As you are reading this, over 200 Presbyterian teaching elders are scattered throughout our nation and the world in service to church and country. These teaching elders serve in federal chaplaincy positions with the Department of Defense, the Department of Veterans Affairs or the Federal Bureau of Prisons.
Members of Third Presbyterian Church of Rochester, New York believe more needs to be done to improve education in their city and they’ve launched an initiative to do just that.
For more than a century, the manse next to First Presbyterian Church in tiny Baird, Texas (population 1,600) served many functions: as the church’s first sanctuary, as a home for a string of pastors, and as space for vacation Bible School and adult Sunday school classes. In recent years, however, it had become an albatross, a dilapidated structure that was too expensive to repair and too expensive to demolish.
When members of Canfield (Ohio) Presbyterian Church began raising funds for a remodeling project and addition in 2008 they made sure 10 percent of the capital raised was reserved for mission activities. Several years later, and after another remodel of existing facilities, the church opened its mission housing space to those engaged with area service organizations.
Leaders from about two dozen presbyteries across the country gathered in Des Moines, Iowa, August 26–27, for the trial run of a new kind of training event. Called “Practical Presbytery Leadership Training: Teamwork for Changing Times,” the conference was designed to equip teams of people to meet the diverse leadership needs of their presbyteries, especially those in the midst of change.
Presbyterians interested in seeing firsthand what countries are doing about climate change have an opportunity to join the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program Environmental Ministries and World Mission on a two-country tour next year. The ministries are hosting a travel study seminar to Guatemala and Costa Rica January 9–20.
The Center for Faith and Service, based at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago has announced the fourth annual list of Seminaries that Change the PWorld (STCTW). Among the winners are four seminaries of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.): Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Columbia Theological Seminary, McCormick Theological Seminary and Union Presbyterian Seminary.
“Is Sylvia all right?” The anxious voice on the telephone was inquiring about her three-year old daughter. Sylvia had started preschool the day before and her mother was concerned that she might not adjust to the new setting. “Sylvia’s fine,” answered the preschool director, “I was in her classroom and saw her just a few minutes ago. She’s playing with a puzzle.”
Every September, the first few weeks of preschool bring new children to La Casa Community Center. Some have older sisters and brothers who have attended the preschool, but for most it is a new experience for both the children and their parents.
The Moral Revival made its latest stop on a 20-city tour at St. Stephen Baptist Church in Louisville, Ky., on October 4. In collaboration with the Kentucky Council of Churches, headed by PC(USA) minister the Rev. Dr. Peggy Hinds, and local ministries, the Rev. Dr. William Barber II brought his message of moral governance based on Christian values to the city, urging clergy to preach on and act for just policies in the city and state.
In December our son Noah was visiting for Christmas. He and Brian held a belated surprise birthday party for me. Over 25 people gathered in our home. Half were our Presbyterian sisters and brothers and half were new friends from our Xela community. I was overwhelmed with the love they shared with me. This is what happens when one chooses to walk with people and take the time to listen to their stories.
