Foothills Presbytery News

November 13, 2025

On Tuesday of this week, we gathered for our fall Presbytery meeting at the historic Nazareth Church in Moore, SC. The theme for our gathering was “Woven Together in Christ.” We began the day by worshiping together.

This gathering is undoubtedly among the most poignant of the year, as we remember and give thanks for the Saints in our lives, people along our journey who have mediated something of God’s grace. As has become our custom, we share their names during worship. This year, we literally created a tapestry of names, which was draped over the communion table as we celebrated the Lord’s supper.

After worship, our Presbytery Moderator, the Rev. Nath Briley (Family Promise), welcomed first-time commissioners and guests before moving us to the Mission and Ministry portion of the day. Highlights include:

An update about the new expansion project underway at the Presbyterian Retirement Community in Easley.
The Think Tank shared five themes from the thirteen listening sessions, which took place over the summer. We will hear more from the Think Tank at our May meeting.
Celebrating that after faithful discernment and conversation, Foothills Presbytery has entered a new Covenant Partnership with One Community Church (Greenville) to lease the Nicholtown Church property. This partnership is a beautiful continuation of ministry in the Nicholtown neighborhood — a way of keeping that sacred space alive with worship and community outreach.
Approving the creation of an Administrative Commission to work with the Landrum Church as they discern closing.
Welcoming three retired ministers to our Presbytery: Adrian Pratt (Long Island), Bill Wilson (New Harmony), and David Lytle (Western NC). In addition, we celebrated the retirement and faithful ministry of Dennis Tedder and David Howell.
Hearing an exciting report and viewing a video about a new Worshipping Community called re:center developing in Greenville.
We welcomed John Daniel DeBevoise, who received a call to serve as Pastor at the Tyger River Church.
The Committee on the Preparation for Ministry presented Inquirer Cyndi Banks (Pickens Church and CRE at Liberty) to move to Candidacy. After hearing about Cyndi’s faith journey and her call to ministry, we approved her Candidacy and offered her a charge and a blessing.

It was a day filled with worship, celebrations, and fellowship with God’s beloved community of faith.

Congratulations to Cyndi Banks, who was approved as a Candidate Under Care of Foothills Presbytery.

Congratulations to the Rev. John Daniel DeBevoise who has been called as Pastor of the Tyger River Church.

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.

NOVEMBER MISSION NEWSLETTER: Homelessness

Book Bundles for Small Churches

Includes 10 free copies of the new "Growing in God's Love A Family Devotional" to help small churches equip households to engage in faith formation at home.

Limited number of book bundles available, preference to smaller churches. Deadline to apply is Nov. 26. The books will ship in December.

Stewardship Brochure

Stewardship Letter

United in Christ, we weave a tapestry of faith, hope, and love. Because of our faith connections, we go forward together in our shared mission and ministry. We are better together as a community of witnesses, as we share the love of Christ in our six counties and beyond.

The Woven Together in Christ packet was mailed to all congregations earlier in the month, and the Stewardship team has been asked to share its contents across the presbytery. The digital Stewardship Brochure is attached below. Please share with your congregation

Foothills Presbytery Peer Ministry

Christian Educators

Our next gathering is

at 12:00 pm on November 17

at First Spartanburg. Lunch will be provided. Advent painting instruction following lunch.

Youth Leaders Roundtable

Thursday, December 4 at 10 am for Christmas Brunch!

Details coming soon.

Music Ministry Leaders

No meeting in December.

Our next gathering is Wednesday,

January 21 at 9 am on Zoom.

FORT HILL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH

Join us for an honest look at our history as the Presbyterian Church in South Carolina in the 19th Century. Otis Pickett describes the missionary work of several congregations who ministered with enslaved, indigenous, and immigrant communities. Learn more about how faith calls us to ask hard questions and learn how to live in love with our neighbors.

2025 Statistical Reports Update:

The Statistical Entry Access will open for churches on January 2, 2026. This is a little later than the usual December date. I'll send a reminder when the portal access is open.

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.

APCE Annual Event 2026

Registration is now available online.

November 15 is the

early bird registration deadline!

November in Montreat

Montreat Conference Center is pleased to bring you our monthly newsletter November 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 our Thriving Congregations initiative, upcoming public hiking opportunities, and ways to practice gratitude.

November/December

2025

digital edition of Horizons

now available!

Presbyterian College partners with Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy’s Lake Institute on Faith and Giving to offer the Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising (ECRF).

Thriving in Ministry Conference Registration Form 2026 For Clergy and other church professionals: Join us April 27-28, 2026 for two days filled with learning, reflection, and fellowship. There is no cost to attend the conference, and hotel expenses will be covered for the first 20 participants that register.

Presbyterian College Summer Youth Ministry Experience 2026 July 6-9, 2026 --A week of service and discernment, primarily for middle school youth, on the campus of Presbyterian College and the surrounding community. Please complete this form to secure space for your group. We will follow up soon with additional information.

Promise Scholarships Promise Scholarships at Presbyterian College unlock opportunities for students to achieve academic and personal excellence. These scholarships provide significant financial support, ensuring you thrive in a community that values service, leadership, and academic excellence.

FULL PC FLYER

If you have any questions, please email Buz Wilcoxon at bwilcoxon@presby.edu

Presbyterians for Earth Care

is inviting young adults ages 18-35 to join the Creation Action Network of Presbyterian Young Adults - CANOPY!

Together, this group is connecting, educating, learning, and taking action in solidarity with creation and with one another.

To learn more visit their Instagram (@canopy_pec), complete their interest form or email Emma Marshall, CANOPY’s organizer, at pecyaorganizer@gmail.com. Join us, and share with a friend!

Journey to Freedom

Civil Rights & Social Justice

Travel Seminar

December 29 - January 6, 2026

Union Seminary Students, Staff, Alumni/ae,

Community Members & Spouses

Detailed Information Here

Nurturing Presbyterian Women's

Heart-filled Ministries

As we prepare for 2026 and a new year of PW possibilities, the 2026 Presbyterian Women Annual Mission Fund Promotional Resource is available to share in newsletters and in circle meetings, on bulletin boards and over prayer.

SCE Connections

Did you know that if you scroll to the end of our newsletter each time, we will have the most up-to-date news from SCE Connections, the PCUSA environmental newsletter created for Foothills Presbytery by our own Manella Calhoun!

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

Wonder of Worship

NOVEMBER

NEWSLETTER

Hurricane Relief Work Site Programs in Florida:

First Presbyterian Church, Sarasota

along with PDA partners at FLAPDAN are

hosting a work program site in Florida

There is also a Hurricane Relief Team Host Site at Oakhurst United Methodist Church in Pinellas County, Florida

Univ of Dubuque Open House

Do you know someone discerning a call to ministry? Curious about studying theology? Do they have a desire to deepen their faith?

Our second Open House of the semester will be on November 17th.

We will gather for morning prayer, answer questions, join for a special service of Prayer Around the Cross, break bread together at lunch, visit classes, and experience the joy of theological learning together.

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.

Click here for full flyer and detailed information!

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