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Welcome the Stranger |
"Lord, when did we see you, and feed you, and welcome you...?" Christ calls us to welcome the stranger, feed the poor, and do justice for the oppressed. As partners in hope last year Lutheran Family Services (LFS) in the Carolinas was able to resettle 130 refugees, with the help of concerned churches, non-profit organizations, and individuals like you. Another need has arisen. Please click here to read the letter from Rev. Dr. Danny Murphy, Associate Presbyter for Mission, Congregational Development and Evangelism. Please download, print, and use this as a Minute for Mission. Here is a chance to do as Christ commanded. Your caring and concern will have an impact on many lives, not the least of which will be your own. |
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"The Luckiest Girl" |
Many of you may remember the story about Beatrice Biira, the Ugandan girl whose family received a goat through Heifer International. Beatrice was able to go to school in Uganda, paid for by the goat's milk sales. She was such a bright student that she was able to attend a prep school in Massachusetts and then on to Connecticut College. Click here to read the op-ed by Nicholas Kristof of the NY Times about Beatrice, her recent graduation from college and her plans for the future. |
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Habitat Garden Update |
 Summer is half over and the garden looks like it is on steroids! I tried some new things this year...with seeds. I bought 2 - $1.79 packs of "Mammoth Sunflower" seeds and sowed them in the back of the garden. They are beginning to bloom and the bees are having a fine time! Certainly got my money's worth there!
One mistake (I don't care how long you have been gardening...you are going to make "mistakes"!) I made was sowing coreopsis seeds in the front. The coreopsis plants I am familiar with get about 18-24 inches tall and are well behaved. But the ones that germinated from that pack are almost 4 feet tall and just about that wide!!! You can see them in the picture above..they are the orange flowers. Here's a close up and you'll understand why I just can't bring myself to take them out...although they are blocking most everything else trying to grow in the front!  All the rain and warm weather has the garden in "jungle mode" but I kind of enjoy the busy look. Coneflowers are vying with the "Knock-out Rose" for attention. The "Black and Blue" salvia is a hummingbird magnet and the canna lilies add that tropical look that really brightens the whole garden. It is a time of year that I truly love. Happy gardening! --Margaret Harris
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| Calendar of Events |
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- SC Gathering of PW, Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church, Lexington
August 12-13 - Youth Council Leadership Retreat, Camp Fellowship
September 5-6- Spiritual Strategic Journey Learning Experience, Westminster-Columbia
September 12 & 13 - PW in Trinity Presbytery Annual Overnight Retreat, White Oak Conference Center
September 27- "Faith & Families", Saxe Gotha Presbyterian Church, Lexington
September 28 - October 5- Presbytery-wide Mission Trip to Pearlington, Mississippi
October 6-8 - Over 50 Adult Retreat, Camp Fellowship
October 12 - Stated Meeting of Trinity Presbytery, Fairview PC, N. Augusta
November 7-9 - Lay School of Theology, White Oak Conference Center
November 7-9 - Middle School Retreat, Lookout Lodge, Black Mountain, NC
November 10-12- Ministers' and Educators' Retreat, White Oak Conference Center
February 15 - Stated Meeting of Trinity Presbytery, Westminster, Columbia
May 29-30 - Convocation of the 5 Presbyteries of SC (& Stated Meeting of Trinity Presbytery), Presbyterian College |
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| Churches Needed! |
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Trinity Presbytery has reserved the entire Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Camp in Pearlington, Mississippi for the week of September 28 - October 5, 2008 to help out this small village that is in dire need of assistance. Almost 3 years ago it was the bull's eye target of Hurricane Katrina. Unfortunately, not many of our congregations have responded to this call to come together as one body to help. There is room for 72 people in the camp, costs have been cut to a minimum and transportation is being arranged. Won't you please consider sending one or two folks from your church? Download a flyer for more information by clicking here or call Tommy Stallings at 803-331-8062 or email him at: tommystallings@hotmail.com
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| The Newest Presbyterian |
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Pictured is Jack Thaxton, son of Chris and Beth - born on June 30th at 10:37 p.m. Jack weighed in at 8 pounds even and was 20 inches long. He is the Thaxton's first child. Beth is the Middle and High School Youth and Adult Director at South Aiken Presbyterian. Congratulations to the new parents!
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| Helping Committees Be Their Best |
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Are your church's committees effective? Do they know what is expected of them? Once again, The Alban Institute has written an excellent article on helping committees do their work in a more efficient and effective way. Please click here to read.
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| Let's Help Iowa! |
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Iowa residents are in the midst of cleaning up after recent widespread flooding. There are several ways your congregation or group can help. PDA has received a list of specific large items needed to help with cleanup efforts in Iowa. The list is available by clicking here.
We many not be able to physically travel to Iowa, but we can help by sending some of these urgently needed items. And we can all pray for the folks impacted by this unprecedented flooding.
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| Migrant Ministry in Trinity Presbytery |
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Migrant Ministry in Trinity Presbytery is going very well. Churches have been great about supplying food for the suppers and volunteers. Click here to read Jenah Cason's update and view more pictures of this summer's activities.
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