(PNS) The Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People (SDOP) approved grants earlier this year totaling more than $190,00 to a baker’s dozen of self-help projects. The money is from the One Great Hour of Sharing offering. The national SDOP, which met virtually, enables members and non-members of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to form partnerships with oppressed and disadvantaged people to help them achieve self-sufficiency. The projects and grants: The CASOE Group , Detroit, Michigan, $15,000. This group of low-income youth have come together to work on a project focused on the performing arts virtually. It also creates and sells art to generate ongoing revenue for the group. Franklin County Workers Benefit Council, $10,000, Columbus, Ohio. The project for this low-income group ensures that the 12 members of the group continue to empower themselves with the knowledge necessary to prevent utility disruption in their homes. Members will acquire advocacy skills … [Read more...]

LEXINGTON, Kentucky — Presbyterians for Earth Care has a reputation for presenting its conferences every two years in appropriately picturesque locations such as the Presbyterian conference centers Ghost Ranch in New Mexico, Montreat in North Carolina and Stony Point in New York. Like most other conferences the past 16 months, this year’s Presbyterians for Earth Care (PEC) Conference will be a bring-your-own-aesthetics affair. But the grassroots group is providing a packed and balanced lineup of speakers, worship leaders, and workshop facilitators for three consecutive Sunday afternoons and evenings — Aug. 1, 8 and 15 — on Zoom. Conference Chair the Rev. Bruce Gillette says the variety of the conference, titled “Creation Care Buffet: Come to the Table,” starts with the weekly worship leaders: Aug. 1: The Rev. Dr. Cláudio Carvalhaes, Associate Professor of Worship at Union Theological Seminary; music by prolific hymn writer Carolyn Winfrey Gillette Aug. 8: The Rev. Dr. … [Read more...]

PHILADELPHIA (PHS) The Presbyterian Historical Society (PHS) has completed mass digitization of 48 volumes of the original records of the First Presbyterian Church in the City of New York, amounting to more than 10,000 pages. The earliest records are now available online for all to explore. David Pultz, archivist at First Church, said, “PHS has been an invaluable resource. Our congregational records stretching back to 1717 are archived there, and on several occasions we have utilized its excellent digitization service. PHS is a true gem.” The recent digitization project was paid for by the congregation. Learn about digitizing records with PHS in this short video, with First Church information beginning at 1:15. First Church was established in 1716, and its first building was constructed on Wall Street in 1719. Members of First, fleeing the density of Wall Street and its environs, founded Brick Presbyterian Church in 1768. The expanding membership organized Rutgers … [Read more...]

(OGA) Several years ago, I was privileged to serve on an interfaith panel in Washington, D.C., on the topic of why so few young adults were remaining in churches, mosques, and synagogues. The panel included an Episcopal bishop, an African Methodist Episcopal bishop, a Southern Baptist pastor, a Roman Catholic monsignor, two Jewish rabbis—one from the conservative tradition and one from the reform tradition, two Muslim imams, a Mormon leader, and me. I was more than a little intimidated. The moderator skillfully led us through a series of questions. Some friends of mine were in the audience. During the first half of the conversation, I did not say a lot. At the break, one of my friends asked if I was okay. I assured them I was fine. As I was making my way back to the stage, one of the imams greeted me. He said he had read my research about young adults and was glad to meet me. Then he asked me, “You are Christian, are you not?” I was a little startled and replied, “Yes, I am.” He … [Read more...]

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your minds, so that you may discern what is the will of God.” — excerpt from Romans 12:1–3 (OGA) More than 16 months after the COVID-19 pandemic tightened its grasp on the world, the Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) is urging churches not to lose hope. The Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II preached virtually to Oakhurst Presbyterian Church in Decatur, Georgia, last week. Nelson told the church that the presence of the Lord reminds Christians that they are not alone in times like these. “The writer of Romans says mimicking God is not bad. Mimicking the one who gives us health, strength and life is not bad. The one who walks with us every hour and shows us the way because we cannot find for ourselves is not bad,” said Nelson. “Actually, it is a will that we should have driving through our spirit and soul in times like these.” Even though vaccinations have brought a … [Read more...]