VOLUME IV NUMBER 41
October 10, 2018
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Presbytery Pledge
It's All About Congregations in Mission: 
Notes in Transition

Dear friends,

Representing Salem Presbytery, stated clerk David Vaughan, associate general presbyter Dianna Wright, and I have been in Chicago at the PCUSA Mid-Council Leaders Gathering (associate general presbyter and Hunger Action Enabler Bryan McFarland meanwhile is on mission travel in Kenya, visiting the Sister2Sister program, an international object of our Pennies for Hunger Offering). I am sharing this update digitally as I am still in Chicago. Denominational leaders shared vision and excitement about the life of our larger church and what God is calling the Presbyterian Church to be and do. Among themes getting attention more than once is how the church provides for our common mission through per capita giving. In Salem Presbytery we will be making efforts to help our members better understand what our collected dollars are doing and can do - as General Assembly stated clerk J. Herbert Nelson says, "doing the work God has for us to do." Dianna Wright is our resident expert!

Among the most stirring presentations of the gathering - this will be no surprise to anyone who has known her in Salem Presbytery - was that of our own Diane Givens Moffett, now president and executive director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency. As some of us taking part in orientation prior to the General Assembly heard Diane say, she wants all who are involved in PMA's work, even those who answer the phone, to find joy in what they do. Diane spoke in Chicago of priorities PMA has identified: Poverty, Racism, and Vital Congregations. In Salem Presbytery we have been seeking to address such concerns as we have remembered shameful instances of lynching within our bounds and as we create partnerships and support the ministries of our congregations. Diane also said, in words we have heard her say before, "We are called to be God's love with skin on it."

The PCUSA and every presbytery have been adjusting to changes in recent years as some congregations chose to depart from our fellowship. Salem Presbytery was not as direly affected as some, but we too face challenge because of demographic change and, to some extent, diminished resources. As J Herbert says, "We are not dying; we are being transformed." Unaltered is God's call to us to share the love of Jesus Christ by word and deed. PMA Senior Director of Mission Engagement Rosemary Mitchell (who visited Salem earlier this year and marveled over what she observed in our common life) said, "I don't feel anxiety, but I do feel a sense of urgency. We can't spend the next three years in listening groups."

Sometimes I remember those words of Frederick Buechner - and I did again over these few days - "Whenever you find tears in your eyes, especially unexpected tears, it is well to pay the closest attention. They are not only telling you something about the secret of who you are, but more often than not God is speaking to you through them of the mystery of where you have come from and is summoning you to where, if your soul is to be saved, you should go to next." When did I experience such moments?
  • I did when GA assistant stated clerk Tom Hay recalled June's General Assembly and, as a highlight, the march to the city jail to deliver our offering of bail to free prisoners who were languishing just because they couldn't make bail. Tom told of a convention center sexton with dreadlocks who leaned on his broom as he watched the monitor (he said he had a brother in prison and a cousin in jail because he couldn't make bail); he said, "Y'all are doing a good thing. Y'all are doing a good thing."
  • I did when someone called on Board of Pensions president Frank Spencer to tell a story or two to show why he still feels called to this work of caring for those who serve the church. Complimented for his personal sacrifice in this cause, Frank paused for a long moment and then said, "Thank my wife. She still lives and works in Charlotte; she's the one who's making the sacrifice."
  • I did in closing worship (minutes ago) as those gathered in a large circle served one another, said holy words, and spontaneously broke into singing "Great Is Thy Faithfulness" as the gifted pianist played, in an unscripted moment not listed in the order of worship.
One other point I'll mention is this: I remember when some Southern Presbyterians, looking ahead to reunion, worried that Southern Presbyterians might be swallowed up in a larger national denomination. The concern might have needed to be the other way around. I heard a lot of Southern accents on the platform here in Chicago, from, GA stated clerk J Herbert Nelson, assistant Tom Hay, Board of Pensions president Frank Spencer - and more.

I am excited about new opportunities before us in Salem Presbytery as we engage in mission in our neighborhoods and in partnership with fellow Presbyterians across the country. Along with my colleagues, I am grateful for the privilege of representing you in such gatherings of Presbyterian leaders.

Grace & Peace,

Steve Scott
Transitional General Presbyter
Bryan McFarland Visits Kenya

Associate Presbyter & Hunger Action Advocate, Rev. Bryan McFarland will be in Kenya October 3-17, 2018 on a mission verification trip visiting sister2sister International. Learn more about this recipient of some of our Pennies for Hunger offering at the link below.

Upcoming Presbytery Meeting

UPCOMING PRESBYTERY MEETING - TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13TH IN BLOWING ROCK: Mark your calendars now for the autumn meeting of Salem Presbytery at Rumple Memorial Presbyterian Church, Blowing Rock - co-hosted by Rumple Memorial, Baird's Creek, and ASU Campus Ministry. Sessions are reminded to elect their elder-commissioner(s) now, if they have not already been elected!
Clerks of Session

Watch your email for an update on Annual Statistical Reporting. Some things have changed for 2018 (perhaps even making this a bit easier, if you can imagine.)

David Vaughan, Stated Clerk
Ordinations/Installations

Note the upcoming ordination/installation services on Sunday, October 21st:
  • Jess Rigel will be ordained to the Ministry of Word and Sacrament, and will be installed as Alamance Presbyterian Church's Associate Pastor at 3 pm on Sunday, October 21st at Alamance Presbyterian Church
  • The Rev. Kate Guthrie will be installed as Pastor of New Creation Community Presbyterian Church at 5 pm on Sunday, October 21st at First Presbyterian Church of Greensboro (where New Creation Community PC meets).
Ordination and installation of minister members is an act of the Presbytery. All Salem members, ruling elders, and friends are encouraged and welcome to attend these important and joyous occasions!
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.

Moving Expenses Tax Issues

Attention for the COM and churches seeking new ministers:  Clarification of the taxability of moving expenses has been provided by the Associate General Counsel of the Office of the General Assembly of the PC(USA), which can be found at the link below. Salem's Stated Clerk has received more clarifying information on this matter and will include this information in an upcoming edition of Salem Matters.
 
West Neighborhood Gathering

A WEST Neighborhood Circle meeting for discussing our Black Lives Matter endorsement prospect/process has been added to the calendar for 10-11:30am on Saturday, October 27, 2018 at North Wilkesboro Presbyterian Church. See our Presbytery calendar for this and other events/meetings at the link below.
 
Presbytery Meeting Calendar
Presbyterian Inter-racial Dialogue

At our August Presbytery meeting the Presbyterian Inter-Racial Dialogue (PIRD) clergy introduced the recommendation that Salem Presbytery endorse the Black Lives Matter movement. Click the link below for the recommendation.  We have all heard of Black Lives Matter and have formed opinions based on what we have heard, yet many of us have not educated ourselves on what the movement does and does not stand for. Please check out their website linked below, and look at what they believe or visit our resource page, also listed below, to download resources for your congregation or ministry. Included on the resource page as well is a Substitute Motion.
 
Did You Know?

In 2015 our denomination launched the #SpeakAntiracism campaign affirming the Black Lives Matter movement. "This campaign affirms the Black Lives Matter movement, and will work to raise awareness of institutional racism in our society and the church. ." #SpeakAntiRacism is a collective campaign supported by all six agencies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) whose goal is "to recommit Presbyterians to racial justice and faithfully proclaim that the lives of people of color matter." For the complete article click the link below.
 
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
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
Save the Date: November 3 - YAVA Day 2018

All alums of the Young Adult Volunteer program are invited to YAVA Day on Saturday, November 3! Meet and re-connect with other YAV alum at an event near you! If you're interested in attending, hosting or helping out with a YAVA Day event in your area, please fill out the form through the link below.
 
Campus Ministry

Thank you for your support of our college students. We had a great time sharing God's love with them during the school year. As we begin our preparation for the fall, we want to remind you to let us know where your young adults will be attending school this fall. Click below to submit your information.
 
Campus Ministry Info Submission
Special Events?

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.

Support Salem Presbytery

Help support Salem Presbytery in 2018. Click the link below to: 
  • 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.

Please Keep in Prayer

Keep our Salem Presbytery ministries and colleagues in prayer. Follow the link below for more info.

Meeting Calendar Available

Don't forget to use our Calendar of Meetings for planning your 2018 monthly agenda. 

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
Hunger Action

Become a Hunger Action Congregation! Check the links below for more info.
Church Anniversaries

If your congregation is celebrating a significant anniversary (25, 50, 75, 100, etc.), please let the presbytery office know.
Click HERE for the 
2018 Prayer Calendar
Ebenezer - Jefferson
Bethany - Graham



Melissa Davis, counselor / Private Practice, Louisville, KY
Thyatira - Salisbury

October Prayers for:

Property Committee
Board of Pensions

Click below for the October 2018 Board Connections!

Board Connections!
PCUSA News and Announcements

Click below for the latest news and announcements from the PCUSA.

PCUSA News
Salem Presbytery | PO Box 1753, 3950 Clemmons Rd., Clemmons NC 27012
336.766.3393 | Email | Website
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