SP Logo image onlyKeeping Up With
Savannah Presbytery

"REACHING BEYOND OURSELVES"
October 31, 2010
IN THIS ISSUE
STATED MEETING WRAP-UP
JOB OPENINGS AT FPC STATESBORO
DID YOU KNOW? FIND ANSWERS TO YOUR QUESTIONS
A GRACIOUS CHRISTMAS AT FPC SAVANNAH
WALK IN PAUL'S FOOTSTEPS
SUMMER SUNDAY HELP NEEDED AT MONTREAT
THE PRESBYTERIAN FOUNDATION
PRESBYTERY NEWS: CHANGES TO NEWSLETTER, UPCOMING CHURCH EVENTS, & MORE!

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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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OTHER USEFUL LINKS

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

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.


Need to Contact Us? Contact information for the Savannah Presbytery Office & Staff is listed at the bottom of this e-newsletter.

STATED MEETING WRAP UP!
The schedule was packed - we got a lot done!

First Savannah
First PC Savannah
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.
2010 SOL Grads
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
First Statesboro
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)

Did You Know?
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.

A GRACIOUS CHRISTMAS
National author, nationally recognized entrepreneurlead event at FPC Savannah

Nationally known entertaining experts Gena Knox and
Gena Knox
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.

Tasia Malakasis
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 Street.

WALK IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF APOSTLE PAUL!
Pilgrimage scheduled for summerof 2011
Footsteps of Paul
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.

Montreat Logo
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.

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.

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.

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.