PNews 2/10/2022

Telling Our Story Fully

The apostolic church continues the commission Jesus gave to his apostles: “You shall be my witnesses.” Witnesses are story-tellers. They tell the story of what they have seen and experienced. The church must hear and tell the stories of all its members, not just those in privileged places of power. Can we truly be an apostolic community if, in telling the story of Jesus, we don’t also tell the stories of those who have been marginalized among us, stories of us at our worst as well as at our best? In this week’s meditation, Telling Our Story Fully, Rev. Dr. Sheldon W. Sorge explores this question and more.

The PCUSA has published a new Personnel Committee and Policies guide that helps sessions establish or update their policies and procedures for Personnel matters. This guide is helpful for congregations of all sizes, and begins with very helpful theological grounding for how we relate to our staff. Sessions are urged to adopt a Personnel Policy if they don’t have one, and if they do have one to review this new set of guidelines to see whether an update may be warranted.

2022 Lent Resource Guide

The PC(USA) Store has a new 2022 Lent Resource Guide. You’ll find everything you need for preaching, teaching, and experiencing the season. Books and digital resources are available. Look for the dark blue blocks to download resource samples.

Lazarus Fund Re-opening!

The Lazarus Fund has reached their fundraising goal of $25,000 and are re-opening the application process for block grants! Block grant applications will now be approved during their monthly committee meetings on the first Tuesday of each month. The Lazarus Fund Ministry Team’s mission is to proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ, by providing financial assistance to families and individuals of Allegheny County for rent, mortgage payments, security deposits, and utilities, enabling them to overcome their economic difficulties through the grace and love of Jesus Christ as demonstrated through the giving of individuals and congregations of the Pittsburgh Presbytery.

Grand Challenges to Youth Engagement

The Pittsburgh Chapter of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus is presenting the Third Annual Rich Heritage of African Americans in the Presbyterian Church: “Grand Challenges to Youth Engagement.” The Zoom event will take place on February 19, 2022 from 11:00am – 3:00 pm. Hear from young adults about their experiences with the church. Identify barriers for youth to engage and be sparked into action. Register today at tinyurl.com/219BlackCaucus.

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, “F-1.0304 of the Book of Order- The Great Ends of the Church” How are we doing? Have we been faithful to this as part of the Church mission? Click here for the Zoom link.

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