Presbytery Summary

Digest of May 13, 2025, 117^th Gathering

of the Presbytery of New Harmony

The Presbytery of New Harmony held its 117^th Gathering at Second Presbyterian Church, Sumter, on May 13, 2025. The Moderator, Rev. Ashley Cheek called the meeting to order with prayer. Following the declaration of a quorum, the Docket and Omnibus Motion were adopted. First-time Ruling Elders were welcomed. Corresponding Members were introduced and seated. Rev. Dr. Ella Busby, host pastor, welcomed the Presbytery and gave historical and pertinent information to the Presbytery.

Worship was led by Rev. Ashley Cheek, RE Barbara Champagne, Rev. Nathan See, and Rev. Josie Holler, Rev. Dr. Ella Busby, and Rev. Gavin Meek. Music was provided by Grace Johnson. Worship followed the theme that “The Presbytery of New Harmony…Belonging to God…Belonging to Our True Selves…Belonging to One Another.” The offering was given for mission programs chosen by Second Presbyterian Church, Sumter. 

Presbytery heard from those who attended the session on New Outreach Initiatives. Rev. John Brearley shared experiences in stepping out into new ministry opportunities. Ruling Elder Linda Jackson made a presentation on the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women. Good news from congregations was shared by Ruling Elders. Rev. Tom Dendy, a representative from the South Carolina Inn at Montreat Board, made a presentation about a special campaign to winterize the William Brearley Home. 

Presbytery took the following action:

• Received a report from the Stated Clerk, Gavin Meek, which highlighted statistics about church membership. At the end of 2024, there were 6,368 members reported by Clerks of Sessions, a net loss of 132 members. There are 65 minister members, 10 Commissioned Pastors, and 1 Certified Christian Educator.
• Received a report from the Committee on Preparation for Ministry and approved recommendations, after successful examinations of personal faith and experience of God’s grace, to enroll Inquirers Randolph Green, Cate Henderson Jobe, and Naomi McQuiller as Candidates for Ordination.
• Received a report from the Committee on Ministry and approved recommendations to approve the Amended Policy on Sexual Misconduct and Harassment and the Amended Code of Ethics. Rev. Dr. David Ruth, Supply Pastor at Williamsburg Presbyterian Church and Rev. Dr. Joe Rigsby, Supply Pastor at Goodwill Presbyterian Church introduced themselves to the Presbytery. Representatives from Congruity and Goodwill Presbyterian Churches, forming one Larger Parish, and representatives from Friendship, Harmony, and Westminster Presbyterian Churches, forming another Larger Parish, signed contracts with Cyclical Full Circle to begin the process of planning ministry and mission together. 
• Received a report from the Committee on Representation and Nominations and elected Ruling Elder May Terwiske to the Committee on Ministry, in the Class of 2026, and elected Ruling Elder Commissioner Robert Calendar, Teaching Elder Commissioner Ashley Cheek, and Young Adult Advisory Delegate Lydia Cheek to the 227th General Assembly.
• Received a report from the Guiding Council, which highlighted actions taken, including a request from the Committee on Ministry to provide a $50,000 Mission and Ministry Grant to each new Parish after certain criteria has been met. 
• Received reports from the Hebron, New Harvest, and Timmonsville Administrative Commissions.

Following announcements and expressions of thanks, the meeting was adjourned with prayer by Moderator, Ashley Cheek.

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