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The Newsletter of Fort Hill Presbyterian Church
101 Edgewood Avenue
Clemson, SC 29631
(864) 654-2061
www.forthillchurch.org
Laura Smith Conrad, Pastor
Mary Morrison, AP for Discipleship
Michael Sanchez, AP for Univ. Min.
Katie Wilson, Children’s Ministry Coord.
Beth Olker, Youth Ministry Coord.
Margaret MacKay, Director of Music
Judy Bonham, Organist/Handbell Dir.
Becky Bowman, Pianist
Lori Houck, Administrator
Julie Bryant, Admin. Assistant
Scott Thrailkill, Facilities Caretaker
Joining together on a journey of Christian faith, we seek to be Disciples of Christ and
to share God’s love in our community and around the world.
We do this as we Glorify God, Grow Disciples, Meet Human Needs.
Weekly Lectionary Scriptures 2
New Officer Ordination and
Annual Congregation Meeting
2
Choir Corner 2
Wednesday Morning Bible Study 2
Sunday Servants 3
Preschool Registration 3
Christ Child Box Update 3
Youth Sunday 3
Congregational Meeting 3
Confirmation Class 3
NAMI 4
Feasting On The Word 4
Church Directory Info 4
In Christian Sympathy 4
New Births 4
Church Mouse 5
News from Presbyterian Women 5
February Church Activities 6
February Birthdays/Anniversaries 7
From the Finance Ministry 7
This is our Story!
This is Fort Hill Church’s 125th year so Happy Birthday! All year long, we will be celebrating the stories of our faith, the witnesses, and the church of now. So here are some ways you can contribute to our church’s story telling.
First, make sure your portrait is included in our 2020 Pictorial Church Directory by having your photo taken. These directories are a treasure of faces of folks who have made a difference for our church and community. Every photo represents you and your family, and what they mean to Fort Hill Church. Please take time to participate. You will see information inside.
Secondly, keep our Youth Ministry, Christian Action, and our Associate Pastor Search Committee in your prayers. We have a wonderful group of kids and adults serving, learning, and growing together. Christian Action continues to lead us in sharing generously of our time and resources in this community and world. The APNC is seeking someone to help lead us all in the areas of youth and mission. Currently, our APNC is reviewing forms of folks who have self-referred or come as a result of the matching service through the PCUSA. You can learn more about the position and the role by clicking here https://forthillchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/FH-AP-Youth-and-Mission-Position-Description.pdf. Our MIF (Ministry Information Form) was posted in December and now the APNC reviews those candidates. They then will begin phone interviews.
If you have questions, please contact Helen Mohr, Moderator, or any member of the committee: Elizabeth Bost, Chip Egan, Mac Martin, Cody Satzger, Cathy Spragins, Sydney Weeks, Mike Worley, or Allison Young. We look forward to meeting the person God is preparing to serve in this way.
And lastly, consider how God is calling you to share the good news joyfully. Tell others where you see God at work and how Christ is a part of your life. Share that good news by serving in a new way in our congregation or in our community as a witness. If you know good stories about Fort Hill and the disciples here that we can collect, please share those on Adult Ministry who are collecting these stories, both written and in video form. Their focus is on telling the story of the last 25 years since our church history was written in Country Church and College Town. This part of Fort Hill’s history will be housed on the web. Stay tuned for more information.
Together in Faith,
One Service Only
Sunday, February 2
10:45 in the Sanctuary
Page 2
The deadline for articles,
announcements, and features for
the March issue of The Window is
Friday, February 14
Please email your item as a
Microsoft Word document to
the church office at
or type the item directly into your
email and send. If possible, please
keep your articles to
500 words or less.
2/2 4th Sunday after Epiphany Micah 6:1-8; Ps. 15;
1 Cor. 1:18-31; Matt. 5:1-12
2/9 5th Sunday after Epiphany Isa. 58:1-9a(9b-12); Ps. 112:1-9 (10);
1 Cor. 2:1-12 (13-16); Matt. 5:13-20
2/16 6th Sunday after Epiphany Deut. 30:15-20; Ps. 119:1-8;
1 Cor. 3:1-9; Matt. 5:21-37
2/23 Transfiguration of the Lord Exod. 24:12-18; Ps. 2 or Ps. 99;
2 Peter 1:16-21; Matt. 17:1-9
Isn’t it great to be inspired? What inspires you? The words of a family member or best friend? The accomplishments of a child or parent. A great book or a special pet in your
life? An anthem, song, instrumental piece, or orchestra?
As I was thinking of what to share with you, all of these came to mind. Here are a few
things that inspire and encourage me - - - when I hear one of our grown children delight in being a parent or a grandchild say “I love you”. Reading a book that moves you to
uncontrollable laughter or tears. The rescue cat that learned after four months it was okay to have your hand on his back and he begins to purr. The organ playing soft soothing tones and then building to a full crescendo of praise. Children’s voices singing “I
am a child of God”! Being at a choir festival of 200+ singers raising their voices in praise to God and feel as if the roof is soaring to heaven.
Oh, the list could go on and on as I am sure yours could as well. Isn’t it a gift being able to enjoy life in these ways? One thing I want to do in this month of February is to keep things simple. I hope to use the senses God has given me of taste, touch, smell, sight,
hearing, and loving God’s creations and God’s people. All are right in our grasp. May we grab hold and share simple moments each day.
Smiling-n-Singing,
Many of our choir members attended
Festival by the Sea the last weekend in
January in Charleston. It was our 9th year to
go. As always, it was a wonderful experience.
Those attending this year were: Chip &
Diane Egan, Charlotte Gruosso, Tom &
Connie Lawrence, Jim & Jenny Leisinger,
Raymond & Margaret MacKay, Mark
Morrison, Ronda & Ralph Ricks, John &
Marcia Sherman, Cindy Sloan, Keith & Risse Snelgrove, Mark & Robbi Stokes, Ric & Karen
Ware Guests: Raenota Merrill, Maril Robertson, Marion Seiffert & Tom McGuire.
to approve Pastors’ Terms of Call
and hear a report from Session to
the Congregation.
Entering the Passion of Jesus: A beginner’s Guide to Holy Week
Jesus’ final days were full of risk. Every move he made was filled with anticipation,
danger, and the potential for great loss or great reward.
Jesus risked his reputation when he entered Jerusalem in a victory parade. He risked his
life when he dared to teach in the Temple. His followers risked everything when they left
behind their homes, or anointed him with costly perfume. We take risks as we read and
re-read these stories, finding new meanings and new challenges.
In Entering the Passion of Jesus: A Beginner’s Guide to Holy Week, author, professor, and
biblical scholar Amy-Jill Levine explores the biblical texts surrounding the Passion story.
She shows us how the text raises ethical and spiritual questions for the reader, and how
we all face risk in our Christian experience.
Entering the Passion of Jesus provides a rich and challenging learning experience for
small groups and individual readers alike. The book is part of a larger six-week study
that is perfect for Lent and includes a DVD, and a comprehensive Leader Guide.
The book’s six chapters include:
Jerusalem: Risking Reputation
The Temple: Risking Righteous Anger
Teachings: Risking Challenge
The First Dinner: Risking Rejection
The Last Supper: Risking the Loss of Friends
Gethsemane: Risking Temptation
We used A. J. Levine’s Advent study Light of the World this past
year to engage the Scripture of the season. Come join us this Lent
to explore more and be transformed by the living Word of God.
Page 3
Pastor on Call
2/2 Mary Morrison
2/9 Laura Conrad
2/16 Mary Morrison
2/23 Mary Morrison
Elder at the Font—8:30 Service
2/2 No service
2/9 Michael Steele
2/16 Annette Halbig
2/23 Hack Trammell
Elder at the Font—10:45 Service
2/2 Ellen Ackerman
2/9 Beth Durham
2/16 Mark Kwist
2/23 Caroline Thomas
The youth spent the month of January preparing for
Youth Sunday on February 2nd.
Registration packets available in the FHOG office:
February 1
Registration opens to Church members on:
February 1
Public registration in the Church Narthex on:
February 21 9:15-11am
Priority registration ends on: March 1
Please contact Dana Armstrong, with any questions at
Once again, thank you to everyone who filled a Christ Child Box or made a donation to families in need. This
year we collected 90 boxes weighing 2,711 pounds, well over a ton, and
received financial gifts totaling $430 to help replenish the Food Pantry at
Clemson Community Care.
We hope that this program has brought your family closer together and provided you with the joy that
comes from helping others.
Christian Action Committee
Confirmation began on January 5th, when parents, confirmands, covenant partners
and teacher/leaders all gathered to preview schedule, highlight learning objectives
and covenant with one another as we walk together on this faith journey. Then, on
January 12th, Pastor Laura led the Commissioning of the 2020 Confirmation Class
during 10:45 AM Worship. Each weekly session offers opportunity for discovery in
the form of presentations, scripture readings, conversation, handouts, relationship
building and prayer as the confirmands prepare to articulate their beliefs and share
their faith with others. We welcome the continued support from the Fort Hill
congregation as this group of young people live into Matthew 22: 36-40.
Robin Weeks
The annual Congregational Meeting
will be held on
Sunday, February 9th
at 10:35am in the Sanctuary.
A financial report will be made and
the Terms of Call for our Pastoral
Staff will be presented for your
approval. The Officer Nominating
Committee recommends Erika Hays
to serve the vacant term for
Class of 2023. The 2019 Annual
Report will be available.
Page 4
Christian Sympathy is extended to:
Charles & Mary Barron in the death
of Charles’ sister, Hannah Smith on
January 21.
Becky Bowman & family on the
death of her mother, Ruby Powell on
November 22 in NC.
Chip & Diane Egan on the death of
Diane’s father, George Watt on
December 20 in South Bend, IN.
Cathy Spragins on the death of her
sister, Jane Gillentine on January 27
in Tucson, AZ.
Tom & Elaine Smith on the death of
their son, Greg Harkey on January 25
in NC.
Congratulations to:
Clarke Phillips Trammell born on
January 14. Clarke is the son of Ben
& Helen Trammell and grandson of
Ben & Cindy Trammell.
Kalan Richard Vaughn born on
January 22. Kalan is the son of
Amber Trailkill & Andrew Vaughn
and grandson of Scott Trailkill.
NAMI FAMILY-TO-FAMILY EDUCATION PROGRAM FREE for family members, partners, and significant others of an adult individual with:
-Major Depression -Bipolar Disorder (Manic Depression)
-Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder
-Borderline Personality Disorder
-Panic Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
-Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
-Co-occurring Brain Disorders and Addictive Disorders
A series of 8 sessions structured to help families understand and support individuals
with serious mental illness while maintaining their own well-being. The course is
taught by a team of trained NAMI family member volunteers who know what it’s like
to have a loved one struggling with one of these brain disorders. There is no cost
to participate in the NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program. Over 300,000
people in the U.S., Canada, Mexico, and Italy have completed this course. We think
you will be pleased by how much assistance this program offers and invite you to
call for more information. Pre-registration by phone is required.
Clemson
February 16- April 5, 2020
Every Sunday from 2:30 p.m.- 5:00 p.m.
Contact: Michelle Ready
864-882-5131
For 1st degree adult relatives only- (parents, spouse/significant other, sibling,
or adult child of a person [age 17or older] with a mental illness). Class size
limited to 20 persons.
This NAMI Family-to-Family Education Program is sponsored and funded by NAMI SC and
the NAMI Anderson-Oconee-Pickens affiliate. www.namiaop.org
Feasting on the Word
Wednesdays, 5:30-6:30
Conference Room starting
February 12--April 1
Most of us are hungry. We crave nourishment that will sustain us, wisdom to guide
us, and community that will walk with us. As a way to prepare for worship each
week, we will read the text together. This group will meet to encounter the Scripture
for the upcoming Sunday, check-in with each other, and pray for one another. No
outside reading required. Come and be filled. Email Laura Conrad to let her know
you plan to attend. [email protected]
The Adult Ministry Team would
like to record stories from the last
25 years about how Fort Hill has
been significant in your life.
Email your memories and/or
pictures to Mary Morrison
with the subject line "Church
Memories". We would also like to
interview for stories to share.
Be a part of Fort Hill's
125th Anniversary
Church Directory!
Lifetouch will be here to
photograph families on
Tuesday, February 12 and
Wednesday, February 13 and
again on Tuesday-Saturday,
March 24-28.
Please sign up directly online now by visiting http://bit.ly/FHPCdirectory2020. If you
need assistance scheduling, please call Lisa Britt at 864-653-5285 and she will be
happy to schedule your photography session.
Page 5
Presbyterian Women, led by Rebecca Ackerman, will be assembling Valentine
surprises for our Fort Hill Presbyterian Church college students. You can help!
Instead of Valentine boxes we will be sending Valentines containing a $5.00 gift card
for Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, or Subway (you choose which one). Please put your
contribution(s) in an envelope, designate for “Student Valentines”, and place in the
PW Box in the FHOG Office (located to the right of the entrance to the
Administration Building), no later than Friday, February 7, 2020. The Valentines will
be assembled and mailed to our students. Thank you for sharing the love! For
questions, please contact Rebecca Ackerman: [email protected] or
864.622.9568.
Many thanks to all of the committee members who planned our January 18, 2020
Presbyterian Women’s Winter Retreat held here at Ft. Hill Presbyterian Church!
Great job, ladies! We enjoyed meeting Rev. Audrey Reese, pastor at Westminster
Presbyterian, Westminster, SC, and hearing her message on the topic, “Just Say Yes!”
This wonderful event fed us both spiritually with the message, and physically with a
delicious lunch. Again, many thanks to all who planned this event and all who attended!
Due to scheduling difficulties, we have changed the week to host Family Promise at
Fort Hill Presbyterian Church from February to March 29-April 5, 2020. Family
Promise is a nation-wide program that actively encourages communities to provide
housing and food, shelter and safety to families who have nowhere else to go but on
the street. Please consider being a part of this worthwhile mission right in our own
church! This successful program helps equip families with counseling, educational
programs, life skill classes, and encouragement while they strive to find jobs, housing
and their independence. We provide an evening meal and shelter, and generally
need up to 50 volunteers for the week. On-line sign-ups begin in late February, and
a white Sign-up board will be near the FHOG Office for those who prefer to use that
method for volunteering.Please mark these weeks on your 2020 calendars:
FHPC 2020 Family Promise Host Weeks:
March 29-April 5 September 20-27
May 3-10 December 13-20
For questions please contact Mary Barron at [email protected] or
Linda Gahan at [email protected]
When you are “Called to Serve” in some capacity of church leadership, it is a great honor! It
means that your fellow members trust in your integrity, strength to do a job and do it well,
and your example of Christ-like living that will be a model for others that are young in the
faith. Yes, it takes a time commitment, and many of us have busy lives outside of our
church, and family commitments, too! But as this New Year begins, think back to the times
you volunteered to step up to the call, and the blessings that followed that decision! When
was the last time you stepped out and said, “Yes, I will do it,” and felt the assurance that all
you had to do was to allow God to lead the way!
Please share who you are, your gifts, your energy, your compassion, your intelligence and
your leadership with us and accept the call when it comes. You will enrich your life, and
bless our church with your service. PW needs women to fill the leadership roles for 2019-
2020 year! Prayerfully consider accepting your call to serve!
Dates to Remember:
February 7 — Student Valentine’s / gift cards due
March 29-April 5 — Family Promise
Submitted by Mary Barron, Publicity, Tel: 864.247.1322
Christmas has come and gone and I
sure do miss all the activities. Did you
know that our members donated over
90 CHRIST CHILD BOXES to Clemson
Community Care to refill their food
pantry after the Christmas
rush? THANK YOU TO ALL THE
MEMBERS WHO MADE THIS
POSSIBLE.
Christmas Gift Day for our young ones
was coordinated by Debbie Vaughn &
Laura Sosebee, with their helpers
being: Helen & Michael Steele, Cathy
& Beth Olker, Nina Moede, Leanne
Broome, Cathy McInnis, Elizabeth
Bost, Mary Dusenberry, Marcia
Barker, Mary Morrison, Debbie &
David Collins, Suzanne Simmons,
Donna Crader, Dulcie Mohr and Ella
Griffis.
The Service of Lessons and Carols had
so much beautiful music with great
readers. Readers were: Lee Allman,
Calia Worley, Ethan Wescoat, Janet
Bean, Lucas Money, Ben Trammell &
Ellen Ackerman. At the 8:30 service,
the Joyful Noise was provided by Judy
Blackwell, Bill Carnes, Ethel
Pettigrew, Donna McCubbin, &
Becky Bowman. Strong Praises and
Singers of Christ had the following:
Eliza & Grace Bost, Grace Collins,
Edward & Henry Crader, Hunter
Crenshaw, Jocelyn & Juliette
Johnsonwall, Hank McLauren,
Hudson & Lucas Money, Jacob Poetz,
Harrison Steele, Shuler Wilson, and
Anndie Young.
Angel Vespers had the following
helpers: Nina Moede, Michelle
Blackwell, Chris Griffin, Chuck
Moede, Judy Blackwell, Cathy Olker,
Margert MacKay, Sydney Weeks, &
Katie Wilson. Actors in the Play Cloud
9 in Heaven were: Hugh Spittler, Chip
Egan, Michael Sanchez, Mason
Young, Ralph Ricks, Mary Barron and
Mitchell, Sara Elizabeth & Ann
Kathryn Pollock, as well as the
Congregation.
Choir members provided special
music for the 9 o’clock Candlelight
Christmas Eve Service.
Don’t you love the sounds of worship
at Christmas?
Page 6
9:00 am NAMI — Club Room
5:00 pm New Member Gathering—Conrad’s house
10:45 am Youth Sunday
6:00 pm Mid-High Youth Super Bowl Party—Cat House
6:00 pm PSA—Super Bowl Party at the Dusenberry’s
12:00 pm PW Circle 1 — Club Room 3:00 pm PW Circle of Hope — Clemson Downs Corley Center 6:00 pm Discipleship Ministry—Conference Room
8:00 am Men of the Church Breakfast — Dyar’s Café
4:00 pm Planning Ministry Meeting — Conference Room
5:00 pm Mission Outreach Committee Meeting — Club Room
6:00 pm Christian Action Ministry Meeting — Library
7:00 pm Fellowship Ministry Meeting — Club Room
Personnel & Program Support — Conference Room
Youth Ministry Team Meeting — Den
Confirmation Mission Trip
11:45 am Oberammagau Trip Meeting—Library
9:30 am PW Trinity Circle—Club Room
3:00 pm—Buildings & Grounds Meeting—Club Room
6:30 pm Worship Ministry—Conference Room
6:30 am Finance Meeting—Club Room
7:30 pm Circle 2 (TWOesday EVEning Circle) - Library
Lifetouch Pictorial Directory Photos—Den
12:00 pm Pastors Lunch at Foothills
5:15 pm Feasting on the Word—Conference Room
Lifetouch Pictorial Directory Photos—Den
12:00 pm Discovering Faith Lunch—Club Room
1:00 pm NAMI—Tartan Hall
4:00 pm Family Fun Night
10:00 am Prayer Shawl Ministry—Home of Hazel Sparks
Presbytery Meeting
7:00 pm Session—Club Room
Officer Examination—Tartan Hall / Library / Class
across from Library / E209 / Conference Room
9:00 am Preschool Registration—Narthex
9:00 am Deacon Retreat—Club Room / Sanctuary / Tartan Hall Safe Place Training
PSA Sunday
10:35 am Special Session to Receive New Members—Tartan Hall
12:00 pm Children’s Ministry Team Meeting / Nest
2:00 pm NAMI—Club Room
5:30 pm Membership Ministry—Conference Room
6:30 pm Adult Ministry—E209
5:15 pm Feasting on the Word—Conference Room
7:00 pm Ash Wednesday Service—Sanctuary
8:30 am Worship Service — Tartan Hall 9:30 am The Bridge — Faith Formation Classes 9:30 am Confirmation Class—Nest 10:45 am Worship Service — Sanctuary 2:30 pm Cub Scouts — Ed. Building (2nd & 4th Sundays) 5:00 pm Mid-High Youth — Youth Nest Senior High Youth — Youth Den
6:00 pm College Dinner/Program—PSA Student Center
4:00 pm Girl Scouts — Education Building 6:30 pm Boy Scouts — Club Room/Tartan Hall 6:45 pm Lydia’s 9-5 Ladies — The Gathering Place 7:00 p, College Bible Study—PSA Student Center
9:45 am Staff Meeting — Conference Room 10:00 am Men’s Bible Study (2nd & 4th Tuesdays) — Library 3:00 pm Olli Line Dancing—Tartan Hall 5:30 pm Folk Dancing — Tartan Hall
8:00 pm College Men’s Small Group—PSA Student Center
10:00 am Wed. Morning Bible Study — Club Room 5:00 pm Wednesday’s @ The Fort — Nest, E-208 6:00 pm Singers of Christ Choir (Gr. 3-5) — E209 6:15 pm Chancel Bells — Choir Room 6:30 pm Strong Praises Choir (Gr. K-2) — E209 7:00 pm College Women’s Small Group—PSA Student Center 7:30 pm Chancel Choir—Choir Room
Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings at 8:00 pm and Friday at 12:30 pm in Room E205 of the Education Building.
Page 7
2019 has come to a close, and total income through year end were $904,437 for a surplus of $76,573. Overall expenses
ended at 93.9% of budgeted, while income finished at 101.8%. As you can see, income finished slightly above budget
while expenses were approximately 6% below. Session ministry chairs did a great job of managing expenses, but most
of the surplus is attributed to not being fully staffed in 2019. Thank you for making his past year financially successful.
Your ongoing financial support is needed for 2020, so Fort Hill can continue its ministries to members, community and
around the world.
Bridging Generations
Update:
Pledge giving for month
was $6,835. Non-pledge
giving was $110,
undesignated memorial
gifts were $200 and interest
income of $5.35 for a total
of $7,150.35.
Total income year to date:
$193,132.14.
Loan principle:
$319,001.90.
2/14 David & Debbie Collins Tim & Ann Howard
2/18 Trip & Necia Ross
2/21 Michael & Joy Van Daele
2/22 Steve & Stacey Miller
2/25 Al & Ginger Littlejohn
2/1 Bradley LeCroy
2/2 Hayden Anderson Devon Broome Linda Davis Matt Wetsel
2/3 Dianne Bitzer Stacey Miller
2/4 Brian Brown Debbie Vaughn (Crader) Donna London Melissa Moede Alena Nebesky
2/5 Laura Conrad Adam DeWitt
2/6 Charles Rutland Jimmy Weir
2/8 Arlene Cheatham Eileen Homan
2/8 Chloe Satzger Tom Scott Beth Tanner Hack Trammell
2/9 Beth Wilkinson Shuler Wilson
2/11 Laurie Lefevre Aleta Robinson
2/12 Bennett Bost
2/13 Ann Gilreath Bud Hicklin Margaret MacKay
2/14 Jason Kohlmayer Patrick Pettigrew Sarah Van Daele
2/15 Cathy Morton
2/16 Riley Johnson
2/17 David Barkley
2/18 Lauren Chavis
2/19 Bill Alexander Jessica Christenbury Jim Dusenberry
2/19 John Martin Lawrence Mudge
2/20 Joyce Christenbury
2/21 Kate Hollingsworth Bob Jones Jeffrey Weir Joseph Weir
2/23 Holly Burchfield Kyle Smith
2/24 Hansen Wetsel
2/25 Tripp Mostertz
2/26 Janet Cantrell Becky Fant Pierce Harper Steve Hunter Laurel Whisler Alexis Winchester Spencer Wright
2/27 Owen Van de Sande Marian Wooten
2/29 Jacob Poetz
Non-Profit Organization
US POSTAGE PAID
Clemson, SC
Permit #11
101 Edgewood Avenue
Clemson, SC 29631
(864) 654-2061
www.forthillchurch.org
Return Service Requested
Welcome, Beth Olker
Youth Ministry Coordinator
part-time.
Beth is a Candidate for
Ministry in the PCUSA, and a Fort
Hill Church member. She will be
assisting in all areas of Youth
Ministry in the transition as our
Associate Pastor Nomination
Committee works to call a person
to the full-time position.
You may contact Beth at
(864) 650-5655.
