The John Bulow Campbell Library at Columbia Theological Seminary will be one of the first seminary libraries to host the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History traveling exhibit “Exploring Human Origins: What Does it Mean to be Human?” Read more »
August 23, 2019
Exhibit exploring human origins coming to Columbia Theological Seminary
The John Bulow Campbell Library at Columbia Theological Seminary will be one of the first seminary libraries to host the Smithsonian Institution’s National Museum of Natural History traveling exhibit “Exploring Human Origins: What Does it Mean to be Human?” Read more »
Those attending last month’s Presbyterian Youth Triennium took home plenty of swag from the booth explaining the Matthew 25 invitation. But about 500 of the 4,000 youth in attendance July 16-20 left behind something even more valuable — their thoughts on what a Matthew 25 church ought to do and be in the community. 
The trend in the past few years has been one of church closings among the mainline churches in the United States. Statistics show that the median age in the United States is 37, and the average Presbyterian is 65 years old. 
In the spirit of the Matthew 25 invitation — choosing welcome and standing with people in need — the Presbyterian Peacemaking Program and World Mission are collaborating to co-lead upcoming travel study seminars on the complex, interconnected issues of migration and human trafficking. 
Last month, the International Task Force for the Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People journeyed to Guatemala and Panama to take a firsthand look at the work being done by community partners. 
Native American Day is celebrated in recognition of the presence and contributions of Native Americans in our society and church today. It is recognized on the day of the fall equinox, in September, in conjunction with “harvest time” for many Native American tribes. For centuries it has been a time of celebration and preparation for winter. A corresponding celebration with Native leaders will take place Sept. 25 at the Presbyterian Center in Louisville, Kentucky. 
“People often think of retirement strictly in financial terms. ‘Am I saving enough money?’ ‘How much does Medicare Supplement cost?’ ‘When can I afford to retire?’” said the Rev. Lori Neff LaRue, Director of Wholeness Education for the Board of Pensions. “Those are extremely important questions to address, but they are far from the only ones.” 
Burnout. Just reading the word is enough to cause the shoulders to droop, the body to want to curl up in a ball and find somewhere to rest. For many church leaders it can be an ever-present companion in the life and ministry of the congregation. 
One of my earliest memories of feeling fully spiritually alive beyond the church was in my mother’s kitchen. My family often entertained guests, and the time put into preparing meals was a gesture of hospitality and caregiving. 
Matthew 5:14–16 is one of my favorite passages. I love the way it reads in The Message. I am captivated by this idea that we are to “keep open house” with our lives. We are to live as generous people because of God’s generosity. Evangelism is simple: living the good news because we have received good news.