Congregational Support Committee
The Congregational Support Committee connects, encourages and equips churches within Grace Presbytery in an effort to strengthen and grow their congregations.
CONGREGATIONAL SUPPORT COMMITTEE LEADERSHIP COHORTS
The Congregational Support Committee believes in the importance of supporting and nurturing congregations and congregational leaders. One of the ways the committee does this is by partnering with Camp Gilmont to offer space for Leadership Cohorts. Leadership Cohorts provide a way for church leaders to gather with colleagues & friends in ministry for conversation, support and growth. We encourage cohorts to meet regularly via zoom or in-person and to take time for a retreat together for a multi-night stay at Camp Gilmont.
To be the best stewards of the staff and resources Gilmont is offering, we have implemented a 10-person minimum requirement for a cohort to be viable, but we also offer the possibility of smaller cohorts scheduling on the same dates to meet the minimums required. We can help in scheduling multiple cohorts together based on dates scheduled below.
How to Apply
To apply for a Leadership Cohort, please fill out the form below. Once you fill out the form, we will be in touch within a couple of days to get you a link to register yourself and the participants you have gathered.
*2025 Available Cohort Dates:
- August 11-15
- August 18-22
- August 25-28
- September 15-18
- October 6-8
- October 27-30
- November 3-6
- November 10-13
- December 1-4
- December 8-11
*(these are weeks that are currently available - you can pick 2-3 nights in the week, depending on how long you want it to be)
Overnight Costs Per Participant:
2 nights = $100 per participant with a minimum of 10 participants. ($300 actual cost, $200 subsidized by Congregational Support Committee)
3 nights = $200 per participant with a minimum of 10 participants. ($400 actual cost, $200 subsidized by Congregational Support Committee)
CONGREGATIONAL SUPPORT COMMITTEE GRANTS
The Process:
Grants are received anytime and will be discussed at the monthly meeting of CSC, usually on the 2nd Thursday of each month. If you have questions, please email Maria Shupe, moderator of the Congregational Support Committee.
2025 Committee Members
MODERATOR
Maria Shupe
Fort Worth, Ridglea Presbyterian Church
STAFF
Rev. Dr. Jen Bluestein, Coordinator of Generational Leadership Development
Grace Presbytery
Rev. Pepa Paniagua, Coordinator of Innovation & New Ministry Development
Grace Presbytery
Tammy Stepka, Office & Ministry Coordinator
Grace Presbytery
MEMBERS
Rev. Janet S. Boyanton
DeSoto, DeSoto Presbyterian Church
Meg Garver Hamilton
Mesquite, First Presbyterian Church
Rev. Dr. Lucia McKee Kremzar
Hurst, St. Philip Presbyterian Church
Rev. Leigh Ann Min
Mt. Pleasant, First Presbyterian Church
Rev. Jennifer Mitchell
Corsicana, Westminster Presbyterian Church
Rev. Kenny Rigoulot
Longview, Alpine Presbyterian Church
Rev. Rosy Robson McCreary
Richardson, First Presbyterian Church
Maria Shupe
Ft. Worth, Ridglea Presbyterian Church
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