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:

CAP Winter Meeting ReCap

Lowcountry Presbyterian Church in Bluffton hosted the Winter Stated Meeting of the Charleston Atlantic Presbytery on Saturday, February 22, 2020.  A highlight of the welcome by the host church was its “History in Song” written and performed by church member Dale Nordby.  LPC celebrated its 25^th anniversary last year, and has done, and continues to do a lot of great things.  See their written history in the meeting handbook.

“Something Else is Happening” Rev. Brian C. Henderson of St James Presbyterian Church told those assembled in his sermon, based on I Corinthians 1:18, during the opening worship, which included Holy Communion.  An offering in the amount of $1,407.50 was received to support the work of the mission team going to Puerto Rico March 21-28.  The members of the Puerto Rico Mission Team and the Commissioners and Young Adult Advisory Delegate to the General Assembly in Baltimore June 20-27 all were commissioned during the service. Learn more about our commissioners HERE.

Stephen McDonald, the Camp Director for Bethelwoods Camp and Conference Center, spoke about upcoming summer sessions at the camp.  This year a bus will be available to transport campers from the lowcountry to Bethelwoods for three of the week long sessions.  He also introduced Lexi Green, a new camp staff member. 

Charlie Frost spoke about the Hymn Society, the Presbyterian Association of Musicians (PAM), and the Montreat Music and Worship Conference. He encouraged those interested to consider joining the first two organizations.  He also announced a new grant, The St. Phillips Grant, available from the PAM for attendance at either of the two sessions of the Montreat Music and Worship Conference.  Churches are encouraged to apply to defray the cost of attendance.

The Presbytery Joys Video was shared. Thank you to all of the churches who sent in pictures. We hope to see your church represented in May!

The Shepherding Team had much to report, including news about the ongoing renovations at the former Park Circle Church.  The work is underway, with occupancy of the presbytery offices scheduled for May, if all goes as planned. Parkside NCD continues to have steady attendance. The newest CAP staff member, Bob Ingram, who will work part time as bookkeeper, was introduced.  Long time CAP Director of Administration, Barbara Burger will be retiring at the end of May.  The personnel subcommittee of Shepherding is working on a staffing model for the future.

The Stated Clerk gave a “shout-out” for pastors and church members to think about more actively funding the work of the presbytery, including its contributions to the Office of the General Assembly and the Synod. 

The Commission on Ministry introduced the Rev. Tracey Daniel, the new Associate Pastor at First (Scots) PC in Charleston and Elder Eugene Richardson who will be commissioned as Commissioned Lay Pastor at St. Andrews PC on Johns Island. Each shared a bit about their faith journey and vision for their new call. COM also celebrated Rev. Ashley Sanders’ new call as installed pastor of the Presbyterian Church on Edisto Island. She shared the many ways she has experienced God’s grace in her 13 years as a member of CAP and 5 years as Temporary Pastor of PCEI. Her family and and many members of her church were present to support her and this new call.

The Service to Others Ministry Team, Moderated by Sandra Otero and Antonio Colon-Roman, submitted a written report of its many activities, but also reported that the presbytery-wide Day of Service, scheduled for March 7 has been postponed. Watch the Chatline for news about rescheduling.

Reports of all the Teams, Committees and Commissions of the presbytery can be found in the HANDBOOK and SUPPLEMENT.

New Moderator, Susan Mellichamp, conducted the meeting efficiently and effectively, concluding with prayer at 12:30, in time to enjoy a wonderful lunch provided by the host church.

Respectfully submitted by Catherine Byrd, Stated Clerk

Williston Presbyterian Church hosted the Fall Charleston Atlantic Presbytery Meeting, with great hospitality and charm. The members of the congregation went all out to be sure attendees were directed to parking, registration, coffee, etc., and of course to the recently renovated sanctuary, beautifully decorated for Christmas. Of note were the advent banner and communion set that were brought from Barnwell Presbyterian Church, which has made the difficult decision to close. Many of its members have begun worshipping at Williston and some were volunteering to help make the presbytery meeting a success.

Outgoing moderator, Rev. Sam Martin, brought the message during worship using the words of baseball great Ted Williams and Bible great John the Baptist. Rev. Martin once played pro baseball and avers “there is so much theology in baseball, y’all.” His reaction to being critiqued by the baseball legend in a practice session illuminates the reaction we all may have to being confronted with John the Baptist. It can be irritating to be told to change our ways, to turn our stance around, to try something different when we are sure we already know what we are doing.

After worship, four guests brought greetings and information: Stefanie Marsden called attention to the financial services of the Texas Presbyterian Foundation, which despite its name, serves Presbyterians throughout the country. Elizabeth Little highlighted several positive changes at the PC (USA) Board of Pensions, including the abolishment of vacancy dues and the positive effects of the menu plan option recently added to the medical benefits. Stephen McDonald, Camp Director of the Bethelwoods Camp and Conference Center, gave an update on Camp activities. Joyce Lieberman, the executive Presbytery and Stated Clerk of the Synod of South Atlantic highlighted some of the services of the Synod. Of particular note is its Association of Smaller Congregations which holds an annual retreat and which administers the Mary Hemphill Fund, a designated fund to be used for structural repair, replacement, renovation, and improvement to the church building, for small congregations (100 members or less) in the state of South Carolina. Deadline for the application for a grant from the fund is December 31st. Click HERE for the application to the Hemphill Grant for small congregations.

The Committee on Representation presented nominees for membership on presbytery committees, commissions and teams for 2020, nominees for Moderator and Vice Moderator, nominees for Synod Commissioners, and nominees for Commissioners and a Young Adult Advisory Delegate to the 224th General Assembly of the PC(USA) to be held this summer in Baltimore. Members of an Administrative Commission for dissolving the Barnwell Presbyterian Church also were elected. GA Commissioners wil be Elder Priscilla Holztclaw, Elder Irene Whaley, Rev. Patricia Jones and Rev. Patrick Perryman. Alternates are Elder Betty Bryan and Rev. Lisa Schrott. Click HERE for a complete list of newly elected members of presbytery teams, committees and commissions.

The Commission on Ministry introduced two new pastors it recently examined and received into the presbytery: Dr. Annette brewer is the new pastor at Wallingford Presbyterian Church and Dr. William E. Robinson is the new senior pastor at First Presbyterian Church on Hilton Head.

The Commission also introduced to individuals recently commissioned a Commissioned Pastors: Henry Meeuwse will serve Bethel Presbyterian Church in Walterboro. Bo Hamilton will serve at The Village in Summerville, while continuing to serve at Summerville Presbyterian Church.

After some discussion, the budget proposed by the Stewardship of Financial Gifts of Ministry Team was passed. Two things which came out of the discussion: First, we would be in better financial shape if more churches followed the lead of St. Paul’s Presbyterian Church in Hollywood and paid a true per capita towards the work of the presbytery and the denomination. Second, there are people in our presbytery who have knowledge and ideas in the area of finance who would be valuable members of the SOFGOMT. (The moderator of the team, Peter Jones, and the moderator of the Committee on Representation, James Deavor, are the people to contact if you are interested.)

It was with great joy that the Park Circle Commission, led by Rev. Mike Fitze, reported that the sale of the current presbytery office on Ashely River Road for $1,502,500.00 closed on November 22, 2019, after a three and a half year effort. The presbytery may remain in the building for four months past the date of closing. Presbytery offices will be moved to a portion of the education building of the former Park Circle Presbyterian Church. The balance of the education building and the sanctuary will be converted into flexible space for meetings and mission. The Park Circle Commission was authorized to spend up to $1,400,000.00 from the proceeds of the sale of the Ashely River Road Property for the renovations to the Park Circle Property.
Elder Susan Mellichamp was commissioned as the new moderator of the Presbytery. She received the gavel from outgoing moderator Sam Martin and then closed the meeting with prayer and a benediction.

Respectfully Submitted by Catherine Byrd, State Clerk

The Summer 2019 stated meeting of Charleston Atlantic Presbytery was held September 21, 2019 at Zion-Olivet Presbyterian Church.

ReCAP:

Before the summer stated meeting of the Charleston Atlantic Presbytery even started, commissioners had a great opportunity for food and fellowship, courtesy of the host church. Members of Zion Olivet Presbyterian Church cooked a full hot breakfast so everyone would be ready for the morning ahead. Good thing too—there was a lot to cover before commissioners could break for the equally delicious lunch also prepared by the church members.
Most first time commissioners took advantage of the orientation session offered at 9:00. The Moderator, Rev. Sam Martin, called the meeting to order precisely at 9:30. After introductions of visitors, including Kyle Collins, the new director of the Journey campus ministry, and the first time commissioners, the docket was approved and it was time to worship.

The Rev. Carolyn Kurtz-Heyward preached on “The Healthy Church” using scripture including Psalm 15:1-5 and Luke23:26-27. An offering (of over $900) was collected to benefit the Reverend Dr. Katie Cannon Scholarship Fund. Communion was served and some favorite hymns sung, helping to make worship an inspiring experience.

The Commission on Ministry introduced two pastors who have just begun serving congregations in Charleston Atlantic. Rev. Zachary Bragg is the new Associate Pastor of Dorchester Presbyterian Church. Rev. Anita Herbert is the new Senior Pastor at Summerville Presbyterian Church. They came to the meeting as members of this presbytery, having been examined and accepted by the Commission on Ministry. Each shared a little of the path that led them to CAP and their new calls.

The assembly also heard from one of our future ministers of word and sacrament. The Preparation for Ministry Team introduced Columbia Theological Seminary student Margaret Fleming, who was moving from Inquirer to Candidate. After sharing a bit of her faith journey, she answered questions propounded by the moderator and was welcomed to candidacy status by Rev. Richard Cushman.

Other highlights included the presentation by elder Lawrence Whaley on behalf of the Nurture Ministry Team, who spoke on the positive impact the 2019 Youth Triennium had on the youth from CAP congregations who attended. Rev. Colin Kerr reported on the planning and preparation that preceded the opening services on the Parkside Church NCD (new church development) and the plans for its future. Educating the participants on reformed theology, the Book of Order and other things Presbyterian is ongoing as the congregation plans to become a fully charted PC (USA) congregation in the future! Rev. Cameron Smith, moderator of the Service to Others Ministry Team, highlighted just a few of the outreach ministries that team has initiated and oversees. Opportunities for service abound. Among them are two mission trip opportunities: one to the U.S. / Mexico border Nov. 8-10, 2019 and to Puerto Rico March 21-28, 2020. Closer to home, the first annual Presbytery-Wide Day of Service will be held on January 25, 2020.

The Shepherding Team reported on the ongoing efforts to close the sale of the Hwy 61 presbytery office, in anticipation of moving to the Park Circle property.
The Committee on Representation, a.k.a. “COR” (which nominates members to all CAP commissions, committees and team), the Shepherding Team and The Service to Others Ministry Team held a breakout session for all in attendance to gather in their presbytery “neighborhoods.” They were encouraged to discuss their own outreach efforts and how the STOMT might assist them, fill out a survey on the “neighborhood” structure and hear more about the need to volunteer and recommend other volunteers for service to the presbytery. The teams, committees and commissions are essential to the work of the presbytery. COR can be sure the geographic, ethnic, age and gender diversity of our presbytery is reflected in its work ONLY if they have volunteers to nominate that also reflect this diversity.

Many thanks to the Rev. Sidney Davis and the members of Zion Olivet for the work and hospitality that made the Summer Stated Meeting a success. The next meeting will be held on December 10, 2019, at Williston Presbyterian. Although technically it will be the “Fall” meeting, There is every chance that this lovely church will have its beautiful Christmas decorations for all to enjoy. Be there!
Catherine Byrd, Stated Clerk

For more information about the business of the meeting, read the HANDBOOK and SUPPLEMENT.

Joys from the Summer 2019:

The Spring 2019 Stated Meeting of Charleston Atlantic Presbytery was held Tuesday, May 21, 2019 at First Presbyterian Church, Moncks Corner.

ReCAP

On arrival, commissioners and guests were greeted warmly by church members and offered a delicious selection of breakfast items. The Rev. Sam Martin, Moderator, opened the meeting in prayer, the Rev. Timothy Schoonover of First Presbyterian Moncks Corner gave a welcome and invited one of the church elders to give a history of the church. New commissioners and guests were introduced. In particular, a group of visitors from the Can Bay Presbyterian New Church Development were recognized and invited to speak about recent events at Cane Bay NCD. Earlier this year, the congregation and their organizing pastor parted ways, realizing they had different visions for the future. With the guidance and assistance of a new advisory team from the presbytery, the NCD is “doing a reset.” They have found a storefront to lease that will afford them exclusive space for office, worship and activities, rather than renting space for Sundays only. A retired PC(USA) minister in the group has agreed to preach. The group asked that the presbytery approve the four year lease being proposed by the Shepherding Team, to be voted on later in the meeting.

Worship included communion and a sermon by the Rev. Peter Bynum, who expounded on the parable of the mustard seed. Seeds “live and wait and live and wait,” he said, and even forgotten seeds can one day emerge from the ground, grow and bear fruit. The offering collected to support youth attendance at the Youth Triennium was seen as a way to help sow and nurture the seeds of discipleship.

An outstanding example of seeds bearing fruit was the ordination of Colin Kerr as a minister of the word and sacrament. It is rare that the presbytery ordains a new minister; usually they are ordained by the congregation of the church they will serve, or, sometimes, their home church. Because Rev. Kerr will be the organizing pastor of the Parkside Presbyterian New Church Development, the presbytery is the ordaining body. A charge to the Pastor was made by Rev. Will Deitrich.

During the business portion of the meeting, special presentations were made concerning the Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina, Hands of Christ, S.T.E.P.S. and the recent mission trip to Puerto Rico.

The Committee on Representation asked for a received affirmative votes on the nominations of Rev. Ashley Sanders to serve on the Nurture Team and Rev. Stephanie Dion to serve on the Shepherding Team. Elder Jim Deavor reminded all present that the COR needs nominations to all teams, committees and commissions of the presbytery.

The Commission on Ministry, in addition to asking Colin Kerr (right) to share his faith journey, also introduced Elder Robert Norris (left) who has been commissioned as a Commissioned Lay Pastor (also know as a Commission Ruling Elder) to serve Sea Island Presbyterian Church.

The Shepherding Team presented four resolutions for vote, all of which were approved without dissent:
1. The “Third Amendment to the Agreement of Purchase and Sale” plus the “Assignment of the Agreement of Purchase and Sale,” were approved as one resolution necessary to move forward with the sale of the presbytery office building on Highway 61 in preparation of moving the office to the Park Circle property.
2. The resolution to approve the request of the Cane Bay NCD Advisory Team to enter into a lease for a space to be used for program, worship and office space, was approved.
3. The resolution to allow Rev. Mike Fitze to negotiate an agreement with the St. Barnabas Lutheran Church for the Parkside NCD to use the building and facilities of that church for office, worship and program activities, was approved.
4. The resolution that Dorchester Presbyterian Church be authorized to apply for and enter into a construction loan in the amount of $500,000 secured by a mortgage on church property–spoken to by Rev. Jeff Kackley of Dorchester PC–also was approved.

All other agencies of the Presbytery reported by written reports in the Commissioner’s Handbook. After reports of the standing committees on Attendance and on Resolution of Thanks were approved, the meeting closed with prayer and with a benediction by the newly ordained Rev. Kerr. Then an excellent lunch was served by First Presbyterian Church of Moncks Corner.

The next presbytery meeting is scheduled for Saturday Sept. 21 at Zion Olivet Presbyterian Church in North Charleston. Commissioners are reminded and requested please to obtain, to either print or download and to read the Handbook prior to the meeting. Anyone, not just commissioners, may obtain the handbook and visitors to presbytery meeting always are welcome.

Submitted by Catherine Byrd, Stated Clerk

For more information read the HANDBOOK and SUPPLEMENT.

Please enjoy the Spring 2019 Presbytery Joys Video HERE.  Thank you to all the churches who submitted photos!

The Fall 2018 Stated Meeting of Charleston Atlantic Presbytery was held Tuesday, December 11 at First Presbyterian Church, Beaufort.

ReCap: Charleston Atlantic Presbytery’s Fall Stated Meeting

First Presbyterian Church in Beaufort, beautifully decorated for the Christmas season, provided a perfect location for the Fall Stated meeting on December 11.  A great deal of important business was conducted, but due to the diligence and attentiveness of the commissioners gathered from throughout the presbytery, it was concluded in time to enjoy a marvelous lunch catered by Elder Reggie Simmons, who also is the Commissioned Ruling Elder at the nearby and newly energized Beaufort Salem Presbyterian Church.

During the worship which opening the meeting, outgoing CAP moderator, Commissioned Ruling Elder James Parlor, presented a meditation entitled “Who Can Endure the Day of His Coming?” based on Malachi 3:1-2.  Rev. Dr. Patrick Perryman, Rev. Rebecca Albright, Rev. Steve Keeler and Rev. Sam Martin also participated in leading worship, which included communion.  An offering of $585 was collected to benefit the upcoming CAP mission trip to Puerto Rico. At the end of the service, Rev. Sam Martin and Elder Susan Mellichamp were elected and installed as the Moderator and Vice Moderator (respectively) of CAP for 2019.

Brief presentations were made, first by Stephanie Marsden the relationship manager of Texas Presbyterian Funds, who highlighted some of the ways her agency can assist congregations in encouraging legacy giving.  Second came Clark Simmons of the PC(USA) Board of Pensions, who introduced Elizabeth Little as the new BOP contact for South Carolina.  She briefly highlighted the new “Healthy Pastors, Healthy Congregations” initiative which combines pastor and congregational leader education with grants of up to $10,000 to qualifying pastors. Congregations and pastors are encourage to contact Elizabeth Little or go to the BOP website (click on “members and employers” to find Healthy Pastors, Healthy Congregations) for more information.

The Stated Clerk presented the amendments to the Book of Order proposed by the 223^rd General Assembly held this past summer. The amendments were included in the handbook, and had been circulated to all clerks of session and to the presbytery at large via the Chatline. The floor was opened for comments, which showed the thought and time which many commissioners (ruling elders and ministers of work and sacrament, alike) had put into preparation for the meeting. Voting was by paper ballot.  All but one of the proposed ten amendments were approved. Amendment numbered 18-G which would have amended D-2.0203b was not approved.

CAP committees and teams reported via written reports included in the handbook.  Those which had action items included the Stewardship of Individual Gifts of Ministry Team which presented a slate of members of the various teams, committees and commissions, including the moderator of each. After a few additional nominations from the floor, the slate was unanimously approved. There remain needs for individuals to serve, however.  Anyone interested in getting more involved with any aspect of the Presbytery should contact Elder James Deavor or the presbytery office.

The Commission on Ministry introduced two newly ordained and installed ministers of word and sacrament, each of whom spoke briefly about their faith journeys. Rev. Patricia Jones is the new Senior Pastor at Hebron Zion Presbyterian Church.  She comes to ministry after prior careers, most recently after many years as the agency coordinator and instructor for the Charleston County Consolidated 9-1-1 center.  Rev. Stephanie Dion is the new Associate Pastor at Lowcountry Presbyterian Church.  She followed the more traditional path of attending seminary directly after college.  Although their paths to ministry differ, they share an obvious passion, energy and sense of being called by God.

But the business of the day was far from over!  The Shepherding Team presented a report with three items that required a vote.  Revisions to the Administrative Manual of the Charleston Atlantic Presbytery were approved as was the newly revised Charleston Atlantic Presbytery Personnel Manual. After a presentation by the New Church Development (NCD) subcommittee’s advisory board for a downtown Charleston church, the floor was open for question and comments regarding the motion to move forward with the formation of a new church development in the Hampton Park area of Charleston.  All who wished to speak were afforded time as provided by the Standing Rules. Members of the NCD and presbytery staff responded as appropriate to clarify the proposal and the process.  The motion then passed by a unanimous voice vote.

~Respectfully Submitted by Stated Clerk, Catherine Byrd

For more information, please read the following:

Handbook

Appendix

Supplement

The following video of Joys was shared at the meeting:  PRESBYTERY JOYS

The Summer Stated meeting of Charleston Atlantic Presbytery was held at 9:30 am at St. Andrews Presbyterian Church in Charleston on Saturday, October 6 after being postponed from September 15 due to Hurricane Florence.

Please download the HANDBOOK and SUPPLEMENT for more information.

Check out the Presbytery Joys Video from this meeting HERE.

The Spring 2018 Stated Meeting of Charleston Atlantic Presbytery was held on Tuesday, May 15 at New Wappetaw Presbyterian Church in McClellanville, SC.

Download the HANDBOOK and SUPPLEMENT for more information.

You can also now check out information and videos from past presbytery meetings, HERE.