Children’s book publishers – hoping perhaps for the next contemporary classic, another “Polar Express” or “Hershel and the Hanukkah Goblins” – have sent out a blizzard of holiday choices this year.
The gift you didn’t know you were getting this year could be free e-books, audio Bible stories and family activities from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Growing in Grace and Gratitude children’s curriculum.
Nobody rocked a cardigan sweater better than TV personality Fred Rogers. The beloved Presbyterian pastor hosted the nationally syndicated TV show Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood for 33 years on PBS. He began each episode by changing into his sneakers and putting on a cardigan before teaching children lessons of unconditional love and empathy as he interacted with his neighbors.
War has a human face. Every shadow, every line, every wrinkle is part of the story.
A PC(USA) peace delegation visited the War and Women’s Human Rights Museum during the group’s recent visit to South Korea. They watched video interviews with “comfort women,” who spoke no English. Although there were English subtitles, they weren’t necessary. The women’s faces said everything.
Where Are You Hiding, God? by Elisabeth Zartl is now available! In this new children’s book from Westminster John Knox Press, described by Foreword Reviews as “sweetly profound,” Elisabeth Zartl tells the story of a young girl who is trying to find God.
As an urban minister for more than 40 years, Bob Forsberg dedicated his willing hands, generous heart and sharp mind to serving people society had cast aside.
Recently, however, at age 91, the mental capacity that had served this Presbyterian minister so well began to fade. His memory loss became so debilitating that Forsberg, who had spent years focused on helping others, found himself in need of help.
In response to the lack of diversity found in children’s books, No One Else like You by author Siska Goeminne and illustrator Merel Eyckerman helps children appreciate the beauty of our diverse world and their place in it.
In God’s mission, we show our faith by our obedient service. In other words, as Francis of Assisi is believed to have said, “Preach the gospel at all times; when necessary, use words.” This is the task and mission of disciples of Jesus — to let our lives speak for themselves of the gospel, and if necessary to use words to enhance and amplify our faith.
In response to an invitation from the pastor of the Presbyterian church in Baghdad, the Rev. Dr. Joanne Sizoo, pastor of Grace Presbyterian Church in Fort Mill, South Carolina, and coordinator of the Iraq Partnership Network (IPN), is requesting that every city in Iraq be covered in prayer by congregations in the U.S.
First Presbyterian Church of Monticello, Illinois, is not a large church, but it has a big heart. Over its 175-year history church members have always given back to the community, says pastor Paul Spangler. But a few years ago, the church tried something different for Vacation Bible School, and the results proved beneficial for many residents in the small town as well as the church itself.
