Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Supports Menaul School Through Christmas Joy Offering to Cultivate Young Leaders

Søren Briggs, a 17-year-old from Albuquerque, New Mexico, has become the youngest ruling elder ever ordained at First Presbyterian Church. His deep engagement with Presbyterian history and theology has made the PC(USA)’s Book of Order a compelling read for him. Søren’s passion for his home church and the Presbyterian-affiliated Menaul School drives his commitment to exploring faith through service.

Søren’s interest in the Presbyterian tradition is further nurtured by his academic advisor, John Sitler, who chairs Menaul’s Religious Studies Department. Sitler has guided Søren through four years of study, noting the young man’s enthusiasm for Presbyterian polity and Reformed theology. “He just gets it,” Sitler said. “He’s taken every elective I’ve offered.”

Menaul School, with a history dating back to the late 19th century, began as a Presbyterian boarding school for Spanish-speaking boys, many of whom later became influential leaders in the PC(USA). Today, the school serves students from up to 30 countries, offering a diverse and globally minded educational environment. Søren was drawn to Menaul not only for its academic reputation and Presbyterian affiliation but also for its international student body.

Søren’s multilingual abilities in Spanish, German, and Chinese have also contributed to his appreciation of Menaul’s global perspective. “Even though I chose Menaul in part for its smaller size and strength as a STEM school, because I can hold conversations in Spanish, German and Chinese, I loved the international aspect,” he said. His interest in religious studies deepened during his freshman year, leading him to explore the school’s connection to the Presbyterian tradition more thoroughly.

The PC(USA)’s Christmas Joy Offering plays a vital role in supporting students like Søren. This cherished tradition, established in the 1930s, provides scholarships that enable exceptional students to attend Menaul. Søren’s experience is made possible, in part, by the generosity of donors who contribute to the Offering.

Through initiatives like the Christmas Joy Offering, the PC(USA) continues to invest in the development of young leaders who embody the values of service, faith, and community. Søren’s story reflects the church’s commitment to nurturing the next generation of believers and servants. As Micah 6:8 reminds us, to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God is the essence of a life lived in service to others.

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