Building Community Through Information - April 3, 2024 | |
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Happening in New Harmony Presbytery
(All meetings by ZOOM,
unless otherwise noted.)
Synod of Southeast 1st Wednesday Sack Lunch, April 3, 12 pm.
Synod of South Atlantic, April 6, 1 pm.
Committee on Preparation for Ministry, April 8, 9:45 am.
Committee on Ministry, April 9, 2 pm.
Grand Strand Lunch, April 11, 12 pm, El Cerro Grande.
Sumter Lunch, April 15, 12:30 pm, Willie Sue's Restaurant.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Commission, April 15, 7 pm.
Special Meeting of Presbytery of New Harmony, April 17, 2 pm.
Service of Blessing and Charge of Rev. CeCe Armstrong & Rev. Tony Larson, followed by Lunch, April 18, 11 am, Trinity Presbyterian Church. (reservations required for lunch).
Cheraw/Florence Lunch, April 18, 12 pm, South of Pearl.
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.
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for the mission and ministry of our churches for the week:
Wedgefield Presbyterian Church,
Jody Foster, Supply Pastor;
Ron Price, Clerk of Session.
Westminster Presbyterian Church, Alcolu,
Alonza Washington, Supply Pastor; Bruce Davis, Clerk of Session.
for the people of Haiti.
for those needing food in Gaza.
for the PDA National Response Team.
for those whose concerns we do not know.
for all victims of war, especially the children.
for leaders of all churches.
for leaders of governments.
for victims of more mass shootings.
for all victims of floods, fires, tornadoes, storms, and other disasters.
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for those receiving hateful actions.
for those acting hatefully that their hearts might be changed.
Inquirers
Holly Bannan,
(Kingston Presbyterian Church)
Union Presbyterian Seminary Charlotte.
Randolph Green
(Congruity Presbyterian Church)
Cate Henderson
(First Presbyterian Church, Hartsville)
Union Presbyterian Seminary-Richmond.
Naomi McQuiller
(Second Presbyterian, Sumter)
Columbia Presbyterian Seminary.
Darren Wilson
(Friendship)
Union Presbyterian Seminary-Charlotte.
Flury Wilson
(Friendship)
Union Presbyterian Seminary-Charlotte.
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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).
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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.
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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.
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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.
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COM Offers 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:
- Grand Strand Area - April 11, 10 am, Trinity Presbyterian Church, Surfside Beach.
- Manning/Sumter Area - April 24, 2 pm, Presbyterian Church at Manning.
- Cheraw Area - May 1, First Presbyterian Church, Cheraw.
- Florence Area - TBA
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.
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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)
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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.
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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.]
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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 - Youth Ministry
- May 1 - Presbytery Leadership
- June 5 - Women in Ministry
- July 3 - Peacemaking
- August 7 - Campus Ministry
To register, visit synodofsouthatlantic.org.
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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!
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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2024 Stated Presbytery Meetings
- May 21 (Tuesday) First and GW Long, Cheraw
PCUSA Co-Moderator, Rev. Shavon Starling-Louis preaching
- 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 225th General Assembly of the PC(USA) and the senior pastor at Memorial Presbyterian Church in Charlotte.
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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.
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Thankful Thursday Prayer
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, we know the power of cooperative prayer. Thankful Thursday is a time for EVERYONE to thank God for ALL He has, is, and will do for us. Scriptures remind us of the importance of prayer. In Ephesians 6:18 we read: "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people."
Ruling Elder Delcia Harper-Baxter, Commissioned Pastor
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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.
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Synod of South Atlantic
Presbyterian Church, USA
Thornwell
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Presbyterian Communities of S.C.
Montreat Conference Center
South Carolina Inn at Montreat
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Presbytery of New Harmony, 2352 Presbyterian Road, Florence, SC 29501
Email: office@newharmonypres.org
Phone: (843) 662-8411
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