Foothills Presbytery News

April 2, 2026

The Heart of Holy Week

One of my favorite readings during Holy Week is The Ragman by Walter Wangerin Jr. It tells the story of a mysterious man who walks through a town collecting people’s pain, sorrow, and burdens.

As the Ragman moves from place to place, he exchanges what people are suffering—grief, shame, illness—for something better: joy, hope, and healing. Yet with every exchange, he begins to physically bear those burdens himself. He grows weak, worn down, and wounded. By the end of the story, the Ragman collapses under the weight of all he has taken on—only to rise again, restored and renewed.

This story beautifully echoes the heart of Holy Week.

It reminds us that we are invited to release what we’ve been clinging onto so tightly. Whether it’s fear, regret, or weariness, the same exchange the Ragman offers is ours through Christ. God does not call us to silently endure every burden alone.

But the story also calls us into something deeper. It reminds us of what it means to be woven together in Christ—that we are created to carry one another’s burdens. In a culture that often encourages independence and self-protection, this kind of sacrificial love stands out. It slows us down. It asks us to truly notice people. It invites us to share in both the weight and the healing.

Every time we choose compassion over indifference, presence over distance, or grace over judgment, we step into the ongoing work of redemption.

Together, we become— in small but meaningful ways—carriers of a web of hope.

These times are daunting and hold immense potential for our lives and for our values to be transformed by God’s generosity and grace.

Grateful,

Presbytery Leader & Stated Clerk

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.

Please join us

as the Adult Choir, readers and guest cellist present

“A Service of Shadows,”

Friday, April 3 at 7:00

in the sanctuary,

Nazareth Presbyterian Church,

680 Nazareth Church Rd., Moore, SC.

Awed By All the Things!

Tuesday, April 28

The five Presbyteries of South Carolina will host a workshop on Intergenerational Ministry on Tuesday, April 28, 2026 at Seven Oaks Presbyterian in Columbia. The workshop will be led by the Rev. Dr. Lynn Miller, pastor of the Limestone Church.

Event fee: $40 per participant for workshop, including lunch. Registration deadline – Tuesday, April 9, 2026.

Space is limited.

REGISTRATION & INFORMATION HERE

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.

Thursday, April 30 at Noon at First Church (Spartanburg) 393 E. Main St, Spartanburg
Tuesday, May 12 at 6:00 pm at Central Church (Anderson) 1404 North Blvd, Anderson
Tuesday, June 9 at noon at the Presbytery ofc (Greenville) 2242 Woodruff Rd, Simpsonville

Click HERE for more information and to download necessary forms.

Foothills Presbytery Peer Ministry

Christian Educators

Our next gathering is Monday, April 20,

1:00-2:30 at the Presbytery office.

CRE Cohort

The next meeting will be on Thursday, April 22 at noon at the Presbytery office.

Youth Leaders Roundtable

The next meeting will be on

Thursday, May 7 at noon.

Music Ministry Leaders

Our next gathering is Wednesday,

May 13 at 9 am on Zoom.

Validated Ministers

Our next gathering is via Zoom on

Tuesday, May 19 at noon.

Prayer & Liturgy in My Pocket

POSTPONED!

The Prayer and Liturgy in my Pocket event, originally scheduled for April 18 from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, has been postponed. We apologize for any inconvenience this change may cause. We are working on rescheduling and will reach out to you as soon as a new date has been finalized.

Foothills Earth Care Congregations:

Fourth Church, Greenville

Limestone, Gaffney

North Anderson Community Church

The Earth Care Congregation certification is designed to recognize churches by the PC(U.S.A.)'s Presbyterian Hunger Program through February 2027. The Earth Care Congregation certification is designed to recognize churches that take seriously God’s charge to “till and keep” the garden, that is our shared common home.

For more information on the Earth Care Congregations program visit www.pcusa.org/earthcarecongregations.

Attention Small Churches!!

We have about $7,600 in scholarship funding available to participate this year’s Presbyterian Association of Musicians’ Worship & Music Conference at Montreat Conference Center. This scholarship for small churches includes registration, lodging, meals, and transportation, if needed. We know the biggest barrier to attending any conference is often cost.

Learn more about the Worship & Music Conference!

Scholarship Application Page!

First Presbyterian Church, Spartanburg

Dir of Food Services

The Director of Food Services is a full-time position (40 hours/week) that seeks to provide hospitality to members and guests by leading the deployment of food and beverage services for a variety of events and meetings throughout the life of the congregation. This position accomplishes its mission through appropriate vision, oversight of staff and volunteers, and by cultivating a positive work environment. This position will also coordinate kitchen use by caterers for approved, non-church events.

First Presbyterian Church, Anderson

Full-time Interim Pastor

Fort Hill Presbyterian Church

Associate Pastor for Congregational Life

North Anderson

Community Church

Stated Supply, Part-Time Minister

*** Click here to see Available Jobs on our website. ***

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:

Greenville: Tuesday, April 28^th at 10am at Fourth PC
Columbia: Wednesday, April 29^th at 10am at Eastminster PC
Florence: Thursday, April 30^th at 10am at the Presbytery office

There is also a half-day event in Charlotte:

Wednesday, April 22^nd at 10 -2 pm at FPC Charlotte

The Board Bulletin Spring 2026 - The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Montreat Conference Center is pleased to bring you our monthly newsletter April in Montreat. Please find updates from our president, highlights on programmatic offerings, and ways that you can engage with Montreat below. Specifically, in this issue we are talking about the impact of Summer Staff, The Art of Transitional Ministry, and spring community hikes.

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.

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.

Are you planning on ordering any items from the PW Shop or the PCUSA Store soon?

If so, place your order by April 6.

Presbyterian Distribution Service (where print and other resources are processed and shipped) is relocating to a new facility and will temporarily close on April 10. Although fulfillment of orders will resume on April 20th, delays are anticipated as the staff catches up on orders received during the transition.

ShalomFest

Sunday, 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, a mile north of Haywood Mall in Greenville.

Admission is FREE for this family-friendly event that is meant for people of all religions.

Thriving in Ministry Conference 2026 at Presbyterian College

April 27-28, 2026

This event is 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.

This conference flyer has all the details including speakers, logistics, and registration.

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

Foothills Presbytery also has limited, need-based scholarships available!

Click Here: Scholarship Application . Scholarship Deadline is April 3.

Visit the Camp Fellowship website for new and continuing programs and opportunities designed for all ages and interests.

Welcome to the 227th General Assembly (2026)

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

Special Offerings for 2026

One Great Hour of Sharing | Season of Lent

Now - April 5, 2026 Received during the season of Lent, especially Palm Sunday or Easter pcusa.org/oghs Resources distributed in January

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

Our 116th Annual Sprunt Lecture Series (May 4–6, Richmond) Speaker: Dr. Gregory C. Ellison II (Emory Candler) & Preaching: Rev. Anna George Traynham (UPSem ’14).

Ecumenical Transitional Leadership Training (May 17–June 4, hybrid) Through our Leadership Institute and a partnership with Eastern Mennonite, we’re offering training for pastors serving congregations in seasons of transition—designed for interim ministers, COM members, and judicatory leaders.

Resources for Churches: We’ve also pulled together a simple “menu” of programs, learning opportunities, and gatherings for congregations and leaders who want to engage Union as a partner in ministry and formation.

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. This in-person event promises to be a night to remember, filled with music, top-shelf bourbon, and good company. Don't miss out on this opportunity to make memories that will last a lifetime.

See you there!

Click Here for More Information

The Mid America/Lincoln Trails (MALT)

"Art of Transitional Ministry"

Training offers education for both Weeks I & II at the Mercy Conference and Retreat Center in St. Louis, MO.

Read Full Flyer

Alzheimer’s Resource Coordination Center (ARCC) ARCC Grant Applications Open!

The Alzheimer’s Resource Coordination Center is pleased to announce that ARCC Grant Applications are now open! ARCC Grants are designed to benefit those impacted by Alzheimer’s disease and other causes of dementia through the promotion of respite care, education, and innovation. We are eager to support projects that demonstrate a clear commitment to these areas. Applications are due by April 10, 2026, at 11:59 PM.