PNews 8/18/22
A sanctuary is literally a place set apart. It is a place of safety from external intrusion and malevolence. Last week, Chautauqua’s cherished identity as a place of sanctuary was brutally shattered when celebrated author Salman Rushdie was assaulted and nearly killed while preparing to give a lecture in its Amphitheater. Can we push past the threat to our sanctuary spaces, spaces set apart for divine worship, to be fully immersed in engagement with God? In this week’s meditation, Sanctuary, Rev. Dr. Sheldon W. Sorge explores this question and more.
1001 New Worshiping Communities is hosting an event in Pittsburgh from August 29 – September 1. The Accelerator is the foundational class for those that are starting a New Worshiping Community or even thinking about it, and can be helpful for existing congregations as well. The newly redesigned Accelerator is designed to walk leaders through many of the aspects of leading a NWC. The training includes topics such as self-care, fundraising, presbyterian distinctives, dealing with failure, developing a leadership team, and more. These topics were structured by a team of NWC leaders that are have gone through the process. This is free program and includes hotel, meals, and program. The only cost is transportation to the event. You can register at: https://www.presbyterianmission.org/programs-services/nav-tfe/1001-new-worshiping-communities-training-page/
This retreat, which will run September 24-25, 2022 is part 1 of this year’s new PCUSA Confirmation Series. It is designed to give your students an introductory framework for Confirmation. Led by Rev. Brian Wallace, it will cover such topics as “The Core Teachings of Jesus” and “What it Means to be a Disciple.” Ample time will be provided as well for team and relationship building activities within church groups. While this retreat can be attended as a stand alone event if that is the best option for your church, we do encourage you to consider attending both our Fall and Spring Confirmation Retreats as they will be designed to bookend the Confirmation year. Arrive Saturday 9am, depart Sunday 9am.
Visit the website at http://www.crestfieldcc.org/retreats/ for registration information.
We have a call upon our lives to share and live the good news of the love of God for people and Creation. Scripture is clear that the gospel leads us into forming disciples who will bring justice, good news, and hope to our neighborhoods. The Evangelism Conference will be held online and in-person at Montreat Conference Center from October 30 – November 1, 2022. Leadership includes Keynote Speaker Rev. Shanea D. Leonard, Rev. Gregory J. Bentley, and Music Leader Philip Morgan. Everyone will join together for plenary and worship. A discounted conference fee of $70 is made possible by the Presbyterian Mission Agency.
The devastating flooding in eastern Kentucky that took the lives of at least 37 people is part of a series of flooding events that Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is offering support and prayers for. Members of PDA’s National Response Team will travel to eastern Kentucky this weekend and have also responded to last month’s flooding in western Virginia, said the Rev. Jim Kirk, PDA’s Associate for National Disaster Response. Presbyterians and other concerned individuals can assist communities impacted by flooding by making donations to PDA.
The Presbyterian Giving Catalog’s activity, Links of Love, is helping the whole Church come together and see the power of our shared ministry. Each decision to give results in a paper link joining with others in an illustration of how we are connected. On the website, you can click on 6 different colored links to give between $10 and $50, or in an amount of your choice. The goal is to circle the globe in a paper link chain of Presbyterian giving.
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)! Join us Monday as we discuss. Click here for the Zoom link.
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