Building Community Through Information - April 26, 2024

Happening in New Harmony Presbytery

(All meetings by ZOOM,

unless otherwise noted.)

Second Presbyterian Church, Pageland Closing Worship - April 27, 10:30 am, 104 Arnold St., Followed by lunch (reservations required).

SC5 Leader of Leaders, April 30, Westminster Presbyterian Church, Columbia.

Synod of South Atlantic First Wednesday Sac Lunch, May 1, 12 pm.

Guiding Council, May 2, 1 pm.

Committee on Preparation for Ministry, May 6, 9:45 am.

Synod GA Commissioners Training, May 6, 7 pm.

Grand Strand Lunch, May 9, 12 pm.

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

Personal Note: As some of you know I was incapacitated for several day due to a medical condition brought on by the flu. I appreciate all the prayers that we raised on my behalf. I am slowly getting back into my routine. Your patience is appreciated. - Avery

Clerks of Session Asked to Take Advantage of Multiple Opportunities to Have Session Minutes Reviewed

One of the ongoing services of the Committee on Ministry is to review session minutes to help clerks of session keep their records in order. The Committee on Ministry is offering several opportunities for Clerks of Session to have their 2023 Minutes reviewed.

There will be four regional opportunities for minutes to be reviewed. These are:

• Cheraw Area - May 1, First Presbyterian Church, Cheraw.

Clerks may drop off minutes and completed Session Minute Checklist before or on the day of the minute review at each location. If the date for review in your area is not convenient minutes may be taken to a different location or brought to the May 21, Stated Presbytery Meeting for review.

Download the Session Minute Checklist.

Second Pageland Presbyterian Church Closing

On February 25, four of the remaining eight members of Second Presbyterian Church, Pageland voted unanimously to request the Presbytery of New Harmony to dissolve the congregation. The Guiding Council then expanded the commission of the already established Administration Commission (Rev. Dr. Annette Brewer; Elder Evelyn Diggs (Second, Pageland Elder Dan Tillman (Frist, Cheraw); Rev. Dr. Dan Sansbury) to oversee this process. That AC set the date for the closing worship for Saturday, April 27 at 10:30. (The HVAC system needs to be replaced, so it was important to schedule the closing worship before it gets too hot.)

Rev. Dr. Annette Brewer, former Pastor, will be preaching.



Please see the History of Second Presbyterian Church, Pageland.

First Presbyterian Church, Hartsville Offering Music Camp

First Presbyterian Church of Hartsville is excited to announce Summer Music Camp for 1st-7th graders June 10-14 from 9AM-12PM. This week of fun will culminate in a performance of the musical "100% Chance of Rain". This jazzy cantata for young singers is the story of Noah and the Ark with lilting melodies and infectious humor that ends with the promise of love. 

Cost is $150. Email ronda.mcelveen@gmail.com to register. It's going to be fabulous!

Tirzah Presbyterian Church Historical Marker Ceremony

Tirzah Church Cemetery Association received approval from the South Carolina Department of Archives and History for a historical marker to recognize Tirzah Presbyterian Church. We are having a brief ceremony on Sunday, May 19th at 3:00 pm at the site of the marker on the church grounds. We want to invite you and all who are interested throughout New Harmony Presbytery to attend. We hope your schedule permits you to do so. Thank you.

Highlights of the April Assembly of the Synod

• Ruling Elder Commissioner, Jacquelyn Rembert of New Harmony Presbytery was elected and installed as synod Moderator-Elect for 2024-2025!

• Concurred with General Assembly OVT-024 On Creating a General Assembly Administrative Commission on Mid Councils.

• Financial Reports, including the 2023 audit, were received, and the 2024 budget was adjusted.

• Learned about grants awarded in 2023.

[View the complete document]

View the News of the Week

Preaching and Teaching the Parables

Save 40% for one week on two new books intended to help pastors and educators shed light on the impact the parables have on followers of Jesus’ teachings. Plus, find additional resources for preaching, learning, and sharing the parables with children and adults! [more]

Mother's Day Offering

On Sunday, May 12, Presbyterian congregations throughout the State of South Carolina will collect the 70th annual Mother’s Day Offering for the benefit of

Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina (PCSC). Since the first Mother’s Day Offering in 1954, the generosity of South Carolina Presbyterians has enabled PCSC to provide care for residents who, through no fault of their own, have outlived their life’s savings. This commitment, made 70 years ago, required tremendous faith, courage and vision. Over the last decade, your generosity has allowed PCSC to provide an average of $1.2 million in charitable care each year. Your gift, whether large or small, is vital for the success of this ministry. By honoring our fathers and mothers in this way, you help ensure that those with need can continue to call Presbyterian Communities “home.” Thank you for your generosity.

To give online, please go to giving.prescommunities.org.

View the video (Link Corrected).

Small is Beautiful: Cultivating Vibrant Communities in the PC(USA)

On April 16, Outlook Editor/Publisher Teri McDowell Ott will convene a panel of voices from our January issue including Catherine Neelly Burton, Warren Lesane, Shavon Starling-Louis, and Philip Blackburn.  The panel will discuss some of the troubles facing small churches, the strengths of these worshipping communities, and practical examples of small churches thinking in creative ways to continue their ministry. This conversation will be followed by a Q&A with audience members. Register The webinar is on April 16, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. EST. All who register will be emailed a link of the recorded webinar afterwards.

Applications are now open for the Presbyterian Mission Agency's Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) program. 

The program is an ecumenical, faith-based year of service for young people (ages 19–30) in sites across the United States and around the world. YAVs accompany local agencies working to address root causes of poverty and reconciliation. For additional information and to apply, click here.

Join the Jesus & Justice Advocacy Conference, hosted by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), this fall in Charlotte, North Carolina! This conference benefits college students and seminarians who want to learn effective ways to stand up for causes they believe in, build networks and engage with advocacy topics in meaningful ways. Taking place from October 18-20 at the Union Presbyterian Seminary, Charlotte Campus, this free event will be held annually across the country in the coming years. 



College students, seminarians, and young adults in or near Charlotte are invited to attend in person.

Learn more here.

• More Information
• Download the Flyer
• Register for the Event

Receive More Information

Southeast Region of National Black Presbyterian Caucus Bi-Annual Regional Conference

The Southeast Region (The Synod of South Atlantic) of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus is planning its bi-annual regional conference that focuses on the special needs of Black Presbyterians and their congregations throughout our Synod. The Southeast Region is requesting that you, your church, or presbytery, consider Partnering with us by supporting this gathering of Presbyterians by:

*Sponsoring youths from your church,

*Contributing dollars to the conference,

*Encouraging attendance,

*Promoting the workshops, and

*Urging members to take part in this year’s Conference experience.

This year’s Conference is scheduled for July 18-20, 2024, in Jacksonville, Florida. The Conference Theme: “One Body, Many Parts: Connecting for the Greater Cause” (Corinthians 12:12-27). Workshops for the youth will be centered around the theme and geared just for them. The conference workshops’ leaders will be representatives from the General Assembly’s Mission Agency. The conference will address issues affecting our communities, church leadership, membership growth, and mobilizing for social justice.

This would be an excellent time to engage our youth as we continue to prepare them for future endeavors. The conference also provides leadership for those who work with young people in the community.

The mission of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus is to enrich Black Presbyterian Congregations, provide leadership training, encourage congregational exchange and fellowship, and encourage spiritual leadership in the church community.

For additional information you may contact Mary Porter (843.889.3290), Dorothy McBride (803.840.8217), or Lauren Fields (laren.fields02@gmail.com). (Download in PDF)

FEMA Invitation

FEMA invites you to participate in several events

• Making Recovery More Resilient: A Conversation on Mitigation.
• Nonprofit Security Grant Program.
• Spanish Webinar About New Post-Disaster Equity Guide, and
• Other Upcoming Events.

Get more information.

Board of Pension Updates

BOP Mental Health Resources

As part of our commitment to wholeness, the Board of Pensions recognizes the need to elevate mental health and wellness for everyone. The following resources are available to you to support your mental health and well-being.

https://pensions.org/what-we-offer/benefits-guidance/mental-health-resources

Board of Pensions (BOP) News on Changes

https://seasonofrebuilding.pensions.org/sites/default/files/2023-10/polity-benefits-mission-conference-presentation-october-2023.pdf 

First Wednesday Sack Lunch

South Atlantic Community Knowledge

A monthly ZOOM for sharing across the Synod of South Atlantic. Join, learn, and share: experience, resources, and best practices on a new topic each month.

• May 1 - Presbytery Leadership
• June 5 - Women in Ministry
• July 3 - Peacemaking
• August 7 - Campus Ministry

To register, visit synodofsouthatlantic.org.

South Carolina Inn at Montreat

"Your Home in the Mountains"

Maybe you need an inexpensive place to stay for a Montreat conference, or a place for personal relaxation and renewal, or a place for a family gathering in the mountains, or a place to stay while you explored all there is to do in the Black Mountain and Asheville area. The South Carolina Inn at Montreat might be just the place you need.

The South Carolina Inn at Montreat, "Your Home in the Mountains," is a hidden gem. It consist of the William Brearley Home (on the left in the picture above), a 3 story lodge style accommodation, with two indoor gathering areas, a porch full of rocking chairs, and a gas log fireplace. On the right in the above picture, are the Kirk Apartments. They eight apartments, offer breathtaking views of the valley. These apartments vary in their accommodations and kitchen arrangements. Two are designed to accept people with physical challenges. The Suite Carolina, attached to the William Brearley Home, but with a separate entrance will supply two persons in upscaled accommodations. The Suite and apartments have both heat and air-conditioning.

Take time to download the brochure and visit www.scinnatmontreat.org for more information or to make a reservation online. Questions? Call 828-669-7460.

We would love to see you at The Inn!



2024 Churchwide Gathering for Presbyterian Women

August 8 - 11, 2024

St. Louis, Missouri

For more information, click here.

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.

Check out the latest children's curriculum from The PC(USA) Store

Ministers and Worship Leaders Invited...

Ministers and worship leaders are invited to visit the newly refurbished chapel at Presbyterian Communities Florence. Also, they are invited to sign up to lead our Sunday Vespers at 4:00 P.M. To schedule a date on the Vesper’s calendar, please contact Chaplain Rodney Foster @ 843-62;-1512.

SUMMER CAMP 2024 DATES ARE OUT NOW! ​2024 Summer Camp Dates

Department of Homeland Security Center for

Faith-Based Partnerships

Click here to read about help for

• Keeping your home warm in winter.
• Webinars on Security Grant Programs.
• Protecting places of worship.
• Shields Ready Campaign.
• And more.

SC Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Team Publication to Help Congregations

Linked below is a wonderful publication to help congregations prepare for the times when disasters may confront sessions and congregations. "Prepare to Care" is a PDA document to assist sessions and congregations.

Download the document.

How to respond to disasters around the world.

2024 Stated Presbytery Meetings

• May 21 (Tuesday) First and GW Long, Cheraw

                 PCUSA Co-Moderator, Rev. Shavon Starling-Louis preaching

• Aug. 17 (Saturday) ZOOM

• Nov. 19 (Tuesday) Ebenezer, Dalzell

Outstanding Preacher to Lead Worship for the

Next Presbytery Meeting

Rev. Shavon Starling-Louis on Tuesday, May 21 at First, Cheraw

Rev. Starling-Louis is the Co-Moderator of the 225^th General Assembly of the PC(USA) and the senior pastor at Memorial Presbyterian Church in Charlotte.

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.