Welcome to the
Presbytery of New Harmony
The Mission of the Presbytery of New Harmony is to strengthen, nurture, and sustain its congregations and ministers, and to participate in the wider mission of the church through its higher governing bodies.
The Presbytery of New Harmony, a member of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), is situated along the northeastern coast of South Carolina. We have 7,644 members across 11 counties in South Carolina. The presbytery office, located in Florence, supports 66 congregations and 80 resident ministers.
Please feel free to browse our website to find out more about us.
If you cannot find what you're looking for, please feel free to contact us at the addresses listed below.
Presbytery of New Harmony
PO Box 4025
Florence, SC
29502-4025
Phone 843-662-8411
Fax 843-665-1408
office@newharmonypres.org
Contact staff:
firstname@newharmonypres.org
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| Building Community Through Information |
April 18, 2018
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Prayers for...
Our two churches for the week:
Murrells Inlet Presbyterian Church,
Frank Holsclaw, interim pastor.
Myrtle Beach Presbyterian Church,
John Brearley, pastor;
Christa Brewer, associate paster; Judith Cettei,
parish associate.
Candidate
Fred "Tripp" Brogdon, III
(First, Sumter) Columbia Theological Seminary.
Inquirers
Marcy B. Carl (Georgetown) Dubuque Theological Seminary.
Caitlyn Hathaway (First, Hartsville)
to enter seminary in 2018.
Darren Wilson
(Friendship)
Union Presbyterian Seminary-Charlotte
Flury Wilson
(Friendship)
Union Presbyterian Seminary-Charlotte
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Local Church Information
If your congregation is planning an event you would like to advertise, please submit information, to Avery Dickson by Monday of the week you want it published.
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Local Church Mission Information
If your congregation has participated in a mission project or trip recently, we would like to share it with our presbytery. Please submit the information to Avery Dickson.
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Happening This Week in New Harmony
(Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are held at the Presbytery office.)
Synod of South Atlantic
April 19-20, Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church, Columbia
Cheraw area Minister & Educator lunch
April 19, River's Edge, 12 pm.
Faith & Fun Adventure Camp
April 20-22, Camp Pee Dee Retreat Center
Worship & Spiritual Formation Ministry
April 23, 10 am.
Administrative/Guiding Council
April 23, 12:30 pm.
Florence area Minister & Educator lunch
April 25, 12 pm, Stephano's.
Education & Nurture Ministry
April 26, 9:30 am.
Commissioner's Handbook Online
April 26.
Camp Rally at First Presbyterian Church, Hartsville
April 28, 10 am.
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Jason Steen to leave
Camp Pee Dee Retreat Center
Jason Steen, Facilities Director at Camp Pee Dee Retreat Center, has submitted his resignation to pursue a business venture.
Jason writes:
"This decision was made after much thought and prayer. This was not an easy decision as Camp Pee Dee has been part of my life for 43 years. Many life-long friendships have been developed since being called to camp almost 20 years ago... Not many people get the call to work with a wonderful group of people."
"God has opened a door that I could not have imagined...I ask for your prayers and blessings for my family and I as we start this new journey of life."
Jason's resignation is effective May 9, 2018.
Jason's skills and warm caring for Camp Pee Dee Retreat Center and its ministry will be missed. We wish him and his family the best.
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Pentecost Offering
Pentecost Offering: Theme- Building a Life of Faith based on Psalm 71:17- "God from my youth you have taught me."
The Pentecost Offering helps our young people begin life with a strong start - a solid foundation of faith formed in the years from childhood through young adulthood. Join us and the whole church in building for our future, in building individual lives of faith. If we all do a little, it adds up to a lot! A gift to the Pentecost Offering helps the church encourage, develop, and support its young people, and also address the needs of at-risk children. 40% of the Pentecost offering can be retained by individual congregations wanting to make an impact in the lives of young people within their own community. The remaining 60% is used to support ministries of the Presbyterian Mission Agency: Young Adult Volunteers, Ministries for Youth, and Children-at-Risk. The offering is typically taken on Pentecost Sunday ( May 20, 2018). There are many resources available that have been mailed to your church.
If you can't find them or need more, call Presbyterian Publishing at (800) 533-4371 or email customer_service@presbypub.com. |
Lay School of Theology
The S.C. Lay School, sponsored by the five presbyteries of South Carolina, holds two weekend sessions each year on the campus of Presbyterian College in Clinton. The two-track program offers the Lay Enrichment Track for those who seek spiritual enrichment and study. The Lay Pastor Track is for those who wish to become qualified to serve as pulpit supply or become eligible for commissioning to a lay pastor position.
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223rd General Assembly
 June 16-23, 2018St. Louis, MO.
The General Assembly consists of commissioners elected by presbyteries. Half of the commissioners will be ruling elders, half will be teaching elders. Few will ever have been commissioners to the General Assembly before, but most will have served in one of the other governing bodies of our church: the session, which provides care and oversight of a local congregation; the presbytery, which provides care and oversight of a group of congregations; or the synod which provides care and oversight of several presbyteries. [ more]
Explore the General Assembly information on the website and subsequent links. |
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Mission Opportunity:
Hurricane Relief in Florida
The Florence Area Missional Cluster is sponsoring a mission trip to Florida. Consider joining us in this effort.
April 30 - May 4, 2018
Rebuilding after Hurricane Irma
Contact: Lisa Culpepper
843-229-0346
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Mission to Lesvos Greece to Serve Refugees
July 16-27, 2018
Take a step of faith that will change your life and the lives of others:
Prayerfully consider taking part in this unique opportunity to serve "the least and the lost," who have left home and family seeking a new life. Come with us and bring the light of Christ to troubled hearts.
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| Camp Pee Dee Retreat Center |
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| Treasured Tuesday
On Tuesday, May 15, Dr. Lisa Culpepper will join us at Camp Pee Dee Retreat Center to provide an update on her most recent trip to Lebanon. You will be inspired as you hear the stories of pastors and faithful Christians who serve the church in difficult places and war torn areas. She will also take you into the refugee schools that are serving precious children who are displaced by the 7 year war in Syria.
We will begin at 10:30 a.m. with lunch at 11:45 am. Lunch is $10 per person.
The Menu: Hamburger Steak with optional Grilled Onions, Bell Peppers and Mushrooms, Baked Potato with Sour Cream and Chives, Broccoli and Cheese, Tossed Salad, Dinner Roll, and Peach Cobbler
Reservations are required. Contact Kelly Boone at (843) 479-3051 with any questions or to register. Please register by Thursday, May 10.
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| A Mother's Story
Camp Pee Dee has had a powerful impact on my family!
At least one of my four children has attended Camp Pee Dee for the last 5 years. This summer will mark the 3rd year all four will have attended.
My oldest will be returning this summer as a camp counselor. His decision to apply for this position was solely based on the positive and uplifting experiences he has had over the years at Camp Pee Dee.
My second to oldest child NEVER wanted to stay away from home; however, a few years ago in his early teens, I enrolled him in camp. Begrudgingly, he attended with the promise he could come home mid-week when I picked up his youngest brother from mini-camp.
When I arrived, the child whose anxiety of being away from home almost overcame him, was having the time of his life! [ more] |
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Camp Rally
Register by April 20, 2018. We will enjoy crafts, playing games, learning energizers, singing songs, sharing smores' and much more! Grades K-12. Lunch will be provided.
To register contact Kelly Boone at (843)479-3051 or go to camppeedee.org to register.
We hope you to see you there!
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Faith & Fun Adventure Camp:
Discovering Your Purpose
 1 Samuel 16:4 -17:58 3rd - 5th Grade
April 20 - 22, 2018
Cost: $215 per person
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Camp Pee Dee Retreat Center Work Days
Mark Your Calendars! Upcoming Work Days:
Saturday, May 12
Wednesday, September 12
Saturday, October 13
Wednesday, November 14
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Upcoming Events at
Camp Pee Dee Retreat Center
Faith & Fun Adventure Camp
3rd - 5th grade
April 20 - 22, 2018
Loving Yourself Camp - Part 2
8th - 12th grade girls
August 24 - 26, 2018
Family Camp
October 19 - 21, 2018
Summer Camp Reunion
November 2 - 4, 2018
More information coming soon!
Contact Kelly Boone at (843) 479-3051
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April Board Connections
The latest news from the Board of Pensions is available online. |
Online Courses at
Union Theological Seminary
 Pathways to Learning and Learning and Leadership courses - online courses for church members and those interested in becoming Commissioned Ruling Elders. Courses are five weeks long, include two hours of live instruction online every week along with about four hours of at-home work.
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Plan to join us May 21-25 for the 2018 Festival of Homiletics in Washington, D.C.
The Festival of Homiletics annually draws more than 1,500 preachers together for amazing lectures, preaching, worship and renewal. The 2018 theme is "Preaching and Politics." Watch a 1-minute video to get a sneak peek.
Be inspired by God's Word proclaimed by some of the nation's finest preachers and teachers, including:
Walter Brueggemann Richard Rohr
Diana Butler Bass Eric Barreto
Mariann Budde Karoline Lewis
Luke Powery
We hope you will join us! Please visit our website to learn more. |
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Columbia Theological Seminary -
Lifelong Learning
 Columbia Seminary Center for Lifelong Learning (CLL) is accepting applications for two new programs made possible by a $1 million grant to expand its Pastoral Excellence Program. The first two scheduled are the Colloquy for Rural Church Clergy and the Colloquy for Latino/a Clergy. Both will be held on the seminary campus, and include two sessions (summer and winter).
More information can be found here.
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| 2018 Synod Meeting
April 19-20, 2018
Columbia, SC
The 2018 Stated Meeting of Synod of the South Atlantic will be held at Seven Oaks Presbyterian Church in Columbia, from Noon on Thursday, April 19th through Noon on Friday, April 20th. Guest registration is open (below). The Keynote Speaker will be Dr. Martha Moore-Keish, J.B. Green Associate Professor of Theology at Columbia Theological Seminary. Learn more about Dr. Moore-Keish and the Synod meeting by clicking on this link.
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Better Angels
"Using the Power of Community to Change the World"
October 8-11, 2018
When we look at the intersection of today's headlines and God's concern we see topics like racism, #metoo, immigration, and violence. In each of these discussions, the common thread is power. It's the same when we look at the topics of spirited discussion in our churches, like the budget, mission, stewardship, and recruitment of leaders. And yet power is something we rarely talk about, analyze, or organize around, even though we're dealing with it, using it, or finding ourselves without it, all the time.
This conference will examine the biblical, theological, and sociological understandings of power and the church's relationship to it. When do we build power for the gospel, and when do we resist the powers that oppose it? How is power necessary for congregational leadership, and when does it divide? How do we wield power in the church in unifying ways without diminishing Jesus' radical call to discipleship?
For more information, click here .
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Crossroads Antiracism Training
August 17-19, 2018
In January of 2017, Montreat Conference Center staff engaged in a day-long training session with a team from Crossroads, and found it to be useful for inspiring long-term and site-specific conversations about the journey to overcome the dehumanizing effects of racism. We want to make a similar, more in depth opportunity available to congregations, pastors, Christian educators, session leaders, church staff, and volunteers.
Space is limited, and scholarship funds are available.
This introductory training by Crossroads Antiracism Organizing and Training Event will provide participants with a shared analysis of systemic racism in the United States. Using an action-reflection model, the training will seek to answer three questions: What is the current reality of racism in the US? Why is this still our current reality? How can we intervene strategically to disrupt and dismantle racism?
The training will include definitions of key concepts such as racism, prejudice, power, and dominant culture. Participants will receive capacity-building tools and resources to work for antiracist transformation in their churches and institutions.
This weekend training event is intended for individuals or groups from congregations who want to learn more about how their work can be transformed, with workshop time devoted to:
- Preaching
- Leading institutional change
- Children and families
- Youth and young adults
- Public witness
For more information, click here.
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Your Own Getaway Place in the Mountains
 What better place for a getaway than your home in the mountains: the South Carolina Inn at Montreat? Whether for a weekend or for a week (or 2 or 3) come and stay in the house or an apartment. You'll be glad you did. There's a rocking chair waiting for you at South Carolina Inn in Montreat. Come rock with us!
Chuck Brown, Manager SC Inn at Montreat
800.669.7460 or 828.669.7460
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Women's Connection -
"Through the Valley"
Keynote Speaker: Kate Bowler
August 10-12, 2018
Montreat Conference Center
Registration now open.
Women's Connection 2018 will seek to be a time for women to find encouragement, empowerment, connection, comfort, and challenge. We will do this through powerful and authentic worship led by women, providing space for honest and faithful conversation, and allowing time for discernment and renewing rest.
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National Association of Presbyterian Clergywomen Triennial 2018
 "Dragons, Frogs, & Other Fairy Tales of Women in Ministry" April 23-26, 2018
Montreat Conference Center
Keynote Preacher Rev. Floretta Barbee-Watkins
Worship Preacher is the Rev. Dr. Tracy Keenan
Scholarships are available...Childcare will be available
The invitation is also extended to Clergymen, CREs, Seminarians & Laity.
More information
Questions
JoAnne Sharp revnapc@gmail.com
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Meet us in St. Louis
September 24-26, 2018
for September 24-26, 2018
so you don't miss this annual
event offering plenary speakers, workshops, and worship experiences, with incredible networking
opportunities among others passionate about stewardship and generosity.
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If you have the need to advertise a job position or promote a church function, please send the relevant information to avery@newharmonypres.org. |
| Christian Educator Needed
First Presbyterian Church of Hartsville is seeking a Director of Christian Education. This position is full time and reports to Pastor and Head of Staff. Duties are: Design, implement and evaluate a Christian Education program that fits "today's reality" for all age groups, with a particular emphasis on children and families. This includes classroom, fellowships, special educational events and retreats. Provide for teacher/leader recruitment, training and nurture, recommend, then secure, curriculum and resource materials. Coordinate all educational plans and events with the church calendar. Maintain a resource room. Recommend educational resources for the library. Advocate CE's objectives and programs to the congregation. Build excitement for CE. Serve on the Early Childhood Educational Program Advisory Board. Work with Session and Pastor as a staff member in ministry.
For more information contact Mr. Bob Kearns, Chair Educator Search Committee; cell 843-858-6976 or e-mail kearnsr@aol.com. |
"A Taste of Second"
"O taste and see that the Lord is good" -Psalm 34:8a
~ Beautifully Decorated Tables & Delicious Food~
Come! Join us for Food, Fun and Fellowship
Saturday, April 21, 2018, at 4:00pm
Second Presbyterian Church (USA)
803-773-5475 or 803-481-3323
Rev. Dr. Ella F. Busby, Pastor Elder Dorothy McBride, Clerk
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Financial Help for Worship & Spiritual Formation Conferences
If you need financial help to attend PCUSA worship and/or spiritual conference, scholarship help might be available. Contact Julie Cox for more information.
Congregational Development Ministry offering grants for
positive and inspiring programs
The Congregation Development Ministry is one of the Program Ministries of New Harmony Presbytery and it is here to partner with your congregation. We stand ready to assist churches with their needs and requests. In recent history, many of these have been centered on emergencies, maintenance problems, salary shortfalls and other items that disrupt the mission and ministry of our congregations. In 2018, we are planning to offer assistance in other ways also. The CDM encourages you to apply for grants to do positive and inspiring programs in your church or community. These grants will typically be $2,000.00 each but we will consider any and all requests.
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