By Rev. Greg Goodwiller, Synod Executive – The Old Testament reading for the Day of Pentecost that we just celebrated was the story of the Tower of Babel. The ancient faith story from Genesis was meant to help the people of Israel understand the world’s diversity. But its pairing with the story of the Spirit’s …
By Carol Copeland, Synod Moderator – Dear Ones, As your new Synod of Living Waters moderator, I write to thank for the opportunity to be intensely involved in the work of the Holy Sprit as I have long viewed the Spirit as the part of the Trinity that is feminine. Today I want to share …
By Rev. James L. Gale, Jr. EP Mid-South Presbytery – In a culture that glorifies busyness and productivity, the idea of taking a break—truly resting—can feel almost subversive. Vacations often become mere changes of scenery where work emails follow, itineraries are packed, and the pressure to make every moment count overshadows the purpose of the …
Vacation as Sabbath: Reclaiming Rest in a Restless World Read More »
By Althea Jerome, Mississippi Presbytery – At a meeting of the Presbytery of Mississippi in February 2025, the docket included a report from the Commission on Ministry recommending a candidate for Minister of Word and Sacrament. While nothing about this docket item seems out of the ordinary, the candidate’s background includes two decades of membership …
Discerning a Detour in Ministry – The Rev. Brittany Caldwell Read More »
By Paul Seebeck, Mid-Kentucky Presbytery – In Louisville, a prayer group for the Middle East began with our conviction that we had to do something. This sense of urgency was sparked by an open letter some members of Crescent Hill Presbyterian (CHPC) received from Palestinian Christians. These church leaders in the Holy Land were concerned …
The Rev. Brandon Davis, Johnson City, Tennessee – In August 2024, our congregation at Watauga Avenue Presbyterian Church completed the installation of 41 solar panels on our church building. This decision was guided by a commitment to stewardship of creation and a desire to explore tangible ways our church could participate in the care of …
In a visible expression of Christian unity and shared mission, clergy from across denominations in the Chattanooga area gathered to lead an ecumenical Lenten service during the season of reflection and preparation. Sponsored and supported by the Presbytery of East Tennessee, the service drew together a broad and diverse group of worshipers, celebrating the sacred …
Spirit at Work in Chattanooga, Tennessee: Ecumenical Witness During Lent Read More »
Eight years ago, a Living Waters for the World team began a water partnership with Iglesia Pentecostal Evangelia in San Lucas Taliman, Guatemala. The church was eager to begin sharing clean, sustainable water for their community. They hit some bumps during their first year of water system operation, but by the end of the second …
Living Waters for the World: Project HOPE (Helping Our Partners Excel) Read More »
By Rev. Eugenia Gamble I am not naturally good at letting go. I am good at denial, running, rewriting history,burying pain, putting on a brave face, and clinging for dear life to whatever and whoever Ilove or value. I am not nearly as good at letting go. Letting go often feels like defeat to me,or …
Making Space for Grace – Daily Devotionals for Lent 2025 Read More »
Our theme for this issue is Recovery, Restoration and Rebirth. Our synod has been buffeted by natural disasters from hurricanes to floods to 100-year snow falls and 100-year heat waves. Stories of recovery and rebirth are not limited to these disasters however. We all find ourselves in changing times in which old ways and structures …
