October 3, 2026, Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery met at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee, with commissioners participating both in person and virtually. Rev. Cliff Hudson served as moderator. The presbytery re-elected Rev. Cliff Hudson as moderator, Rev. Kriss McGowan as stated clerk and George Holland as treasurer. Rev. Mark Craven was elected vice moderator. The presbytery received an offering of $935 for earthquake relief efforts benefiting Cumberland Presbyterian churches in Colombia. Rev. Rebecca Zahrte, denominational coordinator of Women’s Ministry, presented a video highlighting ministry in Colombia. Acting on a recommendation from the Christian Education Committee, the presbytery approved five $800 scholarships for the upcoming Symposium, a total commitment of $4,000. The Committee on Ministry presented John Pyon (GJH Ministries) for licensure and Judy Doughtery for ordination. Both were examined and approved by the presbytery. Doughtery was ordained during the meeting with prayer and the laying on of hands. Rev. Lee Hollingshed presented the newly ordained minister with a communion set. The presbytery recognized Rev. Phillip Layne for decades of faithful service with a Legacy of Ministry honor. Additional actions included authorizing elders Michael Decker and Robert Howard to administer communion at Bartow Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Georgia for another year and approving temporary financial assistance for GJH Ministries in Duluth, Georgia. The presbytery also directed its representatives on the Camp Glancy board to clarify the participation of Coppinger Cove Baptist Church and arrange appropriate updates to incorporation documents. The presbytery approved the Board of Finance report and consent agenda. Commissioners also received information about the “Holy Ghost and Gifts of the Spirit Conference” scheduled for November at Oak Grove Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Whitwell, Tennessee. The Presbytery Council and simultaneous board meetings are scheduled for February 2, 2027, at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Chattanooga. The next stated meeting of Tennessee-Georgia Presbytery will be March 13, 2027, at First Cumberland Presbyterian Church in Cleveland, Tennessee.
Reported by Rev. Kriss McGowan, stated clerk.
