West Virginia pastor dies in apparent homicide
(PNS) Mark McCalla, pastor at Highlawn Church in Huntington, W.V., was June 19 in what police are investigating as a homicide.
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Stated clerk releases 2007 PC(USA) statistics; Trend of fewer members, higher giving continues
PNS/SAN JOSE — The official 2007 statistics for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) were released June 20 by the Office of the General Assembly on the convening day of the 218th General Assembly.
GA NEWS: Presbyterians know the way to San Jose: 1,300 local volunteers welcome 3,500 visitors to 218th General Assembly
SAN JOSE — After a number of failed attempts to land a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) General Assembly, the Presbytery of San Jose finally succeeded in 2008 and local Presbyterians are excited, Committee on Local Arrangements chair Bob Bowles told the 218th General Assembly’s opening press conference June 20.
New fellowship formed to meet needs of Middle Eastern Christians
LOUISVILLE – A new fellowship started in Presbytery de Cristo and the Synod of the Southwest now enables Middle Eastern Presbyterians and other Arab-speaking Christians in the area to worship in their own language and culture.
Overturn the Bush Decision?
An overture from the Presbytery of John Knox (Item 05-12) intends to overturn the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission’s authoritative interpretation (AI) in the recent Bush decision. The PJC ruled that determinations made under G-6.0108 “do not permit departure from the ‘fidelity and chastity’ requirement found in G-6.0106b” (Headnotes).
Keeping pastoral care information confidential
One of the most important tasks of church officers and pastors is to visit the sick, take care of shut-ins, and meet with members who are in personal or public distress.
Church Wellness: Patriotism in church
Memorial Day weekend, followed six weeks later by the Fourth of July, compels worship planners to consider the place of patriotism in church.
A painful, prayerful process
When the General Assembly commissioners* take up proposals regarding sexual orientation and practice, three questions will hang in the air.
Upcoming assembly faces “yin and yang”of sexual orientation overtures
Linda Valentine, executive director of the General Assembly Council, said she is praying that “this is a good-news assembly.”
Bay Area seminary planning prayer chapel at Assembly
A tented prayer chapel for use during the 218th General Assembly in San Jose is being provided by San Francisco Theological Seminary in San Anselmo, Calif., according to plans the seminary announced recently.
Outlook names winners of college partnership award
Katherine Joy “Katie” Skattebo is the 2008 winner of The Presbyterian Outlook Church-College Partnership Award. Initiated in 2007, the award is given to a graduating senior from a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)-related college who has written the winning essay on the subject, “How my education at a PC(USA)-related college has prepared me for significant service and leadership.”
Stated clerk candidates answer questions on vision for church
Editor’s Note: The Outlook recently addressed a series of questions to the candidates standing for stated clerk of the General Assembly, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Here are the questions and their responses:
Let’s hear the Good News
Wouldn’t it be great if the headlines coming out of this General Assembly are inspiring and bold, about commitments to expanding participation in God’s mission and to growing God’s church? Good News. It’s possible.
A more excellent way
Recommendation 5 of the Report of the Theological Task Force on the Peace, Unity, and Purity of the Church was designed to help cushion the damaging effects of controversy in the church.
Trust and the Authoritative Interpretation of G-6.0108
Trust is increasingly raised as an issue in our denomination. For instance, those who oppose the proposed Form of Government are saying that where trust is a problem, as it is in the church now, we should not reduce the rules under which we operate in favor of greater discretion.
The priority for this General Assembly
This coming General Assembly can correct a false categorical declaration the Assembly made in 1978 — “that the practice of homosexuality is sin.”
Sex a better way
The Presbyterian Outlook cover picture of a closing door (March 10 issue) does capture the immediate and frankly sad meaning of the February judicial decision about fidelity and chastity in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), but not all of it.
How is it when you come together?
I was newly ordained, and the opportunity to attend my first national assembly was no small thing. We rented the largest car we could, and piled in as many of our leaders as would reasonably fit, so several of us could go to the convention.
Guest Viewpoint: Presbyterian Essentials
I didn’t grow up in a family of faith, much less in the Presbyterian tradition. I grew up in a Northern California town with only one church, a community church.
Guest Viewpoint: You know you are a PK if …
Editor’s Note: The author wrote the following article in response to Agnes Norfleet’s Benedictory column, “Thank God for PKs” in the March 10, 2008, Outlook.
Revisions to “Vigilance against Anti-Jewish Ideas and Bias” unleashes criticism and support
Revisions to the statement, “Vigilance against Anti-Jewish Ideas and Bias,” prepared by the Office of Interfaith Relations of the PCUSA, have drawn sharp criticism from three American Synagogue leaders.
General Assembly Summary Report
A popular service is available again! Prepared by our award-wining news team this half-page (both sides) summary of key events is ideal..
A gospel purpose: Linda Valentine reflects on two years as executive
LOUISVILLE — Halfway through her first four-year term, General Assembly Council (GAC) Executive Director Linda Valentine is already eager for more.
15 semifinalists announced in Youth Video Challenge; finals at GA
JEFFERSONVILLE, IND — Fifteen semi-finalists have been announced in the inaugural Youth Video Challenge sponsored by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Foundation on its social networking site, ymiLIVE.org
Presbyterian Foundation praises Synod withdrawal of Overture-85
Jan DeVries, Synod executive for the Synod of the Southwest notified the Presbyterian Foundation June 4 that the Synod had voted to withdraw its proposed Overture 85 from the 218th GA agenda. The leadership of the Presbyterian Foundation responded with a statement in appreciation of the Synod's decision.
Bob Leech, President and CEO of the Foundation was encouraged by the decision of Conrad Rocha, Synod Moderator and the Rev. DeVries to recommend a withdrawal of the overture from the GA's business agenda and the Synod's subsequent vote to affirm such action.
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