Call for Workshop Proposals

for the November Presbytery Gathering

For the upcoming November Presbytery Gathering — to be held on Tuesday, November 17, 2026, at First Presbyterian Church of Phoenixville — the Leader Team is once again arranging a variety of workshops to be offered during the morning Learning Community time.

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We are currently accepting proposals from people who would like to lead a workshop on a topic that will equip the ministry of Teaching Elders and Ruling Elders. All workshops will be 75 minutes (1 hour and 15 minutes) long.

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Interested in offering a workshop?

The deadline to submit your proposal is August 25, 2026. A member of the Leader Team will be in touch with you in early September with the outcome of your proposal.

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Need some inspiration? CLICK HERE to read about the slate of workshops offered at last November’s Presbytery Gathering.

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We look forward to reading your workshop proposals! Questions? Contact Chrissy Wells at christine@donegalpby.org.

Register by August 27 for the

Fall Pastors Retreat

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Sunday, September 27 - Tuesday, September 29

The Welcoming Place, Akron, PA

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All Donegal Presbytery Ministers of Word and Sacrament and Commissioned Ruling Elder Pastors – whether actively serving or retired – are invited to join colleagues for a time of refreshment, fellowship, and learning!

Scholarships are available!

You're Invited to Join a Curious Conversation

Wednesday, September 9 at 10:00 AM

Westminster Presbyterian Church

10 West Pleasant Grove Road, West Chester, PA 17382

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In our polarized world, having healthy dialogue about contentious issues can feel impossible — even within the church. Yet, if we want our churches to be places where people learn and grow together in Christ, we need to tackle talking about sensitive or difficult topics.

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Over the past year, Donegal Presbytery has been learning and practicing the "Curious Conversation" model for approaching these hard conversations. Based on seeking to understand others’ perspectives — even when we passionately disagree — these Curious Conversations are an opportunity to practice listening, asking genuine questions, staying in the room with difference, and humanizing our ideological opponents.

On the morning of September 9, Westminster Presbyterian Church will be hosting a Curious Conversation, and the whole presbytery is invited. The gathering is not to debate or change minds, but to be curious and seek understanding. You are welcome to come and listen, share, and ask curious questions. Registration is required.

Wee Kirk Small Church Conference

For Pastors, Elders, Deacons & Lay Leaders

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Monday, October 12 - Wednesday, October 14

Laurelville Retreat Center, Mt. Pleasant, PA

The Wee Kirk (Scottish for "small church") conference in western Pennsylvania aims to inspire, equip, motivate, and encourage small churches and to provide rest and refreshment for the clergy and lay leaders of small churches.

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The event is designed for anyone with a leadership role in a small church -- pastors, staff, ruling elders, deacons, trustees, committee members, and other volunteers.

Scholarships are available for those with financial need. Contact the presbytery office.

Upcoming Presbytery Gatherings

2026-2027 Dates & Locations

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Tuesday, September 22, 2026

Eastminster Presbyterian Church

311 Haines Road, York, PA 17402

• Learning Community Time: global mission & supporting the global church
• Updates from General Assembly
• Celebrating ordination anniversaries
• Welcoming new members of Donegal Presbytery
• Minimum Terms of Call & benefits updates for 2027
• Second Read & approval of 2027 presbytery budget

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Tuesday, November 17, 2026

First Presbyterian Church of Phoenixville

145 South Main Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460

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Tuesday, February 23, 2027

First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg

101 South Decatur Street, Strasburg, PA 17579

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Tuesday, May 11, 2027

Middle Octorara Presbyterian Church

1199 Valley Road, Quarryville, PA 17566

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Tuesday, September 28, 2027

Location to be Determined

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Tuesday, November 16, 2027

Location to be Determined

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Watch for more details about Learning Community topics, worship, and business items. Mark your calendars, and make plans to send your congregation's allotted number of Ruling Elder Commissioners. Additional guests are always welcome!

The Mission of the Presbytery of Donegal is to participate in the Gospel of Jesus Christ by equipping the ministry of congregations and leaders of congregations, and by carrying out the mission that we do better together as a presbytery to fulfill the Great Ends of the Church.

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