Rev. Greg Goodwiller The Synod of Living Waters held its annual meeting on January 27, 2025. It was our first fully “in-person” gathering since January, 2020, just before the pandemic outbreak that changed all of our lives forever. It was exceedingly good to be back together, even with the recognition that because of various other …
By Rev. Alexandra Hutson Growing up in the Presbyterian (U.S.A.) church, I have always appreciated the connectional nature of it. Attending Montreat Youth Conferences and Sheppards and Lapsley Presbytery Retreats is where I witnessed it most often as a youth. In a big world, it felt a little bit smaller when I came together and …
Scott Sanderson, Transylvania Presbytery Finally, it has come down to this. Just a few days left and then, after all the vitriol and rancor a new president will be chosen. Many will not be happy. It does not matter who will win; a large group will be distressed. So, what if the other one wins, …
In this issue: We are excited about life in our congregations and our denomination. Your synod Communications and Technology Team is happy to offer you a few stories to help you celebrate what God is doing with and through us in our Synod. As always we welcome your ideas and comments to inspire future issues. …
This summer, I attended my sixteenth consecutive General Assembly. I still remember my first one. In 1999, I was an Alternate Minister Commissioner from the Presbytery of Mississippi. That assembly was held in Fort Worth, Texas. It was an awe inspiring experience for a thirty-something year old minister whose church experience including some synod-level work, …
Rev. Karen Russell, Transitional Executive Presbyter, Holston Presbytery The story of Presbyterians in the early years of this nation cannot be told without telling the stories of Holston Presbytery. Beginning with Rev. Samual Doak, who sent off the Over Mountain Boys to turn the tide of the Revolution, to the Rankin family of church planters, Upper …
Rev. Sue Westfall, Executive Presbyter, Sheppards and Lapsley Grace Presbyterian Church in Tuscaloosa is a recent merger between two, very different congregations. The merger work was thoughtful, care-full, and involved deep listening beyond their theological and social differences. The first pastor of the merged church was Rev. Cathy Hoop, a pastor from one of the …
Celebrations is a new continuing column in the Virtual Voice in which we can share and celebrate with each other as a Synod family. Celebration and praise is at the heart of Christian witness, especially in time of turmoil and change. These short announcement type celebrations will often include links to learn more. All are …
By Rev. Greg Goodwiller 2024 Annual Meeting of the Synod of Living Waters “Neither snow nor rain nor heat nor gloom of night stays these couriers from the swift completion of their appointed rounds,” went the old motto of U.S, Postal Service. In January of 2024, it could have been said of the commissioners to …
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Mom in need gets to use her talents to help other moms in need By Cindy Fisher – Director of Communication for the Presbyterian Home for Children Ten years ago this year, I left an abusive marriage with my two small kids in search of safety and security. Within a year of leaving, I lost …
