Presbytery Summary

Presbytery of New Harmony

Digest of August 17, 2024
114^th Gathering of the Presbytery of New Harmony

The Presbytery of New Harmony held its 114^th Gathering by ZOOM, August 17, 2024. Moderator Rev. Tony Larson 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. 

Moderator Elect Teaching Elder Ashley Cheek moderated this portion of the meeting.

Devotion and Sharing about the 226^th General Assembly was offered by Ruling Elder Commissioner Linda Jackson (Melina), Young Adult Advisory Delegate Owings Holler (First, Sumter), Observers Teaching Elder Ella Busby (NHP’s Associate for Pastoral Concerns and Fellowship) and Teaching Elder Gavin Meek (NHP’s Executive Presbyter and Stated Clerk), and Teaching Elder Commissioner Tony Larson (Trinity, Surfside).

Moderator Tony Larson resumed as moderator at this point.

Rev. Jen Kottler, announced a Learning Opportunity, taking place November 9, at Shandon Presbyterian Church, Columbia, sponsored by the Covenant Network of Presbyterians, and entitled “Making Space at the Table; Faithfully Responding to Gender and Sexuality.”

Presbytery took the following action:

• Received the report from the Guiding Council and approved recommendations including revisions to the Standing Rules on setting NHP gathering dates, quorum and changes to the Standing Rules; revisions to the Rules for the Committees, Moderators/Chairs and Members of the Presbytery of New Harmony on who can ask a committee moderator to call a meeting of the committee; the unanimous recommendation to increase NHP’s Per Capita for 2025 by 96 cents, and heard the first reading of the 2025 Budget.
• Received the report from the Committee on Ministry including an increase of 2.7% in the minimum terms of call for 2025 (COM strongly urges churches to at least give this cost of living increase to all pastoral leaders and staff members) and rules for churches to follow while moving to changes in the Board of Pensions Insurance Plan for 2025 and approved recommendation to allow Marion Presbyterian Church to submit detailed financial information to the Committee on Ministry in lieu of a costly, complete audit.
• Received a report from the Committee on Preparation for Ministry updating the status of Inquirers and Candidates and reviewing the work of the Committee.
• Received reports from the New Harvest Presbyterian Church and Second Presbyterian Church, Pageland Administrative Commissions, including plans for the dissolution of the Second, Pageland Commission with thanks.
• Received a report from the Committee on Representation and Nominations and elected Ruling Elder Sheryl Davis (Westminster) to the Committee on Ministry for the class of 2025.

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