Building Community Through Information - May 21, 2025

Happening in New Harmony Presbytery

(All meetings by ZOOM,

unless otherwise noted.)

Fraser Memorial Administrative Commission, May 29, 3 pm.

New Harmony Presbytery's Office Hours - Monday - Thursday, 9 am - 5 pm. If you need to visit the office or meet with either Ken or Gavin, it is best to contact them by the Presbytery office phone or by email. This will insure their availability.

Presbytery of New Harmony Gathering

The Presbytery of New Harmony held its 117th Gathering at Second Presbyterian Church, Sumter, on May 13, 2025. Some of the highlights of the meeting included

• Moving three inquirers, (Randolph Green, Cate Henderson Jobe, and Naomi McQuiller) to Candidates for Ordination.
• Five of our smaller member congregations committed to form larger parishes to do ministry, education, fellowship, and mission together. Goodwill Presbyterian Church and Congruity Presbyterian Church formed one larger parish. Friendship Presbyterian Church, Harmony Presbyterian Church, and Westminster Presbyterian Church formed the other larger parish. These two parishes will begin the process of planning together using Cyclical Full Circle.

Thanks to Second Church, Sumter for its gracious hospitality and delicious meal.

You may View Pictures from the Gathering. A brief summary of the meeting will be forthcoming.

CORRECTION: Ruling Elder Barbara Champagne's name was misspelled in the Presbytery Summary. View the corrected version.

Congruity Presbyterian Church to

Celebrate 150th Anniversary

It is with great joy and gratitude that Congruity Presbyterian Church (USA) announces the celebration of our 150th Anniversary of Christian Service, which will take place August 22-24, 2025. This milestone event marks a century and a half of faith, fellowship, and service in our community, and we would be honored to have your support in commemorating this special occasion.

As part of our celebration, we are producing a Souvenir Booklet to highlight the rich history of our church and the support of businesses, organizations, churches, and individuals who have been a vital part of our journey. We invite you to purchase an ad to be included in this keepsake publication. Your support will help make this event a success and will be an excellent opportunity to showcase your business, organization, or personal message to our congregation and guests.

The attached solicitation letter and advertisement form provides additional information.

 Please plan to be present for what promises to be an enriching celebration experience. With God, all things are possible. Purchasing of banquet tickets on the night of August 22, 2025, from 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm, at the Saint Mark 4 Bridges Facility, or should you have questions or need additional information, you may contact Christona Wells at chris.wells45@yahoo.com or call her at 803-983-2156, or Jackie Gibson at gjackie1065@gmail.com or 803-983-2682. Thank you for joining in to make this Anniversary a joyous and glorious one.

Disaster Preparedness

As severe weather continues across the the central and Eastern portions of the US, pay attention to forecasts and follow directions from local officials. Approaching severe weather can be difficult to see, especially overnight. If high winds, large hail, or heavy rain are affecting your area, err on the side of caution and avoid traveling when possible.

- M. H. McCain.

Weekly ZOOM Worship Service

Celebrating Five Years of Morning Prayer Services

On Friday, a group of 13 Presbyterians — and one from the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)) tradition — gathered on Zoom at 8:30 a.m. Eastern time. Nothing about the gathering stood out as particularly remarkable. Participants exchanged greetings and brief life updates, and then joined together for a short worship service. The energy was comfortable and familiar, like it had been done hundreds of times before — because it had. What made Friday’s prayer service remarkable was, in fact, how ordinary it was. As of Friday’s gathering, this group has gathered every week for morning prayer for five years.

Karen Wellington, a ruling elder from First Presbyterian Church of Goshen, Indiana, who described herself as a more recent joiner, said she tries to never miss. “From the beginning, everyone was friendly and kind, welcoming and gracious,” she said. “When I initially started attending, I was bottle feeding my calf and the group was always anxious to see her growth progress.” [more]

National Black Presbyterian Caucus

News for everyone in the pews.

View the Community News!

FPC Myrtle Beach Searching for

a Director of Youth Ministries

The Director of Youth Ministries will develop and lead a comprehensive, Christ-centered ministry for youth in grades 6-12 and their families. The Director will welcome youth in the broader community and maintain meaningful contact with FPC college students.

Interested? Download the full job description for more information.

South Carolina Inn Winterization Campaign

The South Carolina Inn at Montreat has developed a campaign to raise funds for a winterization / weatherization project for the William Brearley House at the South Carolina Inn so that it can accommodate guests year round. Also, as the area recovers from the impact of Hurricane Helene, an updated Inn will be able to host groups working on recovery efforts.

There are three phases to this project:

• Insulate pipes on the back wall of the house – sewer drain pipes are exposed to freezing weather and could freeze and crack thereby forcing the the Inn to close the rooms in the house. A plumbing consultant recommends insulating the pipes with 1.5 inch thick fiberglass pipe insulation and finish with .016 inch stucco aluminum jackets.

• Mini Split HVA Unit installation – currently small electric radiator heaters are placed in the bathrooms and bedrooms and propane heaters are used in the living room and kitchen during cold weather and ceiling fans and a few small window units are used to relieve the summer heat. HVAC consultants have approved a plan to install at least two, and preferably three, mini-split units in the house. These would be located on the office wall in the kitchen, above the windows opposite the living room lobby, and in the second floor hallway. These would provide base temperatures of 60 degrees in the winter and 80 degrees in the summer. This would keep the entire house well above freezing and no longer require all the small units when temperatures threaten frozen pipes.

• Electricity for the Mini Splits – the new units will require new wiring and electric support. 7 While the cost for these projects is significant, the improved protection of pipes and heating and cooling equipment will enable the William Brearley Home to be used year round thus providing an increase in income. While this is called a Winterization Project, the HVAC Mini-Split units will provide a less humid and cooler space in warm/hot weather.



• A Whole House Generator will be added after the first three projects are completed and additional funding is available. At its Febraury, 2025, meeting the SC Inn Board approved the project and a campaign to raise funds with a goal of $50,000. We are seeking gifts gifts of $50, $100, $250, $500, or more made through checks or on-line donations (sorry no pledges). 

For more information, download the full document. You may donate by check or electronically

May is Hurricane Preparedness Month

Gov. Henry McMaster has declared May as South Carolina Hurricane Preparedness Month. The South Carolina Emergency Management Division, county emergency managers, the National Weather Service, and all members of the State Emergency Response Team urge people, communities, and businesses to start preparing for the 2025 Atlantic Hurricane Season ahead of time. Designating May as Hurricane Preparedness Month provides South Carolinians with ample time to take necessary precautions and stay informed about potential risks across the state.

The state's Hurricane Preparedness Month theme is "Don't Wait, Prepare Today." This means that this month is an opportunity for residents to take action now, ensuring they have the plans and resources needed to stay safe before hurricane season begins.

Know Your Zone. In South Carolina, state and local officials issue hurricane evacuations based on zones in coastal counties. Know your hurricane evacuation zone instantly with the SC Emergency Manager mobile app and https://hurricane.sc/, South Carolina's online hurricane guide.

Greetings,

Your lifetime of faithful service has profoundly enriched our Church, leaving an enduring impact on our shared community. The Assistance Program of the Board of Pensions honors service like yours by offering compassionate care anytime our community of Benefits Plan members needs support.

More than financial assistance, this programs supports the wholeness of our members - because we know that supporting the well-being of our members provides peace of mind and freedom to enjoy the many other blessings God has bestowed on us.

As one of our Benefits Plan Members, you may be eligible for the following grants: [more]

Congruity Presbyterian Church to

Celebrate 150th Anniversary

It is with great joy and gratitude that Congruity Presbyterian Church (USA) announces the celebration of our 150th Anniversary of Christian Service, which will take place August 22-24, 2025. This milestone event marks a century and a half of faith, fellowship, and service in our community, and we would be honored to have your support in commemorating this special occasion.

As part of our celebration, we are producing a Souvenir Booklet to highlight the rich history of our church and the support of businesses, organizations, churches, and individuals who have been a vital part of our journey. We invite you to purchase an ad to be included in this keepsake publication. Your support will help make this event a success and will be an excellent opportunity to showcase your business, organization, or personal message to our congregation and guests.

The attached solicitation letter and advertisement form provides additional information.

Creation Care in Action

by Dr. Regina H. Moore, Executive Minister

Christian Action Council of SC

On this Earth Day, the South Carolina Christian Action Council joins people of faith across the globe in giving thanks for the gift of creation and recommitting ourselves to the sacred work of environmental justice. We remember the prophetic witness of Pope Francis, whose powerful encyclical Laudato Si’ called on all of us to care for our common home. His words echo the cry of the earth and the cry of the poor, reminding us that environmental degradation and social injustice are deeply intertwined. In the spirit of Proverbs 31:9—“Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy”—we lift our voices for communities most vulnerable to climate change and environmental harm.

Pope Francis not only led with words but lived a life that modeled stewardship and simplicity. Before his time as pope, it has been proclaimed repeatedly he was known not only for his theological insight but also for his warm hospitality—often preparing meals like his signature paella for friends and fellow clergy. His love for people and for creation was evident in both his kitchen and his public ministry. Whether urging world leaders to take bold climate action or encouraging local churches to plant trees and reduce waste, Pope Francis reminded us that care for the earth is not a political issue, but a profoundly spiritual one. Creation care is Christian action—an act of faith, gratitude, and justice.

As we mark Earth Day 2025, let us be inspired to move from awareness to action. Let this day be more than a celebration—let it be a recommitment. May we plant gardens of hope, reduce harm, and speak truth to power on behalf of our planet and future generations. Let us honor the legacy of prophetic leaders like Pope Francis through Christian Action Every Day—with open hearts, compassionate hands, and a reverence for all that God has made. Amen.

Peace

Jackie Rembert

Moderator of the Synod of South Atlantic

In the picture to the right and on the right, we see Elder Jackie Rembert being recently installed by Co-Moderator of the General Assembly, Tony Larson. We are proud to have people in these positions from our presbytery. Congratulations to Jackie and Tony for their willingness to serve the larger church.

Rooted: The Foundations of Presbyterian Polity - the Mission of the Church

Regarding Ruling Elders: A Monthly Series for Serving Faithfully

Appearing first in the Book of Order, the Foundations of Presbyterian Polity leads the way by articulating the basic convictions that we seek to live out in our life together. These convictions undergird the polity that follows in the other sections of the Book of Order. The Foundations section has three chapters: The Mission of the Church, The Church and Its Confessions, and Principles of Order and Government. [more]

New Chaplain for Florence Presbyterian Community

Rev. Michael Sears will begin his ministry as Chaplain of the Florence Presbyterian Community on April 28. He is a minister member of Trinity Presbytery and most recently served as pastor of New Kirk Presbyterian Church in Blythewood.

He also serves as Chaplain of the Laurel Crest Presbyterian Community in West Columbia. Both positions are half-time.

"Thank you for your support and prayers as we searched for a new chaplain for the Florence Community. The role of chaplain is vital to our residents, their families, and our staff. We are looking forward to Mike’s ministry among the Florence community and know that his presence there will be both uplifting and comforting to all."

-William McConnell, Director of Foundation Services and Church Relations, PCSC.

It's Springtime in Montreat!

The mountains are beginning to come alive again as new leaves and flowers start to bloom. The air is refreshing and crisp, adding to the tranquil beauty of the season. Spring is in the air! And as spring arrives, we are reminded that this is an ideal time for reflection, renewal, and reconnecting with nature in Montreat.

Often called a “thin place,” Montreat provides a serene and stunning environment that invites guests to connect with their Creator and refresh their spirits. Here, you can find time for prayer, study, and rest, and explore all that Western North Carolina has to offer.

In this week's newsletter, we have highlighted a few ways that you can experience Sabbath in Montreat this spring. Take a look to see how you can experience Montreat for yourself!

Greetings, Servants of God.

As we progress into the early summer days, we plan for volunteer opportunities to serve our sisters and brothers of the Western North Carolina Presbytery (WNCP).

Recently, we learned that the Black Mountain Presbyterian Church (BMPC) volunteer program will end in the last part of May 2025. Therefore, we will focus on serving at one of three PDA sites in greater Asheville, North Carolina. BMPC has and continues to serve as a primary location for being a connectional congregation in helping those impacted by Hurricane Helene and the long-term recovery to the new standard of life for those affected.

Here is Disaster Recovery Coordinator Anne Waple’s e-mail address for scheduling purposes, along with the basic standards for participation.

If any members of the SC PDAT can help with your efforts, please feel free to reach out to them as needed.

Peace,

Mark H. McCann, SC Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Team

Serving more, serving better, serving the Church. Here at the Board of Pensions, these words run deep within every single one of our staff members as we serve you. Our goal has always been to demonstrate the depth and breadth of the Benefits Plan of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and how these benefits work together for your wholeness. In this new bimonthly newsletter, we will highlight aspects of how the Board is working to serve you better.

Serving through benefits is not a new ministry for the Church. Presbyterians have been caring for church workers for centuries. They established the Fund for Pious Uses in 1717 to support pioneering preachers and their families and went on to care for disabled pastors, build homes for retired ministers, and, eventually, offer retirement and medical benefits to all Church employees. [more]

Cultivation and Empowerment Committee Scholarships

The Presbytery's Cultivation and Empowerment Committee (CEC) has made available personal one-time scholarships, for conferences, as follows: $100 per youth or adult attending the 2025 PCAAY conference (Presbyterians Concerned about African American Youth); and $500 for each youth or adult attending the PCUSA Youth Triennium in Louisville this year. 

Sessions and congregations, know that CEC seeks to be in partnership with you in your mission and ministry and endeavors to help you with the financial resources we oversee. Let us know what you're intending for the body of Christ and Kingdom work!

For more information contact office@newharmonypres.org.

2025 Presbyterian Youth Triennium,

JULY 28-31, Louisville

This July 28 – 31  thousands of Presbyterian young people will meet in Louisville, Kentucky, for four incredible days of worship, Bible study, recreation, and fellowship with the theme of “As If We Were Dreaming…” (Psalm 126).

The participant fee is $199, which includes all programming, event meals, an official Triennium T-shirt, and more. Travel and housing are additional costs. (Housing will be booked by each at Triennium-designated hotels via Louisville Housing when registration opens in early 2025. The average hotel cost is $169 per room/per night plus tax.) 

For more info and to register, click here:

https://presbyterianyouthtriennium.org

There are no plans for a presbytery wide group going together. However individual you and adult advisors can go on their own and scholarships are available through New Harmony Presbytery.

For more information on Youth Conferences and other happenings at Montreat, click here.

Books & Resources for Faithful Families

Montreat Offers a Chance to Embrace Your Creative Side

Information on Fall Craft Week!

Summerton Presbyterian Church 150th Anniversary

Summerton Presbyterian Church will be celebrating its 150th Anniversary on Sunday, August 24, 2025. Please mark your calendars and come celebrate with us!

Special Funds

Cultivation and Empowerment Committee

New Harmony Presbytery

The Guiding Council has approved the conversion of some longtime, unused funds and given CEC authority to make them available to New Harmony congregations through its grant application process. Those grants include:

• Green Grants: $23,000 total available.
• Peacemaking Grants: $3,715.79 total available.
• Ministry to Prisoners & their Families Grants: $4,484.82 total available.
• Youth Mission Trip Grants: $20,299.70 total available.
• Campus Ministry Grants: $7,994.30 total available.

For details about each grant and how to apply, download the information.

Hemphill Grant

Established by Mary E. Hemphill through the Synod of South Carolina. Grants to small churches with a membership of 100 or less in South Carolina, for church building improvement/relief. Deadline for applications to this grant is October 1, 2025.

For more information on this and other Synod of South Atlantic Grants, visit Synod of South Atlantic Grants.

Click here for information about SC PDAT: FEMA Advisory: DHS Announces Funding Allocations for FY 2024 Preparedness Grants 

Church Financial Leadership Grants Available

If you are a pastor, commissioned ruling elder (CRE), a leader of a 1001 New Worshiping Community or a member of a stewardship team there are Church Financial Leadership Grants available for you. The grants will enable you to institute best practices for church financial leadership, introduce you to new models of giving and stewardship, and offer you new ways to talk about money and form generous disciples within your church. 

Who can apply?

• PCUSA pastors
• Commissioned Ruling Elders
• 1001 New Worshiping Community leaders
• Church member attending the event with their pastor

What do the funds cover?

The grants are matching funds to help cover half of the cost of:

• Registration fees
• Transportation
• Lodging
• Meals
• Other expenses

The other half of the funds will need to be provided by the church or another source.

What events can I use the funds for?

• Stewardship Kaleidoscope
• Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising (ECRF) through the Lake Institute
•  Other church financial leadership events (subject to approval)

What is the deadline?

For Stewardship Kaleidoscope, we are asking that applications be sent in by Monday, August 12 so that we have time to process the application and send out the funds prior to the start of the event. Applications received after the deadline or for the ECRF program will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis. Once we receive your application, it may take up to six weeks to process.

Apply Now

Presbytery Approves Nine Ministries Activities

In order to move toward the three ministry goals of the Presbytery of New Harmony,

1. Engaging in new and creative ministries, as we live out (not on) Presbyterian and Christian traditions.
2. Embracing and being empowered by our diversity (connecting).
3. Discovering, highlighting, celebrating, and utilizing the many resources in our midst.

the presbytery, at the recent stated meeting, passed nine ministry activities to implement.

1. Pulpit swap throughout New Harmony Presbytery.
2. Mission and Ministry for Children's Ministry established.
3. Continue learning/education/conversation time on issues at NHP Stated Meetings, ordinarily between worship and lunch.
4. Scholarships for Commissioned Pastor Preparation and Continuing Education.
5. Recommend study and expansion of sabbatical.
6. “Buddy-up” system where pastoral leaders have collegial relationships.
7. Create a team to develop NHP anti-racism training and guide implementation including plan for first Justice Pilgrimage.
8. Tithe of Camp Pee Dee money to social justice and advocacy.
9. Establish a New Worshipping Communities (NWC) Team. (2025)

For more details, download the document.

SC EMD Offers Cell Phone Alerts

The SC EMD offers a program on your cell phone to assist you with direct alerts to help you with your awareness of statewide and community oriented incidents. The link highlighted is your direct connection to Code Red. Get weather updates and alerts from local authorities. Sign up for CodeRED Alerts to receive public safety information about non-life-threatening local incidents from SCEMD and local emergency managers.

Nonprofit Security Grant Program

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) provides funding support for target hardening and other physical security enhancements and activities to nonprofit organizations that are at high risk of terrorist attack. The intent is to integrate nonprofit preparedness activities with broader state and local preparedness efforts. It is also designed to promote coordination and collaboration in emergency preparedness activities among public and private community representatives, as well as state and local government agencies. For more information, visit the FEMA site.

South Carolina Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

an Opportunity to Serve

Have you ever given thought to helping to serve God on a national level team with your gifts of talent, prayer and the ministry of presence?

Do you have a friend in your church or presbytery who you believe would be a wonderful candidate to serve and begin the discernment process of service?

Have we maximized our cultural diversity in South Carolina by inviting ladies and gentlemen of our wide variety of cultures to come to The Lord’s table to learn of helping to meet the specific needs of the nation and South Carolina?

SC PDAT commission members, have the opportunity to neet the churches next generation of leaders for preparedness, response and long term recovery at some of the nations worst natural and human caused disasters.

Interested, check out the details here.

How to respond to disasters around the world.

Establishing Mission and

Ministry Groups

The first New Harmony Presbytery M&Ms (Mission and Ministry) groups are being established. M&Ms are not committees within New Harmony Presbytery, but a group of New Harmony folks who are interested in coming together around a particular mission, such as gun violence, earth care, stopping racism, etc. They could be interested in coming together around a particular ministry, such as children's ministry, older adult ministry, non-traditional worship, Stephen Ministry, confirmation, etc.

Ending Gun Violence

A couple of New Harmony Presbytery leaders are forming a Mission and Ministry group to respond to the gun violence in our communities and nation, seeking to end it. If you are interested in being a part of this group, please use the following link to provide your name and contact information here.

Children's Ministry

A New Harmony Presbytery Mission and Ministry group is being established to support those who do Children's Ministry, teach children's Sunday School classes, etc. This group is a result of the recent Breakout Room focus on children's ministry at the Presbytery Meeting. Macy Cottom, Director of Family Ministries at First, Myrtle Beach, is interested in starting this M&M group. The group will meet by ZOOM or in person (group to decide) to share ideas, offer mutual assistance, support and encouragement to any and all who provide this important ministry within our New Harmony Presbytery congregations. If you are someone in your congregation is interested in being a part of this group, please email Macy at MCottom@mbfpc.com.

Job Opportunities

If you have the need to advertise a job position, please send the relevant information to me at presbyeducator@gmail.com. Posting will remain up for approximately 2 weeks unless otherwise specified.