A Short Pictorial Report from School of the Laity

Classes 2012_2013_201528 Students, 3 Faculty, 1 Coordinator and a couple of terrific volunteers had a fabulous experience earlier this month at Epworth By the Sea on St. Simons!

Our instructors hailed from Presbyterian College in Clinton, SC and Louisville, KY; our students from as far as Dublin and some as close as the island itself! The Class of 2015 began their journey with an intensive Introduction to the Bible with Dr. Bob Bryant.

Dr. Bob BryantDr. Bryant’s irrepressible personality and significant expertise in his subject were key to creating very happy students. Our brains felt a little mushy by Sunday afternoon, but we learned so much!

Kirk Nolan

Dr. Kirk Nolan expertly covered an tremendous amount of material in Introduction to Reformed Theology for the Jubilee Class of 2013. These students are now half way through their School of the Laity Journey.

David Sawyer

Lastly, Dr. David Sawyer helped to complete the journey for the Jubilee Class of 2012 with a course in Practical Ministry. While David commented that he was pretty sure they had learned some “practical” things prior to his course, the students thought it was the perfect “wrap-up” to their training! Each student brought case studies from their own churches and found “Hope in Conflict.”

The class of 2016 will begin next summer, and we hope to see you there!

Synod Scholarship Available For PCUSA Seminary Students

The Synod of South Atlantic is currently accepting Theological Scholarship Applications until the deadline of September 1, 2013 (for the Spring 2014 Semester).

If you have a student whose home church is within Synod of South Atlantic bounds – and attending a PCUSA Seminary, please forward this announcement to them.

The Theological Scholarship Application offers $500 and  the African-American Recruitment Scholarship Application offers $500.  Students may apply for both, if applicable.  See Theological App Pkt (also available on our online filing cabinet at www.synodofsouthatlantic.org)

If you have any questions regarding this scholarships, contact 
Kerri Nichols, Synod Administrator at 904.356.6070 ext. 303

Spring Youth Lock In Cancelled

The event rescheduled from May to June 14 & 15 has been cancelled.

Savannah Presbytery Responds to Oklahoma Disaster

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and Oklahoma VOAD suggest the following responses be considered in the wake of the EF5 tornado in Moore, OK.

Gift cards and “Gifts of the Heart Kits” will be collected at the presbytery and mailed thanks to the care of an anonymous donor.

Gift Cards:
These are most appreciated inasmuch as they are flexible and help to re-build the local economy. Examples include:

  • Lowe’s
  • Home Depot
  • Wal-Mart
  • JC Penney, etc.

Gift of the Heart Kits:
In a one gallon Zip Lock bag, pack a small first-aid kit, toothbrush, comb, hand sanitizer, small bath soap holder, bar of soap, nail clippers, small hand towel. Toothpaste has an expiration date and should only be included if the date is current. A personal note identifying your congregation and expressing your concern and prayers is often appreciated. DO NOT include personal information on the note.

Long Term Rebuilding
Ken McKenzie will keep us informed of other opportunities for volunteers from our congregations to help in Oklahoma. The presbytery has designated money for PDA long-term rebuilding efforts in our Special Uses Fund.

The Council’s Finance and Stewardship subcommittee is beginning the process to make a portion of these funds available for Moore, OK. Should any wish to contribute to the replenishing of this fund please send your designated gift marked for the SPDA – Special Uses Fund.