Congregational Vitality

Union Presbyterian Seminary professor awarded $18k grant to write Earth care liturgy

Union Presbyterian Seminary Professor of Theology the Rev. Dr. Paul Galbreath has been awarded a grant from the Calvin Institute of Christian Worship to develop liturgical resources for congregational use that link Christian discipleship and Earth care, grounding environmental advocacy in corporate worship practices.

In the breaking of bread, their eyes were opened

Building bridges between Central Presbyterian Church in Des Moines, Iowa, and others in the faith community is the thinking behind a series of get-to-know-you meals the congregation is calling “souper suppers.”

Healthy congregations: A body of Christ checkup

Parking lot meetings. Wealthy members with outsized influence. Inconsistent practices. Confusion about purpose and vision. There are lots of ways for a congregation’s systems to be unhealthy, and I suspect you could add to this list. Whatever the problem or situation, all do one thing: They undermine a church’s vitality.

Presbyterian homeless ministry serves 8 millionth meal

Last month, the Stewpot, a ministry of First Presbyterian Church of Dallas, served its 8 millionth meal — equivalent to 13 million pounds or 2,800 pallets of food — marking a major milestone in the ministry’s 44-year history.

$350k gift energizes mission in Presbytery of Detroit

A $350,000 gift from an anonymous donor is inspiring congregations and community partners to work together to put their faith into action through new and existing mission initiatives in communities across the Presbytery of Detroit.