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OUR CALLING
It was near a lake that Jesus called the first Disciples. Under the majestic shade of an old tree he called another. Out of a tree he called Zacchaeus. Women found Jesus – often when he was sitting down for a meal at someone’s table.
Clarendon, Sumter and Williamsburg counties have lakes, rivers, and some amazing trees. And Jesus Christ finds us, and calls us, in a variety of places. Jesus Christ takes places of beauty and makes them places of holy encounter, spiritual equipping, and life-changing, decision making spaces. People on the edge of the Low Country are good about sitting around tables.
While we are convinced about the special encounters God gives us in this beautiful sanctuary found on North Brooks Street, we believe that we hear God’s calling on many days of the week and in a variety of places. We believe the God we find in the Bible finds us and calls us to the Bible and to live by Biblical precepts.
We hope that you will explore your own calling, and our mutual calling and equipping, with a fine group of God’s saints. There’s room for you and we want to aid you in making increasing room for God in your life.
Blessings,
C. Jarred Hammet,
Pastor
OUR HISTORY
The Presbyterian Church at Manning was established in 1855 with the combining of Harmony Presbyterian and Clarendon Presbyterian churches. The present sanctuary on Brooks Street, built in 1904, presents an attractive imitation of early Gothic architecture. A Moeller type organ was installed in 1920 and was completely refurbished in 1993 following Hurricane Hugo.
There is a rich history of discipleship, service, and fellowship at The Presbyterian Church at Manning. Our church is a member of New Harmony Presbytery.
WHO ARE PRESBYTERIANS?
The word Presbyterian comes from the Greek word presbuteros, which means elder, which is the basis of the representative form government in the Presbyterian church. Presbyterians are diverse; however, there are certain characteristics exhibited in all Presbyterians. The Presbyterian Church is distinctive in two major ways:
1) Church Government-our church employs a form of government that stresses the active, representational leadership of both ministers and church members.
2) Reformed Theology-Theology is a way of thinking about God and God’s relation to the world. Reformed theology evolved during the 16th century religious movement known as the Protestant Reformation. It emphasizes God’s supremacy over everything and humanity’s chief purpose as to glorify and to enjoy God forever.
WHAT DO WE BELIEVE?
At the Heart of Everything We Do
The Bible – The Bible is the inspired word of God and is the most authoritative source of faith and practice for all people.
God – God is the Creator of the Universe.
Jesus – Jesus is the incarnation of God on earth.
The Church – The Church is a universal company of Christ’s followers.
Holy Spirit – The Holy Spirit is the presence of God in the world and in the believer.
Sin and Salvation – Forgiveness of sin is made possible by the sacrificial death of Jesus for our shortcomings.
Sacraments – Presbyterians have two sacraments: Baptism and Communion.
In Baptism -we are united with Jesus Christ and become members of God’s family, the Church. Baptism is a public confession made in the presence of others. During Baptism we, as members of the congregation, promise to raise and nurture children in faith. Baptism in other churches is acknowledged by the Presbyterian Church.
Communion- also called the Lord’s Supper, Holy communion, or the Eucharist-is a time for renewing faith and strengthening ourselves for the duties and privileges of Christian service. In communion we reconcile ourselves to God and our neighbors. The bread and wine symbolize the sacrificial body and blood of Christ and remind us of the last meal He shared with His disciples. The bread and wine symbolize the New Covenant between God and all people.
Worship – Our service include prayer, music, Bible readings, and a sermon based upon scripture. The Sacraments, a time of personal response and offering, and a sharing of community concerns are also parts of the worship service.
Creeds and Confessions – Creeds and Confessions are statements which express the beliefs of a church or congregation. Confessions and Creeds are the first part of the Constitution of the Presbyterian Church U.S.A. The Book of Order is the second part. Creeds include: The Apostles’ Creed, Nicene Creed, Belhar Cofession, Scots Confession, Heidelberg Catechism, Second Helvetic Confession, Westminster Confession of Faith, Shorter Catechism, Larger Catechism, Theological Declaration of Barmen, Confession of 1967, and A Brief Statement of Faith.
More about the beliefs of Presbyterians can be found on the PCUSA website