"And Away We Go"

Jacquelyn Rembert, Synod Moderator 2025

In February, Commissioners travelled from the great states of South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida to set sail on their new spiritual journey with the Synod of South Atlanta at Epworth by the Sea, St. Simons Island, Georgia.

Upon arrival, Commissioners were greeted by members of the newly elected Coordinating Committee as they prepared to take off on their new adventure that lies ahead, with a lingering question often and constantly asked by their new Moderator, “What would happen if we gave ourselves permission to do what God has already called us to do?”

The Synod Assembly gathered to attend to the affairs of the synod. However, this was not business as usual, as what we considered normal would no longer be the norm again. We worshipped, we laughed, we shared stories, we cried, we discussed our concerns and shared ideas in the SACK Lunch break out sessions, we allowed ourselves to even be honest and vulnerable, as we fellowshipped together in unison. As we were moving with the excitement of the implementation of a new plan, and a new vision to “Embody the grace and love of Jesus Christ, Cultivate authentic community within and across presbyteries and Inspire impactful ministry, developing leaders so that the church becomes unified in faith, hope, love, witness, and service.” And it was combined with a desire to live into our guiding values of grace, love, authenticity, unity, hope, faithfulness, reforming, and being transparent as demonstrated by the display of the commissioners’ and our special guests’ artwork from each presbyteries that covered the walls of our temporary dwelling place for that period of time.

In recognition of our unity and solidarity among the states, a sand ceremony was conducted by the co-chairs of each committee as they lead us in worship by emphasizing the importance of the work to be done by each committee. But as we set out together on this journey, we didn’t go it alone, as we were joined by our ministry partners, Rev. Tony Larson, Co-Moderator of the General Assembly, and Rev. Jihyun Oh, Executive Director and Stated Clerk of the General Assembly for the interim unified agency, who lead us in worship and in communion as we do those things in remembrance of what Jesus Christ has done for us all. To commemorate our time together, each person was gifted with a bottle of sand used from our sand pouring ceremony to take with them in honor of unity and our commitment to work together, although at times we may be far apart physically, we are still connected spiritually in our service to Jesus Christ.

We are off to a great start. The journey has just begun, and we are well on our way to be all that God has called us to be. I hope you are still with us on this amazing journey, but if not, I extend the invitation and invite you to come along with us and see what God has in store for us when we allow ourselves to do what God has already given us to permission to do. He’s just waiting on you. Will you come?

Side Note: Our Synod Moderator mentioned artwork depicting the Synod of South Atlantic guiding values that covered the walls at our Journey event in February. The coloring sheets are available for your use at this link.