Presbytery Summary
Digest of August 23, 2025, 118th Gathering
of the Presbytery of New Harmony
The Presbytery of New Harmony held its 118th Gathering by ZOOM on August 23, 2025. Moderator, Rev. Ashley Cheek, called the meeting to order with prayer. Following the declaration of a quorum, the Docket and Omnibus Motion were adopted. Land and Labor Acknowledgements were presented by the Moderator. Review of and approval of the Docket and Omnibus Motion were taken. First-time Ruling Elders were welcomed and recognized. Corresponding Members were introduced and seated. Rev. Dr. Glen Bell, Senior Vice President, Presbyterian Foundation presented the Devotion. Following the devotion, participants went into breakout rooms for reflection on questions provided by Dr. Bell.
Presentations were heard from
- the Presbyterian Historical Society by David Staniunas, Records Archivist, Asst. Stated Clerk (sharing information of how the PHS can be of service to churches);
- Blessings and Benefits of a Professional Coach by Temple Robinson, Certified Coach (sharing how a coach can strengthen your ministry and the ministry of your congregation); and
- the Insurance Board by Steve Pardue, South Carolina Representative (sharing how the Insurance Board can provide insurance help for your congregation).
Presbytery took the following action:
- Received a Report from the Guiding Council, which included the first reading of the 2026 Budget for questions of clarification and understanding and approved New Harmony Presbytery’s per capita for 2026 by $.58. The Guiding Council received written reports from the Executive Presbyter and Stated Clerk, the South Carolina Inn at Montreat Review Team, boundaries of the five SC presbyteries. Approved Certificates of Celebration of 150 years of ministry for Congruity Presbyterian Church and Summerton Presbyterian Church.
- Receive a Report from the 'Committee on Ministry, which highlighted approving a minimum 3% increase in minimum terms of calls (Effective Salary) for 2026 and urging that the 3% increase be applied to all ministers whose Effective Salary is above minimum and a 3% increase for all other congregational staff.
- Received a Report from the Committee on Preparation for Ministry, which included placing Ray Dobell, student at Union Seminary in Charlotte, on the list of Inquirers.
- Received a report on his Sabbatical by EP/SC Gavin Meek which included thanks to leaders of New Harmony Presbytery who stepped up to take care of the few issues that needed addressing in his absence.
- Received reports from Administrative Commissions for Fraser Memorial, Hebron, New Harvest, and Timmonsville Presbyterian Churches.
Following expressions of thanks, the meeting was adjourned with prayer by Moderator, Ashley Cheek.
