CAP Winter Meeting ReCap
Lowcountry Presbyterian Church in Bluffton hosted the Winter Stated Meeting of the Charleston Atlantic Presbytery on Saturday, February 22, 2020. A highlight of the welcome by the host church was its “History in Song” written and performed by church member Dale Nordby. LPC celebrated its 25th anniversary last year, and has done, and continues to do a lot of great things. See their written history in the meeting handbook.
“Something Else is Happening” Rev. Brian C. Henderson of St James Presbyterian Church told those assembled in his sermon, based on I Corinthians 1:18, during the opening worship, which included Holy Communion. An offering in the amount of $1,407.50 was received to support the work of the mission team going to Puerto Rico March 21-28. The members of the Puerto Rico Mission Team and the Commissioners and Young Adult Advisory Delegate to the General Assembly in Baltimore June 20-27 all were commissioned during the service. Learn more about our commissioners HERE.
Stephen McDonald, the Camp Director for Bethelwoods Camp and Conference Center, spoke about upcoming summer sessions at the camp. This year a bus will be available to transport campers from the lowcountry to Bethelwoods for three of the week long sessions. He also introduced Lexi Green, a new camp staff member.
Charlie Frost spoke about the Hymn Society, the Presbyterian Association of Musicians (PAM), and the Montreat Music and Worship Conference. He encouraged those interested to consider joining the first two organizations. He also announced a new grant, The St. Phillips Grant, available from the PAM for attendance at either of the two sessions of the Montreat Music and Worship Conference. Churches are encouraged to apply to defray the cost of attendance.
The Presbytery Joys Video was shared. Thank you to all of the churches who sent in pictures. We hope to see your church represented in May!
The Shepherding Team had much to report, including news about the ongoing renovations at the former Park Circle Church. The work is underway, with occupancy of the presbytery offices scheduled for May, if all goes as planned. Parkside NCD continues to have steady attendance. The newest CAP staff member, Bob Ingram, who will work part time as bookkeeper, was introduced. Long time CAP Director of Administration, Barbara Burger will be retiring at the end of May. The personnel subcommittee of Shepherding is working on a staffing model for the future.
The Stated Clerk gave a “shout-out” for pastors and church members to think about more actively funding the work of the presbytery, including its contributions to the Office of the General Assembly and the Synod.
The Commission on Ministry introduced the Rev. Tracey Daniel, the new Associate Pastor at First (Scots) PC in Charleston and Elder Eugene Richardson who will be commissioned as Commissioned Lay Pastor at St. Andrews PC on Johns Island. Each shared a bit about their faith journey and vision for their new call. COM also celebrated Rev. Ashley Sanders’ new call as installed pastor of the Presbyterian Church on Edisto Island. She shared the many ways she has experienced God’s grace in her 13 years as a member of CAP and 5 years as Temporary Pastor of PCEI. Her family and and many members of her church were present to support her and this new call.
The Service to Others Ministry Team, Moderated by Sandra Otero and Antonio Colon-Roman, submitted a written report of its many activities, but also reported that the presbytery-wide Day of Service, scheduled for March 7 has been postponed. Watch the Chatline for news about rescheduling.
Reports of all the Teams, Committees and Commissions of the presbytery can be found in the HANDBOOK and SUPPLEMENT.
New Moderator, Susan Mellichamp, conducted the meeting efficiently and effectively, concluding with prayer at 12:30, in time to enjoy a wonderful lunch provided by the host church.
Respectfully submitted by Catherine Byrd, Stated Clerk
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