| Christmas Joy Offering |
A Christmas tradition for almost 70 years, the Christmas Joy Offering is one of the four special offerings designated by the General Assembly of the PC(USA) to provide congregations direct ways of supporting specific causes that help those in need. Fifty per cent of this offering is sent to the Board of Pensions to provide support for retired and active church workers and their spouses and families. The other 50% supports Presbyterian-related racial ethnic education through the General Assembly Council. This offering is ordinarily received on the Sunday before Christmas. |
| Prepare the Way to Becoming a Missional Church |
Apply now to become a Thompson Scholar, May 26-30, at Columbia Seminary. The 2009 Thompson Scholars will explore just what being a 'go and be' or "missional" church is about. Steve and Sharol Hayner will lead the event, which features small group discussions, family-style meals, and visits to other ministry settings. Participation is limited to 15 individuals. Email Sarah Erickson, giving name of applicant, church name, mailing address, phone number, email address and a brief answer to: How would you describe the missional church and why would you like to participate in this event? The $150 program fee includes housing and all meals except breakfast. |
| Faith Enrichment Series |
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Dr. Jack Haberer will be the featured speaker for the next Faith Enrichment Series to be held at First Presbyterian Church in Greer, February 7-8, 2009. Dr. Haberer is author of "God Views: The Convictions that Drive Us and Divide Us." The author offers five different concerns of Christians: preservation of truth, promotion of intimacy with God, unity in the church, caring for victims and welcoming the marginalized. A presentation and discussion will be held Saturday, 9:30-2:00, in the fellowship hall. Lunch will be served for a small fee. Please call the church office at 877-3612 or email Wayne Cole by noon, February 3, to reserve a lunch. On Sunday Dr. Haberer will preach at the 8:55 service in the fellowship hall and at the 11:00 service in the sanctuary. |
| The Big Tent |
The Big Tent, an unprecedented gathering of Presbyterians for ten national conferences and convocations under one roof, will take place in Atlanta, Georgia, from June 11-13, 2009. Registration for the PC(USA) Big Tent event will open in January of 2009. If you would like to use 2008 funds to pre-pay your registration fees, you are now able to do so. Forms are available to be downloaded. Complete the forms, arrange for payment, and return as instructed. |
| Mattoon Church Recording |
Mattoon Presbyterian Church has recorded a song entitled "The Twelve Days of Prayers of Christmas." The acapella version of this song is now available at www.Wal-Mart.com. Mattoon Church hopes that you will make this recording a part of your Christmas tradition. You may also order this song at Amazon.com. | |
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| Called Presbytery Meeting |
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The Council of Foothills Presbytery has called a special meeting of the Presbytery to address the proposed amendments to the Book of Order which we have received from the 218th General Assembly. This meeting will be held on Sunday afternoon, January 11, 2009, at the Eastminster Presbyterian Church on Woodruff Road in Greenville. Registration will begin at 1:30 and the meeting will begin at 2:00. Please note that this meeting will begin earlier than past Sunday afternoon meetings.
The meeting will begin with a time of discernment, conversation and worship led by the Rev. Joan Gray, moderator of the 217th General Assembly.
An overview of the amendments will be presented, and the floor will be open for further conversation and debate. We will then proceed to vote on the amendments to the constitution.
Amendment booklets were distributed at the November presbytery meeting. Some have been mailed to those people who did not pick them up at the meeting. Additional copies are available at the presbytery office, or if you would like to download the amendments online, you may do so at this site.
Please be in prayer for our time together, for our congregations, and for our denomination. |
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