Director's Corner

“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” (Ecclesiastes 3:1) 

For Savannah Presbytery programming- that season is SUMMER! We began with a fantastic week at the Montreat Youth Conference.  Next was Summer Camp, which took place at Camp Montgomery, in Starke Florida. Don’t think we only provide programming for the children and youth- because then we held our summer session- for those who are young at heart- at the School of the Laity held at Epworth by the Sea!

While Savannah Presbytery continues to provide wonderful programs for its congregations, costs continue to rise. The Education & Training Team, School of the Laity Committee and Summer Camp Team strive to be good stewards of our resources and advocate for providing the lowest possible costs to participants for each of these quality programs.

We are currently:

• Seeking donations to the Jean Breitenhirt Scholarship Fund which helps children and youth participate in Montreat Youth Conference & Summer Camp Programs. This fund is currently under funded for what we will need for 2026. Our yearly average awards are $2,400.00 and we have $1049.00 in the account. Any donation is welcome and appreciated!
• Visiting and discerning new Summer Camp options such as Dogwood Acres in Chipley, FL and Friendship Camp in Waterloo, SC to reduce the cost of camp for families and congregations in 2026 while still holding to high standards of staffing, discipleship, and activities. 
• Excited to announce the Leslie McCracken School of the Laity Scholarship Fund! Created to support and encourage Savannah Presbytery congregants to enhance their spiritual and ecclesiastical growth by alleviating the financial burden of tuition and fees. The fund was established in memory of Elder Leslie McCracken, St. Simons, and in honor of her longstanding legacy and devotion to the Savannah Presbytery and the School of the Laity. All are invited to contribute to the fund to help encourage our siblings in their faith journey.

We ask for your prayers for all our endeavors as we strive to continue the work God has called us to do in spreading the Good News to all ages and through all our programs!

Around the Presbytery

Matthew 25 Moments

First Presbyterian Savannah is beginning a Literacy Mission partnering with Savannah Chatham County Public School System to tutor second graders!

Brunswick Second Presbyterian held a Community Food & Clothing Giveaway in June that included not only grocery staples but free hotdogs, lemonade, ice cream, face painting, inflatable slide for kids and free blood pressure screenings. It was also a connected church event- with members of Altama, Grant Chapel and Wilmington Island volunteering!

Their NEXT Giveaway will be held on July 26th and will focus on Back to School supplies! Come & join them!

First Savannah, Butler Memorial, and Wilmington Island congregations, members of Justice Unites Savannah Together (an interfaith advocacy non-profit), and White Bluff Presbyterian members celebrated Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day, with a Walk to the River with Savannah Mayor Van Johnson. 

Open Ministry Positions

in the Savannah Presbytery

• Pastor - First Presbyterian Church, Statesboro
• Interim Pastor – First Presbyterian Church, Savannah 
• Interim Pastor – Vidalia Presbyterian Church
• Music Director – Flemington Presbyterian Church

Choir Robes Available

Skidaway Community Church is looking to re-home 42 beige choir robes that have been well-utilized over the years. 

The robes have stoles in the liturgical colors. There are also 11 green robes that are available.

Interested churches should contact Stephanie Klemetson, Communications Director, stephanie@skidcc.org or (912)598-0151, ext. 1100

August 10-15, 2025

@ Montreat Conference Center

The Art of Transitional Ministry offers education in the skills and understanding necessary for leading a congregation and faith community in transition. Week One is designed for persons curious about reflecting on practice, those already engaged in transitional / interim ministry, those who are considering serving in transitional settings, and members of Presbytery staffs, Committees on Ministry, and comparable representatives from denominations beyond the PC(USA). Week Two is designed to help you process your experiences of serving in transitional settings by working together in small groups. It will help you look at your own leadership style and skills.

Spouse track is designed for spouses of either week to learn about transitional ministry and how it differs from a called position.

Basic Transitional Ministry Education consists of 60 contact hours plus a practicum. The contact hours are divided equally between two residency weeks: Week I (30 hours) and Week II (30 hours), separated by a practicum that combines reflection on, and experience in, some aspects of interim/transitional ministry.

Visit the conference page for more information: https://montreat.org/events/transitional-25

The Board of Pensions is providing up to $5000 in tuition fees and travel for clergy who wish to participate in one of seven approved 4-day programs of the Davidson Centre for the Professions to address vocational, spiritual, mental, and physical wellness for clergy. The clergy of Savannah Presbytery have been expressly invited to apply seeing that no one from the presbytery has yet utilized a grant. The program’s mission is to help ministerial caretakers take care of themselves. While on site in Davidson, NC, they will experience individual and small group work (2-4 people) with a variety of professionals including pastoral counselors, spiritual directors, nutritionists, personal trainers, and life coaches. The centre’s goal, over the next 5 years, is to assist all PC(USA) ministers enrolled in Pastor’s Participation or Minister’s Choice, who have an effective salary that does not exceed $80,000 (excluding manse value). Those interested should reach out to Suzanne D. Schilling, director.

Suzanne D. Schilling

o: 704.895.6487 c:704.604.2429  

davcp.com/

You can find our Organizational Chart and info on Darkness to Light Training on our website.

www.savannahpresbytery.org

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Need help connecting your church?

Contact Communications Coordinator, Jaclyn Beeler at jbeeler@savannahpresbytery.org

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