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 223^rd 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:

• If the Congregation has a disaster plan (and would they share it)?
• If they know how to locate Cap resources on disaster planning?
• Who is the point of contact for the church in the event of a disaster?

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

• On pages 26 and 37 Information about the vibrant college ministries in Charleston and Orangeburg
• On page 21 the Report of the CAP-PDAC; including the three questions that  its members will be asking your church.
• On page 19 a description of the newly form Property Ministry Team (and in the Supplement find out who was elected to it)
• On page 26 learn more about the Mackay Presbyterian Mission 
• You can also find information about the CAP budget (p16),
• who our seminary students are (p.35),
• what Special Offerings are and how to learn more (p13)
• what’s up at Bethelwoods (p19)
• and even read the minutes of the last meeting! 

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:

• From a special consent agenda of 33 proposed amendments to the Book of Order brought form the 225 General Assembly, eight were pulled for discussion by the body. Comments pro and con were thoughtfully made, paper ballots were collected and tallied for the stated clerk to report to the Office of the General Assembly.
• The Committee on Representation proposed a full slate of members for the openings on all commissions, committees, and teams for 2023—which was approved unanimously. Elder Alan Rousseau was elected at Moderator of the Presbytery for the year of 2023.  Rev. Cibele Santos was elected Vice Moderator.  Catherine Byrd was elected Bridge Stated Clerk.
• The Shepherding Team’s creation of a Committee to nominate a Transitional General Presbyter/Pastor to Pastor/Stated Clerk was ratified. While this search continues, Rev. Rebecca Albright, who introduced herself and spoke to the meeting, will act as a bridge General Presbyter/Pastor to Pastor.
• Rev. Colin Kerr presented a request to charter on behalf of Parkside Church, reading the Organizing Covenant and displaying the signatures of over a hundred charter members. The presbytery unanimously approved the request. A Chartering Service is planned for January 29, 2023 at 4:00 at the new church.
• The Committee on Preparation for Ministry presented Inquirer Andrew Byrd to be moved to Candidate Status. He shared some of his faith journey and sense of call, was examined by the moderator and was approved by the presbytery.

• The 2023 Budget was approved. It will be attainable with the expected contributions of churches to the presbytery.
• An unanimous vote in favor of the Commission on Ministry recommendation to allow Johns Island PC to install their current Interim pastor more than satisfied the Book of Order mandate for a ¾ vote of approval for such a step. Rev. Jerri Parrish Perkins will be installed in January 2023.

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.

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

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.

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