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 7,534 members across 12 counties in South Carolina. The presbytery office, located in Florence, supports 65 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 |
January 31, 2018
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Happening in New Harmony Presbytery
(Unless otherwise noted, all meetings are held at the Presbytery office.)
Presbyterian Woman Spiritual Retreat
February 2, 9 am.
Sumter Lunch
February 11, 12:30 pm, Willie Sue's
Committee on Ministry
February 12, 2 pm.
Camping Ministry
February 12, 4:30 pm.
Grand Strand Lunch
February 14, 12 pm, Surf Diner
New Harmony Presbytery's Office Hours
Monday - Thursday, 9 am - 5 pm
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New Harmony Presbytery Selected for PCUSA's Vital Congregations Initiative
We are excited to share the good news that New Harmony Presbytery is one of only 14 presbyteries selected for the Vital Congregations Initiative! This initiative is designed to help congregations live more faithfully as disciples of Jesus Christ. It is a two year covenant relationship between presbyteries and the PC(USA) "to prayerfully walk with pastors and existing congregations in intentional efforts of revitalization." The revitalization initiative focuses on 7 marks of congregational vitality: lifelong discipleship formation; intentional, authentic evangelism; outward incarnational focus; empower servant leadership; spirit-inspired worship; caring relationships; and congregational health. |
This ministry helps our neighbors on John's and Wadmalaw Islands stay in their homes by providing much needed repairs to their homes. Members volunteer to work on these projects for as little or as much time as they are able. Participation in this ministry is also through donations of tools, building supplies, and money.
If volunteers are looking for a wonderful in-state opportunity I encourage them to contact Linda Mecchi.
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First Friday Concert at
First Presbyterian Church, Hartsville
First Presbyterian Church First Friday Concert--Friday, February 1st at noon in the church sanctuary. Christ McLain, soprano, Jerron Jorgensen, tenor, and Ronda McElveen, piano will present selections by Weber, Puccini, Menotti, and more!!
Come and bring a friend. Concert is free and the public is invited to attend.
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Meet Scott Jensen, Interim Camp Director for Camp Pee Dee Retreat Center
Scott Jensen, from Albert Lea, MN served as director at Storm Mountain Center, a United Methodist camp & conference center near Rapid City, SD for 17 years. Scott retired from that role in November 2017. Scott, a U. S. Army veteran, has been working for the state of South Dakota's Department of Labor, dealing with military veterans employment issues, since his retirement from Storm Mountain Center.
Scott has been married to Dyla for 31 years; they have a blended family of four sons. Their sons are all married and live in Blue Ash, OH; Kansas City, MO; Portland, OR and Minneapolis, MN. Scott and Dyla have 7 wonderful grandchildren.
Scott looks forward to assisting in moving Camp Pee Dee forward and working with all of New Harmony Presbytery. Scott began as Interim Camp Director on January 1, 2019.
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| IRS Mileage Rate to Change
Beginning on Jan. 1, 2019, the standard mileage rates for the use of a car (also vans, pickups or panel trucks) will be: 58 cents per mile driven for business use, up 3.5 cents from the rate for 2018,
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Hurricane Florence Response in
New Harmony Presbytery
Even before the flood waters have receded, an outpouring of support from Presbyterians around the country has been flowing into New Harmony Presbytery. Many are asking how to donate to relief efforts. There are several ways.
Monetary donations may be made directly to the Presbytery of New Harmony. If you wish, you can designate your donation to a specific member church or organization within the Presbytery. Send checks to P.O. Box 4025, Florence, SC 29502-4025.
Or, you can donate through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance on-line by going to: pda.pcusa.ord/situation/hurricane-florence/. Donations through PDA will be used throughout the disaster coverage area for Florence relief.
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Lenten Studies for Youth
Preparing for the Wilderness- This six-week study invites teens to explore various Scripture passages that are connected to nature and to discuss the themes found within them. Each session uses one of the following Bible stories:
- Jesus' experience of temptation in the wilderness
- God's promise to Noah following the great flood
- the relationship between Sarai and Hagar
- the story of the Israelites complaining in the wilderness
- the role of the Psalms in Scripture
- the story of the Samaritan Woman
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New Lenten Devotional Uses
African American Spirituals
 Westminster John Knox Press announces the release of " Were You There?: Lenten Reflections on the Spirituals" by Luke A. Powery.
Valuable not only for their sublime musical expression, African American spirituals provide profound insights into the human condition and Christian life. Many spirituals focus on the climax of the Christian drama, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, and the ways in which those events bring about the liberation of God's people.
In these devotions for the season of Lent, Powery leads the reader through the spirituals as they confront the mystery of Christ's atoning death and victory over the grave. Each selection includes the lyrics of the spiritual, a reflection by the author on the spiritual's meaning, a Scripture verse related to that meaning, and a brief prayer.
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South Carolina Inn at Montreat
Brochure Available
 Your "Home in the Mountains," South Carolina Inn at Montreat, has their 2019 Brochure available. You may access the brochure here for the latest information.
Visit South Carolina Inn for your housing needs in Montreat, whether for a conference, or to enjoy the mountains and explore the area.
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| Plans for Big Tent Underway
 August 1-3, 2019Baltimore, MD
Coordinators for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s Big Tent 2019 have hit the ground running in the new year. Last week, the planning team traveled to Baltimore, the site of this year's event as well as the 224th General Assembly. The team met with the Presbytery of Baltimore and other community organizations to talk logistics and programming.
"We are excited to be holding Big Tent in Baltimore this year. We're coming off of the momentum of the last General Assembly, where we engaged with the community of St. Louis. With the next General Assembly being held in Baltimore in 2020, this gives us a chance to build some engagement and momentum there," said Tom Hay, director of assembly operations with the Office of the General Assembly. "The Stated Clerk has asked that when we have a major meeting in a city, that we engage that city. Baltimore is a perfect context for having conversations about justice, poverty and racism."
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New Confirmation Material
Are you Interested in the New PC(USA) Confirmation Study? Big God Big Questions: Confirmation for a Growing Faith prepares youth to understand and answer the Confirmation questions: - Trusting in the gracious mercy of God, do you turn from the ways of sin and renounce evil and its power in the world?- Who is your Lord and Savior?- Will you be Christ's faithful disciple obeying his word and showing his love?- Will you devote yourself to the church's teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers? The sample book contains one complete session from each of the following: the Teacher's Guide, the BIG Journal, the Home/Mentor Guide, and the Infographics. Sample videos for sessions 1 and 2, as well as downloadable samples of the other curriculum components are available here. |
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Association of Smaller Congregations
32nd Annual Conference & Retreat
(Program Council could assist with scholarships for Sessions who request it and have also provided money to send their folks.)
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), Synod of South Atlantic and Beyond
Reclaiming Vitality: 7 Biblical Marks
of Vital Small Churches
March 15-17, 2019
Epworth-by-the Sea, St. Simons Island, GA
Keynote: Kathryn Threadgill, Associate for Vital Congregations, Presbyterian Mission Agency.
Churches are in a critical time of awakening, and smaller congregations - where the majority of Presbyterians worship - are on the front line of the Holy Spirit's powerful work of revitalization. Small church leaders have the flexibility and creative power to show the way to the Church that Jesus Crist is calling us to be. The Rev. Dr. Kathryn Threadgill has been working with PC(USA) congregations across the country to discern the faithful actions that increase vitality in even our smallest churches - and it turns out that the actions are right there in Scripture. Join us as we explore with Kathryn the seven Biblical marks that can help small congregations live into faithful discipleship and compelling mission.
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| Clergy Clinic for Family Emotional Process
You are invited to attend Clergy Clinic for Family Emotional Process, an interdenominational workshop sponsored by the Western North Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church and hosted by St. Andrew's UMC in Charlotte, NC. The dates for this outstanding training event are March 11-13, June 3-5, and September 9-11, 2019. Tuition for the entire nine-day series is $1400 for those who register by January 21, 2019.
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Dr. Frank A. Thomas
Selected as Smyth Lecturer
 Columbia Theological Seminary announced that author, scholar and renowned preacher Dr. Frank A. Thomas, the Nettie Sweeney and Hugh Th. Miller Professor of Homiletics at Christian Theological Seminary, will be the 2019 Smyth lecturer.
Thomas will deliver two lectures offered free to the public in the Harrington Center Chapel on the seminary campus located at 701 S. Columbia Drive, Decatur, GA. The first lecture will be on Tuesday, February 5, at 7-8PM, and the second lecture on Wednesday, February 6 at 11AM-Noon.. A reception will be held immediately after the first lecture. Find out More. |
| Per Capita Letter from Synod Executive, Joyce Leiberman
Presbyteries of the Synod of South Atlantic,
As your Synod Executive and Stated Clerk I travel all around the Synod of South Atlantic; 21,000 miles in my first year with you. And in my travels I have been blessed to worship with congregations and presbyteries, heard how God's Spirit is stirring you into new ways of being the church, and seen how the Word is being made flesh through your ministries of love and compassion. I often return home from my travels with joy in my heart for the ways you are sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ in your part of the synod.
In July, I attended the synod-wide family and youth retreat of our Korean ministers and members. Part of my address to the 180 youth in attendance was to share a concrete way the Synod of South Atlantic impacts them: their retreat was supported by over 180,000 other Presbyterians throughout Florida, Georgia and South Carolina. And that those same Presbyterians also support gatherings of our Black and Hispanic caucuses, including other youth in the synod. This is just one ministry which expresses our mutual interconnection as the Synod of South Atlantic.
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February 6-9, 2019
- Come be refreshed, gather with old friends and meet new ones.
- Come be inspired by uplifting worship and thought-provoking speakers.
- Come explore new ways to engage our vision for faith formation through worship and mission.
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 Click on banner above for latest Board of Pensions news.
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Habit for Humanity Needs Volunteers
Marion County Habitat for Humanity is in need of volunteers to assist with flooring and drywall work on two homes in the Nichols area. Anyone interested should call the office at (843) 464-3747. You can visit the habitat website at: https://www.marionschabitatforhumanity.org |
Transitional Ministry
Education Offerings-2019
 Week 1: Introduction to Transitional MinistryThis course is for individuals who are considering ministry in temporary settings (as an interim, transitional or designated pastor) or are experiencing ministry in these transitional times. Materials presented will include the basics of transitional ministry and will be of value to all congregational pastors regardless of ministry setting.
Week 2: The Practice of Transitional Ministry
This course is the second part of the transitional ministry education sequence and is tailored for those who want to go deeper, and who may already be serving in a temporary position. Prerequisites: Completion of Week 1, ordinarily between six months and six years prior (or by prior approval of the faculty team leader) and the completion of assignments provided upon registration.
Transitional Executive Education
This course is designed for experienced transitional leaders who are interested in serving in wider councils of the church.
Spouse Track
This course is designed for individuals whose spouse maybe considering or engaged in transitional ministry. Spouses learn in a retreat-like atmosphere with learning opportunities to understand transitional ministry and ample free time to hike, read and relax.
For further information, dates, and places, click here and click on the pdf symbol in the middle of the page. |
| Save the Date
"The Art of Yes and..."
SOUTH ATLANTIC PUERTO RICO REGION OF APCE
WHEN: November 14-16, 2019
LEADERSHIP
Featured Speaker: Rev. MaryAnn McKibben Dana
(Author of God, Improv, and The Art of Living)
Worship and Music: Rev. Bill Carter (Presbybop Music)
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Montreat Youth Conference
 Once again, it's time to start planning for Montreat Youth Conference. Registration for the 2019 conference is open now, and we can't wait to see familiar and new group registrations coming in! |
| Big Tent, 2019
Baltimore, Maryland has been selected as the location for Big Tent 2019. The event will be held August 1-3 at the adjacent downtown Radisson and Lord Baltimore Hotels. Additional event details will be published as they become available.
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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 presbyeducator@gmail.com. |
Chaplain Position Available
 The Laurel Crest Retirement Community in West Columbia (a Life Plan retirement community owned and operated by Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina) is seeking a half-time chaplain. As a member of the leadership team who reports to the Community's Executive Director, the chaplain is responsible for pastoral care of the residents, their families, and the staff of the Community. Other duties include planning and conducting worship services, Bible study, and spiritual activities for residents in independent living, assisted living, and health care. The chaplain must be an ordained minister and must have a demonstrated interest and experience in working with older adults.
Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina is a compassionate Christian ministry dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seniors of all faiths.
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SC Inn at Montreat
Searching for an Interim House Manager
The Board of Trustees of the South  Carolina Inn at Montreat announce the search for an Interim House Manager. Anyone interested, please email your resume to Cynthia Wilson -- cpwils210@aol.com.
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| Director of Life Enrichment
The Florence Presbyterian Community is seeking a Director of Life Enrichment. This pivotal role will be responsible for planning, developing, and implementing the community's life enrichment programming for all residents, as well as supervising the life enrichment coordinators.
In addition, the position will use the seven dimensions of wellness as part of organizing and evaluating a successful program for the community.
The minimum requirements are Associate Degree, two years experience in related field, and knowledge of the greater Florence and surrounding area for activity planning.
If you want to be apart of a team that values relationships, service, teamwork, and excellence, submit your cover letter and resume to FLO-career@prescomm.org by February 1, 2019.
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| Organist/Pianist & Adult Choir Director
Williamsburg Presbyterian Church in Kingstree is seeking an organist/pianist and adult choir director to begin in February, 2019. The active, energetic adult choir meets on Wednesday evenings before church supper and Sunday mornings before worship to practice. The congregation is blessed with a Moeller organ.
This part-time position has a negotiable salary. Resume' should be sent to wmsbpresbyk@ftc-i.net or 411 N. Academy St., Kingstree, SC 29556. |
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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.
Program Council offering grants for
positive and inspiring programs
The Congregational 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 2019, 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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Youth Lenten Study from 
