Foothills Presbytery News

February 21, 2025

“Imagining, with God, our Future”

Highlights of the #128th Stated Meeting

A record number of Presbyterians+ gathered at Eleos Ministry in the Nicholtown Community of Greenville. Our time together began with a Worship centered on the wisdom of Psalm 129, the sounds of voices raised in song, prayers of confession, and the good news of God’s unending grace and assurance. We heard the Word Proclaimed (based on Acts 16: 6 – 15) from Corey Schlosser-Hall (Deputy Executive Director of the Interim Unified Agency, PCSUA). Corey challenged us to partner with God and navigate the adventure of mission and ministry. He reminded us to pay attention to God at work in unexpected ways in our neighborhoods, communities, and congregations. We recited excerpts from the Confession of 1967 and, with one voice, affirmed, “To be reconciled to God is to be sent into the world as God’s reconciling community.”

After a brief update about the work of the Antiracism Ministry Team (AMT), the Rev. Lerone Wilder announced that in honor of Black History Month, the AMT is using the Presbytery’s social media outlets (Instagram and Facebook) to post relevant resources about prominent trailblazers from history, faith, and culture.

We welcomed into ministry and new calls three new pastoral leaders: The Rev. Nick Carson, Westminster, Greenville, Associate Pastor, Joe Ellers to be a Commissioned Ruling Edler to serve at the Richland Church, and the Rev. Dr. Maren Sonstegard-Spray as Co-Pastor with Dennis Tedder at First, Anderson.

Every other year, our Presbytery receives proposed amendments from the General Assembly. The 226th Assembly referred twelve amendments and one ecumenical agreement (Episcopal and PCUSA ) for approval or disapproval. After healthy discussions and debate, the body voted to approve all thirteen items.

Two Commissions were elected: The Nicholtown Church AC will work with the Session to dissolve the congregation and develop a vision for the future of the gospel in that place. The Varennes Church AC will work with the Session of Varennes to determine appropriate steps for the future of the congregation.

We honored and celebrated the Rev. Tandy Taylor, who is retiring after 37 years of active service. Tandy has faithfully served in parish and validated ministries, serving God in each of her calls.

We celebrated the connectional church with special guests: Cam Hill, Corbin Hogue, and Joy Hill (Eleos) Elizabeth Little (Board of Pensions), Olanda Carr (The Presbyterian Foundation), Kevin Cartee (Camp Fellowship), and Corey Schlossar-Hall (The Interim Unified Agency).

Congratulations to Joe Ellers (Fair Play), who was approved as a Commissioned Ruling Elder (Richland).

Welcome to the Rev. Nick Carson, who has been called as an Associate Pastor at Westminster, Greenville.

Congratulations to the Rev. Tandy Taylor, who is now an Honorably Retired pastor in Foothills.

Welcome to the Rev. Dr. Maren Sonstegard-Spray who will serve as Co-Pastor at First Anderson with Rev. Dr. Dennis Tedder.

CSM Mission & Outreach News

During 2025, the Mission and Outreach team of the Foothills Presbytery Committee on Shared Ministry will highlight partner ministries and mission opportunities every month. Each month's newsletter will include ways to engage in the featured ministry on the calendar to the left.

February Mission Newsletter

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

New York Times bestselling author Jemar Tisby has recently released three books,

including two children’s books. All are based on stories of figures across history—from the well-known to those often forgotten—who resisted racism in the name of their faith and created a

legacy of hope and perseverance.

The Spirit of Justice: True Stories of Faith, Race, and Resistance (261.8 Tisby)

This title for adults, was inspired by Myrlie Evers-Williams’ declaration about the spirit of justice at the opening of the Mississippi Civil Rights Museum in 2017. The book includes stories of figures from across U.S. history who resisted racism. How did they resist, what did it cost them, and what did they gain for themselves and others? Initially Tisby wasn’t sure he would find enough material for a book, but he discovered that he had far more examples than he could include.

Stories of the Spirit of Justice. Ages 8-12. (J_261.8 Tisby)

Sections and biographies are only 3-5 pages in length, a format well adapted for those (including adults) who prefer brief reading rather than longer nonfiction.

I Am the Spirit of Justice, by Jemar Tisby, with Malcolm Newsome; illustrated by Nadia Fisher.

Ages 4-8. (E_261.8 Tisby)

Lyrical illustrations include wind, waves, earthquakes and volcanoes to personify the spirit of justice as it moves through time, loving the oppressed and supporting the freedom fighters. Poetic text tells of the countless and often nameless people who have taken up the fight, and the spirit which continues to inspire people to work for equality and justice for all.

Foothills Presbytery Pastoral Support & Peer Ministry:

Youth Leaders Roundtable

The next gathering will be

Thursday, March 6 at 10:00 am.

Music Ministry Leaders

Our next gathering is Wednesday,

March 12 at 9:00 am

by Zoom.

CRE Cohort

The next gathering will be Wednesday,

March 12, 12:00 pm

at the Foothills Presbytery office.

Christian Educators

Our next gathering is APCE Share

and dinner at the home of

Joan Jones- March 27 @ 6:00!

SC5 School of Theology

2025 Spring Semester

Registration is Open!

Friday, March 28 & Saturday, March 29

Presbyterian College, Clinton, SC

(deadline to register is March 7.)

Registration & Information

Congregations of South Carolina are called upon to serve through volunteer opportunities for helping those impacted by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina.

Teams of 5-10 may be guest at the South Carolina Inn at Montreat and work projects will be coordinated by Black Mountain Presbyterian Church. The need is great, and the connection with impacted communities will be rewarding in sharing God’s help to address small to mid sized projects that need helping hands.

Black Mtn Presbyterian Project

Contact Mark McCain at mmccain2016@gmail.com for additional details for how your congregation may serve.

2025 Heritage Lecturer

The Rev. Dr. Hunter Farrell

at Westminster, Greenville

on Sunday, February 23

Dr. Farrell will preach at both the 9:00 and 11:15 a.m. services and will also lead the adult Sunday School class at 10 a.m. Both the services and the Sunday School class will be streamed live from the church’s website and recorded for later viewing from the same location.

Safe Conduct 2025: New Research and Best Practices

Feb 25, 2025 2:00 pm EST

Join Insurance Board and Praesidium's Vice President of Consulting, Christy Schiller to learn about the current landscape of safe conduct practices and abuse prevention, including new research, ongoing challenges, and best practices for the ministries that we serve.

PCUSA - Areas impacted by fall hurricanes face long road to recovery

In late October and early November 2024, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Director the Rev. Edwin González-Castillo and Associate for National Disaster Response the Rev. Dr. Jim Kirk traveled to six states and 9 Presbyteries impacted by Hurricanes Helene and Milton. To learn more about Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, including how to volunteer and give, visit pcusa.org/pda

February Webinar

February 24 at 2 pm, Zoom

Nurturing the spiritual health of someone with dementia is an act of Christian love that preserves their dignity and affirms their personhood. In this workshop, you will learn how to create a modified worship service, either in-person or pre-recorded, for your faith community, and view an example that was developed at Point Loma Community Presbyterian Church.

Session Minutes Reading

The time has come for the annual reading of session minutes. This year we are grateful that we offer three opportunities to gather and review minutes. We find that we learn from each other with these review gatherings.

You may choose whichever option is better for you.

Tuesday, April 29 - noon at First Church (Spartanburg)
Tuesday, May 13 - 6:00 pm at Central Church (Anderson)
Monday, June 9 - noon at the Presbytery office (Greenville)

If you are unable to attend one of these gatherings, you may drop off your 2024 Session Minutes at the Presbytery Office, 2242 Woodruff Road, Simpsonville. Or you may contact Robin Morris at the Presbytery Office to make other arrangements. (Email is rmorris@foothillspresbytery.org or telephone: 864.288.5774.)

Please complete two forms that you will bring with your minutes to the review.

(Click on the title of each form below to open the document.)

Thank you for your continued service to the church and for your faithful work as a Clerk. We look forward to seeing you at one of the regional gatherings where we can learn from each other as we complete the annual review of Session minutes.

Grace and Peace,

Representation & Review Committee

Summer Camp 2025

Registration is OPEN!

Join us for Open House on June 1st!

The Foothills Presbytery Campership code is live and so is registration.

CODE: Foothills50

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

National Black

Presbyterian Caucus

Community News

for Everyone in the Pews

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: 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

Overturning Your ‘Immunity to Change’ Workshop

with Dr. Robert Kegan

March 3, 2025 from 12 - 3:30 pm

This workshop will provide participants with a fast-moving opportunity to try on this approach for themselves. Come with a personal improvement goal you most want to work on in mind! This virtual event is free, but you must register in advance at Overturning your 'Immunity to Change'.

Concordia Choir at

First, Spartanburg

on March 4 at 7:00 pm

The Concordia Choir of Moorhead, Minnesota has a reputation as one of America’s finest choirs. The 72-voice choir has performed in nearly every major hall including Carnegie Hall and Kennedy Center as well as numerous international tours. Click HERE to read more and to view clips from their recent performances!

Lent Begins March 5

New resources from Presbyterian Outlook - Basic instructions for printing the resources will be sent to your inbox. Available on February 10. View a sample of week one.

Each Sunday introduces one of the six stages of grief — denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance, and finding meaning.

SC Department on Aging

Free webinars:

Dementia 101: The Basics (virtual) Click here to register for Dementia 101: The Basics.

SCDOA Dementia Seminar Series (virtual) Click here to register for Advancing the Science.

Dementia 201: Positive Interactions (virtual) Click here to register for Dementia 201: Positive Interactions.

Join Us

March 13 - 14, 2025

Plenaries that explore what curriculum looks like for a changing church and world.

Sessions where YOU participate in shaping four curriculum approaches and themes for new curriculum.

Conversations with publishers on moving curriculum from concept to print.

In person in Charlotte or online. Click on the QR code for more information.

ECO-Palms for Palm Sunday

Order Deadline: March 21, 2025 5pm CST

PC(USA) congregations joined thousands of Ecumenical houses of worship in ordering Eco-Palms for use in so many creative ways on Palm Sunday over the last few years.

Orders of these palms mean livelihood for harvesters, now, more than ever.

Eco-Palms staff can be contacted by phone at 651-487-7189. 2025 pricing can be found on the Eco-Palms site.

First Presbyterian, Spartanburg

Chamber Singers Spring Concert

"Mendelssohn in the Wilderness"

March 23 at 5:00 pm

The choir will be joined by a chamber orchestra and excerpts from Elijah will be featured.

2025 King Legacy HBCU Fair

Saturday, April 19

from 2:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m., at Fluor Field, Greenville, SC

We cordially invite you, your church, youth, parents/guardians, youth directors, and members to join us for the 2025 King Legacy HBCU Fair.

SC Works and SC Dept on Aging Older Workers Week Job Fair

March 12, 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Pondering God with Presbyterians:

What Do We Believe and Why?

A Leader Formation Webinar

March 6, 2025; 7-8:30 pm (eastern)

Registration Deadline February 26, 2025

2025 Season of "The Sounds of Music" Concert Series

at Seneca Presbyterian Church

Saturday, March 29th at 6 pm: The Oconee Winds (under the direction of Gena Sykes), an ensemble known for their dynamic instrumental performances.

Friday, May 9th at 6:30 pm: Concluding the series, The Cannon Cohen Band will bring the vibrant sounds of acoustic Americana and Bluegrass to the church.

For more information, please contact us at hello@sprez.org.

Come See Columbia Day

April 24, 2025

Come spend a day in the life of Columbia Seminary! Join us Thursday, April 24, for a day of worship, classes, lunch and a tour of Mission Haven. Come solo or with a group from your church. This makes a wonderful outing for your PW or Older Adult Ministry group! You will learn, be inspired and enjoy seeing what God is doing in the world.

60th Celebration Event for Bethelwoods Camp & Conference Center

In honor of our 60th birthday, we are excited to announce our newest fundraising event, Bourbon and Bowties, and we would love for you to consider becoming a sponsor. This special evening promises to be a fun and

unique opportunity to support Bethelwoods’ mission.

April 26, 2025

Bethelwoods Camp and Conference Center Horton Lodge

See FULL Flyer & Information Here

Summer Staff Applications Open for Montreat

Each summer, Montreat Conference

Center employs over 100 Summer

Staff to help keep things running

smoothly during our busiest season.

These young people gain practical

work experience and form a

close-knit community among their

peers as they live, work, and play in

our small valley town.

Visit montreat.org/summer-staff for more info

Sprunt 2025:

It's a ReUnion Event!

We’re reimagining the Sprunt Lectures to bring cutting-edge theological thinking to you.

We’re planning a ReUnion event for you to connect with alumni, friends, faculty, and others in ministry.

Sprunts 2025: May 5-7, 2025

Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond

Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising (ECRF)

May 19-21

at Trinity Pres Church, Atlanta

The ECRF program provides the research, tools, and customized training to meet the growing needs of leaders in religious communities and fundraisers of faith-based organizations. PC(USA) leaders can receive a Church Financial Leadership Grant through the Presbyterian Foundation to assist in attending the ECRF.

Click HERE for More Info

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.

* Stephen Price from Central is serving as the Presbytery registrar. If your church is interested in participating, please contact Stephen before March 1!

Save the date - August 4-6, 2025!

2025-26 Horizons Bible Study at Columbia Theological Seminary

Make plans to gather with other PW Bible Study leaders to dive deep into the study with author, Rhashell Hunter. Comfortable and affordable housing is available on campus on a first come, first served basis. Stay tuned for registration information this spring!

For questions, contact Helen Blier: blierh@ctsnet.edu.