| Pilgrimage to the Holy Land |
(Pictured at the Garden Tomb, left to right: Ministers Julie Schaaf and Deborah Broadwell, CLP Jeff Gilstrap, Ministers John Brearley, Dennis Tedder, and David Bailey)
Members and ministers of our presbytery recently enjoyed a pilgrimage to the Holy Land. Central, First Anderson, and John Knox churches hosted the trip. Thirty-one participants traveled on an incredible journey of faith and fellowship. The itinerary included four days on the Sea of Galilee, two days in Jordan, two days along the Dead Sea, and four days in Jerusalem. Everyone came home grateful for the shared experience. Lessons learned included a greater appreciation for the heritage of our faith, a better understanding of the complicated issues in that part of the world, and a new awareness of the times and places of scripture. Personal stories abound.
Another trip is planned for May 9-21, 2010. Members and friends of churches in Foothills Presbytery are invited to share a special travel experience next May. A trip to Oberammergau, Germany, and Italy is planned to see the highly acclaimed Passion Play, which is performed only one season every decade. For more information and a brochure, contact the John Knox Church office at 244-0453. Several churches are already represented on this trip. |
| Bible School Held at FaithPoint New Church Development |
 FaithPoint Presbyterian Church, a Foothills Presbytery New Church Development in West Simpsonville, held Bible School this week at their new property. The VBS was led by members of the Camp Buc and Camp Fellowship summer staff. The week was a big success, and thanks go out to the many volunteers who helped get the property ready for this event. After Bible School ended Wednesday,the camp staff members stayed on to help paint the inside of the house on the property that will be used for the church office and meeting area. FaithPoint will launch its worship services on September 13 at the Charter School of the Brashier Campus of Greenville Tech. If you are interested in knowing more about FaithPoint Church, please contact the Rev. Katherine Randall (414-8717) or the Rev. Rob Klouw (414-4110).
(Fun at Bible School) |
PC News  |
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The Rev. Jim Simpson, Director of Church Relations at Presbyterian College, has accepted a call to serve as Senior Pastor at Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Church in Rock Hill. For the past two years he has helped foster, nurture and strengthen the relationship between Presbyterian College and the presbyteries, congregations and church members within our Synod. Until a new appointment is made, communications relating to Campus Ministry and Church Relations should be directed to Lucy Strong or Jill Mechling.
Don't forget - PC Youth Day 2009 is Saturday, November 21. Information is available here.
Outstanding Church Youth Leader Award - nominations of 2009-2010 High School juniors and seniors are now being received. Get the nomination form and instructions here. |
| New in the Resource Center |
Questions of Truth: Fifty-one Responses to Questions about God, Science, and Belief by J.C. Polkinghorne
How did the universe begin? Can God's existence be proven? Do humans matter more than animals? For many years people from across the world have sent the scientist-turned priest John Polkinghorne these and other questions about science and belief. In question-and-answer format, Polkinghorne and his collaborator Nicholas Beale offer in accessible prose their highly informed opinions about some of the most frequently asked questions. Readers can follow their own paths through the book, selecting questions that interest them and looking at the additional material if they choose. The result is a unique book that will help Christians clarify their beliefs regarding difficult issues, and better face challenges--from within and from others--to their faith.
Visit the Resource Center at the Foothills Presbytery office or the Resource Center Catalog online. Click on New Items to see what has been added during the past 30 days--or expand the search to 60 or 90 days or more. |
| Bits of News |
DON'T FORGET!!
Wednesday, July 8, of this upcoming week is the day that you can call and sign up for the Greenville Drive game on July 10. The 22 tickets for this game are for seats in a V.I.P. Suite and are free. These tickets are only for ministers and educators (and spouses) in the presbytery. Please call Sandy at 288-5774 Wednesday morning and speak directly to her to make your reservation.
There will be a gathering of ministers, educators, youth directors (spouses and children) for a Greenville Drive game on July 29. These tickets are $7 per person. You may call Sandy anytime to reserve tickets for this game.
Home Goods Sale to benefit InDwellings on Saturday, July 18 - time 8 am until 2 pm - at the Easley Presbyterian Church. Also, if you have gently used home goods to donate to the sale, call one of these people: Laurie Lefevre at 944-6813, Barbara Leathrum at 654-2036, Rebecca Huskey at 244-8349, or Richard Shirley at 224-0876. Support this worthy cause and help InDwellings build Homes of Love for adults with developmental disabilities.
DEADLINE EXTENDED - It's not too late to sign up for the disaster recovery mission trip on the Texas Gulf Coast September 20-25. The deadline has been extended to August 15. Please call the presbytery office to sign up.
Choir Director/Piano Player needed for Sunday worship services at John Calvin Presbyterian Church, 1801 W. Parker Road in Greenville. Please email Shirley Mooney or call her at 246-1560.
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| Happy 4th of July! |
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The office of Foothills Presbytery will be closed on Friday, July 3, for the fourth of July weekend. |
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| CFO Forum |
| The next CFO (Church Financial Officers) Forum is scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, at the Foothills Presbytery Office. Lunch will be provided. Church treasurers and other church financial persons are encouraged to attend. Please call the presbytery office (288-5774) or email Sandy Sharpe to reserve lunch. |
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| Notable Quote |
| In a reflection for the General Assembly News at the 218th General Assembly (2008) in San Jose, Calif., last summer, Bill Forbes wrote,
"None of us knows how many days we will be granted. As you look into the mirror each and every day, take time to marvel that you have been created in the image of God. Count your blessings often ... Share yourself abundantly with those who need encouragement, hope, and care ... Keep that twinkle in your eye and help the world learn to laugh ... May God continue to bless you and keep you as you claim the gift of life each day!"
The Rev. William Ross Forbes, who served the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in a variety of capacities for 37 years - including leadership at every PC(USA) General Assembly during that time - died June 30 at Johns Hopkins Medical Center. He was 62.
(Presbyterian News Service) |
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| Senior Superlative Luncheon |
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(Picture from 2008 luncheon)
The Senior Superlative Awards Luncheon will be held on August 20 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Greenville at 11:00 am. Watch the mail for your letter, nomination form, and flyer about this luncheon. Information will be sent out next week.
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| Camp Buc Picnic |
| Mark your calendars! Camp Buc invites members of all congregations to a picnic at the camp on Sunday, August 2. There will be a worship service at 11:00 for those who want to attend, and lunch will be provided afterwards. The afternoon will be a time of fellowship and relaxation in the beautiful mountains at Camp Buc. A call to the presbytery office signing up for the lunch would be very helpful. Thanks! |
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(Porch at Camp Buc) | |
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