Salem Matters 06.05.24

Salem Matters News of What Matters This Week

in Salem Presbytery

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June 5, 2024 | Volume IX, Number 23

Churches/Ministries of the Week

First Presbyterian - Statesville

Mt. Jefferson Presbyterian - West Jefferson

Freedom Presbyterian - Statesville

New Tool for 2025 Benefits Decisions

A Message from the Board of Pensions

The Board of Pensions has launched the 2025 Decision Guide for Minister Benefits to assist congregations and ministers with calculating dues for next year. This new tool helps determine eligibility and costs for the two new dues packages introduced as part of the redesigned Benefits Plan — the Congregational Pastors Package and the Covenant Package — and for Transitional Pastor’s Participation, an option for ministers enrolled in Pastor’s Participation as of December 31, 2024.

After a series of questions are answered, the tool displays the options available for the minister, based on eligibility, and any associated costs for dependent coverage. Please note that this tool cannot determine benefits eligibility or costs for commissioned pastors, split services, or couples sharing one position at the same congregation (14-09 couples).

For information about benefits options or assistance with the 2025 Decision Guide for Minister Benefits, call the Board of Pensions at 800-PRESPLAN (800-773-7752) (TTY: 711) to speak with a dedicated representative. Church Consultants also are available to help church leaders determine which dues package is right for their situation and to guide faithful decision-making.

Presbytery News and Information

Click Here for the Digest of the May 14th Meeting of Salem Presbytery

Click Here for the Minutes from the May 14th Meeting of Salem Presbytery

Salem Presbytery Retiree Zoom Gathering

Save the date for the next Salem Presbytery gathering of retirees via Zoom on Wednesday, June 5th at 10:00 am. A Zoom link was emailed to all retirees.

The Peace and Justice Task Force invites you to sign up for their monthly newsletter addressing Peace and Justice issues and events. Click the link below to sign up.

Ministry Training and Education

The Salem Black Caucus will be meeting at Freedom Presbyterian Church this Saturday June the 8th from 10:00 a.m until 12:00 noon.

Freedom Presbyterian Church 1321 Turnersburg HWY Statesville NC 28625

ATTENTION ALL:

• Ministers of Word and Sacrament actively serving as pastors to congregations or otherwise engaged in a validated ministry within the bounds of Salem Presbytery;

• Commissioned Ruling Elders actively serving a congregation;

• Certified Christian Educators;

• Salem Presbytery Members-At-Large; and

• Presbytery Staff

In order to maintain good standing with Salem Presbytery (which is necessary to access and share your PDP on the new Church Leadership Connection system), completion of Racial Equity Equipping Training is mandatory.

Folks have until September 2025 to complete this training to remain in good standing, OR you must gain approval for an alternative training from the Peace and Justice Task Force.

Our next equipping event will be Tuesday, October 8th from 9-3:30 at North Wilkesboro Presbyterian Church

Registration for the October event is now live at our Presbytery’s Racial Equity website here:https://www.salemracialequity.org/register

If you have questions, our facilitator contact information can be found on the Presbytery’s Racial Equity website (https://www.salemracialequity.org/home).

Ministry Opportunities

Position Opening at New Creation Community Church - Greensboro

New Creation Community Church is seeking a part-time Pastor/CRE. Click HERE for more information and a job description

Position Opening at Westminster Presbyterian - Greensboro

Westminster Presbyterian Church in Greensboro, NC is accepting PDP’s from interested parties for the position of Interim Pastor.

Follow the link below for the job description and/or to apply.

Westminster Presbyterian Transitional Pastor Job Description

Apply Here

Position Opening at Pleasant Grove Presbyterian

Pleasant Grove Presbyterian in Yanceyville is searching for a pianist for Sunday Worship and occasional services. Interested candidates should contact Pastor Steve Jordan at 336-380-1859 or 336-562-2215.

Position Openings at First Presbyterian Salisbury

First Presbyterian Church in Salisbury is advertising an open position. See the link below for job description and information.

Contemporary Worship Team Leader

Position Opening at First Presbyterian High Point

First Presbyterian Church in High Point is advertising for the position of Next Gen Director. See the link below for job description and information.

Next Gen Director - First Presbyterian High Point

Position Opening in Montreat

Greetings from Montreat Conference Center. We have a full-time, exempt position open for a Director of Development Communications. Follow the links below to read a full job description and/or to apply.

Click Here for Job Description

Click Here to Apply

Looking Ahead - Upcoming Events

Register for Bible and Church Music Conference 2024 today! Come listen to leaders and speakers like Rev. Dr. Brian Blount and Rev. Shannon Johnson Kershner. For more information about BCMC 2024, please visit https://massanettasprings.org/programs/bcmc.

October 21-23, 2024 - Montreat Conference Center

Click HERE for more information and to register

Ordination Anniversaries

Please pass along congratulations to the following who are celebrating anniversaries of their ordinations:

Jodi Lingan ordained June 4, 2017
Jess Bledsoe ordained June 5, 1979 (45th in 2024)
Josh Musser Gritter ordained June 8, 2017
Lara Musser Gritter ordained June 8, 2017
Jud Milam ordained June 11, 1972
Kent Berry ordained June 15, 1996
Jeffry Reynolds ordained June 16, 1993
Stacey Steck ordained June 18, 2000
Steve Hannah ordained June 21, 1991
Evan Harrison ordained June 22, 2010
Fred Horner ordained June 24, 1962
Bonita Quandt ordained June 29, 2004 (20th in 2024)
Joseph McCutchen ordained June 30, 1968

Prayer Matters

Click Here for the 2024 Prayer Calendar

June Prayers for:

Hunger Task Groups

Please Hold the Following in Your Prayers

Salem Presbytery Designated Associate Presbyter, Rev. Jodi Lingan and family, who mourn the death of Jodi's father on June 2, 2024. More info will be shared soon.
The family of Rev. Charles Carter, HR, who passed away on May 27, 2024. Service plans are incomplete at this time.
CRE Sue Flippin and husband Jim, who mourn the sudden of their son Jeff Flippin.
Designated Associate Presbyter Jodi Lingan whose father is undergoing health issues

We will list these prayer requests for two weeks unless we are notified that they are to be continued. You may submit prayer requests through the link below.

Submit prayer request here.

PCUSA Matters