Foothills Presbytery News
September 19, 2025
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The whole body grows from him [Jesus Christ], as it is joined and held together by all the supporting ligaments. The body makes itself grow in that it builds itself up with love as each one does its part. (Ephesians 4:16)
During times of chaos, distraction, and stress, I often recite the words from Hebrews 12:2 in my head, “Keep your eyes focused on the author and perfector of your faith!” The words from Ephesians 4 speak a similar theme. We take our lead from Christ, who is the source of everything we do. He keeps us in step with each other. I like to say, it weaves each “me” into a collective “we” - God’s magnificent tapestry. In Christ, God binds us together and nourishes us so that we may become healthier people, able to serve one another and the world. Anchoring ourselves in that truth better equips us to hold the tensions of disagreement flooding our hearts and minds these days. Fixin’ our eyes on the perfector of our faith allows for a needed pause and provides the gentle strength we need.
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 | | | | |
CRE Cohort Gatherings
Our next gathering
is Tuesday, September 23
at noon at the
Foothills Presbytery office.
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Youth Leaders Roundtable
The next gathering will be Thursday, Oct 2, 10:00 am, at Fourth Presbyterian.
Topic: Mental Health in Youth and Young Adults with Rev. Michelle Thomas Bush
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Music Ministry Leaders
Our next gathering is Wednesday,
October 8 at 9 am on Zoom.
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Christian Educators
Our next gathering is October 20
at the Foothills Presbytery office
from 1 - 2:30 pm.
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Western Area Presbyterian Pastors Lunch
Monday, November 3, at noon at the Social Tap in Anderson!
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Important Dates for registration:
- October 2, 2025: last day before $25 fee increase for late registration
- October 23, 2025: last day to add/drop participants for Middle School Retreat
- December 4, 2025: last day to add/drop participants for
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Discipleship and Faith Formation
Jesus said the greatest commandment was to love God with all our heart, soul, mind, and strength. The next greatest commandment was to love our neighbor. But how can we truly love our neighbor if we don’t know our neighbor? The Antiracism Ministry team and Courageous Conversations writing team invite you to engage in “Courageous Conversations” in order to know your neighbor. These videos feature people in Foothills Presbytery telling their own stories – stories that may be very different from our own. Read More
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The interviews and curriculum can be found on the Foothills Presbytery website.
The Courageous Conversations Writing Team is available to lead small groups through this seven session study.
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Sunday October 19, 2025
1:00pm – 6:00pm
https://hpporchfest.org/
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Join us for an afternoon of music at the fifth annual
Hampton-Pinckney PorchFest!
PorchFest is one of our community’s most vibrant events—a walking neighborhood festival that brings together thousands of people from across the city and county. This year, Mattoon is hosting two time slots, and we’d love for our churches to be part of it!
Questions? Email: Anthony Dawson, tgkeeper@gmail.com or Pastor Lerone Wilder - leronewilder@leronewilder.com.
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P.S.C.E. – Presbyterians Supporting Christian Education
Union Presbyterian Seminary
The PSCE initiative continues to raise the profile of those serving in all areas of Christian Education and has expanded to the support of those serving as CRE/CP (Commissioned Ruling Elder/Commissioned Pastor).
All cohorts meet on Zoom. For further information, contact Marilyn Johns, Registrar
https://www.upsem.edu/psce/
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September is
National Disaster Preparedness Month!
Visit pcusa.org/preparedness
for resources on disaster preparedness for
your church and family.
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First Presbyterian Church, Sarasota
along with PDA partners at FLAPDAN are
hosting a work program
site in Florida
Full Flyer
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Join us for a Homecoming and welcoming of our Pastor, the Rev. Susan Horn Haney
Unity Presbyterian Church
September 28th
Service starts at 11 am
Luncheon at 12:30
RSVP by September 20th: 864.621.4810
| | | | Montreat Conference Center is pleased to bring you our monthly newsletter September 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 joy of summer in Montreat, our new fall edition of Discovering Renewal, and how to enjoy hiking in Montreat this fall. | | | |
Faithful and Flexible: Empowering Church Leaders for Emerging Possibilities
Sept. 19 - 20, 2025
In Person and Online - FREE Public Lecture Sept. 19
Join us for a free public lecture and two-day conference designed to equip church leaders for faithful and adaptive leadership in today’s rapidly changing ministry contexts. Register today! Purchase 4 registrations and get the 5th free!
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Celebrate Theological Education Sunday
Theological Education Sunday is celebrated each September in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). This year it is officially set for September 21, 2025, or whenever best fits your congregation’s schedule. A sample liturgy (bulletin announcement, hymn selections, scripture suggestions, prayers), and a newsletter or bulletin announcement are available. Other resources are available at the Presbyterian Foundation website.
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The Leadership Institute - TWO New September events!
Compassion Across Borders - September 16-18, 2025, a call for solidarity with, and justice for, migrants in the church. Learn more and register here!!
BTSR Legacy Celebration - September 23-25, 2025, in collaboration with the Baptist House of Studies and the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship of Virginia. Learn more and register here!
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2025 Fall Craft Week
A Kaleidoscope of Art!
September 21–26, 2025
Come gain proficiency in an art form of your choice, and enjoy the community of other artists during a fall week in the mountains. Bring a group from your church, community, family, or come alone. We can help you figure out the details! Learn More
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Celebrate Thornwell’s
150th Anniversary with Us!
From our founding 150 years ago, Thornwell has been rooted in faith and committed to building strong children and families. This milestone is a celebration of everyone who has been part of the journey.
🎶 150th Anniversary Concert
Featuring: Christian contemporary duo Caleb + Kelsey Friday, October 3 at 8:00- 9:30PM
Presbyterian College, Belk Auditorium $28.52
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Each month in 2025, we will send items from PW Churchwide’s Justice and Peace Calendar.
Want the J&P calendar for the entire year?
Click here to download the PDF or visit the Justice and Peace webpage at presbyterianwomen.org/justice, where you can also find additional details.
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"Improving Public Health within the Faith-Based Community"
The time has come to register for the 7th Annual Faith Symposium. This event will be held on October 9, 2025, at the Department of Archives and History. Registration is open until September 5, 2025. If you have questions, please contact Sherri Caldwell via email or at 803.734.9903. Learn More Here
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2025 When Faith Hurts Conference
Julie Valentine Center
When Faith Hurts: Equipping the church for faithful response to child abuse and sexual assault and its implications for congregational care.
October 14 - 16, 2025
St. Michael's Lutheran Church
2619 Augusta Street Greenville, SC 29605
Learn More
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2025 Fall Discovering Renewal
October 13–16, 2025
featuring the Rev. Paul Roberts
Join us as we seek to discover renewal through activities as a way to be reminded that we can find this renewal in the most common of places.
Click here for more information.
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PW’s Triennial Gathering
Synod of South Atlantic and Synod of Living Waters
Epworth by the Sea, St. Simons, GA
October 17-19, 2025
Our PW Synod Gathering, held once every three years, is an opportunity for women to nurture faith, exchange ideas, discover mission opportunities, strengthen relationships, and relax.
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October 20–22, 2025
Rev. Audrey Hartness Reese – Conference Preacher
The Wee Kirk conference aspires to provide Christ-centered opportunities for inspiration, encouragement, and community among leaders of small membership churches so they can do the same in their congregations and regions.
Scholarships are available. Please contact Pressley Cox for more information.
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Leader Formation Webinars for Ruling Elders and Deacons
October 23, 2025; 7:00-8:30 pm eastern
"Presbyterian Polity"
Registration opens on September 15
More information will be available on the
Leader Formation webpage and in the September Leader Formation Newsletter
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NEXT Church National Gathering
November 11-14 in Grand Rapids, MI
A Gathering for Leaders Committed to Transformation. With courage and openness, you will find new ways to courageously transform the uncertain world around us all.
Learn More Here
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You're Invited: Join UPSem's Next Travel Seminar!
Travel to India this winter with Dr. Sam Adams and Dr. James Taneti to unpack Christianity, country, and culture. December 27, 2025 - January 16, 2026
Please contact Dean Dan Ott (daniel.ott@upsem.edu) or Sarah Amick (sarah.amick@upsem.edu) for details. Deadline to apply is August 7.
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Foothills Presbytery
Women of the Church
Gathering
February 21, 2026
Save the Date...details coming!
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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. Deadline is January 10, 2026.
Application and Information
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Mark your Calendars for these Upcoming Events
2025
September
22 Antiracism Ministry Team meeting-Zoom
24 Nominations Committee-Zoom
23 CRE Cohort & Worship Committee meeting-Zoom
25 Committee on Preparation Committee meeting
29 Disaster Prep & Resp Commission meeting
30 Smaller Church Gathering
October
1 Personnel
2 Finance & Stewardship, Committee on Ministry
7 Stewardship, Coordinating Council
9 Investment, Committee on Shared Ministry
Foothills Presbytery Featured Events
Foothills Presbytery Calendar
Foothills Presbytery Stated Meetings
- November 11, 2025, at Nazareth
- February 17, 2026, at St. Giles
- May 16, 2026 - Location TBD
- November 10, 2026, at First, Spartanburg
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