students

PC(USA) churches mark transition for students as school year begins

What has become an annual ritual for many churches – the “Blessing of the Backpacks” – has taken on special importance at First Presbyterian Church in Findlay, Ohio. This year, the event was integrated into the larger concept of commemorating milestones within the life of the church and its members, with back to school being just one of them.

School for students with disabilities challenges social stigma

Despite its history of civil war and its current challenges with poverty and the refugee crisis, the city of Beirut remains fertile ground for those seeking wealth, status, and power. For Muslims and Christians, the cultural ethos of pride/shame places a high value on education, success, and providing for one’s family.

Church Partners Show Strong Commitment to Education

Church partners show strong commitment to education Zimbabwe’s once formidable education system has been hit hard by spending cuts and economic contractions in the 21st century. Yet the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s global partners in Zimbabwe maintain a strong commitment to education as a mechanism for tackling poverty and enabling all Zimbabweans to know life in fullness.

Minute for Mission: College and Young Adult Sunday

The Lord’s Day “So, what exactly does a chaplain do?” It’s a question I’m often asked when I tell people that I’m a college chaplain. I don’t really have “typical” days. Like most pastors, chaplains do a little of everything. We put together programs, organize and lead worship (weddings and memorials included) and counsel students.

New Worshiping Community Breaks Down Cultural Barriers

New worshiping community breaks down cultural barriers For Eric Hanna, what began as a dinner invitation became an integral part of a spiritual journey. Last year a classmate at the University of Washington invited Hanna to a meal and Bible study at International Friendship House in Seattle. Friendship House is home to International Disciples, a new worshiping community that seeks to empower international and American college students in the Seattle area to be global Christian leaders.

Presbytery of Charlotte

Congregation’s literacy program helps students succeed in school Literacy skills, character strengths and a community that believes in success. Those are the three fundamental components behind the Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools Program, a summer literacy initiative with a focus on children who need but cannot afford summer learning opportunities.

Central Florida Presbytery

App helps students identify red flags and false leads of traffickers A new anime-style gaming app for mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, has an extraordinary mission: to keep children and young adults, ages 11 to 14, from becoming victims of human traffickers.

Mid-Kentucky Presbytery

Church partnership leads to successful tutoring program in Kentucky community

Yvonne and José moved with their parents to Shelbyville, Kentucky, from Central America when they were second graders. Their parents were looking for work in the agricultural and horse industry but wanted to ensure that their children received a quality education, recognizing that the language barrier could present challenges.

Los Ranchos Presbytery

The Luxury of Reading and Praying to Jesus

“Thank you for the books.” I must have heard that at least a thousand times!

Presbytery of Western Reserve

Liberian School Built by Vision, Faith, and Partnership

Isaac Monah’s home was destroyed and his younger brother was killed during the first of two civil wars in Liberia. He fled to the Ivory Coast, where he helped an American anthropology student track monkeys in the jungle. There, they talked about faith, and Isaac memorized a new word: Presbyterian. Moving to Ghana, he earned a high school diploma at age 27.