Transitional General Presbyter's Corner |
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From the fig tree learn its lesson:
as soon as its branch becomes tender and puts forth its leaves,
you know that summer is near. Matthew 24:32
A couple of years ago, shortly after moving from Texas back into our home in Sunbury, a tornado went through our neighborhood. Limbs and trees fell, but no serious damage was done. However, a large fig tree that I had tended since it was a sprig given to me by my Italian barber (yes, I had some hair then) had been uprooted and fallen against our house. I was fairly certain the days of the large purple figs that we had enjoyed for years was over. There was very little chance of a fig tree whose limbs had been twisted, branches broken with roots in the air could ever live. It was a hopeless case. The tree was dead. Nevertheless, hoping against hope, we pulled it upright with a truck, severely pruned its damaged limbs, packed more dirt around the base, and staked it down with towing straps.
As Spring approached, we were surprised when green buds began to appear. By Easter, figs were beginning to grow once again. I consider this my Easter tree. It reminds me that in life – death, tragedy, and disappointments -- are ever present. Yet with God, in the midst of hopelessness, there is still the possibility of new life and resurrection.
This month, we join the disciples as they question their faith in their journey towards the cross. It’s a walk that begins with an emotional high as they march into Jerusalem. Having never truly understood Jesus’ words about his impending Passion, they anticipate the coronation of the Messiah. Then . . . there was Jesus’ horrible torture, suffering and death on the cross. In fear and with little faith, they fled and went into hiding. Needless to say, they were beyond surprised when the risen Christ first appeared in their midst. Surprise turned into faith, faith into devotion, and devotion into gratitude.
My thriving fig tree, with leaves unfurling and soon to be laden with figs, reminds me that as we walk alongside of the doubting disciples in the journey towards the cross, we know how the story ends. Easter Sunday is coming. Resurrection is around the corner. Life abounds, and we are indeed grateful.
From the fig tree learn its lesson:
as soon as its branch become tender
and puts forth its leaves,
you know that summer is near.
Peace, Gratitude & Blessings,
Rev. Dr. Alan Baroody
Transitional General Presbyter
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Save the Date
Spring Presbytery Meeting - May 17th
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The Spring Presbytery Meeting will be hosted by Vidalia Presbyterian Church on May 17, 2022 at 10:00 AM with lunch to follow the meeting. Come and visit with old friends and meet new ones too. The meeting will also be available on Zoom for those who are unable to participate in person.
Stay tuned for registration information!
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A Pilgrimage to Montgomery, Alabama |
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May 28 – 30th (Memorial Day Weekend)
Immerse yourself in the stories of Montgomery’s Civil Rights laborers and return home inspired, transformed, and charged to address the challenges that we face to be “repairers of the breach” in our presbytery and communities. The weekend will include visits to The Legacy Museum, The Rosa Parks Museum, and The Dexter Avenue King Memorial Baptist Church and speakers on the Civil Rights Movement including The Freedom Riders.
Participants will have pre-trip reading and videos to complete as well as a post-trip follow-up gathering intended to move them from understanding into action.
Meals will feature regional foods catered by local residents with one “free time” meal for folks to explore on their own.
This pilgrimage is for members & friends of Savannah Presbytery’s Churches (Minimum Age: 14)
Why make this pilgrimage?
The Church is called to “labor for the abolition of all racial discrimination and to minister to those injured by it", as we read in The Confession of 1967:
“God has created the peoples of the earth to be one universal family. In God’s reconciling love, God overcomes the barriers between siblings and breaks down every form of discrimination based on racial or ethnic difference, real or imaginary. The church is called to bring all to receive and uphold one another as persons in all relationships of life: in employment, housing, education, leisure, marriage, family, church, and the exercise of political rights. Therefore, the church labors for the abolition of all racial discrimination and ministers to those injured by it. Congregations, individuals, or groups of Christians who exclude, dominate, or patronize their humankind, however subtly, resist the Spirit of God and bring contempt on the faith which they profess.” (9.44a)
Cost
Savannah Presbytery Members**: Per person costs based on number of people in room (Quadruple $390, Triple $405, Double $450, Single $550)
Friends: Per person costs (Quadruple $590, Triple $605, Double $650, Single $750)
**Savannah Presbytery funds will reduce the cost for members of churches in the presbytery.
Please Note the following Covid Protocol before registering:All participants are required to have medical insurance coverage and have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.
- All participants must complete and submit the following registration documents:
- Emergency Contact and Health Form
- Limitation of Liability Waiver
- Permission For Use of Photographic Likeness
- Copy of COVID-19 Vaccination Card
- COVID Testing Requirements
- All participants must have a negative PCR test result within 72 hours prior to the start of the program.
- Rapid testing kits will be provided for all participants to be administered onsite on day 1 of the program, and if symptoms present in a participant.
We are approaching the halfway point on registration fulfillment! Plans are coming together for a pre-trip Zoom gathering to build relationships among participants and to prepare for our pilgrimage. We hope you will join us! Don't delay because there is limited space available.
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Remembering Jean Vernon
SEPTEMBER 5, 1929 – MARCH 23, 2022
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Jean was a faithful and active member of First Presbyterian Church in Brunswick and the Savannah Presbytery. She served as an elder in the church, chair of pastor nominating committees, and moderator of the Savannah Presbytery as well as Presbytery Committees and the Council. Later in life, she felt called as a lay pastor, finding joy in researching sermons and leading worship. Though not a singer, she loved attending the music and worship conferences at Montreat Conference Center.
A service to celebrate Jean’s remarkable life will be held on Saturday, April 2 at 2 PM at First Presbyterian Church, Brunswick, GA, officiated by Reverend Janice West, Reverend Lou Ellen Hartley, and Reverend Greg Garris. The service Saturday will be live streamed to First, Brunswick's Facebook page. Visitation is on Friday from 4 to 6 PM at Edo Miller Funeral Home. All who were touched by Jean over her years of service to many communities and organizations are welcome.
Well done, good and faithful servant.
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Let's Talk!
The Savannah Presbytery Mission team is looking at ways to support missions in our presbytery. To do so more effectively, we need to hear your mission ideas and dreams: to hear voices from all our congregations whether large or small, mostly older or filled with children. We are holding a virtual roundtable called Navigating the Church Through Missions on April 7 at 7:00 p.m.
We hope you will join us for Navigating the Church Through Missions.
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A New Cohort, Class of 2024 begins
June 24-25
Since 2020, Savannah Presbytery has offered our program online in response to the pandemic and has committed to continuing our online access ongoing. Our 2021 Capital Campaign raised funds to purchase equipment to give all participants- those in person and online- an equitable experience. We continue to work toward this hybrid approach at Epworth-by-the-Sea, on St. Simons for those in-person and via Zoom online.
We welcome first-time learners, life-long learners, folks considering a pathway to becoming a Commissioned Lay Pastor (CLP), and even pastors who may want to experience our program.
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Registration is OPEN NOW!
Savannah Presbytery Summer Camp 2022
June 20-24, 2022
We are excited to introduce a new model for our Summer Camp as we partner with Camp Montgomery, a PC(USA) Conference Center, in Starke, Florida!
What’s NEW & EXCITING??
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An increase in EXPERIENCES centered on building relationships and deepening faith!
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A decrease in COSTS- cost of camp has gotten 33% LESS EXPENSIVE!
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A REBATE OPPORTUNITY - “BRING-A-BUDDY” and the two of you each get a $50 rebate at close of registration!*
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Savannah Presbytery will GET YOU THERE! We will provide transportation from each of our three Districts to those who are in need.
Campers (rising 2nd-12th grades) can expect camp to be next level at Camp Montgomery which is accredited by the American Camp Association. Campers will have opportunity to engage in activities that stretch them and build connectedness with each other and their faith. Activities include archery, high & low ropes, swimming, canoeing, worship, Bible study, zip lining, rock wall climbing, tubing, and blobbing!
Montgomery Summer Staff are selected based on their Christian commitment, maturity, and aptitude in working with young people. All members are screened carefully and are subject to a Level II background check. Their training prepares them to create caring environments, provide opportunities for discovery, develop campers’ relationships with Christ, and administer CPR/First Aid training. A nurse is on the premise and camp food is top notch with fresh homemade fare prepared daily.
*Rebate offer is limited to one per camper and to their one Buddy
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Churches, we would love it if you would find someone in your congregation to make an announcement before worship about summer camp! Please use the information in this email and on our website.
Below you will find a bulletin insert for your church's use.
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Jean Breitenhirt Scholarship Fund |
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Have you heard of the
“JEAN BREITENHIRT SCHOLARSHIP FUND?”
Jean Breitenhirt directed our summer camps for years with special care and love.
This fund was created in her memory as a tangible way for folks to financially help children and youth afford programs led by Savannah Presbytery.
WHO can apply for a Breitenhirt Scholarships?
We never want a financial burden to keep a child or youth from experiencing our summer programs such as Montreat, Summer Camp and Triennium! Applicants can print the scholarship application from the Savannah Presbytery’s website, complete it and mail it to the Registrar of the summer program in which they would like participate. Applicants will be notified of decision and will be instructed regarding remaining payment.
HOW CAN YOU OR YOUR CHURCH HELP?
Make scholarship donations so we can continue to help defray the costs of our summer programs for those in need. Any contribution amount is welcomed!
Make checks to Savannah Presbytery, write “Breitenhirt Fund” on the memo line and mail to 3590 Darien Hwy Suite 8, Brunswick, Georgia 31525 or give ONLINE by clicking here.
Use “Special Giving” line and “NOTES” to specify Breitenhirt Fund.
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Thornwell will welcome their tenth president to the Clinton, SC campus on April 1. Myron Wilkens comes from a non-profit ministry in Greensboro, NC and is an ordained American Baptist minister. He was chosen by the board from a number of extremely qualified candidates.
Because of the congregant care limitations put on organizations such as Thornwell by so many state agencies, Thornwell leadership has undertaken a new program called Attach Based Residential Care (ARC) Thornwell is the only organization in the southeastern US that is certified to offer this program and now has a waiting list as they struggle to hire qualified teaching (cottage) parents during Covid.
Seventy-eight cents of every dollar donated to Thornwell goes directly to the care of children and families. If your church or organization would like to know more about Thornwell programs and services or if you have a group of 4-8 that would like to tour the campus, please contact Jim Conner at 770 781 8133 or jmc101043@gmail.com.
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Save the Date
Faith Enrichment Conference 2022
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Don't keep it to yourself, share with your friends!
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