Mid Council Newsletter August 27, 2026 a ministry of Presbyterian Life and Witness, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Late Summer Greetings,
As we savor these last few weeks of summer, we are gearing up for a very full fall schedule. At PL&W we'll be gathering mid council leaders for education, training, and networking in September and October; we'll be welcoming the new PL&W Board onsite in October; new moderators will join the co-moderators for two days in November; and there will be a myriad of other programmatic events and gatherings.
Below are many invitations and links to new resources. I'd like to draw your attention to the collection resources from the Office of Innovation all entitled "How To" dealing with various aspects of property - How To Sell, Develop, Partner etc... These guides were developed in partnership with Rooted Good to help presbyteries and congregations have conversations about how we use property and where there are opportunities to use it differently. These guides are a great way to start conversations in your context and they are free to download.
Wherever you are, may these summer days bring rest and renewal in preparation for the work ahead.
with appreciation,
Sarah
Sarah Moore-Nokes
Director, Thriving Mid Councils
Presbyterian Life & Witness
Invitations and Information
From the Presbyterian Hunger Program
New film series on faith and earth care
Presbyterian Hunger Program partner Blessed Tomorrow has created series of short films that can serve as an educational resource and inspiration for congregations as the Season of Creation approaches. The seven-part film series, “Caring for the Earth: Stories from Faith Communities,” shows examples of climate work by people of faith as the climate crisis continues to wreak havoc. Learn more: https://pcusa.org/news-storytelling/news/2026/8/5/faith-and-climate-film-series-can-help-usher-season-creation
~~~
From the Presbyterian Committee on the Self Development of People
Labor & Living Wages Webinar You’re cordially invited to the first of three webinars in a new iteration of “The Struggle is Real” series by the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People. The virtual gathering will be held on Zoom at 1 pm (ET) September 3 and focus on labor and living wages.
The series seeks to assist thechurchin walking in deep solidarity with those who are under the weight of economic disenfranchisement and exploitation. It offers space to explore affordability and its impact on communities while connecting Presbyterians with those already engaged in this work and with others committed to addressing economic disenfranchisement, including some of SDOP’s partners that are making a difference in communities around the nation .
Future topics in the webinar series, which is highlighting affordability issues, will include healthcare on October 1 and housing/homelessness on November 5.
Sign up to join a 4 week online cohort to meet in October and early November. Topics include New to Youth Ministry, Where 2 or 3 Are Gathered, Partnering with Parents, Intentional Older Adult Ministry, Building Student Leadership, Transitions in Ministry, a Spanish Language Supporting Christian Formation and others. Registration opens in early September. Find more information on this page, and keep an eye out for an updated registration page soon!
~~~
Book Bundles
Two new no-cost opportunities this fall from our office with sign up available in September:
Do you know a Spanish-speaking congregation/faith communitywho would be interested in 10 copies of the new Growing in God's Love: Family Devotional in Spanish from PPC? Sign up here.
Camp and Conference Center Leadersare invited to sign up to receive the Everyday Faith Moments Card Deck, Growing in God's Love: A Family Devotional, and Growing in God's Love: A Story Bible Book Bundle. Sign up here.
Find 9 new Quicksheets created in partnership with Presbyterian Association of Musicians and Worship and Music Conference. Titles include Exploring Glory to God: The Presbyterian Hymnal, Guiding the Male Changing Voice, Only Takes a Spark: Finding Creativity in Crisis, Come Sunday: Ideas for Introducing Duke Ellington's Sacred Music in Worship, Planning Music Like a Worshiper, Creating Alternative Worship Service all found under Worship and Music Heading. Find 2 new Quicksheets created in partnership with POAMN for church leaders visiting those with Dementia found under the topic heading Older Adults. Remember also new QS's for supporting College and Young Adult Ministry added as well.
~~~
Presbyterian Youth Workers' Association (PYWA) Gathering
"Come to the Mountains" October 5-8, 2026 at Montreat Conference Center in Montreat, NC. Youth Leaders, Pastors, Volunteers it's not too late to register.
Developed with trusted experts, these free guides from the Office of Faithful Innovation help congregations and mid councils navigate property stewardship and ministry transitions with clarity, creativity, and faithfulness. Each resource is designed to support good questions and informed discernment.
How to End Well
Accompanies congregations as they intentionally design the ending of a ministry, project, building use, activity, worship service, or, in some situations, the congregation in its current form. It creates space for truth-telling, grief, gratitude, legacy, spiritual discernment, and faithful transition.
How to Sell Well
Builds confidence and capacity when a congregation is considering selling church property. It frames a sale as a pivotal missional decision and encourages clarity about purpose, values, community impact, process, professional guidance, stewardship of proceeds, and the future the sale might help make possible.
How to Rent Well
Helps congregations design rental arrangements that serve mission and generate income without letting management burdens, capital needs, or hidden costs undermine the model. It supports realistic assessment, mission alignment, pricing, policies, tenant relationships, and effective management.
How to Develop Well
Builds confidence and capacity for congregations considering property development. It helps teams identify what matters most, partner with the presbytery, establish shared priorities, understand development complexity, and begin fruitful conversations with developers.
What About Taxes?
Helps churches ask the right questions when rental income, social enterprise, or other revenue-generating activity raises tax concerns. It introduces key tax implications and possible structures so teams can move from anxiety toward informed conversation with qualified advisers.
How to Partner Well
Supports congregations in creating and strengthening relationships with nonprofits, community groups, public agencies, businesses, and other collaborators. It is especially useful when launching social enterprise or new uses of buildings and land, where mission clarity, trust, expectations, governance, and communication matter.
Pew editions of the Glory to God hymnal are now available at 20% off for a limited time, bringing each pew edition to only $20. This price will never be lower, so adopt the hymnal today for your church and find renewal and unity through worshiping together with both new songs and old favorites. Promotional price applies to red and purple pew editions of the Presbyterian edition (with the PC(USA) seal on the spine) and the ecumenical edition (without the seal), while supplies last. Actual shipping costs will be charged for hymnal orders and shipping is only available in the contiguous US. Promotion ends December 31, 2026.
~~~
From the Presbyterian Association of Musicians
Come Find Rest, September 25-26, 2026
Come Find Rest is a weekend designed to nurture both spirit and vocation. Rooted in the themes of sabbath and renewal, this gathering weaves together collaborative singing, meaningful workshops, and intentional time for connection. Participants will explore how practices of rest can be thoughtfully integrated into the rhythm of ministry, leaving refreshed, encouraged, and equipped to lead with renewed purpose.
~~~
Third Annual Festival of Choirs: "In the Midst of New Dimensions: One Faith, Many Voices", October 2-3, 2026
The Presbyterian Association of Musicians’ Mid-South Region is hosting its third annual Festival of Choirs: "In the Midst of New Dimensions: One Faith, Many Voices" in Lexington, Kentucky on October 2-3, 2026. Led by Festival Director, Everett McCorvey, choir directors, musicians, and singers are invited to join this event for an immersive experience that strengthens community and musicianship, while also leaving with repertoire and musical insights they can carry directly into their church’s worship planning long after the festival ends.
~~~
Rooted & Renewed: "Intergenerational Worship through Liturgy and Music", January 22-23, 2027
Rooted & Renewed is an intergenerational gathering designed to equip worship leaders, musicians, pastors, and church members to cultivate meaningful worship across generations. Centered on the role of liturgy and music in shaping community, this event explores how congregations can honor tradition while creating space for every voice to participate, lead, and grow. Through shared learning, practical resources, and collaborative conversation, participants will discover fresh ways to strengthen worship and deepen connections across all ages.
Find resources in the Equip.pcusa.org course “Welcome to Mid Council Ministry.”
