News

Apply for Exec Administrative Assistant Position

We are Seeking Applications for
Executive Administrative Assistant

This is an Open Search for Presbytery’s next Executive Administrative Assistant

Presbytery’s personnel committee has updated the position description for our Executive Administrative Assistant. We are now requesting applications.

Please share this announcement and job description with qualified candidates. Here is the position description.

Applicant should submit their resume and cover letter to presbyterycc@gmail.com.
Initial applications will be reviewed on June 19th  and continue until the position is filled. Please apply now.

News

Cents-Ability Grant Application

The Two-Cents-A-Meal program, now called Cents-Ability, has updated  and simplified our Local Hunger Grants Application form.

This grant program is open year round but only one grant is allowed per agency per 12 month period.

Funding for local grants is limited to the funds received by the Presbytery Office from the  church participating in the Cents-Ability offering.  Typical grants range from $500 to $1,500.

Please submit the grant application to our finance office: lmccaskill@presbycc.org

The applications are reviewed by the Special Offerings and Partnerships Committee. The 2023 Chair is Eric Stewart, the staff liaison to the committee is Laura Lupton.

Learn more about PCUSA Hunger Programs here

 

News

Peacemaking Scholarship 2023

“Seek Peace and pursue it.” Proverbs 34:14

The Mozell Howie 2023 Peacemaking Scholarship for High School Seniors

The Peacemaking Committee of Coastal Carolina Presbytery
will offer two $500 scholarships to high school seniors enrolling in college by the fall of 2023.

All essays must be received by Sunday, April 2.

Here is the Printable Flyer for use in your congregation. (PDF)

How to Apply for Scholarship Consideration:

The Special Offerings Committee of Coastal Carolina Presbytery will offer two scholarships to high school seniors enrolling in college by the fall of 2023. Rules for Scholarship Consideration:

1. The student must be a graduating high school senior. The student must be active in a Presbyterian Church in the Presbytery of Coastal Carolina .

2. The student shall compose and submit an essay in response to the following question:

What do you see as the most pressing peacemaking issue of concern to you, and how will you seek to address it through your studies and beyond?

3. Essay must be typed, properly referenced, approximately 1,000 words. Proper grammar and proofreading improve the rating of an application. PDF or Word Document is acceptable.

4. The submission shall include the

    • student’s name,
    • grade level,
    • contact information (phone, email and
      address),
    • name of home church with the city of the church, and
    • college they will be attending.

5. Submit essay & student information to LauraLupton@presbycc.org,
email subject: Peacemaking Scholarship.

6. All essays must be received by Sunday, April 2, 2023.
All email submissions will be acknowledged. If you do not get a reply, please call and verify receipt.

7. The winners will be notified by May 1. Funds awarded will be sent directly to the college or university.

Scholarship Essays must be submitted to:

Laura Lupton at LauraLupton@presbycc.org

All entries will be acknowledged. If you do not receive an acknowledgement, please call 910-818-9938

NOTE:
This scholarship is funded by our churches that participate in the PCUSA Peace and Global Witness Offering.
Please encourage your church to participate in the Peace and Global Witness offering this October.

Learn more here.

Peace and Global Witness Offering

Events, Resources

Church Insurance Webinar Video

This event was recorded and can be watched here
https://youtu.be/B9A7__5MNF0

Church leaders can  learn about church insurance coverage.  This is great information for your treasurer and property committee and others who may be interested.

The presbytery is strongly urging churches to review their coverage to see if they are over or under insured. As part of the annual statistical report we are asking churches to send in a copy of their certificate of insurance (not the policy). To aid churches in this we are offering this informational event.

Events

Presbyterian Night at the Ballgame 2022

Take me out to the Ballpark!

Presbyterians from all over the Presbytery are invited to a evening of fellowship and fun at the Segra Baseball Stadium in Fayetteville.  Friday, August 26, will feature the Fayetteville Woodpeckers vs the Charleston River Dogs at 7PM.

Woodpeckers LogoCome enjoy an evening in beautiful Segra Stadium in downtown Fayetteville (Click to get directions)  as the Fayetteville Woodpeckers take on the Charleston Riverdogs. The Woodpeckers are a Minor League team affiliate of the Houston Astros.

Groups are encouraged to arrive by 6:30PM due to parking and walk times. If we sell enough Presbyterian tickets, we will be allowed to choose someone to throw the first pitch! Don’t miss out!

Your church can

  • publish this insert in your bulletin
  • have a person collect the ticket orders and money
  • then one person orders the group’s tickets so that you all can sit together
  • Once the tickets are ordered the group leader shares the ticket information with the group – one suggestion is to use the Will Call to get physical tickets and the meal vouchers upon arrival.
  • OR you can have church members order their own tickets directly on the website link.

Proceeds from ticket sales are a fundraiser in support of:

Church World Service of Durham
Refugee Welcome & Hospitality

 &

Monroe Camp and Retreat Center

Representatives of both of these agencies will be at the game!

PASTORS APPRECIATION  GIFT FOR PASTORS:

The West Community will have a meal voucher available for you at the gate IF YOU CONTACT Laura Lupton to let he know you are coming to the game. You must request your meal voucher by Tuesday, August 23rd by emailing LauraLupton@presbycc.org  You must purchase your admission ticket using the information on the flyer, just do not purchase a meal voucher. (We cannot reimburse you if you order one directly.)

Ticket & Meal Voucher Pricing
for Presbyterian Night at the Woodpeckers

  • Admission Ticket only  $15.75/each
  • Ticket & Kids Hot dog Meal   $23/each
  • Ticket & Adult Hot Dog Meal  $25/each
  • Ticket & Flex* Meal Voucher  $31.20/each

*Flex meal voucher includes your choice of adult hot dog, cheeseburger, or chicken tenders with chips and a 21 oz. drink.
Church

GROUP LEADERS:

In order to purchase tickets in our reserved block of seats on the 3rd baseline, please place your group ticket order by Tuesday, August 16. Tickets orders after this date may or may not be in our group area.

Let Laura Lupton know about any pastors coming, DO order their admission ticket with your group but do not order a meal voucher for the pastor.

To have your group sit together: Order tickets using a credit/debit card at https://fevo.me/3Az41nK  NEW ORDERING LINK!!
You will receive an email with the tickets.

Contact Laura Lupton if you have any questions 910-818-9938

Events, Youth

Presbyterian Youth Triennium 2022

Every 3 years, the PCUSA partners with the Cumberland Presbyterian Church to host an international event for approximately 6,000 senior high youth. Historically, the event has been at Purdue University, but this year it will move to the Indianapolis Convention Center with delegates staying in nearby hotels. Registration for this event is done primarily through presbyteries and each has a limited number of spaces in their delegation (youth & chaperones).

When is Triennium? 

Saturday, July 23 – Thursday, July 28, 2022 (including travel time)

Learn more about the event at
presbyterianyouthtriennium.org/

How much does it cost?

$1,100* approximately (to include conference, hotel, meals, transportation, shirt & trading pins)

  • Cost is pending final hotel rates, any fundraising we do & COVID restrictions for group size.
  • Financial aid is available to cover a portion (not 100%).
  • Churches should plan to assist their students with the costs.

Who can Apply?

Applicants are considered for the delegation upon receiving an application AND deposit. If the delegate is not selected, the deposit is returned.  Churches are encouraged to review applicants:

  1. Will the youth delegate be 15 years old or no more than 18 on July 24, 2022?
  2. Has the delegate attended Triennium in the past?  Could they possibly attend in 2025?
  3. How many delegates have applied from your church?
  4. Churches are limited to 4 youth delegates per congregation
    If spaces remain open, delegates are selected from a waiting list    .
  5. Does the student represent your church on the Presbytery Youth Council (PYC)? (not required)

Here is the application packet (Word Docx)

Complete the application
then Scan & Email applications to:
presbyccyouth@gmail.com   (Jerusalen Martinez)

Deadline is February 15 → Application & $200 Deposit

March 15, 2022 → 2nd Payment = $250-300
April 15, 2022 →  3rd Payment = $250-300
May 15, 2022 → Final Payment = $250-300

Checks made payable:
Presbytery of Coastal Carolina ▪ Memo: PYT – [student name]

Mail deposit to:
Presbytery of Coastal Carolina
807  West King Street
Elizabethtown, NC 28337

News

Wholistic Soul Care (1/22)

Dear Pastors, Elders, and Clerks,

Are you interested in your self-care or for anyone in your congregation?  If you are concerned, please join us in learning about “Wholistic Soul Care.”  

Rev. Dr. Cassandra Thomas will lead a powerful discussion on taking care of ourselves.  Please register to participate by clicking the link below. You are also asked to register by Wednesday, January 19.

Saturday, Jan 22, 2022, 10:00 AM Eastern Time

Register in advance for this meeting:

Click here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUpfuioqjwqE922IrQDbm3eJGaumv5D3NLF

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

***This event is sponsored by the Central Community Steering Team

If you have questions, contact Rev. Clarence G. Page, Central Mission Coordinator, Presbytery of Coastal Carolina, (910) 301-1088

News

Disaster Assistance-How to Help

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is in partnership with recovery work around the world and around the corner.

If you want to donate to a specific effort – Fire, Flood, War, Refugees, Hurricane, Tornado, etc. please visit the PDA website at pda.pcusa.org where you can peruse the various designations available.

Including these opportunities and many others:

  • Spring Tornadoes in the USA
  • Flooding
  • Hurricane Ian in the Southern USA
  • Ukraine Refugees
  • Cyclones
  • Afghan Refugees
  • Other recent disasters – in the USA and Around the World

GIVE. ACT. PRAY.

GIVE:
Gifts can be made online at the website or by phone at (800) 872-3283, or by check using the below reply device. You can also text PDA to 41444 to donate. Support for the One Great Hour of Sharing offering helps PDA too.

ACT:

  • Gift of the Heart Kits are a hands-on way to help others this Advent season.  Make Hygene Kits, Clean-up buckets or School kits.
  • To register your interest in future rebuilding efforts, email PDA.CallCenter@pcusa.org. You will be notified when volunteer opportunities are available.
  • Volunteer

Stay informed and like us on Facebook (facebook.com/PDAcares), download resources at pda.pcusa.org/pda/resources and share updates with your congregation.

PRAY:
As we awake to news of devastation and death from another natural disaster, we pray.  For those experiencing loss, confusion, and despair, may they feel comfort only God’s Holy Spirit can bring.

Bulletin inserts are often created by PDA for various needs as they occur. These inserts can help people pray.

One Great Hour of Sharing (Lent-Holy Week-Easter time)
Supports Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Self Development of People and the Presbyterian Hunger Program.

 

News

Molly Lowry Service -Witness to the Resurrection

Details for the celebration the life of Molly Hood Lowry are:

Saturday, November 13, 2021, at 2PM

St. Andrews-Covenant Presbyterian Church
1416 Market St.
Wilmington, NC 28401

The service will be outside therefore, no masks required.  If inclement weather forces the service inside, masks will be required.

The link to participate remotely is:
https://bit.ly/MollyLowryMemorial

More details are at this Facebook Event Announcement:
https://fb.me/e/1dNV7Ownd

The service is open to anyone wishing to attend.
(240 chairs to be set up)

The obituary is here at David Funeral Home’s site

To mail cards to the Lowry family please send them to:

The Lowry Family         (or Rev. Jerrod Lowry)
c/o Presbytery Office
807 W King Street
Elizabethtown, NC 28337

Thank you for your continued prayers for the family.

Respectfully,
The Presbytery Staff

Events

Presbyterian Night at the Ballpark

You are invited to

A Presbytery Wide Night at the Ballpark – Friday, September 17

Fayetteville Woodpeckers vs The Carolina Mudcats

The West Community is inviting the whole presbytery to an evening of baseball and fellowship, Friday, Sept 17.

We have secured a block of tickets at a discounted rate.

Churches are encouraged to form groups and carpool together to the game.  The cost of each pastor’s/CRE’s admission ticket is covered.

Everyone else’s ticket is $10.

An optional $10 meal voucher is available, if pre-ordered. The meal voucher is a hot dog, drink and chips.

If a church sees that their group will be more than 10 persons, Laura Lupton needs to be notified as soon as possible so that our number of tickets on hold can be adjusted as needed.

Currently, we are holding 200 tickets, but in 2019 we had over 400 persons respond!

Please NOTIFY me if your church is forming a group so that I have an idea about how many tickets are needed.

Here is the poster/Flyer and sign-up sheet for you to use.

GROUP LEADERS must let Laura Lupton know their final count by email no later than September 6 as payment will be due for the tickets we are holding.
She just needs

  • the total number of tickets,
  • the number of pastors in your count and
  • the number of meal vouchers.
  • The group leader’s contact information

Group leaders will need to bring complete payment with them to the ballpark to receive their tickets. ONE CHECK from the church is preferred, payable to the Presbytery.

The church must pay for any last-minute cancellations as the tickets are non-refundable. If there is a weather event, the church will still be responsible to pay for the tickets.

Plan to arrive at the gate of the ballpark before 6:15PM – We suggest that you just aim to be there before 6:00 to give your group plenty of time to get in the ballpark and order food and drink, etc.

Give yourself time to park and walk to the entrance and get your tickets from Laura (this could be a 10 minute walk after you find parking).

If you arrive after 6:15 your group tickets may be held at the will call window or you might have to call Laura to find out where she is to get your tickets from her!

The linked flyer & sign-up sheet have the details.  The ballpark does not have any covid restrictions at this time.

A question we had in 2019 was “Is this open only to church members or may they bring friends?”

Our reply is that this event is a great evangelism opportunity – your members may invite whoever they want to come with them. Then their guest(s) can get to know some church folks in a relax environment and hopefully feel more at ease to visit church in the future. Your group is your group – it can be any you choose to welcome and invite.

Please let us know if you have any questions or suggestions! Let’s play ball!

News, Peacemaking

Peacemaking Scholarship 2021

“Seek Peace and pursue it.” Proverbs 34:14

The Mozell Howie 2021 Peacemaking Scholarship for High School Seniors

The Peacemaking Committee of Coastal Carolina Presbytery
will offer two scholarships to high school seniors enrolling in college by the fall of 2021. (1) $500 and (1) $400 Scholarship will be awarded.

All essays must be received by Tuesday, June 15.

Here is the Printable Flyer for use in your congregation. (PDF)

Rules for Scholarship Consideration:

The Peacemaking Committee of Coastal Carolina Presbytery will offer two scholarships to high school seniors enrolling in college by the fall of 2021.   Rules for Scholarship Consideration:

1. The student must be a graduating high school senior. The student must be active in a Presbyterian Church in Coastal Carolina Presbytery.

2. The student shall compose and submit an essay in response to the following question:

What do you see as the most pressing peacemaking issue of concern to you, and how will you seek to address it through your studies and beyond?

3. Essay must be typed, properly referenced, approximately 1,000 words. Proper grammar and proofreading improve the rating of an application. PDF or Word Document is acceptable.

4. The submission shall include the

    • student’s name,
    • grade level,
    • contact information (phone, email and
      address),
    • name of home church with the city of the church, and
    • college they will be attending.

5. Submit essay & student information to LauraLupton@presbycc.org,
email subject: Peacemaking Scholarship.

6. All essays must be received by Tuesday, June 15, 2021.  All email submissions will be acknowledged. If you do not get a reply, please call and verify receipt.

7. The winners will be notified by July 10. Funds awarded will be sent directly to the college or university.

Scholarship Essays must be submitted to:

Laura Lupton at LauraLupton@presbycc.org

All entries will be acknowledged.   If you do not receive an acknowledgement, please call 910-818-9938

NOTE: This scholarship is funded by the PCUSA Peace and Global witness Offering. The participation in that offering as low in 2021 so the scholarship award this year is smaller. Please encourage your church to participate in the Peace and Global Witness offering each October. Learn more here.

Peace and Global Witness Offering

Committees, Session Records

Session Records Annual Review

Annual Review of Session Minutes 2022

Why?

The Book of Order requires the Presbytery to review every church’s records to be sure that all is in order.

Officially the Book of Order urges that at least once a year every governing body above a session shall review the records of the proceedings of the next lower governing body. If any lower governing body shall fail to send up its records for this purpose, the higher governing body shall order them to be produced as a specified time.

In reviewing the proceedings of a lower governing body, the higher governing body shall determine, either from the records of those proceedings or from any other information as may come to its attention, whether:
(1) The proceedings have been correctly recorded;
(2) The proceedings have been regular and in accordance with the Constitution.
(3) The proceedings have been prudent and equitable;
(4) The proceedings have been faithful to the mission of the whole church;
(5) The lawful injunctions of a higher governing body have been obeyed.

When is the Review?

The Community’s committee on  Sessional Records will conduct these reviews at various times and places or by appointment when requested.  Church records should be reviewed once a year. Simply bring the minute book with the completed form to a review session in your community.

What Form?

Please complete the checklist and bring it with your minute book. Please complete a form for each year being reviewed.

  1. Session Minutes Records Checklist (2019-2020-2021) (WORD-RTF) — Print it in LANDSCAPE to fill the page.
  2. PDF Version of the Check sheet (Adobe) – Print in Landscape to have large print.
Who to Contact?

Contact the  Mission Coordinator for your Community for the schedule of when records will be reviewed in your area.

General Presbyter, News

Welcome Our New Treasurer

Lornette McCaskill hails from the sunny island of Jamaica and migrated to the United States over 25 years ago. Ms. McCaskill is married to Pastor Willie J. McCaskill II of Freedom East Presbyterian Church in Raeford, NC, and the mother of four beautiful children. She holds a Master of Business Administration Degree from Fairleigh Dickenson University in New Jersey with an emphasis in Finance.

Ms. McCaskill started working as the Business Manger and Treasurer of the Presbytery in October 2020.

Ms. McCaskill’s career in the U.S. began in 1994 as a receptionist in New York City. In that role she developed three essential attributes: people skills, multi-tasking, and how to excel at time management simultaneously.  For over 21 years, Ms. McCaskill has been fighting the fight against debt, especially as it pertains to money management and financial planning. She lives by the motto, “It is not how much you make but how much you save”.

She is a participative management professional with a progressive history of experience in Healthcare Finance and Administration. She is a dynamic leader and mentor, with the ability to build effective teams and inspire individuals to strive toward higher levels of achievement.  Ms. McCaskill has 10 years of experience in the role of Billing Manager and Revenue Manager, at two of the most lucrative hospitals in the New York City Metropolitan area.  After leaving the Healthcare Industry she embarked on opening her own Accounting and Tax Preparation Firm.  Within that role Ms. McCaskill works with individuals, corporations, and nonprofit organization.  Her responsibilities include preparing financial statements and reports while ensuring all financial reporting deadlines are met, internally and externally.  Record and analyze financial information of the businesses to project their financial wealth.  Ensures that businesses are in compliance with IRS guidelines and any other regulatory agencies.

Ms. McCaskill is excited to be part of this new venture and is looking forward to working with the churches through out the Presbytery, treasurers and church leaders.

Please welcome her to the Presbytery staff team. She is ready to help you.  She can be reached at the Presbytery Office 910-862-8300 ext. 4 or by email to LMcCaskill @ presbycc.org    (remove the spaces)

Welcome, Lornette McCaskill!

News

Become a QRE or CRE!

Through an online program at Union Presbyterian Seminary elders can become “Qualified Ruling Elders (QRE)” eligible to preach and officiate the sacraments in our congregations. QREs are also eligible to serve in churches as pastor, a role called  “Commissioned Ruling Elder (CRE).”  A CRE performs all the functions of a pastor – leading worship, providing pastoral care, moderating session, officiating communion,baptizing children and adults, leading weddings and funerals, and more.

Is God calling you to prepare to lead a congregation?

If you, or someone you know, is interested in learning more about QRE/CRE opportunities and exploring a sense of call to serve the presbytery in this way, Presbytery staff would love to speak with you.  Meanwhile interested persons can look at the Pathways Program offered by Union Presbyterian Seminary and read the documents linked below.

PATHWAYS ONLINE COURSES at Union Presbyterian Seminary

What is Elder Ministries?  (QRE/CREs)

In the Presbytery we have a committee that oversees the QRE/CRE program called the “Elder Ministries” committee.  this committee works with interested persons to help them complete the training and organizes ongoing training opportunities in the Presbytery.

Learn more about the steps involved to become a QRE/CRE :

You can learn more about the CRE Elder Ministries program by clicking here.  The current chair is  Becky Raynor who can be reached at brayn1808@gmail.com

COM, COM Central, COM East, COM West, General Presbyter

Waiving the Requirement to Rotate Officers

Dear Congregations, Clerks of Session and Moderators,

On May 14, 2020 the Full Commission on Ministry for the Presbytery of Coastal Carolina approved waiving the requirement to rotate officers.

“The Full Commission on Ministry of the Presbytery of Coastal Carolina approves a one year exemption of the requirement for congregational rotation of officers in 2020. Congregations that are able to fulfill the requirement according to our polity and by the rule of the particular congregation’s procedures should endeavor to do so.”

The Full Commission on Ministry considered that some congregations may have difficulty following established procedures for electing officers due to the pandemic.

  • Some congregations may not be able to assemble “a majority of all active members” for a congregational meeting to elect a Nominating Committee.
  • Some congregations may not be able to assemble “a majority of all active members” required for a congregational meeting to vote upon a slate from the Nominating Committee.
  • Some congregations may not be able to meet in regular or even alternative methods to receive names from the floor during elections as mandated for a nominating process (G-2.0401).

There may be additional impediments that prohibit proceeding with a safe and routine election process. For congregations unable to properly elect officers, the waiver of Full COM on behalf of the presbytery would allow for continuity of congregational leadership.

Sessions wishing to participate in the waiver shall:

  1. Note in the minutes of session the action by Presbytery allowing exemption,
  2. Notify all active members of the intent and rationale to not rotate officers,
  3. Inform the congregation liaison to COM, Community COM chair, or the presbytery stated clerk in writing (mail or email) that it wishes to waive rotation of officers in 2020,
  4. Inquire from officers due to rotate off their respective boards, a willingness to continue serving.

This decision was made knowing that some congregations may not have any trouble following procedures for electing officers. The action of Full COM does not conflict with congregations that are able to duly elect officers in 2020 to the class of 2023.

It is our hope that we will soon be able to safely return to our standard practices like discerning together those God calls “for such a time as this” to lead our congregations. It is my hope that congregations exercising the option to waive rotation of officers in 2020 will be able to resume proper election and rotation of officers as soon as practical. It is our sincere hope that the action by Full COM will allow congregations to concentrate their energies on the work of caring for neighbor and proclaiming the Good News of the Gospel during a challenging pandemic.

Please contact your COM liaison or your mission coordinator if you have questions about this waiver.

Blessings,

Jay Bender,
Chair of Full Commission on Ministry

Rev. Jerrod B. Lowry,
jerrodlowry @ presbycc.org
General Presbyter & Stated Clerk

Print Version (PDF) of this announcement HERE