The importance of language
On her last Sunday morning with our congregation, Sasha stood before us resplendent in a lovely dress and a new haircut. Even..
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Grief and gratitude
Guest commentary by Lara Hauser What does grief have to do with stewardship and giving? They seem like pretty disparate subjects, but..
Presbyterian Mission Agency board votes to increase student loan debt forgiveness program
LOUISVILLE (PNS) — At its recent spring meeting, the Presbyterian Mission Agency board unanimously voted to increase the impact of Presbyterian Mission..
Who am I?
It has been over 22 years since the Presbytery of Greater Atlanta sustained my ordination after I completed a gender transition from..
Biblical abundance & gender
Viewing Scripture from a place of abundance At More Light, an organization of Presbyterians whose mission is to empower and equip individuals..
Prayer for after someone comes out
God of our baptism, We thank you for the ways in which you claim us as your own. We thank you for..
Two churches, two denominations, one pastor
"I can't imagine doing that. That sounds so confusing!" I get this comment a lot when talk about my call comes up...
Proclaiming one humanity under God
Historically, the Presbyterian Church has taken deep interest in the welfare of immigrants and refugees. John Calvin insisted that Geneva become a..
A home for all
Here is the sad fact: Every time I step into a church, I never expect to be fully welcomed. As a nonbinary..
John Lomperis
“There’s obviously no joy in the pain of others, whether we agree or disagree.” – John Lomperis, a delegate from Indiana to..
Latin American Catholic Bishop’s Conference (40 years ago)
40 years ago — March 19, 1979 The Third General Conference of Latin American Bishops (CELAM III) met in Puebla, Mexico, January..
“I can’t afford to be saved”
Guest commentary by Carlton Johnson If I live to be as old as my birthday, I know that I’ll never forget those..
Woven together at NEXT Church — The conference in pictures
SEATTLE — Worship. Fellowship. Collaborative learning. The 2019 NEXT Church national gathering had as its theme “Woven Together: Stories of Dissonance, Sacrifice and..
Combat veterans, post-traumatic growth and the role of the church
Since the attack on the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001, the United States of America has been at war. By..
Woven together: NEXT Church conference knits together stories of people and place
SEATTLE — The story of Ruth served as the backdrop for three days of discussion on story, community, lament, displacement and God’s..
What’s right about Presbytery of the James?
Presbytery of the James — Virginia Following the 2017 white nationalist rally in Charlottesville, Virginia, the Presbytery of the James (POJ) adopted..
Mental illness: Sharing stories to reduce stigma
Mental health and mental illness are terms that, unfortunately, can carry shame, guilt, confusion, misunderstanding and stigma. But of all these, stigma..
So I agreed to go to therapy
Guest commentary by Jacob Kennedy Yep, the title of this piece is correct. I agreed to go to therapy. To some, that..
Glimpsing Resurrection: Cancer, Trauma, and Ministry
Deanna Thompson Westminster John Knox Press, 175 pages Reviewed by Sharon K. Youngs “Cancer stories are everywhere,” writes author Deanna Thompson in..
Comfort My People: Presbyterians accompany those suffering from the impact of mental illness
He suffers under the weight of his serious mental illness. In her depression, she clutches to a hope that seems to be..
Why should I feel discouraged?
I’m amazed by the gratitude I receive from families after a funeral. They always seem to be so thankful for the gift..
The power of play
Squish. My shoe hit the first of what would be many puddles that day. I knew it was fruitless to try to..
The search for common ground – 30 years ago
30 years ago — March 13, 1989 “Healing, hope and community are recurring themes in the conversation of members of the Committee..
Living in Holy Saturday: A Presbyterian reflects on the Methodist General Conference
Guest commentary by George Love I want to share a word to my Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) family as we stand by our..
Letter to my beloved son
by Cara and Carlton Johnson Author’s note: This is a letter that my wife and I composed to our oldest son. Recently,..