Salem Matters News of What Matters This Week
in Salem Presbytery
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April 6, 2022 | Volume VIII, Number 14 |
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New Salem Presbyterian - Stony Point |
Bethesda Presbyterian - Ruffin |
Collinstown Presbyterian - Westfield |
A most Blessed Palm Sunday to our entire Salem Presbytery Family |
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Meet our Two New Engagement Pastors
Our five Parish Engagement Pastors have been doing fantastic work in these newly created positions, and it has been exciting to learn of what's going on in the different parishes throughout the presbytery. However, we are sad to see Jess Rigel (Parish B), and Jodi Lingan (Parish C) move on from their positions. But we are so excited to welcome these new Engagement Pastors
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Parish B - Rev. Frank Dew |
Frank was born in Raleigh and grew up in Lumberton, North Carolina. His education includes a BA in politics from Wake Forest University, MDIv Duke Divinity School. He has served the PCUSA as Pastor in Durham and Greensboro and is presently serving as: volunteer Peace And Justice Advocate Salem Presbytery, board member North Carolina Council of Churches, board member Presbyterian and Pilgrimage and board member Bread for the World.
Interests: travel, running, tennis, pickle ball and all things Wake Forest Sports
Family: married to Michie, adult children David and Christie, three grandchildren and two cats!
Frank will begin his work on April 15.
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Parish C - Rev. Leigh Wisner |
Rev. Leigh Wisner is a native of Houston, Texas. A cradle Presbyterian, she grew-up watching her mom teach Sunday School, volunteer for Vacation Bible School, serve as an Elder, a Deacon, and as a member of the Pastor Nominating Committee at her home church, Windwood Presbyterian. Her life was forever changed by a youth pastor who recognized, “you have gifts for ministry.” Not ready to recognize those gifts yet, Leigh pursued Pre-Medical studies at Austin College in Sherman, Texas, only to find that she hated Cell Biology.
Taking a class in Religion set her on a trajectory towards becoming a Religion and Philosophy Major. After graduation, she applied for and was accepted into the Masters of Divinity Program at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary in Austin, Texas.
Leigh fell in love with Theology, Biblical History, Hebrew, Greek, dialoguing with classmates about course material, and having a place to ask questions of ultimate concern. After graduation, she received a call to serve as Associate Pastor for Youth at First Presbyterian Church of Norman. It was there she met her husband, Mitch, and thirteen years, two kids, and three moves later, here they are. Leigh has served churches in Oklahoma, Texas, St. Louis, Missouri, Winston-Salem, and High Point, North Carolina.
She loves strong coffee, working-out at the gym, good books, Indie Rock, her Treeing Tennessee Brindle Puppy, and of course, spending time with Mitch, Riley (4), and Jonah (8). She is excited to serve as Parish Associate at Clemmons Presbyterian and Engagement Pastor for Parish C, and she looks forward to getting to know the pastors and congregations of Parish C and discerning God’s will and Spirit together in community.
Leigh began her work on April 1.
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Salem Presbytery Updates Boundary Training Guidelines
Over the past several months the COM's Task Force on Policy, Compensation, Mediation, and Officer Development has been evaluating our current system of boundary training, known as Healthy Boundaries. The previous policy stated that all members of the presbytery must participate in the "core" Healthy Boundaries training every three years, plus participate in at least of the elective courses as well every three years.
Our research has shown that there are a significant number of members who are out of compliance with this policy. We realize that the onset of the pandemic has not helped in our mandate that all members be up-to-date with this training.
At the recent meeting of Salem Presbytery on February 15th, it was shared that moving forward, we will take advantage of an online option, using the CongregationU platform, and its module of "Clergy Ethics." A link to this site is below.
ALL MEMBERS OF THE PRESBYTERY MUST COMPLETE THIS TRAINING NO LATER THAN AUGUST 31, 2022.
The module takes about 2 hours to complete, and the cost is $22.00. If needed, you can begin the course, save your work, and return at a later time. The link below will take you to the page for the Clergy Ethics Course. You will need to create an account to sign up and pay for the course. Once the course is completed, you will receive a certificate, that should be forwarded to Christine at the presbytery office.
To sign up for the training, click HERE. |
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Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Responds to Ukrainian Crisis
Click the button below to visit the Presbyterian Disaster Assistance Website to learn more about how you and your church can officer assistance to all those impacted by the war in Ukraine.
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Are We Confused Yet?
Two years into this pandemic and we need to embrace the reality that online or hybrid church is not a passing fancy, but our new normal. Many of our churches in Salem Presbytery have indeed embraced this reality and have made the necessary improvements and adjustments to make their online presence the best that it can be.
But there are also still many of our churches who are struggling to meet these new demands. Salem Presbytery can help! Our Communications Director, John Johnson, is available for in-person church visits to help enhance our ministry both in-person, but especially online. John will come to your church to assess your current situation, figure out what your immediate needs are, and offer simple solutions that volunteers can handle, and at minimal costs. He has already made several "tech visits" and looks forward to helping churches answer their technology questions.
You may contact John by phone through the presbytery office (ext. 135) or email him HERE.
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Keep Hope Alive - Olive Tree Planting Trip
Palestinian women, men and children are committed to rebuilding their society after years of military occupation — without the use of violence.Olive grove cultivation is an integral part of thePalestinian culture and economy. Restoring olive groves destroyed by Israeli settlers and armed forces helps reduce the economic losses caused by occupation policies. Equally important is the opportunity to affirm Palestinian dignity, foster a sense of community and strengthen a commitment to work constructively toward peace-building.
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Mission Opportunities
Salem Presbytery has been sending short term mission teams to serve both at home and abroad since the inception of the presbytery in the 1980’s. Trips have focused on disaster assistance, facility and home construction, Christian education, medical services, new church development and youth outreach. Our primary mission goals have been directed toward national disaster assistance and construction/education trips to foreign countries.
Our disaster assistance trips have been focused on North Carolina as well other states. Many of our international trips have been to Chiapas, Mexico the southernmost state of that nation. In the past, Presbyterian missionaries from the U. S. established churches, schools, medical facilities, and other ministries throughout Mexico and the church there has grown significantly since.
Presbytery’s focus since the early 2000’s has been on supporting the ongoing ministries of the Hebron Mission, a Presbyterian agency serving indigenous and Mexican peoples in Chiapus. The teams have assisted our Mexican brothers and sister in providing medical services at Los Manos de Cristo Clinic (The Hands of Christ Clinic) built with the help of Salem congregations in Ocosingo, Mexico. In addition, teams have assisted in providing educational ministries, facility construction, children and youth outreach and new church development. Churches in Salem Presbytery helped establish Hebron USA a national nonprofit that develops ongoing support for the Chiapas Mission. Due to Covid outbreaks, all Presbytery sanctioned mission trips have been canceled since 2019.
As we look forward to a more normal health situation in our Presbytery, the Presbytery Mission Committee is considering restarting mission efforts this coming summer. The Committee is seeking individuals who might consider serving in a disaster assistance mission to Kentucky or other location or a mission trip to Chiapas. We are hopeful that medical missions to Chiapas may restart in the fall.
To learn more about these possible mission opportunities contact: Ray Mims, Committee Moderator HERE or (336) 202-6093.
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News from Union Seminary in Charlotte
From Tim Moore at Union Seminary, Charlotte –
There are a few upcoming events I want to make sure are on your calendars. We would love to have your participation in any or all of them, if you are able.
First, as a reminder, there are several events upcoming that specifically relate to our 20th anniversary in Charlotte. You are all invited to participate in any or all of these events as your schedules allow. In fact, we encourage it. These occasions be some great moments to be together:
- April 8 is our 20th anniversary gala. That will be a catered meal and time to celebrate the 20th anniversary, honor the Kuykendalls and the gift of their names to our new VP position, recognize Richard Boyce on his retirement from the seminary, and rejoice with our graduates who will receive their degrees the next morning. It will be an exciting day.
- April 9 is our Union homecoming. It will be a time to honor all those who are Union alums. It starts immediately following graduation.
- April 26 is our dedication of the art at Union Charlotte's campus. This will be in the evening and will include a lecture on the religious significance of the art collection.
I have included a link to register for those events HERE.
Here is also a link to a VIDEO with more information.
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Resources for Church Sessions and Pastoral Leaders
The corporate entity of the PC(USA), called “A Corp”, has a resource website that provides helpful information to church Sessions and church staff (including pastoral leaders). Among the resources are “Steps to Avoid Financial Fraud”, ownership of the pastor’s sermons and books, and advice on reopening churches and vaccinations. These resources can be accessed HERE. |
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Upcoming Ordination Anniversaries!
Please Pass along congratulations to the following who are celebrating anniversaries of their ordinations:
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Leigh Wisner - ordained April 6, 2006
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Liz Troyer - ordained April 10, 2010
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Grant Sutphin - ordained April 15, 2012 (10th in 2022)
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Olen Bruner - ordained April 22, 1976
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Griff Gatewood - ordained April 26, 2015
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Sam Marshall III - ordained April 29, 1975
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Installation at Stony Creek Presbyterian
Salem Presbytery is invited to join in the Installation of Rev. Kristen Levens at Stony Creek Presbyterian Church (2140 Stony Creek Church Rd., Burlington) on Sunday, April 24, 2022 at 4:00 pm.
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Peace & Justice Ministry Sponsoring Two Webinars with Rev. Jimmie Hawkins |
The Peace & Justice Committee is sponsoring two additional webinars with Rev. Jimmie Hawkins of the Office of Public Witness. These webinars are:
- Tuesday, March 15, 1-2 pm: Refugee Settlement & Resettlement (already occurred)
- Tuesday, April 26, 1-2 pm: Poverty and Child Tax Credit
Use the link to the left to register for either or both of these webinars.
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Outstanding New Resource Now Available!
Check out this fabulous new resource that is now available through the Opening Doors to Discipleship website. Though not a brand new resource, the site has been completely revamped and updated for the 21st century church. There are resources for Leadership, Reformed Theology, Educational Practices, and more. Each "door" you enter takes you to many resources to help in your ministry, whether you are an employed educator, a pastor, a volunteer, or another church leader. Follow the link below, to open up many new doors to discipleship.
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Job Opportunity
The Fourth Presbyterian Church in Greenville, SC is searching for a Director of Youth and Community Formation (full-time). This youth ministry position particularly stands out as one that highlights intergenerational ministry in addition to loving and mentoring youth. Specifically, the church is hoping for someone who is excited to help youth discover and use their gifts within the full life of the congregation.
For more information and a job description, click HERE. |
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Job Opportunity - Clemmons Presbyterian
Clemmons Presbyterian Church is looking to replace our longtime, beloved organist who is retiring after 16 years.
We are a vibrant, 500+ member congregation in the beautiful Piedmont Triad region of North Carolina.
Our sanctuary features both an Allen organ and a Steinway grand piano.
Interested? Know someone who might be? Click HERE to find out more or to apply.
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The Persistent Pandemic
How we wish we didn't need this!
Some other Insurance Board pandemic resources can be found HERE.
The Wisconsin Council of Churches has been a trusted source of advice throughout the pandemic. Their latest resources can be found HERE. |
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Rainey Ratchford, Engagement Pastor for Parish E, shares this news. |
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In one of First Mt. Airy's Sunday school classes, David Rieves is using a series of videos called "The Bible Project," which gives an overview of each book of the Bible. Click the graphic to visit "The Bible Project" website. |
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Several churches in Parish E have established “Little Pantries” or “Blessing Boxes” to help members of the community access food. Lansing Presbyterian Church, First Pilot Mountain, Taylorsville, and Elkin have all found this to be a valuable resource for their communities.
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From Concord Presbyterian Church (Statesville): Join us for a night of fun and games as we travel to Winston-Salem and catch a Carolina Thunderbirds game! Last Chance! To buy a ticket click HERE.
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From North Wilkesboro Presbyterian Church: Finally able to celebrate the retirement of Rev. Steve Snipes! A wonderful celebration of a long and faithful career! Thanks for your years of service! And remember - God loves you . . . and so do we!
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From Jinx Miller and Presbyterian Episcopal Campus Ministry at Appalachian State University:
PECM joined with App Wesley this April Fool's Day for a Thrift Store Prom! Looks like they had a good turnout! And our campus ministers,Stephanie Coble Hankins (also Parish Associate at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church, Blowing Rock) and Anna Shine (former intern at Baird's Creek Presbyterian Church, Vilas) turned out lookin' goo-ood!
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Each week in this space, we will highlight a video, website, or other content that is relevant to how we look at stewardship in the presbytery as well as in our local churches. Our focus this week is on our Communications Ministry. |
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Click on the graphic or HERE to visit and/or subscribe to Salem Presbytery's YouTube Channel. |
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April Prayers for:
Ecumenical and Interfaith Task Group
EQUIP Support Team
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Please Hold the Following in Your Prayers |
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The people of Ukraine, dealing with the atrocities of war.
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Meagan McFarland, daughter of Rev. Bryan McFarland, who is dealing with some health issues.
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Virginia Wood, who is dealing with some health issues.
- The family of Rev. Robert Freeman, HR, who passed away on March 23, 2022.
- The family of Rev. A.B. Plexico, HR, who passed away on March 25, 2022.
- The family of Rev. Bill Hayes, HR, who passed away on March 27, 2022.
- Elder Rachel Hunter (Mount Vernon - sister of Moderator Catrelia Hunter), recovering from surgery.
- CRE Mae Weed (Lansing Presbyterian), who is recovering from surgery.
- The family of Rev. Timothy Porter, whose mother passed away on March 26, 2022. To read the full obituary, click HERE.
- CRE Doug Brinkley, who is under Hospice Care.
We will list these prayer requests for two weeks unless we are notified that they are to be continued. You may submit prayer requests through the link below.
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Click below a list of positions available through the PCUSA - updated March, 2022
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Board of Pensions Call to Health |
Click the link below to join the Board of Pensions Call to Health.
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PCUSA News and Announcements |
Click below for the latest news and announcements from the PCUSA.
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