PNews 2/15/24
It is common to hear people who look like me and share a European heritage say things like “I don’t see color.” This, for the most part, is well-intentioned but usually misses the point. Fundamental to our call as Jesus’ disciples is the command to “love others.” And, if you’re going to love someone, you must at least try to understand who they are and how they experience life. In this week’s article, “I Don’t See Color,” Rev. Brian Wallace discusses this and more.
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Upcoming Events
The following events take place at the Presbytery Building, unless noted:
February 16 and 17
Henry Highland Garnet Weekend (Grace Memorial PC)
February 21
New Worshiping Committees Commission (8:30 – 10:00am, Zoom)
Peacemaking (4:00 – 5:00)
February 22
Presbytery Meeting (1:00pm, Zoom)
February 29
Nominations Committee (2:00 – 3:30pm)
March 2
Session Minutes Review (9:00am – 12:00pm)
March 7
Ethical Training (9:00am – 3:00pm)
Where is the Staff?
This is where the Presbytery Staff will be on Sunday, February 18:
- Ralph Lowe – Preaching at East Liberty PC
- Louise Rogers – Preaching at Riverdale UPC
“Spring Safety and Security Religious Holiday Briefing” is a webinar being offered sponsored by FEMA’s Voluntary Agency Coordination Section and the DHS Center for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships. The topic of the call is a spring safety and security religious holiday briefing that will provide attendees information, points of contact and considerations to prepare their facilities for upcoming religious observances and other public gatherings. It takes place on February 21, 2024 from 2:00 – 3:30pm. Click here to register.
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Medical Reimbursement for Pastors
We recommend churches stop directly reimbursing medical expenses to pastors/employees immediately. We will provide further information as well as an avenue and forum for questions in the coming days and weeks.
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NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare February 16- February 18, 2024 to be “Henry Highland Garnet Days” in the City of Pittsburgh.
On Tuesday February 13th, the City of Pittsburgh honored Rev. Dr. Henry Highland Garnet. Among the numerous accomplishments celebrated, Dr. Garnet was the first organizing pastor of Grace Memorial Presbyterian, the oldest African American Presbyterian Church in Allegheny County. Rev. Gavin Walton (Grace Memorial), Elder Lenore Williams (East Liberty Presbyterian), Rev. Ralph Lowe (Pittsburgh Presbytery), and Elder Sheila White (Grace Memorial) were present to receive and celebrate this historic occasion for Pittsburgh.
Update from Alliance for Honor and Repair
The Alliance for Honor and Repair have shared an update on their first meeting, and the start of the new Alliance. They invite the members and churches of this Presbytery to join their journey and attend a six-week book club on ‘From Here to Equality’, by William Darity & Kirsten Mullen. This book examines why and how reparations should be made for Black Americans today. The club will gather from 6:00 to 7:00pm for six Mondays, starting April 15th. To join the club, please fill out the following form: https://form.jotform.com/240435692421049
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Workshop Series for Innovative Church Folks
The Adaptive and Innovative Ministry program at Pittsburgh Theological Seminary is offering an online workshop for creative church leaders. The workshop, “Faith-based Nonprofit Workshop Series,” will be in three parts, on February 19, March 18, and April 15, all from 9:00am – 12:00pm. They will cover topics such as human resources for staff and volunteers, theologically-grounded funds development, and responsible community engagement.
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