As Christmas approaches, we face many choices regarding shopping, schedules and more. In addition to consumer dilemmas, we are faced with spiritual dilemmas. On one hand, we want to observe Advent and wait for the Christ child. On the other, we want to shop and wrap and bake — and we run ourselves ragged in the process. The following ideas from the Presbyterian Hunger Program are designed to help Presbyterians celebrate the birth of Christ in more meaningful ways than mainstream culture provides. Incorporate one, two or all of these ideas into your holiday celebrations. Share with family and friends. And when the holidays are over, turn these ideas into 2018 resolutions.
Nearly 30 spiritual leaders recently gathered in New Mexico to show their support for threatened public lands sacred to Native Americans, and for tribal sovereignty. The event, organized by New Mexico Wildlife Federation and Creation Justice Ministries, brought together representatives from a number of denominations and groups including Presbyterian, Lutheran, Catholic, United Church of Christ, and Jewish, as well as several Native American organizations.
On a chilly Saturday morning in April, 30 people from six congregations in Hudson River Presbytery embarked on a Holy Week journey of education, advocacy and worship called Healing Sacred Sites: From Death to Resurrection.
Attendees of the Presbyterians for Earth Care Conference have wrapped up a week of conversation and tears around the struggles of Native Americans and the continued environmental threat to the Columbia River Gorge along the Oregon/Washington state line.
It was partly cloudy and windy on Monday, as Be’sha Blondin, with the Yellowknife Tribe, led a “Fire and Water” ceremony along the river banks at Celilo Park. Joined by attendees of the Presbyterians for Earth Care (PEC) Conference, Be’sha sang to the east, west, north and south and along with the rest of the group, poured water and placed a piece of tobacco into the river.
Clear blue skies were on display during the opening day of the Presbyterians for Earth Care Conference at Menucha Retreat and Conference Center near Portland, Oregon. Just two weeks ago, organizers were concerned that the smoke and flames from a season of wildfires would force them to find a new location.
Presbyterians attending Big Tent in St. Louis had an opportunity to hear the pros and cons of divesting from fossil fuel companies. The Presbyterian Mission Agency’s Office of Faith-Based Investing and Corporate Engagement hosted a workshop bringing together representatives to discuss when and if divestment should take place.
Rural farmers in India are celebrating the certification of Udaipur’s Gati Village as Rajasthan’s first fully organic farming community. The designation will allow Gati to market its crops and products internationally. Nearly 300 farm families are covered by the designation as they seek to market major crops which include wheat and corn.
President Donald Trump’s decision to withdraw the U.S. from the Paris climate accord is being met with harsh criticism from church leaders who have been strong advocates for the agreement and environmental causes. The president announced the decision yesterday saying the agreement favored foreign countries while hurting American workers.
The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) and nearly three dozen faith-based investors are encouraged by shareholder approval yesterday of a proposal urging ExxonMobil to better assess the company’s climate change related risks.
