Presbytery Summary
Digest of February 9, 2025, 116th Gathering
of the Presbytery of New Harmony
The Presbytery of New Harmony held its 116th Gathering at Trinity Presbyterian Church, Surfside Beach on February 8, 2025. Moderator Rev. Tony Larson called the meeting to order with prayer. Following the declaration of a quorum, the Docket and Omnibus Motion were adopted. A Land and Labor Acknowledgement was presented. First-time Ruling Elders were welcomed. Corresponding Members were introduced and seated. Rev. Tony Larson, host pastor, welcomed the Presbytery and gave pertinent information to the body.
Worship was led by Co-Moderator of the General Assembly, Rev. CeCe Armstrong, focusing on the theme, “What Did Jesus Say.” She was assisted in worship by musicians Ann Long and Dr. Diana Scroggins, Rev. Joshua Jang, Rev. Dr. Ella Busby, Rev. Dr. Frank Colclough, Rev. Dr. Christa Brewer, Rev. Gavin Meek, and Rev. Ashley Cheek. The Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper was celebrated. Rev. Soo Hoon Lee was remembered as well as Ruling Elders who had entered the Church Triumphant. An offering of $1,205 was received for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance.
Rev. Ashley Cheek, First Presbyterian Church, Hartsville, was installed as Moderator of Presbytery as a part of worship.
Co-Moderators of the General Assembly, Rev. CeCe Armstrong and Rev. Tony Larson gave a presentation on the “State of the Presbyterian Church.” Juanita McLeod, the outgoing Office Administrator, was recognized and words and a gift of appreciation was present to her. Following a delicious lunch, Ruling Elders shared “Good News from our Congregations.”
Presbytery took the following action:
- Received reports and information from Rev. Dr. Debra Bronkema, 101 New Worshipping Communities; Sy Hughes, NHP’s Mission Engagement Advisor, PC(USA); and Elizabeth Little, Board of Pensions Church Consultant for the Carolinas.
- Received a report from the Committee on Ministry including information on action by COM on behalf of the Presbytery. The COM continues to work resourcing and monitoring efforts for form larger parishes, assisting churches in transition, monitoring the progress of administrative commissions and the Marion Discernment Process.
- Received a report from the Stated Clerk including 2025 Commissioner Balance for Stated Meetings, approving First, Myrtle Beach be allotted two Ruling Elder commissioners and the remaining sessions one; that New Harmony Presbytery is in fair compliance with the PC(USA) Constitution; and that Ruling Elder Elizabeth Munnerlyn is moderator and Rev. Joan Yates as clerk of the Permanent Judicial Commission.
- Received a report from the Guiding Council including approving a recommendation for Presbyterian Agency for Developmentally Disabled Sunday and the Proposed Revision to the Standing Rules regarding Corresponding Members; and information on 2025 NHP Gatherings, Committee Reports, and plans for presbytery work while the Stated Clerk is on Sabbatical.
- Received reports from the Committee on Preparation for Ministry; Committee on Representation; Presbytery Disaster Assistance Commission; and Administrative Commissions for Hebron, New Harvest, and Timmonsville.
- Received a report from the Amendments Team concerning Amendments to the Book of Order and approved all amendments.
Following announcements and expressions of thanks, the meeting was adjourned with prayer by Moderator, Ashley Cheek.
