Mission Yearbook

New PC(USA) collegiate ministries resource to address gun violence

The collegiate ministry network of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) will launch new curriculum addressing gun violence at the UKirk National Summit, which will take place just prior to the 223rd General Assembly (2018) in St. Louis, June 16–23.

PC(USA) pastor recognized by 2018 Special Olympics USA Games

The Rev. Peg Roy of First Presbyterian Church in Auburndale, Florida, is being recognized by the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games in Seattle as a Game Changer in her community, as part of the organization’s #iamagamechanger campaign.

Minute for Mission: Health awareness and prayer for healing and wholeness

Several years ago, I had an opportunity to visit Westminster by-the-Sea Presbyterian Church in Daytona Beach Shores, Florida, for a Sunday worship service. I had always enjoyed my visits to this church, knowing that I would hear outstanding music and an excellent sermon by their senior pastor, the Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Sumner. But I also heard another important message that day. Dr. Sumner spoke of the need for parishioners to attend to their physical health as well as their spiritual well-being. And on this particular Sunday, there would be an opportunity to do this by taking advantage of a free screening for skin cancer that a local dermatologist would be providing immediately after the worship service.

Finding joy in the midst of sorrow

Checkpoint, at the edge of the city, is where we disembark from the taxi with the Rev. Philip Obang, the general secretary of South Sudan Presbyterian Evangelical Church. As private and public vehicles are not allowed beyond this point, we jump on the back of “boda bodas” (motorcycle taxis) to ferry us down below, the horizon monopolized by a city of white tents. POC3 is the largest of three UN Internally Displaced Persons camps on the outskirts of the city of Juba, the capital of South Sudan. Entering the camp I ask Rev. Philip, “How many refugees are in this camp?” He gestures widely with his arms, “Thousands!”

Sexual harassment in the church

When the news about Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein’s history of sexual harassment became public, women flooded social media with the hashtag #MeToo. In solidarity with women who were harmed by Weinstein, women shared their personal stories of being emotionally and physically demeaned by men.

On immigration

Conversations in the church going deeper and farther February 6, 2018 The immigration conversation is nowhere close to being done. The political discourse around immigration continues to affect communities and… Read more »

Putting ‘energy’ into mission

An energy audit at the Presbyterian Foundation in Jeffersonville, Indiana, has resulted in energy savings of close to 25 percent. And according to Colby May, whenever churches or church organizations can save money on energy, they’re freeing up money for ministry.