News from Foothills Presbytery
Stated Meeting #75 - April 25, 2010
The 75th Stated Meeting of Foothills Presbytery was held on April 25, 2010, at Fountain Inn Presbyterian Church. Candidate Peggy Swann preached the sermon and was received to accept the call of Townville Church as their Pastor. She was examined on the floor of presbytery by the Examinations Commission. The Rev. Allen McSween was granted the status of Honorably Retired and was made Pastor Emeritus of Fourth Presbyterian Church.
The Rev. John Brearley was elected Moderator of Presbytery for April 2010 until April 2011. Susan Tompkins gave the Nominations Report and urged people in the congregation to volunteer to serve on a presbytery committee/team. The Committee on Preparation introduced Candidate Claire Ripley, and she spoke on her faith journey. She was approved to move into the candidacy phase. The Mission Team presented the "Call to Restore the Creation" for reaffirmation, and it was approved. They also spoke about the results of the Souper Bowl, and a prayer for Earth Day was shared. Everybody was invited to attend a Kwahu Presbytery Partnership Event on May 1 at Fourth Presbyterian Church. The visitors from Ghana, Rev. Alexander Adu Sekyere, Clerk of Kwahu Presbytery; Margaret Buabeng Osei, Kwahu PW Moderator; and Grace Mirekusa Bediako, Kwahu Presbytery Staff, were introduced. They each spoke for a few minutes about the Foothills-Kwahu Partnership and what it means to them.
The Outdoor Ministries Board recommended changing the name of Camp Buc to Buc Outdoor Center, and this was approved.
Good Hope Church collected 85 PDA clean up buckets and over 110 hygiene kits from churches throughout the presbytery. They will ship these to Presbyterian Disaster Assistance office.
The meeting was adjourned with prayer.
Stated Meeting #74 - February 16, 2010
Foothills Presbytery held its 74th Stated Meeting on February 16 at Eastminster Presbyterian Church. The worship service included sermons preached by Candidates Caroline Berardi and Lydia Casey, the Sacrament of the Lord's Supper, and the remembrance of Elders who entered the Church Triumphant in 2009.
Clark Simmons gave an update from the Board of Pensions, and Lamar Bailes brought greetings from Presbyterian Communities.
Candidates Caroline Berardi and Lydia Casey were introduced and answered questions from the Examinations Commission. Caroline was approved to accept the call as Associate Pastor at First Anderson Church, and Lydia was approved to serve as Chaplain at Greenville Hospital. The Rev. Nath Briley was introduced and spoke about his faith journey. He was approved to accept the call as Pastor at Pickens Church.
The Committee on Preparation recommended that Lauren Simmons (First Greer) and Mary Kathleen Duncan (First Anderson) be approved for Candidacy. Lauren and Mary Kathleen each spoke about their faith journey. They were approved.
Nominations of Commissioners to G.A. were approved and they are: Ministers: Tim Leslie, Gordon Raynal, and Julie Schaaf; Elders: Phil Lyles (Easley), Dan Gajda (Grace Covenant) and Sonya Dawson (Mattoon).
Presbytery Council reported that it had approved the sale of 94(+/-) acres of land to Jerry and Joyce Christenbury for $12,250 per acre. They also approved the construction of 8 cabins on Camp Buc property using the proceeds from the sale of land to Mr. and Mrs. Christenbury.
The Mission Team installed Manella Calhoun as Stewardship of Creation Enabler. They asked Presbytery to concur with their endorsement of the Trinity Presbytery overture “Partnering for Peace in the Sudan.” This was approved with this accompanying statement: “Foothills Presbytery recognizes that the issue is genocide against the Christian population and others and the imposition of Sharia law upon Christians by the Islamic government of Sudan.”
For the Inspiration and Support Team, Buz Wilcoxon reported that all Associate Pastors are invited to a lunch meeting on March 3 to discuss the possibility of forming a peer group(s).
The Unity and Community Team recommended that Foothills Presbytery adopt the proposed Overture to General Assembly concerning the Form of Government. After discussion, this Overture was adopted.
During the barbecue lunch, Kevin Cartee gave a presentation of the Outdoor Ministry program and encouraged churches to pick up their camp brochures as they left the meeting.
The meeting was adjourned with prayer at 1:30.
Stated Meeting #73 - November 1, 2009
The 73rd Stated Meeting of Foothills Presbytery was held on November 1 at St. Giles Presbyterian Church in Greenville. The Rev. Dr. Steve Hayner, President of Columbia Theological Seminary, opened the meeting with worship. After worship Bill Tiller brought greetings from Thornwell Home and the Rev. Mel Davis spoke about the Theological Education Fund.
The Rev. Charles Blakely introduced Inquirers Jeff Smith and Richard Carr who spoke about their faith journeys and their desire to move to candidacy. Both were approved. Afterwards Doug McMillan spoke about the Leadership Initiative at Columbia Seminary and asked Foothills to become a pilot site and make a commitment to host two interns, one beginning in the summer of 2010 and one beginning in the summer of 2011. This request was approved.
Presbyterian Communities made a presentation on changes to the Covenant between the Home and the Presbyteries of S.C. After discussion, the vote was in favor of the changes which will allow Presbyterian Communities to elect its own Board members with the condition that there be one Board member from each S.C. Presbytery.
At this time the Rev. Bill Lancaster was recognized and granted the status of Honorably Retired.
The Mission Team spoke about the upcoming CROP walk on February 28, beginning at 2:00 at Furman University. Ministers were invited to breakfast on either November 23 at First Spartanburg or November 24 at Fourth Church at 9:00. Mary Morrison gave a PowerPoint presentation on a recent mission trip to Houma, LA. The position of Stewardship of Creation Enabler was approved and Manella Calhoun will fill the position.
Elder Holly Caprell gave a financial report and advised that the presbytery 2010 budget will be the same as the 2009 spending plan. The finance team was authorized to make changes to the budget according to money received.
The Rev. Rob Klouw and the Rev. Katherine Randall spoke about FaithPoint Presbyterian Church, a new church development of the presbytery.
The proposed Overture to G.A. requesting that meetings of the GA Governing Body be moved to every six years and an annual General Convocation be held for the purposes of worship, mission celebration, and building up relationships within the Body of Christ was approved.
The amended recommendation from the Camp Buc Task Force was approved, allowing for the sale of 43 acres to Carolina Mountain Land Conservancy for $300,000, and empowering Presbytery Council to approve additional sales of conservation easements and fee simple sales to achieve the goals of the task force.
The meeting was adjourned with prayer at 5:15.
Stated Meeting #72 - August 18, 2009
The 72nd Stated Meeting of Foothills Presbytery was held on August 18 at the First Presbyterian Church in Greer. The meeting opened with worship and a sermon preached by Candidate Chris Berardi. During worship CLP Doug Gilstrap was recognized for his service to the John Calvin Presbyterian Church and the Rev. Ray White was approved as Minister Emeritus at First Greer Presbyterian Church.
Three ministers were welcomed into Foothills Presbytery, and they spoke about their faith journeys: Craig Foster, new Associate Pastor at First Spartanburg Church; Beverly Kelly, Member-at-Large and presently volunteer Christian Educator at Pickens Church; and Brian Stewart, new Associate Pastor at First Greenville Church. Candidate Chris Berardi was examined and approved to accept a call as Associate Pastor at Grace Covenant Church.
Inquirer Patricia Gwinn from Fourth Church was approved for Candidacy.
The Mission Team reported that visitors from Ghana will be in our presbytery the last of September. Churches interested in hosting the visitors should contact Margaret Menz. Everybody was invited to meet with the Ghanaians at Fourth Presbyterian Church on October 3, 9:30-2:30. Lunch will be provided, but reservations should be made at presbytery office.
The Rev. Julie Meredith, Chair of Campus Ministry Team, recommended that the Rev. Andy Casto Waters be approved as permanent campus minister of the Furman Westminster Fellowship. This was approved.
Harry Bolick reported for the New Church Development Team, and the Rev. Rob Klouw spoke about the opening worship service of FaithPoint NCD on September 13. Churches were encouraged to send representatives to this service.
The Unity and Community Team recommended that presbytery adopt an overture which it had received from the Rev. Gordon Raynal, the Rev. David Renwick, and the Rev. David Sutton concerning the frequency of meetings of the General Assembly. Following discussion, a motion was made, seconded and passed to table this recommendation until the November meeting, asking the writers of the overture to add to the Rationale that will be presented with the overture.
Holly Caprell made the Finance Team report and asked churches to reconsider their giving to presbytery and to try and submit their benevolent giving during the year and not just at the end of the year.
Kevin Cartee and Tandy Taylor spoke for Outdoor Ministries and made a presentation asking presbytery to approve the sale of a 19+/- acre tract of land to a Friend of Camp Buc for $250,000. This sale would generate revenues for the camp and presbytery in the near-term, and based on the plans of the purchaser, will provide significant potential for the generation of a long-term revenue stream for Camp Buc. There was discussion and a vote taken. Presbytery approved the sale of this tract of land.
Presbytery adjourned to the fellowship hall for lunch and a presentation by the Hispanic Ministry. After this presentation, the meeting was adjourned with prayer.
Stated Meeting #71, May 29-30, 2009
This past weekend, May 29 and 30, the five South Carolina presbyteries gathered together in Clinton, S.C. for a joint Convocation and individual presbytery meetings. Tours of the Presbyterian College campus and the campus of Thornwell Home for Children were offered, and a meeting was held on the proposed new Form of Government. The FOG presentation was led by Paul Hooker and Paige McRight.
At 5:00 a picnic was served outside Belk Auditorium with music provided by the Keith Dominick Band. This was a very festive and enjoyable time for ministers and lay people from all over the state. After dinner a Worship Service was held and the Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow, G.A. Moderator, preached the sermon. A Power Point production showing the work of all five presbyteries was a highlight of the evening. The Eastminster Worship Team from Columbia played, sang, and accompanied on many of the musical selections. Communion was served by Intinction. It was a very meaningful service, and the evening ended with a reception in the Thornwell Dining Hall with music by the Sparkle City String Quartet.
On Saturday all presbyteries met separately at different locations on the PC Campus and the Thornwelll campus. Foothills Presbytery met at Hartness Thornwell Church with worship service led by the Rev. Paul Hooker.
There were several Special Orders for the Day: Skip Stansell, Thornwell Home President; Jane Frost, Presbytery PW Moderator; Doug McMillan, Columbia Seminary; John Griffith, PC President; and the Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow, GA Moderator.
The Examinations Commission introduced the Rev. Laura Smith Conrad who is being called as Pastor to the Fort Hill Church in Clemson. She spoke about her faith journey and was welcomed into the presbytery. The Rev. India Dennis transferred to Foothills from Peace River Presbytery and will be a temporary supply pastor at Nicholtown church. The Rev. Pam Patrick Cole, a member of Foothills Presbytery, has been called to be an Associate Pastor at First Church, Greenville. This was approved.
The Committee on Preparation called on Inquirer David Howell who spoke and was received as a Candidate.
The Mission Team encouraged folks to sign up for a mission trip to the Texas Gulf Coast September 20-25, and to support the Capital Campaign of InDwellings, a home for developmentally disabled people.
New Church Development Team has contracts to buy 10.4 acres of land for the FaithPoint New Church Development, and presbytery approved the purchase of this land.
The Camp Buc Task Force requested that Presbytery empower Council to act on Presbytery's behalf in the final approval of the sale of 12+/- acres to a prospective buyer should the timing of negotiations necessitate a transaction to be finalized prior to the August Presbytery meeting. This request was approved.
Presbytery adjourned shortly after noon, and commissioners had lunch in the PC Dining Hall.
Stated Meeting #70 - February 17, 2009
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.
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 Christian 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. Maqsood 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.
Called Meeting, January 11, 2009
Commissioners and Visitors in attendance at the Called Meeting of Foothills Presbytery on January 11 were privileged to hear the Rev. Joan Gray, Moderator of the 217th General Assembly, as she led the group in a time of discernment, conversation and worship. Mrs. Gray was gracious and enlightening as she provided faithful and fruitful leadership concerning the voting on amendments to the Constitution.
After worship and discussion, Commissioners voted on the amendments as follows:
Affirmative: GA Council Name Change, Non-Geographic Presbyteries, Synod Membership on Permanent Committees, Five Ordination Exams, Alternative Forms of Resolution, All four Ecumenical Statements.
Negative: Vows of Membership, Ordained Officers, Replacing the word "sympathy" with the word "compassion," Presbytery membership of Certified Christian Educators, Certified Christian Educators.
Stated Meeting #69, November 2, 2008
The 69th Stated Meeting of Foothills Presbytery was held on November 2, a beautiful fall afternoon, in the fellowship hall at First Presbyterian Church in Greenville.
The opening worship service was led by Mary Morrison, and the sermon entitled "Self Afflicted" was preached by Candidate Debbie Foster.
Greetings were brought by Charles Elliott of Thornwell Home and Jim Simpson and Nan Arnold from Presbyterian College. Mel Davis also made a brief report about the Theological Education Fund.
Allen McSween made the report of the Committee on Ministry, which included the election of an administrative commission to visit the Nicholtown Church Session to determine causes of unrest in the church. Those serving on the commission are: The Revs. Bill Arthur, Jean Weaver, James McDowell and Jake Young; and Elders Saverne Haynes (Rock Hill), Paul Grier (First Greenville), and one other elder to be named. The COM also recognized three ministers and granted honorable retirement to them: Minnie Sue Douglas, Sadie Goldsmith, and Steve Price.
Candidate Debbie Foster was examined and approved for ordination to accept a call as Stated Supply at Fair Play Church. Chris Herrin was received as Senior Pastor at Limestone Church in Gaffney. Robert Klouw and Katherine Randall were introduced as the clergy couple being called to organize a new church in the West Simpsonville area, and they were commissioned for this new ministry. Honorably retired minister Marion Boozer was received as well.
It was announced that there will be a Called Presbytery meeting on January 11 at Eastminster Church to vote on the proposed amendments to the Constitution.
The Rev. Frank Strickland made a report for the Camp Buc Task Force. This task force has been working with the N.C. Natural Heritage Program to determine how best to protect a portion of Camp Buc property that includes a thirty acre bog. The presbytery was advised of possible future actions concerning the good stewardship of this land that might also benefit the program at Camp Buc.
After reports from other teams and committees, the meeting was adjourned with prayer.
Click on heading above to read summary.
Click on heading above for summary of meeting.
The staff of Foothills Presbytery will have a significantly different look over the next two years with changes approved at the Stated Meeting Aug. 21, at which a unified budget of $813,128 was also approved.
The most noticeable change is that Bill Lancaster, Associate for Mission, will take the title of Associate for New Church Development effective Sept. 1. This position will be funded with funds allocated for New Church Development from the sale of Presbytery property, primarily on Lake Keowee. The position as newly structured will continue through October 2009, when Lancaster expects to retire. In his new role, Lancaster will be responsible only for new church development. The rest of his current responsibilities will be reallocated to other staff.
Mary Morrison, Associate for Education, will become a full-time staff member effective January 2008. She has been a part-time employee since joining the staff.
The position of financial secretary, held by Sandra Gipson, will also become a full-time position effective immediately.
The 2008 unified budget including benevolences is $29,201 less than the 2007 budget of $891,127. The total budget for 2008 is $2,115,847 compared to $2,202,310 for 2007. The Presbytery is spending slightly under its budget to date, but is essentially on track to meet 2007 budget-expense projections. Through June, there was a shortfall in unified receipts of $69,701. Unified receipts are up from 2006 by approximately $28,000 through the first two quarters.
Rob Blumer was approved to be the interim pastor at Limestone Church in Gaffney. He is transferring from the Presbytery of Transylvania in Kentucky. Jim Still was received as an Honorably Retired minister from the Presbytery of Arkansas. Frank Norris was approved to be a commissioned lay pastor at Varennes Presbyterian Church.