Presbytery News
Carlisle
Boundary Training
In 2026, the Presbytery of Carlisle will offer two opportunities for Boundary Training. One will be an evening session intended for active Ruling Elders (meaning you are currently serving on session or on a presbytery committee/commission) and a daytime in-person session for clergy-types and educators.
The ruling elder boundary training will be held Feb. 24 from 6:30-8:30 p.m. This will be a hybrid/online event.
On Wednesday, Feb. 25, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., a boundary training for clergy-types and educators will be held at the First United Presbyterian Church in Newville. This in-person only gathering is $15.
To register, completing the form found here or contact Kristal Smith at kristal.smith@carlislepby.org.
Ruling Elder Communion Training
For the past three years, the Presbytery of Carlisle has offered an annual Ruling Elder Communion Training to those ruling elders who have been approved by session to attend. The intention for this training is to equip ruling elders to preside over the Lord’s Supper within their own congregation. Others have attended for their own edification and learning.
On April 11 from 9 a.m. to noon at Highland United Presbyterian Church in Newport the presbytery will offer two workshops: a 101 level and a 201 level. The 201 level is only open to those who have previously had the training. The 101 level is for those who have not had training and those who would like to re-take.
Each workshop is limited to 20 participants and will be in-person only. Kristal Smith will send invitations to those who attended in 2023 and a registration link to all the clerks of session.
Donegal
The Bias Inside Us
A traveling Smithsonian exhibit titled “The Bias Inside Us” will be available to be viewed and discussed at the Chester County Historical Center in West Chester on Thursday, Jan. 8, through the work of the Presbytery of Donegal’s Racial Justice Task Group.
The group will meet at 10 a.m. inside the front entrance of the museum for introductions and a quick orientation. They’ll explore the exhibit, then gather for lunch and guided conversation.
To register by Dec. 22, click here.
Come Sunday: Worship and Music That Moves Us
Celebrate the richness of the Black diaspora in liturgy and song through a program titled “Come Sunday: Worship and Music That Moves Us” on Feb. 21-22 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in West Chester. Grow in understanding by lifting voices and discovering ways to lead communities toward joy, justice and reconciliation.
For more information, click here.
Lackawanna
Lackawanna Presbytery Calendar
Click here for upcoming events around Lackawanna Presbytery.
Lehigh
Presbytery of Lehigh Calendar
Click here for upcoming events around the Presbytery of Lehigh.
Philadelphia
Pittsburgh
Redstone
Washington
PW Christmas Dinner
The Presbyterian Women of Washington Presbytery will hold a Christmas Dinner on Tuesday, Dec. 9, at 5 p.m. at Church of the Covenant in Washington, PA. Regional Flavors Catering will provide a honey-glazed ham dinner. The event will include music performed by Darla Pepper-Miller, Christmas devotions, fellowship and door prizes.
Cost is $15 with check payable to Presbyterian Women and mailed to Joan McCrory,1240 W. Wylie Ave, Washington, PA, 15301. The deadline for reservations is Tuesday, Dec. 2. Everyone is invited; bring your family, spouse, friends and neighbors!
Elder and Deacon Workshop
An Elder and Deacon Workshop will be held Saturday, Jan. 17, at Presbyterian Senior Care. This opportunity is open to all deacons and elders in Washington Presbytery. Registration and light breakfast is from 8:30-9:15 a.m., with workshops running from 9:30-11:30 a.m.
Register by calling Pastor Gary Gibson at 724-223-5694.
Washington Presbytery Upcoming Events
West Virginia
- September 18 and 20
- October 23 and 25
- November 20 and 22
- January 15 and 17
- February 5 and 7
- March 12 and 14
- April 9 and 11
- May 7 and 9
Presby Prep
Presby Prep is eight months of courses designed to help Presbyterians understand more about what it means to be Presbyterian as we worship, read scripture, reflect on what we believe, engage in mission and stewardship, nurture others in faith, and consider how we live together and how we got here – that is, to help us understand the sea we swim in or the air we breathe as Presbyterians, often without thinking anything about it. You’ll explore the eight course topics – biblical interpretation, Reformed theology, church history, Presbyterian polity, worship, Christian education, stewardship, and mission – with others under the leadership of a pastor in the presbytery; it’s a great way to connect with others. Because of the nature of the courses, eight people need to register for Presby Prep by Aug. 11; more are always welcome.
All classes are held on Zoom. Participants attend eight three-hour courses on either Thursday evening or Saturday morning. Though the registration form asks participants to make a choice, they may move between the two times as desired. There are assignments to be read in advance that form the basis of conversation and discussion. The cost is $50 for all courses, plus the cost of books, but if you only are interested in a few courses, you can sign up for those for $10 each.
Courses are scheduled for September 2025-May 2026 as follows:
While Presby Prep provides an opportunity to learn more about what it means to be Presbyterian and how we do things, it can also lead to more. It is the first year in the presbytery’s Authorized Lay Preacher/Commissioned Pastor Preparation Program, which prepares people to serve as pulpit supply and pastors. As the financial situation of many of our churches is changing, in part due to lower membership, more and more churches are seeking commissioned ruling elders to serve as their pastors. There is a growing need for more commissioned pastors in our presbytery. While most of our commissioned pastors serve a congregation other than that where they are a member, several are serving in their churches of membership; both are possibilities. For those who may not feel called to serve a particular church, there continues to be a need for pulpit supply as an Authorized Lay Preacher.
Could God be calling you to Presby Prep? If you are interested in Presby Prep, you will find more information and a registration form here. If you have questions or want more information, please feel free to contact Susan Sharp Campbell, Associate for Educational Ministry for the presbytery, at 304-667-9428 or susan_sharp_campbell@hotmail.com.