South continues to try and reduce our impact on the environment. Whenever possible, we prefer to use electronic communication through frequent eNews publications, by posting copies of selected handouts, and by directing you to our YouTube Channel and Pastor Deb’s periodic vlogs on her Facebook page, and podcasts. Her Sermons are found on the Pastor’s Page on this website.
The in-depth White Paper giving historical and theological background to the Acts of Faith Model of Ministry can be accessed and downloaded HERE.
The Book
In 2018, South Church published The Church Has Left the Building – A case-study of one church’s story of transformation, redefinition, and new life. This case-study outlines the events, year-by-year, which led to this 160+-year-old congregation selling its building, embracing a missional model of ministry, and being transformed into a vibrant force in the Body of Christ. The second half of each chapter is the Pastor’s thoughts and theological reflection as she chronicles her inner-most thoughts, fears, prayers, and revelations. This is a must-read for transformational leaders working with systemic change.
To purchase a digital version for $10.00, CLICK HERE.
Hard copies are available either for pick up at the South Church office, or to be mailed to you.
We are excited to share our adventure with you, but like most of us, we struggle to make ends meet. Therefore, we have listed some suggested donation levels, should you wish to order copies of this book.
To Order The Church Has Left the Building
___ Single Order suggested Donation $24 (includes S&H)
___ Complementary Clergy Copy sug. Donation $4 (for S&H)
____ 5 Books suggested Donation $90 (includes S&H)
____ 10 Books suggested Donation $160 (includes S&H)
____ 15 Books suggested Donation $200 (includes S&H)
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Contact us using the CONTACT tab above to arrange electronic payments, or send your gift along with your order to us at:
South Presbyterian Church | 144 Metro Park – Suite 3C | Rochester, New York 14623.
If you wish to be added to the direct emailing list for any of our ACTS of Faith, please use the Contact Us page to send us your email address and note the ACTS you are most interested in following. We invite you to sign up for email notification if you are not already receiving it OR to return to this website to view the next issue.
Thank you for your interest in South and our ACTS of Faith. All of the documents listed below can be viewed online or downloaded as PDF’s.
CLICK HERE for the most recent seasonal newsletter, AoF Connection
CLICK HERE for the most recent Acts of Faith listing
CLICK HERE for the original White Paper outlining the history and theology behind the Acts of Faith Model of Ministry and also to view the basic Precepts that make this model unique.
CLICK HERE for to order the case-study workbook that will walk you through your own experience in light of what this little church did. In 2018, South Church published The Church Has Left the Building: Put us where you want us and show us what to do (A case-study of one church’s story of transformation, redefinition, and new life.) This case-study outlines the events, year-by-year, which led to this 160+-year-old congregation selling its building, embracing a missional model of ministry, and being transformed into a vibrant force in the Body of Christ. The second half of each chapter is the Pastor’s thoughts and theological reflection as she chronicles her inner-most thoughts, fears, prayers, and revelations. This is a must-read for transformational leaders working with systemic change. To purchase a downloadable PDF or eBook version for $10.00, CLICK HERE. To order a hard copy to be mailed to you ($12.50 including postage & handling), use the CONTACT tab above.
CLICK HERE for our most recent Annual Report
OTHERS ARE COMING ON BOARD …
In 2018, after nearly three years of working togethe, New Life Presbyterian Church (Rochester, NY) dissolved as a congregation but kept its five ministries alive through the Acts of Faith Model. With the support of the Presbytery of Genesee Valley, South and New Life pioneered a new way for church resurrection – blending with another congregation while maintaining the independence of their ministries that is afforded by the AoF Model. CLICK HERE to view and/or download the Transitional Plan for Blending South & New Life Presbyterian Churches which was successfully enacted. Because of the three-year commitment on the part of both Sessions, “the two have become one” with all 20 collective Acts of Faith under the authority of South’s Session. This is not a traditional merger, yolked-parish, or “assumption” of one church by another; the AoF model, by virtue of the individual identity of each Act of Faith (see the White Paper for the Precepts of this Model) allowed New Life members to continue their own ministries while aligning with South’s and create “something new altogether.”
CLICK HERE for Bible & Brew Handouts