Presbytery Gathering Recap

Due to inclement weather, the February Presbytery Gathering was postponed to March 3, 2026. When another winter storm arrived on the snow date, we pivoted to an online meeting for essential business only. We're sad we couldn't gather in person, but we're grateful for the technology that let us pray together, exchange words of fellowship, and conduct important business over Zoom.

Thanks to First Presbyterian Church of Strasburg for both their willingness to host the Presbytery Gathering, and their cheerful flexibility when the weather had other plans!

Our planned Learning Community Time: Disaster 101, will be rescheduled for another Presbytery Gathering later this year. We're eager to hear the important presentation on disaster preparedness and response that Ruling Elder Mike Wills and Rev. Merritt Schatz have prepared.

The annual Witness to the Resurrection and Reaffirmation of Baptismal Vows was also postponed, and it will take place during Worship at the May Presbytery Gathering.

● We elected Rev. Karen Bachman and Rev. Pamela Leach to serve as Presbytery Co-Vice Moderators for 2026. We also elected Karen and Pamela to the Leader Team. We are grateful that they answered the call to serve in this way!

● We approved the well-deserved upcoming sabbatical for our Executive Presbyter/ Transitional Stated Clerk, Rev. Dr. Erin Cox-Holmes. Read the approved Sabbatical Proposal HERE. Erin's sabbatical theme is Lingering in Landscapes, Meandering through Music, Pondering Poetry, Wrangling Words. Erin and her husband, Rev. Kent Holmes, will be enjoying this alliterative adventure in three segments: April 19 - May 9 (three weeks), July 5 - August 17 (seven weeks), and October 17 - November 15 (four weeks). Plans for sending her off at the May Presbytery Gathering and welcoming her return at the November Gathering are underway, as are staffing plans.

● We welcomed two Ministers of Word and Sacrament as new members of Donegal Presbytery: Rev. Andrew Hostetter and Rev. Tom Summers. Get to know Andrew HERE, and learn about Tom HERE.

● We approved authorizing the Connecting Our Ministry Commission (COM) to commission Ruling Elder Eric Chase as the Commissioned Ruling Elder (CRE) Pastor for a congregation in the presbytery when the appointment process is complete. Learn more about this action HERE.

● We received reports about the ongoing work of our Presbytery committees, commissions, and groups. Review all the reports HERE.

The Connecting Our Ministry Commission report was amended during the meeting, to send a proposed update to the Pulpit Supply Policy back to COM for clarification. Thanks to our Commissioners for thoughtful discussion of the matter, and kudos to our Moderator for guiding us through the amendment process!

● We heard announcements about upcoming Presbytery events:

• Our annual Leader Development Day will be held online via Zoom on Sunday, March 8, from 2:00 - 5:00 PM. The event features workshops for Pastors, Deacons, Ruling Elders, and both new and experienced Clerks of Session. Find workshop descriptions and register to attend HERE.

• The next Curious Conversation is coming up on Sunday, March 15 at Highland Presbyterian Church. An orientation for those new to the Curious Conversation method will be offered at 2:00 PM, and the conversation will begin at 2:30. Learn about this model for having healthy dialogue about contentious issues and register to attend HERE.

• A Congregational Antiracism Policy Workshop Part 2 will be held on Wednesday, May 20, from 7:00-9:00 PM on Zoom. This follow-up to our first set of workshops was requested by participants. It will be an opportunity for congregational leaders working on their church's Antiracism Policy to check in, share progress, and get support with next steps. Register to attend HERE.

• The Pastors Retreat has been rescheduled for Sunday, September 27 – Tuesday, September 29, 2026, at The Welcoming Place in Akron, PA. All Ministers of Word and Sacrament and Commissioned Ruling Elder Pastors are invited. Mark your calendars!