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: