Synod of the Trinity Enews: Lilly Grant cares for clergy, Susan Sharp Campbell leads APCE

	Oct. 7, 2021 The Synod of the Trinity Being More Together Philadelphia Lilly Grant allows presbytery to provide 'Care of Clergy' The Presbytery of Philadelphia was awarded a $1 million Lilly Grant last year that it is using to develop and implement a program that is enriching and coaching pastors who serve small churches, churches of color and those in church plants and re-plants. Called "Cultivating Enough in the Care of Clergy," it is a five-year program broken down into three stages that includes a dozen pastors in each segment. “This stems from the level of burnout that often comes from pastors in these contexts because of the demands of the job and the isolation that they often feel,” said the Rev. Sarah Colwill, the director of the program at the Presbytery of Philadelphia. “Almost all of these pastors are single, solo pastors. It was an effort by the presbytery to both recognize that and validate some of the concerns and stresses of the pastors in these positions and try to offer them, not only some resources and tools to boost their own confidence and their own sense of ‘being enough,’ but also to connect them with other clergy in similar situations.” For more on this program, click here. Pittsburgh Jean C. Kennedy, 78, was 'widely beloved nurse,' church leader It is with great sadness that the Synod announces the passing of former Synod moderator and commissioner Jean C. Kennedy. Jean was a member of the first Governing Commission in 2015 and also made regular visits to the Synod office, overseeing the staff’s health and wellness program. A ruling elder and former clerk of session at East Liberty Presbyterian Church in Pittsburgh, Jean was the first African American woman to serve as moderator of Pittsburgh Presbytery. “Jean Kennedy served Pittsburgh Presbytery with distinction in many capacities,” said the Rev. Sheldon Sorge, the general minister to Pittsburgh Presbytery. "A woman of deep wisdom and prayer, Jean faithfully led the presbytery in constantly seeking the direction of the Spirit in every decision it made.” To read more about Jean's impact on the Synod region, click here. West Virginia Susan Sharp Campbell leading APCE during unique time Rev. Dr. Susan Sharp Campbell has turned her love for Christian education into a role with the Presbytery of West Virginia where she has been the Associate for Educational Ministry for the past 19 years. That experience, mindset and devotion made her a perfect choice to lead the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators (APCE) national chapter as its president in 2021. It’s something she draws great strength from and what motivates her. “The opportunity to support one another in the work that we do is part of the appeal of APCE for me,” Susan said. “There’s a sense of connecting, sharing our ideas with one another and seeing how we can support one another in our ministry.” For more on Susan's gifts and her love for Christian education, click here. Pittsburgh Crestfield Camp turns to one of its own for executive director Mike Little is no stranger to Crestfield Camp and Conference Center in Slippery Rock, PA. The buildings and grounds keeper and challenge course director for the past 14 years, Mike took over as the camp's executive director last month. While the pandemic has thrown curves at camps around the country, Mike is hoping to keep the focus at Crestfield the same going forward. "We want kids to experience faith and our guest groups to experience faith through our hospitality," he said. "I think that makes us a pretty special spot.” To read more about Crestfield Camp's new executive director, click here.
Webinar: Sustaining Your Pastor for the Long Haul On Wednesday, Oct. 27, at 6:30 p.m., the Synod will host a webinar titled "Sustaining Your Pastor for the Long Haul." Led by Graham Standish, the executive director for Samaritan Counseling, Guidance, Consulting, this gathering of church elders and members during Pastor Appreciation Month offers an opportunity for churches to consider how churches can minister to their pastors so that they feel renewed and restored for ministry. For more information and to register, click here. Where are the children and families? Rev. Brian Wallace, the Associate Minister at Pittsburgh Presbytery, reflects on the question of why we're not seeing kids and their families coming back to church. To listen to Brian's thoughts on the subject, click here. After fire, Erie's Girard Church 'Rebuilt on Faith' The First Presbyterian Church of Girard, PA, has experienced a faith journey like no other over the last three years. Now the Girard congregation and community are ready to celebrate all they’ve been through and all that has been accomplished. The members and leaders of First Girard held a dedication ceremony on Sunday, Sept. 12, at the newly rebuilt First Presbyterian Church of Girard. The church building was destroyed by fire on July 22, 2018, a building that had stood since 1892. There was nothing left to salvage except a cross from the sanctuary, a small stained-glass window, two crosses from the roof and the bell. For more on this day of celebration, click here. 'Transforming Conflict from the Inside Out' The Presbytery of West Virginia will hold an online Zoom gathering focusing on “Transforming Conflict from the Inside Out” on Saturday, Oct. 23, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The guest speaker will be Rev. Theresa Latini, PhD, who teaches and consults in a variety of setting on topics related to team building, conflict mediation and leadership. This Expanding Your Ministry Toolbox course will explore skills for transforming conflict into mutual connect, collaboration and creative vision. This course is available to any interested persons, and especially pastoral, educational, sessional leadership. More information and registration details are available by clicking here. Celebrate the Fruitbelt Farmerworker Christian Ministry The Pennsylvania Council of Churches is planning an event to recognize and honor its Fruitbelt Farmworker Christian Ministry and you can be a part of it. On Saturday, Oct. 16, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on the grounds of the United Church Center, PCC will join congregations, farm workers and orchard owners to celebrate this important ministry. For more on this first-of-its-kind event, click here. Audio tips for hybrid worship More and more worship services and church meetings are being held both online and in-person. But these hybrid gatherings can be tricky when it comes to having quality audio in the building and on your computer. Here are some suggestions related to audio mixers, microphones and other important pieces of equipment that can help your church produce a quality production. To read this article from the Presbyterian Mission Agency, click here. REvangelism: 8 Habits of Evangelism coming to Montreat Montreat (N.C.) Conference Center will hold a "REvangelism Conference" on the "8 Habits of Evangelism" on Nov. 1-3. The online conference is designed to take you on a deeper journey into faith: into the lives of others, into justice, hope and the wonder of God. Together you will practice habits of evangelism that will engage you in the gospel of good news — God’s justice and reconciliation for the world. At REvangelism, you will interact with the wise, diverse voices in the church who contributed to the "8 Habits of Evangelism" resource. As you work through each habit together, you will experience the goodness and richness of Christ’s body and the Holy Spirit transforming you, and the world around you. More information is available by clicking here.
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