The University of Pikeville, a Presbyterian-related institution also known as UPIKE, announced a $25 million gift, the largest single donation in its 133-year history, on Saturday during the university’s Health Professions Commencement Ceremony.
Acclaimed author, journalist and lecturer A.J. Jacobs will be the featured speaker at the opening plenary for the Stewardship Kaleidoscope Conference on Monday, Sept. 26.
The numbers put up by The Pittsburgh Promise over the last 13 years are astounding: to date, the organization has funded higher education for 10,635 students, helping them attend 142 institutions by raising more than $160 million in scholarships. Students are awarded $5,000 in scholarships annually for their four years of post-secondary education, with a series of support systems in place to make sure they’re grounded even as they study toward securing a credential.
I grew up in a large Italian family. A hallmark of our life together was that there was always room at the table for a guest. When anyone, friend or stranger, arrived at the house, they were profusely welcomed and invited to have a seat and to eat. Always. No exceptions.
In its final grant cycle for 2021, on behalf of the Presbyterian Mission Agency, the Mission Development Resources Committee awarded 18 Mission Program Grants to worshiping communities — including eight to those just getting started.
As the Church continues to adjust to the ever-changing habits and practices of pandemic life — online and hybrid worship, virtual offering plates, Zoom and “drive-by” fellowship — one thing has remained constant.
Presbyterian generosity.
When Dr. Seuss’s iconic Grinch famously declared that he must stop Christmas from coming, Sue Powers would hear nothing of it.
Pandemic or not, Oak Grove Presbyterian Church’s annual Alternative Christmas Marketplace would go on last year as usual.
Just not in the usual way.
Even as she’s been working stateside during the pandemic, mission co-corker Cindy Corell continues to walk alongside her Haitian partners. As Monday’s Between Two Pulpits broadcast made clear, Corell’s heart is very much in Haiti, especially following Saturday’s kidnapping of 12 adults and five children connected with a U.S. missionary organization.
