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Volume 60/December 15, 2022
The Presbyark Update
Connecting & Informing the Presbytery of Arkansas
December 15, 2022



The Presbytery office
will be closed for the holidays from Friday, December 23 through Monday, January 2
Presbytery Online Worship Service
for Christmas Day
The Presbytery recognizes the fact that we have many small congregations without pastoral leadership. That will make it especially hard finding someone to lead a Christmas Day worship service.

The Presbytery staff is offering the gift of an online Christmas Day service for all our congregations.  A few days before Christmas, we will drop the service on our youtube channel (subscribe to Presbytery of Arkansas). You can also find the link on our Facebook page, Presbyark Connect.

Carol Clark will offer a sermon and there will be special music as well as carols for congregational singing. Congregations can gather together in their sanctuaries to worship or people can worship individually in their homes.
Statistical Reports Due
It is that time of year again. It is annual statistical season for our congregations. The Clerks of Session should have received an email letting them know their user ids and passwords. 

If you are still unsure of how to access the annual statistical report, feel free to contact Kim Palmer at the Presbytery Office or our Stated Clerk, Blake Brinegar, for assistance. The deadline to submit the reports is February 16, 2023. Thank you for assistance in getting these reports in by the deadline. 
Decorating Around The Presbytery
It's wonderful to see so many churches sharing pictures on our Facebook group, Presbyark Connect, of events and projects going on during the holiday season. Keep them coming!
Central, Fort Smith
First, Hot Springs
Second, Little Rock
Parkhill, North Little Rock
Trinity, Little Rock
First, Wynne
UAMS CPE Intern Program
Commencing in January 2023
The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Clinical Pastoral Education Internship program is designed to enhance the personal, theological, and professional competency of the clergy, religious, lay persons, and theology students. CPE provides a rich opportunity for trainees to learn about ministry, themselves, and interpersonal relationships. Seminary students may receive academic credit for completing a course in CPE. CPE is also essential for those interested in pursuing certification as a Board Chaplain Clinical.

If you are interested in applying or for more information, please see the attached program flyer, and contact Susan McDougal, Director of Pastoral Care & Clinical Pastoral Education at UAMS Medical Center, Office: (501) 414-1092 Email: SMcdougal@uams.edu.
Summer Youth Trips Info Posted!
Youth A-Team Summer Trip information is now posted on our website. Please check it out! Registration for Presby+ and Montreat is due March 1, 2023.
The Muses to Perform at First, Little Rock
The Muses Creative Artistry Project (out of Hot Springs) is a non-profit charitable arts organization dedicated to preserving classical art and music through performance and education. 
 
This holiday season they will be performing their 2022 program, Voices of Angels, at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Little Rock (800 Scott St.) on December 18 at 3:00pm and everyone is invited. 

In lieu of ticket purchase, a love offering will be received.  Plan to stay afterwards for coffee, treats and fellowship with other area Presbyterians.  To learn more about the Muses, click here to visit their website.
Not-Your-Average Boundaries Training
The Presbytery is now requiring that all pastors and CREs take a boundaries course. The Synod of the Sun is offering two options. There is a two-part webinar through Leaderwise on February 6-7 from 9:30 until noon. A second option is a a 2-hour online course called “Clergy Ethics and Congregational Boundaries.”

Both options are free. Click here to learn more and register.
Looking Ahead

  • Friday-Monday 12/23 - 1/2 Presbytery Office Closed
  • Tuesday 1/3 10:00am COM meeting
  • Tuesday 1/3 2:00pm Staff Meeting


Presbytery of Arkansas
9221 N. Rodney Parham Road
Little Rock, AR 72227
501-663-2424