Stated meeting Number 81

November 6th, 2011 - Fort Hill Presbyterian Church

Foothills Presbytery met on November 6 at Fort Hill Presbyterian Church. The meeting was opened with worship and joyful singing by some of the Clemson PSA students. Reports were given by Ray White about domestic violence and a program he conducts to help families and Debbie Foster about the Buc Outdoor Center. Nancy Blakely spoke about InDwellings and Caregiver Sunday emphasis. Churches were urged to pick up camp packets after the meeting.

The Rev. Jim Richardson was recognized and granted the status of Minister Emeritus by Fort Hill Church. A workshop, Sacred Trust, was discussed and ministers and church leaders were encouraged to attend this workshop on Nov. 14 at Eastminster Church.

The Nominations Committee presented names of people being nominated to serve on various teams. This slate of nominees was approved.The Committee on Preparation presented Elizabeth Meador from Westminster Greenville for Candidacy and after sharing her faith journey, she was approved. Ministers and Elders elected to serve as Ordination Exam Readers for 2012 were approved.

For the Mission Team Debbie Foster spoke about a seven-week study on Middle East issues to begin on Jan. 9 at the presbytery office. Anyone who would like to learn more about the Middle East is invited to attend this study. Hugh Cunningham from Trinity Church spoke about a disaster relief trip that he and Roger Gettys made to New Orleans - helping victims of Hurricane Katrina who are still without homes.

The Rev. Mark Adams spoke about Frontera de Cristo border ministry and the problems facing illegal immigrants. He also talked about a coffee program that has been started to help the people of Mexico, and he urged churches to support the program.

The Rev. Paa Bonsafo and Rev. Ebenezer from Ghana were introduced. Rev. Bonsafo spoke briefly about the partnership between Kwahu Presbytery and Foothills. He was very appreciative of the help they receive through this partnership.

The Finance Team recommended that a 2012 budget not be approved until February after end of the year contributions have been received. The Education Team made a motion to change presbytery meeting dates, and the motion passed. Meetings will now be the third Tues. of Feb., fourth Sun. of April, third Sat. of August, and the second Tues. (third Tues. in election years) of Nov.

The Unity Team recommended passage of a resolution, "Freedom of Conscience." After discussion and a slight amendment to the resolution, a vote was taken and the resolution passed.

The meeting was adjourned with prayer.

Stated Meeting Number 80

August 16, 2011, at the Buc Outdoor Center

We could not have asked for a more beautiful day to be at the Buc Outdoor Center for the Stated Meeting of Foothills Presbytery. On Tuesday, August 16, the sun was shining and the weather was cool. We were so blessed to be able to gather in God's glorious mountains and to hear the Word preached by George Wilkes.

The sermon, "A Mighty Fortress," reassured us all that "People of faith have the same needs for protection and security as everyone else, but we don't have to build our own defense. God is our light and stronghold." The business of the day included the receiving of the Rev. Paul Bayerl to become the pastor at the Belton Presbyterian Church.

The Examinations Commission introduced the Rev. Ngaih Sa Vung from the northwestern part of Burma, now called Myanmar. He received a Master of Ministry in Singapore and was ordained there. He moved to the U.S. in 2002 and to Greenville in 2007. He has founded a Greenville Chin Presbyterian Church for Burmese refugees, and they meet at the John Knox Presbyterian Church. Sa Vung spoke about his faith journey and was approved to be received into Foothills Presbytery.

The Committee on Preparation for Ministry introduced Inquirer Mairi Renwick who spoke about her faith journey. Mairi was approved for Candidacy. Council recommended the adoption of the Membership section of the 2009-2010 Book of Order as an interim policy until the presbytery's manual can be revised. This was approved.

The Mission Team invited presbyters to consider signing up for a disaster relief trip to New Orleans in October and to schedule a visit with Majd Lahham from the Middle East who will be visiting in the presbytery during October. They also announced that the Fort Hill Church is organizing a mission trip to Tuscaloosa, and they are seeking workers to join them on this trip.

The Cultural Context Team asked Genaro Marin to speak about the Latino Ministry which meets at Russell Memorial Church. Genaro gave details about the programs taking place in this ministry and the families that are being touched.

David Florence spoke about the outdoor ministry program at the Buc Outdoor Center and encouraged greater participation in a wonderful summer camping program for children and youth. Everyone enjoyed a delicious BBQ lunch.

The meeting was adjourned with prayer.

Stated Meeting Number 79

May 1, 2011, at Westminster Presbyterian Church

Foothills Presbytery met on May 1 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Spartanburg. Candidates Allyson Helvie and Kathy Chamlee preached during the worship service. They were later examined and received into the presbytery to serve in Validated Ministries. Allyson is Chaplain with Interim Healthcare Hospice and Kathy is a Pastoral Counselor.

Elder Nancy Welch (First Church Greer) was installed as Moderator for the next year, and Dr. John Brearley was recognized for his service as Moderator during the last year. Three inquirers - Kristin Reinhold, George Moxley, and Melissa Krabbe - were approved for candidacy.

The Rev. Marc Mason gave the report of the Unity Team concerning the Proposed Amendments to the Book of Order. A time of discussion followed, and the vote was taken. All Amendments were approved except for 10-A and 10-J. A short finance report was given.

Presbyters were asked to remember and pray for the many people who are suffering from recent storms and tornados. Churches were asked to promote Campus Ministry Sunday on May 15.

The meeting closed with prayer.

Stated Meeting Number 78

February 15, 2011, at First Presbyterian Church

Foothills Presbytery had its Winter Stated Meeting on February 15 at in Spartanburg. The meeting was one of worship led by Candidate Laura Palmer preaching, the serving of Communion, and the remembrance of Elders and Ministers deceased in 2010. Laura was received into presbytery to accept the call of First Spartanburg to be their interim associate pastor.

The Rev. Tracie Stewart,who is serving as part-time DCE at Tyger River Church, also was received as a Member-at-Large. Inquirer Claire George spoke to presbytery and was approved for candidacy. Discussion was held on the proposed new Form of Government. Several people spoke for and several against accepting the nFoG. The vote was taken, and Foothills Presbytery voted to approve the new Form of Government. Bill Sibley,

Presbytery Treasurer, gave a very informative summary report on Unified giving to Presbytery. Greetings were brought by Penny Arnold from the Presbyterian Communities and Clark Simmons from the Board of Pensions.

The Outdoor Ministries Team introduced the Rev. David Florence who will be the interim Buc Outdoor Center Director. After lunch the Mission Team reported a two-year initiative they are planning of study, prayer and action related to issues in the Middle East.

The Rev. Fahed Abu-Akel, Moderator of the 214th General Assembly, was invited to participate in the beginning of this new Middle East endeavor, and he spoke about the need for Christians to support and understand Christians in Palestine.

The meeting adjourned with prayer and thanks to First Spartanburg for hosting the meeting.