The presbytery will offer a virtual workshop on the Book of Confessions on Saturday, November 14 from 10:00-11:30. Participants must pre-register for this workshop below. The registration will close Wednesday, November 11; the zoom link will be sent out to participants Thursday, November 12.
Go HERE to register for the Book of Order Training Session on November 7.
The presbytery will offer a virtual workshop on the Book of Order on Saturday, November 7 from 10:00-11:30am. Participants must pre-register for this workshop below. The registration will close Wednesday, November 4. The zoom link will be sent out to participants on Thursday, November 5.
Go HERE to register for the Book of Confessions Training Session on November 14.
If you would like to make your donation via paypal, please click on the Donate button below and be sure to include the names of the person/people for whom you are making the gift in their honor or memory.
Thank you!
ReCap: Charleston Atlantic Presbytery Summer Meeting
After having to cancel the Spring Meeting and Convocation due to Covid-19 concerns, the presbytery (staff, shepherding team and strategy team) realized it had to do what so many of our churches already had perfected: embrace “Zoom” as a means to meet remotely. The resulting Summer Meeting held on September 19, 2020, was a great success, with 91 participants in the zoom meeting and many others viewing via Facebook Live. A team of four–Susan Mellichamp, moderator, Rev, Donnie Woods, in his position as associate stated clerk, Rev Dorothy Blackwelder, CAP director of communication, and Michael Hardy, staff member of Mount Pleasant Presbyteryian Church–presented the meeting live from the MPPC Fellowship Hall. All voting members in attendance had previously attended a training session in order to prepare for the meeting.
Despite their physical distance, first time commissioners and guests were introduced as always, The Rev. Joyce Liberman was seated as a corresponding member, to continue as long as her tenure as Synod of South Atlantic Executive and Stated Clerk
Before the majority of the business was conducted, worship was led by Rev. Spike Coleman, CAP Vice Moderator, whose worship team had prepared and pre-recorded the elements of the service in a way that integrated seamlessly into the order of worship. An advantage of the format was that segments were presented from different churches, and the message was presented from the front seat of the Westminster PC church van! Rev. Lissa Long and Cap Director of Youth Ministry Janie Bruce delivered a meditation based on the 16th chapter of Exodus, drawing parallels to our current time “in the wilderness.” Also included were musical offerings by members of St. Andrews and James Island Presbyterian Churches, and communion led by Rev. Dr. Donnie Woods.
The Commission on Ministry welcomed two new minister members to the presbytery. Rev. Ralph Herbert and Rev. Joseph (Bo) Welch each spoke a few minutes on their faith and current call. New graduates from seminary, Margaret Flemming and Teri Wetherall, were congratulated by the Committee on Preparation for Ministry. The “CPM” also presented the examination of inquirer Catherine Parler, whose move to Candidacy Status was approved by the body.
The moderator and her team adeptly handled debate and comment on a motion to sell property the presbytery owns in the Can Bay subdivision. Distance was not an impediment to discussion of this topic. Ultimately the motion did not pass.
The first reading of the 2021 Budget was presented by the Stewardship of Financial Gifts of Ministry Team and accepted by the body. The Committee on Representation highlighted its annual report on the diversity of presbytery officers and members of teams, committees and commissions. “COR” moderator James Deavor also made a request for nominations for positions on these entities. Without adequate volunteers from throughout the presbytery, the work of the presbytery cannot be accomplished.
You can read more in the HANDBOOK and view the full recorded meeting HERE. If you want to see just a portion of the meeting, you can view the Worship Service, COM New Minister Introductions, and CPM’s New Candidate individually. You can also view the Presbytery Joys Video Below:
Virtual STEPS 2020 was held Saturday, August 29. If you were not able to attend or wanted to be in two workshops at once, you can view the workshops and worship service by clicking on the links below:
Click here for Full Workshop Descriptions
Video Prelude “For Such a Time As This”:
Downloadable Resources from The Thoughtful Christian:
“White Privilege” – This one-session adult study is part of the “Racism Study Pack” from The Thoughtful Christian. They are offering this downloadable resource for free at the links below. We encourage you to form a study group or email to members as a starting point. Consider purchasing the study pack from The Thoughtful Christian to continue your study as well. Download: Participant Handout | Leader’s Guide
Purchase the “Racism Study Pack”
“Responding to Racism” – This one-session youth study from The Thoughtful Christian helps leaders guide preteens and teens through the complicated subject of racism. We encourage you to either lead your youth through this study (in-person or virtually depending on your situation) or email to parents to encourage a family study. Download: Participant Handout | Leader’s Guide
For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World – This discussion and activity guide includes suggestions on how parents and teachers can talk with children about race and violence, ideas on how to create a safe space for meaningful dialogue, and more. The guide is inspired by For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World, an upcoming picture book by Michael W. Waters that will be available this September. It tells the story of a boy named Jeremiah and his family who discover hopeful forms of activism and advocacy in response to racism and gun violence in their community. Download the Discussion and Activity Guide. Preorder For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World
Holderness School 21-day Racial Equity Learning Challenge
75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice
Books offered by The PC(USA) Store
Recommended Anti-Racist Books for Adults
Recommended Books for Tweens and Teens
Recommended Books to help talk to Children about Racism and Discrimination. It is also important to diversify our bookshelves so that our children see strong black characters in books that celebrate blackness and diversity: Children’s Books with Black Male Protaganists, Children’s Books with Black Female Protagonists. This BLM Instructional Library has children’s books organized by category, and if you click on the book, you can listen to a read aloud!
Podcasts: 1619, Floodlines, Intersectionality Matters, Throughline, She Speaks Too, Unlocking Us with Ibram X. Kendi and Austin Channing Brown
Movies/Series Based on Actual Events: Just Mercy (offered free for the month of June; there are also discussion questions available), Harriet, When They See Us, Selma,
Movies to watch as a family: Ruby Bridges, Hidden Figures, Remember the Titans,
Documentaries: 13th, I Am Not Your Negro, Whose Streets, LA92, Teach Us All, Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise
Charleston Stage is offering free access to their show 2014 The Seat of Justice. Enter password: EDUCATIONSOJ. “In 1947, a small group of parents in rural South Carolina set in motion a movement that would eventually lead to the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision. The Seat of Justice celebrates the brave citizens of South Carolina who fought for justice and equality in the era of segregation. Julian Wiles’s acclaimed play chronicles this courageous journey of the historic Briggs v. Elliott desegregation case from rural Clarendon Country, SC to the halls of the United States Supreme Court.”
National Museum of African American History and Culture Releases “Talking About Race” Web Portal
The PC(USA) is committed to Racial Equity and offers many resources through the Presbyterian Mission Agency.
Union Presbyterian Seminary houses the Center for Social Justice and Reconciliation
For up to date resources and information, follow the work of the PC(USA) Compassion, Peace, and Justice Ministry and The Office of Public Witness in Washington, DC, and The Charleston Area Justice Ministry on Facebook.
The Equal Justice Initiative has released short educational videos about how our history influences current injustice on their YouTube channel.
Stated Clerk Remembers Victims of Racial Violence
The Reason for Protest: A Statement from Rev. Jimmie Hawkins, Director of the Office of Public Witness PC(USA)
Presbyterian Mission Agency President and Executive Director Diane Moffett issues statement on recent protests, shootings: ‘It is a righteous and holy anger that sees injustice and knows that it is wrong’
In the midst of protests, churches in Pittsburgh Presbytery work to dismantle structural racism
COVID-19 Epidemiology Intelligence Project: MUSC has a NEW RESOURCE available to will be helpful to local churches as you make decisions about gathering in person. MUSC’s COVID-19 Epidemiology Intelligence Project analysis has been developed to:
Data used in trend analysis comes from SCDHEC, Cuebiq, and MUSC clinical data. Data used in the model comes from Census Bureau, literature reviews, and internal clinical data.
Many CAP churches already have plans and procedures in place. You may find reviewing their policies helpful:
Presbyterian Church on Edisto Island
For helpful tips and strategies and a list of things to consider when making decisions about meeting in person, please refer to the Guide for Discussion developed from a document created by the Presbytery of Tropical Florida and revised by the CAP Stated Clerk with input from the Shepherding Team.
For further reflection, read the Beginning Conversations for Re-Entry from the PC(USA) Office of Theology, Formation, and Evangelism and Returning to Public Worship: Theological and Practical Considerations. The PC(USA) Website has a page devoted to resources for such a time as this that is updated regularly with new information.
The Presbyterian Association of Musicians has shared their response and some ideas to Church Music and COVID-19.
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has created Building Resiliance Webinars for Emotional and Spiritual Care
The Child Mind Institute provides resources for Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus.
Illustrated Ministry has provided free coloring pages with Prayers When You Feel Anxious. These are a great tool to help have conversations with children (and adults) about their fears and worries in these difficult days.
The Presbyterian Mission Agency has compiled a list of Mental Health Resources for children and adults as well.
Rev. Lisa Schrott, Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church on Hilton Head Island shared the following message with her congregation and gave us permission to share here as well. She provides many great resources.
On Monday I had one of those moments where the reality of the COVID-19 outbreak hit me hard. The reality of what we are facing swept over me, and I was overwhelmed by the depth. I needed the assurance of comfort from God. Maybe you have had a moment or two like that over the last two weeks, or maybe you will as the weeks of physical distancing stretch on. You are not alone.
As news reports and social media surround us, we will inevitably have moments of anxiety, fear, and despair. Our stress systems are on overload as our daily routines have been completely upended. Just as we need to take care of our physical health during this outbreak, we also need to attend to our emotional and mental health.
Mental Health America has collated resources for responding to this outbreak, with a focus on mental and emotional health. Click on the topics below to learn more:
For individuals coping with any kind of health condition, the stress of the COVID-19 outbreak is more than just an inconvenience. And if you are one of the tens of millions of Americans with a condition affecting your brain, the ability to cope with this increased stress, anxiety, and isolation may be even more challenging.
What if I need help?
Reach out to someone. Call a neighbor, call a family member, call a pastor, or call a friend.
The South Carolina Department of Mental Health provides Community Crisis Response and Intervention (CCRI). The CCRI provides on-site emergency psychiatric screening and assessment to individuals experiencing mental health emergencies within 60 minutes of contact. The service is available 24 hours per day, 365 days a year. The phone number is 833-364-2274.
Suicide affects people of all ages and walks of life. Help is available! If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. Learn more at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at https://afsp.org/find-support/
The State of South Carolina is in the process of setting up a new Virtual Crisis Counseling Program to help those struggling with stress and anxiety related to COVID-19. The goal is to connect people with specific resources. The program should be up and running soon and I’ll provide updated information as it comes on-line.
My prayer for you today is that you remember that you are never alone. No matter how long we are physically separated from each other, we are connected through the love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Of the places we interact in the world, the church is a place where we are able to share our whole selves. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 we have been comforted by God so that we comfort others. The prophet Isaiah preaches a word of comfort to the exiles. Let us comfort each other. Let us support each other. Let us be honest with each other about our struggles. Let us be the light of Christ in this world.
Grace and peace,
Lisa
Resources, including recent relevant legislation like the CARES Act, recommended by PC(USA) General Counsel Mike Kirk can be found HERE. Laurie Griffith, Associate Director for Constitutional Interpretation offers her Constutional Musings on churches and loans.
Information about the CARES Act and how it can benefit your ministry can also be found in the Small Business Administration’s FAQ. Church Law and Tax has also compiled many resources (but some may require a Church Law and Tax membership for full access):
Jan Edmiston, general presbyter of Charlotte Presbytery and former General Assembly co-moderator, offers a video on The CARES Act in a Nutshell on facebook.
The Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has put together a list of resources for churches and individuals.
The PC(USA) Board of Pensions is offering dues relief for small churches and deferments for other congregations. Learn more HERE.
Hymnal and Book of Common Worship Rights and Licensing Information
Worship Times Webinar on how to “Optimize Your Homepage for Covid-19 Isolation”
Zoom demos and video tutorials
Ten Tech Tips for Meeting Online from Next Church
1001 Worshipping Communities online ministry tools
Practical Resources for Churches has many pre-recorded webinars on technology and social media.
The Church.Digital also has many resources compiled on their website.
The PC(USA) Stated Clerk’s Office offers some suggestions.
Online Giving resources from the Presbyterian Foundation.