ABOUT US
THEN AND NOW
Then: The Beginnings of Faith on Skidaway Island
Over fifty years ago, Skidaway Island began to develop, attracting families to its lush coastal setting, with attractive housing and recreational amenities. It was in this expanding community that Skidaway Island Community Church held its first service in 1977. The original ninety charter members, blending various faith traditions, joyfully gathered in a temporary firehouse, envisioning a multi-purpose space for worship, social, and educational activities to serve the entire community.
Recognizing this opportunity, the Savannah Presbytery secured a nine-acre site at the intersection of Diamond Causeway and the State Park access road. As Skidaway Island’s population grew, so did Skidaway Island Community Church, eventually seeding four other denominational churches. This growth prompted a name change to Skidaway Island Presbyterian Church, reflecting the church’s Presbyterian affiliation and the establishment of a thriving multi-denominational community.
Now: A Renewed Vision for the Future
As the new century began, our church, like many denominational churches, faced challenges related to changing demographics and evolving community needs. An aging congregation and broader societal shifts highlighted the need for adaptation and renewal. These challenges underscored our strategic goals to “Grow the Church” and “Increase Community Outreach.”
To address these challenges, church leadership and members made the strategic decision to rename the church Skidaway Community Church. This new name aims to modernize our image and appeal to a broader audience. It reflects our commitment to inclusivity and serving the entire community, regardless of faith background, while honoring our original vision from 1977.
Embracing the New Identity
The name change to Skidaway Community Church brings several benefits:
Inclusivity: It creates a welcoming environment for people from all backgrounds and faiths.
Attractiveness: It appeals to new members who may not consider joining a denominationally affiliated church.
Community Focus: It better communicates our mission of serving the entire community and fostering unity and belonging among our members and neighbors.
By adopting the name Skidaway Community Church, we embrace a renewed vision for the future—one that ensures our church remains a vibrant, inclusive, and vital part of Skidaway Island. This strategic move addresses the challenges of the modern era, attracts younger generations, and better communicates our welcoming, community-focused mission while maintaining our Presbyterian roots.
Skidaway Community Church eagerly and consistently embraces opportunities to partner in service and worship. To learn more about our many recent and long-lived missions and community outreach, visit the Ministries section.
Our Beliefs
As a community of faith, SCC strives to be a joyful, thriving church family REFLECTING THE FACE OF JESUS TO THE WORLD. To that end, we embrace these core values:
Welcoming all we meet
Offering our time, knowledge and treasures
Respecting all people and their beliefs
Serving others to make our community better
Helping those in need
Improving so we can do everything better
Praying for guidance from the Holy Spirit
OUR MISSION: Love God. Love Your Neighbor. Change The World.
Our Leadership
Rev. Dr. Jon Hauerwas
Pastor
Jon was born in Alabama and raised in South Carolina, where he graduated magna cum laude from the University of South Carolina. During Jon’s college career, he studied History, was received into membership of Phi Beta Kappa and served as Moderator of USC’s Presbyterian Student Association.
Following graduation from college, Jon served for a year as an International Young Adult Volunteer commissioned by the Presbyterian Church (USA), when he met his wife, Kara. His service in Edinburgh, Scotland included work as an assistant project manager at Bethany House, an emergency, short-term Christian-based homeless hostel.
Following this overseas experience, Jon attended Princeton Theological Seminary, in New Jersey, where he graduated with a Master of Divinity degree. He also completed Clinical Pastoral Education at New York-Presbyterian Hospital: The University Hospital of Columbia and Cornell in Manhattan.
Jon’s first call to ordained ministry was as an Associate Pastor of Mission at Worthington Presbyterian Church in Worthington, Ohio. In time, he also provided pastoral leadership to Presbyterian Campus Ministry at The Ohio State University. Jon’s second call was as Pastor at Saint James Presbyterian Church in Bellingham, Washington. His third call was as Pastor at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Akron, Ohio.
Jon has recently completed his Doctor of Ministry degree with a focus in Church and Ministry from Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia. Jon is married to Kara. Together, Jon and Kara have two sons named Will and Nate.
jon@skidcc.org | 912-598-9605 (private)
Nick Klemetson
Music Director
Nick Klemetson, Director of Music, brings a multi-faceted musical career to SCC, including performance, academic teaching, instrumental and choral direction and worship ministries. A graduate of St. Olaf College and Emory University and most recently on the faculty of Florida Southern College, he has also held positions with All Saints Episcopal Church in Lakeland, Florida, Grace Lutheran Church and School in Winter Haven, Florida, and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church in Waverly, Iowa.
Nick is currently working on his doctoral thesis project through Southern Methodist University, focusing on the creation of original sacred choral compositions for the small church choir.
nick@skidcc.org | 912-598-0151 x 1107
