PNews 10/21/21

Lenses

Where we get our news determines and reinforces many of our political and cultural views. Our media lenses shape our values and our choices of conversation partners more than our scriptural lenses. This raises the basic question of which lenses we use when we read the Bible. Are some lenses more reliable than others? Can some lead us astray? In this week’s meditation, Lenses, Rev. Dr. Sheldon W. Sorge explores these questions and more.

Gather with the Synod of the Trinity on Sunday evening, Oct. 24, at 7 p.m. as Jimmie Hawkins, Director of the PC(USA) Advocacy Offices, Office of Public Witness & Ministry at the United Nations, leads Synod commissioners and leaders through a presentation and discussion around possible changes to our sixth end, or purpose. The sixth Synod end currently challenges the Synod to be “fostering conversation and action for social justice and righteousness.” Jimmie will share biblical and personal perspectives and lead us into some conversation. All are welcome and encouraged to be a part of this Assembly event on YouTube!

Needs in Malawi and South Sudan

Our ministry partners in Malawi and South Sudan have far more needs than our International Partnership Team can begin to meet. Would you or your congregation be willing to help with the needs of one or both of these schools in Africa?

Stephen Ministries are empowering and supporting churches to meet the increased needs for care in congregations and communities: the Bridge Leader’s Training Course. This live, interactive online course fully equips lay leaders, church staff, and pastors to begin and lead Stephen Ministry in their church. Stephen Ministry is a lay caring ministry churches can use to train, organize, and supervise a team of congregation members to provide one-to-one, Christian care to people experiencing a wide range of life difficulties.

“Sustaining Your Pastor for the Long Haul” is a workshop by Rev. Dr. Graham Stanish and sponsored by the Synod of the Trinity for congregations offered on October 27 from 6:30 to 7:45pm. The combination of the pandemic and polarization has taken its toll on pastors. Those who have done the best are in congregations where they have felt deeply valued and appreciated. This gathering of church elders and members during Pastor Appreciation Month offers an opportunity for churches to consider how churches can minister to their pastors so that they feel renewed and restores for ministry.

Coffee with Clergy

Come treat yourself on Monday mornings at 10am to Coffee with Clergy! It’s a space for Pastors to shake off the Monday morning drudge with coffee, laughter, and great conversation among colleagues. B.Y.O.C. (or tea)! Next week’s topic, “Generational Differences”. Boomers, Gen X, Millennials, and Gen Z – how do we recognize and accommodate each generation in the church?

Click here for the Zoom link.

Recent Posts