Associate Stated Clerk Report | |
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What a blessed gathering we had as we assembled for the 642nd meeting of Savannah Presbytery on May 21st at First Presbyterian Church of Douglas Georgia. This was the best attended meeting we have had in some time with many gathering in-person and others joining us online. Here are a few of the highlights of the meeting that was ably led by our Moderator, Pete Ullmann:
- We welcomed and approve several new colleagues in ministry including:
-Rev. Josh McKenna who was called by the Flemington Presbyterian
Church to be their pastor.
-Elder Charlie Beverly who was commissioned to serve the Midway First
Presbyterian Church
-Elder Eddie Tanon who was commissioned to serve the Brunswick
Second Presbyterian Church
- We celebrated the ministry career of Rev. Stephen Williams, who is retiring in June after 30 years of service to First Presbyterian Church of Savannah…well done good and faithful servant!
- We were inspired by the worship service led by members of the Mission Committee and the preaching of Rev. Rebecca Barnes, Coordinator of the Presbyterian Hunger Program. Rev. Barnes also led a program after lunch on how our churches are addressing systemic poverty in our communities.
- Treasurer Ann Henderson reported that the Presbytery’s finances are in good shape and we have received the proceeds from the sale of the former Christ Presbyterian Church property in Pooler. A portion of the proceeds has been used to cover legal fees incurred by the Presbytery over the past several years; the bulk of the proceeds have been invested in New Covenant Mutual Funds of the Presbyterian Foundation.
- We approved RE Fred Griffith of St Simons to serve on the MK Pentecost Committee and RE Debie Hornsby of Skidaway to serve on the Personnel Committee.
- As required by the Book of Order, we approved minimum compensation standards for our Certified Christian Educators and Certified Associate Christian Educators.
We look forward to reconvening Savannah Presbytery on October 15, 2024 at Henry Memorial Presbyterian Church in Dublin, Georgia.
Rev. Andy Meeker
Associate Stated Clerk
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Many thanks to First Presbyterian Douglas for hosting our Spring Stated Meeting! We had a wonderful time of worship together led by our Mission Committee liturgists and Rev. Rebecca Barnes, Coordinator of the Presbyterian Hunger Program, sharing a word from Ezekiel and Matthew. We welcomed three leaders into our presbytery to pastor the congregations at Midway First, Brunswick Second and Flemington churches and we celebrated the upcoming retirement and 30-year ministry of Rev. Dr. Stephen Williams, with First Presbyterian, Savannah. Lastly, we commissioned the Rev. Deanie Strength, Stated Clerk/Director of Administration, and Elder Odet Douglass, Brunswick Second, be the Teaching Elder and Ruling Elder Commissioners from Savannah Presbytery at the upcoming General Assembly.
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What is Christian Education? | |
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Christian educators are persons called by God to a ministry of education who demonstrate their faith in and love for Jesus Christ, are dedicated to the life of faith and are serious in purpose, honest in character and joyful in service.
There are many folks in our churches within Savannah Presbytery who help with and have a passion for Christian Education, and if they would like to go deeper, there is a pathway that provides an in-depth training that leads to Certification, where compensation is commensurate with that of clergy. This process is an affirmation of the importance of education to the total ministry of the Church. Christian educators seeking to be credentialed have two paths which vary based on education, training, and evaluation requirements. CCEs are also voting members of their presbytery.
The CCE/CACC certification standards may be found at the button below.
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If you would like to learn more, reach out to Marty Susie, Director of Mission & Program Advancement at MSusie1@savannahpresbytery.org. | |
Upcoming Juneteenth Celebrations | |
On June 19, 1865, nearly two years after the Emancipation Proclamation was signed ending chattel slavery in America, Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, Texas with the news of freedom. More than 250,000 African Americans embraced freedom by executive decree in what became known as Juneteenth or Freedom Day. Juneteenth became a national holiday in 2021. You can learn more here: https://nmaahc.si.edu/juneteenth | |
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There is still space for registrations for Summer Camp but DON'T WAIT!
Who: Ages 8 through 17-year-olds
Where: Montgomery Conference Center, Starke FL
Cost: $410 per camper
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Summer Camp is a terrific way for children and youth to unplug from hectic schedules, to embrace God’s good creation in nature and to participate in experiences designed to enhance relationships with God, peers, and other Christian adults.
Savannah Presbytery will help facilitate transportation if needed.
During the registration process, families will be required to pay a $100 non- refundable deposit. The remaining monies due will be paid to Savannah Presbytery through your home churches before the June 23rd registration deadline. Canteen monies can be sent with transportation drivers/campers to place on their accounts upon arrival.
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LAST CHANCE TO REGISTER FOR
CLASS OF 2026 COHORT!
Help us help you equip the members of your congregation!
The program spends the first year steeped in Scripture. In June, the small group will take Intro to the Bible with Dr. Bob Bryant of Presbyterian College – one of the kindest, most Christ-like humans you will meet. In the fall, the cohort will survey the Old Testament with Dr. Brennan Breed from Columbia Seminary, and in the spring, they will survey the New Testament. Participation can take place in person or online.
If your church is able, perhaps offering financial aid to participants might encourage them to participate. Also, the Education and Training Team offers scholarships so that finances won't be a deterrent. You can find the scholarship application at the button below!
Do not wait until June! Begin now to find and encourage
one or two participants!
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The Synod of South Atlantic PW selected Daryl Mullee, Moderator of St. Augustine Presbytery PW in Florida, to be a participant in last year's Presbyterian Women USA Mission Experience. It took place in October 2023. The group visited partners in Phoenix, Douglas, Tucson, and the Arizona-Mexico border, focusing on immigration and regugee issues, violence against women and children throughout the immigration process, and challenges facing indigenous people living in Arizona. For the next two years, Daryl will be available to groups/churches throughout the Synod of South Atlantic to share her experiences and insights gained. If your church is interested in having her visit, please contact her at mulleedaryl@yahoo.com, or cell phone (352) 246-1056. She resides in Gainesville, Florida. | |
PCAAY Event in Rincon, GA | |
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Self Development of People (SDOP)
Faith in Action Opportunity Article
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Self Development of People (SDOP) puts faith in action to live out the ancient Chinese proverb, "Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime." The Savannah Presbytery wants to constitute a Presbytery wide SDOP Committee to shepherd the [process of awarding grants for people in need who desire to help themselves. Please, look for a letter detailing the history and work of SDOP; the letter invites you and your church to volunteer to do the work of SDOP within your Presbytery district. We look forward to working with you to make the KIngdom and love of God known. Feel free to contact Jamil el-Shair by phone at 912.248.2904 or by email at altamapresbyterianchurch@apcbrunswick.org. | |
Southeast Region of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus Conference | |
Job Openings in Savannah Presbytery | |
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On our website under “Ministries of Savannah Presbytery”, there is now a section for “Job Openings” within our churches and the Presbytery.
Church leaders should email job descriptions to
jbeeler@savannahpresbytery.org and these will be placed on the website. Openings for pastors, church educators, and staff positions for programming, office support, and finance are all welcome. Please contact Jaclyn when positions are filled.
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