Sunspots

On September 7th, Steve Shive welcomed Lee Hinson-Hasty, senior director for Theological Educations Funds Development for the Committee on Theological Education of the Presbyterian Church (USA).  The focus of the conversation was “Why Creating a Culture of Call Matters to the Future of Pastoral Leadership and How to Do It.”

You are also invited to join this conversation. You can present your questions and thoughts via email to [email protected].

This latest Disaster Partnerships Conversation features Emily Hooker, the Associate Director for Ferncliff, a camp and conference center located just outside of Little Rock, Arkansas. 

You will hear Emily wonderfully summarize the many ways Ferncliff lives out its passion for mission and outreach through several partnerships and offerings that support individuals, families, and communities touched by disasters and traumatic events both locally and nation-wide. 

You can also see pictures and read the blog article HERE:
https://www.synodsun.org/post/ferncliff-connecting-with-the-divine-through-nature-service

On August 24th, Steve Shive welcomed B.J. Woodworth to the conversation. B.J. is the minister of spiritual life and Taize worship at East Liberty Presbyterian Church in Pittsburg, Penn. The focus of the conversation was entitled “Grounding Practices amidst Unstable Times”. 

We pick up the conversation after an introduction and after Pastor Woodworth led the group in a contemplative worship experience.

You are invited to join this conversation. You can present your questions and thoughts via email to [email protected]. 

This conversation was moderated by Thomas Riggs, Communication and Administration Coordinator for Synod of the Sun and featured Rebecca Eldridge, Sr. Director of Development from FPC/Dallas. The focus on this conversation was entitled "Moving Church Communications to What's Next." 

This summer, the Synod of the Sun began a series of conversations called “Living in Liminal Space: A Conversation Seeking Wisdom on the Way”.  Hosted by Bridge Interim Synod Leader and Stated Clerk Steve Shive, these dialogues are a way for people to discuss the liminality of a post-pandemic and post-Christian world, as well as the liminal space in which the Synod finds itself now.

On July 13th, Steve hosted Gary Holloman, the Director of Synod Youth Workshop, to talk about Youth Ministry in a Post-Christian, Post-Pandemic world. The conversation with a dozen participants on Zoom took place while the event was taking place at the University of Tulsa. 

You are invited to join this conversation. You can present your questions and thoughts via email to [email protected]. 

On this episode of Sunspots, the official podcast of Synod of the Sun, Kathy Lee-Cornell, Director of the Synod Partnership for Disaster Recovery has a conversation with Oliva Lane, Head of Staff at Southminster Presbyterian Church in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Pastor Lane talks about her recollection of the event, the aftermath in Tulsa, and Southminster’s response and partnership with the Red Cross. 

Also, check out the SPDR blog, where Lee-Cornell shares the story and the several takeaways from Rev. Lane’s experience and Southminster’s capacity to be a source of respite, hope, and healing to their neighbors in need.

https://www.synodsun.org/post/southminster-presbyterian-church-serves-as-disaster-relief-site

On June 22, 2023, the Synod of the Sun began a series of conversations called “Living in Liminal Space: A Conversation Seeking Wisdom on the Way”.  Hosted by Bridge Interim Synod Leader and Stated Clerk Steve Shive, these dialogues are a way for people to discuss the liminality of a post-pandemic and post-Christian world, as well as the liminal space in which the Synod finds itself now.

This first conversation was entitled “Questions that are Troubling the Waters of Your Heart and Mind”. In a zoom room of about 20 people, Steve Shive begins with a description of the idea of liminality and then move to a question to the assembled group.

You are invited to join this conversation. You can present your questions and thoughts via email to [email protected]. 

On this episode of Sunspots, Kathy Lee-Cornell, Director of the Synod Partnership for Disaster Recovery has a conversation with Ben Henderson and Katherine Kerr Kubatzky, members of Mission Presbytery’s Disaster Preparedness & Assistance Task Force.

For this first Disaster Partnership Conversation, Kathy, Ben, and Katherine host a discussion on Grants for Church Security.

Here are links to resources referenced in today's episode:

Mission Presbytery's Disaster Preparedness & Assistance Resources:
https://www.mission-presbytery.org/disaster-preparedness 

FEMA’s Nonprofit Security Grant Program https://www.fema.gov/grants/preparedness/nonprofit-security

The Nonprofit Security Grant Program (NSGP) provides funding support for nonprofit organizations, including churches and houses of worship, to improve public safety and security. 

View a recorded webinar about the NSGP Program

Follow these 4 Steps to Apply to the NSGP Program

To receive notification of future webinars on the NSGP Program, contact: [email protected]

CISA’s Protecting Houses of Worship
(https://www.cisa.gov/topics/physical-security/protecting-houses-worship) 

The U.S. Cybersecurity & Infrastructure Security Agency is committed to supporting efforts to maintain safe and secure houses of worship and related facilities while sustaining an open and welcoming environment. 

Protecting Houses of Worship Resources

What to do if you receive a Bomb Threat

House of Worship Security Self Assessment Tool

Six Steps to Enhance Security Fact Sheet for Places of Worship

For assistance on how best to utilize these resources for your localized needs, please contact Kathy Lee-Cornell, Director of the Synod Partnership for Disaster Recovery, [email protected].

On this episode of SunSpots, Coordinating Team Moderator Kristy Rodgers interviews Bridge Interim Synod Leader and Stated Clerk Rev. Dr. Steve Shive. They talk about the ‘liminal space’, the role of an interim, and listening to the stirring of the Spirit.

On this episode of Sunspots, 2022 Moderator Kristy Rodgers interviews our outgoing Synod Leader and Stated Clerk Valerie Young. As she prepares to become the new Synod Leader/Stated Clerk of the Synod of South Atlantic, Valerie shares some of her stories from 18 years of ministry in the Synod, looks forward to her new experiences, and says thank you to the friends and colleagues who she believes will keep the Synod of the Sun going forward.