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"

Presbytery Profiles

Submitted by: Rev. Sid Burgess, HR

Ralls Coston in his sixth year as Volunteer Missions Coordinator


Oakmont Chapel elder Ralls Coston has been Presbytery’s Volunteer Missions Coordinator for the past six years but, says Ralls, “the creativity for missions is in the churches.” Ralls reports...


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Main Event

Workshops/Events

This month at Living River


This month, Living River is sharing stewardship statistics to encourage new donors for its Bedrock Sustaining Donors program. Did you know Living River depends on donor contributions for 65% of its annual revenue? You read that right! Living River's income from camps, retreats, miscellaneous facets, and grants only accounts for 35% of its revenue. This means Living River is dependent on regular donations from the pastors, members, and people of the Presbytery of Sheppards and Lapsley to be able to do the camping and environmental stewardship ministry our presbytery cares about. Please consider giving a monthly donation of $25 or annual donation of $300 to become a Bedrock Sustaining Donor. Please also share this informational blurb with your congregation and visit our website, livingriver.org for more information!


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, rvmathews@livingriver.org, if you know someone who may contribute their art or craft.

Centering Prayer


Centering Prayer is in the ancient Christian contemplative tradition and is not geared to any denomination.

The Intro will be held at Vestavia Hills Baptist Church on Saturday, September 17, from 9:00 till Noon. Rev. Mary Porter and Beverly Brassell and will be the presenters.

 

Events — Vestavia Hills Baptist Church

PHFC Thrift Store Donations


Bring your usable discards, gently used clothing, etc. to the NEW Presbyterian Home for Children's reception 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.

Stewardship Kaleidoscope



Stewardship Kaleidoscope is an annual conference offering excellent plenary speakers, informative workshop leaders, provocative worship experiences, and incredible networking opportunities for all who are passionate about stewardship and generosity. Drawing leaders from...

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Matthew 25


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:


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.

Main Event

Let's Talk, Let's Listen

RSVP

Preaching About Racism Study Group


How do we preach faithfully and effectively about racism? Following the racial justice pilgrimage this spring, the Anti Racism Committee wanted to help resource those in our presbytery who wish to address racism in their preaching. We know that many of us in our presbytery feel compelled to speak about racism and white supremacy in our preaching and in other teaching settings, but we don’t always feel well equipped to do so. 


Below are the upcoming sessions:


Week 1 - September 15 

Introductions and Expectations

Ch. 1: Preaching to Ourselves: Beginning with Gratitude

Ch. 2: The Role of Interpretation and Recognition 

 

Week 2 - September 22 

Ch. 3: Communicating What Racism Means

 

Week 3 - September 29  

Ch. 4: Talking about Racial Identity

 

Week 4 - October 6

Ch. 5: Biblical Preaching about Racism

 

Week 5 - October 13  

Ch. 6: Theology for Preaching about Racism

 

Week 6 - October 20  

Ch 7: Strategies for Preaching about Racism

Accountability and Next Steps

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2022-2023 Planning Calendars


The calendars have finally arrived! Please email Tammy to schedule a pick-up time. We have approximately 50 calendars left. If you would like to reserve one or more in the amount of $10.50 each. (regular price is $16.95) please  email Tammy.  

Habitat House 2022


The Birmingham area churches are sponsoring another Habitat for Humanity house for this year. We will be building this year's house for Tonnesha Banks, at 873-77th Street South in Birmingham. Construction began on Thursday, Sept. 8, 2022. Workdays for volunteers are on Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays. No construction experience is required. Habitat supervisors will show you what to do. Volunteers do need to be at least 14 years old.


We will need monetary donations to help pay for the cost of the house. The house will not be given away. Rather, the family we are building for will have an interest-free mortgage for the house. 


If you are interested in giving money or time, please contact your minister, Mission Committer chair or Ralls Coston at the Presbytery office (205-617-0216).

View the Flyer

Host an International Peacemaker

A message from the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program


World Communion Sunday is a prime time to host an International Peacemaker. Maina Talia of Tuvalu (Pacific Islands), who can bring information and awareness of climate change and other crucial issues, is available Wednesday, 9/28/22 through Tuesday, 10/4/22.

See his bio, and visit the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program website or call Amy Lewis for additional information. Submit your application to host online.


Newsletters, Bulletins, News


September with UKirk Birmingham

Presbyterian Outlook

Board Connections - Board of Pensions

Montreat Conference Center

Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries

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.

Register
PRESBYTERY OPERATING FINANCES June 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

_______________________________

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 jab8550@gmail.com 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 bhale@southhighland.org
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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