Summer is in full swing and for Savannah Presbytery’s children and youth that means Montreat Youth Conference and Summer Camp! We began with a delegation that traveled to Montreat, North Carolina for this year’s conference themed “More than Enough.” Twenty-two youth and adults participated in energizers, worship, field games, small groups, and hikes to Lookout Mountain. Each year we have first timers join the delegation and once they visit- they count down the days until they can return! Montreat is a truly transformational experience. We thank our awesome chaperones- Susan Parrish and Austin Seymour from 1st Statesboro along with Rev. Andy Meeker and Maggie McManus from Wilmington Island.
Next, thirty-eight campers and a terrific trio of adults traveled to Camp Montgomery in Starke, Florida (a new venue this year) to experience summer camp that was off the chart! Campers got to engage in activities geared to experience Christ and creation and to try new things that challenged them in ways that deepened faith and strengthened relationships.
The campers experienced lots of fun activities, from canoeing and swimming to being pulled “Behind the Boat”, from the high ropes course to stargazing, from “Blobbing” in the lake to the “Flying Squirrel” on the zipline, and so much more! There were also daily Bible studies and nightly vesper services led by the kids, with help from their awesome Camp Montgomery counselors and the Savannah Presbytery pastor team- Jimmy Griffin of 1st Darien, Janice West of 1st Brunswick and Rodney Fuller of Grant Chapel.
High adventure not for you? How about diving deeper into the Bible, our reformed theology and your faith journey from the comfort of your own home (and air-conditioning) OR in-person at beautiful Epworth By The Sea on Saint Simons, Georgia?
The School of the Laity was our next summer event which held three core courses (Intro to the Bible, Intro to Reformed Theology and Practical Ministries) on June 24-26th – all as hybrid classes (with both online and in-person participants!) We had folks from Georgia, Florida and South Carolina learning from Dr. Bob Bryant, Rev. Dr. Martha Moore-Keish and Rev. Dr. Sam Henderson with the help of our Tech Ushers; Lashanda Reid of Butler Memorial, Barb Dickman of St. Marys and Laurel McKeith of Skidaway Community churches.
Each of these opportunities were at the same time familiar and yet NEW- reminding me of the passage from Isaiah 43; “I am about to do a new thing; now it springs forth; do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” I am confident that our living Lord is at work in both new and familiar ways through Savannah Presbytery and am thankful to take part in the work of his kingdom.
Peace,
Marty Susie
Director of Mission and Program Advancement