As one of their final offerings of leadership service to the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Co-Moderators of the 223rd General Assembly are holding a conference for commissioned pastors and commissioned ruling elders, who mainly serve small Presbyterian congregations all across the nation.
A formal apology by the Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy to African Americans for what the presbytery calls “the sin of slavery and its legacy” occurred this month following a “Journey of Reconciliation” last fall to two institutions in Montgomery, Alabama, dedicated to telling the stories of enslaved black people and those terrorized by lynching and humiliated by Jim Crow.
An array of Lenten resources designed to help congregations, mid councils and individuals mark Jesus’ journey to the cross and, just days later, his victory over the grave, have been gathered into one place on the website of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Like the other committees, teams and commissions created by the 223rd General Assembly, the Special Committee on Financial Sustainability and Per Capita Review completed its report this week in time to meet Friday’s deadline.
Carlton Johnson, an associate for Vital Congregations and a worship leader for the Black History Month service at the Presbyterian Center Wednesday, opened the service with a soulful rendition of the hymn “A Charge to Keep I Have.” The hymn served to remind worshipers that during the time of slavery, those enslaved were killed for knowing how to read — and therefore much of the communication had to be done through song.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has been committed to interconnectional ministry in God’s mission at the local, national and global levels since 1837. Since that time, more than 8,000 mission co-workers have shared the good news of Jesus Christ with millions of people worldwide.
The Vision 2020 Team has completed its Guiding Statement and has a handful of other recommendations in draft language for the 224th General Assembly to consider when it meets in Baltimore June 20-27.
