September 23, 2016
September 23, 2016
Despite fire at Philly church, ‘the church of Jesus Christ is very much alive’
Five weeks after fire ravaged a century-old Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, those affiliated with the church have responded with resilience.
For more than a century, Good Shepherd Presbyterian Church stood tall in the city’s Overbrook neighborhood. Now only the charred outer walls of the building remain after fire raged through the church during an early Monday morning in late August.
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September 23, 2016
Presbyterians to hear firsthand account of Syrian Refugee Crisis
As Syria’s fragile U.S./Russian negotiated cease fire agreement hangs in the balance, Presbyterian congregations are hearing about the work to help refugees who have remained in the region. Read more »
September 23, 2016
YAVs begin service year after weeklong training
The lives of nearly 80 young adults were transformed recently as the 2016–2017 Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) class gathered at Stony Point Conference Center in New York to begin their YAV experience; each had signed up for “a year of service for a lifetime of change.” Read more »
September 22, 2016
Illinois congregation finds transformation through community dinners
When Rev. Dr. Nancy Jo Dederer earned her Doctor of Ministry degree in parish revitalization, she had no idea that church transformation would become her calling.
And not only her calling, but also a blessing to the people of Homewood, Illinois.
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September 22, 2016
Training Leaders for Community Transformation in Niger
Niger has consistently ranked at the bottom of the United Nations Human Development Index. Indicators that
reflect that ranking include the following:
• Only 40 percent of men and 20 percent of women are literate.
• There is one doctor for every 50,000 people.
• One in seven women dies in childbirth.
• 40 percent of children under age five are malnourished.
• 20 percent of children die before their fifth birthday.
• Up to 90 percent of the population is involved in subsistence agriculture.
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September 22, 2016
Dallas congregation launches ‘Waffles and Worship’
If all God’s children have a place in the choir, First Presbyterian Church of Dallas is well on its way to filling the risers.
By combining its Sunday school and children’s choir programming into a new Sunday Club—an expanded, holistic 90-minute session on Sunday mornings for elementary-age children—the church hopes to involve many more children and families in its ministries of faith formation.
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September 22, 2016
Minute for Mission: World Communion Sunday/Peace and Global Witness Offering
A shared faith and joint worship are building a bridge that is helping two Denver congregations cross a racial divide. Central Presbyterian, a predominantly white congregation, and Peoples Presbyterian, a predominantly African American one, began this journey on Martin Luther King Day this year. Central members traveled the 2.3 miles that separate the two congregations to worship with Peoples. The following Sunday, Peoples visited Central. Read more »
September 22, 2016
2016 Season of Peace
September 22, 2016
PC(USA) delegation visits church partners in Philippines
Between October 15 and November 8, 2013, the Philippines received a one-two punch of natural disasters. A 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck the island of Bohol and then weeks later Typhoon Haiyan makes landfall on the islands of Samar and Leyte. By the time it was over, more than 6,000 people were killed and millions were left homeless. Read more »