EASTER PRAYER
God of endless life and new beginnings, we give thanks for your goodness and steadfast love. Hear our prayers:
For the church throughout the world, that we may be faithful witnesses to the resurrection, so that all may come to believe and have new life in Christ.
For the people and leaders of every nation, that your boundless grace, which shows no partiality, might bring Christ’s reign of peace and justice to all.
For all who are despised, rejected, and oppressed, that they may know the liberating power of the gospel and rejoice and be glad in the day of the Lord.
For those who weep like Mary at the tomb, that their tears of sorrow may turn to cries of joy in the presence of the risen Christ.
For the promise of a new creation, where all creatures may live together in safety, and none shall hurt or destroy on your holy mountain.
God our strength and salvation, we pray all these things in resurrection hope, and with the confidence that you have already answered us; through Christ, who is alive and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Office of Theology and Worship, PCUSA
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Annual Reading of Session Minutes
This year we are grateful that we offer four opportunities to gather and review minutes. You may choose whichever option is better for you.
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Tuesday, April 9 - noon at First Church (Spartanburg)
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Thursday, April 11 - 6:00 pm at Central Church (Anderson)
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Tuesday, April 23 - noon at the Presbytery office (Greenville)
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Saturday, May 18 - Following the Stated Presbytery meeting at Limestone (Gaffney)
If you are unable to attend one of these gatherings, you may drop off your 2023 Session Minutes at the Presbytery Office, 2242 Woodruff Road, Simpsonville. Or you may contact Robin Morris at the Presbytery Office to make other arrangements. (Email is rmorris@foothillspresbytery.org or telephone: 864.288.5774.)
Please complete two forms that you will bring with your minutes to the review.
(Click on the title of each form below to open the document.)
1. Clerk’s Session Minutes Review Form
2. Financial Review & Audit Form
Thank you for your continued service to the church and for your faithful work as a Clerk. We look forward to seeing you at one of the regional gatherings where we can learn from each other as we complete the annual review of Session minutes.
Grace and Peace,
Representation & Review Committee
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Calling all Pastors, Educators, Youth leaders, Sunday School teachers, Bible study leaders, Christian Education committees:
The challenges facing Christian Education today are more than we’ve ever known in our lifetime. What was once unimaginable must now become imaginable. Emerging trends in educational ministry can help us meet these challenges with vision, understanding, creativity, and agility. Let’s explore together an imaginable mindset through new patterns, models, and approaches in Christian education so that faith formation shapes identity, nurtures meaning-making and engenders faithful living in the world.
Keynote Speaker: Rev. Dr. Rebecca L Davis, Union Presbyterian Seminary
Cost for the event is $30.
Scholarships are available from your Presbytery.
More Information Here
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Foothills Presbytery’s
Antiracism Ministry Team (AMT)
Your Antiracism Ministry Team (AMT) became a permanent committee of council in 2021. You can read more about our roles and responsibilities here. We have been meeting for three years now. Each month we center ourselves with a devotion before reflecting on events of church and culture. We discuss the many ways our committee members and our congregations are engaged in learning about and acting related to antiracism before processing assigned readings. The entire team agrees, “This is holy and sacred work.”
We are excited to share a 6-minute short film that gives a taste of one of our teams’ projects during 2022 and 2023. We interviewed seven people: pastors, elders, and members of churches in Foothills Presbytery. Their stories span two generations.
The film is just a hint of the full interviews. Ultimately the interviews will be the basis for a Courageous Conversations course (six to eight 45-minute sessions) that we will share with congregations.
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Youth Leaders Roundtable
is Thursday, April 4,
12 noon at Fourth
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Music Ministry
Leaders
is Wednesday, April 10,
9 am - Zoom
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Christian Educators Gathering
is Monday, April 15,
11 - 2 pm at Limestone
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Youth Leaders, Church Educators, and Music Leaders
are invited for a Sabbath Day on Monday, May 20
at Camp Fellowship. More information to come.
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Foothills Earth Care Congregations
Fourth Presbyterian Church, Greenville, and North Anderson Community Church are both certified as Earth Care Congregations by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s Presbyterian Hunger Program through February 2025. The Earth Care Congregation certification is designed to recognize churches that make the commitment to take seriously God’s charge to “till and keep” the garden.
This status speaks to the serious commitment that Fourth and NACCP have made to care for God’s earth. To become an Earth Care Congregation, these congregations affirmed an Earth Care Pledge to integrate environmental practices and thinking into their worship, education, facilities, and outreach.
Read More HERE
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The congregations of Foothills Presbytery are blessed to have creative people among them.
Are you one of those creative people?
Are you musical?
Do you do woodworking?
Are you a weaver?
Do you dance?
Do you find yourself on a stage? Or backstage?
Are you a writer…of fiction, non-fiction, poetry?
Would you like to connect with a peer group in the presbytery?
Below is a link to a Google form that will gather names and email addresses of self-identified creatives in Foothills Presbytery. From this compilation we will send out a list of those persons who select the same type of creativity. For example, we’ll send a list names, email addresses, and affiliations of the textile/fiber artists to everyone who selected textile/fiber arts as a description of their creative art. It will be up to the members of the group to decide if they want to connect or gather in some additional way. But you’ll know that each other is out there!
We hope that eventually these groups might gather and create together – perhaps a “Foothills Creates Day” at Camp Fellowship. But for now we are just connecting people. This list will not be distributed beyond the presbytery and will not be used for soliciting artistic donations to any cause. It is simply a way of further weaving us together as a presbytery.
Please give the form link to everyone in your congregation who would be interested in participating in a creativity-based group. We welcome student creators as well. If you have questions, contact Lynn Miller at limestone.presby.pastor@gmail.com.
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Have you ever considered volunteering with the national church?
Perhaps you have a heart for disaster ministry or love extending compassion to God’s world. You’re invited to attend an information session about the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance National Response Team. The NRT is a team of national volunteers who represent the PC(USA) after natural and human-caused disasters. Learn more and watch the NRT Video HERE.
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Spring Adult Retreat
April 5-6, 2024
at Camp Fellowship
KEYNOTE LED BY
DIANNA WRIGHT
Director of Ecumenical Relations for the Office of General Assembly, PC(USA)
REGISTER HERE
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The Fair is sponsored by Rainbow PUSH Coalition and NCNW (National Council of Negro Women), and hosted by the Greenville Drive Minor League Baseball Team in honor of Jackie Robinson Day.
We invite you, your members, students, parents, and youth directors to join us for the 2024 King Legacy HBCU Fair and to stay for the Jackie Robinson Day baseball game which will follow. Admission to the 2024 King Legacy HBCU Fair is free to the public. Admission to the Jackie Robinson Day baseball game and meal vouchers are complimentary for all HBCU Fair participants.
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Please join the
First Presbyterian (Spartanburg) Chambers Singers
Thursday, May 2, at 7:00 pm
in the
Church sanctuary
as they present their spring concert,
A Day in the Life.
The program will take you on a journey through the joys, sorrows, and wonder of the every day, beginning at dawn and concluding at bedtime. There will be time in the outdoors, a little romance, sorrow but also hope, the warmth of a summer evening and more. All the music is from living composers, with soloists from the group and a guest string quintet to help accompany several of the pieces.
The Chamber Singers comprise both church members and interested musicians from the community. For many years they sang at the Biltmore House’s Candlelight Christmas, and in addition to concerts in the Spartanburg area they have also performed at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC and at the Piccolo Spoleto Festival in Charleston, SC. There is no charge for the event.
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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).
Read More Here
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The National Black Presbyterian Caucus has announced its 48th biennial conference in Charlotte, NC on June 19-21, 2025.
Learn more and subscribe to the NCPC newsletter here.
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The first 25 campers who register from Foothills Presbytery churches will automatically get a $50 Campership!
When registering, use Campership Code: Foothills24
Foothills Presbytery has limited need-based scholarships available. Click Here: Scholarship Application
Scholarship Deadline is April 1.
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First Church, Greer has two communion tablecloths that they would like to offer to any congregation within the presbytery.
Both are sized 45 inches x 85 inches and are in good condition. Photos below. Arrangements for pick up can be made by calling the church office at 864-877-3612.
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Reminder!
We are still receiving payments, contracts, and other communications to our physical address, which no longer has a mailbox.
PLEASE ensure that your front office, financial office, and all personnel who send any mailed correspondence use our NEW mailing address:
Foothills Presbytery
P.O. Box 1118
Simpsonville, SC 29681-1118
Thank you!
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THE PRESBYTERIAN PROMISE
AN $80,000 SCHOLARSHIP OVER 4 YEARS FOR ALL STUDENTS WHO ARE PRESBYTERIAN.
The Presbyterian Promise Scholarship is a commitment by Presbyterian College (PC) to recognize students for their merit and affiliation with the Presbyterian Church. PC seeks to develop students academically and spiritually in this signature scholarship. Students who are members of Presbyterian churches will receive a scholarship for a minimum of $20,000 per year for up to four years—that’s an $80,000 commitment to you. For more information and to apply visit our site: www.presby.edu/presbyterian-promise
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Presbyterian College is excited to offer a new program focused on fundraising, philanthropy, stewardship, and other giving initiatives for congregations and other faith-related organizations. PC is proud to partner with the Lake Institute on Faith & Giving at the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy (Indiana University) to offer the Executive Certificate in Religious Fundraising (ECRF).
This unique partnership enables this outstanding course to be offered in the southeast region. The executive certificate program provides the research, tools, and customized training to meet the growing needs of leaders in religious communities and fundraisers of faith-based organizations. The focus of the ECRF is on the cultural, organizational, and philanthropic practices unique to religious institutions. These practices in turn enable donors motivated by spiritual and religious values to experience the joy of generous giving.
This would be an ideal program for clergy or other faith leaders as well as stewardship or advancement staff members in religious communities, schools, or service organizations. For PC(USA) pastors, there is also a scholarship offered through the Presbyterian Foundation to offset some of the costs of attendance.
Program Dates: May 20-22, 2024 (3 hour online component afterwards)
Location: Covenant Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, NC
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2024 Financial Forums
2024 is here! I am happy to announce that we will continue our quarterly financial gatherings of treasurers, finance committee chairs, pastors, and others (all are welcome). While we will not be meeting first quarter, we will be meeting on the following dates:
- April 23
- July 30
- October 29
Please mark your calendars accordingly and spread the word! I am looking forward to seeing everyone at these gatherings, if not before.
Blessings,
Olanda Carr, Jr.
Senior Ministry Relations Officer – East Region
Toll Free:1-888-711-1318
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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.
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.
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MID COUNCIL MINISTRIES
‘Along the Road’ podcasts: recent and upcoming episodes
Five new “Along the Road” podcast episodes have been made available since November, three from the “Encounter” series for mid council and church leaders and two “Nourish” episodes for deacons and ruling elders.
Listen to all Along the Road episodes directly from the Mid Council Ministries section of pcusa.org or from popular streaming services.
Click here for more information
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Get ready for an exhilarating experience as we extend a warm invitation to the much-anticipated 2024 Southeast Region Conference! This year's event promises to be an inspiring celebration of unity, collaboration, and the incredible diversity that makes our region truly special. Embrace the power of unity as we explore the richness that comes from our diversity. This year's theme, "One Body, Many Parts," emphasizes the strength we gain when we come together, each contributing our unique talents, perspectives, and experiences for the greater good.
Stay tuned for more details, including registration information, in the coming weeks. We can't wait to gather as one body with many parts, united for the greater good!
https://nationalnbpc.org/
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Opportunity for High School Youth
JULY 22-27, 2024
PRESBYTERIAN COLLEGE, CLINTON, S.C.
Join us for an enriching five-day gathering at Presbyterian College, Clinton, S.C., where rising high school juniors and seniors will come together to explore their callings and gifts for leadership in the church.
Co-hosted by the Miller Summer Youth Institute at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary and the Office of Spiritual Life at Presbyterian College, this unique event offers students the chance to learn from experienced faculty and staff from both institutions, to delve into vocational discernment activities, and to engage in guided theological reflection. This gathering promises to be a transformative experience for those seeking to explore their callings and who want to learn more about what the path to leadership in the church might look like!
Students can expect to engage in group discernment activities, enjoy downtime on the Presbyterian College campus and in the City of Greenville, and participate in worship. Room and board will be provided on the PC campus.
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Charleston Atlantic Presbytery BUS transportation to St. Louis!
Transportation—Kelly Tours:
• Trip to St. Louis, MO takes 12 hours & 37 minutes. Bus will depart August 7, 2024
• Bus seats 56 passengers, to be comfortable we are looking for 40 ladies to commit. Last time we picked up ladies in Columbia & Spartanburg.
• There will be a Relay Driver and regular driver due to regulations.
Read More Here
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We are pleased to announce Yale Divinity School’s first non-degree, online certificate program in Youth Ministry Leadership! This nine-month, digital, cohort-based program will launch in September 2024 focusing on three key areas: leadership theory in church organizations, theological and spiritual care for youth (with an focus on mental health), and empowerment, liberation and justice work with youth.
Participants will learn from renowned YDS faculty including Willie Jennings, Joyce Mercer, Almeda Wright and more, other select learning institutions and the Yale Youth Ministry Institute network of experts and practitioners.
Applications are currently being accepted. Our inaugural cohort will be limited to 20 participants. Click here for more information and to apply. Questions? Email kelly.morrissey@yale.edu.
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Apply for Montreat Summer Staff!
Do you know a young adult looking for a summer job? Montreat Conference Center is currently accepting applications for its 2024 Summer Staff season. All young adults who are at least one year out of high school are invited to apply.
Available positions cover a wide range of skills and interests such as A/V production, childhood education, marketing, environmental studies, hospitality, and more! All positions are paid and include the option to live on campus. Plus, certain positions may qualify for college credit.
This is a great opportunity to gain valuable job experience and enjoy life in our close-knit mountain community. If you think someone you know would be interested, please encourage them to apply at montreat.org/summer-staff!
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Click here to see additional
Available Jobs
on our website.
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Mark your Calendars for these Upcoming Events |
2024
March
29 PYC meeting
April
Foothills Presbytery Office will be Closed!
4 Examinations, Youth Leaders Roundtable, and Committee on Ministry meeting
9 Personnel Committee meeting & Annual Meeting of Session Minutes at First Spartanburg
10 Music Ministry Leaders gathering and Bills & Overtures meeting
11 Investment Committee meeting, Finance & Stewardship Committee meeting, Committee on Shared Ministry meeting, and Session Minutes Reading at Central
15 Educators Gathering
18 Examinations Committee meeting
20 PYC Interviews
23 Financial Forum and Session Minutes Reading at Foothills Presbytery
25 Committee on Preparation for Ministry meeting
29 Foothills Staff meeting
Foothills Presbytery Featured Events
Foothills Presbytery Calendar
2024 Foothills Presbytery Stated Meetings
- May 18, 2024, at Limestone
- August 3, 2024 (Virtual)
- November 12, 2024
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Stewardship of Creation Connections Feb-March 2024 Newsletter | |
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