Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley

"partner with and equip present and emerging

PC(USA) faith communities in central Alabama

to serve Christ and our neighbors"

Highlights from the Anti-Racism Event at Southminster

Courage in Discomfort:

Directly Confronting Racism

with Facilitator Kathy Boswell

A New Worship Support Option for Congregations


Many churches today are doing their best with limited time, limited staff, or during seasons of transition. Some are between pastors. Some rely heavily on volunteers. Others are simply tired—and wondering how to keep worship meaningful without stretching people too thin.


Firebird Spirit’s Worship Supply Kit (WSK) was created with those realities in mind.


The Worship Supply Kit is a ready-to-use Sunday worship resource that churches can turn to when they need extra support. It provides the pieces for a full worship service— music, scripture readings, prayers, and a sermon—in a way that is flexible and easy to use.


There is no single “right” way to use it.


Some congregations choose to watch the complete worship video together.

Others download just the music.

Some ask local members to read the scripture, prayers, or sermon.

Others mix and match—using only what they need that week.


In short: take what works for your congregation, and leave the rest.


The Worship Supply Kit was created by pastors, musicians, and worship leaders who have served churches for many years. It is designed to feel familiar, thoughtful, and welcoming— while being simple enough to use without extra stress or preparation.


It is also meant to be affordable and flexible. Churches can use it only when needed, without contracts or long-term commitments, and at a cost similar to bringing in a guest preacher for one Sunday.


This offering exists thanks to many people. Dozens of volunteers contribute their time and gifts each week—helping with music, readings, editing, and worship leadership. Their shared commitment makes this kind of support possible and reflects a growing understanding that the church works best when we support one another.


For churches navigating change, rest, or re-imagining what worship can look like, the Worship Supply Kit offers a simple and supportive option—ready when it’s needed.


To learn more or see examples, visit:

firebirdspirit.org/supply

YouTube: @FirebirdSpiritHope

Contact: office@firebirdspirit.org


The following link includes brief letters of introduction from colleagues you may recognize, including two Executive Presbyters and a national church leader, offering context for how Firebird Spirit does what we do. [INTRO LETTER LINK]



Additionally, we invite you to view two short videos (3 minutes and 5 minutes) introducing Firebird Spirit and outlining the WSK program. [VIDEO LINK]

Thank you from Living Waters for the World

On behalf of our Living Waters for the World staff in the U.S. and throughout our networks, thank you.


Because of your generosity, your time, and your commitment, clean water continues to flow in communities that once struggled simply to meet daily needs. Whether you have supported this work through financial gifts, hands-on service, prayer, or advocacy last year, please know that your partnership truly matters.



Our partners in Guatemala, Honduras, and El Salvador also wanted to express their gratitude - click on the video above to hear from them. These are the leaders and community members who live this work every day - training, maintaining systems, and walking alongside their neighbors as health, dignity, and hope take root. 

In 2023, the Session of South Highland Presbyterian Church approved the “Building for the Future” capital campaign to address building maintenance needs. The Session also committed to tithe 10% of all funds raised to support local and international mission projects. 

 

To carry out this commitment, the Outreach Committee elected a group to receive and review applications from mission partners, and to make funding recommendations to the Session. 



The Building for the Future grant committee will conduct two rounds of applications and disbursements, with the first round distributing up to $100,000.

APPLICATION TIMELINE (ROUND ONE)

·      Application Period: January 15-March 15, 2026

·      Review Period: April 2026

·      Decisions Announced: Mid-May 2026

 

If you have any questions, please email shpcgrants@southhighland.org

The Annual meeting of the Synod of Living Waters is January 28, 2026. Thank you in advance to our representatives, Madison Roberts, Mountain Brook and April Lane, Grace Presbyterian, Tuscaloosa.

2026 CONTEMPLATIVE OUTREACH

BIRMINGHAM ANNUAL CONFERENCE


Speaker: Rev. Ed Bacon, Episcopal Priest and Author

"Contemplation Changes Us: Let Me Count the Ways"

March 21, 2026 at St. Stephens Episcopal Church

in Cahaba Heights, AL, 9:00-3:00



Cost: $70 for credit card or $65 for check; Lunch included

Registration now open at Contemplative Outreach Birmingham/Centering Prayer website - https://www.contemplativeoutreachbirmingham.org

Click here for more information.

1001 New Worshiping Communities Grant Deadline

 

Grant deadline and award dates have been announced for 2026 1001 New Worshiping Communities grants. More information about the grants can be found HERE.

 

2026 Submission Dates are: January 27, April 28, June 30, and Sept 1.


Please submit applications to nwcgrants@pcusa.org.

2026 Lenten Devotional

In a world marked by division, uncertainty and competing narratives, Matthew’s Gospel speaks with striking relevance. Matthew’s first audience — a young, fragile community navigating conflict, identity and fear — sounds a lot like the church today. This Lenten devotional by Outlook editor Teri McDowell Ott invites readers to journey through Matthew’s Gospel to discover how Jesus leads us toward humility, courage, compassion and faithful discipleship amid the fractures of our age.



Grounded in Scripture and written with pastoral warmth, this resource guides individuals and congregations through daily reflections, including a weekly visio divina practice. Each entry includes Scripture, a focus verse, a theologically rich reflection, guided questions, and a closing prayer — making it ideal for personal prayer, small groups, session devotions, or congregational Lenten study.

Ash Wednesday resources:

Living River has a few returning counselors from last summer coming back to lead summer camp 2026! We're also looking for a handful of first-time applicants for the position. Summer camp counselors are college-age young adults, including youth who will graduate from high school this year. They can be any young adult you know who would be a good fit; they don't have to be a part of a Presbyterian church! 


Please help us spread the word and recruit some excellent counselors for summer camp! Please share the opportunity with your congregation through your newsletters, etc and share with anyone who particularly comes to mind. Being a counselor is a very fun and meaningful experience (transformative for some). It's a great opportunity for gaining professional skills, too. 


The job description, application, and more information about the position are at www.livingriver.org/summerstaff.  


Also, the early bird discount for summer camp ends 1/31! www.livingriver.org/about_summer_camp

Living River Summer Camp and Scholarships 2026

Summer camp registration and scholarship application are now open on both Living River website and the Presbytery web site.


Scholarships ($200 for full week camps and $75 for You & Me - both adult & child) are available on a first come, first serve basis until the funds are depleted. Priority is given to campers from Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley churches.

Presbytery Youth Council Winter Retreat

Registration for the PSL Youth Retreat is now open! Come join other youth from around the Presbytery as they gather at Living River on February 20 - 22 for a weekend of fun, bible study, fellowship and lots of "friend" time as they explore with Rev. John McCrosky and the Youth Council leadership team what it means in this wired world to be "Unplugged and Untangled". Cost is $80.  

 

Registration is available on the Presbytery web site 

 

Spring Retreat – February 20 – 22 | Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley

Click the flyer above for more information.

Prayer Concerns



Prayers for Peace in this world.

Please be sure to check out the job openings within our Presbytery at the bottom of this page.

Healthy Boundaries Training


All ministers and ruling elders are required to participate in Healthy Boundary Training for the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley. Below is a link to a Jotform Registration Form. This registration form contains registration information as well as the link to the video (which is password protected) and the password. The video takes you to another link for you to watch the content.  

 

After watching, It is very important to return to the Jotform, acknowledge your completion and SUBMIT the form. This will ensure the stated clerk receives notice that you have completed the training.  

 

Thank you for participating in the required Healthy Boundaries training. Your comments on both the process and the content are welcome. Please reply to our Stated Clerk if you have any questions and/or wish to share your comments.

 

Registration and link to Healthy Boundary Training for the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley

Ministry in the church can be life-giving and life-changing and, in the midst of it, we all need faithful companions along the road. Welcome to Along the Road – a podcast on faith and leadership for ministry leaders of the PC(USA).

Newsletters, Bulletins, News



Stewardship Kaleidoscope 2026

Presbyterian Historical Society

Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries

Living Waters for the World

Greater Birmingham Ministries

Presbyterian Outlook

Montreat Conference Center

Presbyterian Peace Fellowship

Reminders


Just a reminder that the Presbytery office is open Monday, Wednesday and Friday's from 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM (4 PM on Friday). The staff work from home on Tuesday and Thursday's.


Please check with the office for availability before scheduling committee meetings.

On-going Newsletter Articles


Ponderings by: Rev. Dr. Sue Westfall

PHFC Thrift Store Donations

Perry Dallas County Fund

Online Church Services

Matthew 25

Selma Disaster Relief Funding

PRESBYTERY OPERATING FINANCES November 2025 YTD  


Sue Westfall

General Presbyter

swestfall@pslpcusa.org


Tammy Strickland

Presbytery Administrator

Assistant to the Stated Clerk

tstrickland@pslpcusa.org


Bookkeeping

accounting@pslpcusa.org


Marilyn M. Tucker-Marek

Stated Clerk

statedclerk@pslpcusa.org


Linda Burrowes

Recording Clerk

lburrowes@pslpcusa.org


Jean Russell

Treasurer

jabrussell@gmail.com


Ralls Coston

Volunteer Mission Coordinator

rcoston@pslpcusa.org


Pat Goodman

Volunteer Nurture Coordinator

pgoodman@pslpcusa.org


James Ephraim

Volunteer Liaison for

African American Churches

jamesephraim61@gmail.com



Grace Presbyterian in Tuscaloosa is seeking an Executive Director for Table of Grace


Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter to president@togpantry.org by December 5, 2025.


Click here for the position description.

First Presbyterian Church - Alexander City is seeking pulpit supply until they can fill their pastoral vacancy. Their worship services are on Sundays at 11:00 for one hour. If you are interested, please call the church office at (256) 329-0524.

“If you are interested in applying for our pastoral vacancy, please visit the CLC. Our MDP is posted there for details.”

First Presbyterian Church, Eufaula, is looking for pulpit supply in a transitional period. Please contact Sue Westfall, General Presbyter for details. 520.490.1261.

Westminster Presbyterian Church in Birmingham, AL is in need of a Musician. If you or someone you know are interested in applying, please contact the church office at

(205) 322-0161 for more information.



3603 Lorna Ridge Drive ~ Birmingham, AL 35216
Phone: 205-978-0320 ~ Fax: 205-978-0330
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