Jill Duffield reads the prayers of the people she crafted for this Sunday. You are welcome to share this with your congregation or use it as part of your worship service. Find the full printed order of service here. … [Read more...]
Grieve with hope: General Assembly concludes with worship
Immediately following the end of its business on Saturday, June 27, 2020, the 224th General Assembly moved into a time of worship to close the assembly. This historic, first-ever virtual meeting concluded by remembering the words of the prophet Ezekiel, who was told by God to prophesy new breath into lifeless, dry bones (Ezekiel 37:1-10). Soloist Camille Metoyer Moten sang, “I Am Your Breath,” reminding worshippers that God is the one who sustains the rejected and disrespected. During the prayers of the people, worshippers responded to the “needs of the church, the world, and all in need,” saying “Hear our prayer” during this litany that asked God for healing and wholeness. Led by Kenneth Kovacs, those praying beseeched God to empower the church and break down all barriers that seek to divide. Specific needs of the pandemic that presented challenges to congregations were uplifted, as well as the plea to dismantle systemic racism. Closing remarks were made by Diane … [Read more...]
What’s right about Beth Shiloh Presbyterian Church?
Beth Shiloh Presbyterian Church — York, South Carolina When the Presbyterian Women of Beth Shiloh Presbyterian Church were inspired to donate a Family Farm Bundle through the Presbyterian Giving Catalog, the $1,300 price tag seemed like a steep challenge for the small congregation. But the group quickly came up with a plan to put together and sell a cookbook. It would raise needed funds and honor cherished members and friends who had passed on by including their recipes. To supplement the cookbook proceeds, the PW also held yard sales, bake sales and a vendor fair and soon had enough for two farm bundles. The congregation plans to continue supporting the Presbyterian Gifts program and add local projects, according to member Deannie Carter, who says the effort dedicated to helping others was a great time in the life of the congregation. “We are so fortunate to have made a small difference, but we are not finished yet!” — Ann White, Providence Presbytery Share your 150-word … [Read more...]
Zevelations
Zoom does not lie. Zoom is humbling. I am Zoomed out. Zoom fatigue. I have the Zoomies. These are a few phrases and sentiments I’ve heard in recent days. Likely, you have heard similar statements in this age of virtual everything. I’ve come to call them zevelations — as in, Zoom-revelations. My latest zevelation is that I do, in fact, look like my mother. Zoom does not lie, after all. Since mid-March I have taught a mid-week Bible study, had countless meetings, celebrated the publication of a friend’s book, marked a graduation, had family gatherings and participated in a board meeting, all virtually. None of these events is the same as being physically in the same space, but all of them are valuable. One zevelation that sticks with me is the equalizing effect of those small squares. No one takes up more than their allotted space. There is no status reflected in the seating arrangement. It is both easier and harder to fade into the background and distract one’s self with alternate … [Read more...]
Order of worship — July 5, 2020
You are welcome to use this liturgy in your online worship services and distribute it to your congregation. It is free for worship use. Please credit Jill Duffield of the Presbyterian Outlook. Download the PDF of the full order worship: Liturgy 07_05_20 … [Read more...]
Financial uncertainty leads to adoption of a unified budget at General Assembly
In the uncertainty and unpredictability brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Office of the General Assembly, the Presbyterian Mission Agency and the PC(USA), A Corporation presented to the 224th General Assembly – meeting online because of the pandemic – a unified budget and a request to have the flexibility to make mid-stream adjustments in the next two years as the situation develops. Usually, the budget is divided into two parts: The per capita budget is funded by an assessment based on a fixed amount for each member of a church and it funds the ecclesial work of the church, mostly in the Office of the General Assembly (OGA). The mission budget, funded from mission giving and other resources, mostly supports the Presbyterian Mission Agency (PMA). Since the last General Assembly, the Administrative Services Group (ASG) has been created as a part of the PC(USA), A Corporation — and has its own budget, which is roughly the size of the OGA budget at about $16 million … [Read more...]
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