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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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).
- 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)