A Friendly Reminder . . .
In an effort to help maintain social distancing to combat the coronavirus, the Presbytery office is currently closed to visitors. Most staff are working remotely and email will be monitored and answered in a timely manner. Emergency contact information can be found at the end of this communication. Stay safe!
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PWNC Unanimously Votes Wade
as New General Presbyter!
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The Presbytery of Western North Carolina met in an unprecedented virtual assembly on Tuesday as the 124th Stated Meeting gathered online via Zoom to do the work of the church and elect a new General Presbyter. (Check out highlights here.)
Reverend Dr. Byron Wade was elected unanimously and enthusiastically following a thorough examination by Examinations Subcommittee Chair Bob Forsythe.
Dr. Wade currently pastors Davie Street Presbyterian Church in Raleigh NC, where he has served for 24 years. He and his wife Regina have one son, Andrew, who begins college this fall.
Dr. Wade is slated to begin his duties with the Presbytery October 1.
Congratulations Dr. Wade! We are excited to have you in ministry in PWNC!
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An Invitation for those in PWNC ~
As a pastor, gerontologist, hospice chaplain, and spiritual director, I invite any of you who are seeking spiritual nurture in the midst of this troubling, exhausting liminal space in which we find ourselves, to become part of a Sacred Circle.
Years ago I began offering persons who were in the midst of any kind of transition to become part of a Sacred Circle. Since that time, I have nurtured Sacred Circles in every place where I have served. Sacred Circles are not counselling sessions, but a sacred space for spiritual nurture and discernment - seeking God in the midst of the ordinary and not so ordinary days.
If you are interested in being part of one of these Sacred Circles (which now gather virtually of course) or learning more about this invitation, feel free to contact me via email: drbeverlythompson@gmail.com
Peace,
Rev. Dr. Beverly Thompson
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A Note from Our Peace & Justice Committee:
Grace and peace to you, through the power of the Holy Spirit. The Peace and Justice Committee of the Presbytery of Western NC hopes to be a support and encouragement to you and to your congregations in this impactful time in the history of our country and in the midst of tremendous turmoil in our communities due to the evil of systemic racism. As followers of Jesus, we cannot remain silent. We cannot remain inactive. The work of antiracism is holy work that we must address. Our committee continues to compile resources to share with you and the Presbytery for this work. Included in these resources is a 21 day racial equity habit building exercise. Some congregations within our Presbytery have made use of this resource, which offers a diversity of materials such as articles, books, podcasts, videos, movies, social media accounts and more that raise up voices of our black and brown siblings and other siblings of color who need to be amplified. These resources are there to assist in our necessary work of learning how to be actively antiracist and unlearning racism. They can be accessed by clicking here. We are adding to these resources regularly so check back often to see what's new!
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I hope all are healthy and well. I wish we could be together in person, but as the coronavirus pandemic prevents that from happening, I write to share these key updates from the Board of Pensions. If you have questions, my colleagues in Philadelphia and I are happy to assist.
Blessings,
Elizabeth Little
Elizabeth Little
Church Consultant
M: 252-723-8653
elittle@pensions.org
Member/Employer Services
800-773-7752
Mon-Fri 8:30-7:00pm EST
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Camp Grier is Looking Ahead to Fall
We are continuing to learn and adapt as a community to the changing landscape brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since this crisis started almost 6 months ago we've seen an overwhelming demand for outdoor spaces as we try and find a refuge from the stress and challenges of our daily lives.
Spending time outdoors continues to be one of the lowest risk environments for spreading coronavirus when combined with other mitigation strategies like small group size and physical distancing. This fall our lives will continue to be impacted by the coronavirus as evidenced by the many schools opting for remote learning strategies or a combination of in person and online scheduling.
Looking toward the fall, Camp Grier is creating a way for families and small groups to connect, renew, and recharge in spaces that are low risk for transmission like the outdoors. Learn more about our Family Camp options, Equestrian Club for youth, and our Run and Ride options. Come see us at camp!
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Opportunities at Montreat Conference Center |
Summer Sabbath (ongoing)
Summer in Montreat this year is a quiet retreat from the hustle and bustle, much different from our typical summer. While the usual conferences had to be cancelled this season, the Assembly Inn is currently open to overnight guests at a reduced capacity. Rooms at the inn are comfortable, peaceful, air-conditioned and yes, there is WiFi! Guests will enjoy their own cleaned and sanitized space, while staying close the heart of Montreat, plus the shops and restaurants in nearby Black Mountain.
Come visit and enjoy cool morning walks, take a hike up Lookout, go rock-hopping in Flat Creek, get creative at the Currie Craft Center/Sally Jones Pottery or go shopping at the Montreat Store and Ten Thousand Villages.
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Helpful Information for our Members
Click HERE to read the most recent communication from the Task Force on Returning to Face to Face Gatherings in PWNC, sent July 7, 2020.
Click HERE to read the Pastoral Letter sent June 5, 2020 to the Presbytery of Western North Carolina from Lauren Vanacore, Chair of General Council, Jill Isola, Chair of Peace and Justice Committee, Cam Murchsion, Stated Clerk and Acting General Presbyter, and Billy Robinson, Associate Presbyter.
Click HERE to access Coronavirus/COVID-19 resources from PCUSA. |
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Information to Order Planning Calendars,
Books of Order and Books of Confession
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Sessional Records
Due to COVID-19, all face to face Sessional Records reviews have been suspended for 2020. Read how this process will be handled in the following communication from Cam Murchison, Stated Clerk/Acting GP: 2020 Sessional Records Review
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PWNC OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Rev. Dr. Cameron Murchison, Jr. ~ 404/556-8041
Rev. Billy Robinson ~ 828/448-2153
Rev. Dr. Charles Davenport ~ 704/689-0296
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