Synod

Gathering in Hope and Preparation: 2026 Spring Synod Assembly

The 2026 Spring Synod Assembly will take place February 23–24 at the Presbyterian Mission Center in Irving, Texas, and we look forward to gathering together for worship, learning, and connection. Commissioners and Co-Responding Members will receive their first information letter later this week with important details to help you prepare for our time together. As part of our shared commitment to safety and preparedness, this year’s Assembly will include an SPDR Active Shoote

Jan 151 min read

Doing What Is Right in Our Own Eyes: Judges, Arrogance, and the Cost of Forgotten Humility

Reading through the book of Judges can be a difficult experience, especially as we get closer to the end and Israel descends into such a darkness of separation from God. They were happy to take the statutes that had been passed down to them, but the way they twisted them to suit their own purposes sends chills down my spine every time I read it. How can this be? But then I look at the world we are living in, and as a lover of history I look at all the evil we have inflicte

Jan 144 min read

A Basic Finance Vocabulary

The language used in financial discussions can be overwhelming and intimidating. This is especially true for pastors and congregational volunteers who often come to their jobs without having received any formal financial education. The area of FINANCE can be broadly described as being founded upon money, time, available alternatives, and liquidity. While these four areas are each distinct, they are also deeply intertwined with each other. Also, like any language, the gen

Jan 134 min read

Rediscovering the Heart of Christmas

Greetings; may the grace, mercy, and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord be with you all. It is two weeks before Christmas, the decorations are going up and gifts being bought. The parties and fun events are happening, and we are deep into Advent. It was just BEFORE Halloween that we began to be in-undated with the “Christmas Spirit.” (Ugh), I have come to despise the use of that phrase in our modern media and conversation. It is not so much the commercial

Dec 15, 20254 min read

Are You a Minister?

Clergy are different (the IRS says so) The Internal Revenue Service (“IRS) has a long history of treating the income taxes of ordained clergy differently than other taxpayers. These special income tax provisions which apply to ordained clergy recognize both the clergy’s often unique employment conditions as well as the many ways in which clergy serve, and thus are paid by, those they minister to. The flip side of the coin is that many people and business entities intentio

Dec 12, 20253 min read

Making History Today: Why Do We Do This? - Gratitude

As we approach the end of another calendar year and prepare to celebrate God’s incarnation in the birth and life of Jesus Christ, it seems appropriate to remind ourselves why there is a Presbyterian Historical Society of the Southwest and why we might be interested in the lives of those who have gone before us. There are several important sources that are helpful. The first is biblical. While the people of Judah lived as exiles in Babylon, Isaiah wrote to them, “Look to the

Dec 11, 20253 min read

Making History Today: Heretics

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

Nov 19, 20255 min read

Synod of the Sun Celebrates Strong Finances, New Partnerships, and Shared Mission at Fall 2025 Meeting

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

Nov 11, 20252 min read

An Overview of Internal Controls

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

Nov 10, 20254 min read

Libby Janes Appointed New Director of the Synod Partnership for Disaster Recovery

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

Nov 5, 20252 min read

Making History Today: Father of 20th Century Texas Presbyterianism

Hugh Wilson, Sumner Bacon, Daniel Baker, W. Y. Allen, Melinda Rankin, Hiram Chambelain can all be seen as important 19th century pioneers in bringing the gospel to Texas. Indeed, Hugh Wilson is identified by one historian as “the father of Texas Presbyterianism.” That historian is William Stuart Red who, in this writer’s mind, might claim a similar title for 20th century Presbyterianism. Although more than half his life was spent in the 19th century, much of his work and infl

Oct 26, 20255 min read