Synod of the Sun Newsletter - January 15, 2026

Leadership Retreat - Members of the Coordinating Team and the Staff of Synod of the Sun gathered in early January at Mo Ranch. On the agenda was an evaluation of the Team's 2025 goals, assessing the Synod's strengths and necessities, and implementing new goals for 2026.

Synod of the Sun Newsletter

2026 January

Gathering in Hope and Preparation:

2026 Spring Synod Assembly

The 2026 Spring Synod Assembly will take place February 23–24 at the Presbyterian Mission Center in Irving, Texas, and we look forward to gathering together for worship, learning, and connection.

Commissioners and Co-Responding Members will receive their first information letter later this week with important details to help you prepare for our time together.

As part of our shared commitment to safety and preparedness, this year’s Assembly will include an SPDR Active Shooter training event called “ALICE: What’s it About?”, a partnership program of SPDR and the Grace Presbytery Disaster Recovery Team.

We will also celebrate an important milestone in the life of the Synod with a Service of Ordination and Installation for Libby Janes, who will be installed as our Director of Synod Partnership for Disaster Recovery. This service will be a meaningful moment of worship and thanksgiving as we bless Libby’s ministry among us.

In addition, we warmly invite our Covenant Partners and other Presbyterian exhibitors to participate by hosting an information table or booth during the Assembly. This is a wonderful opportunity to share your work and connect with leaders from across the Synod. To reserve a space or for more information, please contact Tammy Stepka at 214-390-1894 ext. 805 or email tammy.stepka@synodsun.org. We hope you will join us for this rich and engaging gathering.

Who? All commissioned pastors and small church leaders

What? An opportunity for us to gather with others throughout the Synod of the Sun in similar roles. An opportunity to refresh and renew and experience the glory of God following the busy Easter and Lenten seasons.

Where? Camp Gilmont, 6075 State Hwy 155 South, Gilmer, TX 75644

Registration Coming Soon

Click HERE for the proposed schedule

Doing What Is Right in Our Own Eyes: Judges, Arrogance, and the Cost of Forgotten Humility

The Book of Judges warns of the danger of doing “what is right in our own eyes,” a pattern that leads Israel—and humanity—into darkness through arrogance and distorted faith. In this reflection, Synod Leader/Stated Clerk Mitch Miller calls for humility, reminding us that true wisdom comes not from certainty or convenience, but from prayerful engagement with the whole Gospel and openness to the guidance of the Holy Spirit.

Click HERE to read more

A Basic Finance Vocabulary

Bill Wiles, Synod Treasurer knows that the language used in financial discussions can be overwhelming and intimidating. This is especially true for pastors and congregational volunteers who often come to their jobs without having received any formal financial education. This basic finance vocabulary will help you understand better what you need to know.

Click HERE to read more

The SPDR Web:

2026 Church Disaster Preparedness Calendar

Libby Janes, Director of the Synod Partnership for Disaster Recovery, tells us that taking the time now to prepare for disasters will equip your congregation to be ready to face the unexpected.

Would you like support getting started with church disaster preparedness? Please feel welcome to contact Libby at libby.janes@synodsun.org to help you get started.

Click HERE to read this edition of the SPDR Web

Making History Today: Chasing Rabbits

James S. Currie, Executive Secretary of the Presbyterian Historical Society of the Southwest writes that in recent weeks, two mysteries having to do with past Presbyterian congregations have come to light. Both churches were in Texas.

Click HERE to read more from the PHSSW blog

Events, Programs, News

Rooted: The foundations of Presbyterian polity

The third and final chapter of the Foundations of Presbyterian Polity section of the PC(USA) Book of Order sets forth principles that have guided the order of this denomination since the late 18th century.

A Fresh Future for Special Offering

For decades, Presbyterians have joined together through the Special Offerings for opportunities to support the mission and ministry of the PC(USA) while creating transformative change in the world. Now we are excited to announce that the Special Offerings are getting a refresh for 2026 in line with changes approved by the 226th General Assembly (2024), transforming into three cause-based opportunities to create global impact through the PC(USA).

Linked article on the Presbytery of Northern Kansas blog, a Synod of the Sun Communication Services Plan partner.

The Rural Ideas Conference

from the Town Square Collaborative

The Rural Ideas Conference is an annual gathering hosted by the Town Square Collaborative focused on supporting rural congregations and their leaders by celebrating the unique role of churches as community anchors in small towns and rural areas. It brings together rural ministry leaders, nonprofit partners, and others to equip attendees to better engage their communities, explore opportunities and challenges in rural ministry, and build relationships with peers from similar contexts.

The next conference is set for June 24–26, 2026 at the University of the Ozarks in Clarksville, Arkansas, with registration opening in February 2026.

Listen to more about the Town Square Collaborative on the Sunspots podcast: https://www.synodsun.org/sunspots