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Savior of the Nations, Come: Notes in Transition
Happy New Year! On this Sunday just past we began a new liturgical year, and in our many churches we lit the first candle on the Advent wreath. Though some set up Christmas tree as soon as mid-November, we know Advent isn't just a matter of ticking days off until Santa Claus comes, as if we know it's Jesus' birthday, but we get all the gifts. No, we want to hear the words of the prophets and learn again to savor the hope of Israel. We want to look at our own lives, the lives of our congregations too, and consider how we can become more faithful and more fruitful.
Our country is grieving the death and celebrating the life of former president George Herbert Walker Bush. As in our own lives, while there were indeed things worthy of praise, there were also lapses of which we might hope he grew to repent. We remember his call for our country to become "kinder and gentler." We admire his readiness to laugh at himself and embrace the Saturday Night Live comedian who got a lot of mileage out of mocking him hilariously. We are struck by his ability to turn political foes into friends. Even in the church we can benefit from examples like his.
Now we for our part await the Judge of all the earth. We are heartened by the suggestion of biblical scholars that "judge" in scripture includes the senses of correct, heal, and make right, and, yes, we will be ready for that. As we have been traveling, we heard a friend preach on Sunday. He recalled a story Tom Long has told. He had worked one summer in college days as a court reporter, covering the small town crime scene, from car theft to domestic violence. He said in the buzz among those who waited to go before the bench and their supporters, much rode upon who the judge was going to be (you can see where this is going). We know Whom we await. We will face a judge who has borne the worst human beings could do to another - for us. Our God who comes is Love. So prepare the way, and lift up your heads.
Grace and peace!
Stephen W. Scott
Transitional General Presbyter
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| Dream Team November 2018 Presentation |
Greetings this Advent Season,
We just welcomed our first Sunday of Advent - the beginning of hurry up and get our churches decorated, our benevolence ministry lined-up and write the best five Advent/Christmas sermons. It is my prayer that each of you find time to allow your spirit to rest and be renewed with each and every time you gather with your worshiping communities.
The Dream Team is continuing to work and we are excited to hear from you. We appreciate your feedback by attending one of our listening sessions. Friends in our Presbytery have asked for an evening listening session. Please mark the change on your calendar, our listening session at Sedgefield Presbyterian Church on January 15 has been moved from 10am to 5:30pm.
Your feedback is vital to the final design of the Dream Team's proposal. The following are the details of the next listening sessions.
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Thursday, December 6, 1:30 p.m. - Fieldstone Presbyterian, Mooresville
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Wednesday, December 12, 1:30 p.m. - First Church, Boone
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Tuesday, December 18, 1:30 p.m. - Clemmons Presbyterian
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Thursday, January 10, 1:00 p.m. - First Church, Burlington
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Tuesday, January 15, 5:30pm. - Sedgefield Presbyterian, Greensboro
And now available online is the Dream Team Presentation at the Presbytery meeting at Rumple Presbyterian. (See video above.) We ask for your prayers as we continue the listening and discernment phase.
Peace and Blessings,
Kim Priddy (Teaching Elder, Sedgefield Presbyterian, Greensboro)
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Proposed Constitutional Amendments - For Study And Action
The 223rd General Assembly (2018) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has placed before the presbyteries of the church a number of proposed amendments to our constitution (Book of Order). The proposed amendments will be placed for action before Salem Presbytery at the February 2019 Presbytery meeting. Please begin to review these proposed amendments now. They may be found at the links below.
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403(B) Retirements Savings Plan Participants
The BOP offers a fossil free option to members who participate in the 403(B) retirement saving plan. See the attached letter from the directors of PMA, BOP, and Presbyterian Foundation.
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Online Training
The Presbytery of Hudson River has posted online videos and PowerPoints for Clerks of Sessions and other church officers. If you need assistance with any of these resources, please let Dianna Wright know. See links below for further information.
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The Book of Common Worship, Flash Drive Edition
The Book of Common Worship, Flash Drive Edition (Single-User License)* is now available! $50.
This helpful resource contains electronic files from the Book of Common Worship to make worship planning and bulletin preparation easier and more effective. The flash drive contains a PDF file with extensive links to chapters, sections, and individual services that allow for easier reading, searching, and browsing. This edition also contains Microsoft Word files for each of the services and commentaries found in the Book of Common Worship. Services are arranged in separate files for the ease of bulletin creation and copying and pasting.
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Mission Leaders In Salem Presbytery
Salem Presbytery is compiling a list of "Mission Leaders" in each of our congregations. We seek contact information for mission committee chairs, mission coordinators (staff or volunteer), or those excited about the mission of the church. Click the link below to add your info.
Add Your Information Here
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Become a Peace and Justice Church!
Become and Peace and Justice church! Let your Salem Presbytery Peace and Justice Task Force help, inspire, equip, and send you on a journey. Contact Frank Dew at the link below.
Email Frank Dew
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Special Events?
Check out our events page for three great events coming your way in 2019. Are you hosting a special event (concert, speaker, training, etc.) at a time
OTHER than Sunday morning worship
? Submit your event
below
to be included on our
SPECIAL EVENTS
Calendar.
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Support Salem Presbytery
- LEARN about the various ministries of Salem Presbytery your pledge supports,
- READ current per capita information,
- DISCOVER how to make a pledge and GIVE online.
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Meeting Calendar Available
Don't forget to use our Calendar of Meetings for planning your 2018 monthly agenda.
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Ecumenical / Interfaith Liaison
An Ecumenical / Interfaith Liaison is needed to help our presbytery live into our common mission in the world with our brothers and sisters. Contact Dianna if interested.
Email Dianna Wright |
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Pathways to Learning & Leadership for CREs
Learn about Pathways to Learning & Leadership for CREs
through Union Presbyterian Seminary, by clicking on the link below.
Pathways to Learning & Leadership |
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Hunger Action
Become a Hunger Action Congregation! Check the links below for more info.
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Church Anniversaries
If your congregation is celebrating a significant anniversary (25, 50, 75, 100, etc.), please let the presbytery office know.
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Sarah McHenry - Representative to Synod Jubilee Fund Committee
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December Prayers for:
SEND Mission Committee
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PCUSA News and Announcements
Click below for the latest news and announcements from the PCUSA.
PCUSA News
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Salem Presbytery | PO Box 1753, 3950 Clemmons Rd., Clemmons NC 27012
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