Valerie's View

Valerie Young

Synod Leader and Stated Clerk

I don’t know about you, but it hasn’t been lazy around here. From GA Commissioner training in May, General Assembly in June, and a long two weeks of continuing education (ask me about the August Residency at University of Dubuque Theological Seminary), I’m now wondering what happened to the summer.

In fact, the last 18 months have flown by as the synod has been on this new Journey. We are already praying about 2027 and remain open to the Spirit's movement, recognizing that the needs of our presbyteries and congregations change. We discovered a few things along the way that we didn’t anticipate. That happens in transitions sometimes. So, we do the best that we can to retrace our steps and address the important issues with grace, authenticity, and love. Most importantly, we do it with a sense of unity and hope for the future. . . as our guiding values state.

We want to continually be in a posture of listening deeply for ways that the Synod of South Atlantic can encourage and respond. Have thoughts or ideas about ways that the synod might support your presbytery’s work? We truly want to hear them!

Even better, you can be involved in the synod’s ministry in any number of ways. Let us know you’re interested in becoming involved here, and a member of the Embody Committee will contact you.

I do hope that you have had a few minutes, days, or even weeks to slow down this summer. As I watch the butterflies outside of my window this morning, I pray for the congregations and presbyteries, that we all hear the call of the Spirit this and every day, and have the courage to follow!

Here’s where I’ll be in the next month or so:

August

9th Preaching at Bremen Presbyterian Church, Bremen, GA

10th Cultivate Committee, via Zoom

Inspire Committee, via Zoom

13th Synod Exec Forum, via Zoom

Northeast Georgia Presbytery Search Committee, via Zoom

14th-15th Synod Racial Ethnic Networks Gathering, Jacksonville, FL

18th Staff Meeting, via Zoom

PCUSA Partners & National Staff, via Zoom

Gainesville Campus Ministry Task Force, via Zoom

19th 3rd Wednesday COM SACK Lunch Gathering, via Zoom

Framework Task Force Follow-up, via Zoom

22nd Trinity Presbytery, Abbeville, SC

23rd-26th Mid Council Women Leaders, Zephyr Cove, NV

26th Stated Clerks, via Zoom

Executive Presbyters/General Presbyters, via Zoom

31st Presbytery Moderators Gathering, via Zoom

September

2nd 1st Wednesday SACK Lunch Gathering, via Zoom

SC5 Leader of Leaders Event, Columbia, SC

Embody Committee, via Zoom

8th Staff Meeting, via Zoom

Coordinating Committee, via Zoom

10th- Synod Exec Forum, via Zoom

11th Hispanic/Latina Presbyterian Women of SoSA Gathering,

St Simons Island, GA

12th Presbytery of St Augustine Christian Ed Course, Starke, FL

14th Cultivate Committee, via Zoom

Inspire Committee, via Zoom

16th 3rd Wednesday COM SACK Lunch Gathering, via Zoom