Charleston Atlantic Presbytery

Winter 2022 Stated Meeting

By Leave a Comment

*Date Change for Winter Presbytery Meeting*


The Strategy Team and Staff of Charleston Atlantic Presbytery met on Jan 12 and decided to CHANGE THE DATE OF THE CAP WINTER MEETING.  The meeting previously set for Saturday, February 26 will now be held on Tuesday, March 22 and will be in person at the Charleston Atlantic Presbytery Office at 4701 Park Place West in North Charleston (accessed from Chesterfield Road at Durant Ave.).  Lunch will be served.

Sessions are asked to encourage their commissioners and their pastors to be fully vaccinated. HR and at-large members also are so encouraged. Masks will be required of all regardless of vaccination status, except when addressing the plenary from the podium or designated microphones. Masks may be removed to eat or drink, but everyone is encouraged to be mindful of the proximity of other people.

By attending the meeting, the participants are representing that they have not been recently exposed to COVID-19 and that they are free of symptoms. Sessions are encouraged to elect alternate commissioners to be ready to attend presbytery meeting in case of illness or other circumstances that prevent a commissioner from attending.  (This is a good practice regardless of there being a pandemic!) 

The reason for the change is the desire to hold and in person meeting versus the “omicron spike” which seems to be rising in our area. It is hoped that by March we will see a downward trend that will make attendees more conformable attending an in-person meeting. The switch to a Tuesday meeting is to avoid conflicts with some previously scheduled events in March, such as the SC Lay School and the annual Small Church Conference.  It also balances out the Spring meeting in May being held on a Saturday this year for the SC Convocation. 

(And yes, we realize that the spring equinox will have passed two days before; but for our purposes, it is still the Winter Meeting)

Feel free to contact the Stated Clerk at:  cbyrd@capresbytery.org with any questions or comments.

Take a Tour of our Newly Renovated Building

By 1 Comment

The newly renovated building is handicapped accessible and has multiple meeting spaces and a full kitchen. It houses staff offices for Charleston Atlantic Presbytery, Lowcountry Pastoral Counseling, Thornwell Home for Children, and Charleston Youth Mission. We host mission teams throughout the year in the newly renovated bunk rooms with showers.

It is also available to churches and community groups to rent. Please contact the office at 843-766-4219 for reservation availability and to complete the rental agreement.

The new sign at 4701 Park Place West, North Charleston, SC
Front Entrance to Sanctuary/Large Meeting Space on Park Place West
Parking Lot behind the building with entrances on Durant Avenue and Chesterfield Road
Rear Entrance from Parking Lot
to Presbytery Staff Offices, Kitchen, and Fellowship Hall/Meeting Room
New Accessible Ramp to Rear Entrance
Sanctuary/Large Meeting with Flexible Seating and new A/V and Sound Systems
New lift to chancel/stage area
Fellowship Hall/Meeting Room
Kitchen
Rear Entrance/Hallway to Staff Offices/Kitchen/Fellowship Hall

Fall 2021 Presbytery Meeting

By Leave a Comment

The Fall Stated Meeting of Charleston Atlantic Presbytery was held Tuesday, December 14 at 9:30 am via Zoom. You can view the whole meeting on Facebook or just the Joys Video.

The Stated Clerk’s ReCAP

Although it is greatly hoped that presbytery meetings will return to an in-person format in 2022, the Fall Meeting held on December 14, 2021 via zoom proved that Charleston Atlantic has learned how to meet electronically and well.  Pre-recorded worship at the beginning of the meeting and a prerecorded service of installation of the 2022 Moderator and Vice-Moderator at the end of the meeting bookended a meeting that included all the challenges a meeting can present—except providing lunch.

Special guests Elizabeth Little and  Emily Cameron of the PC(USA)  Board of Pensions and the South Carolina Inn at Montreat, respectively addressed the meeting “live,” as did our synod executive, Rev. Joyce Lieberman. Of special note for persons covered under BOP plans is information included in the handbook on page 9. 

Outgoing Moderator Rev. Spike Coleman preached the sermon during worship, “Rest for Our Souls,”  based upon Matthew 11:28-30 which Rev. Coleman says he has posted on his refrigerator.  A high point of the worship was the musical offerings of members of Rev. Coleman’s St Andrews congregation.  Worship also included communion. For the first time since the pandemic pushed us to meeting in virtual space, an offering was taken.  Funds collected will benefit the South Carolina Inn at Montreat, which has a long history of providing affordable accommodations in for those who go to the mountains for, rest, respite and education. 

The Committee on Representation made its report and put forth the names of nominees for representation to the General Assembly, for Moderator and Vice Moderator and for places on the various teams, committees and commissions which do the work of the presbytery. 

 Elders Ray Whaley and Linda Rousseau and the Reverends Sidney Davis and Margaret Fleming were elected as CAP Commissioners to the General Assembly coming up in June of 2022.  Elder Jay Jackson and Reverend Alonza Washington were elected as alternates.  Sarah Rucker was elected as Young Adult Advisory Delegate, with Caleb Browder as alternate.

Elder Kent Grimes was elected moderator of the presbytery for the coming year, with Elder Alan Rousseau elected to serve as Vice Moderator. Beginning on page 20 of the handbook, a full list of persons elected to serve the presbytery can be found.

Other actions of note including passing the 2022 budget put forth by the Stewardship of Financial Gifts of Ministry Team, various amendments to the CAP Manual of Administrative Operations and the introduction of Rev. Jerri Perkins as a new member of this presbytery, now serving as interim pastor an Johns Island Presbyterian Church, and Candidate Terri Wetherell who will be ordained in January to serve as Interim Associate Pastor of James Island Presbyterian Church. The Shepherding Team also introduced an updated Personnel Policy Manual and Parental Leave Policy Guidance for churches.

The meeting concluded with Rev. Coleman handing over the gavel to Elder Grimes, who pronounced the benediction.

Please read THE HANDBOOK for more information.

You can still participate in our offering for the SC Inn at Montreat by donating via THIS LINK or check made out to Charleston Atlantic Presbytery with “SC Inn at Montreat” in the memo line sent to 4701 Park Pl. W., North Charleston, SC 29405.

Anti-Racism Resources

By 1 Comment

Downloadable Resources from The Thoughtful Christian:

“White Privilege” – This one-session adult study is part of the “Racism Study Pack” from The Thoughtful Christian. They are offering this downloadable resource for free at the links below. We encourage you to form a study group or email to members as a starting point. Consider purchasing the study pack from The Thoughtful Christian to continue your study as well. Download: Participant Handout  |  Leader’s Guide
Purchase the “Racism Study Pack”

“Responding to Racism” – This one-session youth study from The Thoughtful Christian helps leaders guide preteens and teens through the complicated subject of racism. We encourage you to either lead your youth through this study (in-person or virtually depending on your situation) or email to parents to encourage a family study. Download: Participant Handout  |  Leader’s Guide

For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World – This discussion and activity guide includes suggestions on how parents and teachers can talk with children about race and violence, ideas on how to create a safe space for meaningful dialogue, and more. The guide is inspired by For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World, an upcoming picture book by Michael W. Waters that will be available this September. It tells the story of a boy named Jeremiah and his family who discover hopeful forms of activism and advocacy in response to racism and gun violence in their community. Download the Discussion and Activity Guide. Preorder For Beautiful Black Boys Who Believe in a Better World

Some Things to Do, Hear, Watch, and Read:

Register to Vote

Holderness School 21-day Racial Equity Learning Challenge

75 Things White People Can Do for Racial Justice

Books offered by The PC(USA) Store

Recommended Anti-Racist Books for Adults

Recommended Books for Tweens and Teens

Recommended Books to help talk to Children about Racism and Discrimination. It is also important to diversify our bookshelves so that our children see strong black characters in books that celebrate blackness and diversity: Children’s Books with Black Male Protaganists, Children’s Books with Black Female Protagonists. This BLM Instructional Library has children’s books organized by category, and if you click on the book, you can listen to a read aloud!

Watch this Sesame Street Town Hall with your children!

Podcasts: 1619, Floodlines, Intersectionality Matters, Throughline, She Speaks Too, Unlocking Us with Ibram X. Kendi and Austin Channing Brown

Movies/Series Based on Actual Events: Just Mercy (offered free for the month of June; there are also discussion questions available), Harriet, When They See Us, Selma,

Movies to watch as a family: Ruby Bridges, Hidden Figures, Remember the Titans,

Documentaries: 13th, I Am Not Your Negro, Whose Streets, LA92, Teach Us All, Black America Since MLK: And Still I Rise

Charleston Stage is offering free access to their show 2014 The Seat of Justice. Enter password: EDUCATIONSOJ. “In 1947, a small group of parents in rural South Carolina set in motion a movement that would eventually lead to the landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court decision. The Seat of Justice celebrates the brave citizens of South Carolina who fought for justice and equality in the era of segregation. Julian Wiles’s acclaimed play chronicles this courageous journey of the historic Briggs v. Elliott desegregation case from rural Clarendon Country, SC to the halls of the United States Supreme Court.”

National Museum of African American History and Culture Releases “Talking About Race” Web Portal

The PC(USA) is committed to Racial Equity and offers many resources through the Presbyterian Mission Agency.

Union Presbyterian Seminary houses the Center for Social Justice and Reconciliation

How Should We Protest and Why: Presbyterian web series features three veteran activists talking about protests present and past.

For up to date resources and information, follow the work of the PC(USA) Compassion, Peace, and Justice Ministry and The Office of Public Witness in Washington, DC, and The Charleston Area Justice Ministry on Facebook.

Video Resources:

The Equal Justice Initiative has released short educational videos about how our history influences current injustice on their YouTube channel.

Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man, Episode 1 – Emmanuel Acho
Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man, Episode 2
Uncomfortable Conversations with a Black Man, Episode 3
Systemic Racism Explained
Union Presbyterian Seminary Forum: What Should White Churches Do About Racism

Informational Articles:

Stated Clerk Remembers Victims of Racial Violence

PC(USA) Washington office calls for action following the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery

The Reason for Protest: A Statement from Rev. Jimmie Hawkins, Director of the Office of Public Witness PC(USA)

Presbyterian Mission Agency President and Executive Director Diane Moffett issues statement on recent protests, shootings: ‘It is a righteous and holy anger that sees injustice and knows that it is wrong’

In the midst of protests, churches in Pittsburgh Presbytery work to dismantle structural racism

Resources for Reopening

By Leave a Comment

COVID-19 Epidemiology Intelligence Project: MUSC has a NEW RESOURCE available to will be helpful to local churches as you make decisions about gathering in person. MUSC’s COVID-19 Epidemiology Intelligence Project analysis has been developed to:

  1. Provide analysis of trends in the COVID-19 epidemic to assist with understanding the current and projected status of transmission, impacts to the community and hospital system, and the success of mitigation efforts. Our goal is also to provide information that can help assess when it will be feasible to begin re-opening certain business and workforce sectors.
  2. Help us better understand and predict the critical needs of our hospitals, health care teams, and the tri-county (Charleston, Berkeley, Dorchester) community so that we can plan for and mitigate the impact of COVID-19 to the best of our ability.
  3. Provide reliable data to help guide and support decision making by policymakers, business leaders, and members of the general public in the tri-county region.

Data used in trend analysis comes from SCDHEC, Cuebiq, and MUSC clinical data. Data used in the model comes from Census Bureau, literature reviews, and internal clinical data.

Many CAP churches already have plans and procedures in place. You may find reviewing their policies helpful:

Presbyterian Church on Edisto Island

For helpful tips and strategies and a list of things to consider when making decisions about meeting in person, please refer to the Guide for Discussion developed from a document created by the Presbytery of Tropical Florida and revised by the CAP Stated Clerk with input from the Shepherding Team.

When Can We Sing?

For further reflection, read the Beginning Conversations for Re-Entry from the PC(USA) Office of Theology, Formation, and Evangelism and Returning to Public Worship: Theological and Practical Considerations. The PC(USA) Website has a page devoted to resources for such a time as this that is updated regularly with new information.

The Presbyterian Association of Musicians has shared their response and some ideas to Church Music and COVID-19.

Mental Health Resources

By Leave a Comment

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has created Building Resiliance Webinars for Emotional and Spiritual Care

The Child Mind Institute provides resources for Talking to Kids About the Coronavirus.

Illustrated Ministry has provided free coloring pages with Prayers When You Feel Anxious. These are a great tool to help have conversations with children (and adults) about their fears and worries in these difficult days.

The Presbyterian Mission Agency has compiled a list of Mental Health Resources for children and adults as well.

Rev. Lisa Schrott, Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church on Hilton Head Island shared the following message with her congregation and gave us permission to share here as well. She provides many great resources.

On Monday I had one of those moments where the reality of the COVID-19 outbreak hit me hard. The reality of what we are facing swept over me, and I was overwhelmed by the depth. I needed the assurance of comfort from God. Maybe you have had a moment or two like that over the last two weeks, or maybe you will as the weeks of physical distancing stretch on. You are not alone. 

As news reports and social media surround us, we will inevitably have moments of anxiety, fear, and despair. Our stress systems are on overload as our daily routines have been completely upended. Just as we need to take care of our physical health during this outbreak, we also need to attend to our emotional and mental health. 

Mental Health America has collated resources for responding to this outbreak, with a focus on mental and emotional health. Click on the topics below to learn more:

For individuals coping with any kind of health condition, the stress of the COVID-19 outbreak is more than just an inconvenience. And if you are one of the tens of millions of Americans with a condition affecting your brain, the ability to cope with this increased stress, anxiety, and isolation may be even more challenging. 


What if I need help?
Reach out to someone. Call a neighbor, call a family member, call a pastor, or call a friend.

The South Carolina Department of Mental Health provides Community Crisis Response and Intervention (CCRI). The CCRI provides on-site emergency psychiatric screening and assessment to individuals experiencing mental health emergencies within 60 minutes of contact. The service is available 24 hours per day, 365 days a year. The phone number is 833-364-2274.

Suicide affects people of all ages and walks of life. Help is available! If you are in crisis, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741. Learn more at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention at https://afsp.org/find-support/

The State of South Carolina is in the process of setting up a new Virtual Crisis Counseling Program to help those struggling with stress and anxiety related to COVID-19. The goal is to connect people with specific resources. The program should be up and running soon and I’ll provide updated information as it comes on-line.

My prayer for you today is that you remember that you are never alone. No matter how long we are physically separated from each other, we are connected through the love and grace of our Lord Jesus Christ. Of the places we interact in the world, the church is a place where we are able to share our whole selves. Paul reminds us in 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 we have been comforted by God so that we comfort others. The prophet Isaiah preaches a word of comfort to the exiles. Let us comfort each other. Let us support each other. Let us be honest with each other about our struggles. Let us be the light of Christ in this world. 

Grace and peace,
Lisa 

Financial/CARES Act Resources

By Leave a Comment

Resources, including recent relevant legislation like the CARES Act, recommended by PC(USA) General Counsel Mike Kirk can be found HERE. Laurie Griffith, Associate Director for Constitutional Interpretation offers her Constutional Musings on churches and loans.

Information about the CARES Act and how it can benefit your ministry can also be found in the Small Business Administration’s FAQ. Church Law and Tax has also compiled many resources (but some may require a Church Law and Tax membership for full access):

Jan Edmiston, general presbyter of Charlotte Presbytery and former General Assembly co-moderator, offers a video on The CARES Act in a Nutshell on facebook.

The Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has put together a list of resources for churches and individuals.

The PC(USA) Board of Pensions is offering dues relief for small churches and deferments for other congregations. Learn more HERE.

Technology Tutorials

By Leave a Comment

Hymnal and Book of Common Worship Rights and Licensing Information

Worship Times Webinar on how to “Optimize Your Homepage for Covid-19 Isolation”

Zoom demos and video tutorials

Ten Tech Tips for Meeting Online from Next Church

1001 Worshipping Communities online ministry tools

Practical Resources for Churches has many pre-recorded webinars on technology and social media.

The Church.Digital also has many resources compiled on their website.

The PC(USA) Stated Clerk’s Office offers some suggestions.

Online Giving resources from the Presbyterian Foundation.

Advisory Opinion on Communion during a Pandemic

Ideas for Christian Education

By Leave a Comment

NEW FREE DEVOTIONS from These Days: Daily Devotions for Living by Faith! Access the full month of May devotions to continue your spiritual practices even during a time of social distancing: http://bit.ly/395qFnY

From Bethelwoods Camp and Conference Center: Stephen McDonald, Camp Director and Lexi Green, Camp Program Director are providing various activities throughout the week.  To see the schedule and participate please visit their Facebook page.

The PC(USA) Office of Faith Formation has compiled this list of resources that could be helpful for you during the current COVID-19 situation and that may be helpful in developing sustainable remote faith formation for your community. In this list you will find resources to deal with the current crisis, studies for Christian education, blogs and ideas. This is your toolbox. The list will be updated periodically over the coming weeks.

Also provided is a Faith Practices Toolkit Sampler for intentional intergenerational Sabbath rhythms.  A toolkit for faith practices will be released in summer 2020. The completed toolkit will provide scriptural and theological grounding for each practice, as well as ways to engage  all ages. HERE is a sampling from that toolkit to provide ideas of engaging in practices during these times.

Check out these resources for all ages groups provided by the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators.

Due to the generous financial support of Central Seminary’s Thriving Congregations Initiative funded by The Lilly Endowment, Pinnacle Leadership Associates is able to offer free webinars each Tuesday. You can engage the recorded webinars on their website, while also seeing the topics coming over the next few weeks. If you would like to participate in the webinars, please register on the Pinnacle COVID-19 Emerging Church Practice webpage. Mark Tidsworth, Pinnacle Leadership Associates Founder and Team Leader, has also created An Emerging Church Practice Resource – Church Leadership Guide: Stages Of Response To Coronavirus.

Looking for something for families and children to do?  Sarah Coggins, Director of Children and Youth Ministries at First Presbyterian Church Orangeburg, has been sending out Bingo cards to her congregation.  Check out the Adult and Children’s samples.

Brennan Breed, from Columbia Theological Seminary, and Chris Holmes, from First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta, are teaming up with guest professors to offer an in-depth, spontaneous and unrehearsed five-week study of Paul’s letter to the Philippians.  “Office Hours: An Online Pop-up Bible Study” is a free, hour-long conversation livestreamed to Facebook every Sunday morning from 9:30AM to 10:30AM EST, beginning THIS SUNDAY, April 19th to May 17th. Participants who want a deeper experience may also register here to receive free access to course material, complete with syllabus, downloadable readings, and audio-video links for further study. If you are not on facebook, you can still enjoy the videos on our youtube channel. Videos will be posted after the Facebook livestreams.

Palmetto Presbyterian Church PenPals – Lynn Wiard, the Director of Faith Formation said, “We are having “Pen “Pals” for the time being.  I am encouraging my parents to have their children write a note or a letter or draw a picture and mail it to one of our seniors in our church to let them know they are thought of and prayed for and loved.  I got great parental support!”

The Presbyterian Mission Agency has put together resources for Remote Faith Formation for the Long Haul.

The Presbyterian Publishing Corporation is offering free resources, including These Days devotions and activities for children.

Presbyterian Women Bible Study – To help Bible study participants who cannot attend a face-to-face Bible study (or even pick up the disc at the church) continue their study, lessons seven, eight, and nine of the Love Carved in Stone Companion DVD are now available on PW’s YouTube channel. Many thanks to Ellen Stroup, PWP moderator of Tampa Bay (and others), for suggesting this new way of being PW community. Says Ellen: “We need to let the women know that we can all stay connected even in difficult times.”  Visit PW Youtube Channel to access the videos.

Free Resources from Illustrated Ministry – HERE. They are also offering 20% off digital resources to help churches provide Lent and Easter Resources. Search their great offerings HERE and use code MARCH20.

Looking into the Lectionary – Reflections from The Presbyterian Outlook’s Editor, Jill Duffield can be found HERE.

Growing in Grace and Gratitude – Each week the PC(USA) Store be providing on their Facebook page a free story with corresponding activities and a pack of five coloring pages from the children’s curriculum, Growing in Grace and Gratitude. Click the links above for this week’s offering.

Won’t You be My Neighbor? – A free intergenerational online curriculum based on Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood that could be adapted for families to use at home.

Online Worship Opportunities

By 2 Comments

Because of the rapid spread of COVID-19, all in person meetings for presbytery groups or ministry teams are suspended until further notice. The staff is still hard at work and can be contacted by phone or email (details in the Staff tab above). If you would like to pick up resources during this time, please call the office to make an appointment. The Shepherding Team met virtually on March 17 and strongly recommends that congregations suspend in-person worship services. 

The PC(USA) has released an Advisory Opinion on serving communion during a pandemic.

Several of our churches are live-streaming services or posting pre-recorded services on their websites. Follow the links below to worship with your brothers and sisters in Charleston Atlantic Presbytery:

The following churches will be worshipping via facebook live:

Westminster Presbyterian Church is posting videos to their new YouTube Channel. Rev. Lissa Long also put together some at-home worship resources that can be found on WPC’s facebook page.

We will be posting helpful tips and ideas and resources as we find them on our Facebook Page, so like and follow us there! We are a connectional church and are finding new ways to connect while practicing healthy social distancing.