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Greetings Siblings in Christ!
June brings us into the full swing of programming for Savannah Presbytery. This time of year, we take advantage of summer vacation to engage our children and youth in their faith journey with God through week-long experiences at Montreat Youth Conference and Dogwood Acres Summer Camp.
This break from their home routines, combined with immersion in learning, leadership development, nature, team building, Bible study, and lively worship, provides opportunities for them to deepen their relationships with God, their counselors, and both new and old friends.
I thank God for the congregations that entrust their children to these summer experiences and for the congregations and individuals who financially support children attending through the Jean Breitenhirt Scholarship Fund. Your generosity helps make these transformative opportunities possible for many young people.
Peace,
Marty Susie
Director of Mission & Program Advancement
| | Savannah Presbytery Events | | Montreat Youth Conference Recap | | |
"Wonder & Wander" was the theme for Montreat 2026 and this theme was woven throughout Keynote, small groups and wonderfully engaging worship in addition to the much-beloved energizers, recreation activities, rock-hopping and hikes to Catawba Falls and Lookout Mountain.
Thank you to our chaperones for investing in our youth; Allison Shearouse, Director of Christian Education for First Savannah; Maggie McManus, Youth Director for Wilmington Island; Eric McManus, Elder of First Savannah; Rev. Andy Meeker, Pastor of Wilmington Island; and Marty Susie, Savannah Presbytery.
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| Dogwood Acres Summer Camp Recap | | “Can You Hear Me Now?” was the theme for our first-ever summer camp at Dogwood Acres Camp & Retreat Center in Chipley, Florida. Although the travel time from the Savannah area increased, God abundantly answered our prayers for a safe, fun, engaging, and enriching experience. Campers enjoyed spiritual growth, fellowship, outdoor adventure, and meaningful connections, while we were delighted to welcome participants from Flint River Presbytery and look forward to continuing this partnership. | |
| We give thanks for the outstanding staff at Dogwood Acres, including the Camp Director, Program Director, Registered Nurse, media and support staff, and counselors whose dedication created a safe, welcoming, and faith-filled environment. We also thank those who provided transportation: Missy Nilsen, Elder, Wilmington Island; Sue Turner, Elder, Richmond Hill; Rev. Cathy Belles, Henry Memorial; Marty Susie, Savannah Presbytery; and Rev. Rick Douylliez, Interim Pastor, and Austin Pounds, Director of Christian Education, both from Moultrie Presbyterian. Their service made this meaningful experience possible for our campers. | | |
In June, Deanie worshiped with Altama Presbyterian Church, where she was shown the congregation’s beautiful new chapel room. The chapel features murals painted by Elder Leigh Carpenter, pictured here with Rev. Dr. Jamil el-Shair. Leigh painted scenic window vistas on the walls, including a view of the original church on Altama Avenue.
Deanie also attended a joint Sunday School gathering at Butler Memorial Presbyterian Church in Savannah with members of First Presbyterian Church and later enjoyed sharing Holy Communion with the congregation. In late May, Deanie and Marty enjoyed the annual church picnic of Skidaway Community Church following worship on the day officers were ordained and installed.
| | Jean Breitenhirt Scholarship Fund | | October School of the Laity | |
- First Savannah’s Literacy Mission was recognized by the Savannah Chatham-County Public School System for serving schools with Science of Reading literacy tutoring throughout the academic year.
- Butler Memorial and First Savannah did a combined Sunday school for their adults through the Sundays in June, two hosted by each church.
What is the Matthew 25 Invitation?
As a Matthew 25 Presbytery, we are called to share the stories of how God is at work in our congregations and communities. We invite each congregation to submit brief “Matthew 25 Moments” highlighting impactful ministries, transformed lives, new opportunities for service, or ways faith has been strengthened. Send articles and photos to Ada Owens at communications@savannahpresbytery.org with the subject line “Matthew 25 Moments” for publication in our newsletters.
| | Congratulations to Rev. Dr. Rachel Rhodes on earning her Doctor of Ministry (D.Min.) degree from Duke Divinity on May 9! We give thanks for her dedication, hard work, and commitment to faithful leadership and lifelong learning. | |
Rev. Dr. Diane Knauf, former Interim Pastor of Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church, has transferred her membership to Salem Presbytery where she is now serving as Pastor of John Calvin Presbyterian Church in Salisbury, North Carolina.
Rev. Chrissy Ruehl (UMC) is serving Richmond Hill Presbyterian Church this summer while Rev. Dr. Stephen Williams, who has been serving as Interim Pastor, is in Maine. Chrissy is married to Rev. Dr. John Ruehl, Pastor of White Bluff Presbyterian Church and Moderator of Savannah Presbytery.
| Georgia Interfaith Power & Light | White Bluff Presbyterian will be hosting the GIPL (Georgia Interfaith Power & Light) Coastal Green Team Summit on August 15th from 10 am to 3 pm. Author Janisse Ray is the keynote speaker! | |
July
1st- Synod Sack Lunch Zoom @ 12 (Youth) - RSVP Here
8th- Committee for Preparation for Ministry (CPM) @ 10:00 am
9th- Committee on Ministry (COM) @ 2:00 pm
9th- Personnel Committee @ 9:30 am
14th- Mission Committee @ noon
15th- Synod COM Sack Lunch Zoom (Pastoral Care) @ 12pm - RSVP Here
October
3-4th- School of the Laity Epworth on St. Simons or online signup here
8th - Fall Stated Meeting - 10AM Meeting, 12PM Lunch/Learn - Metter PC
10-11th Intergenerational Pilgrimage to Atlanta - Register by Sept 10
23rd- Board of Pensions Mini-Regional Summit with Clark Simmons - JAX
| | | General Assembly Follow-Up | |
Simple Way to Explain GA Resources
The 227th General Assembly was convened on June 22 and concludes on July 2 and the Presbyterian Outlook is providing pre- and post-GA bulletin inserts. Designed for congregations to print and share, this ready-to-use resource provides a clear overview of the key issues, overtures, and conversations that will have shaped this summer’s assembly. It’s a helpful tool for pastors, church leaders, and members who want to better understand what General Assembly is and why it matters.
We thank those who represented Savannah Presbytery at the General Assembly: Ruling Elder Commissioner Marti Stein, First Savannah; Teaching Elder Commissioner Rev. Dr. John Ruehl, White Bluff; Young Adult Advisory Delegate Ariana Perez, La Iglesia Latina (Swainsboro PC). Stated Clerk/Director of Administration Rev. Deanie Strength also attended to provide support. They will share their experiences in future newsletters and at the Fall Stated Meeting.
| | See what’s happening at the denominational and synod levels by clicking on the logos below. | | Don't keep it to yourself, share with your friends! | | |
Print the above PDF to hand out to members or mail to them.
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