From The Presbyterian Voice

Dear friends,

The Presbyterian Voice is a reliable news and information source for the congregations and presbyteries of the Synod of Living Waters. This online news source has roots in the Synod newspaper, the Presbyterian Voice, which will end publication in 2011. Although the print edition of the newspaper will no longer be around, you can stay informed of Synod mission and ministry by signing up for regular news updates from the online version of the Voice.

I invite you to sign up for these regular updates today by following this LINK. Once you enter your email address, you will be added to the list to receive these updates from the Voice and stay up to date on news from around the Synod and the Presbyteries that make up the Synod.

Blessings,

Janet Tuck
Director of Communications
Synod of Living Waters

Call Fair at Columbia Theological Seminary - March 4

Columbia Theological Seminary will host its sixth annual Call Fair for Pastor Nominating Committees on Friday, March 4, 2011, from 1:00 to 4:30 p.m. The event is designed to help connect graduating seniors with congregations and organizations that have openings for leadership positions.

To register for the Call Fair, e-mail the completed registration form to Judy Graves, Office of Student Services, at gravesj@ctsnet.edu, or send by fax to 404-377-9696 by Tuesday, February 15, 2011. For more information about the Call Fair and student placement, contact Ms. Graves at gravesj@ctsnet.edu or 404-687-4523.

Information about students who are seeking a call is available on Columbia's website at Student Placement and Internships/Placement. Profiles are listed according to the type of positions seniors are seeking after graduation in May. Information is updated continuously.

"The best way to interest students in open positions is to come to campus and share your needs with graduating seniors," says Dean of Students John White. "We would love to see churches looking for pastors and associate pastors, as well as those looking for Christian educators, youth directors, and leaders in non-ordained positions."

Columbia Theological Seminary, located in Decatur, GA, was established in 1828 and is one of 10 theological institutions of the Presbyterian Church (USA).

Session Annual Statistical Report for 2010

Each year the Clerk of Session is required to compile and report the statistical information of the church. Here are instructions for completing this task:

1. Download and print The Instructions for Completing the Online Session Annual Statistical Report for the Year 2010, which is available by clicking on the title above or on the presbytery's website: www.presbyteryeasttn.org, then go to Resources > Forms & Publications. The instructions are located under the heading Clerks of Session.
2. The church's user name and password are being mailed to the church, attn: clerk of session. Please call the presbytery office if you need assistance with the user name or password. The website for entering the statistical information is ogasys2.pcusa.org.
3. The Clerk's Annual Questionnaire for Year Ending December 31, 2010 - the website for entering answers to the questionnaire is www.pcusa.org/clerks2010.

The deadline for submitting this information online is Wednesday, February 23, 2011, but it is suggested you complete the worksheets and input the data as quickly as possible. As the weeks go by, the system will get slower because of increased usage.  Clerks of session without internet access should contact the presbytery office for assistance.

Necrology Report for 2010

Under the provisions of Presbytery's Manual 2.0140, STATED MEETINGS, the Stated Clerk is responsible for obtaining and presenting Memorials to Ministers and Elders who have been called to the Church Triumphant during the year.

In order to assist us with this, please complete the form provided and return to the presbytery office no later than January 28, 2011. Please include all deaths of ministers and elders for the period January 1, 2010, through December 31, 2010. The Memorials will be presented at the February 26, 2011, Presbytery meeting.  This form is also available on the presbytery website under Resources > Forms & Publications > Clerks of Session.

Jan. 24-28, 2011

The Calvin Center Interim Pastor Training offers the opportunity to deepen your understanding of ministry in the church during times of leadership transition.

All events begin with lunch on Monday and end on Friday at 1:00pm. Training sessions include 30 hours of classroom instruction with plenty of time for personal attention.

The schedule allows free time on Wednesday afternoon and evening and an informal face-to-face with several Presbytery Executive on Thursday afternoon.

Reflection, prayer and practice through conversations, presentations, case studies and fellowship create the space to consider your calling.

Training Faculty:

The Rev. Joan S. Gray, co-author of Presbyterian Polity for Church Officers and author of Spiritual Leadership for Church Officers, finished serving a two-year term as Moderator of the 217th General Assembly of the PC(USA) in June of 2008.

The Rev. Joel Alvis is a Presbyterian minister, clergy coach and church consultant. He has served as an interim pastor since 2003.

The Rev. Penny Hill is an Associate Presbytery Executive for the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta with a focus on transitional ministry and congregational consulting. Penny is also a certified corporate coach.

Cost: $700 (covers housing, meals and course materials)

Brochure and registration form

Online registration

The Calvin Center is a ministry of the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta and is located in Hampton, GA.

Leaders Academy - Saturday, Feb. 5 at Mars Hill PC in Athens

A series of Training Workshops designed to equip and inform Elders, Deacons, Pastors, Volunteers for Christian Education, Youth or Children and any other interested persons. Planned by the Small Church Ministry Group of the Equip Mission Team, this is an ongoing leadership development program for leaders in churches of all sizes. These workshops are intended to SUPPLEMENT a session's existing training.

Schedule:

8:30 am              Registration and Refreshments
9:00                   Announcements & Morning Prayers
9:30 - 10:45        Workshops
10:45 - 11:00      Break
11:00 - 12:15     Workshops
12:30 - 1:30 pm  Lunch and Leave

Workshops Offered:

• Creating Healthy Congregations
• Youth Ministry Together
• Making Disciples, Making Leaders
• Toto, I Don't Think We're In Kansas Anymore!
• Christian Education Exchange

Child Care: Provided Upon Request

Registration Fee: $10/ person

Deadline for Registration: Submitted/ Postmarked by Thursday, January 27, 2011

Register online

For More Information Contact:

Miki Vanderbilt revabv@gmail.com / 865-690-5333 or
Laura Tappan Laura@presbyteryeasttn.org / 865-688-5581 or 1-800-542-4246

Preaching Effective Sermons - Dr. Wm. J. Carl III

Friday, February 11 - 8:30am to 1:30pm
Second Presbyterian Church, Knoxville

Dr. Wm. J. Carl III, President of Pittsburgh Presbyterian Seminary, will address clergy on the topic Preaching Effective Sermons with special emphasis on "A Brain Technique for Communicating Without Notes."  Lunch will cost $5 per person.  Following lunch there will be a worship experience with Dr. Carl preaching a sermon.  This event is being partially underwritten by the Support Mission Team.

Pre-registration is required for lunch - the deadline is February 4, 2011.

Register online

School of the Laity - Spring Semester

PET's School of the Laity is preparing for spring semester. This second course will be an Introduction to the New Testament and will be taught by MC professors Bill Meyer and Andrew Irvine. It will be held at Maryville College on March 5 & 26, from 9am to 3pm. If you'd like to join us, click the Register Online link below for additional information.  The registration deadline is March 1, 2011.

Register online

We invite you to share your news with us.  All articles and news items must be submitted by the 20th of the month prior to publication.  Send your information to Dana Hendrix, dana@presbyteryeasttn.org.