(OGA) The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has a long history of successful partnerships in ministry and service. The impact of partnerships is the focus of Chapter 3 of "Neighborhood Church: Transforming Your Congregation into a Powerhouse for Mission." The book was selected by Ruling Elder Vilmarie Cintrón-Olivieri and the Reverend Cindy Kohlmann, Co-Moderators of the 223rd General Assembly (2018). In the continuing video series, Co-Author Rob Mueller introduces readers and viewers to an organization that has made great strides through its partners. Click here for more information about the book and other videos. by Rick Jones, Office of the General Assembly   … [Read more...]

Dear Friends in Christ, Deeply troubled by recent events in Cameroon, I would invite all Presbyterians to join me in praying for justice, peace, and security for the people of Cameroon. I know that there are many in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) who are painfully aware of the ongoing legacies of colonial rule in Cameroon, a modern nation created with regionally distinct French- and English-speaking communities. We have watched with alarm as initially peaceful protests by lawyers and teachers concerning the erosion of the Anglophone identity in the judicial and educational sectors were met with force. In the absence of dialogue, positions hardened and violence has intensified over the past three years with a call to create an independent nation and the formation of militias. Since the presidential elections in October 2018, violence and armed attacks have spread from rural areas into cities such as Buea and Bamenda, regional capitals for areas that are home to the country’s … [Read more...]

(PNS) From November 10-14, an ecumenical group of mainline denominational camp and retreat associations held the Outdoor Ministries Connection Great Gathering at Lake Junaluska, located in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina. The gathering was the first of its kind. The theme of the conference was RelationSHIFT, defined as expanding our understanding of relationship as God’s people. More than 500 people attended the conference, representing seven denomination associations and four other denominations and 335 camp and retreat centers across the United States and Canada. Participating denomination associations included the Presbyterian Church Camp & Conference Association, Episcopal Camps and Conference Centers, Lutheran Outdoor Ministries, Outdoor Ministries Association of the United Church of Christ, United Church of Canada, and United Methodist Camp and Retreat Ministries Association. The idea for the conference was born at a joint board meeting among the … [Read more...]

(Office of the General Assembly press release) On November 24–25 the Moving Forward Implementation Commission convened a meeting with Kathy Lueckert, president of the Administrative Services Group (ASG), along with board chairs and members of the Office of the General Assembly (OGA), Presbyterian Mission Agency (PMA) and ASG. The purpose of the meeting was to discuss the creation of a unified budget representing OGA, PMA and ASG. This unified budget will be presented for approval at the upcoming 224th General Assembly meeting to be held in Baltimore, Maryland next June. As a prelude to the unified budget discussion, the group engaged in robust discussion affirming the unity and “oneness” of the PC(USA). Indeed, though there are many parts, we are one church in Christ. As leaders in OGA and PMA, we pledge our commitment to help unite this church in our mission and ministry. We desire to see the PC(USA) live into its call to be a Matthew 25 church. This call was first made at the … [Read more...]

LOUISVILLE (OGA) When it comes to the flow, outcome, and inclusivity of church meetings, a lot rests on the shoulders of the moderator. During a workshop last week at the Moderators’ Conference in Louisville, staff from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Office of the General Assembly led attendees through a discussion on how to make that process more successful and inclusive. Molly Casteel, OGA’s manager for equity and representation, led the discussion on successful preparation and planning. “I would encourage you to consider, in your circles of influence, to think about physical locations of your meetings. Where are they? Do you meet in a fellowship hall, hotel, conference center, or sanctuary?” she asked. “There are a lot of ways to gather Presbyterians, but the physical layout of your meeting space may influence who comes and participates.” Casteel says the layout of the meeting, such as a sanctuary, can make it difficult to have inclusive, small group … [Read more...]

PHILADELPHIA — An African American CREDO conference hosted by the Board of Pensions in partnership with Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary drew 17 African American ministers to Roslyn Retreat Center in Richmond, Virginia, to cultivate wholeness — specifically, their spiritual, vocational, health, and financial well-being. “This was an amazing opportunity to gather — to share common concerns and joys of ministry — with people whose stories are similar to my own,” said the Rev. Sonya McAuley-Allen, temporary supply pastor at Bellefonte Presbyterian Church in Harrisburg, N.C. The Board has long offered CREDO conferences to ministers based on their phase of ministry: recently ordained, mid-career and late career. Over time, it became apparent that some audiences were not participating at the same rate as others. To expand CREDO’s reach, the Board now offers one unique conference annually to a defined audience — this year, to African American clergy. “As a denomination and … [Read more...]