With swine flu making headlines across the world, many people — including Presbyterians — are taking steps to reduce their chances of contracting the disease.

In a televised press conference April 29, President Obama discussed swine flu and its possible effects on U.S. schools.

“Our public health officials have recommended that schools with confirmed or suspected cases of this flu strongly consider temporarily closing,” he said.

One school affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has decided to do just that.

The Presbyterian Pan American School, in Kingsville, TX, announced changes to its end-of-school dates and closing procedures April 29. …

The Rev. Marian McClure Taylor, former director of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Worldwide Ministries Division in Louisville, has been named executive director of the Kentucky Council of Churches. She succeeds the Rev. Nancy Jo Kemper, who served as the council’s executive director from 1991-2008.     

The Kentucky Council of Churches is the largest state-wide religious association in Kentucky and was founded in 1947. It brings together a wide range of Christian churches in the quest for Christian unity in the state and works with state and local governments, as well as other humanitarian organizations, on a range of issues …

Editor’s note: This is the 17th in a series of stories about congregations engaged in significant outreach and evangelism ministries, reflecting the General Assembly’s commitment to “Grow Christ’s Church Deep and Wide.” ― Jerry L. Van Marter

QUEENS, N.Y. — Pastor Don Olinger of the Presbyterian Church of Astoria in Queens wears his favorite baseball cap religiously these days.

A friend found it at a garage sale and thought it would be perfect for Olinger when he saw these words: “The only thing worse than being blind is having sight but no vision.”

For Olinger, who is legally blind and …

Presbyterian Disaster Assistancehas several links about swine flu on its Web page.

Those interested can find general information about pandemic flu and why a new influenza virus, such as swine flu, can lead to a pandemic. Steps for protecting one’s health are also available.

Congregations can also access information about the flu and how to address the outbreak and continue worship and mission in safe ways if the pandemic were to progress to Stage 6.

Check back with the Presbyterian News Service next week for a story about how some Presbyterians across the country are reacting to swine flu.