Update from the GP – February 2026

by General Presbyter Melana Scruggs

Our first presbytery meeting of 2026 will be Thursday, February 19, at United in Bradenton. Westminster Bradenton, one of our mission partners, is providing lunch for free. Please register by February 15 (this link is also available on the home page of the website). We look forward to the opportunity to have fellowship, to worship together, and to accomplish business, including examining a child of this presbytery for ordination to the Word and Sacraments. The packet will be available on the website beginning Monday, February 9.

The Steering Committee met in person at First Port Charlotte in January and discussed the purpose and direction of that committee. You will hear more about that later. They did decide that the theme for our presbytery meetings for 2026 will be Prophetic Imagination. As the world changes, the church must change to meet the challenges.

Our newest church, The Community Church in Babcock Ranch, has started their new building. You can see pictures and follow updates by going to this link on their website.

The first Viability Grants were awarded in late December to two congregations. Burnt Store received a grant to support calling an associate pastor to increase family and youth ministry and outreach to a growing community. Palmetto received a grant to support calling a full-time pastor to guide the congregation into the future. These are both exciting ministries and we look forward to seeing how the congregations grow in outreach and support. These grants are possible because of the faithful stewardship of the congregation of Chapel by the Sea on Fort Myers Beach.