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Libby Janes, SPDR Director Hunger is an ongoing crisis in our country that has been intensifying during the 43-day government shutdown and the temporary suspension of SNAP and WIC benefits. Churches around the Synod of the Sun have been courageously growing their ministries in creative ways to meet sharply increasing needs in their communities. Arkansas Presbytery’s Disaster Preparation and Response Team quickly responded by offering grants of up to $1,000 to support Arkansas

Much has been written about the Fundamentalist-Modernist Controversy that consumed the “Northern” Presbyterian Church in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The 19th century produced new ways of studying Scripture, using linguistic research as well as other ways of exploring the background of the biblical narrative. This challenged the traditional understanding  of Scripture as being literal and “inerrant” and led not only to controversy and heresy trials, but schisms in

The Synod of the Sun held its Fall 2025 Stated Meeting on October 27 at First Presbyterian Church in El Paso, Texas, under the leadership of Moderator Sharon Curry. Treasurer Bill Wiles reported that the Synod remains in strong financial health, with $13.4 million in assets and a balanced 2026 budget prioritizing mission, youth, and Hispanic ministries. Highlights included celebrations of vibrant programs such as the Synod Youth Workshop and the Hispanic Mission Ministries Ne

Bill Wiles, Treasurer, Synod of the Sun   In the world of accounting, the term “internal controls” refers to policies, procedures, and structures which organizations put in place to provide accurate information; comply with rules and regulations; safeguard assets; and make fraud or embezzlement more difficult.  The term internal controls broadly includes preventive measures (such as segregation of duties and levels of authorization), detective measures (such as financial revi

After a thorough search process, the Leadership Team of the Synod Partnership for Disaster Recovery (SPDR) is pleased to announce the appointment of Elizabeth “Libby” Janes as the new Director.   Libby is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with extensive experience in hospital, counseling, and community social work settings. She holds a Master of Divinity from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, a Master of Social Work from Texas Tech University, and a Bachelor of Arts f