Syngman Rhee became the first Asian-American to be elected moderator of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) during the first day of the 212th General Assembly, June 24 in Long Beach, Calif. … After his election, Rhee told the Assembly that in spite of persecution his family suffered in Korea 50 years earlier – his father, a minister, was murdered and he and a brother had to flee for their lives – “God has been good to us. From those desperate days of war … until I came to this country 40 years ago, God’s grace and mercy has sustained my life.” Rhee noted during his pre-election speech that he was hopeful about efforts to reconcile his native country. Last week the presidents of North and South Korea met for the first time since the nation was split by war. He called that meeting “a miracle” and said, “Reconciliation is possible in spite of difficult situations they face. It’s possible for the church, too … in God’s grace.” From the cover article, “Syngman Rhee elected moderator … [Read more...]
Board of Pensions adds new minister’s package and more choices to plan
The Board of Pensions of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has a vision for the future. While COVID-19 has made the near future uncertain in so many ways, this vision is for the long term: Every minister and employee of the church and everyone working for a PC(USA)-affiliated employer has access to benefits and programs that support their well-being. The Board of Pensions moved closer to this ideal in early March, when its board of directors approved the 2021 Benefits Plan of the PC(USA). The plan, effective January 1, 2021, introduces the most substantial changes since the plan redesign of 2017. These changes extend support to more ministers, add benefits that close gaps and make the plan more marketable to affiliated employers. Affiliated organizations – including educational institutions, camps and conference centers, retirement and senior housing communities and human services organizations – are driving growth in the Benefits Plan. The expanding selection of plan benefits has … [Read more...]
Summer reading — July 13, 2020
What are you reading this summer? What books will expand your outlook, make you question your assumptions and push you into needed conversations? We asked some folks to tell us what they are reading and reviewed new titles. We pray our reading shapes our discipleship and moves us to act in ways that glorify God. Let us know what you are reading and what you are learning as a result! Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader Summer reading Roy Howard asked a number of Presbyterians: What are you reading? Here are a number of titles you may want to add to your summer reading list. Book reviews Reviews of “I Am Not Your Enemy,” “Ministry with the Forgotten” and “Transforming.” not/me Poetry by Igmara Sanchez Prunier A vital congregation A congregation viewed as a system is radically different from the typical institutional view. … [Read more...]
What’s right about Beth Shiloh Presbyterian Church?
Beth Shiloh Presbyterian Church — York, South Carolina When the Presbyterian Women of Beth Shiloh Presbyterian Church were inspired to donate a Family Farm Bundle through the Presbyterian Giving Catalog, the $1,300 price tag seemed like a steep challenge for the small congregation. But the group quickly came up with a plan to put together and sell a cookbook. It would raise needed funds and honor cherished members and friends who had passed on by including their recipes. To supplement the cookbook proceeds, the PW also held yard sales, bake sales and a vendor fair and soon had enough for two farm bundles. The congregation plans to continue supporting the Presbyterian Gifts program and add local projects, according to member Deannie Carter, who says the effort dedicated to helping others was a great time in the life of the congregation. “We are so fortunate to have made a small difference, but we are not finished yet!” — Ann White, Providence Presbytery Share your 150-word … [Read more...]
General Assembly committee asks: What are the lessons of the 2020 GA?
What are some of the lessons of the 2020 General Assembly? In a debriefing held June 30 following the just-concluded 2020 General Assembly, members of the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly (COGA) shared their thoughts — including favorite moments (for many of them: worship and the election of Elona Street-Stewart and Gregory Bentley as co-moderators), frustrations and suggestions for improvement. Some of the lessons they raised: In the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), which is 90% white, that “white supremacy is baked into our denomination.” That the assembly rules and procedures are complex — and those time-honored patterns of doing business may not align well with today’s fast-changing world or the way younger people communicate and get things done. One measure of that: Every successive plenary session at this assembly saw decreasing involvement of Young Adult Advisory Delegates (YAADs), and 40 presbyteries did not send YAADs to the assembly at all. That the … [Read more...]
Zevelations
Zoom does not lie. Zoom is humbling. I am Zoomed out. Zoom fatigue. I have the Zoomies. These are a few phrases and sentiments I’ve heard in recent days. Likely, you have heard similar statements in this age of virtual everything. I’ve come to call them zevelations — as in, Zoom-revelations. My latest zevelation is that I do, in fact, look like my mother. Zoom does not lie, after all. Since mid-March I have taught a mid-week Bible study, had countless meetings, celebrated the publication of a friend’s book, marked a graduation, had family gatherings and participated in a board meeting, all virtually. None of these events is the same as being physically in the same space, but all of them are valuable. One zevelation that sticks with me is the equalizing effect of those small squares. No one takes up more than their allotted space. There is no status reflected in the seating arrangement. It is both easier and harder to fade into the background and distract one’s self with alternate … [Read more...]
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