This blog post, written by Ashley H. Hostetter, Ruling Elder of Beulah Presbyterian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, was originally used as a Minute for Mission. Whoever decided to make the Pentecost Offering a youth-focused gift really knew what they were doing. I can think of no better metaphor for a child’s potential than fire. A… Read more »
June 30, 2020
Pentecost Offering Sparks a Flame
This blog post, written by Ashley H. Hostetter, Ruling Elder of Beulah Presbyterian Church in Louisville, Kentucky, was originally used as a Minute for Mission. Whoever decided to make the Pentecost Offering a youth-focused gift really knew what they were doing. I can think of no better metaphor for a child’s potential than fire. A… Read more »
Watch and download Matthew 25 – The church is not a building The work of the Special Offerings testifies to the idea that “the Church” is not a building, but something that arises from action. For the church to be the Church, we must open the doors to those in need — an understanding that… 
Right Here, Right Now Rev. Dr. David Gambrell spends of plenty of time with young people. He is a father of two daughters, he volunteers to teach confirmation classes at Highland Presbyterian Church in Louisville, Kentucky and he was one of the youth leaders who preached at the 2019 Presbyterian Youth Triennium. He says Triennium… 
Valued in this moment When Rev. Dr. David Gambrell was asked to speak at the Presbyterian Youth Triennium (PYT) last year, he knew it would be both challenging and extremely personal. “Not many preachers have the opportunity to address several thousand teenagers,” he says. “So I did this with a healthy dose of humility, fear… 
Guest post by Karl Graham, Westwood First Presbyterian Church, Cincinnati, OH “Start children off on the way they should go and even when they are old, they will not turn from it.” – Proverbs 22:6 This is one of the scriptures that underpins our relationship with one of Westwood First Presbyterian Church’s longest-standing mission partners:… 
During this time of uncertainty and social distancing, engaging the children of your congregation with the four churchwide Special Offerings has never been more important. There are numerous ways children can connect with the Pentecost Offering, especially considering this Offering celebrates how God’s Spirit works in the lives of young people. We have a number… 
Making connections The second grader that Susan Byrne tutors at Willow Brook Elementary holds her hand the whole time they are together, working on building his reading skills. Can you just imagine how wonderful that connection must feel for both of them? “My little guy is just so delighted to have an adult paying extra… 
#GivingTuesdayNow is a global day of giving and unity that will take place on May 5, 2020, believing that generosity has the power to unite and heal communities in good times and bad. We are encouraging congregations to consider a #GivingTuesdayNow campaign for the Pentecost Offering, so that we can continue to support our young… 
Welcomed into God’s household Take a minute to look back on your life. Who all have you lived with? In the earliest parts of our lives, we might live with parents or grandparents or other caring adults. Perhaps siblings. Over the years, we might live with friends and extended family, family of choice or even… 
Watch and download this Minute for Mission as a video God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change… And the earth has certainly changed. Joining in digital worship is a change for many of us. But what has changed illuminates what…