For close to 20 years, smaller membership Presbyterian PC(USA) churches in the rural upstate of South Carolina have been making a sizable missions impact, both locally and abroad. It has little to do with resources or numbers in their congregations, but more to do with the links they’ve developed through the Greater Laurens County Cluster of Smaller Membership Presbyterian Churches.
Through small steps at first, the work within the cluster soon broadened and church families began networking to accomplish ministry. Occasional prayer journeys at the beggining allowed church members to visit, pray and learn about each others’ histories and vision.
Before long, churches within the cluster were partnering in ministries as diverse as massive one-time hurricane relief effort, mission trips to Haiti and the Dominican Republic, an annual service-oriented summer youth camp, which continues to draw children and adult leaders from the cluster and other states and denominations.
Ministries include fellowship activities for elderly church members and, for more than ten years, an annual Chirstmas International House program, hosting international students during the two weeks of Christmas.
The motivation for the Greater Laurens County Cluster, which now stretches outside county boundaries, is missional, rather than survival. Using their God-given gifts, the cluster of Christian people from rural commmunities is making an impact on a global scale.

Churches

Bethany

106 Fawn Rd.
Clinton, SC
After experiencing renewal and redevelopment, the congregation that had disbanded -older adult activities and local outreach efforts are shared with the BLT Parish (Bethany – Lydia – Todd Memorial).
Contact: Pastor Herb Codington, 864-833-5986
Services: Sunday School 10:00 am – Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 am
Wednesday Night: Scouts, GEMS, and Classes – 6:30 at Thornwell

Duncan Creek

759 Golden Acres Road
Clinton, SC

Duncan Creek Presbyterian has a long and rich history of faithfulness, and still today its members support one another in Christian living as they serve in the world. Here you will find warm Christian fellowship that celebrates what God is doing now and rejoices in the hope that is ours through Christ Jesus the Lord. Come worship with us on Sunday mornings at 11 a.m. and join us in sharing the love of God with others.

Contact: Elder Buddy Copeland, 864-833-1600
Services: Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 am

Grace Covenant

14 Richards St.
Laurens, SC

Having served in the Watts Mill Community for the better part of the century, the Grace Covenant congregation continues to reach out and serve in practical ways. In addition to participating in regular PC(USA) offerings and taking part in special joint services for the community, the congregation gives generously to the local Baptist Crisis Center and to other area service agencies. If you plan to worship at Grace Covenant, arrive early for the members enjoy fellowship before the worship begins.

Contact: Stated Supply Pastor, Rev. David M. Bonner, 864-984-0357
Services: Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 am

Lisbon

1257 Roper Road
Mountville, SC

Situated in a rural setting, the congregation of Lisbon Presbyterian Church is caring and welcoming. Though relativily small, it has a wide mixture of ages from the community and beyond. It participates in service and mission activities, such as recylcing projects, serving as a regular host with Christmas International House and as a leader in many cluster activities, in addition to choir and visiting the community.

Contact: Rev. Hampton Hunter III, 864-682-4863 or Elder: charlesblackmon@bellsouth.net
Services: Sunday School 10:00 am (with refreshments) – Sunday Morning Worship 11:00 am