LOUISVILLE (PNS) There is no reason why churches can’t grow in the 21st century. That was one of the messages to the General Assembly Committee on Ecumenical and Interreligious Relations (GACEIR) from the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The GACEIR has been meeting this week at the PC(USA) offices in Louisville. The agenda has been full for the three-day gathering, as special subcommittees have taken up several topics from scholarships to ecumenical dialogue and interfaith relations. In his address to the committee, the Reverend Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, said the only way for Christian Protestant denominations to move forward is to work together. “We are moving toward ecumenism in significant ways. Somehow, we will have to figure our way as both learners, supporters, and assistants,” he said. “When we talk about this table, we need to think about what it means to bring denominations and faith communities together, and this has to … [Read more...]

LOUISVILLE (PNS) — Jane Kurtz, prolific author, artist, literacy advocate and a child of Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) mission workers, has been named the recipient of the 2020 David Steele Distinguished Writer Award by the Presbyterian Writers Guild. Kurtz, a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) ruling elder, has published over 35 children’s books, from picture books and easy-readers to middle grade novels. Her most recent picture book won the 2019 Oregon Spirit Book Award for non-fiction from the Oregon Council of Teachers of English. “What Do They Do with All That Poo?” is full of fun and serious facts about what zoos do with the poo generated every day by their animal residents. “Jane has modeled a life dedicated to sharing her passion for creativity, writing and teaching,” wrote Caroline Kurtz, founder and executive director of the Maji Development Coalition, in nominating her sister for the honor. “Jane and I are daughters of Presbyterian missionaries in Ethiopia for 23 years, … [Read more...]

(OGA) While many churches begin their program year in September and the liturgical calendar begins with Advent, most congregations follow the calendar year for the installations and ordinations that mark a time of reconfigured boards and committees. For some, this includes leadership retreats at which time goals, objectives, vision, and priorities are set for the coming year. It is hoped that these visioning exercises influence final adoption of budgets and precede the setting of the calendar for special ministry events and celebrations. It is good to take stock of the congregation in the present moment; what gifts, passions, and skills they bring as assets for ministry. It is wise to consider emerging needs and opportunities for service beyond the church walls as well as within the congregation. Consider current neighborhood and community needs and congregational statistics within the context of multiyear trends. This kind of annual taking stock contributes to congregational vitality … [Read more...]

LOUISVILLE (PNS) — As we enter the 2020s, the United States finds itself frequently looking back to the early 1970s — a similar time of harsh political polarization, with issues of race and poverty a prominent part of our conversations and a church wondering how to address them. That is where the Presbyterian Church found itself as the 1960s turned to the ‘70s, and this year it will be celebrating one of the major answers to that dilemma: The Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People (SDOP). “These were folks in the church that were concerned about justice, they were concerned about civil rights,” says the Rev. Dr. Alonzo Johnson, coordinator of SDOP. “This handful of folks that were concerned about justice and lack of economic equity came together, and basically the Self-Development of People committee was born.” This year, SDOP will be continuing its important work of walking alongside communities that want to make their lives better. But it will also take … [Read more...]

(OGA) Over the past year, the Reverend Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), has been working to boost the church’s role in the city in which its national headquarters resides, Louisville, Kentucky. This week, the city’s newspaper, the Courier-Journal, has recognized Nelson as one of its 20 people to watch in 2020. Nelson was among dozens of community leaders and citizens who were nominated and submitted to the newspaper last November. Editors wanted to find notable individuals who were “giving back, taking charge, contributing in large measures and are committed to the advancement of metro Louisville.” In its selection of the Stated Clerk, the Courier-Journal wrote, “Nelson has worked to advance the denomination’s work on various issues, including climate change, gun violence and homelessness. While his work takes him across the country and over its borders, Nelson advocates for causes in Louisville.” The … [Read more...]

(OGA) Following more than a week of violent exchanges between the U.S. and Iran, a number of faith leaders have signed a letter to Congress calling for diplomacy and peacemaking efforts. Nineteen leaders, including the Reverend Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the PC(USA), wrote that recent events have left them “deeply disturbed” about the direction the U.S. is taking. “Actions of violence will only exacerbate the situation, leading to increased violence, hatred, and discord between the U.S. and Iran,” the letter states. “The way of peace is not easy, yet we believe it will result in lasting security and justice for the people of Iran and the United States.” On January 3, Qasem Soleimani, an Iranian Major General in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, was killed by missiles shot from American drones as his convoy traveled near Baghdad International Airport. Days later, Iran responded by firing missiles at two U.S. bases in Iraq. “We … [Read more...]