Thank you to everyone who attended the Summer 2024 Stated Presbytery meeting at St. James Presbyterian Church. Moderator Rev. Cibele Santos led our meeting. Rev. Brian Henderson and our PC(USA) General Assembly Co-Moderators, Rev. Cece Armstrong and Rev. Tony Larson led us in worship. It was a beautiful day. We thank St. James Presbyterian Church for hosting us and for the delicious lunch made with love and great fellowship.
To view the Joys video please click the link below –
The Spring 2024 Stated Meeting was held on Tuesday, May 14, 10:00 am at New Wappetaw Presbyterian Church, 635 Pinckney St, McClellanville, SC 29458.
Click here for the CAP 2024 SPRING JOYS VIDEO
RESOLUTION OF THANKS
We give thanks, O God….
For the “sweet water” hospitality of the congregation of New Wappetaw Presbyterian Church, and the peoples who have gone before us on this land.
For the 110 years of ministry of the South Carolina Home in Montreat, North Carolina, providing guests with times of rest, healing, and recreation.
For worship, granted by the Holy Spirit, focusing on abundance, humility, and hospitality, filled with stories that have been told around the world, filling us physically, and spiritually, and reminding us that Jesus is with us.
For delegates who have answered the call to serve as commissioners to the 226th general assembly of the PCUSA.
For the Mackay Presbyterian Mission, and the ways that the good news of Jesus Christ is shared through basketball games, fair wages, and a roof sheltering a school.
For the ways that the Holy Spirit is at work in the Charleston Atlantic Presbytery, calling people to the ministry of Word and Sacrament, and leading Caroline Grindrod to ordained ministry at Preston Hollow Presbyterian Church.
For visions of new ministry that are welcoming, inclusive, and creative in the Park Circle neighborhood.
For pastors who come, and pastors who go, following the way that is made clear to them by your Holy Spirit, with our joyful blessings on their path.
For the beauty of the earth
For the wonder of each hour
For the joy of human love
For the church, and friends above…
Lord of all, to thee we raise
This our hymn of joyful praise.
New Harmony, Charleston Atlantic presbyteries unanimously affirm the Rev. Tony Larson and the Rev. CeCe Armstrong
A historic online meeting Wednesday between two South Carolina presbyteries, the Presbytery of New Harmony and Charleston Atlantic Presbytery, produced a unanimous endorsement for two pastors standing for co-moderators of the 226th General Assembly. The Rev. CeCe Armstrong and Rev. Tony Larson.
In March, the Rev. CeCe Armstrong, associate pastor of St. James Presbyterian Church on St. James Island, part of Charleston Atlantic Presbytery, and the Rev. Tony Larson, pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Surfside, which is in the Presbytery of New Harmony, announced they’d be standing together. Also standing for co-moderators on June 30 in the Salt Palace Convention Center in Salt Lake City will be the Rev. Dr. Marian McClure Taylor and the Rev. Danny Morales.
Wednesday’s meeting was co-moderated by the Rev. Ashley Cheek, New Harmony Presbytery’s moderator-elect, and Dr. Priscilla Holtzclaw, vice-moderator of Charleston Atlantic Presbytery. The Rev. Andy James, the stated clerk of the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, provided the technical support needed to make the hour-long joint meeting a success. Watch the proceedings here.
The Rev. Dr. Ella Busby, Associate for Pastoral Concerns in the Presbytery of New Harmony, read Judges 4:1-9 and 14, the story that includes this comment from Barak for Deborah, the judge: “If you go with me, I will go, but if you will not go with me, I will not go.” Armstrong and Larson “will go together to carry out the will of the Almighty God,” Busby said.
The vote to endorse Larson and Armstrong came in the form of a resolution of endorsement, read by David Yandle, Charleston Atlantic Presbytery’s Stated Clerk. The resolution included these words: “Through prayer, mutual discussion and encouragement of their congregations and colleagues, Rev. Armstrong and Rev. Larson have committed themselves to a cooperative effort to lead the Geneal Assembly in the discernment of God’s will for our denomination and the active implementation of Jesus Christ’s Great Commission. Now therefore the Charleston Atlantic Presbytery and the Presbytery of New Harmony joyfully and unreservedly endorse the candidacy of Rev. Cecilia D. Armstrong and Rev. Anthoy L. Larson for the positions of co-moderators of the 226th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).”
Larson and Armstrong appeared together from St. James Presbyterian Church, “where I had the privilege of sitting in on a Bible study with CeCe. That was a joy,” Larson said.
“God is the one who ultimately ties us together in the things God calls us to do,” Armstrong said. “It’s a wonderful time to do this in such a time as this.”
Session members from both churches spoke about their pastors. Clarissa Whaley, a member of the St. James Presbyterian Church session, noted “there are times in our journey when we are privileged to witness the call of God, and today is one such time.” She called Armstrong “a stranger to no one who loves, and there’s nothing you can do about it. She takes daily moments to transparently serve a life lesson and to extend God’s love to everyone she encounters. … She is qualified and ready to serve God along with the Rev. Tony Larson. As witnesses to this call, we are indeed blessed to endorse, support and encourage her along the way.”
Dr. Diana Scroggins, a member of Trinity Presbyterian Church’s session and the church’s director of music and arts, called Larson a “dynamic, innovative and caring pastor” who has served Trinity for nearly nine years.
“Under the leadership of Tony and the Finance Committee, our congregation has greatly reduced its longstanding debt,” Scroggins said. “As one who has listened to Tony’s sermons for nine years, I can attest how God speaks through those sermons. We believe [Larson and Armstrong] have gifts which may enable them to lead and guide the Church at this time.”
In their prayer to close the historic meeting, Larson thanked the Almighty for being “a God who calls, a God who calls your people to serve and gifts them and equips them for service.”
Armstrong expressed gratitude to God, “that you hold us accountable by those you have placed in our lives, and by the Holy Spirit. While you have given us this blessing through the voices that have spoken today, we promise to be still and know that you are God.”
AUTHOR: Mike Ferguson | Presbyterian News Service
DEPARTMENT: 226th General Assembly (2024), 226th General Assembly (2024), General Assembly
Those who would like to view the meeting use the following link: https://www.youtube.com/@newharmonypresbytery3656/streams.
Click here for the Notice of Special Meeting of Charleston Atlantic Presbytery
Click here for the Resolution of Endorsement
David S. Yandle, Stated Clerk
Saturday, February 24 at 10:00 am at The Presbyterian Church on Edisto Island 2164 Hwy 174, Edisto Island, SC 29438 in conjunction with Edisto Presbyterian Church, 1890 Cypress Bottom Rd., Edisto Island
REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.
Lunch tickets purchased at the presbytery meeting will be $20. Please call the Presbytery Office if you have any questions.
Click here for the Commissioners’ handbook.
Please download the handbook when available onto a tablet, phone or computer. There will be no internet at the church.
The Fall Stated meeting of Charleston Atlantic Presbytery was held at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian church in Charleston on Tuesday, December 12, 2023. Despite the busy time of year, over a hundred members, commissioners and guests were in attendance for an unusually busy meeting. The upcoming 226th General assembly to be held in late June, early July 2024 was the catalyst for some non-routine items: four Commissioners (Revs. CeCe Armstrong and Spike Coleman plus Elders Catherine Byrd and Jay Jackson) one Young Adult Advisory Delegate (Liza Jones) to the GA were elected, two Overtures to the General Assembly were approved, and a concurrence to an overture from the Presbytery of Atlanta was approved. To reach the floor of the general Assembly overtures must be filed in a timely manner and must have the concurrence of at least one other presbytery. To view the overtures, click here (starting on page 15 of the Commissioners’ Handbook).
The Committee on Representation presented a slate of proposed members of various teams, committees and commissions of the presbytery for 2024, which received unanimous approval. SOME OPPORTUNITIES TO SERVE REMAIN OPEN. To see the COR report including the open positions, click here (starting on page 26 of the Commissioners’ Handbook). Contact Rev. Lissa Long, any member of the COR or the presbytery office to nominate yourself or someone else.
Highlighting the Commission on Ministry Report, moderator David Yandle declared a time of “Hail and Farewell” welcoming two new ministers to the presbytery (Revs Elizabeth Johnson, First P.C., Hilton Head and David Johnson, Lowcountry PC), and recognizing the retirements of Rev. Sidney Davis– retiring after 46 years in ministry, 31 of them at Zion Olivet– and Rev. Lawrence Peebles–retiring after 40 years in ministry, the last 4+ of them at Santee. He also acknowledged that Rev. Audrey Deas, who retired officially in 2015 is “really retiring” this month after serving as supply pastor for Walingford PC.
Also, in the vein of hail and farewell, the 2024 Moderator, Rev. Cibele Santos and Vice Moderator, Commissioned Ruling Elder Priscilla Holtzclaw were installed. Outgoing Moderator Elder Alan Rousseau was recognized with the presentation of a commemorative gavel. Outgoing Stated Clerk, Elder Catherine Byrd, was recognized for her seven years of service. The new Stated Clerk is Elder David Yandle who will be installed at the Feb. 2024 meeting.
The outgoing Moderator brought the message at worship, taking John 15: 1-8 as his text and “Connectional Presbyterians” as his title. He encouraged and challenged the presbytery and its churches to better engage youth in our connectional ministry. The sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was observed, an offering was collected to benefit Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and all in attendance enjoyed joining in hymns of the season and service.
Presentations were made by Synod of the South Stated Clerk/Executive, Elder Valerie Young, Stephen McDonal and Parker Lucus of Bethelwoods Camp and Conference Center, and Elizabeth Little of the Board of Pensions.
The handbook, including the 2024 budget adopted at the meeting, the full reports of all agencies of the presbytery, can be found if you click here.
Stated Clerk’s ReCAP:
Through the efforts of the CAP staff and members of the Shepherding Team, the Spring Meeting of the presbytery was held at the CAP office on May 16. The meeting began at 10:00 and ended at 2:00 pm. Over those four hours a great deal of work and fellowship occurred, using the large sanctuary space at the CAP office, set up with tables. A visitor observed that as the people went from the tables and walked to receive communion and back again, the greetings they exchanged and the tenor of the gathering made communion “truly feel like a family meal.”
Highlights:
Commissioned Lay Pastor Reggie Jones catered a yummy breakfast to start the day off and topped that later with a lunch box for each attendee to take back to their table, for a working lunch.
Before the work of the presbytery, there was worship offered by a team assembled by Rev. Cibele Santos. Rev. Dr. Jeri Parris Perkins preached on the text for Pentecost; in a sermon entitled “Holy Spirit Holes,” she encouraged openness to the Holy spirit. Elder Mark McCain introduced the offering benefit Presbyterian Disaster Assistance By describing some of the PDA’s work, including their “ministry of presence.” For the first time, a QR code was included to allow online giving. Celebration of Communion rounded out worship, all of which was supported by the gifts of Simplicia Smith at the piano.
William McConnell, Director of Foundation Services and Church Relations of the Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina gave a presentation, followed by the introduction of Elder Valerie Young, the new Synod Executive and Stated Clerk of the Synod of South Carolina. Young described some of her experience in Synod work, saying “I am not new to synod work, I am new to the Synod of South Atlantic and I am working to get to know you all.”
A motion by the Shepherding Team to move the election of Moderator and Vice Moderator from the December meeting to the September meeting passed unanimously. The change enables the electees to attend training provided by the OGA.
The Shepherding Team also presented a video prepared by its Per Capita Subcommittee. Rev. Steve Keeler further described the work that the team will be doing to explain the importance of giving to the GA, the Synod and the Presbytery. There will be two workshops at STEPS and four regional meetings in the coming months and every church should be sure to be represented at one of them.
Elder Evelyn White stood in for Rev. Dr. Brian Henderson to present the Nurture Ministry Team Report, highlighting the S.T.E.P.S. annual educational event of the presbytery. It will be held August 26 at Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church.
The Commission on Ministry first highlighted the MacKay Presbyterian Ministry. Elder Sandra Agusto Otero reported on the work that ministry, originated and headed by Elder Otero and her husband Antonio Colon Romon, does with the Hispanic Community. They presented slides of their “basketball ministry” and introduced some of their members.
Over lunch, COM asked each table to read and discuss a scripture reference and questions about boundaries. Elder David Yandle then discussed the importance of boundaries and why God imposes them. When they are breached, often someone gets hurt. CAP was already reviewing boundary training programs, and now the Book of Order is being amended to mandate boundary training for all Ministers of Word and Sacrament, Commissioned Lay Pastors, Educators and persons under care of the Committee On Preparation for Ministry.
Elder Yandle also reported on a conference he had just attended, presented by the Board of Pensions. The BOP is in the midst of the first major overhaul of its medical insurance offerings since its inception. CHECK THE CHATLINE for information about the monthly town hall meetings the BOP will be offering. Rollout of the new plans is targeted for March of 2024.
The Service to Others Ministry Team presented a report from the Puerto Rico Mission Team which recently spent a week making repairs to homes damaged by hurricanes. Then Andi Stem reported from the Earth Care Subcommittee. Every church could become an Earth Care Church. To learn more CHECK THE CHATLINE for an announcement of a lunch meeting in July. To end their report, the Team called upon the Rev. Patricia Jones to introduce a video on the International African American Museum which will open in June after many years in the making. Rev. Jones serves on the International African American Museum Faith Advisory Council
Candace King, the moderator of the Presbyterian Women reported that the PW” is alive and well,” referring all to their report in the handbook. Elder Catherine Byrd stood in for Jeneane Ryan, moderator of the Presbytery Disaster Assistance Commission to encourage all congregations to have a plan for the upcoming hurricane season and beyond. Rev. Jones reported that the Committee on Preparations for ministry has recently received another Inquirer under its care.
Rev. Achim Daffin, moderator of the Stewardship of Financial Gifts of the Ministry Team, presented the budget report and explained the work the team currently is engaged in. Serious self limiting of the budget by all ministry teams is being encouraged. At the same time, the presbytery does need funds in order to function. The sobering truth is that the work of the presbytery, through all of its Commissions, Committees, Teams and Subcommittees will be threatened without an uptick in income.
Elder Susan Mellichamp reported for the first time for the new Property Ministry Team. That team is tasked with, among other things, maintaining the CAP building. They are in need of “handy persons” who can assess and perhaps fix small maintenance issues. They also will work with the CAP staff in scheduling events that will bring in some income to offset maintenance.
A time for Joys and Concerns was opened:
Rev. Charles Heyward announced the the National Black Presbyterian Caucus will hold its 47th Biennial Conference in Charleston June 14-17. Information can be found at https://nationalnbpc.org/.
Elder Irene Whaley announced a book signing for work about Rev MCKinley Washington. The PKAY summer programs were noted. CHECK THE CHATLINE for these and other events.
Madison Heffner, A youth from St. Andrew’s Presbyterian acted as the Committee on Thanks, describing her gratitude for the Spirit enhancing missions that church has afforded her.
Please read the HANDBOOK for more information.
Stated Clerk’s ReCAP:
The winter meeting of the Charleston Atlantic Presbytery was hosted by the congregation of Peace Presbyterian Church in Goose Creek, pastored by the Rev. Will Dietrich. Many volunteers were on hand to assist as needed and provide a warm welcome. CAP Moderator Alan Rousseau presided.
The opening worship featured a sermon by Rev Diane Knauf, entitled “Where is the Spirit Leading Us?” based upon Matthew 4:1-11. The question in the title is one we all can ask ourselves during this “period in the wilderness” commemorated by lent. Another highlight of the service was the commissioning of the 8 person mission team that is leaving in March to spend a week to work with PDA in Puerto Rico.
Offering was taken to benefit our college ministries. (Contributions to these ministries can be made at any time to the presbytery; see the handbook pp 26 & 37 for more information about these ministries).
With much of the actual business of the docket approved via the Consent Agenda, there was ample time for three excellent presentations. Our moderator, Alan Rousseau, presented information about the indigenous people of the area we know as the Low Country. The church in the past has been complicit in the colonialism that had the effect of erasing of many peoples and reducing the culture of those that survive. The 223rd General Assembly encouraged mid-councils to acknowledge “whose land they are meeting on.” More information about his and how to explore and research for oneself can be found on p. 17 of the Handbook.
To introduce the Charleston Atlantic Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Commission, Rev. Ashley Sanders gave a presentation on the work of the PDA in South Carolina and the work begun by the CAP PDAC. To work toward accomplishing their first stated task is—to assist CAP congregation with disaster preparedness—the team has produced a template churches may use to create their own Disaster Plan. This template is available on the CAP webpage. She also introduced the team members. They will be calling each church in the next two weeks to ask:
Guest Mary Howell, the Sr. Community Engagement Manager of Water Missions International shared her own calling to that ministry and highlighted some of its history and its ongoing work, work that includes immediate response to the recent earthquakes in Turkey and Syria. The annual Walk for Water will be held on March 23. Participants raise money for Water Mission and get a taste of what it is like to carry a family’s daily water supply an average of one and a half miles as is the case in many parts of the world.
In the business portion of the meeting, a new Property Ministry Team was created (and will be added to the Manual of Administrative Operations), and its first set of members elected. One new member of the Committee on representation was also elected. The stated clerk reported on the Synod of South Atlantic meeting, which included the election of a CAP elder to the Synod PJC.
Upon adjournment with prayer and blessing, a lunch was served and was well attended as participants enjoyed food and fellowship.
Enjoy the Winter 2023 Joys Video.
For more information, please read the HANDBOOK and SUPPLEMENT.
Did you know…..
That ANYONE can access the commissioner’s handbook for a CAP meeting?
If you take a look at the most recent handbook, you can find
In fact, you can find out what every Team Committee and Commission of the Presbytery is doing. If you have questions, wish to know more or participate in anything yousee, feel free to call the presbytery office and iIe, Catherine, Michele and Becky can guide you.
Stated Clerk’s ReCAP
Presbyterian connectedness was on display at the Fall meeting of the Charleston Atlantic Presbytery on December 13. The congregation of First Presbyterian Church of Hilton Head, wonderfully supported by their fantastic staff, hosted the meeting. Highlights were the worship that including a sermon by outgoing moderator Kent Grimes who brought in inspiring message on “praying constantly” (hint, it takes practice). An offering was collected to benefit Presbyterian Disaster Assistance. Music selections from the host church were divine.
A staggering amount of business was accomplished by members and commissioners who were attentive and engaged in the process:
The meeting closed with the installation of the new Moderator Elder Alan Rosseau, and the Vice Moderator, Rev. Cibele Santos. Read the Resolution of Thanks HERE.
Please read the HANDBOOK for more information.
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.
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.