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.

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 225^th 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.

View the Joys Video

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

You can view the meeting in its entirely on our  Facebook Page, including the worship service. You can follow along with the Order of Worship.

Meeting ReCAP

The summer 2021 meeting of the Charleston Atlantic Presbytery was held on Saturday, September 18, at 80-plus locations (more if Facebook live viewers are included).  Since covid-19 and its variants have made in person gatherings unwise, each pastor, commissioner and guest attended from the comfort of their chosen electronic device. 

Once again, the best of a zoom meeting was exemplified by the worship. Rev. Will Robinson preached the sermon “You are In the Spirit,” from Romans 8:1-9, the considerable musical talents of members of First Presbyterian Hilton Head were on display, elders from a variety of churches prayed and read, and Rev. Cecelia Armstrong celebrated the sacrament of the Lord’s supper.

Special guest Sy Hughes of the Presbyterian Mission Agency brought greetings and a report form that entity.  Rev. Colin Kerr gave an update on campus ministry in the Charleston Area. The stated clerk clarified that the next CAP meeting is Tuesday Dec. 14.  At that meeting, commissioners to the 225th General Assembly will be elected.  

Elections also will be held in December for the many vacancies that will be opening on various presbytery teams, committees, and commissions. The Committee on Representation, reporting through Rev. Lissa Long,  is actively seeking nominations for these positions, as well as for GA Commissioners.  To find out more, CHECK THE CHATLINE where a copy of the meeting handbook—including information about GA and the openings COR needs to fill—can be read by anyone, not just meeting attendees.

Also by accessing the handbook, the reader can experience much of the business of the meeting, since most teams, committees and commissions submitted reports that were not changed or expanded upon during the meeting.  Elder Sandra Otero did address the meeting on behalf of the Service to Others Ministry Team, reporting that the team hopes to hold the previously postponed Puerto Rico mission trip March 20-26 of 2022.

The first reading of the 2022 budget was submitted by the Stewardship of Financial Gifts of Ministry Team.  Team moderator Peter Jones reported that the budget is a “work in progress’ since it does not appear that contributions from the congregations that comprise the presbytery will be sufficient to fund even the reduced budget.  He acknowledged that many churches also have seen their givings fall off during the pandemic, but encouraged all pastors and commissioners to return to their sessions and start the conversation of whether their church is giving what it can.  The full financial report and the 2022 anticipated budget can be found in the Handbook and its Supplement. Ruling Elder James Deavor was recognized to speak and pointed out that CAP’s support of the General Assembly and Synod are similarly lacking.

Two teaching elder members of presbytery, Rev, Charles Heyward and Rev. Isaac Moore (both honorably retired yet still serving congregations) spoke up and personally pledged direct monetary support for the presbytery.  They encouraged other teaching and ruling elders to do the same.  By the close of the meeting, at least one other pastor had also pledge support. Anyone who wishes to do the same may send a check to the presbytery marked “direct support of presbytery budget.”

A high point of each meeting is the video of “Joys and Concerns.”  This slideshow of pictures submitted by churches across the presbytery is reassuring evidence that the church continues its work: congregations find ways to engage in fellowship and mission, to work together, to pray together, and to have fun.  

CAP Moderator Rev. Spike Coleman also opened the floor (and attendees’ microphones) for on the spot sharing of joys and requests for prayer. After prayer accordingly, he pronounced benediction and the meeting closed.

For more information, read THE HANDBOOK and SUPPLEMENT. 

The Spring Stated Meeting of Charleston Atlantic Presbytery was held Tuesday, May 18 via Zoom. You can view the meeting on Facebook Live.

ReCAP

DID YOU KNOW?  That the Handbook for the Spring Stated Meeting is available for anyone to read on the CAP website?  Well it is, so if this ReCap sparks an interest, one may find out more by “referring to the handbook.”

Despite some technical difficulties, the Spring Meeting of the Charleston Atlantic Presbytery was another success in the face of social distancing.  About 100 individuals participated in the zoom meeting, which also was streamed on Facebook Live. Worship was presented in pre-recorded segments allowing worshippers a peek inside the sanctuaries of the various churches from which elders, pastors and musicians participated. The Rev. Tracey Daniel brought the message on “The Good Shepherd.” Rev. James Rogers led communion.  

Three guests made presentations.  The Rev. Joyce Lieberman, Executive Presbyter and Stated Clerk of the Synod of South Atlantic, Olanda Carr, Senior Ministry Relations officer of the Presbyterian Foundation, and Lauren Thompson, Advancement Officer of  The Thormwell Home for Children expanded on the written reports they had submitted in advance and which are in the handbook.

Nothing illustrates our presbytery as beautifully and succinctly as the “Celebration of Joys’ video.  Since Dorothy Blackwelder had this idea a few years ago, the photo submissions from congregations have been a a great way to show the many ways our many congregations are doing ministry. During this time of Covid, it is especially heartening to see the creative ways Presbyterians are continuing to connect within their own churches and in the greater community.  A big thank you goes out to all who contribute these photos.

As Stated clerk, it was my joy to report that preparations are under way for the 225^th General Assembly to be held in June of next year.  The assembly will be a hybrid meeting, with commissioners meeting in person in committees in Louisville, but all plenary sessions via Zoom.  Dates and calendar are in the Handbook with more information on the PC(USA) website.

The Commission on Ministry introduced the Rev. Margaret Fleming, who has been ordained by the presbytery to service as a hospital chaplain. Rev. Fleming was under care of the CAP Committee on Preparation for ministry. The Committee on Preparation for Ministry introduced two new inquirers joining those currently under care.

Rev. Lissa Long and Elder Cassandra Roper, speaking out of their own experience, encouraged all elders and ministers of word and sacrament to consider serving on one of the presbytery agencies. Anyone who is interested in the opportunities to serve in the presbytery should review the report of the Committee on Representation.  It contains descriptions of all the commissions, committees, and teams of the Presbytery, all of which will need new members to be nominated for 2022.  New members to fill certain spots for 2021 were placed in nomination and approved.  The COR currently has a vacancy which needs to be filled for 2021.  

The Shepherding Team presented various resolutions all of which passed.  As a result, two churches, Lowcountry PC and Hebron Zion PC, will receive the deeds to their church real estate to hold in trust.  Zion Olivet was approved to pursue the purchase of the Advent Lutheran property in which it has nested since selling its property in downtown Charleston. At the recommendation of the Shepherding Team, the presbytery approved the creation of a new commission:  The “CAP Presbyterian Disaster Commission” will be a part of the South Carolina Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Commission.  Descriptions of the commission and the initial members elected by the presbytery can be found in the handbook.

Four Churches in the Presbytery have been recognized as PC(USA) Earth Care Congregations:  Dorchester PC, James Island PC, Lowcountry PC and St Andrews PC (Charleston).  A description of the Earth Care program is in the Handbook.  Cap Moderator, Rev Spike Coleman (pastor of St. Andrews) encouraged other churches to consider becoming an earth Care Congregation.

Service to Others Committee is very busy, planning, among other things, a vaccine clinic to be held at the Presbytery Office in June and a possible mission trip to Puerto Rico in October.  

Nurture Ministry also highlighted its work in their report in the Handbook.  In speaking for the ministry, Rev Brian Henderson called for youth to serve on the Youth Council.

The Presbyterian Women submitted a written report, but Elder Linda Rousseau also spoke, saying it was an honor to be Moderator of the PW.  She encouraged participation in PW activities, noting that “all women who are Presbyterian are Presbyterian Women!”

Alas, not all news reported was good: So many great things are happening in our presbytery, yet we are running over the rather barebones budget carefully crafted by the Stewardship of Financial Gifts of Ministry Team and approved by the presbytery last December. Peter Jones, the team moderator reported the shortfall is due individual churches not giving as projected.  

Currently, the next CAP meeting is scheduled to be a zoom meeting on September 18.  We hope and pray that by December we will be able to meet again in person.

Respectfully Submitted

Catherine D. Byrd, Stated Clerk

Winter Meeting 2021 ReCAP

At the Charleston Atlantic Presbytery Winter Meeting 2020—a year ago—none of the plans we had going forward included learning how to function remotely.  But Winter Meeting 2021 proved we have learned.  Call to order on Saturday February 27, 2021, didn’t occur until 10:15, not because of technical problems, which would have been this stated clerk’s fear a year ago, but because the STEPS team of the Nurture Ministry Team presented their second electronic STEPS (Studying, Teaching, Equipping, Praying, Serving) event starting at 9:00.  Three workshops were offered and were well attended from throughout our presbytery and beyond; at least one participant attended from his home in Colorado!

Worship followed closely upon the call to order.  Once again the electronic format allowed attendance in ways we would not have imagined last year.  Music was provided by Dr. JooSoo Son, Traditional Music Director at Providence Presbyterian Church on Hilton, head playing that church’s organ and piano.  Rev. Cibele Santos Associate Pastor at Providence preached the sermon, “Prayer, Unite Us,” from Providence’s pulpit.  For the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper, worshippers were transported to Hebron Zion PC on Johns Island where Rev. Patricia Jones pronounced the words of institution.  Other worship leaders participated from James Island PC, Bethel PC (Johns Island), and Edisto PC.  Works of art relating to parts of the service were shown on screen, presented by “A Sanctified Art, LLC” which had presented one of the STEPS workshops. You can view the worship service HERE and download the worship bulletin HERE so you can follow along.

During the business portion of the meeting, Stephen McDonald, Camp Director of Bethelwoods Camp and Conference Center, presented the exciting news that Bethelwoods is planning for summer programs! There will be opportunities onsite at Bethelwoods, a one week day camp at the new CAP facility at Park Circle, and “Camp in a Van” opportunities for churches almost anywhere.  Covid shutdowns dealt Bethelwoods quite a blow in 2020, and Stephen thanked CAP for its monetary support, which helped the camp persevere.

The moderator of the Committee on Representation, Rev. Cameron Smith, was live in person via zoom to report on vacancies on CAP teams and committees.  She emphasized the importance of having members participate from across the presbytery, both Ruling Elders and Ministers of Word and Sacrament.  Vacancies and Opportunities will be listed in the Chatline.

The co-moderator of Service to Others Ministry Team, Sandro Otero, reported that plans are underway to plan a return mission to Puerto Rico, if the COVID-19 way be clear, next fall.   Additional work of that team was presented in the written report in the handbook and as part of the “Celebration of Joys” video that was played during the meeting.

The Celebration of Joys video also revealed the ways congregations across the presbytery have met the Covid challenges and moved their ministries outdoors (not just for worship but also for programs, fellowship and outreach), into spaces allowing for social distancing while masked, and online (many a shepherd and little angel are now on video for posterity).  The creativity of our members is wonderful.  

THE HANDBOOK contains the full reports of all ministry teams, committees and commissions. The work of the Shepherding Team, the Commission on Ministry, the Stewardship of Financial Gifts of Ministry Team, The Preparation for Ministry Team, Nurture Ministry Team and other information of interest are contained therein.  The reader does not have to have been a commissioner or even in attendance at the meeting to benefit from this information.  Questions or comments can be address to the moderator of each or to the stated clerk.

Submitted respectfully and with great joy,

Catherine Byrd, Stated Clerk

Fall 2020 ReCAP

The Charleston Atlantic Presbytery held its “Fall” Stated Meeting on a day that felt almost like winter in the lowcountry, Tuesday, December 8, 2020. Elder commissioners and pastors from across the presbytery attended the “Zoom” meeting from the comfort of their own homes or offices.  The electronic format also provided a unique worship experience, since each portion of the service was prerecorded in a different location, then blended through the efforts of Michael Hardy of Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church Staff and Rev. Dorothy Blackwelder, the CAP Director of Communications. A particular thank you goes to the combined choirs of the James Island churches, who have mastered the art of choral singing when everyone is in a different place.  Our outgoing Moderator, Susan Mellichamp, brought the message “Loving as Jesus Loved,” and Commissioned Ruling Elder Karey Poinsette officiated over communion.

Seated as a corresponding member, Elizabeth Little of the Board of Pensions of the PCUSA, highlighted some recent and prospective changes to BOP benefits and programs.  Sy Hughes, the Mission Engagement Advisor for our area from the Presbyterian Mission Agency also was seated as a corresponding member and spoke briefly of that entity’s work, including the invitation for congregations to become “Matthew 25” churches. Elizabeth and Sy are available to anyone who has questions about the work of their agencies of the PC(USA) and their work is funded by the contributions of presbyteries. 

The Stated Clerk’s report included, among other things, reference to the “In Memorium” list included in the Handbook.  We lost four current members of our presbytery last year plus six others who had served us at one time or the other.  They were remembered in prayer by the moderator at the close of the meeting.

Shepherding Team Moderator Rev. Sam Martin asked, and the Presbytery agreed that the Park Circle Administrative Commission, formed in 2016 when the Park Circle Presbyterian Church was dissolved, be dismissed with thanks.  The Shepherding Team also recommended, and the Presbytery agreed, that $40,000 from the CAP “Camp Fund” be earmarked to assist Bethelwoods Camp and Conference Center with its expected $92,000 budget deficit for 2020.  (The Presbytery budget for 2021, passed later in the meeting also includes the usual line-item contribution to the ongoing work of Bethelwoods.)  The Shepherding Team also included a written report in the handbook about these items, New Church Development, and the Building-Use Subcommittee.

The presbytery was presented with a slate of volunteers to be elected to positions in the presbytery.  All were approved, including, of note: the Moderator of Presbytery for 2021, Rev George “Spike” Coleman and moderator elect, Elder Kent Grimes.

STEPS Co-Chair, Rev. Laurey Harrell reported on the “electronic STEPS” held in September.  Continuing “to do a new thing…”  in the face of Covid-19 protocols, STEPS will be presented for the first time outside of its usual September date.  A variety of STEPS learning opportunities will be presented in conjunction with the February 27, 2021, CAP Winter meeting, available without charge to commissioners and to anyone else who chooses to participate.

The budget for 2021 was presented by the Stewardship of Financial Gifts of Ministry Team moderator Peter Jones, and was passed after only a few questions and responses. The Committee on Preparation for Ministry congratulated two candidates, Margaret Fleming and Terri Wetherell who are now designated as “ready to receive a call” to be ordained. The Commission on ministry presented Rev. Cibele Santos, a newly ordained and installed addition to the pastoral staff of Providence Presbyterian Church in Hilton Head.

The electronic format of the meeting made it easy to check in with mission partners in Honduras, as Service to Others Ministry Team Moderators Sandra Otero and Antonio Colon-Roman presented a short update on the devastation wreaked by back-to-back hurricanes this fall.  Information on how to help was included (you can give to the Presbyterian Church in Honduras or to the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Hurricane Relief Fund).  CAP Moderator pointed out that electronic worship at this and September’s meeting did not include taking up an offering, and suggested donations be made in lieu.  

The reports of the above and other agencies of the presbytery were received as information.  They can be found in the handbook on the CAP website. 

The meeting closed with a service commissioning the new moderator and vice moderator. Outgoing moderator Susan Mellichamp presented the gavel to incoming moderator Spike Coleman, who closed the meeting with prayer and benediction.

For more information, read the Handbook and Supplement. You can also view the entire recorded Zoom meeting or the worship service alone.

Resolution of Thanks

Ruling Elders, Teaching Elders, and others from near and far

Established the presence of the church and didn’t really use cars

Susan’s dash will include trusting, obeying and her great leadership

Opportunities to vote were offered for commissioners in attendance

Lots of cheers to Dorothy, Michael, and others for all the technical work

Uniquely allowing us to gather and not one of us went berserk

Thanks for our new building where we can gather and meet

In a few weeks or months or whenever outside is clean

Online or in person we are grateful for sure

Never missing the chance to give God glory galore

Of course, we have many, many reasons for giving God thanks

Far too many to list, but at least 97 reasons were among the ranks

Today our thanks include but is not limited to

Hearing from our guests and all the work that they do

Also hearing reports from committees who work very hard

New moderator and moderate elect are now even on board

Keep welcoming new ministers, attend STEPS, and uphold this balanced budget

Seems like we are well on our way to a new season that we won’t soon forget

A RESOLUTION OF THANKS can be really serious or fun

The letters of the words were used to get this important work done

Submitted by Rev. Cecelia D. Armstrong

ReCap: Charleston Atlantic Presbytery Summer Meeting

After having to cancel the Spring Meeting and Convocation due to Covid-19 concerns, the presbytery (staff, shepherding team and strategy team) realized it had to do what so many of our churches already had perfected: embrace “Zoom” as a means to meet remotely.  The resulting Summer Meeting held on September 19, 2020, was a great success, with 91 participants in the zoom meeting and many others viewing via Facebook Live.  A team of four–Susan Mellichamp, moderator, Rev, Donnie Woods, in his position as associate stated clerk, Rev Dorothy Blackwelder, CAP director of communication, and Michael Hardy, staff member of Mount Pleasant Presbyteryian Church–presented the meeting live from the MPPC Fellowship Hall.  All voting members in attendance had previously attended a training session in order to prepare for the meeting.

Despite their physical distance, first time commissioners and guests were introduced as always, The Rev. Joyce Liberman was seated as a corresponding member, to continue as long as her tenure as Synod of South Atlantic Executive and Stated Clerk 

Before the majority of the business was conducted, worship was led by Rev. Spike Coleman, CAP Vice Moderator, whose worship team had prepared and pre-recorded the elements of the service in a way that integrated seamlessly into the order of worship.  An advantage of the format was that segments were presented from different churches, and the message was presented from the front seat of the Westminster PC church van!  Rev. Lissa Long and Cap Director of Youth Ministry Janie Bruce delivered a meditation based on the 16th chapter of Exodus, drawing parallels to our current time “in the wilderness.” Also included were musical offerings by members of St. Andrews and James Island Presbyterian Churches, and communion led by Rev. Dr. Donnie Woods.

The Commission on Ministry welcomed two new minister members to the presbytery.  Rev. Ralph Herbert and Rev. Joseph (Bo) Welch each spoke a few minutes on their faith and current call.  New graduates from seminary, Margaret Flemming and Teri Wetherall, were congratulated by the Committee on Preparation for Ministry. The “CPM” also presented the examination of inquirer Catherine Parler, whose move to Candidacy Status was approved by the body.

The moderator and her team adeptly handled debate and comment on a motion to sell property the presbytery owns in the Can Bay subdivision.  Distance was not an impediment to discussion of this topic.  Ultimately the motion did not pass.

The first reading of the 2021 Budget was presented by the Stewardship of Financial Gifts of Ministry Team and accepted by the body. The Committee on Representation highlighted its annual report on the diversity of presbytery officers and members of teams, committees and commissions.  “COR” moderator James Deavor also made a request for nominations for positions on these entities.  Without adequate volunteers from throughout the presbytery, the work of the presbytery cannot be accomplished.

You can read more in the HANDBOOK and view the full recorded meeting HERE. If you want to see just a portion of the meeting, you can view the Worship Service, COM New Minister Introductions, and CPM’s New Candidate individually. You can also view the Presbytery Joys Video Below: