|
IN THIS EDITION: September Reflections | Prayer for 9/11 | Presbytery Gathering | Museum Trip |
Coaching Cohorts | Small Church Conference | World Communion Offering Grants |
EOM Project Updates | Future Presbytery Gathering Dates
| |
|
September Reflections
by Rev. Dr. Erin Cox-Holmes
Executive Presbyter/Transitional Stated Clerk
.
Greetings Friends!
.
I am just returned from a terrific Sabbatical over the months of July and August. You will receive a recounting of our adventures next week. The most important thing to recognize right now is the amazing work and coordination carried out in my absence by the staff: Chrissy, Sarah, Stephanie, and Matt; Acting Head of Staff Betty Angelini; Acting COM Chair Diane DeSieno (while the COM Chair was also on Sabbatical); and COM Chair Alex Becker, upon his return. Let’s give them all a standing ovation for work well done in a very busy summer season.
.
Returning, as I would imagine is often the case, is a bit like trying to surf in a tsunami while still trying to wax the surfboard. That is a sign of this remarkable presbytery and leadership. The fall is in full swing! This edition of It’s Never Dull in Donegal is filled with opportunities for you to grow in grace, find fellowship, and find practical ways to exercise your discipleship.
.
But today, I am taking a pause for just a moment, just to breathe. I am writing this on September 10, 2026. Tomorrow, September 11, is the 25th anniversary of the 2001 attacks that came to be known as 9/11.
.
For those of you old enough to recall the day, this is seared in our memories, the way some generations remember the day JFK was shot, or the first moon landing. I was home, getting ready to officiate the funeral of Ronny Lellock, who had been treasurer for decades in one of the congregations in my previous presbytery. He had finally lost a brutal battle with cancer, and we were looking forward to celebrating his faithful life.
.
Then the phone rang. “Turn on the TV,” said the voice on the other end. I saw the first tower go down, then had to leave to go to the funeral home for the service. We went into the room, shutting the door on the news to do our best to honor his life. It was the hardest funeral I’ve ever attended. Later in the day, I called my mom, born on September 11, 1935. She told me before she died that her birthday never felt the same after 2001. In the face of so much loss – the personal losses, the huge losses – we lived through national trauma. And we discovered again the assurance that, in life and in death, we belong to God.
.
25 years later, we give thanks for courage. For heroes. For lives lived in quiet faith. And 25 years later, we remember that trauma doesn’t have an expiration date. Below you will find resources that may help guide your prayers this week. Be alert to those for whom 25 years ago is like yesterday. And let us all take a moment, just to breathe, and to give thanks that there is nothing that can separate us – or this beloved, fragile, fallen world – from the love of God.
A Prayer for the
Anniversary of September 11
| |
Almighty, all-merciful God,
through Christ Jesus you have taught us
to love one another,
to love our neighbors as ourselves,
and even to love our enemies.
In times of violence and fear,
let the peace of Christ rule in our hearts,
so that we may not be overcome with evil
but overcome evil with good.
Help us to see each person
in light of the love and grace
you have shown us in Christ.
Put away the nightmares of terror
and awaken us to the dawning
of your new creation.
Establish among us a future
where peace reigns,
justice is done with mercy,
and all are reconciled.
We ask these things
in the name and for the sake
of Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
From the PC(USA)'s September 11 Remembrance Liturgical Resources
| | | | |
September Presbytery Gathering
With a Focus on Global Mission
.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
9:30 am - 3:00 pm
Eastminster Presbyterian Church, York, PA
| |
We're excited to gather as a presbytery at Eastminster Presbyterian Church later this month!
.
The theme of our Learning Community Time is global mission. We're excited to welcome two expert presenters: Cindy Corell, a Global Ecumenical Liaison with the PC(USA), and Dr. James Taneti, Assistant Professor of World Christianity and Director of the Syngman Rhee Global Mission Center at Union Presbyterian Seminary. They will help us get up to speed on the state of world mission within our denomination, and help us discover ways to get involved in world mission efforts. Anyone who is interested in global mission is invited to attend!
.
Our worship will include Renewal of Baptism and preaching by Rev. Dr. Erin Cox-Holmes.
At the Gathering we will also hear reports from our General Assembly Commissioners and Young Adult Advisory Delegate, celebrate ordination anniversaries, welcome new members of the presbytery, adopt Minimum Terms of Call and benefit updates for 2027, have the second read and approval of the 2027 Presbytery of Donegal Budget, and engage in the presbytery's work through Commissions and Committees.
| | |
Visit to the
Stevens & Smith Center for History and Democracy
Followed by Lunch and Discussion
.
Saturday, November 14, 2026
10:00 am - 2:00 pm
| |
Join a group from Donegal Presbytery to explore Lancaster's newest museum!
Named after 19th-century abolitionists Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith, the Stevens & Smith Center showcases the courageous struggle for freedom and equality in America – both across the nation and right here in Pennsylvania.
We'll meet at 10:00 AM inside the front entrance of the Stevens & Smith Center for introductions and a quick orientation. Then you'll have time to explore the museum's 16 exhibition galleries at your own pace. Afterward, we'll step across the street to the Southern Market food hall, for lunch and guided conversation.
| | |
Free Coaching Cohorts
For Ministry Leaders
.
Registration Open September 15 - 30
Cohorts Begin the Week of October 12
| |
The PC(USA) Office of Christian Formation is offering opportunities for small groups of leaders with similar ministry interests to meet with a trained coach. Cohorts meet online via Zoom for four weeks, and they are offered free of charge. These cohorts are open to all ministry leaders, including volunteers, pastors, and other church staff. Fall 2026 cohorts include:
.
- Intentional Older Adult Ministry
- Building Support for Campus Ministry in Congregations
- New to Faith Formation or Youth Ministry
- Where 2 or 3 are Gathered
- Partnering with Parents/Caregivers
- Building Student Leadership
- Partnering Well with Community Partners
- Transitions in Ministry
- Contemplando a Cristo, viviendo plenamente: Profundiza en Cristo, vive tu identidad y sirve con fidelidad
| | |
Wee Kirk Small Church Conference
For Pastors, Elders, Deacons & Lay Leaders
.
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.
.
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.
| |
World Communion Offering Grants
Now Available to Congregations
For Ministries of Reconciliation, Justice, and Peacemaking
| | |
The World Communion Offering Grant Program supports ministries that reflect reconciliation as experienced at Christ’s Table. Grants are designed to support practical, community-based ministry efforts related to the World Communion Offering focus areas:
- Racial justice
- Gender justice
- Peacemaking
- Global witness
- Ecumenical and interfaith relationships
| | |
Updates from Recent Donegal Presbytery
Engaging Our Mission
Grant Recipients
.
The Presbytery of Donegal's Engaging Our Mission Committee (EOM) offers grants to support mission endeavors of Donegal Presbytery congregations. Here are some of the exciting projects funded by recent EOM Grants:
.
-
Eastminster Presbyterian Church used their EOM Grant to fund the EPC Cares for Kids ministry, offering backpacks filled with food for local children in need.
Read an update on Eastminster's project HERE.
.
-
An EOM Grant enabled Hopewell Presbyterian Church to paint a local park building, which is the site of an ecumenical community Vacation Bible School.
Read an update on Hopewell's project HERE.
.
-
West Grove Presbyterian Church discerned God's call to share their space with a new nonprofit Spanish-language immersion school. An EOM grant funded facility improvements to make this new ministry to the community possible.
Read an update on West Grove's project HERE.
.
To apply for an EOM Grant, complete the application form HERE.
| | |
Upcoming Presbytery Gatherings
2026-2027 Dates & Locations
.
Tuesday, September 22, 2026
Eastminster Presbyterian Church
311 Haines Road, York, PA 17402
.
Tuesday, November 17, 2026
First Presbyterian Church of Phoenixville
145 South Main Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460
.
Tuesday, February 23, 2027
First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg
101 South Decatur Street, Strasburg, PA 17579
.
Tuesday, May 11, 2027
Middle Octorara Presbyterian Church
1199 Valley Road, Quarryville, PA 17566
.
Tuesday, September 28, 2027
Location to be Determined
.
Tuesday, November 16, 2027
Location to be Determined
.
| 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. | | | | |
