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"

Cary Speaker, in Mobile,

46 Years in Ministry—and Counting

Article by Rev. Sid Burgess, HR


Former PS&L moderator Cary Speaker (2007), now interim pastor of Spring Hill PC in Mobile, has been in ordained ministry for 46 years! He has been a hospital chaplain. He has served as

interim, associate pastor and pastor of both larger churches and smaller churches. He has even served...


Read More

Church Spotlight- First, Alex City

Article by CRE, Frankie Tatum


A modest rock wall borders the sloping lawn that fronts First Presbyterian Church-Alexander City. The church sits on AL Hwy 63 with stately shade trees dotting the large corner lot. The congregation of more than 200 members ... Read more

Thank You


Thank you so much to everyone that has sent cards, calls, texts and condolences to my family and I for the death of my mother. It really means a lot to us during this difficult time and we appreciate your love and support.


Tammy Strickland and family

Board of Pensions Call to Health

This month at Living River


Is there an artist or craft-person in your congregation? Living River is holding an Arts and Crafts sale as a fundraiser the weekend of November 18-20 online and in-person at Second Presbyterian. We would love to include local and presbytery artists! Contact Rachel Mathews, 

[email protected], if you know someone who may contribute their art or craft.

PHFC Thrift Store Donations


Bring your usable furniture, furnishings, items and gently used clothing, etc. to the NEW Presbyterian Home for Children's Thrift Store donation center in the parking lot of Mountain Brook Presbyterian Church. Donations will be accepted every third Friday of the month from 9:00 AM - Noon.

 

The Home has a second donation drop off location at Southminster Presbyterian in the church parking lot. Donations will be accepted only on the first Saturday of every month from 9:30 AM - 12:30 PM. 

 

Look for the box truck onsite for your donation drop off. 

Our new PHFC store in Talladega is officially NOW OPEN! We held a ribbon cutting this morning with the Greater Talladega and Lincoln Area Chamber of Commerce and officially opened our doors right after. We have 20,000 square feet of space in this storefront at Northgate Shopping Center next to Marvin's. It is packed with furniture, antiques, houseware, clothing, toys and more!



Our hours are Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Come see us!

Programs for Deepening Understanding of Church Finances


The Presbyterian Foundation is pleased to bring you another Day of Learning with presentations and conversation about church finances and investments.


This FREE online learning opportunity is set for November 8, 2022.


12:00 PM ET/9:00 AM PT Understanding Budgets and Reports with Robert Hay, Senior Ministry Relations Officer


2:00 PM ET /11:00 AM PT Know your Fund Types: what are they and what are they for with Anita Clemons, Senior Vice President of Investment Management


4:00 PM ET/1:00 PM PT Understanding Investments: strategies, trends, and concerns with Brad Masters, Vice President, New Covenant Trust Company


Register Today

Matthew 25


Living into the vision: PC(USA) discerns what it means to be a Matthew 25 church


So what does it mean to be a Matthew 25 church – one that lives into Jesus’ teaching from Matthew’s Gospel to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, care for the stranger, the prisoner, those in need? Click the link above to read more.


If your church has recently become a Matthew 25 church, would you please let the Presbytery office know? You may email Tammy to confirm. Also, please register on the Matthew 25 website below and your church will receive a packet of resources from PMA:


https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/matthew-25/become-a-matthew-25-church/


Matthew 25 in the PC(USA):

A bold vision and invitation

Online Church Services


Several churches in our presbytery have made available live-streaming, Facebook live, or other platforms of their Sunday worship services. We are aware of the following churches (click the link below) that are offering these platforms and will plan to continue services on Sundays so their church members can participate in worship from home. If you are not on the list and would like to be added, please let Tammy know.


Online Church Services


Fall Elementary Retreat

PSCE Sponsored Cohort Groups for

Commissioned Ruling Elders


Commissioned Ruling Elders (CRE) in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) are invited to participate in one of five cohorts whose goals are collegial support, sharing new ideas, and learning best practices for ministry. The cohorts are designed to fulfill the church's need for such support and to strengthen the ministry of CREs.


These cohorts will meet monthly for the 2023 calendar year. Groups will consist of up to eight participants and a facilitator.  The cohorts will meet for two hours once each month on Zoom. Participants will receive a stipend of $500 for the year. 


Each participant must have a current commission in effect, serving as solo pastor in a congregation. Topics for engagement by participants will include spiritual disciplines and practices, seasonal needs in the church's program year (i.e., Advent, church school, Session meetings, educational opportunities), and the sharing of the needs and concerns of each participant.  Preparation for meetings may include short reading assignments.


This program is sponsored by Union Presbyterian Seminary's PSCE program (Presbyterians Supporting Christian Education) which provides support for those in ministry in the PC(USA). The CRE cohorts were beta-tested in 2022, with very positive results based on participant feedback. A set of cohorts is currently under way for Christian Educators. This new initiative expands the meaning of Christian Education to include the broader work of the church. Check out this program at https://www.upsem.edu/psce/.


Deadline for applications is November 30, 2022. The cohorts will run from January to December, 2023. For further information, contact: Marilyn Johns at [email protected].


UKirk Halloween


Oct 27, Sanctuary Night - We will be celebrating Halloween together by carving pumpkins and watching a Halloween movie at Southminster Presbyterian Church. 

Unbounded We Thrive

Moderators’ Conference 2022

November 10-12


The 2022 Moderators’ Conference will take place Thursday evening through late afternoon Saturday, November 10–12, in person at the Presbyterian Center in Louisville or online. Registration will open in the next couple of weeks, and will require each participant to use a link unique to them. Please, clerks and/or EPs, use this form to send us the name of the moderator, vice-moderator, and/or moderator-elect who should receive an invitation with that link; make sure you include the email they intend to use to communicate with us.

Since participants will need to travel home on Sunday, consider offering to fill the pulpit if your moderator would ordinarily be preaching that weekend.

If you missed other details shared previously, you can find them in this issue of the newsletter

2022-2023 Planning Calendars


Please email Tammy if you would like a planning calendar. We have approximately 7 calendars left at a discounted rate of $10.50 each. (regular price is $16.95)   

Newsletters, Bulletins, News


Perry Dallas County Fund

The Perry and Dallas County Fund has been set up to provide aid to mission work in Perry and Dallas Counties. In particular, funds will be provided to a local agency, C.E.T. Ministries. Please consider donating to this fund. Contact Ralls Coston for more information. Read more... View the flyer

Pandemic Ponderings by:

Rev. Dr. Sue Westfall



Twice a month our General Presbyter, Rev. Dr. Sue Westfall, sends out a meaningful, informative and uplifting blog during these unusual and strange times we are all going through together. Be sure to watch for the email or you may to read her "Ponderings" so far.

PRESBYTERY OPERATING FINANCES August 2022 YTD  


Sue Westfall
General Presbyter

Tammy Strickland
Presbytery Administrator
Assistant to the Stated Clerk

Bookkeeping

Peter Finley
Stated Clerk

Linda Burrowes
Recording Clerk

Jean Russell
Treasurer

Ralls Coston
Volunteer Mission Coordinator

Pat Goodman
Volunteer Nurture Coordinator

James Ephraim
Volunteer Liaison for
African American Churches
Updated Presbytery office hours for staff during the Pandemic:
9 AM - 4 PM Monday, Wednesday and Friday, staff works from home Tuesday and Thursday.

Birmingham Korean Presbyterian Church is looking for a Senior Pastor. Attached are the requirements. If you are interested, you may submit by mail to:

Birmingham Korean Presbyterian Church, Calling Committee

7814 Helena Rd, Pelham, AL

35124 or

E-mail: [email protected]


Korean document

______________________________


Oakmont Chapel Presbyterian Church in Hoover, AL, is searching for a Choir Director due to the retirement of our long time Director. In this position you will work with Dr. Jonathan Brown in selecting music for our Sunday services, directing practice on Wednesday evenings and rehearsal on Sunday mornings prior to each service. Additional time would be required for special services such as Easter and Christmas services and other special occasions. Salary information will be available during interview process. Please contact Dr. Jonathan Brown at [email protected] with your information or questions concerning this position.

 

We will discuss salary during interview process as this will be determined by experience of the applicant.

Part-time Communications/Administrative Assistant needed for South Highland Presbyterian Church. Must be proficient in Microsoft Office with experience in InDesign and Canva, good typing, computer, and written and verbal communication skills. Duties would include media emails, some design work, data base, social media, and general administrative duties. A team player with creativity required. Please send resume and cover letter to [email protected]
Immanuel PCUSA in Montgomery is searching for an individual to serve as part-time Director of Family Ministries; for full position description contact the Immanuel Church Office - 
334-260-0567
First Presbyterian Church
of Phenix City, AL is looking for a
New Part-time Pastor. Click here for the job description.
First Presbyterian Church
of Tuscaloosa, AL is looking for a
a Youth Director to join their team to Connect, Grow and Serve. Click here for more information
3603 Lorna Ridge Drive ~ Birmingham, AL 35216
Phone: 205-978-0320 ~ Fax: 205-978-0330
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