ReCap Presbytery Meeting May 21, 2022
The long delayed “SC-Five” convocation of the five presbyteries was held on Saturday, May 21, 2022, in Clinton SC. Members of the five presbyteries in South Carolina—Charleston Atlantic, Trinity, New Harmony, Providence, and Foothills—met in the morning on the Presbyterian College Campus for presentations by various speakers followed by a special service of worship. Worship leaders included moderators or vice moderators of each presbytery, with CAP represented by elder Alan Rousseau. The message was brought by Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson,II, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), who exhorted his listeners that in this day and post pandemic time “people are waiting to see what we will do…” as they decide to return to church or not. He encouraged us to faith beyond the call of duty: “It is all about how we love and how we walk.” His references included Isaiah 43:18-19 verses of “hope when there was no hope.” Dr. Nelson and the Rev. Joyce Lieberman (Executive and Stated Clerk of the Synod of the South Atlantic) presided over Communion. Music was provided by Charleston Atlantic’s own Andrew Byrd.
After a lunch in the PC dining hall, commissioners made their way to various locations for individual presbytery business meetings. CAP met on the campus of Thornwell Home for Children. Just fifty people all told made the trek from the CAP territory to attend. A big “shout out” to the minister and commissioners from First Presbyterian Church of Hilton Head who traveled further than anyone in attendance!
All ministry teams provided detailed reports in the meeting handbook, and a few had remarks to present in person. Elder Ray Whaley on behalf of the Committee on Representation thanked all CAP members who currently serve on the various ministry teams, and reminded everyone that there will be openings—and opportunities! –on every team for next year. Rev. Brian Henderson, moderator of the Nurture Ministry Team, spoke about the offerings of STEPS in late August. Representing the Shepherding Team, Elder James Deavor presented two motions for a vote: one to authorize moving forward to form a nominating committee for an interim replacement for the soon to be retired Donnie Woods, and one to add to the CAP Manual of Administrative Operations language concerning attendance at presbytery meetings. Both passed unanimously. Elder Deavor also gave a special report on the Hands of Christ ministry.
The absence of Rev. Dr. Donnie Woods, General Presbytery and Pastor to Pastors was noted and prayers for his health lifted up at many points during the day. CAP participants signed a poster to be sent to him.
Although he will be officially retired by the next meeting on Sept. 17, 2022, it hoped he will be able be with us at Yeamans Park PC for a proper farewell.
Respectfully Submitted,
Catherine Byrd, Stated Clerk
Please read the HANDBOOK and SUPPLEMENT for more information.