Salem Matters News of What Matters This Week

in Salem Presbytery

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October 30, 2024 | Volume IX, Number 44

October 21, 2024


Dear Friends:


I am writing again to advise of you of an important opportunity for direct engagement with key leaders in our denomination’s Hurricane Helene disaster recovery efforts through Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA). 


On Thursday, October 31st, (yes, Halloween), a delegation from PDA’s headquarters will be touring affected areas of Watauga and Ashe counties and meeting with local church leaders.


The delegation’s tour will conclude with an open meeting with all interested church leaders from throughout Salem Presbytery to discuss PDA’s disaster response and long-term planning for recovery efforts in Salem Presbytery and all affected areas of our region. This meeting will take place at 3:30-5:00 pm at North Wilkesboro Presbyterian Church, 804 E Street, in North Wilkesboro. Any Salem Presbytery church interested in hearing about PDA and their long-term recovery planning process and resource needs is strongly encouraged to send representatives to the October 31st meeting in North Wilkesboro. To assist the host church’s meeting logistics, please register for this meeting using the registration link provided below so that we can have an accurate headcount of those planning to attend. 


In Christ’s name,


Tony De La Rosa

Executive Presbyter


Click Here to Register for the PDA Information Session
Click Here for the Zoom Option for the PDA Information Session

October 28, 2024


Dear Friends:


On behalf of the Personnel Committee of Salem Presbytery, I am writing you to remind you of important information regarding the availability of our presbytery staff to address your needs. 


The Personnel Committee is keenly focused on the need to preserve our hardworking staff’s work-life balance as a crucial component of their health and well-being. This is especially true when our employees are largely working in virtual home-based office settings. We therefore feel it important to advise our Presbytery of our staff’s work schedules and designated days off so that appropriate boundaries are honored and expectations regarding availability are set clearly. 


Full-time Employees


Our Administrative Assistant, Christine Ratledge, is available to address questions during the Presbytery virtual office’s normal business hours (9:00am – 5:00pm) on Monday through Friday. The office is closed on Saturday and Sunday, and voicemails left in the staff inboxes will be returned on or after the following Monday. 


Our Designated Presbyter for Transformational Ministry, Jodi Lingan, is generally available from Sunday through Thursday. Her sabbath days are Saturdays and most Fridays, with appointments on the latter scheduled by prior arrangement.


Our Executive Presbyter, Tony De La Rosa, is also generally available from Sunday through Thursday. His sabbath days are Fridays and most Saturdays, with appointments on the latter scheduled by prior arrangement.


Part-Time Employees


Our Financial Secretary, Renee Carter, is available in the Presbytery office during normal business hours on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. Any communications with Renee at other times will be addressed her following designated workday. 


Our Communications Director, John Johnson, works ten hours per week on Presbytery informational materials, including Salem Matters and the Presbytery’s website. Email communication with John is the best method of contact, and his designated sabbath days are Saturday and Sunday.


Our Stated Clerk, Paul Sink, is slated to work fifteen hours per week on Presbytery matters. His sabbath days are Fridays and most Saturdays, with appointments on the latter scheduled by prior arrangement.


Holidays and Vacations


The Personnel Committee is committed to ensuring that all the Presbytery’s members and constituents are aware of designated holidays when the office will be closed, as well as staff vacations and leaves that may impact their availability and presbytery operations. Announcements of holiday office closures, staff vacations, and scheduled leaves will be announced in Salem Matters at least one week beforehand. 


Thank you all in advance for your honoring our staff’s sabbath days of rest and renewal, and please continue to hold them in your prayers as they labor in service to our Presbytery.


In Christ,


Rev. Charlie Lee, Moderator

Salem Presbytery Personnel Committee


Register for the November 16th Meeting of Salem Presbytery Here

New Creation Community Presbyterian - Greensboro

Cameron Presbyterian - Statesville

Yadkinville Presbyterian

St. Paul Presbyterian in High Point Celebrating their 120th Anniversary


St. Paul Presbyterian Church, 309 Summit Road in High Point, NC will celebrate their 120th Church Anniversary on Saturday, November 2and Sunday, November 3rd. The theme is, " God's Amazing Grace For 120 Years Of Service". The community is invited to a Luncheon Program at 3 pm on November 2nd at the church. During this time, the history will be presented and "Pillars of St. Paul" will be recognized. The Sunday morning preacher will be Supply Pastor, Rev. Dr. Kymberley Hoffman. Desserts will be shared after morning worship. St. Paul was founded November 20, 1904 in the Old Freedman's School in High Point, NC.

Salem Presbytery Domestic Hunger Program Emergency Funds Dispersed!

Ashe Food Pantry

Blowing Rock CARES Food Pantry

Hospitality House of Boone

Mount Jefferson Presbyterian Church has a porch full of information! They are also hosting and feeding Western Youth Network, a local after-school program.

Installation of Rev. Troy Lesher-Thomas


Salem Presbytery will install the Rev. Troy Lesher-Thomas as Pastor at Clemmons Presbyterian Church on Sunday, November 3, 2024 at 4:00 pm at Clemmons Presbyterian in Clemmons. Since the installation of a new pastor is an act of the Presbytery, members of Salem are cordially invited and encouraged to attend this service of worship.

Installation of Rev. Dr. Carrie Finch-Burriss


Salem Presbytery will install the Rev. Dr. Carrie Finch-Burriss as Pastor at Fieldstone Presbyterian Church on Sunday, November 10, 2024 at 3:00 pm at Fieldstone Presbyterian in Mooresville. Since the installation of a new pastor is an act of the Presbytery, members of Salem are cordially invited and encouraged to attend this service of worship.

Sign Up for Peace & Justice Newsletter


The Peace and Justice Task Force invites you to sign up for their monthly newsletter addressing Peace and Justice issues and events. Click the link below to sign up.

Sign Up for Peace & Justice Newsletter
The Bridge October News

Position Opening at First Presbyterian Church - High Point


First Presbyterian Church in High Point is currently advertising the position of Contemporary Worship Leader. To view/download a full job description, click HERE.

Position Opening at New Hope Presbyterian Church - Lexington


New Hope Presbyterian Church in Lexington, NC is seeking a full-time solo Pastor. For more information, please contact one of our PNC members: Phil Styers styers@rtmc.net, Janet Edwards shreersaph1952@hotmail.com, or Elizabeth Shull shullelizabeth@hotmail.com. You can also find us in the PCUSA Church Leadership Connection (CLC), MDP ID 11773.

Position Opening at Unity Presbyterian Church - Woodleaf


Unity Presbyterian Church is seeking a full-time pastor. The person chosen would work with the church Session to provide programs that spread God’s word, support mission work in the community and the world, and provide pastoral care for member families including all age groups. For additional information, contact Pastor Nominating Committee members at:

bectwet@yahoo.com or mperrell@twc.com.

Position Opening at Bethel Presbyterian Church - McLeansville


Bethel Presbyterian Church is seeking a Transitional Minister or CRE.  Click HERE for more information.

Position Opening at New Creation Community Church - Greensboro


New Creation Community Church is seeking a part-time Pastor/CRE. Click HERE for more information and a job description

Position Opening at First Presbyterian Salisbury


Seeking accompanist/keyboardist for Life Center Worship Thursday evening rehearsal and Sunday Service at 8:30am. $50-75 per session. Knowledge of keyboard and Contemporary music required, along with being a participating music team member.

The Seeds for Jubilee Foundation

announces a FREE Journey Conferences Zoom program:

presented by David P. Johnson, M.Div., Ph.D.


Sunday, November 17ᵗʰ, 2024 (4pm-6pm Eastern Time)

“Numinosity and the Quest for the Infinite," 

a topic born out of his response to C.G. Jung's assertion:

"The approach to the numinous is the true healing." 

coupled with his own "lifelong desire for a vital relationship to the Infinite."


To learn more and sign up for this FREE Zoom interactive program at 


“Numinosity and the Quest for the Infinite” – Journey Conferences 

Ordination Anniversaries


Please pass along congratulations to the following who are celebrating anniversaries of their ordinations:


Click Here for the 2024 Prayer Calendar

October Prayers for:

Rosa Miranda PMA Associate for Hispanic/Latino-a Intercultural Congregational Support

Please Hold the Following in Your Prayers
  • Rev. Lynne Caldwell (Danbury Community Church) as she cares for her mother who suffered a bad fall.
  • All those affected or will be affected by Hurricanes Helene and Milton


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.


Submit prayer request here.

Read the PCUSA Quarterly Resource Preview Here - April 2024
Board of Pensions Board Bulletin - July, 2024
North Carolina Council of Churches Report
PCUSA Job Opportunities

The latest in Job Opportunities with the PCUSA, as of March 25, 2024


Job Opportunities - English

Job Opportunities - Spanish

Job Opportunities - Korean

Board of Pensions Call to Health

Click the link below to join the Board of Pensions Information


Board of Pensions Call to Health

Board of Pensions Fall 2024 Board Bulletinll

PCUSA News and Announcements

Click below for the latest news and announcements from the PCUSA.


PCUSA News

PCUSA Website

Mid Council Relations Newsletter


Click HERE for Synod of Mid-Atlantic Assembly Highlights


North Carolina Historical Society Newsletter


Mid-Council Relations Newsletter

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