Worship on Marsh Avenue
John Calvin Presbyterian Church gathers every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. at 2000 Marsh Avenue on the north side of Florence, South Carolina. The congregation belongs to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and to New Harmony Presbytery, and its worship follows what the church calls the "reformed" tradition, with a liturgy printed in a bulletin and projected on a screen in the sanctuary. Members and visitors who arrive in person receive a printed bulletin; those who join from home see the same words and follow along on the livestream.
Music is a centerpiece of the service. The congregation blends traditional hymns with newer songs, all drawn from the Glory to God hymnal, and a choir and accompanist lead the singing in person. Communion is shared on the first Sunday of each month, and all who worship, including those joining online through YouTube or Facebook Live, are invited to the table.
"Whoever you are and wherever you find yourself on life's journey, you are welcome here. Truly," is the church's welcome, and that welcome is folded into the liturgy itself. The congregation describes a God who is loving and wants all creation to thrive, and a service that aims to send worshipers out equipped to follow the example Jesus lived and taught.
A Spirit-Driven, Mission-Focused, Servant-Led Community
The congregation describes itself in three phrases: spirit-driven, mission-focused, and servant-led. Those words shape every part of life at John Calvin, from Sunday worship to Wednesday Bible study to the parking lot behind Hope Health on East Palmetto, where volunteers hand out food and clothing each month to more than a hundred neighbors.
The leadership team is made up of ordained Ruling Elders who guide the community in faith, answer questions, and organize mission opportunities. The Ministry Team leads worship, mission, education, and fellowship, and supports the growth of this community as members seek to serve God and their neighbors.
Faith Formation for Every Age
At John Calvin, faith is described as something that is "continually growing and being formed in the likeness of Christ." Two regular adult classes keep that growth going week by week.
On Sunday mornings at 9:15, an intergenerational class gathers for a more traditional Bible study using the Keeping Holy Time curriculum, with lively theological reflections on current events. On Wednesday mornings at 11:30, a 45-minute study of the Book of Acts meets in the pastor's study and on Zoom, drawing together people who want to dig into the early church's first steps.
Children have their own rhythm. Sunday school meets at 9:15, and Children's Church follows the children's time and anthem during the 10:30 worship service. The teachers are trained educators and special educators who are comfortable with all kinds of children, and parents are assured their children would be welcome. Susan Nexsen, the Coordinator of Children's Ministry, also plans special events for children and youth throughout the year, usually once or twice a month on Sunday afternoons, with opportunities for service, learning, and fellowship.
Loving Neighbors Across Florence
The congregation's mission life is rooted in Florence. Members give volunteer time and financial support to a long list of local ministries: Lighthouse Ministries, Strengthening Families, First Fridays Services Connect, the Food Pantry, the Parking Lot Ministry, Helping Florence Flourish and ServeFLO, My Brother's Keeper, Mercy Medicine, Help 4 Kids, Manna House, Harvest Hope Food Bank, and House of Hope.
Pastor Jen serves on the board of directors of Pee Dee Equality and the Presbyterian Agency for Developmental Disabilities (PADD), and is involved with other community clergy in the Helping Florence Flourish collaboration. The congregation's year-round giving also flows to Thornwell, the Presbyterian Communities of South Carolina, Souper Bowl of Caring, and PADD, with holiday giving reaching Heifer International, Angel Tree, and the Parking Lot Ministry.
Around the World
John Calvin supports three mission co-workers serving outside the United States: Elmarie and Scott Parker in Syria and Lebanon, Cindy Corell in the Dominican Republic, and James McGill in Niger and South Sudan. Each of the denomination's four annual offerings, One Great Hour of Sharing, the Pentecost Offering, the Peace and Global Witness Offering, and the Christmas Joy Offering, receives financial support from the congregation.
Radical Welcome, Reformed Beliefs
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) calls itself "Reformed and ever reforming." John Calvin Presbyterian Church takes that identity seriously, drawing on principles articulated by John Calvin in the sixteenth century. At the center is the sovereignty of God, which gives rise to a call to service, a community ordered so that all members flourish, generous stewardship, and a constant resistance to idolatry and tyranny.
The congregation is also known for what it calls radical welcome. The church's welcome statement reads in part: "We believe in the radical love and acceptance of Jesus regardless of where you were born, who you love and are loved by, where you went to school or if you finished, where you work and if you can, what you look like, what language you speak, or how old or young you are." Biblical foundations for that welcome draw on a PC(USA) resource.
A Backyard Sanctuary in the Making
Behind the education building, the congregation is bringing a Backyard Sanctuary to life. The vision includes a community garden, already installed; an accessible playground, funded and awaiting installation; an outdoor worship space with a labyrinth; and a fellowship area for picnics and outdoor gatherings. The project is shaped by the words of Jesus in Matthew 19:14, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them," and a simple mission statement: "Together we can build belonging, one piece at a time."
The Ministry Team
Pastor Jen, the Rev. Jennifer Hope Kottler, has served as Stated Supply Pastor since August 2020. A native of western Pennsylvania who has lived all over the country, she settled in Florence in 2018 with her husband, the Rev. Gavin Meek, who serves as Executive Presbyter and Stated Clerk of New Harmony Presbytery, and her dog Beau, who has become a familiar presence in the church. Ordained in 2003, Jen has served Protestant congregations in Illinois, New York, and the Carolinas. Before coming to John Calvin she worked as a certified life and leadership coach, yoga teacher, retreat leader, and consultant, and she holds the Professional Certified Coach credential from the International Coach Federation.
Angel Neil serves as Director of Music Ministries and Accompanist. With more than thirty years of experience as a church musician, she has directed adult, children's, and handbell choirs across North and South Carolina. She lives in Lake City, where she teaches chorus, piano, and music theory at J. Paul Truluck Creative Arts Magnet School and co-owns Palmetto Arts Academy.
Susan Nexsen is the Coordinator of Children's Ministry. A Pennsylvania native and former South Carolina public school teacher, she has been a member of John Calvin since 2003. She serves on the Christian Education Committee, is active in Presbyterian Women, and creates Sunday School and Bible School programs for children and adults.
Giving and Getting Involved
Online giving is handled through Realm, the church's online community software, with the option to set up a recurring gift or split a donation among different funds. Text giving is also available by texting "JCPC" and the amount to 73256. The Stewardship page collects pledges and links to a service sign-up form for those who want to join the work.
Anyone wanting to learn more, take a next step, or simply say hello can email Pastor Jen directly or call the church office at 843-662-8571.