| Foothills Presbytery Meeting |
 (Pictured: The Rev. Craig Foster)
The 72nd Stated Meeting of Foothills Presbytery was held on August 18 at the First Presbyterian Church in Greer. The meeting opened with worship and a sermon preached by Candidate Chris Berardi. During worship CLP Doug Gilstrap was recognized for his service to the John Calvin Presbyterian Church and the Rev. Ray White was approved as Minister Emeritus at First Greer Presbyterian Church.
(Pictured: Candidate Chris Berardi)
Three ministers were welcomed into Foothills Presbytery, and they spoke about their faith journeys: Craig Foster, new Associate Pastor at First Spartanburg Church; Beverly Kelly, Member-at-Large and presently volunteer Christian Educator at Pickens Church; and Brian Stewart, new Associate Pastor at First Greenville Church. Candidate Chris Berardi was examined and approved to accept a call as Associate Pastor at Grace Covenant Church.
 (Pictured: The Rev. Beverly Kelly)
Inquirer Patricia Gwinn from Fourth Church was approved for Candidacy.
The Mission Team reported that visitors from Ghana will be in our presbytery the last of September. Churches interested in hosting the visitors should contact Margaret Menz. Everybody was invited to meet with the Ghanaians at Fourth Presbyterian Church on October 3, 9:30-2:30. Lunch will be provided, but reservations should be made at presbytery office.
The Rev. Julie Meredith, Chair of Campus Ministry Team, recommended that the Rev. Andy Casto Waters be approved as permanent campus minister of the Furman Westminster Fellowship. This was approved.
Harry Bolick reported for the New Church Development Team, and the Rev. Rob Klouw spoke about the opening worship service of FaithPoint NCD on September 13. Churches were encouraged to send representatives to this service.
 (Pictured: The Rev. Brian Stewart)
The Unity and Community Team recommended that presbytery adopt an overture which it had received from the Rev. Gordon Raynal, the Rev. David Renwick, and the Rev. David Sutton concerning the frequency of meetings of the General Assembly. Following discussion, a motion was made, seconded and passed to table this recommendation until the November meeting, asking the writers of the overture to add to the Rationale that will be presented with the overture.
Holly Caprell made the Finance Team report and asked churches to reconsider their giving to presbytery and to try and submit their benevolent giving during the year and not just at the end of the year.
Kevin Cartee and Tandy Taylor spoke for Outdoor Ministries and made a presentation asking presbytery to approve the sale of a 19+/- acre tract of land to a Friend of Camp Buc for $250,000. This sale would generate revenues for the camp and presbytery in the near-term, and based on the plans of the purchaser, will provide significant potential for the generation of a long-term revenue stream for Camp Buc. There was discussion and a vote taken. Presbytery approved the sale of this tract of land.
Presbytery adjourned to the fellowship hall for lunch and a presentation by the Hispanic Ministry. After this presentation, the meeting was closed with prayer. |
| Honey, I Shrunk the Economy |
The 2009 Midyear Investment Review from the Board of Pensions reminds us of something that we already know - the economy is not doing well and is still in a recession. Some of the economic experts tell us that we have to settle for a "New Normal," which seems to mean less money, less stuff, lower level of spending and higher level of saving. The U.S. economy may not have a happy ending like the popular Disney movie, "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,"and may take years longer than we would like. To read the entire BOP Investment Review, click here. |
| Camp Buc Family Camp |
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 You're invited to participate in "Growing Together in Faith" Family Camp at Camp Buc September 4-7. Enjoy the beauty of the N.C. mountains while you are hiking, swimming, canoeing, fishing, or just relaxing in a rocking chair on the porch. Delicious, nutritious meals will be provided for you - all at a reasonable cost. Accommodations vary from rustic cabins to staying overnight in the lodge. Please go to this website to read all about it, complete your reservation form, and send it in to Yuri Ito at the presbytery office. You'll be glad you signed up for this fun weekend! |
| Information on Church Buses and Vans |
The Brotherhood Mutual Insurance Company, which is one of the top three big church insurance agencies, has prepared free transportation information on church buses and vans. This resource is free and available to all who might be interested. Follow this link to the information: http://www.oldchurchbus.com. | |
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| Opportunities |
Choir Workshop
The Music Department of Erskine College is offering a workshop for volunteer church choirs.
Dr. Shannon Jeffreys, Choral Director at Erskine College, will be leading the workshop on
September 20 beginning at 2:30 pm. Cost is $5 per person. More information is available online.
Calling Congregations Conference
People who care about the impact of pastoral leaders and the need to identify talented young people to serve congregations in the future will have an opportunity to make a difference at the 2009 Fund for Theological Education Calling Congregations Conference October 8-10 at the Georgia Tech Hotel and Conference Center in Atlanta. Featured speakers will be Theologian and author Walter Brueggemann, professor emeritus of Old Testament at Columbia,and Judy Fentress Williams, associate professor of Old Testament at Virginia Theological Seminary. For more information about the conference, click here.
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| New in Resource Center |
| Preaching from Memory to Hope by Thomas G. Long
Respected preacher and teacher Tom Long identifies the most substantive theological forces and challenges facing preaching today. In this hard-hitting, compelling book, he demonstrates why he has long been considered one of the most thoughtful and intelligent preachers in America today. |
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