Editor’s note: This is the latest 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

Four years ago, a member of Grace Presbyterian Church in South Arlington attended a meeting about homeless kids in the Arlington schools.

About 2,000 students live in cars, with friends, at a flop house motel, and on the streets. They still have the desire to finish school despite the obstacles.

The "No Child Left Behind" Federal Law enacted in 2002 classifies them as …

Catholic Charities USA has named two Presbyterian women in San Jose Presbytery as winners of its prestigious “Volunteers of the Year Award” for 2009.

Melissa Kreisa and Elsa Amboy, members of Sunnyvale (Calif.) Presbyterian Church were two of three area women honored for their volunteer work with Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County to help support recently arrived refugees. The third woman is Andrea Lee.

In the midst of brutal economic conditions in the region, the three spearheaded an effort to raise more than $200,000 for housing for newly-arrived refugees in the San Jose area. “They are incredible human …

Ganado Presbyterian Mission’s Sage Memorial Hospital School of Nursing has been named a National Historic Landmark by the National Park Service. 

A special recognition ceremony will be held by Grand Canyon Presbytery on the afternoon of Sept. 19 to recognize the honor and to dedicate a Landmark Garden.  

Three monuments are planned for the garden along with four mahogany granite benches. The site will provide a tranquil place for visitors to sit among flora found in the early Mission garden. Donations are being accepted by the Presbytery to cover the cost. 

The nursing school, which operated from 1930-1953, played …

At the Lucy Craft Laney Luncheon July 31, National Black Presbyterian Women looked back while also celebrating present leaders and “sheroes.”

Named for the famed African American educator, the Lucy Craft Laney luncheon honored the witness and service of African American women. Catrelia Hunter and Allie B. Latimer were both honored with the Lucy Craft Laney award for outstanding witness and service.

The luncheon was part of the biennial meeting of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus, held on Stillman College’s campus.

“We can still do powerful things through Christ, who strengthens us,” said Alfreda Overton, opening the luncheon. …

At the opening of the 40th meeting of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus, participants got a history lesson of sorts.

Ernest McNealey, president of Stillman College — a historically black, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)-related university here — presented a speech called “Making Bricks without Straw.”

A reference to Exodus 5, where the Israelites are charged to make more bricks with less straw, the speech provided a look at historically black colleges and the church.

“We’re criticized ... for not making as many bricks without straw,” McNealey said of historically black universities and colleges.

Higher education has long been an important part …

After an afternoon of opening sessions and an initial opportunity for participants to greet and reunite with friends and colleagues from across the country last Thursday, attendees at the 40th convention of the National Black Presbyterian Caucus joined together for the opening worship service at Brown Memorial Presbyterian Church, adjacent to Stillman College’s campus, where the convention was held July 30-Aug. 2.

The Rev. Gregory Bentley, pastor of Brown Memorial and president of NBPC, welcomed the worshippers.

“NBPC is the premiere advocacy group within the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.),” he said. We “lift up the (African American) church growth strategy …

The Reverend Gradye Parsons, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly, has issued the following statement in light of the national attention on health care reform:

The current public debate about health care has led several people to ask what the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has said about this issue.