(PNS) The morning of Aug. 7, the Rev. Steven Bryant of First Presbyterian Church in Canton, Mississippi was leading a Bible study on the book of Exodus, noting God’s preference for helping the widow, the poor, the stranger, the person in a foreign land. “We didn’t know that outside, these horrible events were transpiring,” Bryant said. Across the Magnolia State, Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were raiding chicken processing plants and ultimately took 680 people in custody who were suspected of working without documentation. That was also the first day of school. Hundreds of students finished the day and found their parents — both, in some cases —  were missing. For most of the families, their primary source of income vanished. “It was chaos,” Bryant said. “It was a heartbreaking situation.” The church went to work. Partnering with its cross-street neighbor, Sacred Heart Catholic Church, First Presbyterian helped set up a crisis center to help families … [Read more...]

(OGA) As Israeli settlement colonies continue to expand in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) continues to urge companies to end business connections in the region. At the 223rd General Assembly (2018), commissioners passed an overture calling on RE/MAX LLC to end the sale and rental of homes and apartments in the occupied territories. The Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II, Stated Clerk of the Office of the General Assembly of the PC(USA), has sent a letter to RE/MAX, urging the company to end its association with realtors there. “RE/MAX LLC leadership’s earlier correspondence with members of our denomination stressed a commitment to changing lives for the better and to doing what is within your control to foster equality and respect of human dignity among the diverse populations you serve,” the letter reads. “The company can bring no better value to its current and prospective shareholders than aligning its operations to value the human rights of … [Read more...]

(OGA) The PC(USA) Book of Order calls for ruling elders to “exercise leadership, government, spiritual discernment, and discipline and have responsibilities for the life of a congregation as well as the whole church ...” (G-2.0301). As ruling elders are called to ordered ministry for life, it is important to approach the work of nominations to this role with humility, open hearts, and open minds. The congregational nominating committee has the responsibility to provide for the leadership of both the local congregation and the larger church through its councils. The nominating committee should express the rich diversity of the congregation’s membership and guarantee participation and inclusiveness (Book of Order, F-1.0403). Consider a diversity of ages (including young people), sexual orientation, and members of other historically marginalized communities, to serve on the committee. Admittedly, this can be difficult in smaller congregations; however, diversity can and should be more … [Read more...]

(PNS) During the June celebration of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus’ 45th Biennial Convention, five outstanding Presbyterians were recognized for their efforts toward “seeking racial justice and equity.” “From registration to the closing worship, the Spirit of the Lord was upon us for the 2019 National Black Presbyterian Caucus Conference in Atlanta,” said Rev. Dr. Thomas Priest Jr., president of the caucus. “I was delighted to see the unity of God’s diversity come together around our theme, Seeking Racial Justice and Equity! Where do we go from here?” Priest expressed his gratitude for the help of everyone who played a part in the success of the event. “It brought joy to the officers of the caucus to see the unity and participation of the staff of the Office of the General Assembly and the Presbyterian Mission Agency,” he said. “It was obvious that the staff was not there just because it was their job. There was a meaningful spirit among the employees that said. ‘I … [Read more...]

PHILADELPHIA — Lilly Endowment Inc. has furthered its commitment to supporting congregations and preserving significant portions of America’s religious and cultural landscape by awarding nearly $15 million in grants to Partners for Sacred Places and the National Trust for Historic Preservation, to extend the National Fund for Sacred Places (The National Fund). The National Fund launched in 2016 with nearly $14 million in grants from the Indiana-based Lilly Endowment. Since then, the National Fund has awarded millions of dollars in capital grants and other support to community-serving congregations representing some 17 faith traditions in 29 states and the District of Columbia. A grantmaking and support program of Partners for Sacred Places in collaboration with the National Trust for Historic Preservation, the National Fund administers monies through planning grants, training and technical assistance, coaching, and capital grants ranging from $50,000 to $250,000. Robert … [Read more...]