As a part of the in-person Synod staff meeting on June 8-9, Rev. Libby Janes insisted that a visit to Braum's was in order. Apparently, Thomas Riggs is overwhelmed by the size of his ice cream cone. | | |
Synod of the Sun Newsletter
June 18, 2026
| | 227th General Assembly Resources/Links | |
With the 227th General Assembly a few days away, here are some resources and links for you and your congregation.
The assembly convenes on June 22 for committee work, with many commissioners arriving in Milwaukee on June 26. The full assembly gathers in plenary on June 28 and concludes on July 2.
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Worship Resources for Disaster Recovery, part I | |
Reverend Libby Janes
Director, SPDR
What we do on Sunday mornings is really important for how our churches prepare for possible disasters, and how we can respond as a community once disasters happen. Let’s begin with reflecting on worship as an important feature of disaster preparation.
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Worship Resources for Disaster Recovery, part II | |
Reverend Libby Janes
Director, SPDR
Much like remembering veterans on Memorial Day or holding special space to remember a loved one each year on the day of their death (or commonly, on the loved one's birthday), disaster anniversaries are also important days for many to reflect on memories or grief, or the passage of time after a significant event. Disaster anniversaries can be experienced
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Synod Youth Workshop - In this episode of Sunspots, Mary Megan Schnittger, Director of Youth Ministry at Northwoods Presbyterian Church In Houston and Travis Dunmire, 2026 Synod Youth Workshop Planning Team member, share their experiences with Synod Youth Workshop, the beloved summer youth event held at the University of Tulsa. Together, they reflect on the life-changing impact of small groups, youth-led worship, lifelong friendships, and the joyful spirit that makes SYW feel like “a little slice of heaven.” Travis also gives listeners an inside look at serving on this year’s Planning Team, helping shape the camp’s Star Wars-inspired theme, “May the Lord Be With You,” while discussing how the conference has deepened his faith and leadership journey.
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Pentecost - In this Pentecost sermon presented at Covenant Presbyterian Church in San Antonio, SPDR Director Rev. Libby Janes reflects on how the Holy Spirit enables people not merely to hear words but to truly understand one another across cultures, languages, and experiences. Drawing on personal stories of international friendships, seminary life, and worship, she emphasizes that the language of faith is ultimately the language of love—a love that calls us to listen deeply, honor the languages and stories of others, and embrace the “disturbing certainty of hope” that God is at work bringing diverse people together in Christ.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=es62KWMTqF4
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You can find the Sunspots Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Overcast, Amazon Music, Stitcher, Alexa (“Hey Alexa, play the Sunspots podcast”), or wherever you find your favorite podcasts. You can also listen on the Synod website at: https://www.synodsun.org/sunspots.
You can find the Synod Youth Workshop podcast and other video content on our YouTube channel at:
https://www.youtube.com/@synodofthesun.
| | Keeping the Faith: Students Discover a Living Legacy at KEPT Retreat | |
Seven confirmation-age students recently gathered at the former Presbyterian Church of the Good Shepherd in Sonora for a unique retreat called KEPT. Sleeping in the sanctuary, serving through a church-wide cleaning project, exploring Presbyterian history and beliefs, and writing their own statements of faith, the students reflected on Psalm 121's reminder that God keeps us—and calls each generation to keep the faith for those who come next.
In a building that once housed a vibrant congregation, they discovered a powerful truth: faithful churches do not fail when they close. Their witness, worship, and love continue through the lives they have shaped and the faith they have passed on.
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Received by Synod Leader/Stated Clerk Mitch Miller from a recent graduate (second from the right), thanking the NOROC Humanitarian Association.
New Opportunities for Romanian Orphaned Children is a Covenant Partner of the Synod of the Sun.
| | | A Thank You from FPC/Victoria | |
As a sign of our encouragement for the Pan American School, First Presbyterian Church of
Victoria, Texas is donating a check to the school in the amount of $600 in Reverend Mitch Miller’s name. We offer this gift with gratitude for the school’s ministry and with prayer that it will help further the mission and work of the Pan American School.
Thank you for your faithful service to the school as well as your dedication to the churches of the Synod of the Sun.
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Staff Contact Information During
Thomas Riggs' Sabbatical
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From Independence Day to Labor Day, the Synod's Communication and Administration Coordinator Thomas Riggs will take Sabbatical Leave. During his absence, please contact the following staff people in regards to his area on the staff:
For CSP or Synod Communication issues, contact:
Lindsay Freeman-McCarthy, Communications Contractor
csp@synodsun.org
For administrative or financial issues, contact:
Tammy Stepka, Synod Administrator
tammy.stepka@synodsun.org or 214-390-1894 ext. 805.
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Making History Today: When the Church is Right | |
James S. Currie, Executive Secretary
Presbyterian Historical Society of the Southwest
Today something called ‘Christian nationalism’ has taken hold in some parts of this country. Clearly, their understanding of the gospel is counter to everything we claim in the Reformed tradition. Some in East Germany noted that the church might always find themselves in the minority, but being the church that seeks to be faithful to the gospel of Jesus Christ always runs that risk. And so it is today in this country. We’re not always right, but occasionally we are.
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Presbyterian Pan American School Seeks
School Chaplain
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Presbyterian Pan American School (PPAS), a Christian international boarding high school, is seeking a bilingual (English/Spanish) ordained minister to serve as School Chaplain.
Responsibilities include leading chapel services, providing pastoral care, supporting student and residential life, and actively engaging in the campus community. This is a residential position (on-campus housing provided).
Requirements:
- Master of Divinity (M.Div.)
- Ordination (Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) preferred)
- Fluent in English and Spanish
- Valid driver’s license
Experience working with youth or in a boarding school setting is preferred. The ability to teach Bible classes is a plus but not required.
Compensation will follow applicable ministerial Terms of Call, including effective salary (cash and housing), retirement savings plan and benefits consistent with Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Board of Pensions guidelines.
To apply: Submit cover letter, resume, and references to Dr King: jking@ppas.org .
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Church Technology Grants - Presbyterian Foundation | |
The Presbyterian Foundation believes it is important to resource pastoral leaders and the congregations they serve to promote vitality and excellence in ministry. The Presbyterian Foundation continues to better equip PC(USA) pastors facing economic challenges with this round of Church Technology Grants.
Applications will be accepted for Church Technology Grants from May 20 to July 13, 2026 and will be awarded up to $5,000. Funds are available for those pastoral leaders seeking to enhance their ministry in a variety of ways.
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Join POAMN in Tennessee for the 2026 Gathering | Mark your calendar for September 2026, and join POAMN in Knoxville, Tennessee, for our annual conference. Join us for an inspiring gathering focused on spiritual depth, resilience, and continued fruitfulness—themes that matter deeply for leaders walking alongside older adults through seasons of transition. | | | | New website will enable churches and mid councils to easily prove their federal tax-exempt status | LOUISVILLE - A new website designed to help Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) churches and mid councils easily obtain a group inclusion letter which demonstrates their federal tax-exempt or 501(c)(3) status is now available. Go here to get the online process started. | | | | | | |
