Four entities of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) responsible for publication of the new Presbyterian hymnal, “Glory to God,” have issued a statement in response to extensive media coverage of the absence of one hymn, “In Christ Alone,” from the new book.

While the survivors’ tales of visiting the Pearly Gates have been a boon for publishers, they’ve also had a more direct impact on spouses and parents. For the family members, life — and faith — changes nearly as much as it did for the men they nearly lost.

Erin Dunigan asked participants in her photography workshops under the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Big Tent here to fill in the last word to the statement, “I would be a better photographer if…”

About 20 people tried out an abbreviated version of a new Presbyterian study of marriage in one workshop offered at Big Tent. Attendance doubled at a second workshop, which focused on how to introduce and use the marriage study in presbyteries and congregations. 

Remember Sherriff Woody and Buzz Lightyear of Toy Story fame? Turns out they can teach existing congregations a thing or two about purpose, love, belonging, meaning and sacrifice.

Whether the Presbyterians attending the 2013 Big Tent event realized whether their home congregation is multicultural or not, they are now irrefutably part of a multicultural congregation.

Mike Ferguson, a Presbyterian ruling elder and secular journalist, says his reporting and writing are always enriched by his religious faith.

The committee putting together a new hymnal for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) dropped the popular hymn “In Christ Alone” because the song’s authors refused to change a phrase about the wrath of God.

The Rev. Rita Nakashima Brock is on a mission to restore life in mainline denominations and for military veterans and civilians. 

As co-director for Soul Repair Center at Brite Divinity School, Brock wants the church to take on moral injury recovery as part of its mission.

“Send us Lord, that we may proclaim your redeeming love to the world, tu amor almundo.”

 The words, coming midway through the prayer after communion at the National Multicultural Church Conference’s Aug. 3 worship service had just been spoken by the Revs. Laurel Underwood and Nancy Benson-Nicol when the oddest thing happened: the door to the nearby service bay slowly and silently opened without human intervention.