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I can hardly find the words to express how excited I am to be part of the Savannah Presbytery during this vibrant season of innovation and Kingdom-focused ministry!
Across our presbytery, congregations are deepening their connections with one another and their communities—caring for one another and boldly sharing the Gospel of God’s love and grace. We're seeing partnerships flourish as we collaborate with fellow Georgia presbyteries and others across the Synod, sharing ideas, resources, and a common mission.
New relationships are blossoming through exciting initiatives like our new summer camp partner Dogwood Acres, joint conferences, and mission partnerships. At the same time, long-standing connections within our presbytery are being strengthened as we journey together in faith and service.
If you or your congregation have an opportunity to share—or would like to partner with another congregation—please don’t hesitate to reach out. We'd love to hear from you! Contact us at MSusie1@savannahpresbytery.org
In the meantime, I hope to see you at the following events!
Peace,
Marty Susie
Director of Mission & Program Advancement
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We’re thrilled to celebrate with Montgomery Presbyterian Church as they unveil a new logo and step boldly into a new chapter of ministry! With the guiding statement “Through Hearts and Hands,” Montgomery is illustrating their renewed commitment to reaching out to their neighbors in meaningful, compassionate ways. This fresh identity reflects their deep desire to live out the Gospel—through loving hearts and serving hands.
| | Rev. Bob Morgan, Honorably Retired, shared that First Savannah’s partnership with Savannah-Chatham Public Schools to increase literacy through tutoring will begin soon. The children will be transported in the church van from school to church, have a snack and receive tutoring lessons compliant with the Science of Reading criteria. This initiative is further support of Justice Unites Savannah Together, an interfaith advocacy organization of 24 congregations, whose campaign in 2024 called for the implementation of the Science of Reading literacy programs at all grade levels. Additional congregations from Savannah Presbytery include Butler Memorial and Wilmington Island. | | Join the Racial Justice Ministry Team for an Educational Day Trip: | | |
Escape to Freedom Caravan
September 20, 2025
📍 Begins at Midway First Presbyterian’s Cemetery
(672 N Coastal Hwy, Midway, GA 31320)
The Escape to Freedom Caravan is a powerful journey through key historical sites in District I of the Savannah Presbytery, highlighting the legacies of faith, resilience, and resistance in the Gullah Geechee Corridor.
🚌 Tour Length: Approximately 3 hours plus a lunch stop at Good To Go Jamaica Restaurant (lunch cost is not included in registration)
🎟 Registration: $35
100% of the registration fee supports the historic museums and sites.
| | October at The School of the Laity | | Registration Deadline is September 5th | | Speaking of School of the Laity | | |
Ella Kent, Elder at Saint Simons and Chair of the Richard J. Bass School of the Laity (SOL), along with Marty Susie, Director of Mission & Program Advancement, were recently invited by the Northeast Georgia Presbytery to lead workshops focused on equipping congregational members for ministry.
Their sessions highlighted how the SOL program can prepare individuals to serve as Commissioned Ruling Elders (CREs) or Commissioned Pastors (CPs) within their presbytery. The workshops were well received, and both Ella and Marty were encouraged by the enthusiastic response and thoughtful engagement of participants.
We look forward to continued partnership and the opportunity to help further equip the saints for ministry!
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227th General Assembly
Commissioner Applications
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Presbyterians do “business” through a bi-annual meeting of commissioners elected by every presbytery. Savannah Presbytery is seeking applications for the three available positions. If you would like to have a voice in the proceedings, and are available to attend online committee meetings and in-person meetings in Milwaukee, Wisconsin from June 22 through July 2, please submit an application by September 22.
At our Fall Stated Meeting in October, we will elect –
A Ruling Elder Commissioner
A Teaching Elder (Minister) Commissioner
A Young Adult Advisory Delegate (between the ages of 18 and 23 at the time of the assembly)
Assembly Dates, Details about Online and In-Person Commitments, and our Presbytery Application are available at:
www.savannahpresbytery.org/227th-general-assembly
Questions? Please reach out to Rev. Deanie Strength, Stated Clerk.
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Georgia Presbyteries' Gathering
Building a Bigger Table; Gathering, Sharing and Learning Together
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Join Presbyterians from across Georgia beginning at 1 PM Friday, Feb 20th, to learn and grow together.
Our time together will be grounded in worship. We’ll give thanks for the tables that shape our lives and imagine how we might extend them to welcome others.
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Liturgist: The Rev. Aisha Brooks-Johnson, Executive Presbyter, Presbytery of Greater Atlanta
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Music Leader & Choir Director: Trenton Durham, Associate Director of Worship, Roswell Presbyterian Church
Join the Georgia Presbyteries Choir!
Everyone who wants to make a joyful sound to the Lord is welcome to be part of our Conference Choir! We’ll rehearse Saturday morning during the workshop block in the Jones Auditorium. No audition needed — just bring your voice and your heart for worship!
We will conclude our event with a shared celebration of communion, offering a glimpse of the great table that awaits us all.
Want to share this event on your social media?
You can save the image above and post it straight to Facebook and/or Instagram!
| | ****Registration IS OPEN! Early Bird pricing will be available until October 31st - Don’t miss out! | | Festival at Henry Memorial | | |
Festival of Food, Families, and Fun
Sunday, September 14, 2025
12:30 - 2:30
Henry Memorial Presbyterian Church
511 Bellevue Avenue
Dublin, GA
Barbecue, music, outside and inside activities for all ages including a labyrinth, prayer wall, crafts for all ages and community fellowship.
Open and free of cost for everyone!
| | Presbyterian Disaster Assistance | | |
As you may have seen, Montreat Conference Center is offering a retreat for faith leaders called "Discovering Renewal" from October 13-16. I hope you are able to share it with all pastors who have been affected by the 2024 hurricanes or who are just in need of respite and renewal. https://montreat.org/events/renewal-fall
The materials note that "One of the offerings will include a special “resiliency” focus, led by Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA), created especially for pastors, church leaders, and volunteers—regardless of denomination—who have been walking alongside congregations in Helene-affected areas, supporting those engaged in long-term disaster recovery." There are other tracks available as well. There are scholarship funds available from Montreat for church and Hurricane Helene disaster response workers.
I hope faith leaders in your synod and presbytery will be able to take advantage of this event. If you'd like an emotional and spiritual care program offered in your area, please let me know.
Peace,
Kathy Riley
Associate for Emotional and Spiritual Care
Presbyterian Disaster Assistance
| | The 2025–2027 Book of Order | | | | The newly updated Book of Order of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is now in effect as of July 2, 2025. This essential constitutional document includes amendments approved by the 226th General Assembly and presbyteries, and it serves as a guide to our shared governance, worship, and discipline. | | Grants Available through SoSA | | |
Any PC(U.S.A.) affiliated organization within the Synod of South Atlantic may apply for grants. ALL grants are offered on a yearly basis with a deadline for application of October 1st.
Recipient organizations become partners with the synod upon approval. As such, the synod requires that a follow up impact assessment be submitted within 6 months of the project/program completion or implementation of an ongoing ministry.
Grants/Scholarships will not be remitted directly to an individual person/applicant. Instead, funds will be remitted to the church, presbytery, college, seminary, event, or sponsoring 501(c)3 organization.
Applications may require endorsement by a session, presbytery, or institution. Some may require a letter of recommendation from the presbytery of membership. Every grant or scholarship application is forwarded to presbytery leadership for comment prior to consideration by the committee.
Recipient organizations will, wherever project/program funding is mentioned, acknowledge the Synod of South Atlantic as a partner.
See the full policies on the website: https://www.synodofsouthatlantic.org/grants-applications
Grants Available:
Cultivating Community - Deadline to Apply, October 1st
Inspiring Ministry - Deadline to Apply, October 1st
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Thank you for 33 Years of Ministry!
We offer our gratitude for St. Simons Presbyterian Church’s Frieda Warner, Director of Christian Education and Children’s Ministry, who has announced her retirement after 33 years in the position. In addition to all that she did at SSPC, Frieda served on the presbytery’s Christian Education Committee and as the director of our “Parent/Beginner” camp at New Ebenezer Retreat Center. Her “happy spirit” helped many children have a great “first” overnight camp experience with a family member on site with them.
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Welcome, Austin Freeman to WIPC!
Savannah Presbytery is excited to welcome Austin Freeman as the new Director of Christian Education at Wilmington Island Presbyterian Church!
Austin brings with him a deep commitment to his faith, a passion for spiritual growth across all ages, and a solid theological foundation from his studies at Westminster Seminary. His background in business also equips him with valuable skills for supporting and empowering the volunteers
who make ministry come alive.
We’re grateful for Austin’s call to serve and look forward to seeing the many ways he’ll enrich the life of WIPC and the broader presbytery community.
Welcome, Austin—we’re glad you’re here!
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We welcome Kassandra Lee to the Music Director position at Flemington Presbyterian Church!
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Kathy Gladding, wife of Rev. Russell Gladding, Honorably Retired requests prayers for Russell who was hospitalized recently for heart failure and last week was diagnosed with Lewy Body Dementia. The Gladdings have moved from Vidalia to Kennesaw to be near family. Prior to serving Vidalia Presbyterian Church as pastor, Russell served the presbytery as Executive Presbyter, Stated Clerk, and Treasurer.
Cards and notes may be sent to:
2712 Windsor Court NW
Kennesaw, GA 30144
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2026 Montreat Youth Conference
June 7-13, 2026
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CALLING ALL HIGH SCHOOL YOUTH!
Rising 9th graders through graduating Seniors will not want to miss this opportunity to affirm their call to be and to shape the church of Jesus Christ at the 2026 Montreat Youth Conference!
Come to the mountains of North Carolina as part of the Savannah Presbytery delegation to a place unlike any other. Where authenticity, community, connection, and God’s truth thrives and youth come to know and believe they are God’s beloved. Montreat is an inclusive environment where each voice can be heard and each heart can be molded; where change is invited, challenge is expected, and all are embraced.
A Typical Day At Montreat may include: Fun Energizers, Small Groups, Inspiring Worship, Outdoor Events, Lookout Mountain, My Father’s Pizza, Back Home Time and much more!
Youth leave Montreat knowing:
Their faith matters.
They are loved as they are.
They are part of a community of faith.
Stay tuned for registration information, coming soon!
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Open Ministry Positions
in the Savannah Presbytery
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Montreat 2026 Youth Conference
June 7-13, 2026
Summer Camp 2026
June 14-19, 2026 at Camp Dogwood Acres, Chipley Florida
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Rev. Deanie Strength, September 1, 1999 - 26 years
Rev. George Troost, September 18, 1983 - 42 years
Rev. Dana Waters, September 25, 2016 - 9 years
Rev. Rachel Rhodes, September 29, 2010 - 15 years
Rev. Dr. Carl Schlich, III, October 1, 1969 - 56 years
Rev. Tom Dunlap, October 1, 1969 - 56 years
Rev. Diane Knauf, October 5, 1997 - 28 years
Rev. Claire Williams, October 20, 1991 - 34 years
Rev. Choongyun Yu, November 6, 2005 - 20 years
Rev. Ben Beasley, November 7, 2010 - 15 years
Rev. Mark Knowles, November 8, 1981 - 44 years
| | Where can I find the information I need on Savannah Presbytery? | | See what’s happening at the denominational and synod levels by clicking on the logos below. | | |
Print the above PDF to hand out to members or mail to them.
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