The Stated Clerk’s ReCAP

The Summer Meeting of Charleston Atlantic Presbytery was held on September 17, graciously hosted by Yeamans Park Presbyterian Church. The day was a mixture of worship, business and celebration.  The Rev. Dr. Donnie Woods, recently retired after 22 years of service to the presbytery, 20 as Executive Presbyter (and more recently also Pastor to Pastors) brought the message in worship, assuring the congregation that “There is a Balm in Gilead.” The worship also included a Litany of Recognition of Retirements honoring Rev. Dr. Woods,  Rev. Dr. Mike Fitze (who was to retire in two days) and Rev. Dr. John Miller Jr., (who retired May 1).  Dr. Fitze also participated in celebrating communion. Of special note was beautiful music supplied by Michael Varnadore, the music director and organist at YPPC, and Elder Beth Cohen-Nault.

There were three special presentations that highlighted exciting programs and growth in the presbytery. Erin Norton, leader of the Journey Campus Ministry introduced a video highlighting that work at the College of Charleston and the Citadel. Rev. Colin Kerr presented a power point illustrating the programs and growth of Parkside New Church Development. The NCD plans to charter as a congregation as early as December of this year. Elder James Deavor, executive Director of the Hands of Christ (an organization of more than 20 CAP churche,) spoke about the joy and accomplishment of returning to in person distributions of school clothing and supplies.

The Commission on Ministry proposed a resolution that would recognize that the work and mission of the presbytery is such that temporary and associate pastors can be considered for installed positions in the church where they currently serve. The resolution passed. In each individual case, a three quarters vote of the presbytery will be required to determine that the exception shall be made.

The COM also celebrated what moderator David Yandle called “Hail and Farewell,” giving certificates of retirement to Rev. Woods, Fitze, and Miller and introducing two new members of presbytery:  Rev. Dian Knauf who will be installed as Associate Pastor of First PC in Hilton Head in October, and Rev. Tricia Petraven, who is the Interim Pastor at James Island PC.

A final special presentation honoring Rev. Woods rounded out the business. The Executive Presbyters from other South Carolina presbyteries spoke Describing his service as their college as a mid-counsel leader.  One said” Donnie, has been the Dean of EPS.” Synod Executive Joyce Lieberman and the Stated Clerk of the PC(USA), Dr. J Herbert Nelson both spoke via video, recognizing Donnie’s contributions to the denomination.  Dr. Nelson’s wife, Rev. Gail Nelson joined him in recognizing their long friendship. The presbytery passed a special resolution recognizing and thanking Dr. Woods for his many services. 

More pictures from Cameron Smith are available HERE. You can also view the Joys Video HERE. You can find more information about the committee reports in the HANDBOOK.

The Fall Stated Meeting of Charleston Atlantic Presbytery will be held Tuesday, December 13 at 9:30 am at First Presbyterian Church, HHI.

All first time commissioners should attend an orientation led by the Stated Clerk at 9:00 am.

Minister members who are unable to attend and churches that will not have representation at the presbytery meeting should contact Michele Jones (mjones@capresbytery.org) by Friday, December 9 to request an excused absence.

We will share a Joys video during the meeting. Please send pictures of your church in action (along with a brief one-line description) since our last meeting (September 17), to dblackwelder@capresbytery.org by Friday, December 9 to be included.

Please read the handbook thoroughly when it becomes available so you are prepared for the meeting. Contact the moderator/chair of the ministry team if you have questions about their report. Contact Stated Clerk Catherine Byrd if you have questions about procedures or the Standing Rules (found on page 2 of the handbook). Our meeting begins with worship.

Please register below by Friday, December 9, to help our staff, strategy team, and the host church prepare for the meeting and lunch. If you pre-register by the deadline, lunch will be $10. If you register the day of the meeting, lunch will be $15.

Registration:

Lunch Payments:

After you click “Send” above, go HERE to pay for lunch via PayPal.

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.