Presbyterian News Service

‘Gravitating toward an ethos of possibility and hope’

To be relevant in the 21st century, the church must read scripture differently — to determine who is left out of the biblical texts and reach out to those people, the Rev. J. Herbert Nelson, II told Seattle Presbytery Tuesday night in a thunderous sermon that electrified a full house at Mercer Island Presbyterian Church.

Minneapolis church opens new wing

Westminster Presbyterian Church opened its spacious new wing on Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, with more than 1,100 people celebrating the physical connection of their 121-year-old church to a new building full of sunlight and color.

Two new books for the season of Lent

Two new resources for Lent are now available from Westminster John Knox Press. ‘Holy Solitude: Lenten Reflections with Saints, Hermits, Prophets, and Rebels’ by Heidi Haverkamp and ‘The Journey to Jerusalem: A Story of Jesus’ Last Days’ by John Pritchard provide a fresh perspective for the season, allowing you to reflect and connect in a new way.

Jim Atwood wins top Presbyterian Writers Guild award

The Rev. James E. “Jim” Atwood — an author, pastor, and a nationally-recognized voice on the subject of gun violence prevention — has been named the recipient of the 2018 David Steele Distinguished Writer Award by the Presbyterian Writers Guild (PWG).

The Academy: Training ruling elders

What is a small, isolated Presbyterian church to do if it can’t afford to hire an ordained pastor? As that dilemma becomes more common, several Midwestern presbyteries and the Synod of Lakes and Prairies are collaborating on coursework to train elders for greater responsibilities.

New Madison, Wisc., young adult ministry to debut in 2018

Not unlike many urban centers around the nation, Madison, Wisconsin is undergoing what can only be called a renaissance. Lured by work in the healthcare technology and other industries, hundreds of young adults are pouring into the downtown area to work and live in the transformed environment of housing, shopping and recreation.

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.