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Greetings Siblings in Christ,
Savannah Presbytery is unique in that we continue to provide programming such as Faith Enrichment Conferences, The School of the Laity, and Summer Camps for the faith development of our members and others. We have been blessed to be a blessing to the many adults, youth and children who have experienced the richness of these programs through the last many years.
Over 350 participants have graduated from the full two-year School of the Laity program and hundreds of participants have attended both our Faith Enrichment Conferences and our summer camps. Summer Camp offers a wonderful opportunity for children (and grandchildren!) to experience Christ and Creation in ways that deepen faith and build relationships. Our new partnership with Montgomery Center in Starke, Florida is a wonderful illustration of our connected PCUSA church.
While these ministries are a wondrous gift, they are only so if we are intentional about promoting them to our congregations and encouraging our members, friends, and neighbors to participate in them to reap their benefits!
This passage from the Gospel of Mark comes to mind: “He said to them, “Is a lamp brought in to be put under the bushel basket, or under the bed, and not on the lampstand?” (4:21)
Prayerfully consider to whom you can extend invitations to participate and then encourage them. Registration is now open for the new Class of 2026 Cohort in the School of the Laity (closes May 25th) and Summer Camp (Scholarship applications due May 23rd). Spread the word by extending personal invitation, forwarding our monthly emails to your membership and friends, and posting the events on your bulletin boards and church social media. Let’s each do what we can to shine our lamp!
Peace,
Marty Susie
Director of Mission & Program Advancement
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Join us for the next Stated Meeting
May 21st at 10:00am
First Presbyterian Church, Douglas
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It's Time to Register for Summer Camp! | |
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Registration is OPEN now through June 23, 2024
(Space is limited, especially for younger campers so register early!)
Who: Ages 8 through 17-year-olds
Where: Montgomery Conference Center, Starke FL
Cost: $410 per camper
Breitenhirt Scholarship Applications Due May 23rd
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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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School of the Laity Update | |
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Consider who you might encourage in your congregation to take part in the new School of the Laity Cohort that begins this June 21st– 23rd.
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, feel free to reach out to Marty Susie, Director of Mission and Program Advancement, or Rev. Cathy Belles, Chair of the Education & Training Team, for a presbytery scholarship application.
Do not wait until June! Begin now to find and encourage
one or two participants!
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Learning & Discerning Matthew 25 | |
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What about small churches and the Matthew 25 invitation?
Here are some examples:
As we heard from Rev. Carlton Johnson back in October, the Vital Congregations focus is the foundational building block for M25.
Participants do NOT have to be a part of the Vital Congregations Initiative to take part in Vital Congregations Continued Conversations. An opportunity to explore the 7 Marks of a Vital Congregation is beginning in May. Click here to register for the Matthew 25 Vital Congregations Continued Conversations.
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Imagining a Future Beyond Systemic Poverty and Structural Racism: Special guest Nicole Mitchell Gantt, American jazz flautist, educator and author of “The Mandorla Letters: For the Hopeful,” will join the Zoomversation that seeks to catalyze solutions-focused imagination, attitudes, planning and action. Register here! Wednesday, May 1, 7 p.m. EDT.
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Matthew 25 Continued Conversations: Eradicating Systemic Poverty: Join ministry leaders for support and to share ideas, dreams, challenges, and resources. Register here! Thursdays, May 2, 9, 23 and 30; 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. EDT.
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Board of Pension Info Zoom Session | |
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The Board of Pensions has approved a new Benefits Plan structure, effective January 1, 2025. This represents a significant change for churches and pastors because the existing Benefits Plan has been in place for over 35 years.
The Congregational Pastors Package (CPP) replaces the Pastors Participation benefits package and is available for any congregational pastoral leader, offering greater choice and flexibility. The CPP provides the flexibility to offer congregational pastoral leaders the benefits they need without the congregation paying for benefits they don’t need. Transitional Pastors Participation has been created as an option to help ease the transition from the current dues structure to the new one.
Clark Simmons, Senior Church Consultant for the BOP, will host a Zoom meeting especially for PC(USA) pastors and leaders in the Savannah Presbytery to share details about the redesigned Benefits Plan and answer questions. Details about the event and a link to register are below.
The meeting is Wednesday, May 15 at 11:30 ZOOM
Please go to the following link to register:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZYpceGhrDIvE9NZtVcDXE6Ca9TrzSxo-WPU
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Mission Haven Patio Expansion Project | |
These photos depict construction progress of the patio expansion project at Mission Haven in Decatur, Georgia, which is being sponsored by a donation from Savannah Presbytery Presbyterian Women. The donation was in memory of Faye Wray and Sharon Smith, who were members of Christ Presbyterian Church and were very active in Presbyterian Women in the local church and the presbytery. The finished project will incorporate new picnic tables, chairs, and probably a new grill as well. More pictures will follow once the project is completed. The patio area will provide a place for Mission Haven residents to gather in fellowship and fun. | |
Quarterly Resources from the PC(USA) | |
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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Save the Date,
Rev. Dr. Stephen Williams is Retiring
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Presbytery members and friends of teaching elders Stephen and Claire Williams are invited to a celebration honoring Dr. Williams retirement and 30-year service to Savannah’s First Presbyterian Church. The congregation will host an event in Tiedeman Park adjacent to the church (520 Washington Avenue) on Saturday, May 18, 5-8 pm.
Teaching Elders and Commissioned Ruling Elders are invited to a luncheon with Stephen at White Bluff Presbyterian Church on Wednesday, May 8 at noon. Cost is $15 per person. Please RSVP to rdouylliez@savannahpresbytery.org
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The Presbytery maintains a list of persons who have made themselves available for Pulpit Supply in our online datatbase. (Please reach out to any staff member for the password.)
New to this list is the Executive and Stated Clerk of the Synod of South Atlantic, Ruling Elder Valerie Young, who is making herself available to preach to the congregations of the synod (Florida, Georgia, South Carolina). Valerie resides in Jacksonville, FL but is often on the road and may be able to get to your church.
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How can you help your congregations
stay informed on Savannah Presbytery happenings?
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Share our newsletter with your members by…
- Sharing this link in your emails to members:
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- Printing the above PDF to hand out to members or mail
- Encourage your members to “follow” Savannah Presbytery on Facebook or Instagram here:
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Share our emails on your church social media by clicking the “share this” buttons on the bottom of each email. They look like this: | |
Share our posts on your church social media! | |
Where can I find the information I need on Savannah Presbytery? | |
Follow Savannah Presbytery from your personal and/or
your church’s social media!
Need help connecting your church?
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