PNews – 7/23/20
News from Pittsburgh Presbytery
We are all waiting for “life to go back to normal”. But what was normal doesn’t exist anymore. And we have no idea what the “normal” we’re headed for is going to be like. In this week’s article, Associate Minister Brian Wallace looks at scripture for examples of how God’s people have faced uncertain times with a certain faith.
In response to the killing of George Floyd, staff members Ralph Lowe, Director of Justice Ministries and Rev. Brian Wallace, Associate Minister, started a series of conversations entitled Awareness and Transformation: Conversations about Life, Race, and Faith. You can view the episodes on YouTube or access downloadable copies of the videos for inclusion in online worship and other church programs. In episode three, What Is Implicit Bias?, Ralph and Brian discuss how our world-views shape our behaviors. For supplemental information on racial justice, visit the PC(USA) site.
The three focuses of the Matthew 25 vision are to build congregational vitality, eradicate systemic poverty and dismantle structural racism. In view of the current unrest and protest in our nation, the call to be a Matthew 25 church is more compelling than ever. This online event is open to all Matthew 25 congregations, groups and mid councils that have made the commitment to embrace the Matthew 25 vision, as well as anyone interested in learning more about becoming a Matthew 25 church.
The Synod of the Trinity is beginning to receive renewed tax exempt certificates for the churches and presbyteries in our region. It is estimated that it will take another 2-4 weeks before we have all of the renewed certificates from the Department of Revenue. Once they have been received, we will email them to our presbyteries, which will be in charge of forwarding them to their congregations. Reminder that the tax exempt certificates have been extended to Sept. 30. Click “read more” link to access the extension letter.
Be sure to check our site for the latest COVID-19 updates and resources. The PC(USA) and the Synod of the Trinity also continue to make updates to their resources as well. In our downloadable resources, you can access several sermons and other resources that are available to any congregation to help supplement their online worship and programs!
Save 20% on the Book of Common Worship at the PC(USA) Store, Flash Drive Edition, through Friday, July 31st! This edition contains electronic files from the main Book of Common Worship and it is perfect for those who want to make worship planning and bulletin preparation easier.
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