

Becky Schaeffer, First Greer

Georgia Bullington, Retreat Nurse, Tyger River

Foothills Presbytery

Stated Meeting #127

Summary

Hope after Chaos

On Tuesday, November 12^th, we gathered at John Knox Church for our 127^th Stated Meeting of our Presbytery. We centered the day in worship, acknowledging the chaos Hurricane Helene brought to our homes, churches, and communities and the hope witnessed in the many ways we cared for one another and our neighbors. We celebrated communion and honored the Saints (Ministers, Elders, and Leaders) who entered the Church in the last year.

After worship, our Presbytery Moderator, Rev. Trish Gwinn (Grace Covenant), welcomed first-time commissioners and guests before moving us to the Mission and Ministry portion of the day.

We welcomed two retired ministers to our Presbytery: John Kloepfer (Long Island Presbytery) and Ewen Holmes (Mackinac Presbytery). In addition, we welcomed five ministers who received calls in Foothills: Hudson Neely, Pastor at Second in Spartanburg; Rachel Klompmaker, Associate Pastor at First Spartanburg; AJ Ochart, Pastor at St. Andrews, Taylors; David Torrey, Pastor at Pickens; and Bill Evans, retired pastor.
We voted to Graciously Dismiss Pendleton Presbyterian Church to the Evangelical Covenant Order of Presbyterians (ECO).
The Committee on the Preparation for Ministry presented Inquirer Amanda Taylor (Grace Covenant Church in Mauldin and Student Supply at Honea Path) to move to Candidacy. After hearing about Amanda’s faith journey and her call to ministry, we approved her Candidacy and offered her a charge and a blessing.
The Committee on Shared Ministry challenged our congregations to engage in the Cents-Abilty offering over the next two months. Cents-Ability is one-way families, congregations, and presbyteries can support the battle against hunger and poverty. Every member is invited to contribute a few cents at every meal.

After the completion of our business, the Committee for Shared Mission and Ministry hosted a workshop to help us continue to think about our theme of Hope after Chaos. The Rev. Dr. Charryse Johnson led us in a time of mindfulness, conversation, and prayer. It was a day full of laughter, lament, singing, fellowship, and joy.

Welcome to the

Rev. Rachel Klompmaker, who has been called as Assoc Pastor for First, Spartanburg.

Welcome back to the

Rev. AJ Ochart, who has been called as Pastor of St. Andrews Church.

Congratulations to the

Rev. Dr. Hudson Neely, who accepted a call to serve as Pastor of Second Church.

Welcome to the

Rev. Dr. David Torrey, who has been called as Pastor of Pickens Church.

Welcome to the

Rev. Dr. Bill Evans, retired pastor who transferred to Foothills.

Congratulations to

Amanda Taylor, whose move to Candidacy was approved.

Foothills Presbytery Meeting, Worship Service :: November 12, 2024

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.

November 18^th at noon in person, Foothills Presbytery
November 18^th at 3:00 via Zoom

Foothills Presbytery Pastoral Support & Peer Ministry:

Christian Educators Gathering

Our next gathering is

Monday, November 18, 12 noon

at First, Spartanburg

Youth Leaders Roundtable

Our next meeting will be Thursday, Nov 21 from 10-11:30 am. Location TBD.

Pastor Gathering for Mid-Size Churches

Our next gathering is

Monday, Dec 9 at 12 noon.

Music Ministry Leaders

Our next gathering is 9 am,

Wednesday, Jan 8 by Zoom.

(No meeting in Dec)

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

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.

Christmas Joy Offering:

Free Resources

** The PCUSA website is being updated so things will look different and cause confusion. We encourage those churches who typically download Christmas Joy resources to do so as early as possible this year. Alternatively, they can always set up a standing order by calling 800.728.7228 ext. 5047 or emailing special.offerings@pcusa.org.

Statistics Update

We anticipate that the statistics entry option will open for churches beginning Monday, December 16, 2024.

LeAnne will email churches specific login instructions closer to this date.

Family Caregivers & Fraud

Virtual Workshop

Nov 19

by the SC Dept on Aging

In honor of National Family Caregiver Month, join us for an informative webinar and learn how to detect, prevent, and respond to fraud.

Full Flyer

Foothills Presbytery encourages you to remember the hungry in your communities as we prepare for the 2024 Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays.

A simple way to do this is to set aside a nickel or dime for every meal eaten during your time of reflection (a week, two weeks, for example). Children are encouraged to participate. Funds can be brought to your local church and then sent to Foothills Presbytery office by December 13. In 2023, 16 local missions feeding the hungry received $600 each.

If you have questions, contact April Swanson, email: AprilJoy158@gmail.com.

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

South Carolina Inn at Montreat

Update

South Carolina Inn at Montreat is now managed by the leadership team of the William Black Lodge in Montreat....Also, the Inn is currently closed due to the damage to Montreat from Hurricane Helene. The Inn sustained only minor damage to the terrace from a tree coming down which has since been removed. No buildings were damaged.

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

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

Giving it our all this Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday is a global movement that takes place the Tuesday after Thanksgiving — this year on Dec. 3 — a day when people across the world unite to make a difference.

Through the Presbyterian Giving Catalog, each item — from sustainable farming inputs to providing communities with clean water — brings hope to communities in need. Learn More:

https://presbyteriangifts.pcusa.org/

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.

1st Wednesday SACK Lunch

A monthly Zoom for sharing across our Synod.

12/4 Racial Justice/Social Witness

Healthy Congregations

Date: December 4, 2024

Time: 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Lombard Mennonite Peace Center

Cost: $99, or $84 for a group of 4 or more

Details: The Healthy Congregations workshop uses the insights of family systems theory to help church leaders become more effective stewards of their congregations. More Information

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!

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

Montreat College

Conference

January 2 - 5, 2025

Officer Training Workshop

Sat, Jan 18, 10 - 3 pm

at Fountain Inn Church

Led by the Rev. Tom Malone, $10 each

For newly ordained Elders and those who have previously served.

The focus will be on the four areas on which our Book of Order requires each new officer to be examined:

1) Personal Faith

2) Reformed Doctrines and Beliefs

3) Presbyterian Polity

4) Duties of the Office of Elder or Deacon

Information & Registration

Sermon in my Pocket

February 1, 2025

at the Foothills Presbytery office

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

Women of the Church Day

at the Lake!

Saturday, February 22, 2025

10:00 am - 2:00 pm

Cost is $10 to offset the cost of lunch

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.