rev. dr. laurie kraus Archives

‘I am not glad we got it, but I am glad they didn’t get it’

Posted September 2nd, 2021

As they are wont to do, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has sought out the voices of Louisiana residents impacted by Hurricane Ida. The result was Thursday’s half-hour Facebook Live panel discussion hosted by Darla Carter, communications associate for the Presbyterian Mission Agency, and featuring the Rev. Jim Kirk, PDA’s Associate for National Disaster; Richard Williams, interim general presbyter for the Presbytery of South Louisiana; the Rev. Barry Chance, pastor of First Presbyterian Church of Hammond, Louisiana, and Chip Chiphe, a ruling elder at First Presbyterian Church of Scotlandville in Baton Rouge.

Presbyterian Week of Action draws to a close with a quiet vesper service pleading for an end to gun violence

Posted August 29th, 2021

The Presbyterian Week of Action concluded Sunday with a meditative vesper service lamenting the nation’s gun violence, which kills nearly 100 of God’s children every day.

Presbyterians ready to help the Gulf Coast recover from Hurricane Ida

Posted August 29th, 2021

As news comes in of the devastating effects of Hurricane Ida in New Orleans and the Gulf Coast, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) is organizing a response that will help sustain life and restore hope in the coming days.

Financial collapse in Lebanon pushes half the population below the poverty line

Posted August 13th, 2021

On August 4, the people of Lebanon observed a National Day of Mourning to mark the anniversary of the port explosion in Beirut that has been called the biggest non-nuclear explosion ever recorded, killing more than 200 people, injuring 7,000 and causing an estimated $4.6 billion in damage.

Presbyterian filmmaker receives top honor from alma mater

Posted July 8th, 2021

Filmmaker David Barnhart, Associate for Story Ministry in Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, has been named McCormick Theological Seminary’s 2021 Distinguished Alumnus.

PC(USA) staff mourns US gun violence

Posted June 3rd, 2021

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) held a solemn chapel service Wednesday in honor of National Gun Violence Awareness Day.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance grants $20,000 to COVID response in India

Posted April 30th, 2021

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance (PDA) has approved a $20,000 grant for COVID-19 response in India.

Presbyterian Mental Health Network, mission agency join to support those carrying out mental health ministries across the PC(USA)

Posted April 22nd, 2021

The Presbyterian Mental Health Network and the Presbyterian Mission Agency announced a formal partnership during Thursday’s online meeting of the PMA Board.

Presbyterian Disaster Assistance responds to climate-related disasters

Posted April 12th, 2021

As climate change continued to fuel natural disasters throughout the United States and around the world in 2020, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance responded with the help of partners and volunteers to bring help and hope to those in affected areas.

Story Productions adds to its story

Posted April 9th, 2021

If a Presbyterian church is interested in discussing gun violence, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance’s Story Productions has a film for that: “Trigger: The Ripple Effect of Gun Violence” (2014).