presbytery of los ranchos

Women’s Ministry leadership grant helps fund women’s equity forum

New Hope Presbyterian Church in Anaheim, California, can be seen as a stream of flowing water for many African Americans in Orange County, California, where according to the most recent information provided by the U.S. Census, the population of African Americans is 2.1%.

Refugee ministries: stepping out in faith

Forced to leave their homes and their countries, migrants often set out on journeys with a vague understanding of where they are headed. Refugees and asylum seekers know that even when the physical route itself is direct, their metaphorical journey is much less certain.

Twenty-one new worshiping communities, two presbyteries receive Mission Program Grants

On behalf of the Presbyterian Mission Agency, the Mission Development Resources Committee (MDRC) has approved Mission Program Grants to 21 new worshiping communities. The “1001” communities receiving grants are listed below, followed by the presbytery and synod they belong to and a brief description of their mission and ministry:

RV park minister Tamara John accepts new call

At her lowest point, the Rev. Tamara John cut off her hair and gained 50 pounds. “Subconsciously, I wanted to make myself look and feel as ugly as possible,” she says.

U.S. and Middle East pastors partner in prayer and action for refugees in war-torn Syria

Seven years ago, as pastor of a Presbyterian church in Costa Mesa, California, I found myself praying for peace to overshadow our broken world. About that time, I became friends with a Presbyterian family who had moved into our community from Homs, Syria. As my friendship with the Jarjours grew, I learned about the crisis in their homeland and how it was impacting their church in Homs. I asked if they would put me in touch with their pastor, at which point he and I began exchanging emails, sharing mutual concerns about our congregations and praying for one another.

Expanding spiritual horizons

Behind every New Worshiping Community is another community that offers prayer and financial support to these emerging centers of Christian witness.