Numbness and resilience: Hurricane Ike survivors in Texas, Gulf assess damage, marshal resources

Editor’s Note: This report on hurricane damage in Texas reflects information “on the ground” in the days right after the disaster.

The challenge of migration to the Christian conscience

It was faith that made Abraham obey when God called him to go out to a country which God had promised to give him. He left his own country without knowing where he was going … ” Hebrews 11:8-10 (Good News Bible)

Presbyterian minister acquitted in same-sex wedding case

LOUISVILLE — Janet Edwards, a Presbyterian minister in Pittsburgh, was found not guilty Thursday (Oct. 2) following a trial on charges that she violated Scripture and the constitution of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) when she presided at the marriage of two women.

Leaders issue letter of encouragement, on economy; council concludes Utah meeting

SNOWBIRD, UTAH – In response to the crisis in the nation’s financial markets,  Presbyterian leaders are preparing to send out a pastoral letter by e-mail pointing out resources available from the General Assembly on economic issues.

Struggles and successes in Hearts and Hands final report; $30 million raised for mission

SNOWBIRD, UTAH — The $40 million Mission Initiative: Joining Hearts & Hands campaign has proved a learning experience for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) — exciting in some ways, frustrating in others, said Tom Gillespie, a former president of Princeton Theological Seminary and honorary chairman of the campaign.

Christians and Hindus call for end to religious hatred in India

Bangalore, India — (ENI) Christian and Hindu leaders who took part in their first dialogue meeting in India's southern state of Kerala are hopeful that the gathering will lead to greater understanding, against the background of anti-Christian violence in parts of the country.

Seminarians open to serving in future are “incredible hope for the church”

SNOWBIRD, UTAH — Laura Mendenhall, president of Columbia Theological Seminary, told the General Assembly Council’s Vocation Committee Oct. 1 that the quality and commitment of the students coming to seminary today gives her hope for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

Wall Street woes impacting Witherspoon Street: GAC tackles the finances

SNOWBIRD, UTAH – The news is full of the nation’s economic crisis – and for many congregations and Presbyterian families, there is a lot to be concerned about. What will happen to endowments, investments, retirement funds – or to job stability and the price of gasoline, food and heating fuel, with the approaching winter?

What will come of the Presbyterian News Service?

SNOWBIRD, UTAH – The General Assembly Council has voted to create a new five-member task force to evaluate the role of the Presbyterian News Service – including whether the News Service should have editorial freedom, and how it should be funded.

Middle governing body leaders ponder plethora of polity issues

SNOWBIRD, UT — In their first gathering since the 218th General Assembly in San Jose, CA, middle governing body leaders of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) received denominational updates and pondered strategies for leading their organizations calmly and courageously during a time of change.

Big needs in Ike’s aftermath

SNOWBIRD, UTAH – While initial reports were that most Presbyterian churches in Texas and Louisiana had escaped serious damage from Hurricane Ike, the damage now appears much more severe than first thought – and donations for the relief work of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance have been slow in coming.

‘Be calm and courageous, no matter what,’ Steinke tells church leaders

SNOWBIRD, UT — “We are living in a time during which things change so rapidly that we are always behind the eight-ball,” Peter Steinke told the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 2008 Polity Conference on Church Leadership During Anxious Times.

General Assembly Council and middle governing body leaders sail on a sea of metaphors

SNOWBIRD, UTAH – They’ve used a dizzying array of images here to describe the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), of ships tossed on a rough sea, of Frodo seeking the right path in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, of Jason Bourne having amnesia about his own identity in The Bourne Identity. 

Guder tutors Presbyterians on the ‘missional church’

SNOWBIRD, UTAH – Among Presbyterians, the word “missional” is as popular these days as “awesome” is for teenagers.

General Assembly Council Director and staff report to Executive Committee

SNOWBIRD, UTAH – Linda Valentine, executive director of the General Assembly Council, voiced excitement about ways the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is trying new means of connecting with Presbyterians and sharing stories about work being done at the grassroots.

Executive Committee calls for study of Presbyterian News Service

SNOWBIRD, UTAH – What role should the Presbyterian News Service play in the life of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)?

Pastor Appreciation

APPRECIATION TO MANY

Church Financial Campaign Service honors the ministry of the pastors and congregations with which we have had the privilege of working.  Thank you.

Peery named new president of Montreat Conference Center

Albert G. “Pete” Peery, pastor of First Church in Asheville, N.C., has been named 16th president of the Montreat (N.C.) Conference Center, a mission center of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). He will assume responsibilities at the conference center on November 1.

Gay/lesbian ordination decision moves to vote of 173 presbyteries

Now it’s time for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to consider the question: Should the controversial requirement that those being ordained practice fidelity if they’re married or chastity if they’re single be dropped from the denomination’s constitution?

Oklahoma court upholds presbytery, PC(USA) in Kirk of the Hills case

The District Court for Tulsa County, Okla., Sept. 9 granted summary judgment in favor of Eastern Oklahoma Presbytery and the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and denied the motion for summary judgment of Kirk of the Hills Church in Tulsa.

Ministry: Can’t not do this

Why would someone want a job that requires working 24/7, offers low compensation when juxtaposed with attorneys (with whom they share a basic skill set), diminishing social stature, weekend duty without overtime, and the requirement that one always be nice? Why would one choose a role model who advocates giving up one’s life, forsaking family and friends, and praying for one’s enemies? 

Second thoughts: Reflections on leaving pastoral ministry

It began with fantasizing that I would make a darn good layperson. I could still be very active in ministry, without having all the responsibilities, heartaches, and pressures of being a pastor, head of staff. After more than 20 years of pastoral ministry, I was tired and discouraged. I must hasten to add that the congregation I was serving was thriving.

Encouraging pastors to receive the gift of Sabbath

As I am make the transition from middle governing body work to service as a pastor in a local congregation, I reflect on my pilgrimage and beyond. How has my service in observing and being a ministry partner to pastors influenced my understanding of the pastoral task? How do presbyteries and congregations nurture the pastors God has called to service in their midst?