Make A Donation
Click Here >
compassion peace and justice
This year’s weather systems, especially the El Nino patterns, have caused serious headaches for disaster assistance crews across the country, whether dealing with flooding or drought situations.
The recent shootings in Baton Rouge, Falcon Heights and Dallas have prompted the Interfaith Coalition to appeal to U.S. lawmakers to “mend divisions” between communities and law enforcement. In a letter to congressional leaders, the coalition, including the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), says the shootings are another reminder of the “great harm caused by unaddressed racial injustices and divisions in America.”
Global partners in South Sudan continue to ask for prayers, but also for advocacy. The fragile cease-fire in the country is holding for the moment. The Rt. Rev. Peter Gai, chair of the South Sudan Council Churches and Moderator of the Presbyterian Church of South Sudan, said by phone Friday afternoon that for the moment, the city feels calm.
A four-church collaboration in Milwaukee, Wisconsin is giving 150-200 children an opportunity to learn about the arts and sciences. Tippecanoe, Grace and North Shore Presbyterian Churches have joined with the Hephatha Lutheran Church to sponsor an eight-week “Arts and Science Literacy Camp” specifically for low and middle income families.
The emotional wounds from last week’s shootings in Dallas are still fresh for residents as well as for government and spiritual leaders. Since Thursday, faith leaders have prayed and mourned with the community and have begun discussing the best way for the city to heal and to bridge gaps.
For the third year in a row, a group of avid cyclists between 30 and 70 years of age will take to the California roads this September to combat hunger. The Pedal for Protein ride is scheduled for September 18-22. The Presbytery of the Redwoods launched the ride two years ago to help community food pantries provide protein-rich foods to families in need.
Presbyteries in Louisiana, Minnesota and Texas are working to help their communities respond in the wake of several shootings this week that have once again sparked debate over gun violence, racism and use of force by police.
Controlled chaos. That’s how Joan Stewart, executive director of the West Virginia Ministry of Advocacy and Workcamps—the long-term recovery response arm of the Presbytery of West Virginia—describes flood-damaged communities nearly two weeks after record flooding. The water has receded, but the clean up is just ramping up.
The Rev. Gladys Lariba Mahama has a big job. She’s a minister with the Presbyterian Church of Ghana serving five congregations spread across the upper east region. She is also the women’s coordinator for the Northern Presbytery and a social worker. Her work keeps her busy but the impact is rewarding.
The Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People (SDOP) approved grants totaling $124,000 to fund several self-help projects in the United States and abroad. The national committee met recently to approve funding for the projects, funding which is made possible through the One Great Hour of Sharing.
