| Lay School of Theology |
 The Spring Lay School of Theology will be held March 20-22 at White Oak Conference Center (pictured). This program is designed for lay persons who wish to do one of the following: (1) participate in an in-depth study of the Bible, Theology, or Church History; (2) be trained as a Commissioned Lay Pastor; (3) better prepare to teach the Bible or Church School; (4) serve as Directors of Christian Education; or (5) be certified by the Association of Presbyterian Administrators. If you fit any of these criteria, register today for the Lay School of Theology. The cost is $112 per person, double occupancy, or $140 per person, single occupancy, in motel-type rooms. This will include two nights' lodging and five meals. Click here to obtain a brochure with registration form. |
| Tax Tips |
The Tax Tips Online teleconference produced by the Board of Pensions is available for review anytime at the BOP website. If you missed it, or would just like to see it again, you can find it on the Tax Resources page.
Please note Tax Changes for Church Employees:
The Internal Revenue Service on February 21 released new withholding tables that will result in more take-home pay this spring for millions of American workers (including church employees). The new tables incorporate the new Marking Work Pay credit, one of the key tax provisions included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 that became law earlier this week.
The IRS asks that employers begin using these tables in lieu of the applicable previously published tables as soon as possible, but no later than April 1, 2009. Employees do not need to fill out a new Form W-4. These new tables have been developed to apply for all employees and to take into account all current tax provisions.
For more information, click here. |
| Certification in Church Administration |
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Phil Martin, Deputy CEO of National Association of Church Business Administration, will conduct a seminar on Administration in Congregations, March 31 - April 2, at Union Theological Seminary. This seminar is designed for church administrators, executive pastors, small staff pastors, and any staff with administrative duties. It will focus on current trends in the administration of the church with a specific focus on enhancing leadership skills needed in today's complex congregations. Participants will develop a better understanding of family systems and how they play out in congregations. Cost is $195. For more information, click here. |
| Adopt an Orphan |
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A baby whose mother dies in childbirth in West Africa is often abandoned by the family. The hospital orphanage built with funds from First Spartanburg Church cares for these abandoned children. The cost for supporting one child for a year is around $200. Would you or a group in your church prayerfully consider making the care of one of these orphans a project for the church? Kwahu Presbytery in Ghana is our sister presbytery and this orphanage is located there. Contributions may be sent to Foothills Presbytery, marked "Adopt an Orphan." |
| Joys and Concerns |
 Our condolences are extended to the Rev. Debbie Foster who lost her mother, Pat Schnable, on February 8. Debbie is Stated Supply at the Fair Play Presbyterian Church.
Condolences are expressed to the Rev. Jan Culpepper who lost her sister, Joy Delorme, on February 20. Jan is Pastor of the Landrum Presbyterian Church.
Our prayers are with the family of the Rev. Julie Meredith as her mother is seriously ill and in the hospital. Julie is Director of Volunteers at Safe Harbor.
Best wishes for a quick recovery to the Rev. Don Cooke, honorably retired, who underwent knee surgery recently.
Our prayers are with the Rev. Katherine Randall and the Rev. Rob Klouw as they prepare for the arrival of their third child today. Katherine and Rob are co-pastors of the New Church Development in West Simpsonville. |
| Camp News |
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(Bible Study creekside at Camp Buc 2008)
Camp Buc is collecting empty inkjet cartridges for recycling. This environmental effort will also be good for the Outdoor Ministries program as the camp will receive up to $4 for each cartridge recycled. Empty cartridges can be carried to the presbytery office, to the camp, or to presbytery meetings. Think "green" and recycle.
Camp Work Days Scheduled:
Saturday, March 14 - Camp Fellowship Work Day & Open House
Saturday, April 4 - Camp Buc Work Day & Open House
Work days at both camps will begin at 9:00, but earlybird crews are welcome! The morning will be devoted to camp clean up and building projects. Materials and tools are provided. Click here to see an informational flyer.
Summer Camp Links
The 2009 summer camping season will soon be here. Listed below are links to documents pertaining to camp.
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| Stated Meeting #70 |
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(Easley Presbyterian Church - Chartered 1886)
On February 17 Elder and Minister Commissioners, along with Visitors, gathered at the Easley Presbyterian Church for the Winter Stated Meeting of Foothills Presbytery.
A Service of Worship and Remembrance with the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper opened the meeting with a Celebration of those Saints who entered the Church Triumphant in 2008 (A list of these people can be read here. We would like to add the name of Elder Lehman Brantley of Eastminster Church whose name was omitted.)
Karen Gossett was recognized for fulfilling the requirements to be an Enrolled Educational Assistant. Karen is Director of Christian Education at Providence Presbyterian Church.
Mr. A.J. Ochart was presented to the presbytery as a candidate ready to receive a call to be Associate Pastor at Trinity Presbyterian Church. He spoke of his Christain faith journey, answered questions from the Examinations Commission and from the floor and was approved, along with his Installation Commission.
Presbytery gave Council approval to proceed in negotiations with all involved parties to acquire needed funds for the benefit of Camp Buc and Foothills Presbytery. Council will bring to Presbytery any actions for final approval involving the sale, purchase, and/or exchange of any property.
The Unity and Community Team made a presentation on the proposed revisions to the Form of Government, and InDwellings showed a video on their campaign. The Rev. Ashley McCoy-Bruce from the Society of St. Andrew gave a presentation on the gleaning program. The Rev. Dr. Magsood Kamil, visiting Presbyterian
professor, spoke about the difficulties Christians face in Pakistan.
Easley Church provided a wonderful lunch for everyone, and presbytery ended early in the afternoon after following a new time format for the meeting.
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