ReCAP: “759 Days Later”
Moderator Elder Kent Grimes called the “Winter” Meeting of Charleston Atlantic Presbytery to order on March 22, 2022, noting that 759 days had passed since the presbytery last met in person! (Later in the meeting, past moderator Rev. Spike Coleman was called to the podium and presented a ceremonial gavel in recognition of his being the only moderator in CAP history who never presided over an in-person meeting.) There seemed to be much joy at being together again, the meeting was extremely well attended, and the CAP Park Circle facility was used to great advantage. The lunch provided after the meeting was delicious. Using the sanctuary and the fellowship hall spaces plus tables set up outside gave everyone room to spread out and enjoy some time not wearing masks.
Rev. Achim Daffin, a former pastor of the former Park Circle Presbyterian Church, preached a powerful sermon entitled “The Ministry of Reconciliation,” based II Corinthians 5:16-21. A copy can be accessed HERE. The offering collected—totaling $1,350—will stock the Blessings Box on the CAP property for some time to come. Celebrating communion and singing hymns together made for joyful worship.
Highlights of the meeting included recognition of five pastors who retired in 2021, representing more than 150 years of ministry:
Plus the welcome of four pastors new to the presbytery:
Another highlight was the commissioning of the Commissioners and Young Adult Advisory Delegates (and their alternates) to the 225th General Assembly to be held this summer in Louisville: Revs. Sidney Davis and Margaret Fleming, Elders Linda Rouseau, and Lawrence Whaley, Young Adult Sarah Rucker (Rev. Alonza Washington, Elder Jay Jackson and Young Adult Caleb Browder, alternates).
Two new members of the Committee for Preparation for Ministry Team were elected. Moderator of the Committee on representation, Rev. Cameron Smith, reported that all positions on CAP Teams, Committees and Commissions are currently filled, but that it is time to start considering how elders and pastors might wish to serve next year.
The assembly also heard presentations on behalf of the Medical Benevolence Foundation, Bethelwoods Camp and Conference Center, and the Synod of the South Atlantic. The presenters, Patrick Coughlin, Stephen McDonald, and the Rev. Joyce Lieberman, respectively, stayed to enjoy lunch and fellowship.
The next meeting of the presbytery will be held in Clinton,SC, as part of the all state convocation scheduled for May 21 and 22, 2022. Details about the meeting, including accommodations, will be forthcoming. The Summer Meeting will be held September 17 at Yeamans Park PC and the Fall meeting on Dec. 13 at First PC on Hilton Head.
Submitted by Catherine Byrd, Stated Clerk