community outreach Archives

Minute for Mission: 1001 New Worshiping Communities

Posted May 10th, 2017

When the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board met in Puerto Rico this spring, several board members went on a field trip. The visit to Mision Presbiteriana Rio Grande was the first experience with a new worshiping community for several board members. The first sign that this was not “church as usual” occurred when the drivers pulled up to a small storefront location squeezed between a mechanic shop and a laundromat in a tiny strip mall. Instead of stained glass windows and pews, they saw handmade decorations, vases of flowers picked from local gardens, and a welcoming crew of pastor Eileen Rivas and a few church elders. The space was just about the right size for the 35 attendees who show up regularly for worship.

Blessings of backpacks become part of larger commemorations

Posted September 23rd, 2016

What has become an annual ritual for many churches—the “Blessing of the Backpacks”—has taken on special importance at First Presbyterian Church in Findlay, Ohio. This year the event was integrated into the larger concept of commemorating milestones within the life of the church and its members, with “back to school” being just one of them.

Presbytery of the Pacific

Posted June 2nd, 2016

Los Angeles pastor explores value of community connections Carlton Rhoden has challenging responsibilities as pastor of Westminster Presbyterian Church in Los Angeles. Longtime residents of the inner city have witnessed an exodus to the suburbs while an increase in crime, gang violence and drugs has made life difficult for those who remained behind. Still, the church takes its mission seriously: “Celebrating 110 years of God’s grace serving the community with the love of Jesus Christ.”