May 20, 2025
Christ is Risen. Christ is risen indeed! Alleluia! Greetings and blessings in this Eastertide. We see signs of resurrection life such as at our presbytery assembly last week when we experienced the extravagant hospitality of our host church, Grace Presbyterian, in the story of a vibrant Ukirk ministry by First Presbyterian Church of Livingston with international students at the University of West Alabama, in the celebration of 10 years of summer camp at Living River which has incubated so many leaders for the church, in the fellowship around tables heaped with delicious, healthy food and buzzing with laughter and conversation, in the joyful lifting up of Chuck Kukal’s ministry on the occasion of his retirement, and the touching remembrances of Rev. Robert Crutchfield, in the excitement of a $600,000 grant the presbytery obtained for Wilcox County and the ways we as a presbytery can have an impact there, in tender, triumphant stories of transformation witnessed daily at the Presbyterian Home for Children.
We can also catch a glimpse of the risen Christ in this transitional moment of the presbytery’s life. The Transition Search Team, chaired by Jane Clayton, Ruling Elder from Montevallo Presbyterian Church, continues its work. Since both Jay and I are retiring at basically the same time, one of the decisions you all have to make is whether they are looking for two people or for one who would do both jobs. You need to determine what the leader should focus on and what kind of leadership this presbytery needs. You will be making this decision as the Transition Search Committee recommend to you for your vote, the Ministry Discernment Profile which outlines the mission of the presbytery and the type of leader needed at the meeting in August, and then again as they present a candidate(s) at the November meeting. (This is the timeline guiding their work; they’ll keep you posted along the way and solicit your input.) This is a highly connected and collaborative presbytery and we’re better when everyone’s voice is heard. You are invited to give your feedback now by responding to a survey they have created. Here’s the link to share your insights and opinions: https://form.jotform.com/251395106511147
Your responses will go directly to searchteam@pslpcusa.org and in addition to your survey, please feel free to contact them directly at that address.
Jane Clayton, Moderator
Elizabeth Goodrich
Cecilia Chang
James Ephraim
Darryl Love
David Seamon
Joe Spransy
Finally, due to a flood we had in the office a couple of months ago when a pipe burst in one of the restrooms, we need to replace the carpet throughout the office and repaint the interior walls. Our insurance will be covering the bulk of the cost. The office is going to look great and it’s also a disruptive process as they will be moving everything out of the office to do this work. We’re already set up to work from home and will be doing so during this work. The work begins this Wednesday (May 21) and they estimate the work will take two weeks. We’ll keep you posted as to when the presbytery office will again be open for business, meetings, etc.
As ever in prayer,
Sue