Presbyterian Mission Agency rev. dr. j. herbert nelson ii Archives

Some enormous shoes to fill

Posted November 13th, 2024

Just ahead of the final gift she’ll give to Presbyterians from around the country — training and encouragement during the annual Moderators’ Conference Nov. 14-16 — the Rev. Tricia Dykers Koenig was on the receiving end of expressions of thanks for her work and well wishes as she retires from her role as Associate Director for Mid Council Relations in the Office of the General Assembly and, more visibly, as parliamentarian at recent General Assemblies.

‘Our ancestors’ wildest dreams’

Posted July 25th, 2024

In an ecclesiastical tribute — brimming over with affection, admiration, gratitude, tears, laughter and just the occasional touch of irreverence — the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, was joyfully celebrated for changing the denomination that shaped and changed him.

Presbyterian communicators scoop up six awards from the Religion Communicators Council

Posted April 5th, 2024

Communications staff in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) garnered six victories during the 2024 DeRose-Hinkhouse Memorial Awards announced Friday by the Religion Communicators Council for work they completed during 2023.

Good faith, good company and ‘good trouble’ have guided the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II

Posted June 30th, 2023

J. Herbert Nelson, II, then known as Herbie, was nominated as a deacon at age 15. “I had no idea what a deacon did,” he recalled, laughing. What he did was begin a new season of serving others and fighting for justice, all of it underscored by faith.

One last time, the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the PC(USA) delivers like the prophets of old

Posted June 28th, 2023

As he does frequently, the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II spoke a prophetic word Wednesday during the Chapel Service at the Presbyterian Center and broadcast via Zoom. Wednesday’s service at the Presbyterian Center in Louisville, Kentucky, marked the final time Nelson will preach as Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

The Stated Clerk of the PC(USA)’s General Assembly sends graduates on the road forward with a reminder to look back sometimes

Posted June 27th, 2023

Addressing the Class of 2023 at Davis & Elkins College during this year’s baccalaureate service, the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II assured graduates that “it doesn’t matter if you came here cum laude or thank you Lordy. If you wear that tassel today, say thank you for the amazing way family and friends have nurtured you.”

The PC(USA)’s Stated Clerk, the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, is honored by the National Black Presbyterian Caucus

Posted June 17th, 2023

The National Black Presbyterian Caucus held a banquet Friday night honoring the retiring Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, and Nelson honored caucus members right back with an hour-long valedictory that was clearly heartfelt, sometimes funny and always insightful.

The Rev. Dr. Diane Givens Moffett offers up a homily on gun violence prevention

Posted April 14th, 2023

The Rev. Dr. Diane Givens Moffett, president and executive director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency, offers us this homily she delivered via Zoom Wednesday as part of the PMA’s Chapel Service. Click on the link above to view Moffett’s 15-minute homily.

Working to restore a Presbyterian school in South Carolina that helped shape Black leaders in the PC(USA)

Posted April 6th, 2023

A dedicated board of directors is redoubling efforts to draw attention to and restore the Goodwill Parochial School building, now known as the Goodwill Cultural Center, in east Sumter County, South Carolina.

Tasked with a gargantuan mandate, the PC(USA)’s Unification Commission chooses teamwork

Posted March 10th, 2023

It took commissioners all day Friday, but by the end of the second day of Unification Commission meetings, the 12-member group had spread the considerable work it must complete over four teams: Governance, Financials, Common Mission and Consultations. Two or three commissioners volunteered themselves for each of the four teams.