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Keeping Up With
Savannah Presbytery
"REACHING
BEYOND OURSELVES"
October
31, 2010
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UPCOMING
EVENTS & DEADLINES
Presbytery Staff Meeting
Tuesday, November 2, 10:00 AM, Presbytery Office
Monthly Pastor Lunch
Thursday, November 4, 12:00 PM, Henry Memorial PC in Dublin
Committee on Ministry Meeting
Tuesday, November 9, 1:00 PM, Presbytery Office
Presbytery Staff Meeting & Office Cleaning
Day
Wednesday, November 10 (staff will be in, but phones will be
off)
Presbytery Staff Meeting
Tuesday, November 16, 10:00 AM, Presbytery Office
Registration Deadline for the Church Officer Leadership
Training (COLT)
Tuesday, November 23
Presbytery Staff Meeting
Tuesday, November 23, 10:00 AM, Presbytery Office
Presbytery Office Closed for Thanksgiving
November 25-26
Presbytery Staff Meeting
Tuesday, November 30, 10:00 AM, Presbytery Office
Click Here to see the Savannah
Presbytery calendar online.
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GET CONNECTED WITH
YOUR PRESBYTERY
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GET CONNECTED TO YOUR
DENOMINATION
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WHERE IS THE
GP?
Ken's Comings & Goings
Ken McKenzie can usually be found in the office Monday
through Thursday. When he's not there, he will be...
November 4
Pastor Lunch at Henry Memorial PC in Dublin
November 7
Preaching at Montgomery PC (AM); at Beasley Ordination at FPC
Savannah (PM)
November 15
At a meeting for a Florida Disaster organization
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SEMINARS
& CONFERENCES AROUND THE DENOMINATION
Warmth in Winter - Variety Show at
Epworth by the Sea, St. Simons Island, GA, January 10-12,
2011.
Enjoy a show of music, monologue, wisdom and humor featuring
singer, humorist, and folk theologian Ed Kilbourne. This four show
run is one of their most popular events, and space fills up
quickly. For details, visit the website, or call
912-638-8688.
Tallahassee Church Music
Conference, January 27-29, Tallahassee, FL
"Opening the discussion
on music in God's Church." Get the brochure HERE, or visit the website for more
information and to register.
Association of Presbyterian Church
Educators (APCE) 2011 Annual Event in Albuquerque, NM, February
2-5, 2011. "Walking in Balance". Get the BROCHURE or visit the WEBSITE.
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Need to Contact Us? Contact
information for the Savannah Presbytery Office & Staff is
listed at the bottom of this e-newsletter.
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The schedule was packed - we got a lot done!
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First PC Savannah
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Last week we held the Fall stated Meeting of Savannah Presbytery at
First Presbyterian Church in Savannah. Close to 100 people
attended this last meeting of presbytery for 2010.
The docket was packed with business, and the meeting began with a
wonderful worship organized by Rev. Ed Ayers (Christ PC) and Rev.
Stephen Williams (First PC Savannah). Those gathered enjoyed
bagpipe music by David Crampton of the Charleston Pipe and Drum
Band, as well as three selections sung by the Savannah Arts Academy
Choir. Incidentally, the daughter of one of our pastors, Rev. Greg
Loskoski (Flemington PC) was part of that choir. Ben Beasley, who
was a candidate for ordination that day, preached the sermon.
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| J. Richard Bass School of
the Laity graduates Class of 2010. Standing L to R, Sun Bratton,
Savannah Korean PC, Anne Gibbons, Henry Memorial PC. Seated L to R
Chris Thomas, White Bluff PC, Joan Pierce, Skidaway Island PC. Not
Pictured: Ranny Blount, St. Simons PC, Janet Davies, First PC
Brunswick & John Davis, Jr. Vidalia PC. |
During the worship, a special time was set aside to remember
ministers and elders who have joined the Church Triumphant since
January 1, 2010. We also graduated the J. Richard Bass School of
the Laity Class of 2010.
The presbytery approved Ben's ordination, as well as received Kate
Buckley as a Candidate for Minister of the Word and Sacrament.
Kate is currently a student at Columbia Theological University, and
the daughter of Rev. Bob Brearley (St. Simons PC). Ben will begin
serving Allenhurst PC as their pastor in November.
Treasurer Russell Gladding provided a report on the presbytery's
current finances. Church giving is down, leaving the presbytery in
a deficit, but hopes are high that fourth quarter giving will bring
us even. He encouraged churches to communicate with the presbytery
office regarding the status of their givings through 2010, and also
their pledge for 2011.
Paul Scott was approved to begin serving as Vice-Moderator of
presbytery at the Winter Stated Meeting in February. After serving
a year as Vice-Moderator, Paul with continue as Moderator of the
Presbytery for a year, followed by a year as Chair of the
Presbytery Council. Thanks to Paul for taking on this very
important role! We also confirmed new and continuing members of
ministry teams and re-elected Russell Gladding for another term as
Stated Clerk.
The body broke up into three breakout groups to hear introductions
of the General Assembly actions that require presbytery votes
before next July. We will continue our work on these items by
voting on part of them at the Winter Stated Meeting, and will
finish the voting process at the Spring Stated Meeting in
May.
We received reports from Rev. Ozeas Silva of the Swainsboro
Hispanic Ministry; the Swainsboro Presbyterian Apartments; Clark
Simmons, representing the Board of Pensions; Mark Shoemaker,
Development Officer for Presbyterian Foundation; Elder Wells
Kilgore (Frederica PC) and Rev. Lou Ellen Hartley (First PC
Brunswick), who provided written reports of their time at General
Assembly in July; and Rev. Rick Douylliez (First PC St. Marys),
acting as a representative from Thornwell Homes.
Special thanks to our host church, First PC in Savannah, for
providing a wonderful facility for not only the meeting, but for
our breakout groups and meals. Stephen Williams' help with worship
made it a stand out event, and lunch was yummy.
Be on the lookout for minutes of this meeting, which will be
available online in the next few weeks. And mark your calendars
for the Winter Stated Meeting, which will take place Friday,
February 18 at 1:00 PM at Epworth by the Sea (preceding the start
of the Leadership Development Conference). |
JOB OPENINGS AT
FIRST PC IN STATESBORO
Music positions available
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| First PC Statesboro |
First Presbyterian Church in Statesboro has job openings for two
positions in their music department.
They are currently looking for applications for both the Music
Director position, and the Organist position.
If you interested, or know of anyone who might be, please see the
job listings below and follow up with the contact person
listed.
Director of Music (PDF)
Organist (PDF)
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Interesting
facts and information for churches.
Finding Answers to Your
Questions
One of the most common questions that come through the presbytery
office is "How do I find..." and is completed by naming anything
from the Book of Order to worship supplies. Churches
often use the same resources or items for years, and when the need
arises to get something new, often no one can remember where they
got it in the first place.
The listing below outlines the most common items churches are
looking for, along with where to find them, along with some other
places to look that you may not know of.
Books of Order, Books of Confession, Planning Calendars,
Mission Yearbooks, etc.
These can be found through the Presbyterian Marketplace. You can
order online by visiting http://store.pcusa.org. Enter
the name of what you are looking for in the "Search" box in the
upper right hand corner, or search by type, category, or author.
You can also call 800-524-2612 to speak to someone directly
who can help you.
Worship Stoles, Communion Supplies, etc.
You can find many of these types of supplies at the Cokesbury
store, www.cokesbury.com or by
calling 1-800-409-5346. They carry everything from
vestments to electronics, as well as curriculum, books and Bibles,
software, subscriptions, and more. Another place to look for
worship supplies and vestments is through C.M. Almy at www.almy.com.
Statistical Information on Churches and the
Denomination
The General Assembly Mission Council's Research Services Research
Services helps congregations, presbyteries, synods, seminaries and
other entities of the denomination learn more about themselves and
their constituencies. Visit their website to see
what all they have to offer, or call 1-800-728-7228, x5161.
Giving Information for Various Mission
Programs
The GAMC also has a one-stop shop for giving opportunities in the
denomination. Visit the website to find an alphabetical
listing of missions, or to do a search for one. You can also call
1-800-728-7228 and ask for help with mission giving.
Planning and Educational Resources for Church
Leaders
Our presbytery has its own Resource Center, which is home to many
different types of resources available for check-out, and very
soon, it will go online to make it easier for you to access! To
find a resource, contact Lou Ellen Hartley at 912-264-1997 or by email. Our churches also have access to the
Resource Connection at the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta Office.
Find out more on their website, or by calling 404-898-0711 ext. 131. You can
also find resources at Cokesbury or the Presbyterian Marketplace
(see above).
Historical Documentation of Your Church's
Records
The Presbyterian Historical Society in Philadelphia, PA offers
church's the ability to store and preserve its records. You can
find out more by visiting www.history.pcusa.org or by
calling 215-627-1852.
Risk Management, Safety, Tax, Financial & Legal
Resources for Churches
Church Law Today is a fantastic resource for all your church's
financial, tax, and legal questions, needs, and resources. Visit
www.churchlawtoday.com or call
1-877-247-4787. You can subscribe to publications, read and
purchase resources, and find help on any of these related
subjects.
Can't Find it Here or Anywhere?
Call Presbytel! Presbytel is one of the most useful resources in
finding what you are looking for. They can answer almost any
PC(USA) related question you have. Visit their website to ask a question online, email
them at presbytel@pcusa.org or call
1-800-872-3283.
"Did You Know" provides helpful
information and facts regarding everyday church issues. To suggest
a topic for this column, please contact Tavia
Harrison.
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A GRACIOUS CHRISTMAS
National author, nationally recognized
entrepreneurlead event at
FPC Savannah
Nationally known
entertaining experts Gena Knox and
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| Gena Knox (image,
www.blog.friendseat.com) |
Tasia Malakasis will speak about "Simple Holiday Entertaining Using
Local Ingredients" at a Christmas-themed event at First
Presbyterian Church in Savannah on December 2.
Knox, the author of "Southern My Way," and Malakasis, a goat-cheese
artisan who was Country Living Magazine's 2009 Woman Entrepreneur
of the Year, will also conduct demonstrations involving holiday
entertaining and decorating, as will Savannahians Gaye Drummond and
Louisa Laird.
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| Tasia Malakasis (image,
www.countryliving.com) |
The event, "A Gracious Christmas", runs from 10:30 a.m. until 1:30
p.m. and includes a luncheon with a menu created by Chef Matt Roher
of Cha Bella restaurant, who'll help prepare the meal, a holiday
gift shop featuring handmade items from fair-trade sources, and a
silver, jewelry, and china resale boutique.
Tickets for the luncheon, lecture and two demonstrations are $40
and are available at www.savannahfpc.org or by
calling 912-354-7615. Proceeds will benefit the Fuller Center's
"Help Rebuild Haiti" project.
FPC Savannah is located on Washington Avenue at Paulsen
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WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF APOSTLE
PAUL!
Pilgrimage scheduled for summerof 2011

Paul's missionary journeys are much more than mere
dotted lines on rough maps at the back of your Bible. His travels
changed the world, and when you, too, follow In the Footsteps
of Paul, you'll experience those amazing journeys more
powerfully than ever.
In 2011, YOU have an opportunity to walk where Paul walked and
visit modern day Turkey, the Greek Islands and Athens. The
pilgrimage is scheduled for late May-early June 2011.
For more information you may call the historic First Presbyterian
Church of Saint Marys, GA or e-mail Pastor Rick Douylliez at
calvinist@tds.net or call 912-882-4650 (church) or 912-674-0142
(Pastor Rick's cell).
Reserve a place NOW. The reservations will cut-off at 24
participants. A deposit of $500 will be required by December 15,
2010.
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HELP NEEDED FOR NEXT SUMMER'S SUNDAY WORSHIP AT
MONTREAT
Planning is already underway!
A Message from
Merri Alexander:
Eric Wall, our Conference Center Musician, is hoping to
work with Montreat residents, summer staff, conference staff, and
vacationers to provide the musical leadership needed for the ten
Sundays of community worship in Anderson Auditorium next summer
(June 5- August 7).
If you sing or play an instrument and are willing to offer your
musical gifts to the glory of God through Sunday worship next
summer, please contact me, Merri Alexander (merria@montreat.org or
828-419-9807), and let me know when you are available and what
musical gifts you are offering to share with the worshiping
community.
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THE PRESBYTERIAN FOUNDATION HELPS TO
CREATE LASTING GIFTS TO YOUR CHURCH
There are many ways to create lasting financial support
among church members
Mark Shoemaker, Development Officer for the Presbyterian
Foundation, recently spoke at the Fall Stated Meeting about the
importance of church efforts to create a financial legacy among
members.
The Presbyterian Foundation is charged by the General Assembly
with the responsibility and accountability for raising money, and
today, through New Covenant Trust Company, providing trust and
investment management services, for the mission of the entire
denomination. With assets of $1.6 billion, the Presbyterian
Foundation stands as one of the largest religious foundations in
the United States.
The focus of its development staff is individual giving to support
mission. Donors identify the areas of mission they wish to support
- whether global, national or local mission - and the development
staff offers a way to give that will best meet their needs.
Mark can show your church the many different giving tools
available to members. Mark is available by phone at 866-387-0432,
or by email at mds@fdn.pcusa.org. You can also find out more
by visiting www.presbyterianfoundation.org.
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NEWS FOR SAVANNAH
PRESBYTERY
Please Note These Changes to
Presbytery Communications! Due to the current presbytery
budget crunch, publication of the printed presbytery newsletter
will be on hiatus until the new year. In the mean time, this
e-newsletter will be your only source for regularly updated news.
Please do everything you can to share it with your church's
leadership, staff, and session. The e-newsletter will still be
published be-monthly, followed by one printed copy sent to each
church. We will also continue to link it to the website homepage,
and you can print copies of it from there. Help us continue to
spread the word!
Exciting Church Events Coming Up! Mark your calendars
for the following:
--- Come Celebrate Our History...and Future! Richmond Hill
PC proudly invites you to the wonderfully renovated Bryan Neck
Presbyterian Church on Sunday, November 7, 2010, from 3:00-5:00
p.m. Please join us for the 125th anniversary rededication service
of this historic church. Reception immediately following. Bryan
Neck PC is located at 7196 Belfast-Keller Road, Richmond Hill, GA.
For more information, call 912-727-2232.
--- The Ordination of Ben Beasley will take place on Sunday,
November 7 at First PC in Savannah. Ben will be ordained at his
home church in preparation for taking a call at Allenhurst PC. For
more information, call 912-354-7615.
--- Celebrate Jekyll Presbyterian Community Church's Golden
Anniversary! On March 5th & 6th, 2011, members and friends of
the Jekyll church will be celebrating its 50th Anniversary.
Started in 1958 by the Rev. McBath of First PC Brunswick, this
church has served faithfully the island's full time and part time
residents, as well as its visitors. For more information, call
912-635-2123.
Pastors, Don't Forget...
...to sign up for the Annual Pulpit Swap taking place on Sunday,
February 20 (following the Leadership Development Conference at
Epworth by the Sea). To participate, contact Lynn Garis at
912-264-1997 or by email.
Prayer
Concerns. Please
keep the following people and churches in your
prayers:
-- Gerry Jones
-- The new Hispanic Ministry currently being organized in
Swainsboro, its leaders and new congregants
-- Church Pastor Nominating Committees that are actively working to
find a pastor
-- Church leadership as they prepare for and lead their
congregations through Advent and into Christmas and the New
Year.
-- The Finance & Stewardship Subcommittee of Presbytery Council
as the work hard to prepare the presbytery budget for 2011.
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CONTACT US
Savannah Presbytery
3590 Darien Highway, Suite 8, Brunswick, GA 31525
Office: 912-264-1997 Fax: 912-262-6815
home@savannahpresbytery.org
www.savannahpresbytery.org
Ken McKenzie, General
Presbyter
kmckenzie@savannahpresbytery.org
Russell Gladding, Stated
Clerk/Treasurer
rgladding@savannahpresbytery.org
Lynn Garis, Associate Presbyter
for Laity & Coordinator for the M.K. Pentecost Ecology Fund
Committee
lgaris@savannahpresbytery.org
Lou Ellen Hartley, Associate
Presbyter for Christian Education lehartley@savannahpresbytery.org
Tavia Harrison, Communications
& Presbytery Support Coordinator
tharrison@savannahpresbytery.org
Liz Richardson, Business
Manager
lrichardson@savannahpresbytery.org
Savannah Presbytery and the Resource Center are open Monday -
Thursday, 9 AM - 5 PM, and Friday 9 AM - 1 PM.
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