Encountering the Triune God in the Gateway City: General Assembly opening worship
Waters of baptism: Bringing the community together, calling them forward “We believe that worship shapes the ministry of the church as it..
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A “Space for Hope” in the midst of the Syrian civil war
In October, I spent two weeks traveling through Lebanon and Syria. The trip was organized by Presbyterian mission worker Elmarie Parker. Our group of..
Beating swords into plowshares in the middle of a war
In October, I spent two weeks traveling through Lebanon and Syria. The trip was organized by Presbyterian mission worker Elmarie Parker. Our..
“Mission outposts” in Lebanon and Syria
This fall I took a 2-week trip to Lebanon and Syria. One fact I learned on that trip is that a congregation..
See you down at the watering hole!
What comes to your mind when you hear the phrase “watering hole”? For me, the quintessential watering hole that captures my heart..
Reflections on the train: Racism and being an ally
Every morning when I ride the MARTA train to the church where I work in Atlanta, I sit or stand next..
My 5 most important outcomes from General Assembly
I attended the 222nd General Assembly in Portland, the biennial gathering of our beloved Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) denomination where we attempt..
Church commissions a new class of mission workers to serve worldwide
On June 23, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly commissioned a new class of mission co-workers to serve “to the ends of..
Finding home with Portland’s houseless at the General Assembly
On June 17, Ryan Althaus arrived in Portland and posted this on his Facebook page: “Dear Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) friends. I write..
Prayer warriors of General Assembly
In the midst of opening worship, election of moderators and three solid days of committee business, there is a group of..
How is the PC(USA) called to respond to refugees?
PORTLAND, Ore. – Committee 9 of the 222nd Presbyterian General Assembly has the task of considering “Immigration and Environmental Issues” –..
Committee considers fossil fuel divestment and alternatives, votes in favor of divestment
PORTLAND, Ore. – On Monday morning, June 20, Committee 9 jumped into their work of considering overtures both for and against..
A model of civility in the midst of disagreement: Opposite sides of the fossil fuel debate
PORTLAND, Ore. – Two of the public faces of the fossil fuel divestment debate are Mike Cole and Abby Mohaupt. Cole..
Fossil fuel divestment overture receives high-profile support
PORTLAND, Ore. – At 4 p.m. on Sunday, June 19 in the exhibit hall at the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly,..
A tale of two approaches to global climate change: Preview of environmental issues business
What is the most faithful and effective Christian response to global climate change? The Immigration and Environmental Issues Committee (committee 9)..
Generating hope in Haiti one loaf of bread at a time
I was riding in the back of a pick-up truck on a very rutted, dusty dirt road between Anse a Galets, a..
Hospitality, compassion and justice: Our collective call to the “ger”
On January 19, 2016, a family of four arrived in Atlanta with one suitcase and the clothes on their backs. Amanuddin, the..
An African parable of hope
At the end of February, I attended the Kenya Mission Network meeting, a gathering of U.S. Presbyterians representing churches and presbyteries that..
Jesus had a grandma and grandpa: Lessons on the incarnation from our neighbors
During the 12 days of Christmas, we focus a lot on Jesus’ birth and early life. This incarnation, God becoming flesh and..
I met Jesus in the paint aisle at Home Depot: Finding grace in the season of Advent
I'm starting a new call as the director of global mission at First Presbyterian Church of Atlanta. This means uprooting my family..