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African-American Presbyterians (December 3, 2018)

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This issue offers rich portraits of two African-American Presbyterians and one key historically African-American institution that has shaped The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). These stories highlight the many ways the denomination is impacted by African-American faith leaders. Click here to read the issue in the Uberflip reader. History, impact, future Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary is one of the institutional reminders of the PC(USA)’s stated commitment to racial/ethnic diversity She dared to say yes Katie Geneva Cannon was the first African-American female Presbyterian pastor and a foremother of womanist theology. A Presbyterian prophet of black power A profile of Gayraud S. Wilmore, a theological educator and key ally in the creation of black theology. … [Read more...]

Tagged With: African-American Presbyterians

Prayer for Thanksgiving

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God whose giving knows no bounds, your Word teaches us to give thanks in all circumstance. Today we take that instruction to heart in hopes that in so doing we will more readily express our gratitude every day. No matter where we find ourselves – around a table with family, in a shelter seated with strangers, at work when others are at rest, alone and content, or lonely despite the crowd – we stop to acknowledge the blessings of this life in the myriad of forms they take. We thank you, Lord of all, for the beauty of the earth and all the resources we enjoy from creation. Make us careful and humble stewards of the planet we too often neglect and abuse. We thank you, God of mercy, for the abundance of forgiveness extended to us by you and others. Help us to forgive as we have been forgiven, trusting of the unity won for us in Christ. We thank you, Holy Comforter, for the hope of faith that calls us forward. Show us the promised, good future you have for us and grant us the … [Read more...]

When children pray

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“Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.” James 1:27 The call came in the afternoon. “Tony, there’s a lady here who doesn’t speak English. Can I put you on speakerphone?” Her name was Lizzy. (Names have been changed to protect the privacy of the family.) She lived in Honduras with her six children surviving in the midst of the violence that plagued her neighborhood. Her church was her shelter. It was her sacred space. A sanctuary in the midst of chaos. A sanctuary from the death and despair all around her. She was reminded daily that her faith would keep her safe. Her faith taught her God would grant victory when everything else spelled defeat. While violence ravaged her town, her faithful prayers were answered. She quietly raised her children and her sister’s children as she eked out a living for almost 14 years.  Everything changed when her nephew … [Read more...]

What’s right about Rutgers Presbyterian Church?

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Rutgers Presbyterian Church — New York City Mayada Anjari came to the U.S. as a Syrian refugee and is building a new life for her family with love and support from Rutgers Presbyterian Church in New York City.  To show her gratitude, Mayada prepared a meal. A supper series ensued and spread to other churches and synagogues across New York City, with volunteers helping in the kitchen.  These dinners have provided income for Mayada’s family, raised awareness about refugees and nurtured connections among people who want to help.  Now her recipes and the story of her journey and the culinary traditions that have sustained her are beautifully chronicled in a new book from Lake Isle Press: “The Bread and Salt Between Us” (which was named one of “The Best Cookbooks Coming Out This Fall” by Food & Wine).  All involved volunteered their time and talents so that all proceeds will benefit Mayada’s family and other refugees and asylum seekers assisted by the church.  Read excerpts at … [Read more...]

Tagged With: refugees

Sojourners all: Presbyterians involved in international advocacy

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“These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.” Hebrews 11:13 Millions of stories of internally displaced persons (IDP), refugees and immigrants from around the globe will never be told or heard. Many of their stories will go to the grave with them. Even when they are told, who is listening? Too many IDPs who remain in their homeland are forced to find refuge in insecure buildings, where they are neither safe or warm. They suffer hunger and cold. Some are forced to turn to survival sex or to begging in the streets. In an attempt to flee, smugglers deplete them of any funds with which to start a new life in a new place and IDPs become victims of human trafficking. It’s not just Syria that is bleeding its own. South Sudan and Afghanistan, along with Syria, account for over half of all IDPs and refugees. Closer to home, children remain in … [Read more...]

Tagged With: immigration • refugees

Prayer for the victims of the California fires

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Devastation. Displacement. Death. Lord, the images from California capture only a fraction of the suffering and pain consuming your people who seek missing loved ones, wait to return to non-existent homes and worry about what comes next week, next month, next year. Hearing the voices of public officials and fire fighters, citizens and local politicians, all trying to remain hopeful, helpful and calm, we know they are fearful, frayed and exhausted. We ask, Holy Comforter, that you envelop them with courage and strengthen them for the work ahead. We pray that the fire of the Holy Spirit will replace the flames of grief with those of stamina, power and peace. We trust, God, that your breath of mercy, grace and rebirth will blow among the winds that spread destruction and bring relief and the assurance of your good and promised future. Knowing that the earth and all that is in it belongs to you, Lord of All, we commit to caring for creation, every person, every creature, in ways that … [Read more...]

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