Strengthening Ministry Together: Fall Events & Invitations

September 12th, 2025

In this Issue:

• Fall Regional Gatherings-Space STILL available

• Sept. 14th Installation Service at Westminster Olympia

• Calling for Nominations to serve as commissioners to the 227th General Assembly

• Trauma-informed Care workshops

• Transitional Ministry Training & Coaching

• Retirement Preparation

Fall Regional Gatherings-Space STILL available

In September and October the Olympia Presbytery gathers regionally for fellowship, connection, and learning.

Click HERE to learn more and to register! Dates: September 16th in Centralia and 23rd in Kelso. October 7th in Olympia. Longview date coming soon!

ACT QUICKLY SEATING IS LIMITED AND REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED TO ATTEND

NEW 227th GA Assembly Information

June 22 - July 2, 2026
Milwaukee, WI

The clock is ticking toward the opening of the 227th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) next June in Milwaukee.  The General Assembly planning team is working on next year’s format, which will include online committee meetings and in person plenaries. 

The Presbytery of Olympia is seeking Minister of Word and Sacrament, Ruling Elder, and Young Adult Advisor Delegate applicants from those interested in serving as commissioners to the 227th General Assembly. This is an opportunity to help the larger church learn, discern and engage in the mission Christ is calling us to do. 

What is the General Assembly (“GA”) ?
 GA is Presbyterians together discerning what the Spirit is saying to the churches. For the upcoming GA in 2026, commissioners will be busy with online. It’s a mix of both in-person and online.  Post GA service includes interpreting the actions of the General Assembly to the presbytery and its congregations and educating the presbytery on any proposed amendments to the PC(USA) Constitution.

How do I express interest in becoming a commissioner? 
Complete the online Interest Form  Click here to apply. Submit it by Oct. 1 to be considered as a nominee for election at the Nov. 6th, 2025, Stated Presbytery Meeting. 

Retirement Preparation reminders
The Board of Pensions offers three different opportunities with a holistic approach to retirement planning.  

1. For those within one year of retirement we have Retirement Conversations.  Retirement Conversations addresses key concerns related to retirement transitions through online learning and live, online discussions.  Those interested can learn more at this link:

   • Retirement Conversations 

2. For those within 10 or fewer years away from retirement, as well as their spouses or surviving spouses, we have THRIVE. THRIVE is offered in two formats: virtually and in-person.  Important to note: we have a West Coast location this October 2-3 in Pasadena, CA.  Other key points to note:

   • THRIVE: link to learn more and to find registrations links

   • Virtual THRIVE: no cost

   • In-Person THRIVE: $50 per person registration fee

   • Scholarships: we do have a limited number of scholarship for up to $500 to help registrants attend an in-person THRIVE.  The scholarships help with travel and lodging but do not offset the registration fees.

   • NOTE from Shari (EP & Stated Clerk) I am considering attending Thrive in October and would like to know if anyone else from here is planning to attend. If so, please let me know! ep@olypres.org

3. For those curious to begin reading about retirement, they can begin by:

   • Visiting our webpage dedicated to retirement planning: For Members Planning to Retire

• Helpful resources ~

• PCUSA Quarterly Resources Preview 2025

• View Updated Job Board listings here.