Developing Tomorrow's Leaders Today

Synod News
Aug 11
3 min read

Dear Sisters and Brothers of the Synod of the Sun:

Peace and blessings on behalf of the Hispanic Ministries Mission Network (HMMN)!

HMMN is excited share with you that we are continuing our workshop series, Developing Tomorrow’s Leaders Today, and we would like to invite you to join us.

For those of you who are unfamiliar with HMMN, we are a network of the Synod of the Sun, and our goal is to find, build up, and equip leaders in our Hispanic Presbyterian churches. Last Fall during our first workshop, we were reminded that even in congregations without a full-time ordained preacher, we do have a Pastor (our Lord and Savior, Jesus!) and that if we have the Holy Spirit within us, then we too can be leaders!

Next month, we will start our new Workshop series, which focuses on Connections – virtual and in-person,

Workshop #1: Are You There?

Saturday, September. 6, 2025

9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Emmanuel Presbyterian Church

713 Division Ave.

San Antonio, TX 78225

(8:30 a.m. – Coffee and Fellowship)

At this workshop, we will learn about equipment needed for setting up an online presence, building a church website, and participate in hands-on learning experiences in using online tools such as Zoom, YouTube, and other social media. Be sure to bring a device that you can use to access the internet during this workshop (ex. laptop, tablet, smartphone). Attendees will receive information on suggested basic equipment and prices to share with their congregations. We will also discuss our physical presence: Can your church be found by a visitor? By your presbytery? Has your congregation submitted a statistical report recently?

Workshop #2: Are You There Now?

Saturday, Oct. 4, 2025

9:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.

Emmanuel Presbyterian Church

713 Division Ave.

San Antonio, TX 78225

(8:30 a.m. – Coffee and Fellowship)

This workshop will include follow-up and hands-on instruction for equipment and technologies implemented. Participants are encouraged to bring laptops, smart phones, or tablets.

HMMN is offering two types of grants this Fall for workshop attendees.

Matching Technology Grants. HMMN will offer matching technology grants of up to $500 for Hispanic PCUSA churches in the Synod of the Sun. Grant applications will be distributed at Workshop #1; deadline to submit grant requests is Sept. 22, 2025. Churches must attend both Workshop #1 & #2 in-person to qualify. HMMN encourages both youth and adult sponsors to attend, and we ask that attending churches have the support of their Sessions and church leadership when applying for grants.

Travel Grants. For Workshops #1 and #2, HMMN is offering Travel Grants of $100 to each participant who travels more than 200 miles to attend. Grant requests and W-9s must be submitted to receive funds (forms will be distributed at the workshops).

To register to attend in-person for Workshop #1, please go to: https://tinyurl.com/HMMN9-6-2025. Deadline to register is Tuesday, September 2, 2025. Those who wish to attend virtually can register by sending an email to hmmnsos@yahoo.com. Zoom participants are ineligible to receive the matching grants.