“The Bible in Christian Worship” theme for Sprunt Lectures May 2-4
Richmond, Va. -- The Sprunt Lectures, Union-PSCE's annual lecture series and alumni/ae reunion gathering, will be held May 2 - 4 in..
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GAC renews emphasis on traditional evangelism
(PNS) The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)'s General Assembly Council (GAC) adopted a new emphasis on traditional evangelism at its meeting in Louisville March 14-16.
Led by newly-called Deputy Executive Director for Mission Tom Taylor, the Council's Evangelism and Witness Goal Area Committee adopted the following goal for 2007-2008: "We are called to invite all people to faith, repentance, and the abundant life of God in Jesus Christ, to encourage congregations in joyfully sharing the Gospel, and through the power of the Holy Spirit to grow in membership and discipleship."
One of its two objectives under the goal is to equip Presbyterians to reach out to "those with no active church affiliation."
Presbytery task force publishes recommendations for disaffiliating Montreat Church
MONTREAT, N.C. -- A task force of the Presbytery of Western North Carolina has recommended that the Montreat Church be divided into two congregations, one to remain in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and the other to join the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. The recommendation comes as an initial response to a vote of the congregation, taken on January 21, to disaffiliate from the PC(USA) and affiliate with the EPC. The congregation's vote was 311 to 27.
The task force report will be considered at a special meeting of the presbytery to be held on the Montreat Conference Center campus on April 25.
Stated Clerk Commends the Coalition of Immokalee Workers and McDonald’s Corporation
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Stated Clerk Commends the Coalition of Immokalee Workers and McDonald's Corporation on Forging an Historic Agreement to Advance Farmworkers' Human Rights
On behalf of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) I commend the Coalition of Immokalee Workers, the McDonald's Corporation, and McDonald's suppliers on the historic agreement that they have forged to improve wages and guarantee human rights for farmworkers harvesting tomatoes in the fields of Florida. The farmworkers have carried forward their campaign for fair food with integrity and dedication and the McDonald's Corporation has taken a leadership role in moving the fast-food industry toward more just way of doing business. The Presbyterian Church is particularly grateful for the role that the Carter Center has played in fostering dialogue among the parties that led to this significant agreement.
To “ruling” elders in the Presbyterian Church, USA
Why are you a Presbyterian? What specifically are the advantages of belonging to this denomination called Presbyterian Church, USA? Let me explain..
N.Y. church pledges $1 million for fellowship program through MIJHH
Madison Avenue Church in New York, N.Y., is pledging $1 million to Mission Initiative: Joining Hearts & Hands of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to endow new a Global Ministry Fellowship program
The gift will establish the Madison Avenue Presbyterian Church Global Ministry Fellowship, a permanent, endowed fund to provide outstanding recent seminary graduates with an immersion experience in the dynamics of the Christian Church in the "Global South." According to the church's newly adopted policy document, the Global Ministry Fellowship will "help ensure that the emerging leaders of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) understand the dynamics and opportunities for ministry and partnership in a globalized context."
Ottati accepts post at Davidson College
Douglas F. Ottati, the M.E. Pemberton Professor of Theology and a member of the faculty at Union Theological Seminary-PSCE in Richmond, Va., for nearly 30 years, is going to Davidson College in a newly endowed chair in religion.
Beginning in the fall of 2007, Ottati will occupy the new Craig Family Distinguished Professorship in Reformed Theology and Justice Ministry.
"It was not an easy decision to make, but it's exciting," said Ottati. "It comes at a classic time of life when my two children have left the house, and I have an opportunity to do something different. Part of it is as simple as a guy being an auto mechanic for 30 years who gets a chance to work on another machine."
Ottati added that another incentive was to work within a broader scope of academic disciplines. "Seminaries like Union-PSCE have as a strength their focus on the clerical education of ministers," he said. "But at the same time that focus is their significant limitation. Seminaries don't have arts and sciences departments, so it's more difficult to study in the context of other disciplines. Coming to Davidson gives me a chance to have those conversations."
Hartford Seminary online seminar April 23 — April 27
Hartford Seminary in Hartford, Conn., is offering an online course April 23-27 reporting findings from the latest national survey of U.S. congregations and the implications of these findings for church leaders.
The Faith Communities Today 2005 national survey of congregations will be discussed as it focused on growth, conflict management, interfaith relations, engaging youth and young adults, and stewardship.
Leading the discussion will be David Roozen, professor of religion and society at Hartford Seminary and director of its Hartford Institute for Religion Research.
Advance registration is required; there is a fee of $50. For further information, contact the seminary at www.hartsem.edu/events/events.htm.
When a Particular Church needs to Leave: A Gospel Centered approach to property
Although I am a cradle Presbyterian, I had the wonderful experience of serving in a Episcopalian/Anglican parish for 3 years. Maybe a decade ahead of us in the arguments over what scripture teaches about human sexuality, quite a few of their congregations are now transferring to other parts of the Anglican Communion. To be sure, these are happy days for nobody involved in that process. I am most grieved for how hard they are fighting over property, when they didn't seem to put that kind of energy into protecting the unity and purity of the Church. I am ashamed and heart-broken over what I am seeing in that part of Christ's body. I am unfortunately seeing the same patterns emerge in our denomination.
We need to realize that our conversations about human sexuality are out-of-step with the vast majority of Christians in the world. Living in a 21st century world, where the church is mainly Southern -- as in Nairobi not Atlanta -- most Christians in the world are viewing these issues of human sexuality from traditional points of view. I am not arguing that this is right or wrong; I'm simply saying this is the way things are currently in the world. It is interesting that the Anglicans in America who are joining the Anglican Church in Nigeria are joining a much bigger entity than the Episcopal Church.
So what’s driving the New Wineskins?
Much has been said and written over these past months in the Outlook and other media outlets about the New Wineskins Association of Churches by a variety of interested and concerned Presbyterians. I was delighted to receive my brother Jack Haberer's invitation to share my perspective on things as the Co-Moderator of the NWAC. It is not my intention in this space to respond to or counter any arguments that have been given so far, there are better people than I to do that. What I hope to do is communicate some observations that may inform an understanding of our particular "missiological context" as evangelical Presbyterians in the United States of America.
Hearts & Hands financial, mission situation reported
LOUISVILLE -- About six months ago, the Mission Initiative: Joining Hearts & Hands fundraising campaign was in trouble -- finding some success at getting donations for international mission and new church development, but not having enough money on hand to continue to pay its staff through 2007.
The basic problem was that most donors were restricting their gifts -- offering money for specific causes, but not providing funds to pay the operating costs of the campaign.
Christians arrested as war protest draws thousands
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| Peace marchers gather at a barricade in Lafayette Park across from the White Housesinging and waving their candles and flashlights. They called for the end of the war in Iraq, observing the fourth anniversary of the beginning of the war. |
Their action was part of the Christian Peace Witness for Iraq demonstration planned to protest the war on its fourth anniversary. Several thousand Christians also worshipped in the National Cathedral, and marched to the White House.
Ufford-Chase said Saturday morning that a final number was not yet available, but dozens of Presbyterians were among those arrested and charged with failure to obey a lawful order. Marchers were told they could not stop while passing by the White House and participants wanted to pause and pray.
Ecclesiastical divorce
Divorce is hell. Amicable divorce is an oxymoron. When a church divorces its denomination, it can be just as painful as a marital dissolution. Sometimes it's worse.
You know how divorce happens. The aggrieved party looks back over recent history, shudders over the hurtful things the spouse has done, and remembers all the unrequited steps he or she took to try to bring reconciliation. The aggrieved party transitions from trying to save the marriage to building a compelling case to justify ending it.
In the process, the accused party reacts and does things that are really, really stupid, reinforcing the anger of the aggrieved. Soon each party can't stand the sight of the other.
I've been participant in or immediate observer of a dozen congregational splits and denominational separations. Every one of them has followed that divorcing pattern.
We can do better.
GAC names new staff, re-elects officers at March meeting
LOUISVILLE -- Most Presbyterians don't sit around thinking about how the top levels of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) are organized. But just understand this:
· The reorganization of the denomination's national staff is continuing with the recent announcement of a key appointment in communications and funds development.
· The General Assembly Council, which met March 14-16 in Louisville, is itself in the midst of a major reconfiguration: becoming smaller and reorganizing its committee structure. Past evaluations showed that members thought the council was too big and lacked vision, and that its work felt disconnected from the concerns of congregations and presbyteries.
· Linda Valentine, who was named the council's executive director in June 2006, spoke of how she hopes the new alignments will allow the council to focus more on big issues and less on day-to-day administrative matters. Valentine spoke of the need for "adaptive thinking, generative thinking, strategic thinking" in the PC(USA).
GAC passes resolution for prayer, diplomacy in U.S.-Iran relations
LOUISVILLE -- Responding to a request from the Evangelical Church of Iran, the General Assembly Council of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) passed a resolution March 16 asking U.S. political leaders to initiate "direct diplomatic dialogue with leaders of the Islamic Republic of Iran, so that by all means, a military confrontation would be avoided" involving Iran.
Major summer events slated for ministers, elders
The ministers get a Sabbath. The elders get a conference. Regardless of the label, the summer of 2007 promises each group an opportunity for enrichment and renewal.
In this second "off year" between General Assemblies, the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly has decided to double-up the offerings that were provided in the first off year, 2005. A pastors' conference held that year at the Snowbird Resort near Salt Lake City, Utah, drew more than 600 participants. The success of that event has inspired the scheduling of a second installment of the pastors' event -- to be held at Snowbird on June 28-July 1 -- and to planning an elder's conference to be held in Nashville, Tenn. August 29-31.
Skilled volunteers needed for Katrina rebuilding effort
The Presbytery of South Louisiana's Project Homecoming effort is in immediate need of licensed electricians, plumbers, and HVAC tradespersons who would be willing to volunteer in New Orleans to prepare houses with these trades. These volunteers will work under the license of a local tradesperson, in order to meet the necessary code requirements in New Orleans. Project Homecoming will absorb the cost of the permitting and inspection process, according to presbytery sources.
In addition, Project Homecoming is recruiting volunteers who have skills in carpentry, drywall, roofing, cabinetry, flooring, window & door installation as it works toward its goal of returning 300 families to their homes in the Greater New Orleans area this year.
All volunteers coming to New Orleans can increase their effectiveness by preparing ahead, the presbytery points out. Ways include: 1) Mission teams recruiting several skilled people to come with them; 2) Unskilled volunteers can take "do it yourself" workshops offered by building supply stores to develop their skills; workers ca participate in a local Habitat for Humanity project to prepare for a mission trip to New Orleans.
Those interested in volunteering, in organizing a mission trip, or in need of more information should contact: Project Homecoming, Presbytery of South Louisiana, 3700 Gentilly Blvd, New Orleans, LA 70122. Phone: 504-942-0444. E-mail: [email protected].
Responding pastorally to troubled churches
Used by permission
The Office of the General Assembly is grateful for presbyteries that are faithfully seeking to engage Presbyterians who are troubled by General Assembly actions. We recognize the enormous commitment presbyteries and staffs have made to reach out to these brothers and sisters in Christ and attempt to address their pain and distress. We are aware that several presbyteries have developed sensitive policies to guide them in engaging with sessions and congregations who feel estrangement with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The Presbyteries of New Covenant and Wabash Valley consulted with our offices in developing such policies and we commend such models to presbyteries.
20 minutes with Cliff Kirkpatrick
Outlook Editor Jack Haberer recently sat down with PC(USA) Stated Clerk Clifton Kirkpatrick to discuss some of the pressing issues in the church. This is the first of a three-part account of the conversation, but the entire interview is now available online at the link below:
Read the entire article with comments here
Braille and audio versions of The Present Word now available
Dear Partner in Educational Ministry: I want to take this opportunity to thank you for using The Present Word adult Bible..
Open
From the graveyard of Gadara
and the well of Isaac's son,
sweeping Light and footsteps
the Kingdom Walking, comes.
With Word, touch and gesture;
muscled arm and steady eye,
the Calling Love of heaven,
brings Himself to die.
No give up in this moment
but Consummated Plan
bound there by the nail and rope
our Lover's Open hand.
Now Open --gates and tombstones
Open -- hearts of men
Open to the Love of God
And never shut again.
@2006 A. Kirk Johnston
Kirk Johnston
First Presbyterian Church
Paola, Kansas
When Love Went Hiding: A hymn for Holy Saturday
In all the ancient storied script
Recited for our hungry ears
By priests and prophets in our tents
Rejected we the shock and awe
Of disappointment and of fears
A song of safety and of care
The strong and gentle parent sings
Reminder of what love will bear
To win the world from dark'ning sin
And carry it on eagle's wings
One feather at a time is plucked
One leaf that withers in the heat
One cloud the sun could cover up
One cross cross out eternal hope
One stone could love defeat
by Carol E. Bayma
Presbyterians to Open “Project Homecoming” Recovery Center in Gentilly
New Orleans, LA -- On the heels of Easter celebrations, the Presbytery of South Louisiana will open a disaster recovery center in New Orleans. The center is located in the education building of Gentilly Church.
"Project Homecoming" will serve those who are struggling financially to return home, giving priority for assistance to those who are low-income, uninsured, underinsured, disabled, and elderly. The plan is to assist at least 300 people with rebuilding their homes and their lives by the end of 2007. Volunteer groups, hosted by eight Presbyterian churches in the greater New Orleans area, will provide the labor to rebuild homes.
Project Homecoming is the rebuilding initiative of the Presbytery of South Louisiana in partnership with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans.
Catholic Charities Katrina Aid Today Case Managers will be on site to provide long-term case management to clients. KAT helps clients design and implement their own individual recovery plan and connects them to available resources in the community.
A dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony, to celebrate the opening of this new disaster recovery center, is planned Tuesday at 12:00 noon. On hand for the dedication will be Susan Ryan, coordinator of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.); Alan Cutter, executive presbyter of the Presbytery of South Louisiana; and representatives of Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans.
The public is invited to attend the dedication ceremony, as well as an open house from 11:00am - 2:00pm that day.
No world peace if no peace among religions, says theologian Kueng
Bogota 4 April (ENI-ALC)--If there is not peace among religions, there will be no peace in the world, Swiss-born theologian Hans Kueng has noted during an address during a week of ethics and world peace in the capital city of Colombia.
'The great religions have the conditions necessary to mobilise people to support a planetary ethic: defining moral objectives, proposing instructions and criteria for action, motivating human beings both rationally and emotionally, so that the moral norms may be lived out in practice,' said Kueng.
Braille and audio versions of The Present Word now available
Dear Partner in Educational Ministry: I want to take this opportunity to thank you for using The Present Word adult Bible..
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