Welcome to the Presbytery of New Harmony
Office Hours
Monday - Thursday, 9:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m.
(If you want to see someone in particular, you will want to call ahead to see if that person is available)
Telephone 843-662-8411
Street and Mailing address
2352 Presbyterian Road
Florence, South Carolina 29501
Electronic mail
Email general requests here.
Email webmaster requests here.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 106th STATED MEETING
of the
Presbytery of New Harmony
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
Goodwill Presbyterian Church
295 N. Brick Church Rd. Mayesville, SC 29104
|
|
Commissioners' Handbook
|
|
Happening in New Harmony Presbytery
(All meetings by ZOOM,
unless otherwise noted.)
Grand Strand Area Lunch - August 11, 12 pm, El Cerro Grande.
Sumter Area Lunch - August 15, 12:30 pm, Willie Sue's Restaurant.
Stated New Harmony Presbytery Meeting - August 16, 8:30 am, Goodwill Presbyterian Church.
Cheraw Area Lunch - August 18, 12 pm, Rivers Edge.
Florence Area Lunch - August 24, 12 pm, Julia Belle's
New Harmony Presbytery's Office Hours - Monday - Thursday, 9 am - 5 pm.
If you need to visit the office or meet with either Juanita or Gavin, it is best to contact them by the Presbytery office phone or by email. This will insure their availability.
|
Building Community Through Information - August 10, 2022
|
|
Happening in New Harmony Presbytery
(All meetings by ZOOM,
unless otherwise noted.)
Grand Strand Area Lunch - August 11, 12 pm, El Cerro Grande.
Sumter Area Lunch - August 15, 12:30 pm, Willie Sue's Restaurant.
Stated New Harmony Presbytery Meeting - August 16, 8:30 am, Goodwill Presbyterian Church.
Cheraw Area Lunch - August 18, 12 pm, Rivers Edge.
Florence Area Lunch - August 24, 12 pm, Julia Belle's
New Harmony Presbytery's Office Hours - Monday - Thursday, 9 am - 5 pm.
If you need to visit the office or meet with either Juanita or Gavin, it is best to contact them by the Presbytery office phone or by email. This will insure their availability.
**********
|
|
|
for our two churches for the week:
Goodwill Presbyterian Church,
Nick Cheek, Interim Pastor.
Grandview Presbyterian Church, Chesterfield,
William A. Johnson,
Commissioned Pastor.
for the mother of Jarred Hammett, pastor at The Presbyterian Church at Manning. She is 88 and in the hospital in Charleston.
Victims of floods, fires, and other disasters.
for children, teachers, administrators, staff, and parents, as the new school year begins.
for the victims and families in all shootings.
for the Presbytery of New Harmony Executive Presbyter Nominating Committee.
for all persons and churches in transition.
|
|
|
Candidates
Marcy B. Carl
(Georgetown)
?Dubuque Theological Seminary.
Caitlyn Hathaway
(First, Hartsville)
Union Presbyterian Seminary, Richmond.
Joseph Jumper
(First, Myrtle Beach)
Columbia Theological Seminary
Inquirers
Randolph Green
?(Congruity Presbyterian Church)
Darren Wilson
(Friendship)
Union Presbyterian Seminary-Charlotte.
Flury Wilson
(Friendship)
Union Presbyterian Seminary-Charlotte.
|
|
|
|
Connecting During Times of Crisis:
?Sharing Stories of Support
To serve Presbyterians of South Carolina in the development and preparation of Presbyteries and congregations for manmade or natural disasters impacting our congregations by the connection of our stories.
Saturday, October 29, 2022
10:00 am - 3:00 pm
(registration and fellowship beginning at 9:00 am)
Cherokee Presbyterian Church
3622 August Highway, Gilbert, SC 29054
Church: 803.892.6740
Cost of attendance: $10.00 per participant.
Registration closing date: October 15, 2022
**********
|
|
Invitation to Dedicate
?and Celebrate
The Board of Trustees of The Presbyterian Agency for the Developmentally Disabled, Inc. (PADD) cordially invites you to attend the dedication of our newest Group Home.
Date: Sunday, August 21, 2022
Time: 4 PM
Place: 1028 Left Bank Drive, Florence, SC 29501
A service of dedication will be followed by light refreshments and the opportunity to visit inside the home. Casual dress is recommended.
PADD is a 501(c)3 charitable organization whose purpose it is to acquire and manage homes for people with intellectual or related disabilities. PADD strives to provide a safe loving home where people can experience joy and fellowship in a home setting.
RSVP to help us plan please let our Executive Director know if you plan to attend, and how many people will be in your party. Contact: Ms. Kimberly Tumbleson, Administrator and Executive Director, call or text 843-687-7046. E-mail: ktumbleson@paddsc.org. Find PADD on the web at www.paddsc.org and on Facebook. **********
|
|
|
Part-Time Organist Position Available
First Presbyterian Church, Cheraw, is seeking a part-time organist for one service a week, weekly choir practice and special services. The organ, Opus 104, was built by Gabriel Kney and Associates of London, Ontario, in 1986, and is designed to lead the congregation in glorious singing, accompany the choir and perform in recitals. For more details and contact information, please see position description.
**********
|
|
|
Substitute Musician Sought
First Presbyterian Church, Cheraw is in need of a pianist or an organist to substitute on Sunday mornings for the 11:00 worship service. Substitute organist pay is $150 per Sunday. If interested, please contact Christie McLeod at 843-910-4538.
**********
|
|
|
Presbyterian Older Adult Ministry Network is thrilled to offer this retreat at a significantly discounted rate! Your conference registration includes lodging, meals and retreat programming. Pastors, educators, volunteers and all of those that work with and among older adults are encouraged to attend this retreat.
- Need a change of scenery?
- Come hear the Good News!
- Live in Hope!
- Connect!
- Love to Work with Older Adults?
- This is the retreat for you!
- All meals included
- Single rooms $300 per person before Sept. 9
- Double rooms $200 per person before Sept. 9
- Commuters $150
- Discounted rates for POAMN members
**********
|
|
|
Items You Might Have Missed
|
|
Christian Formation/Education Week
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) planning calendar recognizes a week of Christian Formation in churches and faith communities. This week begins the Sunday after Labor Day (September 11), but churches may choose different weeks depending on their particular calendars and practices. When considering all the ways in which formation happens in our faith communities, we can use this time to kick off a new program year for Christian education, commission faith formation leaders, and highlight and start ministries. Here are resources to help you plan for this celebration, including liturgy and activity resources. There are also ideas for back-to-school blessings and faith practices at home.
**********
|
|
Presbyterian Youth Triennium Resources
**********
|
|
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Work Team Opportunities
?It is clear that COVID will influence the way we live and do ministry for years to come. Yet in an adapting world, natural disasters continue to affect communities, who still rely on the generosity of volunteers to support the long-term recovery from floods, fires, hurricanes, and tornadoes. Individuals and families who have been marginalized in the past continue to be marginalized during disaster recovery.
Along with many other faith-based and non-profit groups, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) provides opportunities to step into the gap, walk with those
impacted, and work towards healing.
PDA currently has 7 host sites receiving volunteer teams witnessing to the healing love of Christ by supporting rebuilding efforts in areas that have been affected by natural disasters, including tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and fires. [ more]
**********
|
|
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Emotional and Spiritual Care Offerings
Our programs are responsive to the recent and ongoing challenges posed by the COVID- 19 pandemic, and to the effects of natural disasters, the tragedy of mass shootings and other human caused disasters, and continuing issues of racial justice. In all of our programs, PDA team members facilitate discussions
and offer materials on maintaining self-care and building personal resilience through relationships, story telling and spiritual practices. Participants have the opportunity to share their experiences and wisdom with one another.
Please contact Kathy Riley, PDA national staff and Team Lead for Emotional and Spiritual Care at Kathryn.Riley@pcusa.org for more information or to schedule a program. Our programs are open to teaching elders, ruling elders, deacons and other congregational members. We also offer our programs to non faith- based organizations. For links to our pre-recorded programs and handouts, please go to
**********
|
|
|
IRS MILEAGE RATE CHANGES FOR LAST HALF OF 2022
The Internal Revenue Service announced an increase in the optional standard mileage rate for the final 6 months of 2022. For the final 6 months of 2022, the standard mileage rate for business travel will be 62.5 cents per mile, up 4 cents from the rate effective at the start of the year.
**********
|
|
Board of Pension Dues to Increase in 2023
Board Of Pension Directors approved an increase in Pastor’s Participation dues for the first time in five years. Effective January 1, 2023, medical dues will increase 2 percent, from 27 percent to 29 percent. As a result, total dues for the benefits package will be 39 percent, up from 37 percent. Be sure to share this information with your financial leaders and Session!
**********
|
|
|
?Join with Other PCUSA Members in Support of Urgent Needs in Ukraine and Beyond
**********?
|
|
Union Presbyterian Seminary Receives Grant to
Help Starting Pastors
?Union Presbyterian Seminary has been awarded a $50,000 grant from Lilly Endowment Inc. to plan and develop a program that focuses on nurturing and sustaining the preaching of pastors who are in the first seven years of their preaching ministries after graduation.
“We know that those who are early in their congregational ministries face a multitude of challenges and many do not last in congregational ministry beyond their first seven years. While we can’t address every ministry challenge, this grant will help us discern how we might come alongside early career ministers, developing opportunities to nurture their preaching in ways that account for 21st century contexts,” said the Rev. Dr. Rich Voelz, Associate Professor of Preaching and Worship at Union Presbyterian Seminary. [more]
?
**********
|
|
|
The stories in this month’s newsletter reflect the Compassion, Peace & Justice ministries’ actions, working for peace, partnership and love for all people. As we approach the Season of Peace, please consider signing up for the four-week series of reflections that culminates in the Peace & Global Witness Offering in October. [more]
?
**********
|
|
|
Learning - Connecting - Resourcing - Expanding
Here is how past attendee Rev. Jack Haberer describes the conference:
"The annual Stewardship Kaleidoscope Conference brings together a host of experts, seasoned practitioners and aspiring leaders-to-be to help one another explore the fresh ideas, newest technologies, proved strategies and ages-old theological brilliance that can help congregations fulfill their God-given callings and missions."
?
We all need opportunities to connect, share ideas, and get the inspiration we need to enliven our congregations - we hope to offer this in Savannah in September, and hope you will join us there (or online).
**********
|
|
|
Savannah Presbytery's
J. Richard Bass School of the Laity
Since 1988, the Savannah Presbytery has provided an in-depth program of study known as the School of the Laity. It was a vision of then Executive Presbyter Dr. J. Richard Bass, who saw the desire of laypersons to engage in serious study of scripture, theology, and ministry. Students can participate in three June sessions and two (each) October and March sessions to complete a two year program that includes: Introduction to the Bible, surveys of both Old and New Testaments, Introduction to Reformed Theology, History, Mission and Polity, Elements of Worship and Practical Ministries. Within our own presbytery over 320 laypeople accepted the two-year commitment and engaged in hours of class and preparation time to become graduates.
In 2020, Savannah Presbytery moved our program online in response to the pandemic and has committed to continuing our online access ongoing. It is with this in mind, that we invite participants from other presbyteries to register for our October 1-2, 2022 Session. Please note- there are no pre-requisites to take these courses—we welcome first-time learners, folks considering a pathway to becoming a Commissioned Ruling Elder (CRE), and even pastors who may want to experience our program.
**********
|
|
|
PW Synod Gathering
October 21-23, 2022
Epworth by the Sea
St. Simons Island, GA
TWO registrations and payments are required: The Epworth registration for room and board is HERE. The SOSA REGISTRATION FORM must be printed and mailed to address on bottom.
**********
|
|
|
Register in advance for this event here.
**********
|
|
|
New Harmony Presbyterians Are Invited
Charleston Atlantic Presbytery is inviting members of New Harmony Presbytery to join them on August 27 at Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church for their annual S.T.E.P.S. education event entitled, "PLANKS AND PIECES: SURVIVING AND THRIVING". The event, at a cost of $20 per person, is a great educational opportunity with workshops in many ministry areas. You are invited to attend two workshops (either virtual or in-person) as well as the Community Gatherings featuring author and musician David Lamotte. Find out more and register at S.T.E.P.S. REGISTRATION DEADLINE IS AUGUST 10.
|
|
|
Impersonator Strikes Again
It seems that Gavin's email has been hacked and someone is trying to impersonate him. This time the perpetrator has used his official email address. Gavin is away from the office until July 5. If you receive an email with Gavin's email address before that time, it is not he.
|
|
|
Church Preparation for an Active Shooter
SLED offers a course for churches which wish to know how to respond to the threat and actuality of an active shooter in their midst. Find more information HERE.
Check out these resources as well:
|
|
SC5 Minister/Educator Retreat Scheduled for October
DON'T JUST MARK YOUR CALENDAR! Register today for the October 24-26 Minister/Educator Retreat at Montreat. "Leadership Development Is Great And All That, And What I Really Need Is Some Time, Rest, Refresh, & Renew!" Is it possible to lead from a place of wholeness? Is there room for creativity, imagination, and play? How can you experience the fullness of life and living and leading? as Children of God? Find out more.
|
|
|
Synod of South Atlantic African American Clergy and Educators Virtual Retreats
Three Virtual Retreats for African American Clergy and Educators Scheduled for 2022. Synod of the South Atlantic African American Clergy and Educators Virtual Retreats have been scheduled. After much prayer and discernment for the need to remain connected, we will host a few more gatherings for African American Clergy and Educators. If you would like to receive information regarding these events, please submit your contact information at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/6FJMFWR. After you register with this link, the Event Link and details will be sent closer to the date of the event. The date is October 28. **********
|
|
|
Coaching for New Harmony Presbytery
Pastors in Full-Time Calls
New Harmony Presbytery seeks to be of continued and greater assistance and support of our pastoral leaders! This new initiative was recommended to the presbytery by the Goal and Staff Design Recommended Team through the Guiding Council this past November. It was placed in the 2022 budget which was approved in February. The Committee on Ministry approved last week the attached policy guidelines. Please contact Gavin or Tony Larson, COM Moderator, if you have questions.
Benefits of Coaching for Pastors:
- Help you feel inspired about your call and provide time to reflect on that call.
- Learn new skills such as in the areas of communication, conflict-management, time-management and problem-solving.
- Learn to stay on task.
- Create better goals.
- Improve productivity and feel more motivated.
- Reflect on your values.
- Overcome personal obstacles and become more confident.
For more information, click here.
|
|
Playology: Experiencing God Through the Art of Play
Sponsored by the South Atlantic Puerto Rico Region of APCE
We Love Playing. We Love Art. We Love God. Playology is a perfect storm of those three things, as well as a word made-up to capture our recreation-related workshops. Join us for a weekend chocked full of interactive training and practical resources to integrate recreation and play into your ministry.
Join others in our region (Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Puerto Rico) who serve in educational ministry at Epworth by the Sea on St. Simon's Island, Georgia, November 3 - 5, 2022 as we experience God through the art of play.
?
**********?
|
|
Thankful Thursday Prayer
Brothers and Sisters in Christ, we know the power of cooperative prayer. Thankful Thursday is a time for EVERYONE to thank God for ALL He has, is, and will do for us. Scriptures remind us of the importance of prayer. In Ephesians 6:18 we read: "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the Lord’s people."
Ruling Elder Delcia Harper-Baxter, Commissioned Pastor
|
|
|
Links of Interest
Synod of South Atlantic
Presbyterian Church, USA
Thornwell
Presbyterian Communities of S.C.
Montreat Conference Center
South Carolina Inn at Montreat
|
|
|
Job Opportunities
If you have the need to advertise a job position, please send the relevant information to me at
?Summerton Presbyterian Church is in need of a pianist or organist to substitute on Sunday mornings from 10:30 am until noon. The pay is competitive. If interested, please call 803-485-4593. If no answer, leave a message.
John Calvin Presbyterian Church is searching for a Nursery Assistant for Sunday mornings (1.5-2.0 hrs. per week). If you are interested download the job description by clicking on the link below. John Calvin Nursery Assistant.
|
|
|
|
LINK TO MAY 21 STATED MEETING BROCHURE
2022 PRESBYTERY MEETINGS
Saturday, February 26 - ZOOM
Saturday, May 21 - Presbyterian College
Tuesday, August 16 - Goodwill, Mayesville
Tuesday, November 15 - First Bennettsville
MISSION STATEMENT
(In broad ways, the Mission Statement guides NHP
In doing what God calls us to do as the people of God.)
New Harmony is a Presbytery that…
- Nurtures togetherness with resources for addressing issues of the 21st century;
- Walks alongside its pastoral leaders with care, equipping and encouraging faithfulness, growth, and creativity; and
- Supports, encourages, and promotes racial equality, social justice, and all forms of diversity within worship and ministry.
MINISTRY GOALS
(This is how NHP will focus efforts and resources in order to accomplish its Mission.)
- Engaging in new and creative ministries, as we live out of (not on) Presbyterian and Christian traditions.
- Embracing and being empowered by our diversity (connecting).
- Discovering, highlighting, celebrating and utilizing the various resources in our midst.
A new slogan which is commended to all in NHP!
“We trust in the Holy Spirit to lead us, instead of relying mainly on what we think we know.”
|
|
|
