At the September 19 Presbytery meeting two ministers were received into membership and one candidate was examined and approved for ordination. The Rev. Dan Youngblood, pastor of the Limestone Presbyterian Church in Gaffney, was granted Honorable Retirement status, effective October 31.

Pictured are the Rev. Dennis Tedder, pastor of First Anderson Church, along with Debbie Foster, Director of Family Ministries, and Willette Brown, Candidate.

David Renwick was received into Foothills Presbytery to accept the call from First Spartanburg Church as their Pastor. Renwick spent his childhood in Edinburgh and now comes to this area from Second Church in Lexington, Kentucky. He and his wife, Currie, have three children.

Ray White, Honorably Retired, was received into Foothills Presbytery, transferring from Trinity Presbytery. White anticipates the development of a family violence advocacy program in this area and also serving on the Ghana Partnership.

Willette Hollis Brown, was examined and approved for ordination at this meeting. Brown is administrative chaplain and coordinator of spiritual ministry at Hospice in Anderson. She has one daughter who is now a sophomore at Presbyterian College.

The "early bird registration date" has passed, but you can still sign up for the Retirees Retreat being held October 29-31 at Montreat Conference Center. "Women of the Bible and the Men in Their Lives" is the title of the gathering. The Rev. Joanna Adams will lead a journey through the lives of some of the women chosen by God, called to serve in God's community of faith. What better way to get to know other retirees in the presbytery than to fellowship in the beauty of God's creation. Come and enjoy the cool mountain breezes, times of worship and singing, and you won't even have to cook your own meals! Total cost is $125 for a single room and $85 for a double. If you have your own housing, the cost will be $55 Contact the presbytery office for a registration form or visit the website to download a form.

PRESBYTERY OFFICE - On October 11 we will be celebrating our first year anniversary in the new presbytery office building (entrance to office in picture). If you have not seen the new office, the staff welcomes you to come by for a visit. We are still decorating and would like to have a picture of your church if you have not already donated one. We are grateful every day for the opportunity to work and serve in this beautiful facility.

SENIOR HIGH HOOPLAH - Date: October 1 - Time: 3:00-6:00 - Place: First Greer Church. In Concert: David LaMotte - Schedule: 3:00 - Check-in, 3:15 - Energizers, 4:00 - Concert, 5:30 - Closing Worship with communion. Register your number with Sabra now! No Charge !! No Meal !!

"AN INCONVENIENT TRUTH" showing at Eastminster Church on October 1 at 6:30 p.m. Two big screens in the sanctuary will be used to show this movie about critical environmental issues. There is no admission charge, and families, friends and neighbors in the presbytery are invited to attend and educate themselves about this very important issue. Make an effort to join with others in learning more about this problem.

PEACEMAKING OFFERING - October 1 is World Communion Sunday, the day the Peacemaking Offering is usually received by Presbyterian churches. This is one of four special offerings designated by the General Assembly of the PC(USA). It supports peacemaking initiatives and peace education throughout the church.

PAM MEETING - The Presbyterian Association of Musicians will meet at the presbytery office on September 26 at 6:15 p.m. Musicians from all churches are urged to attend. Planning will begin on "Celebration in Song of the Church Year" to be held on February 11, 2007. Please mark your calendar and come be a part of growing PAM.

PRESBYTERIAN WOMEN ANNUAL SPIRITUAL RETREAT - One more reminder about the PW retreat being held on October 7 at Camp Hope in Clemson. It's not too late to sign up. Cost is $15 per person, and registrations and payment should be mailed to Sandra Sweet at 106 Fernridge Dr., Spartanburg, SC 29307.

NEWS FROM RICK TURNER, DISASTER ASSISTANCE COORDINATOR: The Rev. Charles Martin (Church of the Nazarene) in Bayou La Batre, AL, oversees work in the gulf area and has reported to Rick that he has 20+ houses nearly finished, but crews have stopped coming and he is in need of help. There is a desperate need for electricians, plumbers and folks who can install doors, windows, molding and who can work sheetrock. For more information or to volunteer, call Martin on his mobile phone at 334-546-6892. You can reach Rick Turner at datwet3@yahoo.com.