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October 6, 2021
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Presbytery Office Hours: By Appointment

Charleston Atlantic Presbytery Staff Listing
Charleston Atlantic Presbytery Directory
Pulpit Supply List

Please send information to be included in the CHATline to dblackwelder@capresbytery.org by noon on Tuesday.
Presbytery News
Pray for Our Churches

We will highlight a CAP church each week and invite you to join us in prayer for them. This week we pray for Peace Church Development in Charleston. Peace was founded in 1962 and has 246 members. Will Dietrich is their pastor.
WHAT IS GOING ON
WITH HANDS OF CHRIST?
   
It is the fall season and children are going back to school.  Under normal conditions Hands of Christ would be holding clothing distributions at up to eighteen sites in the six Low Country counties. Unfortunately this isn't a normal time, Covid threatens us all, especially young children, older adults, and those with "preconditions".  Hands of Christ has had to change its distribution plans.

Now, either School Districts or Partner Churches send out clothing orders to the schools to be filled out for up to 60 children. They are asked to give each child's first name, gender, age, grade level, pants size and shirt size. Also included is contact information from each school.  Once filled out the order form is emailed back to Jim Frye. A packing team of approximately seven volunteers then schedules the packing of individual bags for each child from that particular school. The bag consists of one pair of pants, one polo style shirt, a pair of underwear, a pair of socks, and a bag of grade related school supplies. Once all the bags are packed, a Partner Church closest to the school is asked to deliver the bags directly to the school so that they can distribute directly to the child or the family by school employees and staff. This method keeps contact to a minimum.

During normal distributions Hands of Christ would distribute to as many as 5000 or more children per year.  Last year only children in Charleston County were serviced, and we served nearly 1400 children. This year with an expanded area covered we have served over 600 in a three week period. We are stocked to serve near 3000 children with this program through November hopefully if inventories hold up.

In normal years Hands of Christ used up to 1200 volunteers each year. This year we have reduced that to less than 100 to keep contact to a minimum. We are fortunate to have such dedicated volunteers to pack and deliver clothes. Since 2003, nearly 65,000 children have received school clothing from Hands of Christ and it's Partner Churches. We aim to continue this program on a yearly basis. Hopefully sooner, rather than later, we will be able to get back to a "normal" distribution where families are involved in picking out their clothing at the distribution sites. Hands of Christ thanks all involved in our program for their support, their prayers, and their dedication.
Vaccination and Faithfulness in a Time of Pandemic
*The PC(USA) urges vaccination against COVID-19*

"The theological commitments of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) compel us to support vaccination against COVID-19 for all people except those who are unable to receive the vaccines due either to age or medical condition...read more HERE...
Resources
New for Advent 2021: 
Night Watch: Advent Devotional by Teri McDowell Ott from Presbyterian Outlook
The devotions are available as a downloadable set of weekly PDFs.  They are ready to be emailed to the congregation.  Or you can print as many you need.  You will receive color and black-and-white versions of both full-page devotions and half-page bulletin inserts. Each week includes a reflection, daily Scripture readings, suggestions for living out the Bible and a short prayer for each day. They will be available for download on November 8. Buy 4 weeks of Advent devotions: $23
Advent in Plain Sight: A Devotion Through Ten Objects by Jill Duffield- In this daily devotional for Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany, the author draws readers’ attention to ten ordinary objects that appear in the biblical narratives of messianic prophesy and incarnation—objects (gates, tears, belts, trees, cloth, light, hearts, gold, stars, and water) we encounter in our own lives. Advent in Plain Sight prompts readers to see the near kingdom of heaven on earth and ponder what that divine proximity enables and asks them to do and be. Each daily devotional features a Scripture reading, prayer, and reflection, reminding Christians that God still dwells among us, even in the most ordinary places.  The devotions begin the first Sunday of Advent and go through the Baptism of the Lord Sunday.  Also available are digital resources.  You'll find images and guides to augment your Advent sermon series and small-group discussions, as well as marketing materials to help you invite others to join you.  The digital resources are free and available here.
Year of Leader Formation Webinar for Deacons

If you missed the webinar on the ministry of deacons, you can watch this and other leader formation webinars on THIS LINK.
We are hosting two Follow Me webinars in October! Join us as we give you the opportunity to learn more about our new curriculum Follow Me: Biblical Practices for Faithful Living. Additionally, we are giving you the opportunity to meet one of the Follow Me editors and ask your questions. Finally, we will be sharing with you tips and tricks for using Follow Mein a hybrid or online setting. RSVP for these webinars by using the links below. 
Follow Me webinar October 14 noon EST
Follow Me webinar October 20 7 pm EST
Children’s Sabbath- October 17

The 2021 theme for the Children’s Sabbath is “Where Does It Hurt?”: Listening to Heal Our Children.  The Children’s Defense Fund provides Christian Resources for a worship service (worship resource).  Also available is a one-hour lesson plan for preschool through high school that can be used in a church school class, mid-week program, or at a special event. (lesson plan).  Other resources available are: 7 Day Guide for Prayer and Reflection, Bulletin Inserts, and Action Guides (other resources) 
COVID-19 and Kids: What’s a Parent to Do?

Continuing its series of outreach during the pandemic, the Cory Johnson Program for Post-Traumatic Healing at Roxbury Presbyterian Church in Boston on Monday hosted the webinar “COVID-19 and Kids: What’s a Parent to Do?” Roxbury Presbyterian Church’s pastor, the Rev. Liz Walker, a former television news anchor, and the Rev. Dr. Gloria White-Hammond, a pediatrician and the co-pastor of Bethel AME Church in Boston, co-hosted a four-person panel. To view the webinar, go here
Conferences, Gatherings, and Events
You are invited to join The Fresh Start divorce support group.
Become renewed and revitalized with this Christian program.
There is life after divorce!
 
WHAT:  A program for those who are divorced or separated.
 
WHEN:  Wednesdays 4:30 - 5:30pm, October 20, 27 and November 3, 10 and 17
 
WHERE:  First Scots Presbyterian Church
 
BOOK:  The Fresh Start Divorce Recovery Workbook by Bob Burns and Tom Whiteman.  Available through First (Scots) or online.
 
RSVP:  To Rev. Tracey Daniel, tdaniel@first-scots.org by October 6
Come shop the sale between 9am and 3pm. There's furniture, clothes, games, frames, sporting goods, cookware, dishes, electronics, books, lamps, holiday decorations, garden, housewares, jewelry, and much, much more at great prices! Free on-site parking at the corner of Elizabeth and John Streets. CDC guidelines will be followed.
OUTSIDE THE WALLS (now all virtual)

Join other church educators in the APCE SOAP Region (SC, GA, FL, and Puerto Rica) for "Outside the Walls," our 2021 Regional Event, scheduled for November 4 - 5, 2021, We are excited to welcome Reverend Aisha Brooks-Lytle as our keynote speaker, and Eric Nanz will lead us in worship. Our time together will be filled with worship, plenary sessions, break-out discussions. Register here. The cost is $75.

Questions about the Event? Contact Andrea Paschal 
Questions about registering for the Event? Contact Jan Williamson.
Register HERE.
Youth Ministry in an Era of Pandemic
and Over-Parenting

Join Dr. Andrew Root online Monday, October 18 from 7:00-8:30 (EDT)as participants explore “Youth Ministry in an Era of Pandemic and Over-Parenting” and turn toward story to reimagine what youth ministry can be. The event is sponsored by the Institute for Youth Ministry at Princeton Theological Seminary. The event is $14, you can register here.
Gathering Around Books (The GAB Group)
4th Friday of each month, 5:30 p.m. 
 
Do you love to read and discuss what you have read with fellow bibliophiles?  If so, Mount Pleasant Presbyterian Church invites you join them for a monthly discussion facilitated by Parish Associate Lib McGregor Simmons of a fiction or non-fiction book which may not be overtly religious, but contains content and themes that can be discussed from a faith perspective.  

The discussion is open to anyone who loves to read and discuss what one has read with fellow bibliophiles. Even if you have not finished the book, you are invited as we talk about these short stories with particular attention to themes related to faith and religion. We will discuss Their Eyes Were Watching God by Zora Neale Hurston on October 22. Register to here to join. You will be sent an automatic Zoom link upon registration.
Zora Neale Hurston's 1937 Harlem Renaissance classic Their Eyes Were Watching God is one of the most important works of 20th-century American literature.  Set in the all-black city of Eatonville, Florida,  this soulful novel comprehends love and cruelty and delves into issues of race and gender as experienced through the life and marriages of the main character Janie Crawford.
Churches Can Gain Insight on How to Form Partnerships to Fight Poverty
The Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People (SDOP) will host a virtual discussion next month with New Mexico Women’s Global Pathways and a host of community leaders and clergy from around the country to help churches build authentic relationships to fight poverty.  Registration is open now for “The Struggle is Real! How the Church Can Understand Ways to Listen, Engage and Form Relationships with Communities to Eradicate Poverty.” The forum and dialogue session will take place via Zoom from 4 p.m. through 5:30 p.m. Eastern Time on Oct. 29. To learn more about the event go here and register here.

Presbyterian Older Adult Network (POAM) Annual Conference
October 26-28
Vibrant and Faithful Aging: Legacies Across Generations

The National POAMN conference is featuring Donna and Dennis Haines from Missouri, leading our music and worship.  The Keynoter is internationally recognized author and speaker Missy Buchanan, from Texas.  She along with our workshop leaders bring a wealth of knowledge, wisdom, and experience in addressing the many aspects associated with aging. The conference planners are working with technology partner GNTV Media Ministry to bring you a quality and informative virtual experience.  The total cost for three days is only $75, and if your time is limited you will be able to use the pass code issued only to paid registrants to watch at your leisure after the conclusion of the conference.  For more information and to register go here
 
Horizons Bible Study

What My Grandmothers Taught Me

The class meets via Zoom on the last Sunday evening of each month from 7-8. 


Led by Rev. Lib McGregor Simmons

Find more information and register HERE.
Monthly Community Bible Study in the Park 

LGBTQ+ folks, allies, and those who support the inclusivity of PC(USA) churches are invited for a new small group hosted by Second Presbyterian and open to churches across Charleston. We will enjoy fellowship, support, and studies. Meet us the first Tuesday of every month from 6-7:30p.m. in the park in front of Second Pres, with rain location under the portico on the church steps. Free on-site parking at the corner of Elizabeth and John Streets. Contact Jordyn Pritchard jordyn.pritchard@2ndpc.org or Sarah Harbin sarahnharbin@gmail.com. More information at www.2ndpc.org/small-groups.
Save the date and make plans now!
Learn More HERE
Contact Janie Bruce with any questions
Needs and Opportunities
There are many great employment opportunities available in our presbytery and partner ministries.  You can read more about the following positions on our WEBSITE or by clicking the link in the postition title.

Mackay Presbyterian Mission – Presbyterian Home Services Ministry

The Presbyterian Home Services Ministry is a ministry created by the Mackay Presbyterian Mission in order to serve as an intermediary between people, churches or entities in need of some kind of residential maintenance or construction services with people or groups of Hispanic/Latino workers in our community. Sadly, our families often face economic, health and safety insecurity due to the lack of employment or the lack of fair compensation for work performed. The ministry has been created to help alleviate some of those concerns. The following are a list of services offered by the ministry:

  • Painting
  • Metal Roofing
  • Roof Shingles
  • Wood Framing
  • Porch
  • Siding
  • Screened Porch
  • Install Windows
  • Wood Flooring
  • Concrete flooring
  • Foundation

The procedure will be as follow; the Mackay Presbyterian Mission receives a request of service, then we contact qualified/competent personnel who can effectively and satisfactorily complete the request.  The person or group interested in the service will receive a quote for the requested work. All economic negotiations will be between the party requesting the service and the person or group that will perform the service. The Mackay Presbyterian Mission will not receive any economic compensation for any involvement. Charleston Atlantic Presbytery does not endorse the particular contractors nor does it warrant the work. For more information and to contact the Mackay Presbyterian Mission:  843-714-9752; terriereco@yahoo.com

Oct. 4.       COM
Oct.15-17  SC Lay School
Future Presbytery Meetings

September 18, 2021, via Zoom
December 14, 2021, Location TBA
All meetings begin at 9:30 am.
Copyright © 2021 Charleston Atlantic Presbytery, All rights reserved.


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