April 25: Grace Presbytery

Presbytery Invests in the Future of the Church

April 25, 2016

Change and uncertainty are never easy. In 2015, Grace Presbytery took an unfortunate legal situation and turned it into something positive and uplifting. The previous year, Highland Park Presbyterian Church of Dallas agreed to pay Grace Presbytery $7.8 million in order to obtain both a release of its obligations under the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s trust clause and ecclesiastical dismissal from the denomination.

We chose to look at this event as an unexpected gift, and we felt strongly that the money should be used to strengthen ministry. On October 1, the presbytery voted to designate for mission purposes more than 90 percent of the money received. We felt a responsibility to support the larger church, to strengthen leaders, and to support young adults.

The money will fund a scholarship endowment at Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary; provide an endowment at Austin College for the Activators, a mobile youth ministry team; support PC(USA) international mission co-worker positions; fund 20 Young Adult Volunteer scholarships; facilitate leadership development events; provide mission study trip opportunities; fund a three-year small church mission specialist; and provide funds for a Hispanic mission probe in East Texas.

We strive to embody the gospel of Jesus Christ by helping people learn more about their faith and connect with their communities. We are using these funds to invest in the future leaders of our church and assist current church leaders with their outreach. There is a lot of life-changing work happening in Grace Presbytery, and we know our funds will impact our churches and mission work for years to come.

Janet M. DeVries, General Presbyter

Let us join in prayer for:

Presbytery Staff:

Jan DeVries, General Presbyter
Mike Thompson, Associate General Presbyter
Gerry Tyer, Stated Clerk

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff

Stephanie Morris, PW
Teri Morrison, FDN
Sterling Morse, PMA

Let us pray

Gracious God, thank you for the mission and ministry of the congregations of our presbytery. By your Spirit, guide us so that we may be the church in our communities. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen.