Ministry Engagement & Support 2

Commission proposes changes to Presbyterian Mission Agency structure, board moniker

Proposals including shifting the Presbyterian Mission Agency’s funds development, interpretation and education function into the PC(USA)’s Administrative Services Group are among those the Moving Forward Implementation Commission is nearly set to include in its report to the 224th General Assembly, due Feb. 21.

Links of Love inspires connections and giving

The Presbyterian Giving Catalog launched Links of Love recently as part of a special Giving Challenge. The Links of Love activity is aimed toward recognizing the power and impact of individual gifts when joined with others by creating a paper chain that visually represents Presbyterian generosity.

#GivingTuesday provides opportunity to support Presbyterian mission

After the commercialized rush that is Black Friday and Cyber Monday, #GivingTuesday offers Presbyterians and other people of faith the opportunity to bear witness to the spirit of gratitude as we move into the Season of Advent and celebrate the coming of Christ. Presbyterian Mission Agency (PMA) President and Executive Director the Rev. Dr. Diane Moffett thanks people in advance for their generous gifts to #GivingTuesday.

No more stingy stewardship

Stewardship is not simply asking for pledges at the end of the year to meet the needs of the church’s budget for the following year. Stewardship is a theological statement — a way of life. And it comes from believing that we are beloved children of God.

Giving to others renews congregations

Realizing that its closure was a real possibility, First Presbyterian Church in Winneconne, Wisconsin, called the Rev. Rose McCurdy as pastor to help the congregation find new life. One of its strengths was generosity toward local mission, but McCurdy sensed the congregation needed to extend its involvement beyond its community. When McCurdy picked up the Presbyterian Giving Catalog, she saw a resource that could help her struggling congregation in its quest for renewal. She saw the catalog as an avenue for increased mission participation, and the congregation’s mission committee agreed with her.

Faithraising, not fundraising

In the minds of many Presbyterians, the concept of stewardship is forever linked to the church’s fall fundraising campaign to support the budget. This multi-week drive culminates in “Stewardship Sunday,” during which pledge cards are brought forward and prayers are offered that the money represented there will be enough. This process makes some people so uncomfortable that they confess to skipping church, claiming, “I don’t want to listen to talk about money for an entire month.”

‘Christ-centered masculinity’

A resource developed by a U.S. pastor and a clergy colleague in Guatemala is helping Guatemalan men rethink the meaning of authentic masculinity.