The Rev. Kathi Parchem is elated about her new position in the ministry.
At the Savannah Presbytery winter meeting on St. Simons Island, Parchem, the interim pastor of the First Presbyterian Church of Hinesville, was elected unanimously as the moderator of the Savannah Presbytery.
Comprised of 41 churches of Presbyterian Church USA, the Savannah Presbytery has approximately 6,000 members and covers Southeast of Georgia. The presbytery’s mission is to engage, encourage and resource congregations so that the churches are strengthened and saints are equipped while serving Jesus Christ.        
As the moderator, Parchem is authorized to conduct the business of the Presbytery and also is in line to become chair of the Presbytery Council in 2014.  Parchem succeeds Dr. C. Paul Scott, who is a retired president of Altamaha Technical College in Jesup.
“I am excited to see what God is doing. It is a privilege and honor to be elected to serve Christ’s church in this way. I have been a member of the presbytery since 2000,” Parchem said.
“I am committed to seeking the guidance and leading of the Holy Spirit across our Presbytery. I appreciate the high standards of excellence that my predecessor, Dr. Scott, maintained. My goal is to do the same.”
 Prior to coming to Hinesville in 2009, Parchem served as interim pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Statesboro and as pastor of the Swainsboro Presbyterian Church for three years.   
Parchem also has worked in development for numerous nonprofit programs, which included the Georgia Court Appointed Special Advocates, the Truancy Intervention Project of the Atlanta Bar Association and the Presbyterian Homes of Georgia. Currently, she serves on the board of directors of Villa International Atlanta.
She described First Presbyterian of Hinesville as a growing church that is active in outreach. The church partners with Midway First Presbyterian Church to give food boxes to about 70 families each month. The church also has a new ministry in terms of how it does  Sunday, and plans are under way for a military outreach.
“The Presbyterian church is very connectional. We help and support one another,” Parchem said.
She also cited First Presbyterian Christian Academy’s academic achievements, sporting programs and Christ-centered education.
“We are pleased to continue our strong support of the Christian Academy through financial support, leadership, and the use of our facilities,” Parchem said.