PNews 7/22/21
Proclamation of the gospel in a time of pandemic requires us to be clear about the difference between a “gospel” that promises us a haven sheltered away from our troubles and a gospel that meets us in their midst. The good news that Jesus brings engages us exactly where we are. What is the good news that we proclaim in a time of pandemic? How do we communicate it publicly and authentically? In this week’s meditation, Proclamation of the Gospel in a Time of Pandemic, Rev. Dr. Sheldon W. Sorge considers these questions and more.
This helpful resource contains electronic files from the main Book of Common Worship to make worship planning and bulletin preparation easier and more effective. The flash drive contains a PDF file with extensive links to chapters, sections, and individual services that allow for easier reading, searching, and browsing. This edition also contains Microsoft Word files for each of the services and commentaries found in the main Book of Common Worship. Services are arranged in separate files for the ease of bulletin creation and copying and pasting.
The REvangelism Conference through Montreat Conference Center is designed to take you on a deeper journey into faith: into the lives of others, into justice, hope, and the wonder of God. The Conference will teach practice habits of Evangelism that will engage you in the gospel of good news — God’s justice and reconciliation for the world. At REvangelism you will interact with the wise, diverse voices in the church who contributed to the 8-Habits of Evangelism resource.
The PC(USA) Migrations Roundtable is presenting a new series of webinars to address various issues related to forced displacement and U.S. Policy. As the PC(USA) statement from 1999 reminds us, love of neighbor requires Christians to seek justice for refugees, asylum seekers, and immigrants. What does justice look like in US policy to address root causes? What does justice look like in the reception of asylum seekers and resettled refugees?
The Lazarus Fund equips congregations in Pittsburgh Presbytery to provide direct financial support to their neighbors to help them avoid the disruption of eviction. Distributing this direct aid can be a significant ministry for congregations who feel called to serve people who are poor, and especially those churches who are committed to the Matthew 25 Initiative principle of eradicating systemic poverty. The Lazarus Fund leadership team is hoping that new churches will join the program for the summer to address the coming eviction crisis.
This annual conference offers education, worship, and amazing opportunities for growth in stewardship and generosity. Over two dozen workshops available to in-person attendees. It will be held September 13-15, 2021 in-person in Cincinnati,OH, and online for a virtual experience. Our presbytery is prepared to offer scholarship assistance for first-call pastors who wish to attend. Contact Sheldon for more information.
This is a collection of policy documents from PCUSA that may be helpfully consulted as congregations look for examples to assist in their own policy-making. Some examples include Child-Youth Vulnerable Adult Protection Policy 2021, Capital Asset Policy and Guidelines 2021, and Creating Safe Ministries Page.
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