Sunspots: Recent Episodes
Valerie Young
Sunspots are highlights of the many ministries and missions happening on the surface of the Sun – That is, the Synod of the Sun. A region of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) with ALOT of dynamic and hopeful ministry happening in the name of Jesus Christ. We are Presbyterians in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma and Texas. Sunspots can be anything from small congregational ministries, regional networks to international missions. They are caused by the interactions with the Holy Spirit. Like the cap on a soda bottle: shake it up, and you can generate a big eruption! Sunspots occur over the 11 presbyteries in the synod with intense Holy Spirit activity, and when that energy is released, solar flares and big impact can erupt from Sunspots. We pray that you will find inspiration, resources, community and connection in the Sun.
In this Pentecost sermon, SPDR Director Rev. Libby Janes reflects on how the Holy Spirit enables people not merely to hear words but to truly understand one another across cultures, languages, and experiences. Drawing on personal stories of international friendships, seminary life, and worship, she emphasizes that the language of faith is ultimately the language of love—a love that calls us to listen deeply, honor the languages and stories of others, and embrace the “disturbing certainty of hope” that God is at work bringing diverse people together in Christ.
Watch the original video from Covenant's website here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=es62KWMTqF4
In this episode of Sunspots, Mary Megan Schnittger, Director of Youth Ministry at Northwoods Presbyterian Church In Houston and Travis Dunmire, 2026 Synod Youth Workshop Planning Team member, share their experiences with Synod Youth Workshop, the beloved summer youth event held at the University of Tulsa. Together, they reflect on the life-changing impact of small groups, youth-led worship, lifelong friendships, and the joyful spirit that makes SYW feel like “a little slice of heaven.” Travis also gives listeners an inside look at serving on this year’s Planning Team, helping shape the camp’s Star Wars-inspired theme, “May the Lord Be With You,” while discussing how the conference has deepened his faith and leadership journey.
What does it look like to “love your neighbors” in the immigrant community here in our Synod? Listen in as Kristy Rodgers visits with community organizers, Sandra Avalos Araiza and Angee Andrade, as well as Rev. George Mason and Commissioned Pastor Armel Crocker about the ongoing efforts to support the immigrant community at the ICE facility in Dallas. There are also things you can do to prepare your congregation and community to assist our brothers and sisters in Christ facing fearful and challenging times.
Please also check out the links for more helpful information!
@lacolectivantx on Instagram - Grassroots community organizing providing collective care & on-the-ground mutual-aid for families separated by ICE at the Dallas field office. https://www.instagram.com/lacolectivantx
https://givebutter.com/dtxbridge - Funding that will support community members in need of financial assistance for immediate needs after separation from ICE at local Field Office.
https://www.giveinkind.com/inkinds/O7B6E6Y/ - Field office support to feed those who show up to their appointments without having had any breakfast. A quick bite to stabilize blood sugar has made a huge difference to folks. However, many of the volunteers don't have the time or resources to show up each morning with food for everyone. This is how you can help us out!
https://tinyurl.com/25c8zkd9 - Dallas Respite Center Interest Form
https://www.cleardfw.org
https://faithcommons.org
https://afsc.org
Ministry for our immigrant neighbors is happening in North Texas and you can help! Listen in for an invitation from Armel Crocker to join an ongoing interfaith effort at the Dallas ICE facility, and keep your eyes open for a broader conversation coming soon!
Ways You Can Help Our Immigrant Neighbors in Dallas: https://tinyurl.com/39ps7kka
CLEAR DFW Website: https://www.cleardfw.org/
Libby Janes views her role as SPDR Director as a call to ministry. When she preaches, she hopes to meet people where they are, hold communities' experiences of grief with gentleness, and point to the presence of God with us, through every moment of our lives.
This sermon "Take Courage" on Haggai 1:15b-2:9 tells the story of the people of Jerusalem, who have returned from exile in Babylon 18 years before. The people are encouraged by God through the prophet Haggai to take courage, and rebuild the temple in Jerusalem, for God is already with them.
Presented at First Presbyterian Church in Austin, TX on November 9, 2025
On this episode of Sunspots, we talk with Libby Janes, the new Director of the Synod Partnership for Disaster Recovery. We find out about her deep roots in the Presbyterian Church, her background in social work and ministry, and her experiences ranging from youth mission trips to serving as a cardiology social worker in New York during the COVID-19 pandemic. Libby shares how these diverse experiences shaped her call to ministry and led her to this role, which blends her passions for social work, service, and faith. She also talks about her personal life—her husband Jesse, their love of camping and board games, and her path toward ordination.
On this episode of Sunspots, Kathy Lee Cornell interview Rev. Philip Blackburn about his work with the Town Square Collaborative, a program at the University of the Ozarks that supports rural congregations, pastors, and communities.
Blackburn shares his journey from urban ministry to focusing on rural churches, highlighting the isolation these congregations often feel and the lack of tailored resources for them.
Funded through multiple Lilly Endowment grants, the Collaborative provides training, support, and community for rural leaders, emphasizing flexibility, local context, and empowering ruling elders who often fill pastoral roles. They stress that rural churches, though small and under-resourced, are vital community anchors with unique potential to address justice issues like healthcare, food insecurity, and social services.
The conversation celebrates creative, small-scale ministries, encourages partnerships with larger churches and nonprofits, and points toward ongoing efforts like the Rural Ideas Conference to build networks, share resources, and strengthen rural ministry.
Find the Town Square Collaborative website at:
https://townsquareco.org
Episode 5 of 5 in the Welcoming the Stranger series
Immigration affects ALL of us: our individual and communal histories, as well as our current realities. Scripture is clear on our responsibilities to welcome the stranger(s) because we have all been strangers. In this final episode of this series, Rev. Marta Pumroy and Kristy Rodgers talk about what’s happening at the border now and what we, as individuals and communities of faith can do to bring the truth and love of God into both the narrative and our actions.
This series was brought forward by the Synod Network for Dismantling Racism. You can learn more about N4DR on their website at N4DR.org.
Tres Rios Border Foundation, affiliated with Tres Rios Presbytery and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), is a nonprofit organization based in El Paso, Texas—just feet from the U.S.–Mexico border. Its mission is to inspire, equip, and connect congregations “on both sides” of the border and beyond, fostering narrative change, systems change, and personal transformation around immigration and migration. Find out more at https://www.tresriosborderfoundation.org/home
An additional resource from the organization Women of Welcome entitled Using Your Voice: For Our Immigrant Neighborcan be found by CLICKING HERE. Women of Welcome is the group that provided the framework for the Soul Training study, “What the Bible Says About Immigration” conducted with members from throughout the Synod last Spring. Look for the ‘Bartlesville Immigration Bible Study’ episode of this podcast.
Episode 4 of 5 in the Welcoming the Stranger series
As a student at Lyon College, Allison Mundy went to El Paso for a Border Encounter as part of the Synod’s Imagine event in 2019. A few years later, as she prepared to graduate from Med school, Allison talked with Kristy Rodgers about that experience and the ways it has shaped her life and ministry since. Be encouraged and inspired!
This series was brought forward by the Synod Network for Dismantling Racism. You can learn more about N4DR on their website at N4DR.org.
Tres Rios Border Foundation, affiliated with Tres Rios Presbytery and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), is a nonprofit organization based in El Paso, Texas—just feet from the U.S.–Mexico border. Its mission is to inspire, equip, and connect congregations “on both sides” of the border and beyond, fostering narrative change, systems change, and personal transformation around immigration and migration. Find out more at https://www.tresriosborderfoundation.org/home
An additional resource from the organization Women of Welcome entitled Using Your Voice: For Our Immigrant Neighborcan be found by CLICKING HERE. Women of Welcome is the group that provided the framework for the Soul Training study, “What the Bible Says About Immigration” conducted with members from throughout the Synod last Spring. Look for the ‘Bartlesville Immigration Bible Study’ episode of this podcast.
Episode 3 of 5 in the Welcoming the Stranger series
The largest part of the US-Mexico border (1254 miles) lies in the state of Texas. In this episode, Rev. Tim Blodgett, Rev. Lynne Hargrove, and Rev. Charlie Smith, presbytery leaders in our Synod, talk with Kristy Rodgers about their visits to the border and if/how immigration issues affect congregations and presbytery ministry in their areas.
This series was brought forward by the Synod Network for Dismantling Racism. You can learn more about N4DR on their website at N4DR.org.
Tres Rios Border Foundation, affiliated with Tres Rios Presbytery and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), is a nonprofit organization based in El Paso, Texas—just feet from the U.S.–Mexico border. Its mission is to inspire, equip, and connect congregations “on both sides” of the border and beyond, fostering narrative change, systems change, and personal transformation around immigration and migration. Find out more at https://www.tresriosborderfoundation.org/home
An additional resource from the organization Women of Welcome entitled Using Your Voice: For Our Immigrant Neighborcan be found by CLICKING HERE. Women of Welcome is the group that provided the framework for the Soul Training study, “What the Bible Says About Immigration” conducted with members from throughout the Synod last Spring. Look for the ‘Bartlesville Immigration Bible Study’ episode of this podcast.
Episode 2 of 5 in the Welcoming the Stranger series
As a young girl, Lynn Hargrove grew up in El Paso, Texas, long before she became the general presbyter for The Presbytery of New Covenant. Listen in on this conversation with Border Ministry Coordinator Marta Pumroy about what she remembers of the past as we compare it to the current situation on the US/Mexico border.
This series was brought forward by the Synod Network for Dismantling Racism. You can learn more about N4DR on their website at N4DR.org.
Tres Rios Border Foundation, affiliated with Tres Rios Presbytery and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), is a nonprofit organization based in El Paso, Texas—just feet from the U.S.–Mexico border. Its mission is to inspire, equip, and connect congregations “on both sides” of the border and beyond, fostering narrative change, systems change, and personal transformation around immigration and migration. Find out more at https://www.tresriosborderfoundation.org/home
An additional resource from the organization Women of Welcome entitled Using Your Voice: For Our Immigrant Neighborcan be found by CLICKING HERE. Women of Welcome is the group that provided the framework for the Soul Training study, “What the Bible Says About Immigration” conducted with members from throughout the Synod last Spring. Look for the ‘Bartlesville Immigration Bible Study’ episode of this podcast.
Find out about the Dallas Women of Welcome Proximity Event on Thursday, August 14 at Preston Trail Community Church by CLICKING HERE.
Episode 1 of 5 in the Welcoming the Stranger series
Tres Rios Border Foundation partner liaison, John Nelsen, shares the history behind border ministry in the El Paso/Juarez region. In this conversation with Border Ministry Coordinator Marta Pumroy, John shares the current work that Tres Rios does in partnership with hospitality sites in the area focusing on changes that have happened in 2025.
This series was brought forward by the Synod Network for Dismantling Racism. You can learn more about N4DR on their website at N4DR.org.
Tres Rios Border Foundation, affiliated with Tres Rios Presbytery and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), is a nonprofit organization based in El Paso, Texas—just feet from the U.S.–Mexico border. Its mission is to inspire, equip, and connect congregations “on both sides” of the border and beyond, fostering narrative change, systems change, and personal transformation around immigration and migration. Find out more at https://www.tresriosborderfoundation.org/home
An additional resource from the organization Women of Welcome entitled Using Your Voice: For Our Immigrant Neighborcan be found by CLICKING HERE. Women of Welcome is the group that provided the framework for the Soul Training study, “What the Bible Says About Immigration” conducted with members from throughout the Synod last Spring. Look for the ‘Bartlesville Immigration Bible Study’ episode of this podcast.
Find out about the Dallas Women of Welcome Proximity Event on Thursday, August 14 at Preston Trail Community Church by CLICKING HERE.
Hill Country Flooding Update with Kathy Lee-Cornell, Bobby Musengwa, Laurie Palmer, and Kathy Riley
SPDR continues to coordinate with and support all those involved with the Texas Hill Country Flooding relief efforts. Leaders from Mission Presbytery, First Presbyterian Church in Kerrville, and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance offer the following updates and resources.
Tim Hutchon, President and CEO of Mo Ranch has also provided the following update - Click HERE for the Facebook video.
Read more on how to help at: https://www.synodsun.org/post/responding-to-the-hill-country-flooding
Please keep all impacted by these events in your prayers, especially as the response transitions to long term recovery. Your continued prayers and support will be needed for years to come.
FPC/Kerrville Flooding Response Update with Jasiel Hernandez Garcia
SPDR continues to coordinate with and support all those involved with the Texas Hill Country Flooding relief efforts. Leaders from Mission Presbytery, First Presbyterian Church in Kerrville, and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance offer the following updates and resources.
Tim Hutchon, President and CEO of Mo Ranch has also provided the following update - Click HERE for the Facebook video.
Read more on how to help at: https://www.synodsun.org/post/responding-to-the-hill-country-flooding
Please keep all impacted by these events in your prayers, especially as the response transitions to long term recovery. Your continued prayers and support will be needed for years to come.
Emotional Spiritual Care - Texas Hill Country Flooding with Kathy Riley and John Cheek
SPDR continues to coordinate with and support all those involved with the Texas Hill Country Flooding relief efforts. Leaders from Mission Presbytery, First Presbyterian Church in Kerrville, and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance offer the following updates and resources.
Tim Hutchon, President and CEO of Mo Ranch has also provided the following update - Click HERE for the Facebook video.
Read more on how to help at: https://www.synodsun.org/post/responding-to-the-hill-country-flooding
Please keep all impacted by these events in your prayers, especially as the response transitions to long term recovery. Your continued prayers and support will be needed for years to come.
On this episode of Sunspots, we meet Tammy Stepka. Tammy is known by the folks at Grace Presbytery as the Office & Ministry Coordinator. In the Synod of the Sun we are getting to know Tammy as our new Interim Administrative Assistant. Tammy has served on the staff of Grace Presbytery since 2017 and joined our staff in January of this year. Tammy has a B.A. in Organizational Leadership and is a member of First Presbyterian Church in Garland.
Tammy talks about her role at Grace Presbytery, how so much of her Synod job is virtual when her Presbytery job is in-person, and what first brought her to the Presbytery and what brought her to the Synod.
On this episode of Sunspots, we talk with Elizabeth Brinegar, Teaching Elder from the Presbytery of Arkansas and the returning Director of Operations for Solar Under the Sun.
Elizabeth is a familiar face in the Synod, having served six years as a Commissioner, was elected Moderator for 2019, was the Coordinating Team Chair, and served on the Search Committee for the Synod Leader.
Elizabeth discusses the mission and ministry of Solar Under the Sun, which is dedicated to providing clean, sustainable, and transformative energy to communities facing energy poverty. She reflects on her return to the role of Director of Operations, sharing the reasons behind her decision to come back. Elizabeth also addresses the evolving relationship between Solar Under the Sun and the Synod, particularly after the organization transitioned from being a Synod Network to establishing itself as an independent 501(c)(3).
To find out more about Solar Under the Sun and how you can get on board as a volunteer or bring your church to a Solar School:
https://www.solarunderthesun.org/
On this episode of Sunspots, we talk with Lisa Almon, Co-Moderator of the Hispanic Mission Ministry Network and hear about the Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today workshops. Lisa talks about how there was a need for training Commissioned Pastors and other Lay Leaders in Hispanic congregations and how the Holy Spirit guided some key leaders to create this series of six workshops.
Lisa describes the first five in-person training events that have happened over the Fall of 2024 and the Spring of 2025 and previews the sixth of these workshops that will take place at the HMMN Annual Meeting at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary on March 7-8.
To find out more about HMMN and the Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today program:
https://www.austinseminary.edu/lifelong-learning/programas-en-espanol/hispanic-ministries-mission-network
On this episode of Sunspots, we talk with Lindsay Freeman-McCarthy, Communications Contractor for the Synod. Lindsay is a 12th generation Presbyterian and daughter to two Presbyterian ministers. She’s an ordained Presbyterian Deacon and Ruling Elder, former camp counselor at Ferncliff, and was an active youth and young adult in the church.
While on a study trip to Spain and walking the Camino de Santiago with her mother, she meets a young Dutchman named Mitchell which led to her decision to move there instead of returning to the US. As she self-describes on her BlueSky account, she is now an American Girl who became Dutch by Way of Spain.
She once again became active in the life of the church when coming on board with the Synod. Lindsay assists with CSP, building websites for mid-councils and Presbyterian entities, as well as assisting Tom with mass e-mails, and creating beautiful social media.
To find out more about the Communications Services Plan: https://www.synodsun.org/csp
On this episode of Sunspots, we talk with Kristy Rodgers, who is a Commissioned Pastor at First Presbyterian Church in Bartlesville Director of Family Ministry. Moderator 2022 and Coordinating Team Chair 2023. Also with us is Rev. Jennifer Grantham, minister at large in Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery.
Kristy and Jennifer are leading a study in their Soul Training series called What Does the Bible Say About Immigration? Using the Women of Welcome’s curriculum, this study will take place on Zoom beginning on Thursday, February 13th from Noon to 1:00pm.
In the podcast, Kristy and Jennifer discuss the political climate surrounding immigration and the challenges immigrants face, such as the uncertainty of obtaining citizenship and the constant fear of deportation. Kristy stresses that immigration is not limited to border regions, noting that immigrants are also present in rural areas across the country. They also highlight the effects of immigration on local communities, particularly the relationships between immigrants and their neighbors. Both agree that the issue is complex and does not have a simple, clear-cut solution.
To sign-up for the class, email Kristy.Rodgers@fpcbok.org
To find out more about Women of Welcome: https://womenofwelcome.com
On today’s episode, we have a conversation with Neil McKown, Director of Student Ministry at Shepherd of the Hills Presbyterian Church in Austin, TX and the self-appointed Commissioner for the Souperbowl of Caring Smackdown in Mission Presbytery.
Now in its seventh year, the Smackdown is a competition among almost two dozen churches in Mission Presbytery to see who can donate the most non-perishable food items and funds to the agency of their choice in their own community. The winner gets the Smackdown Wrestling Belt for the year!
In 2024 with 22 churches participating , almost 19,000 items were collected with over $39,000 donated.
Can this competition go beyond Mission Presbytery’s borders? Neil is ready to take on other presbyteries in the Smackdown!
And with Colbert Questionnaire questions, Neil becomes ‘fully known’ to the Synod.
Email Neil HERE: neil@shpc.org
Watch their 2025 promotional video HERE: https://youtu.be/JyWJipJZMVo?si=C8NQWRLw1Z8ayNt7
Read more about the Souperbowl of Caring HERE:
https://tacklehunger.org
Today's episode features two Ruling Elders from Tres Rios Presbytery. If you are not familiar with Tres Rios Presbytery, it is a group of congregations and ministries located in the westernmost portion of Texas, and it’s known as Tres Rios because the presbytery is marked by three rivers: the Concho, Pecos, and Rio Grande.
In our disaster work, we actually don’t hear a lot coming out of Tres Rios Presbytery, because historically, this is an area that does not experience many of the types of environmental disasters we are used to across other parts of our synod.
I even looked back through the history of Tres Rios Presbytery and found that there was one flooding event in 2009 and a wildfire in 2011 that were significant enough for the presbytery to receive financial grants from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance to support its response to those events.
But I want people to know about Tres Rios Presbytery, that even though they are not often impacted by tornadoes, hurricanes, floods, and fires themselves, the presbytery already has a culture of generosity when it comes to responding to disaster needs across other parts of our synod and beyond. In my time working with them, there has never been any hesitancy from the presbytery to send their funds and prayers wherever they are needed, and from their recent response to Hurricane Helene, I know this generosity remains strong.
Part of my work with this presbytery over the past year has been to contextualize what disaster preparedness looks like for their communities and congregations. This year, two congregations stepped forward to pilot an initiative focused on enhancing Church Safety & Crisis Response. So, on today’s episode, you are going to hear from Connie Chapman of Grace Presbyterian Church in El Paso, Texas, and Jeanie Holbrook of FPC Odessa, Texas, about how their congregations are willing to assess their capacity to respond to medical and critical incidents that churches are more likely to encounter than natural disasters. You’re going to hear how their collective efforts have made an impact not only within their church but also in developing important relationships with emergency responders right in their own neighborhoods.
This is a recording of a Hurricane Preparedness Webinar and Table Top exercise that the Synod hosted on July 11, 2024, just four days after Hurricane Beryl made landfall on the coast of Texas. Earlier this year, many forecasters predicted that this years’ Atlantic hurricane season will be more active than usual, with as many as 25 named storms to form from now through November. And as we have just witnessed, Hurricane Beryl is the earliest Category 5 storm on record. In addition to the heavy damage caused across the Caribbean islands, Venezuela, and Mexico; Hurricane Beryl impacted at least a dozen states in the U.S. with tornadoes, wind damage, flooding, and of course, the power outages affecting millions of residents during what is already an extremely hot summer.
We hope this webinar and the conversation shared between those who attended this event will give you the resources, courage, and support you need to make a disaster plan for yourself, your family, your congregation and your community today. Our hope for this hurricane season is for us to not be overwhelmed by fear and uncertainty, but rather that we might be grounded in the gifts of our faith and set free to serve in this shared ministry together, because the truth is: you are not alone. My prayer is for this conversation to help you find inspiration, community and connection in the Sun.
Our latest Sunspot’s Disaster Partnership Conversation podcast features a three-part series, highlighting the tornado recovery efforts across the Presbytery of Arkansas. On March 31, 2023, a high-end EF3 tornado hit Central Arkansas, damaging areas of Little Rock, North Little Rock, Sherwood, and Jacksonville. In that same storm system, another EF3 tornado swept through Wynne, Arkansas. Five lives were lost as a result of these storms.
In this three part series, you’ll meet two survivors: LuAnne Dugan from Wynne, AR and the Rev. Marie Mainard O’Connell from Little Rock. Throughout these episodes, you’ll hear stories of their experiences during and after the tornadoes and given a glimpse into how their communities are doing one year later.
There are certainly some similarities between the recovery progress in Wynne and Little Rock, but you’ll also hear some extra challenges and complexities that a city like Little Rock faces when economic disparities add an additional layer of difficulty to recovery. Both LuAnne and Marie share the wisdom they’ve gained through these experiences, like how to understand your insurance coverage and how to care for yourself, while also caring for others after a traumatic event.
You can continue to support the long term recovery efforts in both Wynne and Little Rock, but giving directly to the Presbytery of Arkansas, and selecting the “PDA-Local Presbytery Committee” option. The presbytery’s Disaster Preparedness and Response Subcommittee remain connected to the Long Term Recovery committees in both regions. You can also volunteer directly by serving at Ferncliff Camp & Conference Center, whose Disaster Assistance Center is an integral source of support before, during, and after disasters.
Our latest Sunspot’s Disaster Partnership Conversation podcast features a three-part series, highlighting the tornado recovery efforts across the Presbytery of Arkansas. On March 31, 2023, a high-end EF3 tornado hit Central Arkansas, damaging areas of Little Rock, North Little Rock, Sherwood, and Jacksonville. In that same storm system, another EF3 tornado swept through Wynne, Arkansas. Five lives were lost as a result of these storms.
In this three part series, you’ll meet two survivors: LuAnne Dugan from Wynne, AR and the Rev. Marie Mainard O’Connell from Little Rock. Throughout these episodes, you’ll hear stories of their experiences during and after the tornadoes and given a glimpse into how their communities are doing one year later.
There are certainly some similarities between the recovery progress in Wynne and Little Rock, but you’ll also hear some extra challenges and complexities that a city like Little Rock faces when economic disparities add an additional layer of difficulty to recovery. Both LuAnne and Marie share the wisdom they’ve gained through these experiences, like how to understand your insurance coverage and how to care for yourself, while also caring for others after a traumatic event.
You can continue to support the long term recovery efforts in both Wynne and Little Rock, but giving directly to the Presbytery of Arkansas, and selecting the “PDA-Local Presbytery Committee” option. The presbytery’s Disaster Preparedness and Response Subcommittee remain connected to the Long Term Recovery committees in both regions. You can also volunteer directly by serving at Ferncliff Camp & Conference Center, whose Disaster Assistance Center is an integral source of support before, during, and after disasters.
Our latest Sunspot’s Disaster Partnership Conversation podcast features a three-part series, highlighting the tornado recovery efforts across the Presbytery of Arkansas. On March 31, 2023, a high-end EF3 tornado hit Central Arkansas, damaging areas of Little Rock, North Little Rock, Sherwood, and Jacksonville. In that same storm system, another EF3 tornado swept through Wynne, Arkansas. Five lives were lost as a result of these storms.
In this three part series, you’ll meet two survivors: LuAnne Dugan from Wynne, AR and the Rev. Marie Mainard O’Connell from Little Rock. Throughout these episodes, you’ll hear stories of their experiences during and after the tornadoes and given a glimpse into how their communities are doing one year later.
There are certainly some similarities between the recovery progress in Wynne and Little Rock, but you’ll also hear some extra challenges and complexities that a city like Little Rock faces when economic disparities add an additional layer of difficulty to recovery. Both LuAnne and Marie share the wisdom they’ve gained through these experiences, like how to understand your insurance coverage and how to care for yourself, while also caring for others after a traumatic event.
You can continue to support the long term recovery efforts in both Wynne and Little Rock, but giving directly to the Presbytery of Arkansas, and selecting the “PDA-Local Presbytery Committee” option. The presbytery’s Disaster Preparedness and Response Subcommittee remain connected to the Long Term Recovery committees in both regions. You can also volunteer directly by serving at Ferncliff Camp & Conference Center, whose Disaster Assistance Center is an integral source of support before, during, and after disasters.
On today’s episode, we have a conversation with the Rev. Mitchell Miller, who was unanimously elected at the Spring 2024 Stated Meeting as the new Synod Leader/Stated Clerk of Synod of the Sun.
Interviewing Mitch is Rev. Elizabeth Brinegar, who served on the Search Committee and Rev. Steve Shive, our current Bridge Interim Synod Leader and Stated Clerk.
March 2024 Issue of Synod Newsletter, introducing Mitch: https://conta.cc/3PfqIEd
Today’s episode is all about volunteering and disaster recovery. Kathy joined a mission trip with a group of Presbyterians from Iowa as they as they work on storm damaged homes in Eastern Oklahoma. For this podcast, Kathy spoke with the group leader, the Rev. Tim Maxa, who is the pastor of two congregations who has been leading teams of youth and adults on these trips for over 30 years.
The synod has recently updated the SPDR section of the website to highlight our volunteer work partners in each of our four states. There is no shortage of opportunities within and beyond our Synod.
https://www.synodsun.org/spdr-about-us
On this episode of Sunspots, we continue the series of Living in Liminal Space but expanding it from the church setting to a global context. Bridge Interim Synod Leader/Stated Clerk Steve Shive welcomes his twin brother Ronald Shive to the conversation. Ron is a Retired Presbyterian Minister and Owner of Spiritus Mundi Travel.
Ron has been engaged with Israel/Palestine issue for the past 20 years in the PC(USA) and active in leading groups to the region. After delivering a report to the 2010 General Assembly as the chair of a Middle East Study Committee, Ron continues to be involved in the study of that region.
You can find the documentation referenced in this Liminal Space episode HERE: https://www.synodsun.org/post/resources-from-the-israel-palestine-sunspots-episode-with-ron-shive
You can also read Steve Shive's article about his recent visit to Israel/Palestine HERE: https://www.synodsun.org/post/crying-all-the-way
You can watch the video of this conversation on our YouTube channel or listen to the audio on our Sunspots podcast.
Today's episode is part two of a two-part episode of a Sunspots’ Disaster Partnership Conversation. This episode features Jim Kirk, who serves as the Associate for Disaster Response in the U.S. for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, and Michelle Muñiz, who serves as the Disaster Recovery Coordinator for the Presbytery of San Juan in Puerto Rico.
In this episode, Jim and Michelle reflect on how they see resiliency as a critical component of disaster recovery and in the people they’ve to know through their ministries. They also share ways we as Presbyterians across the Synod of the Sun can continue to pray and support one another, particularly before a disaster strikes.
“Anything that doesn’t kill you and you integrate into your life will make you stronger. Healing camps, emotional spiritual care programs of PDA are all designed to help people integrate just horrible experiences in a way that it gives them meaning and becomes part of their journey, but doesn’t define their journey.” - Jim Kirk
“We have to be careful how we talk about [resiliency], so we don’t get into the place where we romanticize that people are struggling and somehow figuring it out.” - Michelle Muñiz
Download SPDR’s 12 Steps to Building Resiliency Guide by clicking the links below:
English
Español
한국인
Reach out to Michelle Muńiz directly to learn more about supporting disaster recovery and volunteering in Puerto Rico by emailing: puertorico.pda@gmail.com.
To learn more about volunteering at PDA host sites in the Synod of the Sun and beyond, go to: https://pda.pcusa.org/page/volunteer-work-teams/
Today's episode is part one of a two-part episode of a Sunspots’ Disaster Partnership Conversation. This episode features Jim Kirk, who serves as the Associate for Disaster Response in the U.S. for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, and Michelle Muñiz, who serves as the Disaster Recovery Coordinator for the Presbytery of San Juan in Puerto Rico.
In this episode, Jim and Michelle share with us how they each came to the roles they now hold in disaster ministry and describe how the gifts of countless Presbyterians given through the One Great Hour of Sharing Offering are empowering congregations and rebuilding the lives and communities of those impacted by disasters.
“There are those events that are smaller in scale, that do not get a lot of recognition, and that are not federally declared disasters. And we’re able to provide immediate support for church damage and immediate need directly because of the One Great Hour of Sharing offering. So if the only way we could respond is to have an appeal, it would be weeks or months before we could get support into the field, but because of the OGHS we have the infrastructure in place to get emergency grants out the door within days. The real life example is that there are fires burning in the Synod of the Sun as we speak in the panhandle of Texas and in Oklahoma.” - Jim Kirk
“Through this funding, churches [in Puerto Rico] were able to develop new ways to respond or to actually expand the services that they were already doing, but we also were able to partner with organizations that were not necessarily connected to our church and even with organizations that were working in communities where there are no Presbyterian presence.” - Michelle Muñiz
Learn more about the PC(USA)’s One Great Hour of Sharing offering and give online: https://specialofferings.pcusa.org/offering/oghs/
Designate a gift to an Active Response area of PDA: https://pda.pcusa.org/page/active-accounts/
Learn more about PDA’s partnership with the Synod of the Sun: https://www.synodsun.org/spdr-about-us
Reach out to Michelle Muńiz directly to learn more about supporting disaster recovery and volunteering in Puerto Rico by emailing: puertorico.pda@gmail.com.
To learn more about volunteering at PDA host sites in the Synod of the Sun and beyond, go to: https://pda.pcusa.org/page/volunteer-work-teams/
On this episode of Sunspots, Bridge Interim Synod Leader and Stated Clerk Steve Shive talks with Nikki Collins, the Coordinator for 1001 New Worshiping Communities.
Nikki Collins began serving as the Coordinator for 1001 New Worshiping Communities in June 2018. Previously she served Cherokee Presbytery as Stated Clerk and Mission Coordinator and, before that, as the founder of Bare Bulb Coffee, a rich brew of full-service coffee shop, music and arts venue, and home to a diverse group of disciples committed to shedding light in the world.
Our Tapestry (TikTok) https://vimeo.com/879445541?share=copy
Stoked Life (paddle board) https://vimeo.com/879446563?share=copy
kin•dom campfire chats (LGBTQIA+ camp for youth) https://kindom.buzzsprout.com
This is part two of a two-part episode of Sunspots, featuring Dr. Eddie Moore Jr., Founder and Executive Director of The Privilege Institute, who talks about the upcoming White Privilege Conference that will be held on April 3-6 in Tulsa, OK.
Click HERE to read Dr. Eddie Moore, Jr.'s bio and event details.
Dr. Moore is interviewed by
Natarsha Sanders, who is the Director of Centering the Sacred. Natarsha also serves on the Columbia Theological Seminary admissions team as a Connector.
Kristy Rodgers is a Commissioned Pastor and Director of Children’s Ministry at First Presbyterian Church Bartlesville, OK. Kristi was the Moderator of Synod of the Sun in 2022 and Moderator of the Network for Dismantling Racism
Molly Casteel is a Minister-at-Large for Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery and the Owner of Belonging, LLC, an equity and justice consulting firm. Molly is also a member of the Synod’s Committee on Representation
https://www.theprivilegeinstitute.com/wpc25
On this first of a two part episode of Sunspots, Dr. Eddie Moore Jr., Founder and Executive Director of The Privilege Institute, talks about the upcoming White Privilege Conference that will be held on April 3-6 in Tulsa, OK.
Click HERE to read his bio and event details
Dr. Moore is interviewed by:
Natarsha Sanders, who is the Director of Centering the Sacred. Natarsha also serves on the Columbia Theological Seminary admissions team as a Connector.
Kristy Rodgers is a Commissioned Pastor and Director of Children’s Ministry at First Presbyterian Church Bartlesville, OK. Kristi was the Moderator of Synod of the Sun in 2022 and Moderator of the Network for Dismantling Racism
Molly Casteel is a Minister-at-Large for Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery and the Owner of Belonging, LLC, an equity and justice consulting firm. Molly is also a member of the Synod’s Committee on Representation
https://www.theprivilegeinstitute.com/wpc25
On November 9th, Steve Shive welcomed Fran Hilton Shelton to Liminal Conversations. The focus of the conversation was “How is the Diminishing Impact of our Churches and the Death of many Churches Affecting our Presbyteries and Churches Emotionally and Spiritually?”
A founder of Faith & Grief Ministries, Fran leads bereavement workshops and spiritual retreats. She is a preacher and a keynote speaker at conferences.
For twenty years, Fran served PC(USA) congregations in Texas, primarily in pastoral care and was affectionately called “Funeral Fran” by the love of her life and last husband, Bob. She has the courage to take deep finesses in duplicate bridge, stamina to be a member of four book clubs and a spirit for life that sparks contagious laughter.
You can find her website at frantiltonshelton.com.
Fran has written two books:
No Winter Lasts Forever: A Memoir of Loving Bob and Loathing Alzheimer’s and
The Spirituality of Grief: Ten Practices for Those Who Remain
On October 28, Thomas Riggs welcomed fellow staff member Kathy Lee-Cornell, Director of the Synod Partnership for Disaster Recovery. The focus of our conversation was "The Church's Vocation Found in Disaster Resilience".
You can read more about the Synod Partnership for Disaster Recovery on the Synod's website at: https://www.synodsun.org/spdr-about-us.
Also, check out the Synod's blog for articles by Kathy about the faces and stories of disaster recover at: https://www.synodsun.org/blog-1
On October 12, Thomas Riggs welcomed Mike Clawson to Liminal Conversations. The focus of the conversation was “What Christians can learn from the Spiritual But Not Religious”
Mike Clawson is the Administrator for Illuman, a non-profit founded by Richard Rohr to promote healthy masculinity through contemplative spirituality and deep inner work. He also co-founded the New Story Festival together with Gareth Higgins, producing transformational events for creativity, community, and the common good. He has a Ph.D. in Religion from Baylor University, has taught at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, and was an Emerging Church pastor in the Chicago suburbs. Originally from the northwoods of Michigan, he and his two teenage daughters currently live in Austin, Texas.
Belief Without Borders: Inside the Minds of the Spiritual but not Religious, Linda Mercadante
Church Refugees: Sociologists reveal why people are DONE with church but not their faith, Josh Packard and Ashleigh Hope
Christianity After Religion: The End of the Church and the Birth of a New Spiritual Awakening, Diana Butler Bass
The Great Spiritual Migration: How the World's Largest Religion is Seeking a Better Way to Be Christian, Brian D. McLaren
How to Be a Christian Without Going to Church: The Unofficial Guide to Alternative Forms of Christian Community, Kelly Bean
Everything is Spiritual: Finding Your Way in a Turbulent World, Rob Bell
Pleasure Activism: The Politics of Feeling Good, adrienne maree brown
How did a radio engineer end up transitioning into a career in disaster ministry? To find out, you’ll have to listen to this Sunspots Disaster Partnership Conversations episode and get to know a very special person named, Kathy Broyard.
Kathy Broyard is the Executive Director and Emergency Management Specialist of FLAPDAN (what a great acronym, right?). After two years of catastrophic hurricanes in 2004 and 2005 – Charley, Frances, Ivan, Jeanne, Katrina & Wilma – the six presbyteries encompassing the state of Florida began having discussions around, “How can presbyteries support one another during times of disasters?”
On Thursday, September 28th, this conversation was led by Steve Shive, Bridge Interim Synod Leader/Stated Clerk. The focus of the conversation was "Welcome to the Unknown - How do we Live and Lead in this Time of an UnFolding Future?"
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 synod.leader@synodsun.org.
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 synod.leader@synodsun.org.
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 synod.leader@synodsun.org.
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 synod.leader@synodsun.org.
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: FEMA-NSGP@fema.dhs.gov
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, kathy.leecornell@synodsun.org.
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.
On this episode of Sunspots, we visit with Rev. Pepa Paniagua of kin·dom community, a 1001 New Worshiping Communities in North Texas. Enabling the dream of friends Andy Hackett and Garrett deGraffenreid, they created kin·dom camp, an opportunity for LBGTQIA+ youth to come and experience a week of affirmation, celebration and fun at Camp Gilmont. They talk about how the camp came to be, what happened as a result of this camp, and what's in the future.
kin·dom community - https://kindomcommunity.org
kin·dom camp - https://kindomcommunity.org/camp-in-2023
On this edition of Sunspots, we listen in on a conversation between Kristy Rodgers, 2022 Moderator of the Synod of the Sun and Brian Ellison, Executive Director of the Covenant Network of Presbyterians.
As they talk about the upcoming Covenant Conversation to be held at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City on August 27th, they dig into the welcome that LGBTQIA+ persons likely don’t feel when they enter and become acquainted at church.
Find out more about the August 27th Covenant Conversation via the link below:
https://covnetpres.org/event/covenant-conversation-oklahoma/
In light of the recent decision by the SCOTUS overturning Roe v Wade, guest host Rev. Elizabeth Brinegar talks with Rev. Natarsha Sanders and Rev. Sarah Leer about recognizing the thread of bondage that’s existed since the beginning of our nation.
In understanding that "if you are not practicing your theology, you're not actually studying God", we are called to recognize the ‘long game’ of oppression, to instruct the elders to tell the story of those not only in bondage, but those who put them in bondage, and to discover what we can do in our own lives to remove the thread of bondage.
On this episode of Sunspots, we proudly and officially welcome Rev. Kathy Lee-Cornell as the Director of the Synod Partnership for Disaster Response. Valerie interviews Kathy about her dreams for this new position and how she'll bring her experience as a pastor, social worker, and disaster site coordinator to this new position.
You can read the full press release of her announcement HERE.
On this week’s episode of SunSpots, we’re going back to January of this year and we’re gonna listen to a Meditation presented by Synod Leader/Stated Clerk Valerie Young at the Called Synod Meeting. At this meeting, the Synod voted to become a partner in the Synod of the Sun Partnership for Disaster Recovery, or SPDR.
Valerie talks about how the SPDR and its Director will be a resource for churches and mid-councils to pivot in the midst of and after a natural disaster, enabling them not only to take care of immediate internal needs, but also to powerfully reach out beyond themselves into their communities.
In part three of their continuing conversation, Sarah Leer, Natarsha Sanders, and guest host Elizabeth Brinegar explore the tension of when to be silent and when to use your voice. Using Proverbs 21:23 as a touchpoint, they talk about the how and when of speak out and when to listen deeply.
Find their previous conversations, entitled The Educated Life and We Belong to Each Other, on your podcast application.
https://buff.ly/3sljTFW
On this episode of Sunspots, we brought together Zoë Garry and Ezequiel Herrera, both of whom lead New Worshipping Communities in very different settings in the Synod of the Sun.
Zoë Garry is the Director of NOLA Wesley, an affirming campus ministry for the students of Tulane and Loyola Universities in New Orleans, which includes The Labyrinth, a pay-as-you-are-able coffee shop.
Ezequiel Herrera is the Rio Grande Valley Evangelist for Mission Presbytery. He is Pastor of the New Worshipping Community called New Life Faith Community/Comunidad de Fe Nueva Vida in McAllen.
Although their ministry settings are quite different, Zoe and Ezequiel find a great deal of commonality as they talk about the unique joys and challenges of leading a New Worshipping Community and how what they do requires a great deal of energy, patience, creativity, and lots of love.
This week's episode is a collection of poetry readings from her extensive collection of poems by Christianne Chase and musical adaptations of hymns and songs by pianist Brett N Wilenzick, both Ruling Elders from Cimarron Presbytery.
Please enjoy this inspirational and entertaining podcast from your friends at Sunspots!
Have you ever wondered about discernment—what it is and how to do it? Wondering what God is saying you today? Join Rev. Michael Vinson, a Teaching Elder in the Presbytery of Arkansas, and guest host Elizabeth Brinegar as they explore the themes of spiritual discernment and health.
What’s does it mean to belong to one another? Does it mean to invite someone or does it mean something more? Join Sarah Leer, Natarsha Sanders, and guest host Elizabeth Brinegar as they explore these themes and more in part two of their conversation on the latest episode of Sunspots.
Find their previous conversation, entitled The Educated Life, on your podcast application or go here to learn more: https://conta.cc/3LBNWkI
On this special episode of Sunspots, Synod Leader and Stated Clerk Valerie Young sits down with Rev. Rich Schempp, H.R. and former Executive Presbyter of Palo Duro Presbytery. Rich and his wife Carol have been Mission Co-workers at NOROC (New Opportunities for Romanian Orphan Children) in Tulcea, Romania.
Because Tulcea is located on the Danube Delta, near the border with Ukraine, NOROC has been in a unique position to respond to the humanitarian crisis as tens of thousands of fleeing Ukrainians seek safety in Romania. Click HERE to read the letters from NOROC Onsite Director Petru Solca to Carole and Rich Schempp.
You can mail donations to:
NOROC Texas, 200 Hedges, Abilene, TX 79605
Or you can give online at:
http://www.noroc.org/how-to-help.html. Note that in the process of filling out the donation form, please write 'Ukraine' or 'refugees' in the Note section.
On this episode of Sunspots, guest host Elizabeth Brinegar sits down with Sarah Leer and Natarsha Sanders to talk about our identity as honest and authentic children of God through the lens of Christian Education.
This week's episode is a Christmas gift of a Christmas poetry reading from her extensive collection of Christmas poems by Christianne Chase and musical adaptations of Christmas songs by pianist Brett N Wilenzick, both Ruling Elders at First Presbyterian Church in Enid, OK.
Please enjoy this inspirational and entertaining podcast from your friends at Sunspots!
Today, we’re talking with the Rev. Dr. Leah R. Hrachovec and her nine year old daughter Nora. They’re going to tell us a story about the children’s and youth program at First Presbyterian Church in Stillwater, OK. Specifically, we’ll hear about Nora’s project with RIP Medical Debt, a project to eliminate medical debt in Oklahoma.
https://ripmedicaldebt.org
https://www.stillwaterfpc.org
Today, we’re speaking with General Presbyter Rev. Stewart Smith from the Presbytery of Arkansas. Stewart is a lifelong Presbyterian who was born as a preacher’s kid in Charlotte, NC. He moved to Arkansas in the first grade and grew up in the Graham Memorial Presbyterian Church in Forest City.
He graduated from Trinity University and after several years of work with Diamond Shamrock, he experienced a call to the ministry and attended Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
He has served as the Associate Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Fort Smith, AR and as Pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Springdale, serving there until accepting the call to become the General Presbyter in October of 2015.
Stewart is married to Laura, an elementary teacher in Maumelle and they have two sons, Ryan and Alex. In his spare time, Stewart is a runner, jogger, biker, golfer, and just a general sports guy.
This podcast is a follow-up to our first podcast about the folks of the Presbytery of South Louisiana after Hurricane Ida. In that first podcast, Interim General Presbyter Richard Williams travelled to New Orleans over Labor Day weekend and interviewed some of the Presbyterians who are doing the work of helping their neighbors while also dealing with their own issues.
In this follow-up podcast, Richard returns to the bayou four weeks after landfall and talks first to Don and Val of Raceland Presbyterian Church, who are wrangling supplies and church building issues while being open to worship with their sister church in Gheens.
Next, Richard talks to several members of Gheens Presbyterian Church, who tell of how the church became a gathering point for supplies, a community gathering point, and serving point. Each person testifies to the presence of God during the storm and how the Holy Spirit powerfully moves four weeks later.
You can give to the ongoing work of recovery by going to the Presbytery of South Louisana’s website at pbysouthla.org.
On this episode of Sunspots, Valerie sits down with Tim Blodgett, the General Presbyter for Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery. They talk about his role as GP (side note…he’s not Bishop), his learning about when to enter situations with churches, and how some really good things have come from the pandemic. They also talk about the Native American churches in Eastern Oklahoma and the Presbytery’s efforts to rebuild not just the buildings, but also the relationships. Valerie was also surprised to discover that Tim has a really interesting background that is similar to her own.
Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery - https://www.eokpresbytery.org
This is a special episode of the Sunspots podcast, following up on what has happened in the Presbytery of South Louisiana after Hurricane Ida made landfall there.
Interim General Presbyter Richard Williams traveled to New Orleans over Labor Day weekend, to interview the faithful Presbyterians who are responding to their local communities in the aftermath of the hurricane. Not only did he find these saints responding, but found them counting their blessings as well.
The voices you hear on this podcast are of Richard Williams; Monica LaGarde an Elder at Bayou Blue Presbyterian Church; Chris Smith, an Elder at Berean Presbyterian Church; and Dan Baker, Young Adult Volunteer Site Coordinator of New Orleans.
You can give to the ongoing work of recovery by going to the Presbytery of South Louisiana’s website at pbysouthla.org.
On this episode of Sunspots, we talk with Lynn Hargrove, the General Presbyter and the Stated Clerk for administrative process for the Presbytery of New Covenant. Lynn has a rich history with and respect for the people of Southeast Texas… and it shows. Being on the Gulf of Mexico means there are natural disasters aplenty. We talk about some of that as well as expectations of pastors, that hot topic of divestment, and the best things coming out of New Covenant right now.
Presbytery of New Covenant - http://pbyofnewcovenant.org
Valerie catches up with the Rev. Sallie Watson, General Presbyter to Mission Presbytery.
Recorded before the Delta Variant gained speed - Sallie talks about what those adaptive churches are doing now, and what they'll need to continue to do and be.
https://www.mission-presbytery.org/
We wanted to release this as a bonus episode, because it is a timely and important message.
Valerie visits with the Rev. Carol Waters, part-time pastor, Spiritual Director, and Director of Chaplaincy for Graduate Theological Foundation.
https://www.wovenokc.com/
https://gtfeducation.org/
On this episode of SunSpots, Valerie talks with the Rev. Charlie Smith, the Interim Presbytery Pastor for Indian Nations Presbytery.
As a second career pastor, Charlie has served congregations all over the country. They talk about the difference between congregational and mid-council ministry, their Enneagram numbers, and some of the most exciting things coming out of central Oklahoma. For Valerie, this conversation was so much fun and they even talked aobut the importance of fun. You're gonna want to listen
Indian Nations Presbytery
www.okinp.org
Valerie talks with the Rev. Scott Campbell, Executive Presbyter of Palo Duro Presbytery. Scott answered the call to ministry after a successful career in Human Resources. He has served as the pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Lubbock for 10 years, just down the hall from the presbytery office, where he now serves as the Executive Presbyter for Palo Duro Presbytery, all this WHILE working on his doctorate in ministry at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
Scott opens up about this new role and ways that the congregations stepped up in pandemic times.
https://paloduropresbytery.org
In this edition of SunSpots, we’re going back to November 14th of last year when the Network for Dismantling Racism hosted a conversation with activist, public theologian, and author Christena Cleveland, Ph.D.
Today’s episode is from the afternoon session with Christena where she reflected on how the Church has responded (or not responded) to events like the Tulsa Race Massacre and what the Church's role is and should be in movements like Black Lives Matter.
This is part two of that afternoon session, featuring the Question and Answer discussion.
In this edition of SunSpots, we’re going back to November 14th of last year when the Network for Dismantling Racism hosted a conversation with activist, public theologian, and author Christena Cleveland, Ph.D.
Today’s episode is from the afternoon session with Christena where she reflected on how the Church has responded (or not responded) to events like the Tulsa Race Massacre and what the Church's role is and should be in movements like Black Lives Matter.
This is part one of that afternoon session. On a future episode, we will feature the Question and Answer part of that afternoon session.
Today we visit with Tim Huchton the new President & CEO of Mo Ranch.
https://www.moranch.org/
https://www.facebook.com/PresbyMoRanch
tbhuchton@moranch.com
Today we talk with James Myers from Buffalo Gap Presbyterian Camp, just outside of Abilene, Texas.
https://www.buffalogapcamp.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BuffaloGapCamp
email: office@buffalogapcamp.org
A visit with Jennifer Rigoulot, Executive Director of Operations and Programs and rev. Kenny Rigoulot, Executive Director of Development and Spiritual Formation for Camp Gilmont in Gilmer, TX.
Website: https://www.gilmont.org/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/campgilmont
Email: jennifer@gilmont.org or kenny@gilmont.org
Our visit with Henry Owen, Executive Director of John Knox Ranch.
What does the 2021 camping season look like with COVID 19 protocols?
Family retreat anyone?
What is a conservation easement?
https://johnknoxranch.org/
JKR YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCg6LyZdo5kBCOINpOSxigVw
Reach out to Henry here: jkrdirector@missionpby.org
This is a special Bonus edition of SunSpots. Today we feature a presentation by Dr. Lisa Allgood to the Indian Nations Presbytery Stated Meeting on February 27th.
Dr. Allgood is both Transitional Presbyter in Cincinnati Presbytery and an immunocytochemist for nearly 4 decades.
Lisa has been bringing wisdom, expertise, and practical advice to our denomination for the past 8 months. The intersectionality of her skills and experience in both Presbytery work and immunology has made her COVID-19 presentations an invaluable asset to presbyteries and churches.
She spoke to the Indian Nations presbytery about where we are now in the COVID-19 pandemic and offered practical advice for churches about the timing and circumstances of gathering together.
On this episode, we talk with Nanette Cagney, Commissioned Lay Pastor at St. Andrew Presbyterian Church in Lake Charles, LA. In the past 12 months, Lake Charles has endured three hurricanes (two direct hits), COVID, and then a paralyzing ice storm. Through it all, St. Andrew Church has been a community leader, forming partnerships to help the city's most vulnerable, while operating wherever they can and also repairing uninhabitable homes and buildings. Nanette also talks about the future of the Commissioned Pastors Network of the Synod and future plans of previously cancelled events.
http://www.standrewpres.com
https://www.synodsun.org/commissioned-pastors
On this episode of SunSpots, we hear a "Good News Story" about how two students from Lyon College who participated in a border ministry event responded by dedicating their lives to serving others
Today we're talking about the work of the synod Network for Dismantling Racism with Kristy Rodgers, Natarsha Sanders, Rev. Kyle Walker.
Website: www.N4DR.org
Facebook: here
Twitter: @N4DR_AntiRacist
Find Natarsha Sanders at Centering the Sacred
A visit with Lisa Almon, Moderator of HMMN, and Rev. Jesse Gonzalez, Secretary, about the work and future of HMMN.
The Hispanic Ministries Mission Network (HMMN) is part of the Presbyterian Church (USA) recognized as a Network of the Synod of the Sun to promote the development of a strong community among the Hispanic/Latino churches and people withing the bounds of the Synod of the Sun and its 11 Presbyteries / La Red de Ministerios Hispanos de Misión (HMMN) es parte de la Iglesia Presbiteriana (USA) reconocida como Red de Misión del Sínodo del Sol para promover una comunidad fuerte entre las Iglesias y el pueblo Hispano/Latino dentro de los límites del Sínodo del Sol y sus 11 Presbiterios.
Find HMMN on Facebook.
Find HMMN on the Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary website.
A conversation with Presbytery leaders after the events of January 6th, 2021.
Guests are
Rev. Hailey Malcolm, Pastoral Presbyter in Tres Rios Presbytery
Rev. Dr. Charlie Smith, Interim Presbytery Pastor in Indian Nations Presbytery
Rev. Lynne Hargrove, General Presbyter in Presbytery of New Covenant
What does it look like to be in relationship with people that we clearly don’t agree with – how do we hold on to, or even build relationships that aren’t dependent upon listening defined as “agreeing with” someone on the issues.
How can mid-council leaders help facilitate conversations?
We didn't come up with any answers. . . but we'll keep talking!
Martha Kinard, President of the Board for NEW Day, discusses how this ministry - to feed the transitional youth of Arlington, TX - started out of Grace Presbyterian Church of Arlington, TX; how partnerships with other churches developed; and how much there is yet to be done.
www.newdayarlington.org
Martha Kinard, Ruling Elder
Email: newdayarlington@gmail.com
Facebook: newdayarlington
Twitter: @newdayarlington
(682) 238-0338
Rev. Elana Keppel Levy and Rev. Lucus Levy Keppel are co-pastors of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Bixby, OK.
Partners in life and in ministry, they both have a background in theatre and a passion for making the gospel come to life. Read "Keeping it Light", the story of a collaboration of pastors from all over the country to create an 18-minute video retelling of the Parable of the 10 Bridesmaids (Matt. 25: 1-13)
Check out SoMuchBible for Elana's offerings of resources like plays, music, word studies and lessons.
Tim began his career in Los Angeles, California in Nonprofit Management and Fundraising, but eventually felt called to pastoral ministry and moved to Austin, Texas to study at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary. After graduating Tim wanted to return to the border and found a church in El Paso, Texas where he is co-pastor at University Presbyterian Church.
Tim is a board member and partner in ministry with Pasos de Fe, a community center, shelter and fluid mission in Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.
Follow Pasos de Fe on Facebook here.
Donations should be directed with a note about the gift going to Pasos de Fe y Esperanza and sent to:
Tres Rios Presbytery
1201 W Wall St
Midland, TX 79701
Rev. Tim Gray, Co-PastorUniversity Presbyterian Church
Mobile: 915-308-3781
tim@upcelp.org
www.upcelp.org
Tim is a seventh generation Michigander who moved to the great State of Texas a quarter century ago shortly after marrying an eighth generation Texan.
He and Cynthia met at Louisville Seminary and have almost finished raising three kids. He received his doctorate in mission from the Perkins School of Theology at Southern Methodist University. All of his pastorates have been in Texas - from the Rio Grande to the Metroplex and Northeast Texas and now at St. Paul Presbyterian Church in San Angelo for 13 years next March.
St. Paul has been deeply involved in community ministry for decades, starting the homeless programs, the first 12 step and drug treatment programs in the Concho valley, resettling four waves of refugees, and feeding the community for more than 30 years.
Valerie Young, (host & synod leader) and Thomas Riggs (synod communications & administration coordinator) introduce SunSpots, where it came from and our hopes for the future.
Send your ideas for future episodes to SunSpots@synodsun.org.
https://www.synodsun.org/
A "Good News" about United Campus Ministries at Texas State University, written by Rev. Matt Curry.
See more stories here, or at www.synodsun.org
A "Good News" about an unlikely but timely relationship in times of natural disaster, written by Rev. Matt Curry.
See more stories here, or at www.synodsun.org
Rev. Dr. Jim Freeman, board moderator, talks about the ecumenical synod network Solar Under the Sun.
Donate to Solar Under the Sun here.
See more about Solar Under the Sun's Solar School and mission here.
This episode we revisit the 2017 IMAGINE event. Sponsored by the synod, this event brought together Presbyterians from across the region around common missions and ministries. This particular talk is given by the Rev. Richard Mize and it’s entitled Facing Racism & Racists Anonymous.
Rev. Richard Mize is a bi-vocational minister ordained in the United Church of Christ and serves as half-time pastor of Trinity Presbyterian Church in Oklahoma City, OK. He has standing in the Kansas-Oklahoma Conference of the UCC and also as an Ordained Ministerial Partner in the Oklahoma Region of the Christian Church (Disciples of Christ).
Richard’s work is inspiring and this is one of the best IMAGINE talks we’ve heard. . . . he shares what it was like as a racist, what happened, and what it’s like now in Racists Anonymous