As you receive this, I am taking part in a fresh round of transitional ministry training being held at Union Seminary in Charlotte. At the initiative of Charlotte Presbytery General Presbyter Jan Edmiston, North Carolina presbytery leaders, including members of our staff, and some transitional pastors from each of the five North Carolina presbyteries met with staff members from Union Seminary last March to think about transitional ministry and what more we might expect as we engage in training for transitional ministry. We have been looking at models of transitional (interim) ministry and critiques of each with a view toward a new model that will address every congregation (and mid-council) as a unique opportunity. Among aims will be to pair congregations with pastors who genuinely feel called to this ministry (rather than simply seek added retirement income). 

Every congregation has experienced shifts in culture and expectations in the past ten to twenty years, even those congregations that appear to be most dynamic and successful. We need in our congregations to reflect on those changes, to acknowledge losses we have experienced, and to be honest about needing to grieve those losses of things that will never be the same. Among tasks of transitional leaders is to help sessions and congregations deal with such issues. We can be confident the pace of change will only increase, and it's hard to predict changes we will be facing in the next ten years. In any case, we know we have a mission God sends us to do, and we have the privilege of telling our communities about the love of Jesus Christ and sharing the love of Christ with the world.  

 

Grace and peace!

Steve Scott

Transitional General Presbyter

Also mark your calendar for the ordination/installation of Wes Pitt as pastor of First Presbyterian Church, Reidsville, on Sunday, January 26 at 3:00 p.m.

The OGA system is open for your input for your 2019 statistics. (Of course, much can't be entered until the calendar year has concluded!) Please also submit the Salem documents so that we can update our files; the "Information Form" and the "Necrology 2019" (ruling elders in your congregation who died in 2019) can be found at the following web address:

OGA System

Information Form

Necrology 2019

The deadline for Hunger Grant Applications is Monday, February 3rd. The link to the application form can be found below.

Hunger Grant Application Form

Healthy Boundaries CORE training event will be held Monday, January 27 from 9:30 - 12:30 at the Presbytery office.  COM has determined that all active clergy and other church professionals are required to attend one CORE and one elective training workshop every three years.  The online directory will show you the dates of your latest Healthy Boundaries training should you have a question about your eligibility status. Registration is limited, so sign up through the link below.

Healthy Boundaries Info and Registration

Take advantage of this handy resource, to which you have access through the Salem Presbytery website. As our staff grows smaller, and as fewer are available to answer the phone, you will find this directory easier to use (password = clemmons3950) than calling the presbytery to get phone numbers and email addresses of committee members or others you want to be in touch with. If using a list you received an email that bounces back, check the directory.

Salem Presbytery Directory

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. 

 

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.

 

Click the link below for the 2019 Prayer Calendar for Congregations and Ministries of Salem Presbytery.

2020 Prayer Calendar