Bulletin inserts, lectionary, social media images all available for congregations
By Rev. Dr. Lee Hinson-Hasty | Senior Director for Theological Education Funds Development, Presbyterian Foundation
LOUISVILLE – Theological education is a critical resource for congregations and congregants in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). When the chaos of the world is great, theologically wise leaders help us all imagine promising ways we can live into the hopeful future God is calling us toward.
While the church officially observes Theological Education Sunday on September 17 this year, congregations are welcome to observe this day any time that fits with the church’s schedule. We are providing resources that are flexible and adaptable to your needs.
All resources, which can be found on the Presbyterian Foundation web site here, are downloadable. You may print them from these PDF files, or share in social media. If you’re using these items in social media, such as Facebook, Instagram and Twitter, please use the hashtag #GrowTheoEd when posting so we can find your post and thank you for sharing it. Printed resources can also be ordered and mailed online here.
Bulletin inserts this year feature the stories of two PC(USA) educated pastors, Rev. Kaci Clark-Porter and Rev. Dr. Jerry Cannon.
Rev. Kaci Clark-Porter is a pastor serving First & Central Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, Delaware. Kaci notes that her theological education from Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary provided her with important grounding in theology for her ministry. “Ministry is a concoction of training, experience, instinct and the ability to trust,” Kaci says. “Austin Seminary didn’t teach me ‘what to say and when to say it’; they gave me language, a voice and the courage to use it no matter the cost. Talk is cheap. The gospel is not.”
Rev. Dr. Jerry Cannon is pastor of C.N. Jenkins Memorial Presbyterian Church in Charlotte, North Carolina. Cannon is a widely respected leader and mentor in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), encouraging many who are led to seminary to pursue God’s call to ministry. His work has influenced generations of church leaders. “Seminary matured me faith-wise as well as emotionally and academically,” Cannon says. “The most valuable thing I’ve carried forward with me is the relationships I formed: relationships with God, relationships with people, relationships to the church. That has helped undergird ministries I’m involved with here.”
Fresh liturgical resources written by the Rev. Lindsay Conrad, a pastor serving First Presbyterian Church of Burlington, North Carolina. Liturgy includes suggested hymns and scripture readings, as well as ideas for a brief children’s sermon based on the revised common lectionary scriptures: Genesis 50:15-21, Psalm 103, Matthew 18:21-35 and Romans 14:1-12.
Social media items include downloadable items suitable for posting in Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. These feature the Rev. Julie Bailey, who served until June 2017 as pastor of First Presbyterian Church in Memphis and include a prayer written by me for your use.
As always, we are grateful for the many Presbyterian Churches and individuals who support the Theological Education Fund. If you’d like to talk to me about how your church can get involved, you can reach me at 502-569-5357 or toll-free at 844-896-2959, or you may email me at lee.hinson-hasty@presbyterianfoundation.org. Please do remember that the Theological Education Fund is now housed at the Presbyterian Foundation and your gifts should be sent to us here.
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