Charleston Atlantic Presbytery

Transition Committee Report-January 2016

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The Charleston-Atlantic Presbytery (CAP)-appointed Transition Team met twice (12/14 & 1/21) following our December 8th fall stated meeting. The purpose of this committee is to begin implementing the earlier approved work of the presbytery Vision Task Force (VTF).

We are pleased to report:

  1. During the VTF visits with sessions throughout our presbytery, teaching and ruling elders provided examples of ‘gifts’ held within their congregations. These lists of ‘gifts’ are being updated in order that the current information may be used in developing and making available a presbytery-wide resource inventory of unique gifts, skills and talents. For example, a congregation that sends a mission team to Haiti every spring has developed skills in recruiting, equipping, using and funding volunteers for this kind of international outreach mission. Other congregations exploring international mission with no or limited experience will be able to benefit from the skills of other congregations already doing this ministry. It is possible that new and combined outreach mission develops from the increased awareness of resources and experiences within our presbytery.
  2. During the September 8th CAP presbytery meeting, the VTF concept of ‘neighborhood’ was approved. These are six (6) geographic clusters of between 6-11 congregations, per neighborhood, encouraged to gather for conversation; to worship, fellowship and celebrate together; to create connections for share mission and ministry. Neighborhood ‘F’ (First Scots, The Journey, Second, St. Andrews/Chas, St. Andrews/JI, Wallingford, Westminster and Zion-Olivet) has started this partnered journey by meetings and conversations. On January 31st a Neighborhood ‘F’ jointly planned ecumenical gathering, entitled, a ‘Celebration of Comfort and Hope’ was held at Second Presbyterian Church. How exciting to see the implementation of ‘Neighborhood’ coming together.
  3. Neighborhood ‘F’ is also beginning to explore, together, the concept of a neighborhood coordinator/facilitator. Likely, a part-time person, receiving a stipend, who will work to help facilitate shared mission and ministry with/through this particular neighborhood.
  4. The Transitional team is beginning to look at the organizational structure of our presbytery. The various committees, councils and teams (both historic/locally decided and mandated by our Book of Order).
  5. Intentional efforts continue to make presbytery meetings be focused on worship, connections and fellowship rather than simply business.

Transition Team

Rev. Cress Darwin & Mrs. Laurie Carter (co-chairs)

 

 

Ordination and Installation of Russ Blackwelder

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As Dr. William Sheldon, Ruling Elder, First (Scots) Presbyterian Church, Charleston; Former Medical Director, provided our prayer of illumination, and reflected on his work at the Village dating all the way back to the 1970’s, we couldn’t help but recall his own mother who played piano for our devotions in Health Care, Pride Memory Care Area – sharing her gifts. Through his eyes too could be seen the vision that guided us from another Mother, the mother of Dr. William McLeod Frampton, Jr., Founder of Presbyterian Home of South Carolina (in memory of whom we receive the Mother’s Day Offering), who had a dream that the Church could provide a place -- a Home for older adults, that they would want to come to by choice, a place to keep living life to the full.

As Dr. William Sheldon, Ruling Elder, First (Scots) Presbyterian Church, Charleston; Former Medical Director, provided our prayer of illumination, and reflected on his work at the Village dating all the way back to the 1970’s, we couldn’t help but recall his own mother who played piano for our devotions in Health Care, Pride Memory Care Area – sharing her gifts. Through his eyes too could be seen the vision that guided us from another Mother, the mother of Dr. William McLeod Frampton, Jr., Founder of Presbyterian Home of South Carolina (in memory of whom we receive the Mother’s Day Offering), who had a dream that the Church could provide a place — a Home for older adults, that they would want to come to by choice, a place to keep living life to the full.

The tears of sadness of the horrific events of the past week were still glistening within the eyes of those gathering to celebrate the Ordination and Installation of Russell Steven Blackwelder, M.D., M. Div. to the position of Associate Medical Director of Wellness, Education, and Pastoral Care at The Village at Summerville, Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina; and Assistant Professor and Director of Geriatric Education in the M.U.S.C Department of Family Medicine. The ties that bind our community were felt again and again, even as God was ministering unto us through the familiar routines of ordering worship and proclaiming God’s Word.

The tears of sadness of the horrific events of the past week were still glistening within the eyes of those gathering to celebrate the Ordination and Installation of Russell Steven Blackwelder, M.D., M. Div. to the position of Associate Medical Director of Wellness, Education, and Pastoral Care at The Village at Summerville, Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina; and Assistant Professor and Director of Geriatric Education in the M.U.S.C Department of Family Medicine. The ties that bind our community were felt again and again, even as God was ministering unto us through the familiar routines of ordering worship and proclaiming God’s Word.

As Kathy Ligon, Ruling Elder, Bethesda Presbyterian Church, Camden, SC; President and C.E.O, Presbyterian Communities reflected on her 27 plus years of service to our communities, I could see glistening within her eyes from the sadness of these days, also the joys of this moment and the hopes yet to be realized.

As Kathy Ligon, Ruling Elder, Bethesda Presbyterian Church, Camden, SC; President and C.E.O, Presbyterian Communities reflected on her 27 plus years of service to our communities, I could see glistening within her eyes from the sadness of these days, also the joys of this moment and the hopes yet to be realized.

As the Rev. Jeff Kackley, Pastor, Dorchester Presbyterian Church, where the Rev. Dorothy Blackwelder has also served as Associate Pastor, called us forward for the Prayer of Ordination and the Laying on of Hands, not only was the Unity, but the very Spirit – Holy Spirit – felt, interceding with sighs too deep for words. (Rom. 8:26)

As the Rev. Jeff Kackley, Pastor, Dorchester Presbyterian Church, where the Rev. Dorothy Blackwelder has also served as Associate Pastor, called us forward for the Prayer of Ordination and the Laying on of Hands, not only was the Unity, but the very Spirit – Holy Spirit – felt, interceding with sighs too deep for words. (Rom. 8:26)

After the service, as we were gathering robes and saying “God Be With You!” I remember asking the Rev. Dr. Donnie Woods, Executive Presbyter, Charleston Atlantic Presbytery if he would be able to make it to the Rally on the Bridge scheduled for later that evening (estimate 15000 attended) and he offered, as he had been on the front lines of providing pastoral care to our families and our churches, that he as I would be taking some time to be with his own family. Family, the connection of family was indeed and continues to be the connection we all cherish – the heart to heart, the flesh and the blood that ties us together as one.

After the service, as we were gathering robes and saying “God Be With You!” I remember asking the Rev. Dr. Donnie Woods, Executive Presbyter, Charleston Atlantic Presbytery if he would be able to make it to the Rally on the Bridge scheduled for later that evening (estimate 15000 attended) and he offered, as he had been on the front lines of providing pastoral care to our families and our churches, that he as I would be taking some time to be with his own family. Family, the connection of family was indeed and continues to be the connection we all cherish – the heart to heart, the flesh and the blood that ties us together as one.

As Inez Mitchum, Ruling Elder, Park Circle Presbyterian Church, First Female Moderator of Charleston Atlantic Presbytery, Resident of the Village, introduced and Presented Russ as Candidate for Ordination, she could reflect on her involvement in her invitations and invitations of Russ to preach at our community several times over the past few years.

As Inez Mitchum, Ruling Elder, Park Circle Presbyterian Church, First Female Moderator of Charleston Atlantic Presbytery, Resident of the Village, introduced and Presented Russ as Candidate for Ordination, she could reflect on her involvement in her invitations and invitations of Russ to preach at our community several times over the past few years.

Russ June 21 (26)

PC(USA) Presbyteries Pass Marriage Amendment

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While the votes are not officially tallied and updated yet, the presbyteries of the PC(USA) have voted to approve a change to the Book of Order that allows, but does not require, teaching elders and congregations to perform same-sex marriages.

You can view a video from the Stated Clerk of the PC(USA), Rev. Gradye Parsons regarding this vote.

You may also visit the PC(USA)’s webpage on marriage.

For official vote tallies, please visit this page and download the PDF.

For unofficial vote tallies related to marriage, you can check out the Covenant Network’s page. (This is not the official vote tally and the Covenant Network of Presbyterians has been vocal in their support of this amendment.)

This vote reminds us that we are called to be of one spirit, but not necessarily one mind. As the Charleston-Atlantic Presbytery, we understand that our members have different points of view on this issue. We, therefore, join with those who celebrate this development and we also join with those who mourn this change. We challenge every member, and every one who seeks God, to love each other, to be gentle and kind, and to remember Paul’s words: “For I am convinced that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor rulers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor powers, nor height, nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (Rom. 8:38-39).

Lenten Resources

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For adults:

The Thoughtful Christian  A one session study on Ash Wednesday and Lent is available from www.thethoughtfulchristian.com  This study explores themes and Scriptures that help participants reflect on the meaning of the liturgical season and its impact on one’s Christian discipleship.

Being Reformed: Faith Seeking Understanding:  Here are several six session studies.  Each study has a leader’s guide and participant’s book.  Illuminating Lent; Temptation in the Desert, Looking at the Cross; and Seven Days to Glory.

Final Words From the Cross by Adam Hamilton- This six session series includes a book, DVD, and leader’s guide.  The sessions include: “Father, Forgive Them”; “Today You Will be with Me in Paradise”; “Behold Your Son…Behold Your Mother”; “My God, My God, Why Have You Forsaken Me?”; “I Thirst”; and  “It is Finished…Into Your Hands I Commit My Spirit”.  In this study participants will examine Christ’s dying hours and his final works as seen and heard by those who stood near the cross.

Living into Lent by Donald McKim- Imagine the transformation of God’s church called into a common learning.  The Lenten journey is a shared journey- Christians join with others along the way of faith, following Jesus, and seeking to live out the will and purposes of God.  This resource allows time for readers to reflect on their Christian identities, listen to God’s Word and will, and discipleship.  Readings are enhanced by a six session study guide and questions for consideration.

Lord Teach Us to Pray: Six Studies in Spirituality and The Lord’s Prayer by John Purdy- This study explores the Lord’s Prayer in its biblical context, what the Lord’s Prayer teaches about the activity of prayer, and what all of this teaches about biblical spirituality.

24 Hours That Changed the World by Adam Hamilton- This series contains a book, DVD with seven sessions, leader’s guide, and 40 day devotional book.  The sessions include: “The Last Supper”; “The Garden of Gethsemane”; “Condemned by the Righteous”; “Jesus, Barabbas, and Pilate”; “The Torture and Humiliation of the King”; “The Crucifixion”; and “Christ the Victor”.   The aim of the series is to help participants better understand the events that occurred during the last 24 hours of Jesus’ life, see more clearly the theological significance of Christ’s suffering and death, and reflect upon the meaning of these events for your life.

Something for youth:

A Look at Those Who Knew Jesus   In this Thoughtful Christian study youth will explore how the Pharisees, Sadducees, Essenes, Zealots, and Disciples were touch by their encounters with Jesus.

Let Us Break Bread Together by Michael Smith and Rami Shapiro- This Passover guide provides a complete guide (plan and script) to a meaningful Seder experience.  The authors share a deeper knowledge of the great themes of the Exodus story, in combination with Christian insight, and opportunities for a better understanding of Lent and Holy Week.

Forgiveness: Finding Peace Through Letting Go by Adam Hamilton- This DVD based study is designed for use in a four session study based on the book by the same title.  The sessions are “The Divine Answer”; “For Better, For Worse”; “Seventy Times Seven”;  and “The Dreamcoat”.  Participants will be shown how to receive the freedom that comes with forgiving- even if the person needing to be forgiven is ourselves.

Something for children:

A Rooster’s Tale– This resource includes Easter dramas, speeches, and recitations for children.  There are 14 different scripts that take anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes to perform with one to twelve parts.  This can be used with an intergenerational group.

Easter Garden: A Lenten Experience for Children by Daphna Flegal and Marcia Stoner- This Lenten study moves children (younger and older elementary) through Holy Week, from Palm Sunday through Easter Sunday.  This study may be done in preparation for a congregational mean and worship experience.  Children will create a garden setting for the meal, filled with symbolic meaning; banner symbols for worship; and table decorations for the congregational meal.

Writing to God: Kids Edition by Rachel Hackenberg- This idea-packed book shows children how their prayers don’t have to be perfect to reach God; don’t have to have big or fancy words; may tell a story using words or pictures; can be happy or sad; and may have misspelled and crossed-out words.

Something for the whole church:

The Way by Adam Hamilton- In this church-wide six session plus epilogue study for children through adults, Hamilton takes participants to the Holy Land to explore the life and ministry of Jesus Christ.  You will “visit” the Jordan River, where Jesus was baptized and the wilderness where Jesus was tempted; Capernaum, where Jesus healed the sick and taught on the mountainside; the Sea of Galilee, where he calmed the sea and the wind; Samaria, where Jesus visited with outcasts and sinners; and Jerusalem, where Jesus spent his final days.  There is a book, devotional book, and DVD with study guide to use with adult groups; a youth guide; and a guide for children.  There are suggestions for including some intergenerational activities with this study.

Black History Month Resources

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Throughout the month, we will be highlighting Back History Month resources available in the presbytery resource center:

African American Presbyterian Clergywomen: The First Twenty-Five Years by Karen V. Brown and Phyllis M. Felton- This book celebrates 25 years of service of African American Presbyterian clergywomen, whose ministries grace the PCUSA.

African American Congregational Histories– This notebook is a result of the Committee on Reunion and African American congregations in collecting their histories and putting them in written form.

All God’s Children Need Traveling Shoes by Maya Angelou- In her third autobiographical book, Maya Angelou tells of her time in Ghana and what it means to be an African American on the mother continent.

Call to Worship: African American Liturgical Resources edited by Kimberly Long- The essays in this edition of Call to Worship offer readers a deeper understanding of the history, theology, and practice of African American worship.  It grew from the work of a task force of African American Presbyterian musicians, pastors, and scholars convened by the Office of Theology and Worship.

Bone Black: Memories of Girlhood by Bell Hooks- This book shows the unfolding of female creativity and one strong-spirited child’s journey toward becoming a writer.   She learns early on the roles women and men play in society, as well as the emotional vulnerability of children. She sheds new light on a society that beholds the joys of marriage for men and condemns anything more than silence for women. In this world, too, black is a woman’s color—worn when earned—daughters and daddies are strangers under the same roof, and crying children are often given something to cry about.   Hooks finds good company in solitude, good company in books. She also discovers, in the motionless body of misunderstanding, that writing is her most vital breath.

The Education of a British-Protected Child by Chinua Achebe- This collection of essays provides a vivid portrait of growing up in colonial Nigeria; considerations on the African-American diaspora, glimpses into the author’s extraordinary family life, and thoughts on the potent symbolism of President Obama’s election.

Charleston Atlantic Presbytery Disaster Preparedness

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A disaster preparedness plan is an important part of every church facility, but even more so for us located close to the coast.

The attached PDF was created by Col. Jon Rockstad of Summerville church. Jon has delivered this presentation to some members of the presbytery and will speak at the October 4th Presbytery meeting about the importance of disaster preparedness.

In the coming weeks, Rev. Mike Fitze will reach out to every church in the presbytery to identify the disaster preparedness contact in your congregation. Please assist us with this process so we can work together to prepare for potential disasters in our area.

Charleston Atlantic Presbytery Disaster Preparedness Presentation

STEPS 2014 Survey and Presentations

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We have asked all presenters to provide any resources they used in their presentations. The list below includes only the classes where we have these materials. If you are a presenter and would like your material included, please email Eric H. Doss.

 

First Session

Glory to God-Charlie Frost: Handout 1, Handout 2

Janis Blocker: Reading Minutes. Recording Minutes

Donnie Woods-221st General Assembly

Leif Kehrwald: Faith Formation in a Post Sunday School Era

Jan Cook: Practice Makes Perfect

Second Session

Introduction to Church Communications-Eric H. Doss-Word Document

Donnie Woods: Updating Church Bylaws: PowerPoint and Sample Bylaws

Leif Kehrwald: Analytics Don’t Lie

Jan Cook: Building a Highway to the Soul

Third Session

Engaging E-Newsletters-Eric H. Doss-Powerpoint

Leif Kehrwald: Faith Formation in a Digital Age

GA Prayer for June 22

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Philippians 1:2- 11“And this is my prayer, that your love may overflow more and more with knowledge and full insight to help you determine what is best, so that in the day of Christ you may be pure and blameless, having produced the harvest if righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ for the glory and praise of God. Amen”

GA Prayer for June 21

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Mark 12:28-34 The greatest commandments center on love: love for God, love for oneself, and love for our neighbor. How is this accomplished? Do you see how it begins centered on God then expands to include each realm around us – beginning with the individual, then closest family and friends, to those in our environment and even to the world. God, your commandments call me to love you with all that I am. Why is it so hard to see the connection between accepting your love for me and giving my love to others? Transform me into your instrument of love in the world.