Presbyterian Women’s Churchwide Coordinating Team met in Septmeber2013 to continue plans and work for the 2012–2015 triennium. This summary includes highlights of work from the Mission Relationships, Antiracism, Communications Coordination, Leadership Enhancement, Justice and Peace, and Funds Development Committees, as well as other news from the national level.
The Office of Cross Cultural Ministries has compiled a list of resources that are available for congregations who wish to connect with racial ethnic churches. The resources include directories of racial ethnic congregations and links to publications and readings on racial ethnic and multicultural ministry.
In response to the church's call to be an inclusive body and the increasing racial ethnic diversity within the U.S., the 220th General Assembly (2012) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) approved Item 11-04, "Strengthening Connections with Racial Ethnic Churches." The Cross Cultural Ministries Office of Racial Ethnic & Women's Ministries complied with this action of the General Assembly by sending a letter to all PC(USA) congregations and mid councils. The letter invites congregations to communicate with at least one racial ethnic Presbyterian congregation in 2013 to learn more about that congregation's history and culture, increase racial and cultural sensitivity in the …
Guided by our commitment to Christ, Presbyterians have engaged with the United Nations since before its creation. The 220th General Assembly (2012) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) reaffirmed support for the United Nations. Read that action and learn more about why Presbyterians engage with the United Nations as followers of Jesus.
PHEWA’s Presbyterian Health Network (PHN) offers annual resources for recognizing and celebrating those who Offer Care. The Presbyterian Planning Calendar designates November 10, 2013 as Caregiver Sunday, but this can be done at any time in the life of your congregation or worshiping community. More than 65 million people, 29% of the U.S. population, provide care for a chronically ill, disabled, or aged family member or friend during any given year. The responsibilities and challenges of caring for a loved one can cause significant stress to the family caregiver. The Church is in a unique position to pray for and …
The Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) sends a letter to the Obama Administration urging it to end programs that create partnerships with federal immigration agencies and local law enforcement agencies. The 220th General Assembly (2012) sided with immigrant communities and advocates that report an increase in racial profiling as well as an increase in distrust of local police by immigrant communities. Read the letter here. Learn more about Secure Communities here by National Immigration Law Center.
Rev. Gradye Parsons, Stated Clerk of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) joined the Interfaith Immigration Coalition in their letter-a-day campaign to urge the House to take action on a just and comprehensive immigration reform. The letter will be delivered on November 4th. Please take a moment to review the letter and then call your Representative and urge them to take action this year on comprehensive immigration reform. Find out who represents you at www.house.gov and use the box in the upper right hand corner of the screen.
The General Assembly Special Committee on the Confession of Belhar has made available The Bible and Belhar, a new resource co-authored by Stephen Hayner and Mark Labberton which addresses the biblical basis of the confession. The 220th General Assembly (2012) voted to begin the process of amending The Book of Confessions to include the Confession of Belhar, and Moderator Neal D. Presa appointed the special committee to study the confession and provide education throughout the church.
Download the talking points on the SNAP/Food Stamp Challenge to teach others about taking the challenge.
Download an FAQ sheet and learn more about the SNAP/Food Stamp Challenge.