office of theology and worship Archives

Office of Theology and Worship develops resources for prayer and comfort during the pandemic

Posted April 15th, 2020

The latest COVID-19 resources from the Presbyterian Church, (U.S.A.)’s Office of Theology & Worship, “Prayer at the Time of Death” and “Comforting the Bereaved,” are stark reminders of the times we are living in — and dying in.

Spirit-inspired worship requires breathing life into dry bones

Posted April 9th, 2020

Using Ezekiel’s stark vision of the Valley of Dry Bones, the Rev. Dr. David Gambrell elicited any number of innovative ideas from about 70 pastors and other church leaders during Wednesday’s videoconference on Spirit-inspired worship, one of the Seven Marks of Vital Congregations.

Further considerations for worship in virtual space

Posted April 8th, 2020

The following is revised and updated from a Presbyterian News Service article published March 11: As the COVID-19/coronavirus outbreak advances, congregations are responding in creative and highly effective ways. Given strong guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and federal, state, and local governments against gathering in person, many have chosen live-streaming or pre-recorded modified services as a way to glorify God together, stay connected as the body of Christ, and seek the healing work of the Spirit.

Everyday God-talk

Posted March 23rd, 2020

The Office of Theology & Worship invites Presbyterians to visit its Facebook page for Everyday God-talk with So Jung Kim, Associate for Theology.

An order of worship for online services is ready — and it’s adaptable

Posted March 18th, 2020

The Office of Theology and Worship has developed an order of worship, available here, that’s been adapted for congregations gathering exclusively or primarily online in response to the coronavirus.

Coronavirus resources have been gathered on one PC(USA) webpage

Posted March 12th, 2020

Resources that mid councils, churches and individuals can use for worship, congregational care and other areas of ministry as the coronavirus continues to spread across the United States have been gathered in one spot, at pcusa.org/coronavirus.

A peace that surpasses all understanding

Posted March 11th, 2020

These days the Rev. Dr. Ray Jones III has a fancy title — director of Theology, Formation & Evangelism for the Presbyterian Mission Agency. But at one time he was a young pastor embarking on his first call at a church in a town in Mississippi.

Coronavirus: Faith not fear

Posted March 3rd, 2020

Many people worldwide have questions about Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19), first detected in China and now in more than 60 locations internationally, including the United States.

Just in time for Lent

Posted February 21st, 2020

An array of Lenten resources designed to help congregations, mid councils and individuals mark Jesus’ journey to the cross and, just days later, his victory over the grave, have been gathered into one place on the website of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

A year with Matthew

Posted January 22nd, 2020

Subtly and quietly, Wednesday’s worship service in the Chapel at the Presbyterian Center took shape from a resource designed to allow Presbyterians to spend a year with Matthew’s Gospel.