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Greetings Siblings in Christ!
As a graduate of the Class of 2012, I can testify that participating in a School of the Laity Cohort was faith-changing for me. I loved and looked forward to spending the few weekends each year totally immersed in learning about the Bible, reformed theology, worship and our PCUSA denomination. I grew in my faith and deepened my relationship with God and my classmates. My passion for this program stems from that experience and my desire for others to experience it too.
Now is the time to prayerfully consider if you- and perhaps someone else in your congregation- should take part in the new cohort; the Class of 2027. This cohort is forming now!
Invite and encourage folks to register soon. Registration is open now and will close on May 23rd. Click on the three buttons below to read more about our cohort program, to access a printable registration form or to register online!
Peace,
Marty Susie
Director of Mission & Program Advancement
| | Calling all School of the Laity Alumni | | |
It’s Time to Cast Your Two Votes!
#1 On the March 2026 Elective:
Reverend Tom Buchanan, who taught our Dietrich Bonhoeffer: A Spoke in the Wheel class last year, will return in March of 2026!
Click the "View Options" button below to see the THREE choices for his March elective class and choose your favorite!
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#2 On the October 2026 Elective:
The top three topics have been tallied from session evaluations –
Click the "View Options" button below to vote for your favorite to take place in October 2026!
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Matching the gifts of a congregation with the needs in a community is what First Presbyterian, Darien is doing with their FPC Antiques & More thrift store. During a Presbytery Mission Committee meeting, FPC Mission Ambassador Denise Smoak shared that their “well-seasoned membership” transformed the church’s former manse into a 501c3 thrift store and staff it as volunteers Thursday through Saturday from 10 AM to 4 PM. Through the proceeds from the store, they have been able to contribute to Saved by Grace, the Head Start program, disaster recovery in both North Carolina and West Virginia as well as to other needs locally. Rebecca O’Neal, shared that she and Frankie Philson, both members at Grant Chapel PC in Darien, frequent the thrift store each Thursday for conversation, treasures and to support the ministry.
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Our Racial Justice Ministry Team was excited to hear from Rev. Deanie Strength that a woman in our presbytery, who had read the M25 Moments in February’s newsletter regarding Iglesia Latina’s Helping Hands Fund responded with a generous donation and asked her congregation to match her gift!
Does your congregation have a M25 Moment to share?
Send your story to Marty Susie @ MSusie1@savannahpresbytery.org
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Please note, fake emails are still going out to individuals across the presbytery posing as Deanie Strength and other presbytery staff.
The Savannah Presbytery staff and volunteers will never make a cryptic request or solicit for monetary funds that fall outside of presbytery programs or annual church/presbytery offerings. All presbytery staff have email addresses that end in @savannahpresbytery.org.
If you receive a strange email asking for money or gift cards or stating that something is confidential and are unsure if it is legit or not feel free to email Jaclyn, jbeeler@savannahpresbytery.org
| | District One Clerks' Meeting | | |
To Review 2024 Minutes
Saturday, May 3rd
10:00 AM
| | Wonder of Worship Virtual Gathering | | |
“Congregational Singing That Takes the Presence of Children Seriously”
May 8, 2025
2:00pm
Zoom
Registration is now open!
Register by April 18th to be guaranteed a resource box in advance of this event!
This event is fully funded by a Lilly Endowment grant through our Wonder of Worship Project, so come and join us and bring along a church friend or two!
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Around the Table is launching two waves of cohort learning models in August 2025 and August 2026.
Applications for the first wave are due May 2nd and coaches will begin reaching out to their cohort members in June and July. Cohorts will meet monthly and will explore Sabbath practices- such as storytelling, hospitality, and retreat- to be observed in the home or as a church community. The program is free to churches and offers a $1,500 grant toward a retreat for communities that attend most of the coaching cohorts over the 9-to-18-month period. Along with the $1,500, a retreat model template is offered.
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Click on the button below for information on multiple resources to equip your ministries from PCUSA Ministry Engagement & Support including One Great Hour of Sharing plus much, much more!
One Great Hour of Sharing is the single, largest way that Presbyterians come together every year to work for a better world. The annual Offering supports Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, the Presbyterian Hunger Program, and Self Development of People. All three programs work to serve individuals and communities in need to provide people with safety, sustenance, and hope.
| | Presbyterians for Earth Care | | |
Are you familiar with
Presbyterians for Earth Care?
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Did you know there is a Presbyterian Women’s Horizon Study on Earth Care?
Let Justice Roll Down:
God’s Call to Care for
Neighbors and All Creation
by Patricia K. Tull
Tull describes her call for creation justice in this way: “When I first learned of the climate crisis, I wondered how a biblical scholar with few practical skills could help and found my purpose in learning about ecology and teaching people of faith what I could. Such is not everyone’s skillset or desire, but each of us has something to do with all our hearts.”
| | | Search for Interim Director of Pastoral and Ecclesial Care | | |
Rev. Rick Douylliez, our presbytery’s Director of Pastoral and Ecclesial Care, has announced his upcoming retirement from his position in both the presbytery and the First Presbyterian Church of St. Marys effective June 1. The Council has approved the formation of a search committee to fill the position in an interim capacity allowing the Personnel Committee to carry out a review of our current 3-director model and make any adjustments. We will give thanks for Rick’s ministry at the Spring Stated Meeting in May.
Those with interest in the position should please contact Deanie Strength, Director of Administration/Stated Clerk, deaniestrength@savannahpresbytery.org
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Project Oasis Retreats are being offered throughout 2025 by Presbyterian elder Mark Borst. The retreats are designed to provide pastors and ministry leaders with rest, practical tools, and personal coaching, offering a space to recharge and gain fresh insight. Please click here for more information: Rekklesia Events Page
Contact Mark directly by clicking here: https://www.rekklesia.com/contact
| | Breitenhirt Scholarship Fund | | |
Thank you to those who contributed to the Breitenhirt Scholarship Fund at our Winter Stated Meeting and Faith Enrichment Conference. We collected just over $500 bringing our balance to $3,449. For this summer alone, the Education & Training Team (ETT) is awaiting 16 summer camp and 5 Montreat applications to be completed resulting in $3,400 in awarded scholarships drawn from that account.
As you can see, if we do not have any contributions in the upcoming year, the Breitenhirt Fund will have $49.00 remaining for 2026. If you or your congregation have a heart for these ministries for our young people, please consider contributing!
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How can you help your congregations
stay informed on Savannah Presbytery happenings?
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Share our newsletter with your members by…
- Sharing this link in your emails to members:
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- Printing the above PDF to hand out to members or mail
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