During the 32 years since my ordination as a Presbyterian minister and mission co-worker, I have engaged in many not-so-ordinary activities of ministry. The chain of events that first introduced me to Virginia Laparra was set into motion on Ash Wednesday, March 2. What has happened since then has pushed me far outside my comfort zone. My pastoral visits with Virginia have stretched me greatly in my own lifelong journey of faith.
As the war in Ukraine continues with daily revelations of the atrocities committed, we feel the horror and mourn with our Ukrainian siblings. News reports reveal Russia’s destruction of basic infrastructure (water and electricity), hospitals and other civilian targets.
On Monday, Avenue Church NYC welcomed the Rev. Robert Gamble, who does ministry in Ukraine validated by the Presbytery of Western North Carolina, for an extended visit throughout Holy Week.
Johnson C. Smith Theological Seminary announces the commemoration of its 155th anniversary to celebrate the school’s legacy and continuing commitment to providing faith and justice education. The year-long commitment and fundraising effort is in partnership with its Board of Trustees and prominent alumni, leading philanthropists and program sponsors.
People recruiting for a white supremacist cause on a Sunday morning will find more success at their local church than at their local coffee shop.
Registration has officially opened for Stewardship Kaleidoscope, an annual conference offering outstanding plenary speakers, informative workshop leaders, provocative worship experiences and unparalleled networking opportunities for all who are passionate about stewardship and generosity.
Presbyterians’ generosity to the One Great Hour of Sharing special offering gives the gift of abundant life to people in need.
As we look back at that final week of Jesus’ earthly ministry, we can just imagine the energy in the crowd as he came into Jerusalem on the back of a donkey while crowds cheered and waved palm branches.
But how swiftly the public tide can turn. Within days, Jesus would hold his final meal with the 12 disciples as religious leaders plotted his arrest and death. Knowing what was ahead, imagine the agony and loneliness he felt as he prayed for God to deliver him from his destiny.
Alla Soroka is a 2017 International Peacemaker living and working in Odessa, Ukraine. She’s clearly devoted to her work with at-risk teenagers — even those who are beyond being considered at-risk and are incarcerated.
After presenting a popular series of webinars on antiracism and gender and inclusion last year, the Presbyterian Office of Gender, Racial and Intercultural Justice is gearing up to offer a webinar on intersectional justice this year.