From the Presbytery Hunger Committee

21 July 2026

Greetings in the name of Jesus Christ, our Lord !

On behalf of the Salem Presbytery’s Hunger Committee and our Pennies for Hunger Program, I write to you once again for two important reasons.

First, thank you to every congregation, individual, and family who has actively contributed to Pennies for Hunger. Because of your generosity, we have made meaningful impacts in the lives of countless siblings throughout our region and in Africa. Through your partnership, neighbors have received nourishing food, clean water, and renewed hope. Your gifts provide more than sustenance: they offer dignity, encouragement, and the blessing of one less burden to carry.

Second, I offer a gentle appeal to congregations that have been collecting

contributions throughout the year, as well as to those that have not yet begun their collections. Please consider submitting whatever funds you have collected or are able to contribute as soon as you are able. At the end of August, we will award our summer grants, and your generosity will help us support as many ministries as possible—and provide each one with the strongest grant we can offer.

We recognize that these are challenging times for many congregations and families. Please do not feel discouraged if you are unable to contribute at this time. However, if you are able, would you consider making a gift of $100, $500, $1000, or more ? Gifts of every amount will help us—as a Presbytery—to respond faithfully to Christ’s command: “Feed my sheep.”

Thank you for your prayerful consideration and continued partnership. Should you have any questions or ideas about how we may further serve our siblings and neighbors experiencing hunger in our communities, please reach out to me. Together, we may continue building bridges across the chasm of hunger and extending Christ’s compassion to those around us.

May the Peace of Christ be with you and yours,

The Rev. Jeremy Cannada

Chairperson, the Salem Presbytery’s Hunger Committee

Salem Presbytery Black Caucus

We are excited that you will be in attendance for our next hybrid Black Caucus Meeting on Saturday, August 8, 2026. The gracious host will be the members of Boonville. The church is located at 419 River Road Boonville. The meeting is scheduled for 10am-12pm.  If you are unable to attend in person, the information to log-on virtually is below.

Zoom Link

Public Education Information

"Public Ed Works (formerly known as Higher Ed Works) is a non-partisan 501(c)(3) charitable organization that focuses on increasing residents’ knowledge of public education in North Carolina. We educate people about the benefits of our public education systems and explain how public schools are funded and supported.

Public Ed Works drives to inspire legislative support and equitable funding for all NC public education: Pre-K early childhood, K-12, community colleges and four-year public universities.”

If you would like to follow/donate or get their newsletter, here is their link: https://www.publicedworks.org/about/

Eight Myths About Vouchers

Intro By Ginny Gaylor, Public Ed Works

By Dr. J. Drew Tonissen

According to Article 9, section 2 of the North Carolina constitution, “The General Assembly shall provide by taxation and otherwise for a general and uniform system of free public schools, which shall be maintained at least nine months in every year, and wherein equal opportunities shall be provided for all students.”

Equal. Let’s think about that for a minute. Is it equal to siphon money away from the public schools to private schools via vouchers? For that matter, is it even constitutional?

Many who support vouchers cite the choice it offers families. But if that choice doesn’t equally allow all families to afford private schools, then is that something that tax payer dollars should be funding? Few private schools provide transportation, free lunch or special education services like public schools do, leaving parents to pick up the tab for these services. Even if the voucher covers a private school’s tuition, it doesn’t take into account these services — services public schools must provide to all.

Read more >>

When Housing is out of reach . . .

The Housing Event we have been talking about is finally here!!!!

Come and join us at September’s Salem Presbytery’s Meeting 9/1st. Being held at Clemmons Presbyterian Church. Clemmons, NC.  Our speakers will be Dr. Ruth Burcaw, City With Dwellings and Cecile Crawford, American Friends Services Committee.

This workshop is based on the video “Evicting the American Dream”. To view this video long onto Amazon and you can buy the video for little monies. Just click HERE.

Peace and Justice Update

The Peace and Justice Task Force recommends that members of the presbytery consider using the links below to advocate for policies of justice as the OPW has recommended .

• Tell Congress No More Blank Checks for War

• Call on Congress to Ensure Sufficient Aid Reaches Gaza

• Call on the Senate to Block Bombs and Military Equipment to Israel

• Urge Congress to Uphold Its Constitutional Responsibility on War with Iran

Old Providence Presbyterian Singing

On Saturday, August 1, 2026, Old Providence Presbyterian Church in Cleveland, NC will host its 120th annual Fa So La Singing ( Old Folks’ Singing). Congregational and group singing of old hymns  as well as dinner on the grounds and  shape note singing occur during the Fa So La. The singing begins at 10:00 am and concludes at 3:00pm.Please make plans to attend our 120th annual Fa So La Singing.

Installation of Rev. Dr. Dari Rowen

Salem Presbytery will install the Rev. Dr. Dari Rowen as Associate Pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Burlington on Sunday, August 9, 2026, at 4:00 pm at First Presbyterian Church in Burlington. Since the installation of a new pastor is an act of the Presbytery, members of Salem are cordially invited and encouraged to attend this service of worship.

Installation of Rev. Betsy Swetenburg

Salem Presbytery will install the Rev. Betsy Swetenburg as Senior Pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church on Sunday, August 30, 2026, at 10:00 am at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Greensboro. Since the installation of a new pastor is an act of the Presbytery, members of Salem are cordially invited and encouraged to attend this service of worship.

July Prayers for:

Peace and Justice Task Group

Please Hold the Following in Your Prayers

• Prayers for the family of Rev. R.C. Griffin on the death of his father, Ralph (Butch) C. Griffin, Jr.

• Prayers for the Rev. Dr. Toddie Peters, recuperating from knee replacement surgery, and awaiting the second knee replacement on August 14th.

We will list these prayer requests for two weeks unless we are notified that they are to be continued. You may submit prayer requests through the link below.

Submit Prayer Requests Here

Ordination Anniversaries

Please pass along congratulations to the following who are celebrating anniversaries of their ordinations:  

• Robert Goforth ordained July 31, 1983

• Jim Lunde II ordained July 31, 2011  (15th in 2026)

• Rob Evans III ordained July 31, 1977