Thirst for the Gospel Pours Water into Village

Rural 60 Member Congregation Makes a Real Difference 

By: Fred Powell, Mission Consultant

Bulletin Insert Version: Presbyterian Times Online July 2011

Did Ellis Jenkins and Rev. Bob Gant think that a rural church of 60 people could restore a community 900 miles away? “When you recognize a need, you have to do something about it.” said Elder and Sunday School teacher Ellis Jenkins. Back in the Spring of 2010, the pastor of Cane Creek Presbyterian church, a small rural congregation in Santuc (Union county) stumbled upon a book, The Hole in Our Gospel,  written by Richard Stearns, the President of World Vision International.

In this book Stearns described his experience as a self proclaimed “committed Christian” who was reluctant to put his faith on the line to address the desperate need of the majority of the earth’s population. The faith that he was brought up in held that evangelization was the key to making the world a better place, but what he discovered was that without food, water and the most basic necessities of life, evangelization seemed hollow to the world’s poorest people.

When Bob Gant read this, is resonated so strongly that he began to share the book with others at Cane Creek. Soon after, the adult Sunday school class led by Ellis Jenkins began to take the message to heart. “He (Stearns) described the suffering, poverty and hopelessness he saw and asked, ‘How can we as a Christian church let this happen?’” Jenkins said.

Long before the last page was turned the Sunday School class began talking about how they might help. Ellis, who has long been involved with hunger issues in the presbytery, began to realize that water was just as pressing an issue.

• Roughly 12 percent of the world’s population, or 884 million people, do not have access to safe water.
• Nearly 90 percent of water-related diseases are due to unsafe water, sanitation and hygiene; most victims are children in developing countries.
• The average person in the developing world uses a little more than two and a half gallons of water each day for drinking, washing and cooking. Whereas the average person in the developed world uses 13 gallons per day just for toilet flushing.

After prayer and much discussion, it became apparent that if they could raise $25,000, they could provide clean, safe and abundant water for an entire village in Haiti. A non profit engineering company in Charleston, Water Missions for the World, specializes in this kind of work. It would be an act of partnership in mission because the Haitian community would be involved from the very beginning in all aspects of the project. They would be trained to maintain the inexpensive and renewable water system themselves.

Though $25,000 seemed an incredible sum of money to raise with just sixty people, they began by holding a small golf tournament, that turned out to be a big success. Then they envisioned a much more ambitious project…a Water Walk. They were inspired by the fact that in many third world families there is one designated member, usually a woman, who does little else each day but carry this precious substance from the nearest stream or well back to her home. Often the walk is at least two miles, and in times of drought it can be a walk of six miles each way, with 40 to 60 pounds of water balanced on her head or hip. During the Water Walk, walkers in Union county were encouraged to make the trek carrying a bucket of water, to further represent the incredible need.

In early November the walk took place . Within several days the response from the wider community was enormous. Not only had the $25,000 been completely raised, but the Cane Creek Congregation is well on the way to its SECOND $25,000. Out of Cane Creek Presbyterian’s commitment to “make the Gospel live” came a water treatment system that provides as much as ten thousand gallons of water each day. This system provides enough water to support a community of about 3,000 people. Now that is literally as delightful as a cold glass of water on a hot July day.

Re-dedication of Kirk Apartments at SC Home at Montreat

Bulletin Insert Version: Presbyterian Times Online_ May 2011

On May 15, 2011 board members and friends of the South Carolina Home gathered in front of the Kirk Apartments to dedicate the eight renovated units. As the group shared in a Litany of Dedication, they remembered that “throughout history, God’s people have dedicated their churches, their homes, their possessions, and their lives to God in recognition of his Lordship….today we humbly ask God to bless those who will, for years to come, find rest and renewal in and through these apartments….May the lives of those who find rest here be changed for eternity!”

These apartments, named for Mrs. Amanda Kirkpatrick, hostess of the Home for 40 years, were built in 1971 and 1985. Following major work on all eight apartments, they are some of the best guest space in Montreat. Aesthetically and functionally, all of the units are improved with new exterior siding and painting (interior and exterior), as well as new windows and doors. Six of the units have new kitchenettes with new appliances. Two units have new wheel chair accessible baths. Each unit has outdoor seating with peaceful views of Montreat.

Funding for the renovations came from gifts to the capital campaign from 21 churches across South Carolina and 88 individuals / families from both South Carolina and beyond. John I. Smith Charities, Greer, SC, also contributed to the campaign.

At the Re-dedication, the Rev. Jim Lowry, HR, from Great Falls, SC, and step-great-grandson of Amanda Kirkpatrick, shared some family reminiscences that spoke to the connectional nature of families as well as our church and how so many connections are made by those sharing times at the South Carolina Home in Montreat. The Rev. Alan Arnold, General Presbyter/ Stated Clerk of Trinity Presbytery, shared these words: “Today, in this place, we your people lift high the matchless name of Jesus, to sing your praise with our whole being, to give thanks for the foresight, planning, and generosity of those who love the ministry of this place.”

The South Carolina Home belongs to the five presbyteries in South Carolina. Visit the website at www.schomemontreat.org to learn more about the home and how you can arrange a visit to “YOUR HOME” in the mountains. Chuck Brown is the Manager of the Home. You can reach him at 800-669-7460.

Coming Soon ….We’re planning another celebration…the William Brearley Home, the first home on the site will be 100 in 2012. So, we’re going to gather on July 4, 2012 to celebrate that anniversary. Watch “In the Know” for details! We hope you’ll plan to join us!

• May 15, 2011: In grateful appreciation to the Following major donors who took the   Lead in making the renovations to the Kirk Apartments possible:
• First Presbyterian Church, Cheraw, SC
• Indiantown Presbyterian Church, Hemingway, SC
• Oakdale Presbyterian Church, Clover, SC
• Williamsburg Presbyterian Church, Kingstree, SC
• Lois G. McArn Fund, First Presbyterian Church, Cheraw, SC
• John I. Smith Charities, Greer, SC
• Achim & Jane Daffin, Summerville, SC
• George & Gale Sawyer, Rock Hill, SC

• The renovation of this apartment was made possible through gifts from:
•  Warren & Alice Walkup and Bruce Park
• In loving memory of
• Rev. Dr. & Mrs. Russell Park, Sr.
• Rev. & Mrs. Russell Park, Jr.

See God at Work in Your Neighborhood this Advent

Alan Roxburgh and Woodlawn's Barry Lambert discuss Moving Back into the Neighborhood at the October Ministers and Educators Retreat.

Bulletin Insert Available : Presbyterian Times Online: December 2010

As Christians we are called to be kind, friendly, giving, caring…to welcome the stranger.  But what if the stranger is actually your next door neighbor?  Or that weird person down the street who wears only black and you see only every now and then checking their mailbox?

Author and 2010 Minister and Educator Retreat leader, Alan Roxburgh, author of Moving Back into the Neighborhood, challenges Christians to meet the neighbors.  Well, not just meet them. He challenges us to use Luke 10:1-12 as our inspiration and be in relationship with them.  Roxburgh believes we are called to “understand that God has invited us to see the neighborhood or community where we live as the parish where we are called to be God’s witnesses.”

 He challenges us to become friendly, even friends, with neighbors who are like us, and those who are very different from us, welcoming them, respecting them, honoring them as people.  Roxburgh argues that in those relationships we will naturally share our understanding of Christ.  “Wait a minute,” you scream.  “I’m not interested in becoming a Bible Thumper!”

Roxburgh argues that you don’t have to thump your Bible to share the love of Christ with people in your neighborhood.  His philosophy is that God is already at work in your neighborhood and that by entering into the rhythm of the community, being a part of it, your faith will be shared, because it is part of who you are. The “Moving Back into the Neighborhood” approach to ministry is not about bringing people to church, but about bringing Christ to people where they are.

Here at the beginning of Advent, waiting and preparing for Christ’s arrival, a poignant verse comes to mind. John 1:14 “The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.”(The Message).  Let this verse become an inspiration to you during Advent.  Challenge yourself to become a part of your community.  Invite a neighbor to dinner.  Have a coffee with the people on your block. Make a new friend in your neighborhood. Welcome the stranger this Advent, and look for ways to move into your neighborhood and see what God is already up to.

Providence Presbyterians Share their Faith Throughout the World

Dr. Mary Mikhael Speaks at Recent Gathering at Oakland Avenue Presbyterian

Double Sided Bulletin Insert: PT-ONLINE_October2010

Sharing your faith can be an intensely personal experience—but it can also be a community experience. The people of Providence Presbytery experience that regularly as we share our faith with people in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan, Palestine, Armenia, Kenya, Germany and Denmark. Through our support of the Near East School of Theology, the people of Providence Presbytery are helping to train lay leaders and pastors from all over the world.
On September 23rd Oakland Avenue Presbyterian Church hosted a dinner for people of Providence Presbytery who were interested in Middle Eastern Christians. At the event Dr. Mary Mikhael, President of the Near East School of Theology (NEST), spoke about the recent advances the school has made in ministry throughout the Middle East. NEST, an ecumenical theological seminary has trained the majority of of the religious workers in Lebanon, Jordan and Palestine in its pastoral degree programs.
Five years ago Providence Presbytery partnered with the school to develop its Educational Resource Center and program for Women’s Studies. Since the opening of this facility, over 260 lay leaders have been trained in seminars and workshops. During one continuing education workshop led by a Princeton Seminary Calvin scholar, four elders were ordained and went back to Iraq to lead in their home churches.
The ”Women for Peace” Seminar is designed to help women to affect the world by creating peace in their homes, churches and communities. This seminar, created for Iraqi women, hosts ten women at a time, and encourages them to sign a pledge for peace at the end of the seminar. After one seminar the ten women who had attended signed the pledge and went back to Iraq. The impact was so great that several weeks later a member of the Iraqi press contacted the school to find out more about this program.
Because of the openness of many people in the Middle East, Dr. Mikhael is hopeful about the future. The school’s Christian/Muslim Discussion Forums are creating understanding among people. “Recognizing that all people, Christians and Muslims, are afraid of terrorism and desire a peaceful place to live, is just one way to build a better society,” she says. The school has graduated fifty students from its Islam/Christian Relations Program. This one-year study for European students devotes one semester to Islamic history and the second to an immersion type program where students meet and interact with both Muslim and Christian leaders in Lebanon.
Mikhael encouraged Providence Presbytery attendees to improve Muslim/Christian relations in their own communities. “They (Islamic people) are our neighbors. They are with us in our work, schools, everywhere. As Christians, we have responsibility to be good neighbors. Trust is not always there. Muslims are also afraid of radicals. Reach out to Muslims who are open-minded. Everyone wants their children to have a future. Muslims are no different.”
Primarily funded through church and denominational partnerships, NEST’s budget has been affected by the recent global economic downturn. Most students have at least a fifty-percent scholarship, with many receiving as much as 100% tuition subsidization. The GLOCAL committee on behalf of Providence Presbytery presented Mikhael with a $1,000 donation to help offset some of the budget deficit the school is experiencing. If you would like to contribute to NEST’s ministry, you may give a check to your church’s treasurer, or directly to “Providence Presbytery” –“ for NEST” (515 Oakland Avenue, Rock Hill, SC 29730). On-line individual contributions can be made through the following site:  http://gamc.pcusa.org/donate/E862612/ .

Double Sided Bulletin Insert: PT-ONLINE_October2010

General Assembly actions Require Majority Vote from Presbyteries

Bulletin Insert: Presbyterian Times Online: August 2010

       This year General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) held its bi-annual meeting   July 3^rd through 10^th in Minneapolis, Minnesota. This meeting of representatives is the primary decision-making body for our denomination.  Every other year elder and minister commissioners from our 173 presbyteries gather to consider Overtures (policy statements or calls to action) submitted by presbyteries, learn about ministries, consider suggested changes to how the church works and determine where the church stands on often difficult social issues.  Changes to the church constitution require a majority vote in the presbyteries by July of the following year before they become  church law.

Three such decisions were sent down to the presbyteries at this year’s  General Assembly.  The Belhar Confession, Form of Government Changes and changes to our Ordination Standards. In the course of the coming year, our presbytery will be considering and voting on these issues.  The following schedule for voting is being proposed: Belhar Confession – October 2010, Form of Government – March 2011, Ordination Standards and other proposed amendments to the Book of Order – June 2011.

The PC(USA) has not voted to add a new confession to the Book of Confessions in almost thirty years.  The Belhar Confession challenges the church to work against racism and for reconciliation and justice throughout our church and country. We will vote whether to ratify this decision to include the Belhar Confession in the Book of Confessions at our presbytery meeting to be held October 17 at Grace (L).  The Belhar Confession is available in the Resource Center and on the presbytery’s website at www.providencepres.org

After two years of work, the FOG Task Force recommended the following changes to the current Form of Government. If approved by a majority of the presbyteries, The Book of Order will include a new section entitled “The Foundations of Presbyterian Polity,” and amended versions of Form of Government and Advisory Handbook for Councils for the Development of Policies and Procedures Required by the Form of Government. The Form of Government changes to the Book of Order seek to maximize flexibility to meet the changing needs of churches and presbyteries, while maintaining standards that are appropriate to the practice of the whole church. A forum for understanding and discussing the changes will be included in the E3 programming in January. To read about the changes, go to http://ga219.pcusa.org/ and click on Form of Government.

The change to ordination standards is the final item we will need to vote on. This change involves removing G=6.0106b from the Book of Order  and adding the following language: “Standards for ordained service reflect the church’s desire to submit joyfully to the Lordship of Jesus Christ in all aspects of life (G‐1.0000). The governing body responsible for ordination and/or installation (G.14.0240; G‐14.0450) shall examine each candidate’s calling, gifts, preparation, and suitability for the responsibilities of office. The examination shall include, but not be limited to, a determination of the candidate’s ability and commitment to fulfill all requirements as expressed in the constitutional questions for ordination and installation (W‐4.4003). Governing bodies shall be guided by Scripture and the confessions in applying standards to individual candidates.”  A forum regarding this change will be included in the January training event, E3. For more information about the Ordination Standards change, visit http://ga219.pcusa.org/ and click on Ordination Standards Final FAQ.

To read more about the 219^th General Assembly, visit http://ga219.pcusa.org.

Showering Haitian Babies and Mothers with Love

Double-Sided Bulletin Insert: Presbyterian Times Online:_July2010

"Miracle Baby" pulled out of the rubble after 24 hours. (AP News)

Mission Work Can be Fun!

For most young people (and their moms and dads), there is nothing more exciting than preparing for a new baby. Gazing into a infant’s bright eyes we yearn to make contact with the future, not only that of our family, but of the whole human race.

However, anticipating that future for Haitian babies and their mothers can be a frightening prospect, not only in the earthquake devastated region in Central Haiti, but in the whole country.

Since the January, 2010 disaster, upwards of a million people are still living in tent cities amid the dust and the rubble that has crushed already difficult lives. It has been recently documented that many expectant mothers who are living under these conditions are giving birth to premature babies–babies born at 25 weeks are not uncommon. 

The churches of Providence Presbytery want to help. The Hunger Action Team and the Presbyterian Women  are teaming up to  host a Baby Shower on Sunday, August 29th at 2PM at Purity Presbyterian Church, Chester. Baby gifts needed are : CLOTH diapers, •  baby t-shirts, •  diaper pins, •  gowns, •  sleepers, •  washcloths, •  baby sweaters,  •   receiving blankets.

Homemade sweaters and receiving blankets are especially welcomed! If you need an easy sweater pattern find a link to a quick and easy pattern  on the Presbytery’s home page  in the Haiti Baby S

hower Ad.

Come to the shower prepared to have fun and learn about Haiti as well as  preparing individual care packages for mothers and babies using the donated items that are brought. 

Disaster Relief Kits reach Haiti

This past Spring the churches of Providence Presbytery came together

to prepare disaster relief kits containing hygiene items for Haiti. Through the efforts of volunteers and

work done during the Presbytery Youth Mission retreat 2010, 950 kits were prepared and boxed, with the possibility of more kits to be sent later

in the summer. These kits were sent down to the Port of Miami along with other relief items gathered in the Charlotte Metro region by Charlotte

Presbytery in the 18 wheel tractor trailer owned by Charlotte Presbytery’s Disaster Response Team. Once arrived at the enormous shipping port, the cargo was loaded onto a commercial freighter. The container has arrived in Haiti and undergoing processing by the Haitian Customs Authority and will soon be distributed, most likely in the new refugee tent cities.

Double-Sided Bulletin Insert: Presbyterian Times Online:_July2010

Adams Named Ministry Pioneer

Photo property of PC(USA)

Pioneer (n)—one who leads the way. Yes, that is a great description of one of our own.  Clover native, Rev. Mark Adams was recently honored by his alma mater, Columbia Theological Seminary with the Pioneer in Ministry Award.  For the last 12 years, Adams has been U.S. coordinator of Frontera de Cristo, an international ministry centered in Agua Prieta, Sonora and Douglas, Arizona. 

His commitment to helping coffee growers in  Northern Mexico profit from their own work is truly pioneering.

Motivated by his awareness that employment and fair wages are critical to a community’s success, Adams helped to create a growers’ cooperative which is wholly owned by area over 2 dozen coffee growers.

The Pioneer in Ministry Award at Columbia Theological Seminary was established in 2006 to honor recent graduates of the Seminary who  are demonstrating an obedient and faithful ministry and leadership in the service of God, who are courageous in conviction, and who desire to continue to grow and learn in ministry to the larger church.

If you are interested in supporting Adams’ ministry among the coffee growers of Northern Mexico, visit www.justcoffee.org to find out about serving this gourmet coffee at your church meetings.

Bulletin Insert Edition: Presbyterian Times Online-May 2010

God Gives the Increase: Second Harvest Partners

 By: Dot Killian

Across America people are looking to soup kitchens and food pantries and to every other charitable organization to find food. Some describe a “new face of hunger”, that is, people who have jobs, or people who have worked as teachers and cab drivers who are suddenly finding themselves unable to feed their families. Second Harvest Partners, an ecumenical group of churches in the Rock Hill area, is doing its part to feed the hungry.

The group, sponsored by the Mission and Outreach Ministry Team of Providence Presbytery and St. Mary’s Catholic Church sponsored only one mobile food pantry in 2007. But what a difference a year makes! In 2008 thousands of individuals and families were served in five mobile food pantries. In addition to blessing the guests who come, these volunteers are witnesses to the power of God in community.

As the need grows, so does this ministry. Second Harvest Partners has three new members for 2009. The plan is to double the sites for 2009 and to expand as deep and wide into the county as possible. Another layer of ministry we envision in 2009 is to look beyond the numbers to address the systemic causes of hunger. In addition to giving people food, we want to empower them with spiritual and fiscal awareness, so that they can move beyond where they are to where we know God is calling them to be. If your church would like to become a partner, or if you would like to volunteer, call Dot Killian at (803) 517-7870 or dot@providencepres.org.

More Lent Resources

HOSANNA: A SPIRITUAL JOURNEY THROUGH HOLY WEEK. Miller, Carol J., Kerygma, 2006. (BK P03 3665 C1)

Hosanna invites you to explore, over 5 sessions, the main texts in all four Gospels and in Paul’s writings that deal specifically with the last week of Jesus’ life and with the resurrection. The Leader’s Guide includes a CDROM with the complete text to help leaders prepare for their session. 

LIVING WITH THE MIND OF CHRIST. Harnish, James A., Abingdon Press, 2005. (BK B06 3470 C1)

This study includes 7 sessions, one for each Sunday in Lent, including Easter Sunday. Each session features a scripture reference, a personal reading and questions for personal reflection or group discussion; suggestions for ways to deepen the Lenten journey or a focus for the coming week is also included. This particular study is based on Philippians 2:1-11 (“Let the same mind be in you that was in Christ Jesus…”). The goal is to discover what it might look like for us, in very practical ways, to live with the mind of Christ.

PARABLES AND PASSION. Indermark, John, Upper Room Books, 2006. (BK B06 3909 C1)

Through Parables and Passion readers will reflect on one parable each day of the season, one thematic chapter per week. The Prologue offers a reading for Ash Wednesday while the Epilogue provides readings for the final days of Holy Week. An included Leader’s Guide outlines a six-week group study.

WERE YOU THERE? FINDING OURSELVES AT THE FOOT OF THE CROSS. Kolbell, Erik, Westminster John Knox Press, 2005. (BK B06 3262 C1)

Though we read the Passion of Jesus to find out who Jesus was, it is in the stories of the other characters that were present, from the disciples who followed him to the high priests who spoke falsely about him, that we can discover much about ourselves. We can, the author shows us, find ourselves reflected in each of these characters, so that it is in Thomas’s doubts, Mary’s courage, and Peter’s denial that we find out who we are. As we read these stories of scoundrels and saints and consider how they endured the Passion, we may discover similarities in our own lives, our own stories, and our own manner of shouldering the great burdens that our faith asks us to make.

Kids Night Out offers Camp Experiences All Year Long

By: Kat Ward

 

In September Bethelwoods Camp and Conference Center launched a new program called Kids Night Out.  Offered one Friday evening a month, it gives children ages 5 to 12 an opportunity to come and experience all camp has to offer.  The program is a mixture of fun and fellowship with a schedule that includes dinner, games, outdoor recreation, seasonal crafts and, best of all, time with counselors from summer staff.  The program benefits the whole family as it gives parents some well deserved time to relax or catch dinner and a movie while their children are cared for in a safe Christian environment.info@bethelwoods.org.

The community has been enthusiastic about the new program, and attendance has been consistent and growing.  One parent commented “This has been a great introduction to Bethelwoods for my younger child and has helped calm fears about coming to camp.  I don’t think summer is going to come soon enough for my children!”  The program provides an affordable alternative for evening childcare. Discounts are available for families with more than one child attending.
 
Whatever your point of view may be, the program has been a very positive addition to Bethelwoods programming.  It provides children with an opportunity to stay connected to Bethelwoods outside of the summer season, parents are assured a safe and fun program, and the staff at Bethelwoods can continue to connect with children and meet a prime mission of the camp:  giving quality experiences for children and parents in a natural setting.  Bethelwoods Program Director, Kat Ward notes “It’s hard to think of a better way to spend a Friday night then playing Simon Says, singing songs, canoeing, doing crafts and let’s not forget about all the laughter!  It is wonderful to be able to offer programs for campers all year long – working with children is our passion and what we do best.”
 
If you would like to receive a brochure about this program or be included on the Kids Night Out mailing list, please contact Bethelwoods for more information.  Reach us by phone at (803) 366-3722 or by e-mail at