Building Community Through Information - March 20, 2024

Happening in New Harmony Presbytery

(All meetings by ZOOM,

unless otherwise noted.)

Cheraw/Florence Lunch, March 21, 12 pm, South of Pearl, Darlington.

NHP Black Presbyterian Caucus Unity Worship Service, March 31.

Synod of South Atlantic, April 6, 1 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.

Correction: Stewart Rawson's name was misspelled in last week's prayer request for First Presbyterian Church, Sumter.

Special Called Meeting of New Harmony Presbytery

A Special Called Meeting of the Presbytery of New Harmony has been called for Wednesday, April 17, 2024, at 2 pm. The purpose of the meeting is to act on a joint resolution, being presented by the councils of Charleston-Atlantic and New Harmony Presbyteries, endorsing the Rev. CeCe Armstrong, member of Charleston-Atlantic Presbytery and our own Rev. Tony Larson for Co-moderators of the 226th General Assembly. (See the Resolution).

Registration information has been emailed to Pastoral Leaders to share with their elder commissioner(s).

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)

PT Live Panel Discussion on Pastoral Loneliness

On Thursday, February 29th, Layton Williams Berkes hosted a live online panel discussion on the topic of pastoral loneliness and isolation. The conversation was broadcast on the Presbyterians Today Facebook page and the panel was made up of journalist Fred Tangeman, who wrote the PT Special Feature that inspired the conversation, and three Texas pastors: Rev. Monica Thompson Smith, Rev. Maria Vargas Torres, and Rev. Jasiel Hernandez Garcia. The conversation explore these pastors particular struggles with loneliness and the solutions they've found. Panelists also weighed in our how the church can better support pastors and anyone struggling with loneliness.

Presbyterians Today staff hope this is just the first of many opportunities for live audience engagement and ongoing conversation. [Learn more]

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.

SUMTER LEE CLARENDON CLUSTER LENTEN SERVICES

ASH WEDNESDAY AND HOLY WEEK

Revised Schedule Attached!

March 25 – 29, 2024

“Fasting From the Physical; Nurturing the Spiritual.”

Both the Old Testament and New Testament teach the value of fasting, which is abstaining from food or drink in order to focus on prayer and seeking God's will. Fasting offers great spiritual benefits. Scripture tells us that fasting will help us grow a more intimate relationship with Christ and will open our eyes to what Holy Spirit wants to teach us. For the schedule in pdf and ZOOM links, click here for revised schedule.

Presbytery of New Harmony Stated Meeting Summary and Pictures

The Presbytery of New Harmony met on Saturday, February 17, at the Kingston Presbyterian Church. A summary of the meeting can be found here. Pictures and subsequent articles about the meeting will be forthcoming. View pictures from the presbytery meeting.

Rev. CeCe Armstrong

Rev. Tony Larson

Two South Carolina Pastors Standing for

Co-Moderators of General Assembly

Two South Carolina pastors will stand for co-moderators of the 226th General Assembly, set for June 25 through July 4, with plenary sessions to be held in Salt Lake City, Utah, and committee work online.

The Rev. CeCe Armstrong, associate pastor of St. James Presbyterian Church on James Island in Charleston, part of Charleston-Atlantic Presbytery, and the Rev. Tony Larson, pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Surfside Beach, which is in the Presbytery of New Harmony, have announced they will stand together.

“The Holy Spirit has been at work through the voices of our colleagues and mentors who have given us holy ‘nudges’ to offer ourselves for service by standing for this office,” the two pastors said in a statement. “In prayerful conversation, consultation and investigation, we have discerned that together we are willing to stand.”

The two pastors said their conversation began with key staff members of the Presbytery of New Harmony, including New Harmony’s executive presbyter, the Rev. Gavin Meek, and its associate for pastoral concerns, the Rev. Dr. Ella Busby.

[Read the complete PCUSA article]

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 

One Great Hour of Sharing

For 75 years, One Great Hour of Sharing has provided Presbyterians a way to share God’s love with our neighbors in need around the world.

In a world of disaster, hunger, and oppression millions of people lack access to sustainable food sources, clean water, sanitation, education, and opportunity.

The three programs supported by One Great Hour of Sharing - Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self-Development of People - all work in different ways to serve individuals and communities in need. From initial disaster response to ongoing community development, their work fits together to provide people with safety, sustenance, and hope.

This offering is your opportunity to greatly affect the lives of people throughout the world. Give generously!

[For more information, click here.]

Click HERE to read the latest newsletter.

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.

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

To register, visit synodofsouthatlantic.org.

Presbytery Designates March 17 PADD Sunday

On Saturday, the Presbytery of New Harmony designated March 17 as Presbyterian Agency for the Developmentally Disabled Sunday and authorized churches to take an offering for its mission. If this date does not fit into your church's plan, you may designate another date during 2024 to take this offering.

PADD was founded by The Presbytery of New Harmony and chartered as a sub-unit of PCUSA as a non-profit 501c3 in 2000. PADD maintains a close link with Presbytery and its congregations. The mission is directed by a volunteer Board of Trustees. The board currently has 8 members. The by-laws require that 2/3 of the Board be members of PCUSA. 

Please read the complete report for more information about the mission of PADD.

South Carolina Christian Action Council

Offers Caregiver Retreat

March 15-16

SCCAC is thrilled to extend a heartfelt invitation for a special retreat tailored specifically for caregivers who provide unwavering support and love to individuals living with dementia. This FREE retreat in beautiful Beaufort, South Carolina promises to be a rejuvenating experience filled with relaxation, education, and connection with fellow caregivers.

More Info Here

National Black Presbyterian Caucus

Community News for Everyone in the Pews

Volume 3 Issue 02 February 2024

View as Webpage

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.

Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Church

Seeks Temporary Supply

Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Church is seeking a Temporary Supply Pastor for Pastoral Care and Mission. For more information, see the job description. or contact Jeff Bryan 

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.