View as Webpage

Foothills Presbytery News

February 5, 2026

God of the Ages

God of the ages,

you have always been faithful to your people.

Come to us now, we pray!

Give comfort and courage to those who are suffering.

Give strength and skill to those

who are working to save and heal.

Give us your peace that passes all understanding

in these moments of shock and sorrow,

and open our eyes, hearts, and hands

to the movements of your Spirit,

that we might be comforted and comfort others

in the name of Christ, our healer and our light. Amen.


From the Book of Common Worship (Daily Prayer)

Tackle Hunger!


Each year during the Big Game, thousands of groups and food charities across the country come together to tackle hunger through the Souper Bowl of Caring. Whether you're organizing a food drive or benefiting from one, this national movement makes it easy for everyone to get involved—and every donation stays local.


You can join the Souper Bowl of Caring ANYTIME of the year — just call it a Tackle Hunger Challenge! The mission stays the same: help local food charities provide critical resources to those in need.



Foothills Presbytery 

131st Stated Meeting


"Journey to Serve"



With Guest Preacher: The Rev. Cecelia “CeCe" Armstrong,

Co-Moderator of the 226th General Assembly of the PC(U.S.A.)


February 17, 2026

at St. Giles Presbyterian Church

1021 Hudson Road, Greenville, SC 29615

 

Meeting Registration begins at 9:30 am, followed by

Worship at 10:00 am.  Click HERE for the Commissioner Handbook.


Please forward this email to your Elder Commissioner(s)

elected to attend the meeting. Registration may be found here: REGISTER


Commissioner Orientation is Thursday, February 12th, at 5:30 pm via Zoom. More information is included in your registration confirmation email.

 

We look forward to seeing you on February 17 at St. Giles.

 

2025 Statistical Reports- Deadline is approaching!


The Statistical Entry Access opened for churches on

January 2, 2026. 



Please refer to the 2025 Statistical Reporting FAQ for step-by-step explanations for this years statistical reporting.


THE ABSOLUTE DEADLINE FOR ENTERING STATISTICS

IS FEBRUARY 12, 2026.  



User IDs and church passwords are the same as in previous years.


Questions? Please email lwhite@foothillspresbytery.org.

Foothills Presbytery Peer Ministry


Christian Educators

Our next gathering is February 9, 1:00-2:30 at the Presbytery Office.


Come early at 12:30 for lunch and conversation! APCE share from 1 - 2:30 pm.


Music Ministry Leaders 

Our next gathering is Wednesday,

February 11 at 9 am on Zoom.



Youth Leaders Roundtable

The next meeting will be on Thursday, February 19 at noon at the Commons.



Western Region Pastors

Our next gathering will be Thursday, March 5, 12:30, at the Social Tap.



African American History Month 

(aka Black History Month) has been observed each February in the United States since 1976.​


How will you or your congregation observe this celebration? If you need ideas, click here!


Full Flyer

Officer Training Workshop


Saturday, February 21, 9:30 – 2:30

at Simpsonville Church

Registration: $20 (includes lunch & materials)


Registration Deadline: 2/13/2026



This workshop, led by the Rev. Tom Malone and CRE Robin Morris, is for newly ordained Elders as well as those who have previously served. It will focus 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

Smaller Congregation Gathering

Rescheduled to

Monday, March 2, 2026

12:00-1:30 pm


“Best Practices for Social Media Workshop” led by Rev. Anne Russ. Rev. Anne Russ, founder of Social Media for Churches, will lead us through a workshop focused on general best practices for social media ministry, including content creation, planning, scheduling and content mix.


Bring your own lunch. Dessert will be provided.

Email LeAnne White HERE if you plan to attend.

SC5 School of Theology

2026 Spring Semester - March 27 & 28 


The SC5 School of Theology classes are held at Presbyterian College. Spring 2026 Semester Courses:


  • Old Testament (Core)
  • Church History (Core)
  • Worship & Sacraments (Core)
  • Presbyterian Polity (Core)
  • The Joyous Letter to the Church at Philippi (Elective)
  • One Thread: Crafting Worship That Unravels (Elective)

SUMMER CAMP 2026 at Camp Fellowship!


REGISTRATION IS OPEN


Join us for Camp Fellowship Open House, May 23!

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.


Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is pleased to announce that registration is now open for the

2026 Disaster Emotional and Spiritual Care Academy!


Six weeks of live, free online programs will offer pragmatic and informative sessions to help faith and community leaders address needs emerging from disasters and other crises.


These interactive programs are on Tuesdays, March 24 through April 28, 2026, 10:00 am - 11:30 AM Central and are appropriate for all levels of experience and expertise.


Click here to register 


One Great Hour of Sharing Leader’s Guide has everything you need to plan, prepare and sustain a successful offering season. But this year we have packed some extra goodies into it to make things even easier for you:


Fish Box Liturgy

Ways to use Fish Boxes

How is One Great Hour of Sharing Used



Our 116th Annual Sprunt Lecture Series (May 4–6, Richmond) brings pastors & Christian leaders together for worship, learning, and conversation. 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. Pricing tiers & early bird pricing through February 15. 

 

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.

Welcome to the 227th General Assembly (2026)

June 22 - July 2, 2026


Issue 7 of GA227's "On the Road to GA"

is hot off the virtual presses!



OPEN THE JANUARY 2026 ISSUE



Download the PDF

Presbyterian Women's

Birthday Offering


As members of the Creative Ministries Offering Committee, we are happy to introduce you to the projects chosen for grants this year and we ask that you share this information far and wide. Thank you for your continued prayers, celebration of our recipients, and support for our long PW tradition of giving! To learn more, visit presbyterianwomen.org/birthday.

WOW February Newsletter


Click here to read more about Godly PlayTraining, the Chicago Regional Gathering, Infant & Toddler Resources, and much more.

CONGREGATIONAL STUDY GUIDE

FOR KAIROS PALESTINE II


Three Christian organizations will soon jointly release a new congregational study guide for the confessional document A Moment of Truth: Faith in a Time of Genocide, the recently issued Kairos Palestine II statement from Palestinian Christian leaders. (Issued Nov. 2025).


Developed by The Palestine Justice Network (PJN) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), with United Methodists for Kairos Response (UMKR), and Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA), the study guide will be a free digital download. It will be available at their websites in February, for use as a 2026 Lenten Study and throughout the year.

Side by Side Respite Volunteer Training

Monday, February 23, from 9:00-12:30 

at John Knox Presbyterian Church 

 

This is an amazing opportunity to have an immediate impact and help families in our community who are living with dementia. We currently have over 20 families on the Wait List hoping that we can expand our active roster with more volunteers.


Schedules are flexible. Attending the training is a commitment only to learning more about the program. RSVPs are appreciated, but not required. Please contact the church office or Laura for more details or to get signed up. 

Clergy & Commissioned Pastors -

“Reignite Your Pentecost Preaching”

Friday, February 27

 

What if this coming Pentecost season, you didn’t just preach another sermon, but ignited a fire in the hearts of your congregation? We’re thrilled to invite you to Reignite Your Pentecost Preaching — a powerful, one‑day workshop

designed just for clergy and commissioned pastors like you.


9:00 AM – 4:00 PM, (Breakfast at 8:30 AM) at Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church, 530 St. Andrews St., Columbia, SC


Registration: $50 (includes breakfast, lunch, and materials)



REGISTER HERE

Deadline: Friday, January 30, 2026

Greenville, SC Intergenerational Family Day

More Information

Westminster, Greenville  welcomes

American Spiritual Ensemble 

Saturday, March 21 at 7:00 p.m


This free community concert will be held in the church sanctuary and is open to all. This rare Upstate appearance promises an unforgettable evening of soulful music, cultural heritage, and world-class performance.

Free tickets are available now HERE.


An offering will be received to help offset concert costsn. For more information, please contact Marlon Hurst, mhurst@wpc-online.org.

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

News from the Board of Pensions


In this issue, you will find:

  • A message from the Reverend Dr. Frank Clark Spencer, President
  • Highlights from the fall Bd of Directors meeting
  • Celebrating 20 years of CREDO
  • Inside the Medical Plan: How It Works and Why It Matters webinar recap
  • Giving back: Board staff supports the Philadelphia community
  • Board leadership in action


View the complete BOP News

150 Years of Ministry to

Children and Families

 

Since 1875, Thornwell has faithfully walked alongside children and families as they have faced confusion, challenges, and crisis. Backed by a community of support and empowered by meaningful partnerships, we have had the privilege to witness and support 150 years of hope, joy and healing! Join Children and Families on Their Journey. Your generosity helps children and families take steps towards hope, love, and a brighter future.


Donate today.



Click here 

to see Available

Jobs on our website.



Mark your Calendars for these Upcoming Events


2026


February

5 Committee on Ministry meeting

9 Educators Gathering

10 Think Tank meeting

11 Music Ministry Leaders gathering - Zoom

Committee on Shared Ministry meeting - Zoom and Presbytery Meeting Orientation - Zoom

17 Foothills Presbytery Stated Meeting #131 at St. Giles

19 Youth Leaders Roundtable and Examinations Commission meeting

23 Antiracism Ministry Team meeting - Zoom

24 Property Advisory Committee meeting

26 Committee on Preparation for Ministry meeting





Foothills Presbytery Featured Events


Foothills Presbytery Calendar



Foothills Presbytery Stated Meetings

  • February 17, 2026, St. Giles, Greenville
  • May 16, 2026 - Central, Anderson
  • November 10, 2026, First, Spartanburg

Partner Connections

_Jan 2026 Newsletter

Connect with us!

Facebook  Instagram  YouTube