IN THIS EDITION: Call for Workshop Proposals | Register for Fall Pastors Retreat | What Happened at GA | Sabbatical Update | Wee Kirk Small Church Conference | Upcoming Presbytery Gatherings | | | |
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?
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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.
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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!
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• Relationship-Building •
• Recreation & Rest •
• Worship & Prayer •
• Learning Time •
Cost: $50 per person
Scholarships are available.
Click HERE for all the details!
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Tentative Schedule
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SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 27
Check-In – 3:30 PM
Welcome & Introductions – 4:45 PM
Dinner – 5:00 PM
Opening Activities – 6:30 PM
Worship – 7:15 PM
Fellowship, Fun & Fire – 8:00 PM
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MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 28
Optional Early Morning Walk/Run
Breakfast – 7:30 AM
Morning Prayer – 8:30
Workshop – 9:00 AM
- “Understanding Christian (Social) Action” by Dr. David Bronkema
Lunch – 12:00 PM
Recreation & Leisure
- Cornhole Tournament
- Guided Nature Treasure Hunt
- Yoga
- Crafts
- Free time to relax
Dinner – 5:00 PM
Worship & Lord’s Supper – 6:30 PM
Fellowship, Fun & Fire – 7:30 PM
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TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 29
Breakfast – 7:30 AM
Morning Prayer – 8:30 AM
Participants may continue to enjoy personal retreat time at The Welcoming Place.
Check-Out – 12:00 PM
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After the retreat concludes, Presbytery Moderator Bob Bronkema is organizing an unofficial post-retreat golf outing at Meadia Heights Golf Club in Lancaster. Those who wish to participate are responsible for the cost, which is $75 per person. This golf fee is NOT included in the retreat cost.
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What Happened at General Assembly?
What Comes Next?
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The 227th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA) wrapped up earlier this month in Milwaukee, WI.
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CLICK HERE to read a reflection from Rev. Dr. Erin Cox-Holmes about the Donegal delegation's time at GA.
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Donegal Presbytery is offering free access to the GA recap bulletin insert created by The Presbyterian Outlook. If you would like to use this resource with your congregation, contact Chrissy Wells at christine@donegalpby.org.
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Pictured Left to Right: Ruling Elder Commissioner Carl Barr, Young Adult Advisory Delegate Emma Wilson, Ruling Elder Commissioner Liz Carrabine, Presbytery Associate / Associate Stated Clerk Sarah Kneier, Teaching Elder Commissioner Betty Angelini, Teaching Elder Commissioner Matt Randolph, and Executive Presbyter / Transitional Stated Clerk Erin Cox-Holmes
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Sabbatical Update
From Rev. Dr. Erin Cox-Holmes
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Executive Presbyter/Transitional Stated Clerk Rev. Dr. Erin Cox-Holmes will be on the second leg of her sabbatical until August 31, 2026.
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CLICK HERE to read Erin's farewell message.
While Erin is on sabbatical, Chrissy Wells will direct all presbytery business to the appropriate person. Contact Chrissy at christine@donegalpby.org or 717-392-4035.
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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
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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.
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Upcoming Presbytery Gatherings
Fall 2026 Dates & Locations
Tuesday, September 22
Eastminster Presbyterian Church
311 Haines Road, York, PA 17402
Tuesday, November 17
First Presbyterian Church of Phoenixville
145 Main Street, Phoenixville, PA 19460
Watch for 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. | | | | |
