PNews 6/2/22

Confidentiality and Transparency

Each year, as we orient new members of presbytery committees, we discuss two core values to which our presbytery is committed: confidentiality and transparency. The two often seem at odds, but rightly understood, both are necessary for us to live together faithfully as a community of Jesus’ followers. We show ourselves trustworthy by being both confidential and transparent. Can we choose to lead with trust rather than with suspicion, with forgiveness rather than with condemnation? In this week’s meditation, Confidentiality and Transparency, Rev. Dr. Sheldon W. Sorge addresses this question and more.

At the May 19th Presbytery meeting, there was an exchange regarding privileged motions under Robert’s Rules of Order that may have been confusing. Stated Clerk Carla Campbell has prepared a resource on how to use Robert’s Rules for parliamentary procedure in PCUSA meetings, including a discussion on the role of privileged motions, questions of privilege, and personal privilege in meetings. That resource is available here.

Confirmation Surveys

As part of it’s on-going work to be champions for ministry with the next generation, the Next Generation Ministry team is trying to get a better understand of when and how our congregations do confirmation. We’ve assembled a brief survey that you can find here (https://form.jotform.com/221376577519062) and would appreciate your feedback. We’re also examining the format and timing of the Confirmation Retreat that we’ve hosted in partnership with Crestfield and are hoping that the information from the survey will help inform the shape of that ministry in the future. If you have any questions or further comments, please contact Brian (bwallace@pghpresbytery.org).

Matthew 25 Video Discussion Guide Available

There are now three downloadable guides in a Matthew 25 video discussion series. The author or the video discussion series is Dr. Edward McNulty, a film reviewer for Presbyterians Today and a Presbyterian minister. The third and final guide looks at films that can be of help for a church wanting to enhance its congregational vitality, and includes 5 films, one of which is the Disney film “Encanto.”

The Unthinkable in God’s House – A message from General Counsel Mike Kirk as our prayers and lamentations continue

We like to think of our churches as places of safety and refuge. A place to commune with God and join in fellowship with our church community. Unfortunately, others view churches as targets. White supremacist Dylan Roof murdered nine people at Mother Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church in South Carolina in 2015. Recently a Las Vegas man with a grudge against Taiwan entered the Geneva Presbyterian Church in Laguna Woods, California, and shot members and friends of the Irvine Taiwanese Presbyterian Church who were gathered at a celebratory luncheon.

It is unfortunate that church leaders must think about how to prevent such violence or how to respond to it if it happens. But sessions should discuss church safety. There are many resources available for churches, including the following:

· Guide for Developing High-Quality Emergency Operations Plans for Houses of Worship (FEMA)

· Safety for Faith Based Events at Houses of Worship (Department of Homeland Security)

· Active Shooter Resources (FBI)

· Five Options for Survival (Brotherhood Mutual)

· Active Shooter (The Insurance Board)

· Developing an emergency plan for violence on church property (Creating Safe Ministries, PCUSA)

Student Loan Debt Webinar

This webinar will cover the changes to Federal Student Loan policy that massively affect PC(USA) leaders. The webinar will be presented by PeopleJoy. PeopleJoy is a student loan consulting company contracted by the Presbyterian Mission Agency to provide digital advising as well as hands-on document preparation and submission for Federal Programs including Public Service Loan Forgiveness, Income-Driven Repayment Plans, Loan Consolidation, Default Recovery and more. You can find past webinars and FAQs at www.pcusa.org/loanassist.

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)! This week’s topic “Another Mass Shooting, more young lives lost …….What is your message of Hope?” Join us Monday as we discuss. Click here for the Zoom link.

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