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Greetings Siblings in Christ,
My prayer is that each congregation and its neighboring community weathered the recent winter storm well and is seeing the Spirit’s work through the “helpers.” I remember Fred Rodgers’ reflection during trying or scary times: "My mother would say to me, 'Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.' To this day, especially in times of disaster, I remember my mother's words, and I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers — so many caring people in this world."
I am comforted by the testimonies of Savannah Presbytery congregations engaged in being helpers as the hands and feet of our Lord. I am truly thankful to be part of our leadership team charged with the mission of “engaging, encouraging and equipping” Savannah Presbytery for its service to the Church of Jesus Christ in southeast Georgia.
I’m looking forward to seeing many of you at our Faith Enrichment Conference where we will gather for worship, connection and learning at the end of this month. I am also excited to share that we will welcome back much beloved Dr. Christine Yoder, Senior Vice President and Dean of Faculty and J. McDowell Richards Professor of Biblical Interpretation at Columbia Theological Seminary, March 8-9th to The School of the Laity to lead us in the elective course: THE TREE OF LIFE: An Introduction to the Wisdom Literature of Ancient Israel.
Take advantage of these programs by intentionally inviting members of your congregations to participate. Through their participation, individuals will grow in their connection to the wider presbytery, increase their knowledge and understanding as they learn from exceptional presenters, and return to their congregations encouraged and equipped to serve and strengthen them.
Peace & Courage,
Marty Susie
Director of Mission & Program Advancement
Savannah Presbytery
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One focus in Matthew 25 is the Vital Congregations initiative. Its purpose is to walk alongside congregations discerning and living into faithful actions that take them deeper into following Jesus, so that their congregations are changed, and their communities are impacted as the mission of God is spread throughout.
What does that look like in Savannah Presbytery?
Here are a few “M25 Moments”:
Grant Chapel Presbyterian in Darien, GA, is known in its community as a vital congregation that steps in to help its neighbors as the hands and feet of Christ. Like the Good Samaritan, their congregation served a family in need with biblical hospitality. Read their full story below.
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Brunswick Second Presbyterian in Brunswick, GA became an official Matthew 25 Congregation in September of 2024 and sees the Spirit at work as a vital congregation. Their impact on neighbors began with food giveaways which grew into a partnership with Altama Presbyterian to become monthly "Neighborhood Giveaways" - including toiletries and clothing along with the food. The Neighborhood Giveaways organically led to Brunswick Second’s evolution into multiculturalism.
Church pastor Eddie Tanon’s influence, as a Brooklyn native of Puerto Rican descent, has been invaluable to the earnest outreach to Brunswick Second’s Spanish speaking LatinX neighbors and giveaway attendees. Read their full story below.
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Winter Stated Meeting
Friday, February 21st
hosted by:
Jekyll Presbyterian Community Church
Jekyll Island, GA
Lunch at noon with meeting to follow at 1 pm
For those who plan to eat lunch at Noon, please be courteous to our
host church and register for lunch by Monday, February 17th.
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Faith Enrichment Conference | |
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Join us for THRIVE!
Savannah Presbytery’s 45th Annual Faith Enrichment Conference, February 21-22nd, 2025, at Epworth by the Sea, Saint Simons Island.
Keynote and author, Rev. Dr. Graham Standish will share not only his approach to church transformation, but also newer insights and approaches he’s developed as a clergy spiritual director/coach and church consultant in helping pastors and churches thrive.
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School of the Laity
March 8-9, 2025
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Tree of Life:
An Introduction to the Wisdom Literature of Ancient Israel
This course is an introduction to the wisdom literature of ancient Israel, especially the books of Proverbs, Job, and Ecclesiastes. Our goals are to consider the definition and key characteristics of wisdom; to develop a familiarity with the background, forms, content, theologies, and interpretive issues of the wisdom texts; and to reflect on the place of wisdom in the Christian Scriptures. Furthermore, we will explore the relevance of wisdom’s perspectives for contemporary preaching, teaching, and theological reflection in Christian communities.
Pre-course Assignment: To read Proverbs, Job & Ecclesiastes and make note of what stands out to you, what surprises you, how you would describe each book to someone who had never read it, how the books are similar and how they are different. Additional recommended reading: Samuel E. Balentine, Wisdom Literature. Core Biblical Studies, Abingdon, 2018; William P. Brown, Wisdom’s Wonder: Character, Creation, and Crisis in the Bible’s Wisdom Literature. Eerdmans, 2014.
Led by Dr. Christine Yoder, Senior Vice President and Dean of Faculty
and J. McDowell Richards Professor of Biblical Interpretation at
Columbia Theological Seminary.
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Rev. Rachel Rhodes Installation | |
The Savannah Presbytery extends congratulations to the Rev. Rachel Rhodes and the St. Simons Presbyterian Church upon the installation of Rev. Rhodes as Senior Pastor. | (L to R, Row 1 - Rev. Rick Douylliez (First St. Marys and Savannah Presbytery), Rev. Jim Jackson (St. Simons), Rev. Rachel Rhodes (St. Simons), Rev. Laurie Bentley (St. Simons), Rev. Deanie Strength (Savannah Presbytery); Row 2 – Rev. Teresa Cramer, Elder Marti Stein (First Savannah), Elder Andrew Allen (First Statesboro), Rev. Clare Lozano (Kaw Prairie Community Church, KS), Elder Brenda Jones (St. Simons); Row 3 – Rev. Bert Cramer (Jekyll Presbyterian Community), Elder Omar Douglass (Brunswick Second), Rev. David Davis (Nassau, Princeton, NJ) | |
Rev. Rhodes with husband Rev. Matt Rhodes and children Ben and MJ | |
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Breitenhirt Scholarship Fund
Needs YOU!
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Each year 12 to 15 Breitenhirt Scholarships are awarded to help our churches and families offset costs to send children and youth to summer camp and Montreat Youth Conferences to the tune of $2,200-$2,600.
Our fund currently sits with a balance of $2,830. If donations do not come in, this fund will likely be depleted in 2025.
To learn more about the fund or to donate, click on the buttons below.
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Spring Stated Meeting
Butler Memorial Presbyterian Church (Savannah)
Tuesday, May 20th
11 AM Lunch
Noon Worship and Meeting
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Fall Stated Meeting
Wilmington Island Presbyterian Church
Monday, October 27th
11 AM Lunch
Noon Worship and Meeting
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Correction: Rev. Pete Ullmann enjoyed 11 years of ministry with us in Savannah Presbytery, not seven as was previously celebrated.
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We welcome Rev. Dr. Diane Knauf, who is moving her membership from Charleston-Atlantic Presbytery and will serve as the Interim Pastor of Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church. Diane has been serving First Presbyterian Church of Hilton Head as Associate Pastor of Congregational Care and Connection. She and her husband are relocating to the bounds of our presbytery as he has accepted a work position in our area. https://www.fpchhi.org/our-team
- The Rev. Kathi Parchem served a number of congregations in Savannah Presbytery before moving her membership to Cherokee Presbytery where she has been serving as Interim Pastor of John Knox Presbyterian Church in Marietta. She will celebrate her retirement at that presbytery’s February Stated Meeting. Please send a congratulatory card to Cherokee Presbytery, PO Box 1839, Cartersville, GA 30120.
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A Season of Celebration with
White Bluff Presbyterian Church
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This message is to inform the Presbytery about a year of celebration for White Bluff Presbyterian Church's 280th Anniversary.
All are invited to come join the party.
First founded as the White Bluff Meeting House in 1745, the church reformed and always being reformed according to the Word of God, has carved out a unique journey. The faithful have made wrong choices, have shared joys and victories, have struggled, have been inspired by growth and have travelled through the shadows, but have been accompanied by the Love of God and the Grace of Christ around every corner. And now we find ourselves at a place of celebration and hope. We’ve taken on some new shapes and rhythms, we are tracing new patterns, but we are assured that the God - who was, who is, and who is to come - is calling us forward together on the Way. We intend to be attentive to that call.
In celebration of God’s legacy of faith across the ages, White Bluff Presbyterian Church will be hosting a series of special services of worship. The Presbytery is welcome to attend any of our services but is especially encouraged to come share in a special community-wide celebration on Saturday, May 17th at 1pm.
Here is our schedule of services:
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Sunday April 27th (11am) Rev. Claire Williams preaching
- Sunday May 4th (11am) Rev. Eric Beene preaching, Rev Carol Cash assisting followed by a church picnic (RSVP if you can join us!)
- Saturday May 10th Community Forum on Justice and Theological Education (Time TBD)
- Sunday May 11th (11am) Rev. Dr. Victor Aloyo (President, Columbia Theological Seminary) and Rev. Dr. Paul Roberts (President, Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary) discussing our connection with the founding of CTS and the relationship with JCSTS across time. Themes of justice, organizing, repair and peace building carried over from Saturday.
- Saturday May 17th (1pm) - Special service of worship and communion with Presbytery (Synod and General Assembly reps also invited); Walking Timeline open in Education Building; committee discussing food options (TBD)
- Sunday May 18th (11am) Rev. Bob Brearley preaching
These plans are developing and taking shape. They may be adjusted according to the discussions and discernment of the planning committee. Please be in touch with us using our church email for the most up to date plans:
info@whitebluffpresbyterian.com
Your prayers, support and contributions are welcomed and treasured.
Yours in Christ,
JGR
Rev. Dr. John G Ruehl, IV
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Ahmaud Arbery Case Update | |
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It was reported by Michael Hall in the Brunswick News that more than 20 potential jurors out of the pool of more than 500 called to the Glynn County Courthouse on Tuesday for the first day of jury selection of former chief prosecutor of the Brunswick Judicial Circuit Johnson’s trial were brought for individual questioning.
"Johnson is charged with violating her oath of office for allegedly urging Glynn County police investigators not to arrest Travis McMichael on Feb. 23, 2020, after he, his father Greg McMichael, and their neighbor William “Roddie” Bryan chased Arbery, an unarmed Black man who was on foot, in pickup trucks through the Satilla Shores neighborhood. The chase ended with Travis McMichael shooting Arbery, who was unarmed, with a shotgun, killing him."
Savannah and Greater Atlanta Presbyteries created a joint statement on May 28, 2020 in which we pledged to pray for all parties involved in Ahmaud Arbery's murder; walk alongside his family as they endured the journey of grief and the quest for justice; hold local and state officials accountable as they investigated this crime; and to watch for god's reign of love with hopeful eyes, grateful hearts, and unwearied hands. Let it be so.
Read the full statement here: Ahmaud Arbery Statement - Savannah Presbytery
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From the Synod & Office of GA | |
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Presbyterian Peace Network for Korea
(PPNK)
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A Letter to Presbytery Leaders
Good evening, Presbytery leader
The arrest last week of South Korea's President Yoon Suk-yeol on charges of treason and insurrection marks a critical development in the continuing political instability and civil unrest in that country. Christians in the United States have long had a strong connection with Christians in Korea, and the PCUSA has close relationships with two of the Presbyterian denominations there. The continuing unrest in Korea threatens the lives and wellbeing of our brothers and sisters there, as well as the peace in East Asia and the world. The Presbyterian Peace Network for Korea (PPNK) is deeply concerned about the ongoing crisis there and is lifting up that concern for consideration and prayer by our fellow Presbyterians.
PPNK is a mission network related to the PCUSA, whose primary mission is to educate and advocate for peace on the Korean peninsula. As people of faith who proclaim Jesus as the Prince of Peace, PPNK has written two statements for peace in solidarity with our peace-loving siblings in Korea. It has been sent to our partner churches in South Korea and to PCUSA presbyteries. We are attaching our second statement in both Korean and English for your information.
View the 2nd Statement on 12.3 here
The first statement is still available on line at https://drive.google.com/file/d/1Bh9mk7eY-yDVDAU0GJAuWbaEMUv9sMmE/view We pray that it will be received in good spirit.
We respectfully ask that you share this information and statement with your minister members and churches, and ask them to join us in prayer for a nonviolent resolution to this crisis and for peace in the Korean peninsula. The Korean language version of the Declaration will be particularly helpful for your Korean-speaking churches.
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From the Stated Clerk & Co-Moderators | |
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A Letter from the Stated Clerk and the Co-Moderators of the
226th General Assembly
“Belonging to Jesus Christ in Every Generation and Circumstance”
Read the full letter here
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February 27- March 1st:
Journey: Setting Out Together Event
We are the synod together! With a ‘new way’ of living out our call to embody, cultivate, and inspire, you are invited along to learn more about the Journey and how we can align ourselves for the future Church that God is calling us to be.
Learn more or register here: Home | Synod of South Atlantic
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SAVE THE DATE:
February 20-21, 2026
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Georgia Presbyteries Announcement
The leadership of the five Georgia presbyteries (Greater Atlanta, Flint River, Cherokee, Northeast Georgia and Savannah) charged a planning team to create a gathering of Georgia presbyteries for 2026! The FIRST of its kind!!
Recognizing the ways in which the planning for this event will impact other things happening in our presbyteries, the planning team made a couple of up-front decisions that they asked that we communicate to you.
First, we are planning to use Savannah Presbytery’s reservation at Epworth by the Sea, Saint Simons Island, on February 20-21, 2026, for this time together. We expect that the event will begin at 1pm on Friday, February 20, and end by 2pm on Saturday, February 21. We hope that you will check your congregations' calendars now to avoid conflicts and particularly seek to look at ways to minimize overscheduling for the month of February 2026 (i.e. avoiding events on the weekends before and after this event).
We are excited about this collaboration and the opportunity to be the connected church with our Georgia siblings! Save-the-date!
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Presbyterian Disaster Assistance | |
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In early 2025, Southern California faced multiple fires, exacerbated by strong winds and dry conditions. More than 35,000 acres burned and destroyed more than 16,000 structures. Pacific Palisades Presbyterian Church was also destroyed. PDA has been actively engaged in responding to the devastating wildfires affecting communities within the Pacific, San Gabriel, and San Fernando Presbyteries. Initial response and church damage grants has been disbursed to provide immediate support for addressing urgent needs in their communities. These grants are essential for stabilizing local congregations and communities during the early stages of recovery.
National Response Team members have been deployed to provide a ministry of presence, assist with ongoing assessments and help match identified needs with appropriate resources to expedite recovery resources.
PDA remains dedicated to supporting the Pacific, San Gabriel, and San Fernando Presbyteries as they navigate the challenges of wildfire recovery. By providing immediate grants, facilitating communication, deploying trained volunteers, and mobilizing denominational resources, PDA seeks to embody Christ’s call to care for those in need.
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Free Student-Loan Forgiveness Coaching
with PCUSA Office
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The Office of Financial Aid for Service (PCUSA) oversees a program that provides Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) support and coaching for people that work for the Presbyterian Church and all the related entities of the Church. As of last year, coaches helped PCUSA borrowers with forgiveness by almost $8,000,000. Some qualifying workers received a reduction in their monthly payment of as much as $700 a month. In addition to Ministers of Word and Sacrament and commissioned pastors, this program also serves church staff (office and financial staff, Christian Educators, custodians, children and youth ministry leaders) and teachers of church-related preschools and academies. https://www.pcusa.org/loanassist | |
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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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