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Valerie Young
Synod Executive/Stated Clerk
Synod of South Atlantic gathered for the Spring Stated Meeting on March 14, 2026. We had a great turnout with 33 of 38 Commissioners in attendance and with all 16 presbyteries in the synod represented! The assembly gathered in worship with a sermon from Ruling Elder Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri, Global Ecumenical Liaison, Interim Unified Agency, PC(USA). The meeting highlights will be reported in the next newsletter. Until then, here is an excerpt from the sermon:
| | One of the great gifts of our connectional church is the opportunity to be present with one another across presbyteries and ministries. I’m grateful for the opportunity to be with leaders across the Synod this month and look forward to the conversations ahead. I am grateful to be on this journey together! | |
Moderator's Moment
Are We There Yet? Part 1: Cancel Your Plans
and Drift Away with Me
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Jacquelyn Rembert
Synod Moderator
So, for this portion of the journey, I need you to take off your hiking boots, get out of the car, ditch your backpack and every supply you think you might need for this journey. Basically, forego your travel plans, cancel your flights and hotel reservations, and come away with me. Don’t worry, it’s the same trip we’re just using a different mechanism to get to our destination. Are you ready?
| | Announcing New Grant Category: Youth & Young Adult Grant | |
As you probably know, grants are available through Synod of South Atlantic to fund various ministry program/projects and physical church building improvements. And we now have a new grant program: Youth & Young Adult Grant.
The Objectives/Directives for this grant program are as follows:
Synod of South Atlantic Presbyteries, Synod Networks, and Churches within the synod for projects/programs focused on engagement with and for youth and young adults (Youth aged 12-18; Young Adult aged 19-25). Proof of insurance and constitutionally required policy adherence is required.
The application deadline for all synod grants is October 1st.
| | Scholarship Application Deadline Approaching | |
Synod of South Atlantic has scholarship funds to assist with Christian, theological, and higher education and the application deadline for each is May 15th.
Please refer to Synod of South Atlantic website for information and the application link for the Hawkins & Spencer Memorial Theological Scholarship, Uderitz Memorial Scholarship, and Synod Executive Scholarship: https://www.synodofsouthatlantic.org/grants-applications
| | First Presbyterian Church of Fort Lauderdale Offers a Monthly Parents' Night Out | |
On the 3rd Friday of every month, from 5:30 PM - 8:30 PM, parents can enjoy a date night and leave the babysitting to the church! The cost is $35 for one child and $55 max for including dinner. Spots are limited and reservations must be made online one week in advance. Children ages PreK 3-5th grade may participate, and must be potty-trained. For more information, contact Cindy Vason 954-598-9341 or CindyV@firstpres.cc
Ministry Ideas: To help build community for youngish adults/parents within the church, you could start a fellowship group to meet at the same time as babysitting is offered. And/or youth of the church could use this as a fundraiser for the youth program, mission trip experience, or a summer conference such as Montreat Youth Conference. The possibilities are numerous!
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Accompaniment & Know Your Rights
Trainings Offered Online
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Two trainings are being organized by minister members of the Presbytery of Tampa Bay in collaboration with Beth-El Farmworker Ministry, a mission partner of the presbytery. Nanci Palacios with Detention Watch Network will lead the training on Accompaniment & Know Your Rights. Both sessions will be held online.
Detention Watch Network is a national membership organization that brings together advocates from diverse backgrounds to unify strategy, build partnerships and strengthen the movement to end immigration detention.
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“Accompaniment”
March 20
4:00 - 6:00 pm ET
Virtual or Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church
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“Know Your Rights”
March 26
4:00 - 6:00 pm ET
Virtual or Beth-El Farmworker Ministry.
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Palma Ceia Presbyterian Church will offer space for those who would like to gather and participate together on March 20, and Beth-El Farmworker Ministry will offer space on March 26 for those who would like to join the training in person as a group.
Use this link to register for both trainings. After registering, you will receive a link, which will give you access to each Zoom session:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/rXDZG1QBTN-e5nEPBSV2ZA
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Building Belonging: Dementia Support in Faith Communities
March 24, 10 am - 12 noon ET
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A free, virtual workshop offering compassionate, practical guidance for walking alongside families navigating life with dementia.
Click HERE to register.
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Here Comes the Sun
A Book Study Hosted by FPC/Hilton Head Island
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First Presbyterian Church of Hilton Head Island
Tuesdays at 7:00 pm via Zoom, 90 minutes
Teaching Elder Jim Miller, MDiv, PhD (Facilitator)
Five Sessions (March 31, April 7, 14, 21, 28)
First Session: "Introduction", Chapter 1 - "Notes on Burning"
In Here Comes the Sun, author Bill McKibben tells the story of our sudden spike in power from the sun and wind. McKibben traces the arrival of plentiful, inexpensive solar energy, which, if it accelerates, gives us a chance not just to limit climate change's damage, but to reorder the world on saner and more humane grounds. Getting there means overcoming obstacles like Big Oil, bu McKibben seea chance for a new civilization: one that looks up to the sun, every day, as the star that fuels our world.
| | Westminster Asbury Seeks Full-Time Chaplain | | |
Westminster Asbury in Cocoa, FL is an affordable housing campus of Westminster Communities of Florida, which is affiliated with the PC(USA). They are searching for a full-time Chaplain.
PC(USA) ministers participate in most of the Board of Pensions benefits, including pension, death, long- and short-term disability, etc. paid by the employer.
The non-Presbyterian chaplain recently passed away. He was well-loved; the community and its staff still grieve. This is an opportunity to make a tangible difference to people who really need and want spiritual and emotional support.
This opportunity was made known to us through a pastor in Deltona, FL. Rev. Dr. Carmelo Mercado says “the organization and its senior management prefer to hire a PC(USA) minister, and they generally consult with me for vetting and final interviewing before hiring.” Rev. Dr. Mercado can be contacted about the opportunity at drcmercado@yahoo.com
Click here for more information and to apply.
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St. Giles Presbyterian Church
Seeking Supportive Spiritual Leadership During Transition
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St Giles Presbyterian Church, a vibrant and caring congregation located in Orange Park, FL, is continuing in its season of transition and seeks a dedicated Transitional (Bridge) Pastor. Our church is committed to faith, fellowship, and service in the heart of our community. We invite qualified and compassionate clergy candidates to guide us through this important period with wisdom, stability, and spiritual leadership.
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Pineda Presbyterian Church
Seeking Part-Time Church Organist
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Pineda Presbyterian Church in Palm Shores, FL is seeking a part-time Organist to enhance the musical offerings during worship for a redeveloping congregation rooted in the Presbyterian tradition.
The Organist will collaborate with the Music Director, Pastor, and other musicians in the selection, preparation, and presentation of liturgical music, accompany the congregation on hymns and responses, attend weekly evening ensemble rehearsals, and accompany soloists and ensembles during worship. This position reports directly to the Music Director, Pastor, and Worship Chair.
| | Thornwell Documentary Hosting Opportunity | | |
Thornwell’s 150th Anniversary Documentary is now available to our faith partners. We would like to extend the invitation for presbyteries and churches to host their own screenings!
Click here to view a short preview.
Elizabeth Milhous, Vice President for Mission Advancement, will serve as the Thornwell contact for planning these events. Her information is listed on the flyer below.
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Gone for Good? - Negotiating the Coming Wave of Church Property Transition
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Join us for a church-wide book study of this informative, insightful, and thought-provoking collection of essays that explore the spiritual, sociological, and practical aspects of church property transition. Contributed by pastors, scholars, developers, and urban planners and edited by Rev. Mark Elsdon, this is a must read for any congregation considering a transformed future for its property, buildings, and ministry.
Mark Elsdon, MBA, M.Div., is an ordained minister in the Presbyterian Church (USA), co-founder of Rooted Good, and principal at Threshold Sacred Development.
Gone for Good? – Negotiating the Coming Wave of Church Property Transition
A Churchwide Book Study
Mondays: April 6, 13, 20, 27
7:30–8:45 p.m. Eastern Time
Sponsored by the Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program
Register in advance by clicking here.
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Find respite after the busy season of Lent. Lean into the peace that passes understanding after the celebration of Christ’s resurrection. Be renewed with a chance to rest and unwind.
We at Montgomery recognize that Lent is a busy season for our church leaders. We would like to offer a place of renewal and hospitality to those who pour their hearts and minds into leading the church through this season.
We are offering FREE lodging for all pastors, Christian educators, music directors, and other church leaders during the week of April 6-9. Choose to stay for one day or the whole week!
We will offer a free breakfast on Wednesday morning at 8:30am. There are many other dining options available in the Keystone Heights and Starke area to enjoy during your stay, or choose one of our lodging options with a kitchenette to prepare your own meals (Redbud Cottage, Gregory Lodge, Inn Conference Room, Sugar Pine Cottage). Click here to see pictures of the lodging options on our website.
Register here today to reserve your spot!
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Next Small and Mighty Zoom Gathering
April 7th
7:00 – 8:00 pm ET / 6:00 – 7:00 pm CT
Topic: Round Table Discussion
Hosted by the Association of Smaller Congregations
Participants will be invited to share things that are going well in their congregations and challenges. We hope to learn from one another and encourage one another. Discussion will close with participants sharing their hopes for the future of Small and Mighty Zoom Gathering Presentations. ASC Board President, Caroline Dennis, will moderate the discussion.
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You do not need to register each month. Register once and you will receive information about each month’s conversation. Then choose to attend if you are interested in the topic and/or available that month.
You can access past recordings of our gatherings and resources that are suggested by the facilitator at: https://www.synodofsouthatlantic.org/small-and-mighty
If you have interest in learning more about the Association of Smaller Congregations or have questions about this Small and Mighty Zoom Gathering, please reach out to ASC President, Caroline Dennis at cvdennis.wpcgwd@gmail.com
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Youth are invited to a special overnight event exploring how our faith calls us to care for the world God has made. The “Caring for God’s Creation” Lock-In will take place at First Presbyterian Church in Americus from Friday, April 17 at 6:30 PM through Saturday, April 18 at 3:00 PM. During this lock-in, participants will examine environmental science through a faith perspective and consider how stewardship of creation is part of our Christian calling.
The event will include a visit to the historic Koinonia Farm, where youth will assist with hands-on tasks such as sorting and gardening. While there, participants will also receive a tour of the farm and learn about its important role in the American Civil Rights Movement, discovering how faith and justice have long been connected to the land.
In addition to service and learning, the lock-in will include games, fellowship, and a nighttime round of laser tag in the dark—making this a fun and meaningful opportunity for youth to grow in faith, build friendships, and explore how caring for God’s creation connects to our everyday lives.
RSVP by Friday, April 10 to Britanny DiGiammarino. Britanny is Small Church Coordinator for Flint River Presbytery and Director of Christian Education at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Valdosta, GA.
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Prayer and Liturgy in My Pocket
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Saturday, April 18, 2026
10 am- 12 pm ET
First Presbyterian Church in Greer, SC
Foothills Presbytery
- What, you want me to lead worship?
- Have you been asked to pray during a meeting or worship?
- Is your congregation between pastors and you’ve been asked to be a worship leader?
- Is your Pastor asking you to be prepared to lead liturgy for a worship service?
Then, this workshop is for you! It is designed to equip you for creating prayers and leading liturgy. This workshop is ideal for any member or elder who has been asked to lead in worship. Childcare available. Free, but registration is necessary.
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Faith to Next Gen Class Opportunity
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How do we help the next generation develop a lasting and meaningful faith? In this four-session Zoom class, participants will explore practical and theological ways to nurture faith in children and youth within families and church communities. Together we will reflect on how faith is formed over time and consider how adults can model, teach, and support spiritual growth in young people.
Each session will focus on a different aspect of faith formation, including the role of storytelling and scripture, creating meaningful faith practices at home and in church, understanding the developmental needs of children and youth, and building a supportive faith community that encourages lifelong discipleship.
This class will be taught by Britanny DiGiammarino - Small Church Coordinator for Flint River Presbytery and Director of Christian Education at Trinity Presbyterian Church in Valdosta, GA. It is designed for parents, grandparents, teachers, church leaders, and anyone interested in helping young people grow in faith. Participants will leave with practical ideas, discussion tools, and encouragement for guiding the next generation in their relationship with God.
Class Dates (via Zoom):
May 3
May 17
June 7
June 28
All sessions take place at 3:30 – 5 pm ET.
All are welcome to attend. RSVP to Britanny DiGiammarino.
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