Faith Like A Child: Vulnerability

by Aisha Brooks-Johnson, Executive Presbyter

In early October, I had the opportunity to serve with Alonzo at the second annual Presbyterian Youth Workers Association gathering at Montreat Conference Center. The theme, Come To The Mountains, was meant to offer rest, renewal, and connection. Youth workers organized the event for fellow youth workers to examine needs in their own lives and reflect on the gifts and challenges of ministry as they seek to serve and support youth and their families. As I participated in worship leadership, it was impressive to see youth workers in a space where they could speak freely, listen deeply, and build community among leaders who work hard and love big to understand the needs of youth and families.   

All in attendance were invited to be transparent about the challenges we face in making disciples of all ages. We were invited to be still and to remember that, no matter what we face in the changing landscape of youth ministry, God remains in control. We were reminded that we are not the first generation to grow weary, to name the hard things, to find nourishment in our relationship with God and one another, and to return to the work set before us with a deeper sense of self and of our call to ministry. As I spent time with these leaders, I heard stories filled with honesty, woven together with heaviness and hope. 

This is a snapshot of what vulnerability looks like. In our society, we are rewarded for keeping up appearances. We receive accolades when we appear to have it all together. We take a risk when we admit we don’t have the answers and don’t know how to find our way. I find snapshots of vulnerability as I watch our grannybaby, Kalani, mature and grow into her next phase of childhood. This past spring, we went to a local alpaca farm to feed the animals and treat her to a pony ride. We had a great time as she had a chance to see the sheep, goats, bunnies, alpacas, and a few wild pigs. When it was time for the pony ride, I was ready with my camera to capture the moment as her mom and Pop-Pop helped her put on her helmet and mount the pony. I was so excited to capture this “first” event as a family.

As soon as she mounted the pony, her smile disappeared. She was terrified. While we always encourage her to use her words, her expression made it clear this child had NO intention of taking a pony ride. She wouldn’t let go of her Pop-Pop’s hand. She leaned her head to the side, put her hand in her mouth, and gave us all the nonverbal cues that she wanted to get down off that wild beast of an animal. We tried to convince her, but she knew in her mind and in her body that she was not ready for this particular family adventure. We ended our time with hugs and affirmed her honesty about her feelings. 

What would it look like for the children of God to admit when we need help? What if we used our words in prayer, conversation, and even in conflict to admit we need connection, collaboration, or comfort? In Psalm 61, the Psalmist recalls the gift of being able to call on God when the heart grows weary and needs rest and refuge. We serve a God who sees us, hears us, understands us, and even pays attention to our nonverbal cues, answering our prayers in times of distress. May we have the kind of faith that gives us the strength to call on the Lord with our words and to cling to one another in the hard places and spaces. May we practice this kind of faith to receive God’s love and to accept the love and support of those around us.

~ ABJ



#FaithLikeAChild #Vulnerability #WillYouServeWithLove

October is Pastor Appreciation Month, and on behalf of the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta staff and presbytery at large, we want to offer our gratitude for our minister members. We give thanks for the ways you love your families, serve the church, and care for those around you. We love you, we honor you, and we thank God for you.

Fall Stated Meeting - Saturday, November 7

by C. Anderson James, Stated Clerk

The Fall Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta will be held on Saturday, November 7, 2026, from 9:00am until 12:30pm at Agnes Scott College. This message contains many important details about the meeting—please read it carefully. Pastors, please share it with your clerk of session and elected ruling elder commissioners. 

Format: Upon the decision of the presbytery’s Council, this meeting will be held fully in-person. A livestream of the meeting will not be available. For this meeting, we will vote using an electronic voting system accessible via QR code. Ministers and voting commissioners will need to bring a device with internet access and be prepared to scan a QR code. Additional information will be made available the week before the meeting. 

Theme, Worship, and Business: Our theme for 2026 is Faith Like a Child: Embracing the Gifts of Play, Wonder, Discovery, & Vulnerability. At this meeting, we will explore the gift of vulnerability that comes in God’s presence with us as we face the joys and sorrows that come our way. Worship will include the annual remembrance of ruling elders and ministers who have died over the last year and the celebration of the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper. 

In the business of the meeting, we will hear updates from Presbytery committees and commissions, celebrate the covenant between Agnes Scott College and the Synod of South Atlantic, and examine one minister from another denomination for transfer into the Presbytery.  

The commissioner handbook with the full business for the meeting will be available on the Presbytery website at www.atlpcusa.org/statedmeetings by Wednesday, October 28, 2026. 

Pre-Registration for the Meeting: Online pre-registration to assist Presbytery staff and meeting hosts with planning and arrangements will be open Tuesday, October 6, through Sunday, November 1. The pre-registration process is available at www.atlpcusa.org/statedmeetings. Pre-registration is encouraged for all and required for those who need childcare. 

Childcare: Since there are not childcare facilities available on-site at Agnes Scott, we have partnered with our congregations in the City of Decatur to make childcare available at Decatur Presbyterian Church (one-half mile from our meeting space on campus) from 8:30am until 12:45pm. Pre-registration for childcare is required by the deadline of Sunday, November 1, so that they can ensure that enough caregivers are available. 

Health and Safety: We encourage all attendees to use the time between now and the meeting to get current with covid and other vaccinations, and those who do not feel well on the day of the meeting should stay home. All are welcome to wear a mask throughout the meeting if they feel more comfortable doing so. 

Archives Afternoon: One of our special guests for our meeting will be David Staniunas, Records Archivist at the Presbyterian Historical Society. At 2:00pm following the meeting, he will gather with clerks of session and others at the C. Benton Kline, Jr. Special Collections & Archives at Columbia Theological Seminary for a presentation and conversation about best practices for clerks of session, church administrators, and others who help maintain the official permanent archives and records of our congregations. To participate, simply sign up on the meeting registration form and make your way the mile from Agnes Scott to Columbia so that we can learn and share together. 

Pastors and clerks of session, please share this information with your ruling elder commissioners now so that they can register by the November 1 deadline. 

If you have any questions about the meeting, contact Stated Clerk Andy James at cajames@atlpcusa.org. We look forward to seeing you on November 7! 

Fall Stated Meeting - Join the Presbytery Choir

Lend your voice to the choir for the Fall Stated Meeting on Saturday, November 7! We will have a rehearsal at 8:00am before the meeting, then sing twice during the meeting. The music will be sent out in advance so you can learn it. All are welcome, whether or not you are participating in the meeting in another role. Please indicate your interest below by, Monday, October 19. For any questions, contact Trenton Durham at trenton@roswellpres.org.

November is Native American Heritage Month. We give thanks for the gifts, wisdom, and enduring presence of our Native American siblings. We honor the Cherokee and Muskogee (Creek) people, who were among the original stewards of the land where we now live and serve.

Two More Editions of Conversations with the Clerk

by C. Anderson James, Stated Clerk

Join us on Tuesday, October 20, at noon to learn more about the 25 proposed amendments to the Book of Order that will be presented for discussion and vote at the Winter Stated Meeting in February.

On Tuesday, November 10, at 7:00 pm, the Stated Clerk will gather with clerks of session (and other interested folks) for "office hours" to share best practices and support one another in the important work of gathering and sharing the story of the church.

Register to attend one or both of these here! Recordings will be available on the Presbytery's YouTube channel for those who cannot attend in real time. For more information or other questions, contact Stated Clerk Andy James at cajames@atlpcusa.org.

Dinner with PC(USA) Co-Moderator Kris Schondelmeyer

Please join us for an evening of Dinner & Conversation with PC(USA) Co-Moderator, Kris Schondelmeyer.

Thursday, October 22, 2026 - 6PM



Richards Center, Columbia Seminary

701 S. Columbia Drive

Decatur, GA 30030

RSVP by October 20.

Jackson Presbyterian Church: 200 Years of Sharing the Love of Christ

Jackson Presbyterian Church joyfully invites our friends throughout the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta to join us on Sunday, October 25, 2026, as we celebrate our Bicentennial—200 years of worship, fellowship, service, and sharing the love of Christ.

Our special worship service will begin at 10:30 a.m., followed by a catered lunch for all. We look forward to welcoming past ministers and members, local dignitaries, friends, and neighbors as we gather to share memories, renew friendships, and celebrate the people and moments that have been a part of Jackson Presbyterian Church—then and now.

Our Music Director, Daniel Edwards, is planning a wonderful selection of traditional music reflecting the hymns and sacred music enjoyed by our congregations throughout the past two centuries.

For 200 years, generations have worshiped, prayed, served, celebrated, and mourned together within this church family. Through changing times and changing generations, God’s faithfulness has remained constant.

We invite you to come home, come visit, and come celebrate with us at Jackson Presbyterian Church, 240 North Oak Street, Jackson, Georgia 30233.

You don’t want to miss this celebration of faith, fellowship, memories, and 200 years of God’s faithfulness!

Registration is Open: PGA Middle School Retreat

by Destiny Williams, McDonough Presbyterian Church

Registration is OPEN for the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta Middle School Retreat! Middle schoolers are invited to Calvin Center November 6–8, 2026, for a weekend of faith, fun, friendship, and plenty of time to just be middle schoolers!

This year’s theme is YOUseful Faith, exploring how our faith is useful in our own lives, useful to others, and useful in changing the world around us. We’ll be joined by Michael Sarvis, Associate Pastor at Graham Presbyterian Church, as our keynote and worship leader, with music from Josh Pender & Friends of Decatur Presbyterian Church. The weekend will include worship, small groups, games, and community-building.

Registration is $150 for youth, $125 for chaperones, and $100 for small group leaders. Register by October 26!

Download the flyer. Contact Destiny Williams for more information destiny@mcdonoughpresbyterian.com

Fall Grant Applications Now Available

The Grants Committee is pleased to announce that we are currently receiving applications for the Diaconal Ministry Grants, a grant opportunity which includes what were previously known as the Compassion and PATH grants. The application form is a fillable .pdf file that can be completed without printing and scanning. (If you are unable to complete the online application, please send a request to grants@atlpcusa.org and a text copy of the application will be sent to you.)

The application, which is available here, is due by midnight on Monday, October 26. The committee will meet soon after that date to review grant submissions.

We look forward to receiving your applications, and to learning about the innovative and life-changing ministries taking place in our midst.

Board of Pensions: Annual Enrollment is Open

by Clark Simmons, Board of Pensions

Annual Enrollment for 2027 benefits is Oct. 19-Nov. 6. During Annual Enrollment, members should:

• Review, elect, or make changes to benefits in Benefits Connect. This includes adding or removing coverage for eligible family members.
• Ensure Social Security numbers are provided for all covered family members.
• Review and update beneficiary designations, as needed.

Members with questions should contact the Board of Pensions at 800‑PRESPLAN (800‑773‑7752) (TTY: 711) for help during Annual Enrollment.

Retiree Christmas Gathering

by Ashley Pieper, Pastor-to-Pastor Team Coordinator

You’re Invited!

Please join the Pastor-to-Pastor Team as we gather to honor the retirees of our presbytery and welcome the Advent season together. 

This year, we are pleased to open this special celebration to everyone in the presbytery. Retired clergy and Christian educators, along with their spouses, partners and survivors, church leaders, members, and friends are all warmly invited to share in a luncheon of fellowship, gratitude, and joyful anticipation. 

Our special guests this year include the Rev. Dr. Thomas G. Long, the Rev. Dr. Kimberly Bracken Long, and Mac Frampton. 

Date: Tuesday, December 1, 2026 

Time: 12 – 2 PM 

Location: Presbyterian Village, 2000 East West Connector, Austell, GA 30106 

When you arrive at Presbyterian Village, please follow the “Event” signs which will guide you to the location of the luncheon.

Come help us celebrate those who have faithfully served and begin the Advent season together in community.

Registration Process 

To secure your place at the luncheon, please complete your registration by Friday, November 13, 2026. You can register here. Early registration will help us provide a welcoming experience for all attendees.

If you have any issues with the registration process, please email us at realm@atlpcusa.org.

Transportation Information 

Recognizing that long-distance travel may be challenging for some, we encourage attendees to carpool whenever possible. If you know someone who would like to attend but may have difficulty driving, please consider offering them a ride to the luncheon. This will help ensure that everyone can join us comfortably and safely.

We Look Forward to Celebrating With You. 

Congregational Support from the Shalom Team

by Jody Andrade, Shalom Team

Your PGA Shalom Team recently gathered to discuss our mission to support peaceful, healthy congregations in our Presbytery. Each Shalom Team member has been trained in communication, mediation, and peacemaking, and we are all called to this specific ministry. Often a training in healthy interpersonal communication can prevent unhealthy conflict between members, pastors, and lay leadership. We welcome a conversation with you if you think your church might benefit from a workshop. We are also available to work with churches already in conflict who are seeking shalom. Please contact coordinators Karen Mason (kmason55@gmail.com) or David York (chicdaddy@gmail.com) for a confidential conversation.

Volunteer to Be a Tech Deacon

by Mark Sauls, Director of Technology and Communication

Are you technologically inclined and need a place to put your skills to use? The presbytery is looking for volunteer Tech Deacons to help with virtual and hybrid meetings.

What’s a Tech Deacon? A person who can help with behind the scenes digital projects such as assisting in Zoom meetings, operating hardware components such as computers, video cameras, or audio mixers, and support presbytery staff operating these systems. Some roles can be done from home, such as Zoom support, while others will require on-site assistance.

Ready to volunteer? Or not sure if your skills fit? Contact Mark Sauls at msauls@atlpcusa.org with any questions or to volunteer.

World Communion Offering Grants

World Communion Offering grant applications close Jan. 15, 2027. 

All councils of the church engaging in reconciliation ministries that align with the causes supported by the World Communion Offering can apply for a grant, even if you don’t receive the World Communion Offering.

Grant Applications - Applications will be received through the PC(USA) grant management system, which will require you to create a username and password for that system in order to apply. More information about grant the application system will be coming soon. The application itself should only take about 15 minutes to complete if you have the required documentation. Read the list of required documentation in the FAQs on our website.

Grant Awards - Applications will be reviewed in the first quarter of 2027 and recipients will be announced shortly thereafter. The base award for each grant is $500-$1000. Grant money is expected to be used within 12 months of distribution.

More Info - Sign up for the Special Offerings email list and make sure you check the box about World Communion Offering grants to get notified about the latest grant information and helpful tips. Questions? Call (800) 728-7228, Ext. 5047

Note Our Address Change

The Presbytery is no longer checking mail at 1024 Ponce de Leon Ave. Please notify your treasurer of our new mailing address:

Presbytery of Greater Atlanta

701 S. Columbia Dr. Box 22F

Decatur, GA 30030

For an archive of New Church Development Commission newsletters and/or to sign up for upcoming NCDC communications, click here.

Mission Haven's monthly newsletter can be found here.

Join Presbyterian Women at the Commission on the Status of Women

Presbyterian Women invites you to apply to be part of our delegation to the 71st Session of the United Nations Commission on the Status of Women (CSW71)—a global gathering where voices of women, faith, and justice converge to shape the world’s agenda for gender equity.

Each year, Presbyterian Women brings the heart of our faith and the power of our Purpose to this global platform—lifting up stories of resilience, challenging systems of injustice, and standing shoulder to shoulder with women from every nation. Click here to read the full article. There are scholarship monies available. Contact Karen Turney at kt2654@gmail.com.

Jesus and Justice Young Adult Advocacy Conference

October 23-25, 2026

Columbia Theological Seminary

Get ready to connect, learn, and be empowered to advocate for a more just world! This conference is perfect for college students and seminarians who want to learn effective ways to stand up for causes they believe in, build networks, and engage with advocacy topics in meaningful ways. The event will take place October 23–25, 2026, at Columbia Theological Seminary, and the cost to attend is just $15.00. Learn more and register here.

safeTALK Suicide Alertness Program

Saturday, October 24 from 10:00 AM-2:00 PM

Saint Luke’s Presbyterian Church

The safeTALK Suicide Alertness Program, developed by LivingWorks, will be offered on Saturday, October 24 from 10:00 am - 2:00 pm at Saint Luke’s Presbyterian Church. Lunch, snacks and beverages provided. 

During this four-hour interactive class, you will learn how to recognize invitations for help, communicate directly about suicide, and connect individuals at risk with life-saving intervention resources. 

Thanks to a “Beyond the Building” grant from the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta, we are able to offer this valuable class to our community at no cost. We are limited to 30 students, so sign up now here! 

For additional information, please contact cathomas@slpres.org.

Heal the Community Tour 

October 24 @ 4:00 PM 

Cascade UMC Midtown

458 Ponce de Leon Ave NE

Atlanta, GA 30308

The Greater Atlanta Chapter of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus (NBPC) in partnership with Westhills and Rice Presbyterian churches are co-sponsoring the Heal the Community Tour featuring Charlotte O’Neal from Tanzania. The activist, community organizer and Black Panther alumna is a globally recognized speaker, poet, musician and author.

The gathering will focus on ways “panther principals” are being lived out through the United African Alliance Community Center and the Leaders of Tomorrow Children’s Home. Since its beginning in 2008, the home has provided housing, education, health care and loads of love to over a hundred disadvantaged children at no charge.

The event is free and open to the public. Children are welcome.

by Lauren Fields, president, Presbytery of Greater Atlanta (PGA) Chapter, National Black Presbyterian Caucus (NBPC)

Ordination of Gina Brown

Sunday, October 25, 2026 - 10:30 AM

Shalom International Ministry

Join us as we celebrate the ordination of Gina Brown as a minister of the Word and Sacrament, to be held on Sunday, October 25, 2026, at 10:30 A.M. at Shalom International Ministry.

An offering is to be received to benefit the scholarship fund for those preparing for ministry of the Word and Sacrament under care of the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta.

Rev. Brian Lee, pastor of Open Community Church, has published 2027 Tea Time: Conversations for Spiritual Growth, a small group study on Christian character and spiritual maturity, available in both English and Korean. Drawing on the fruits of the Spirit and Romans 5:3-4, the study explores twelve qualities of character organized as a “Tree of Character”: our relationship with God (the roots), with ourselves (the stem), and with others (the fruit). Pastor Lee suggests it will serve not only small groups but also church leaders and leadership development efforts. Congregations interested in the resource are encouraged to contact Pastor Lee at Open Community Church.

Prayer Box

Each month we are taking the time to pray for our churches and new worshiping communities throughout the year. Please take a moment each week to lift up the following communities in prayer:

10/18 - First Afrikan, Friendship, Good News Garden

10/25 - Good Shepherd, Grace Korean

11/1 - Greenville, Gum Creek, Hamilton Mill

11/8 - Hanbit, Hemphill Memorial

11/15 - Hillside, Iglesia Presbiteriana Horeb*, Jackson

11/22 - Jesus Harvest Ministries*, Johns Creek

*Denotes New Worshiping Communities

Additional churches have been included to account

for the gap between newsletters.

Communications, such as this one, are supported by your giving to the presbytery. Thank you for your support.