(OGA) Leaders in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) have issued a statement to commemorate the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Maria’s impact on Puerto Rico. The Category 4 hurricane hit the island on September 20, 2017, forcing millions from their homes, destroying the island’s power infrastructure, and leaving thousands dead. In a statement released today, PC(USA) leaders call on churches to continue their support of recovery efforts. “The PC(USA) will remember the hardships and losses as well as the moments of grace. The PC(USA) will seek to be faithful as we discern what the Lord is requiring of us to meet the immediate and the long-term needs,” the statement reads. “We call upon the whole church to pay attention to what is being revealed. We urge the whole church to continue to work with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance as they support the island’s recovery.” Image of destruction in Puerto Rico in the wake of Hurricane Maria, November 2017 - Photo by Rick Jones The … [Read more...]

(PNS)  “Let us worship our Creator with minds open to the wisdom of all God’s people, remembering that once listening and respect once had no place in our society.” These were the opening words to the Call to Worship led by Elona Street-Stewart, executive of the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, as staff and guests celebrated Native American Day at the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Center in Louisville on September 12. The morning message was preached by the Rev. Irvin Porter, associate for Native American Intercultural Congregational Support. Porter’s sermon, titled “The Place of Beginnings,” was centered around Genesis 1:1–2 and John 1:1–15. Elona Street-Stewart and the Rev. Irvin Porter celebrate communion on Native American Dayat the Presbyterian Center in Louisville on September 12. Gregg Brekke “Creation is the place of beginnings — so much so that John uses it to begin his narrative,” said Porter. “The threefold word in John 1:1 carries us into the depths of eternity, before … [Read more...]

PNS – The Rev. Jimmie Hawkins, director of the Office of Public Witness, joined faith leaders from major Christian denominations to host a prayer vigil and rally in Lafayette Park in front of the White House on Wednesday. Their call to witness was to demand that the Trump administration stop slashing the refugee program and welcome 75,000 new refugees in 2019. The rally, sponsored by Church World Service, was held prior to the administration’s planned consultation meeting with Congress, which is expected soon, although no firm date has been set. The Trump administration is reportedly planning to admit 25,000 or fewer refugees in 2019, a reduction from last year’s lowest goal in history of 45,000 and a significant reduction from 85,000, which has been the average goal since 1980. Hawkins, along with representatives from the United Church of Christ, the General Board of Church and Society of the United Methodist Church, the Franciscan Network, the Episcopal Church, refugee leaders, … [Read more...]

LOUISVILLE (PNS) – In just 51 years, the Rev. Dr. Charles “Chip” Andrus lived a truly remarkable life. He died the weekend of September 8, after a lengthy battle with cancer. Chip was the associate for worship in the PC(USA) Office of Theology & Worship (2002–06) and served churches in Arkansas (2006–11) and New York (2011–18). He led the band Soul Highway, played everywhere from sanctuaries to saloons, wrote numerous songs, and recorded three albums of original music — Let It Rain Down, It’s All Good and The Place We’re At. He was a caring pastor, insightful teacher, creative spirit, captivating storyteller, active community servant, loving husband and father, and cherished friend. Like the rivers he loved to float, Chip ran deep. Among his many other accomplishments, he made profound contributions to the liturgical life of the Presbyterian Church. In April 2017, I spent three days talking with him about daily prayer. He helped me understand the baptismal rhythm of daily … [Read more...]