Despite tension and polarization in church and society, Hispanic Latin Presbyterian Women (MHLP, in the Spanish acronym) came together recently under the theme “Connect . . . Grow . . . Serve” for their triennial assembly. Almost 200 Spanish-speaking Presbyterian women from congregations in the United States and Puerto Rico gathered in Fort Worth, Texas, to celebrate Encuentro VIII. Read more »
August 26, 2016
Hispanic Latin Presbyterian Women renew commitment to unity, service
Despite tension and polarization in church and society, Hispanic Latin Presbyterian Women (MHLP, in the Spanish acronym) came together recently under the theme “Connect . . . Grow . . . Serve” for their triennial assembly. Almost 200 Spanish-speaking Presbyterian women from congregations in the United States and Puerto Rico gathered in Fort Worth, Texas, to celebrate Encuentro VIII. Read more »
Bill and Lori Picard, Nez Perce tribal members of Lapwai, Idaho, exemplify concerned and visionary discipleship. In 1997 their son Quanah died in an automobile accident. Three years later their son Skylin also died in an automobile accident. But God called the couple to turn tragedy into discipleship. 
Do not stand idly by when your neighbor’s life is threatened. (Leviticus 19:16 NLT)
Do Not Stand Idly By (DNSIB) is more than a catchy phrase; it is a biblical mandate and founding principle that guides the work of a campaign started by the Metro Industrial Areas Foundation, an ecumenical coalition of congregations across the country. We seek to stand with and work on behalf of those who have been impacted by gun violence. This national campaign seeks to get safer, smarter gun technology into the marketplace and to pressure manufacturers to work toward safer, smarter dealer networks. 
Cleanup continues in the aftermath of devastating flooding in the Gulf Region, two weeks ago. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is on the ground providing assistance to the Presbytery of South Louisiana, working together with local and national partners, to meet immediate and long terms needs. 
Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God. (Matthew 5:9)
Everyone can do something for peace.
What can one person do to advance world peace? Elizabeth Meehan, an elder at Presbyterian-New England Congregational Church of Saratoga Springs, New York, learned. Eight years ago, Meehan wanted to get involved in peacemaking, a cause that touches the environment, equitable access to resources, hunger, and many other topics. Meehan gained the support of her church’s Social Concerns Committee, and the Peace Fair was born. 
new calling
In the nearly four years since Hurricane Sandy struck the United States, volunteer work teams from across the country have traveled to the hard-hit regions, particularly New Jersey and New York, to help people recover and return to their homes. But after months of hosting recovery teams, one church believes the time has come to close the doors on its Sandy relief efforts.
The pieces may be different, but the center holds us fast.
These days, I suppose we could consider Christ our “Network Administrator,” the only One who is permitted to make changes in our lives together. Network administrators are those folks to whom we turn when our computers experience a glitch, when our systems are all confused, and when we just need to “reboot.” The Administrator can fix it all and get us back on track! 
Do you call today’s Gospel reading (Luke 16:1–13) the parable of the Dishonest Steward, the Shrewd Manager, or something else? Either way, in the end, this servant pleases the master in the story with his more abundant view of the economy and in spite of unjust accounting to gain friends and shelter. We could call the servant a shrewd investor in eternal homes. 
A common religious conceit is that people turn to prayer only in times of difficulty and despair. In my time as a hospice chaplain, I have found that idea to be untrue. Often pain and grief seem to stifle one’s ability to connect with God in prayer. Prayer can seem both insufficient and overwhelming when trauma has pierced the soul. I am often called in to assist people in these times of spiritual disconnect. 
The Synod gathering of Waldensian and Methodist Churches met in Turin, Italy, August 21-26, 2016. The meeting included ministers and member commissioners from congregations and 32 ecumenical guests from Europe and from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Leaders and ecumenical representatives spoke Italian, English, French, German and Spanish.