General Church News


PNews 10/23/22

October 27, 2022 | Posted in Weekly Newsletter

The Politics of Generosity The politics of Jesus is a politics of generosity. The world’s practice of politics is increasingly about denial and denigration, something on vivid display as we prepare to vote in upcoming national elections. Do our politics …


The Politics of Generosity

October 27, 2022 | Posted in Letters from the General Minister

A Letter to Pittsburgh Presbytery from Rev. Dr. Sheldon W. Sorge General Minister Thursday, October 27, 2022 The Politics of Generosity  I have often heard well-intentioned parishioners complain that their pastor’s sermons, or their denomination’s offices, are too “political.” Keeping …


A Friend Among Colleagues

October 20, 2022 | Posted in Letters from the General Minister

A Letter to Pittsburgh Presbytery from Rev. Dr. Sheldon W. Sorge General Minister Thursday, October 20, 2022 A Friend Among Colleagues I am writing from the beautiful grounds of the Krislund Camp and Conference Center, nestled in a central Pennsylvania …


PNews 10/20/22

October 20, 2022 | Posted in Weekly Newsletter

A Friend Among Colleagues Ministry friendship requires the discipline of commitment to gather with a group  of colleagues to nurture practices of ministerial excellence to which we hold each other accountable. How are you practicing your promise to be a …


PNews 10/13/22

October 13, 2022 | Posted in Weekly Newsletter

Church Leader Appreciation Even though we may hesitate to ride the commercial bandwagon of “Clergy Appreciation Month,” it is still important to express appreciation for the ministry of the church’s leaders who, according to Scripture, are worthy of “double honor,” …


Church Leader Appreciation

October 13, 2022 | Posted in Letters from the General Minister

A Letter to Pittsburgh Presbytery from Rev. Dr. Sheldon W. Sorge General Minister Thursday, October 13, 2022 Church Leader Appreciation  Soon after October was designated “Clergy Appreciation Month” in 1994, our congregation’s Sunday School department gave me a plaque honoring …


Transition Update 10/13/22

October 13, 2022 | Posted in Weekly Newsletter

Dear Friends- At a called meeting of the Executive Committee on Monday, October 3rd, the Personnel Committee (which is a sub-committee of Executive Committee) made a final recommendation regarding a transition plan as we prepare for Sheldon’s retirement as our …


In Praise of Boldness

October 6, 2022 | Posted in Letters from the General Minister

A Letter to Pittsburgh Presbytery from Rev. Dr. Sheldon W. Sorge General Minister Thursday, October 6, 2022 In Praise of Boldness Reflecting recently on the legacy of Queen Elizabeth, I entitled my weekly letter “In Praise of Restraint.” In it …


PNews 10/6/22

October 6, 2022 | Posted in Weekly Newsletter

In Praise of Boldness There is a time for silence. And there is a time when we cannot stay silent. Yet the urge to shout cannot be confused with the prophetic mantle. Bold prophetic rebuke always serves the greater goal …


PNews 9/29/22

September 29, 2022 | Posted in Weekly Newsletter

One O’er All the Earth The church has been prone to schism from day one, something Paul fought against valiantly in his letters to first-generation churches. If nothing else, World Communion Sunday reminds us at least once a year that …