Winter Meeting 2021 ReCAP
At the Charleston Atlantic Presbytery Winter Meeting 2020—a year ago—none of the plans we had going forward included learning how to function remotely. But Winter Meeting 2021 proved we have learned. Call to order on Saturday February 27, 2021, didn’t occur until 10:15, not because of technical problems, which would have been this stated clerk’s fear a year ago, but because the STEPS team of the Nurture Ministry Team presented their second electronic STEPS (Studying, Teaching, Equipping, Praying, Serving) event starting at 9:00. Three workshops were offered and were well attended from throughout our presbytery and beyond; at least one participant attended from his home in Colorado!
Worship followed closely upon the call to order. Once again the electronic format allowed attendance in ways we would not have imagined last year. Music was provided by Dr. JooSoo Son, Traditional Music Director at Providence Presbyterian Church on Hilton, head playing that church’s organ and piano. Rev. Cibele Santos Associate Pastor at Providence preached the sermon, “Prayer, Unite Us,” from Providence’s pulpit. For the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, worshippers were transported to Hebron Zion PC on Johns Island where Rev. Patricia Jones pronounced the words of institution. Other worship leaders participated from James Island PC, Bethel PC (Johns Island), and Edisto PC. Works of art relating to parts of the service were shown on screen, presented by “A Sanctified Art, LLC” which had presented one of the STEPS workshops. You can view the worship service HERE and download the worship bulletin HERE so you can follow along.
During the business portion of the meeting, Stephen McDonald, Camp Director of Bethelwoods Camp and Conference Center, presented the exciting news that Bethelwoods is planning for summer programs! There will be opportunities onsite at Bethelwoods, a one week day camp at the new CAP facility at Park Circle, and “Camp in a Van” opportunities for churches almost anywhere. Covid shutdowns dealt Bethelwoods quite a blow in 2020, and Stephen thanked CAP for its monetary support, which helped the camp persevere.
The moderator of the Committee on Representation, Rev. Cameron Smith, was live in person via zoom to report on vacancies on CAP teams and committees. She emphasized the importance of having members participate from across the presbytery, both Ruling Elders and Ministers of Word and Sacrament. Vacancies and Opportunities will be listed in the Chatline.
The co-moderator of Service to Others Ministry Team, Sandro Otero, reported that plans are underway to plan a return mission to Puerto Rico, if the COVID-19 way be clear, next fall. Additional work of that team was presented in the written report in the handbook and as part of the “Celebration of Joys” video that was played during the meeting.
The Celebration of Joys video also revealed the ways congregations across the presbytery have met the Covid challenges and moved their ministries outdoors (not just for worship but also for programs, fellowship and outreach), into spaces allowing for social distancing while masked, and online (many a shepherd and little angel are now on video for posterity). The creativity of our members is wonderful.
THE HANDBOOK contains the full reports of all ministry teams, committees and commissions. The work of the Shepherding Team, the Commission on Ministry, the Stewardship of Financial Gifts of Ministry Team, The Preparation for Ministry Team, Nurture Ministry Team and other information of interest are contained therein. The reader does not have to have been a commissioner or even in attendance at the meeting to benefit from this information. Questions or comments can be address to the moderator of each or to the stated clerk.
Submitted respectfully and with great joy,
Catherine Byrd, Stated Clerk