In midst of pandemic, Presbyterian camp pays off multi-million-dollar mortgage

(PNS) Maria Shupe thought the day when she would be able to pay off Highlands Presbyterian Camp & Retreat Center’s mortgage “might..

Presbyterian News Service

Regarding ruling elders: Elders as educators

My friend Mildred celebrated her 100th birthday on July 5, 2020. A lifelong Presbyterian, Mildred has served many terms on the session..

Presbyterian News Service

Caesar Act worsens humanitarian situation in Syria

LOUISVILLE — The humanitarian situation in Syria continues to worsen — much in part, many faith leaders believe, to the Caesar Syria..

Editorials

Giving thanks for Marj Carpenter

We give thanks for the life and witness of Marj Carpenter. For many years Marj contributed “Presbyterians In Action” and “In This..

Voices

The Spirit at work in the pandemic

Pentecost is one of my favorite celebrations of the church year. There is just something about the indwelling of the Holy Spirit..

Benedictory

What books make you who you are?

For the last few months, my extended family and I have been getting together on twice-weekly Zoom calls. Every Wednesday and Saturday,..

Religion News Service

As depression, anxiety, grief spike during pandemic and protest, churches offer hope, mental health resources

CHICAGO (RNS) — Not long into the coronavirus pandemic, the Rev. Sandra Maria Van Opstal, a pastor at Grace and Peace Church..

Weekly Liturgy

Order of worship — July 19, 2020

You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation. It is free for..

Presbyterian News Service

PC(USA) shelves plans for Big Tent in 2021

(OGA) The COVID-19 pandemic coupled with major budgeting issues have prompted leaders in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to cancel plans for Big..

Voices

Courage kindled

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change… The Serenity Prayer became part of my morning ritual as..

What's right?

What’s right about Louisville Seminary?

Louisville Seminary — Louisville, Kentucky After classes at Louisville Seminary went online in March due to the COVID-19 pandemic, it became clear..

Voices

Let the church be the church again

These past few weeks, Langston Hughes’ evocative poem “Let America be America Again” has been shaking me. (Take a moment to read..

Looking into the lectionary

6th Sunday after Pentecost — July 12, 2020

Genesis 25:19-34; Romans 8:1-11; Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 Ordinary 15A; Proper 10 God does amazing work through that which we fail to even..

Insights columns

In every story, our life

A pandemic changed things. It changed the way we worship, work, move about in our cities and sometimes even within our homes...

He/She Said

Diane Moffett

“It is the person of Jesus, unjustly tried and murdered by the state, that makes me understand we are not alone. It..

Presbyterians in Action

Presbyterian churches in Cuba

The Presbyterian Mission Agency and the Presbyterian Outreach both report that Presbyterian churches in Cuba continue to grow and the Evangelical Theological..

In This Corner

A 5-year-old student ….

A 5-year-old in Oklahoma got impatient with his Sunday school teacher when she was typing. The lad said: “Let me type it...

From the Archives

20 years ago — July 10, 2000

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..

Presbyterian News Service

OGA offers retirement package to staff 60 years and older

(OGA) As the COVID-19 pandemic shows no signs of going away, the Office of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)..

Family Faith Formation

July 12: God’s Word — Family faith formation at home

Welcome Invite various persons to bring a designated item and use this liturgy to begin your time of learning together. One: ..

Religion News Service

Court: Some employers can refuse to offer free birth control

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court ruled broadly Wednesday in favor of the religious rights of employers in two cases that could..

Book Reviews

The Collected Sermons of David Bartlett

David Bartlett (foreword by Leonora Tubbs Tisdale) Westminster John Knox, 256 pages At a commencement ceremony in Richmond, Virginia, I introduced myself..