New YAV class will be commissioned Sunday in virtual ceremony
(PNS) The Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) program will commission 33 members of the 2021-22 class virtually Sunday. The ceremony will be carried..
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We Pray for Afghanistan’s People Today
CRADLE SONG 11.11.11.11 ("Away in a Manger") We pray for Afghanistan’s people today: for those who are fleeing— who know they can’t..
An unexpectedly holy Communion: Jesus, is that you?
Guest commentary by William McConnell It was a normal weekend in the life of a denominational “road warrior” in the days before..
13th Sunday after Pentecost — August 22, 2021
Joshua 24:1-2a, 14-18 Pentecost 13B; Proper 16 In a scene from Richard Wagamese’s poignant novel, “Indian Horse,”13-year-old Saul is kicked off his..
Update on Haiti’s situation brings Presbyterians the voices of Haitians and those who walk alongside them
(PNS) David Guervil, who’s been consulting for Presbyterian Disaster Assistance in Haiti throughout political unrest, Hurricane Matthew in 2016, Saturday’s 7.2-magnitude earthquake and..
The church in the world: Responding to crisis, planning for what’s next
As people of faith, how should churches and individuals respond to the searing news from around the world? Afghanistan. Haiti. COVID-19. Climate..
Whom will you serve? — Family faith formation @ home: August 15, 2021
Welcome Invite various persons to bring a designated item and use this liturgy to begin your time of learning together. One:..
Getting ready for the journey — Christian ed at home
It’s almost that time again — time for a new school year to begin. The beginning of the school year is..
“You can’t think yourself out of racism”: Black religion scholars call for conversion
(RNS) — Recently an assistant professor of African studies at a Catholic university was preparing to oversee a doctoral student’s oral examination..
A Burning in My Bones: The Authorized Biography of Eugene H. Peterson
Winn Collier Waterbrook, 368 pages Reviewed by Jo Forrest The mere mention of Eugene Peterson’s name arouses a sense of comfort from..
University of Redlands names new dean at its Graduate School of Theology
REDLANDS, California (Press release) — The University of Redlands recently announced the appointment of Dr. Christopher Ocker as assistant provost of the..
After a massive earthquake and a tropical storm, Haiti continues to face serious challenges
(PNS) Since the 7.2-magnitude earthquake hit Haiti Saturday, people have been sleeping outside waiting for possible aftershocks. When tropical storm Grace hit..
Why I “waste” my time reading fiction
I cannot remember how, as an adult, I first got my hands on “A Ring of Endless Light” by Madeleine L’Engle. My..
Reading While Black: African American Biblical Interpretation as An Exercise in Hope
Esau McCaulley InterVarsity Press, 208 pages Reviewed by Sterling Morse “Learning to drive, you must see the big picture.” This was told..
Better days
Though the pipe organ welcomes us into traditional Presbyterian churches, the Hammond B3 organ is a Black church staple. As our organist..
A novel and a song of love
I have always been a reader – it’s how I learn, engage and make sense of the world – so it’s not..
Back-to-school time influences congregations’ decisions on masking and meeting
(RNS) — At Hopwood Christian Church near Elizabethton, in eastern Tennessee, many in the congregation hoped the worst of the pandemic might..
National Black Presbyterian Caucus holds virtual 46th Biennial Convention
(PNS) In opening remarks of the virtual 46th Biennial Convention of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus, the organization’s president, the Rev. Dr...
Regarding Ruling Elders: Leaders hope
(OGA) Jack has just turned 80 years old, and his health is declining. I’m with him at the hospital at a low..
What are you reading this summer?
Guest blog by Russ Kerr I love summer reading! Winter reading is for curling up with a cozy blanket next to the..
Just Tell the Truth
Richard Lischer Eerdmans, 224 pages “Just tell the truth,” says Richard Lischer in the title sermon of this collection. It’s a sermon..
The upswing possibility
Visiting my local library, I found an endcap displaying Robert Putnam’s new book, “The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago..
PDA official offers a briefing on the circumstances in earthquake-stricken Haiti
(PNS) The Rev. Edwin González-Castillo said Monday he knows the Haitian people will overcome the most recent calamity to befall them, Saturday’s..
A prayer for a hurting world
God of mercy, as wildfires and wars rage, earthquakes shake the planet, tropical storms threaten, we are at a loss as..
Order of worship — August 22, 2021
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation. It is free..
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