Volume 23
December 2020
Clerks of Session and Church Administrators

Statistical Reports
The OGA Statistical Reporting System is live for 2020 Statistics of the Church (SOC) entry. Log-in credentials were e-mailed to all clerks of session last week. Please check your e-mail.

NOTE: If you are not the clerk, please forward the information to the new clerk and contact the Presbytery office with the name and contact information for the new clerk.

Annual Forms
There are forms that will need to be completed for COM and/or Presbytery files (approved 2021 salary for Pastors and Christian Educators and church directory information ). The forms can be found on our website by clicking here.
 
Pastors
Annual Clergy Reports for Commission on Ministry (COM)
The annual reports for installed clergy and those serving in temporary positions (commissioned pastors, parish associates, validated ministries, etc.) are due by December 31st. If you have not completed those forms, please do so now using the link below. COM will not approve annual covenant agreements until those reports have been received.

APCE Scholarship Information
(click the photo to view/download)
Dear SC Presbyterians,
The South Carolina Inn is pleased to share that we continue to provide a safe place for respite during these winter months. In fact, there are weekends when all of the very reasonably priced apartments are rented with individuals and families enjoying the beauty of the NC mountains. We invite you to come and visit us and stay in an apartment, in the suite, or in the house where you can easily social distance while taking in the view of God’s wonderful creation. This continues to be your “Home in the Mountains.” The Inn has a new website (http://www.scinnatmontreat.org ). While it's already up and running, it will be even more functional in the very near future. You can also call us at 828-669-7460. Emily, Gene, and Jenny look forward to welcoming you!!
It’s 2021–22 Application Season for the Young Adult Volunteer program (YAV)
COLUMBIA THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY RECEIVES THRIVING CONGREGATION GRANT FROM LILLY ENDOWMENT
Columbia Theological Seminary has received a grant of $969,528 from Lilly Endowment Inc. to help establish the “reKindle: Congregational Development in a Post COVID-19 Era” program through its Center for Lifelong Learning. The reKindle Impact Grant will help realize the goal of the Thriving Congregation  initiative by helping congregations focus on an identified need and chosen priority for ministry and congregational vitality. 
Click the CTS Logo Above to Read More
The Fairfield-McClelland Chapter of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus (NBPC) participated in a Thanksgiving and Christmas ministry for the students and families of Allen University (Columbia). 
 
The University’s initiative to prepare students with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) care packets for their entire families was rounded out with donations from The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services and The Fairfield-McClelland Chapter of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus. Snacks and health kits were also provided during for students during testing time to keep them on campus and safe while they studied.
 
Read more about the project and the Fairfield-McClelland Chapter of the NBPC participation here.
 
2020-2021 Membership for the NBPC is open. You can find out more by contacting Dr. Lydia Williingham or by completing this NBPC membership application form.
A Word from Trinity Presbytery’s POINT Person, Andrea Paschal
Certified Christian Educator
Director of Purposeful Education,
First Presbyterian Church, Aiken
POINT Person for Trinity Presbytery
Is your church looking to try something new during this interesting season of learning? New ways of being? Still interested in the depth of curriculum? Here is a resource, Evaluating Your Curriculum, that can be used to evaluate the ideas being considered. This is a good resource for Education Ministry Teams as they review materials."
Togo
Ministry Resources- Navigating COVID-19
Connecting during social distancing: This week's resources for worship, study and navigating COVID-19.


Click the logo for more information!
In This Issue:

  • Year End Financials
  • Board of Pensions & Year End



Click HERE to read the full article.
The Presbytery Coordinating Team has gathered helpful, factual information, along with their recommendation for returning to buildings or in-person gatherings and provided it here for your guidance.
Here are the latest offerings from the Center for Lifelong Learning.
Please share with your pastors, leaders, congregations or peers.

Click the image above for more info.
The deadline for the Connectional Grant is December 31, 2020 or when the funding limit has been reached. Don't delay!
Liability Issues to Consider on Returning to In-Person Worship 
The Presbytery office in Lexington will remain closed until further notice.

The staff is working remotely during summer business hours: 8:30 a.m. until 5 p.m., Monday through Thursday and 8:30 a.m. until 4 p.m. on Friday.

We continue to monitor the pandemic situation and follow all safety precautions recommended by the CDC and the State of South Carolina.

See the PCT’s Recommendation and Guidance for Returning to Buildings or In-person Gatherings (above).