Mission Yearbook: Mid council leaders meet to spread hope

The Rev. Sheryl Kinder-Pyle

Billed as “hope multipliers,” a quartet of mid council leaders recently told their colleagues about the good things going on in their presbytery.

Their talks were part of the Mid Council Leaders Gathering that took place online and at the Presbyterian Center in Louisville.

“We’re going to try to multiply some hope today,” said Dr. Corey Schlosser-Hall, who organized the panel. “I’ve never done a hope multiplier with a group of mid council leaders, but we will put on new habits and see what happens.

Presbytery of the Inland Northwest

The Rev. Sheryl Kinder-Pyle is executive presbyter of an immense presbytery with 4,000 members and 37 churches, half of them with fewer than 100 members. The Presbytery of the Inland Northwest used a Thriving Congregations grant from the Lilly Foundation to partner with Rooted Good and its Good Futures Accelerator, where a congregation aligns its building use with God’s mission in order to increase its impact on the community.

One church in northern Idaho has 16 members and is led by a commissioned ruling elder. Meetings with some of the 2,500 community members revealed people’s desire for the church to provide an arts venue in its basement. Over the past six months, six events have been held, including four community concerts. “Now this little town in Idaho knows [the church] is alive and connected to their community,” Kinder-Pyle said, “and the congregation is totally energized.”

Presbytery of Chicago

Image

The Rev. Dr. Craig Howard

The Rev. Dr. Craig Howard told how four of the presbytery’s largest churches purged their rolls at the same time three years ago. As a result, that year the presbytery lost more members than any other presbytery in the country. “You get serious when you say, ‘we are the worst in the country,” Howard said.

In response, the presbytery developed a Faithful Innovation Team, with the goal of opening at least four new worshiping congregations each year for the next five years. Funding comes from congregations that have closed. “We are following other presbyteries with this type of incubator,” Howard said.

He told the story of being in the Seattle area and being disappointed with the far-off photo he’d taken of Mt. Rainier. An online map suggested he turn in the opposite direction, where he saw a long line of tall peaks to photograph.

“What if we start looking at what God is doing in the community?” Howard said. “If we just change the direction of our gaze and stop focusing on one big mountain, we may find a whole mountain range of what God is doing.”

Presbytery of East Tennessee

Image

The Rev. Dr. Wendy Neff

The Rev. Dr. Wendy Neff, the presbytery’s general presbyter, discussed the need to overhaul the presbytery’s committee structure. “I like structure in my life. It was a challenging thought to me,” Neff said. The presbytery’s stated clerk thought it was just what the presbytery needed, and so the two of them created Jubilee language, “that we would Jubilee our standing committees. We are going to let those go so we can move into the new thing God is calling us into.”

“I have a whole cadre of pastors and elders excited to let things go and Jubilee” so that “we can look forward with real openness of what God is calling us to do,” Neff said. “We are very excited in the Presbytery of East Tennessee.”

Presbytery of San Gabriel

Image

The Rev. Wendy S. Tajima

The presbytery’s executive presbyter, the Rev. Wendy S. Tajima, discussed a pair of neighboring churches — one large, the other dying. The smaller church ended up calling an associate pastor from the larger church to do ministry for people without homes.

“The session of the dying church met the young pastor and they fell in love,” Tajima said. “They put together an amazing ministry that has been doing well for three years — and by the way, they joyfully acknowledge the presbytery’s role in helping to make this happen.”

“Our church leaders have seen and heard that miracles can happen, if we take discerned risks,” Tajima said.

After thanking the panel, Schlosser-Hall, a member of the Unified Agency’s senior interim leadership team, reminded mid council leaders that “we get to choose what kind of environment we want to steward.”

Mike Ferguson, Editor, Presbyterian News Service (Click here to read original PNS Story)

Let us join in prayer for:

Terri McCurdy, Operations Specialist, Operations, The Presbyterian Foundation
Robyn McEvilla, Accountant, Treasury Office and Central Receiving Services Administrative Services Group 

Let us pray:

Gracious God, may we be open to your freshness and your recreative work in our midst. Repurpose us to do your work as we live into your kingdom. Amen.

WCC News: From prompts to prayers: Christian communicators explore AI and authentic spirituality at ECIC in Rome

Church communicators from across Europe gathered in Rome from 10-12 June for the 30th edition of the European Christian Internet Conference (ECIC), exploring the theme “From prompts to prayers: AI and authentic spirituality.” The conference examined how churches can engage with artificial intelligence while safeguarding human dignity and fostering authentic community. Participants of the 30th annual gathering of the European Christian Internet Conference (ECIC) in Rome visited Vatical Media headquarters and were introduced to the Pope Leo XIV’s recently published encyclical letter Magnifica Humanitas, addressing the protection of humanity in the era of artificial intelligence. Photo: Kerstin Dominika Urban/ECIC 17 June 2026 For more than three decades, ECIC has brought together a diverse network of online pastors, digital creators, web specialists, and communication professionals representing a broad spectrum of churches and Christian organisations across Europe. The annual gathering offers a unique space to exchange experiences, explore emerging technologies, and reflect together on how churches can engage faithfully and responsibly in an evolving digital world. Against a backdrop of rapidly advancing artificial intelligence, participants of the gathering in Rome reflected on fundamental questions of truth, authenticity, human dignity, and spiritual life. As AI increasingly influences how people access information, build relationships, and engage with faith practices, the conference examined both the opportunities it offers and the ethical challenges it poses for churches and Christian communities. The theological and practical dimensions of these questions were explored through a series of keynote presentations. In the opening keynote, Ilenya Goss reflected on “Between Algorithms and Identity: AI at the Frontiers of Spirituality,” examining how emerging technologies are reshaping human identity and spiritual experience. Fabio Pasqualetti continued the conversation with a theological challenge in his keynote, “No Artificial Intelligence will die on the cross for us,” highlighting the irreplaceable nature of human embodiment, relationships and incarnation in Christian faith. An example of engaging the wider society in discussion was presented by Jussi Koski in “Case Heräys – The new role of church in top level technological discussion,” demonstrating how churches can contribute actively to society-wide conversations about technological development, being at one table of discussion with scientists, state institutions and big tech companies. For its 30th annual meeting in Rome from 10-12 June 2026, ECIC  brought together a diverse network of online pastors, digital creators, web specialists, and communication professionals representing a broad spectrum of churches and Christian organisations across Europe. Photo: Markus Kartano/ECIC A longstanding hallmark of ECIC is its emphasis on peer learning and mutual exchange. During the “Tell your story” sessions, participants shared examples from their own communication work, discussed successful initiatives and challenges, and learned from one another’s experiences across different church contexts. The conference also included a special visit to the Vatican’s Dicastery for Communication and Vatican Media headquarters, where participants were introduced to the global communications work of the Holy See. The visit offered an unique opportunity for participants to engage with the themes of Pope Leo XIV’s recently published encyclical letter Magnifica humanitas, which addresses the protection of human dignity in the era of artificial intelligence and encourages a human-centred approach to technological development. The final day of the conference brought two keynote reflections that widened the perspective beyond church communication alone. Holger Sievert explored how artificial intelligence is transforming administrative, communicative, and spiritual practices in his presentation “Algorithm over Altar? How AI Might Be Rewriting Administrative, Communicative and Spiritual Practice.”  The conversation with Bruno Giussani, titled “What do we become when AI enters our lives?” concluded the conference programme, inviting participants to reflect on the profound human and societal implications of living alongside increasingly intelligent technologies. As AI evolves from a tool we use into an environment that increasingly shapes our lives and work, questions of ownership, power, embedded values, and human agency become ever more urgent. As ECIC marked its 30th edition in Rome, participants left with new insights, renewed connections, and a shared commitment to ensuring that the Christian voice contributes thoughtfully to the ongoing conversation about artificial intelligence. The conference reaffirmed that, even in an age of algorithms and automation, authentic spirituality remains rooted in human encounter, community, and the church’s enduring mission to communicate the Gospel across centuries and generations. As European Christian Internet Conference opens, communicators draw strength from community (WCC interview, 10 June 2026) European Christian Internet Conference marks 30th edition in Rome with focus on AI (WCC news release, 09 June 2026) Learn more about the ECIC conference in Rome, "From prompts to prayers: AI and authentic spirituality" As part of the ECIC annual meeting in Rome, Mons. Lucio Adrián Ruiz, Secretary of the Vatican's Dicastery for Communication, introduced Pope Leo XIV’s encyclical Magnifica Humanitas to the ECIC participants and offered a reflection on its relevance in a time shaped by artificial intelligence. Photo: Markus Kartano/ECIC See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa.  Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland

Mission Yearbook: Honoring veterans for 250 years of Marine Corps

MARINE CHAPLAIN HOLDS BIBLE CLASS IN JAPANESE WATERS, Religious News
Service photograph collection, 1945. islandora:357605

Imagine a birthday celebration so huge, there was a party thrown in each state. With the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation’s 50 State Cake-Cutting initiative, the 250th anniversary of the founding of the U.S. Marine Corps was celebrated that way.

A cake-cutting was scheduled in each state, with one slicing occurring at Carpenter’s Hall in Philadelphia, five blocks away from the Presbyterian Historical Society. The celebrations continued into the evening, with the 100th Marine Corps Birthday Ball kicking off at the Grand Bellevue Hotel in Philadelphia — the same venue that held the inaugural Birthday Ball a century ago.

On this commemoration of 250 years of the United States Marine Corps, the historical society once again offers up archival images from the Religious News Service collection to honor those who have served.

Religious guidance, advice and reflection made available in the middle of Tokyo Harbor — that’s what Navy Lt. Bernard H. Boyd was able to provide to his fellow Marines during their service. 

Before his enlistment, Boyd was a professor of Bible Literature at Presbyterian College in Clinton, South Carolina. Though he was no longer standing at a podium in front of a blackboard, Boyd was still able to provide mentorship, discourse and encouragement all the same. 

Image

THE PASTOR ENTERTAINS AN OKINAWA FAMILY, 1945. islandora:357562.

Navy Chaplain William Larsen served with a Marine regiment in Okinawa since the beginning of the military campaign. Not only did chaplains play a large role within the regiments themselves — the enlisted men being their first priority — but they also provided comfort to the people in the surrounding communities, by way of kindness, conversation and the unwavering belief in the universality of God’s love.

To be a chaplain is to offer comfort. More than a shoulder upon which to rest a weary head, and more than a figure reading aloud from the Bible, chaplains like Capt. Paul Toland of Boston provide emotional, spiritual and mental rest. 

“Though far away from home during Holy Week,” the caption reads, “American servicemen of all faiths received spiritual comfort from their chaplains accompanying them.”  

Marine Corporal Lanny Johnson’s letter to the Los Angeles Times detailing the great need of the Vietnamese went a tad viral. His correspondence, in which he asked for help with providing “practical things” like soap, clothing, toothbrushes and the like, was reprinted in newspapers across the U.S. 

Johnson’s appeal “produced a flood of gifts from the U.S.”, the logistics of which were being handled by Rev. Harold Weatherly, the pastor of Cpl. Johnson’s home church in Pierre, South Dakota. From there, Marine, Navy, and Air Force transport units cooperated in flying the gifts over to Johnson in Vietnam.

Image

RETIRES FROM ACTIVE DUTY, Religious News Service photograph collection, 1962.

Master Sergeant Catherine G. Murray had enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserve in 1943. Fast forward to Nov. 30, 1962, and Murray has become “the first enlisted woman Marine to retire from active duty when she completes nearly 20 years of service.”

Before enlisting, Murray was a civil service stenographer. After enlisting, she became a member of the motor transport team, driving “sedans and five-ton trucks for the Corps during World War II” while moving through 15 duty stations from London to Hawaii. Murray was later assigned to the Marine Corps Schools in Quantico, Virginia, where she was “instrumental in planning and writing many of the military examinations in use.”

Murray even served three tours of duty in Washington, D.C., serving as Secretary to the Director of Women Marines as well as at the Marine Corps Institute. She was retained on active duty when the Armed Forces demobilized, and was “fourth in seniority of the 30 active-duty women Marines.”

Murray earned many decorations, including six iterations of the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal. Her retirement did not signal the end of her involvement with the Marine Corps, however. Rather, Murray continued to serve her country, becoming the first enlisted woman to join the Fleet Marine Reserves, where she served until 1972.

Upon her death in late December 2017 at the age of 100, Murray’s loved ones wrote of her tendency to wear a Marine Corps pin on her lapel or necklace around her neck as evidence of her immense pride in her service. Murray rests in Arlington Cemetery, where she is surrounded by her fellow veterans.

McKenna Britton, Communications, Presbyterian Historical Society, Presbyterian Life & Witness (Click here to read original PNS Story)

Let us join in prayer for:

Kaeli McCartin, Operations Administrator Funds Services, Operations, The Presbyterian Foundation
Doris McCray, Director, Employer Services, Plan Operations, The Board of Pensions   

Let us pray:

Almighty God, give us the courage to be partners with our brothers and sisters to promote peace and justice. We pray for peace in our country and among all nations. In the name of Jesus Christ. Amen.

WCC NEWS: WCC executive committee affirms steadfast witness of the Palestinian Christians

In a statement, the World Council of Churches executive committee acknowledged the profound challenges affecting the Holy Land, where the Israeli occupation, entry restrictions, conflicts, wars and insecurity have curtailed access to Palestine. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 12 June 2026 “Yet even amid these challenges, the executive committee wishes first and foremost to affirm the steadfast witness of the Palestinian Christian community, whose presence in the land of Christ's birth, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection remains a living testimony of faith, hope, and resilience,” the statement reads. “For generations, Palestinian Christians have maintained their commitment to their land, their churches, and their vocation as peacemakers despite occupation, displacement, discrimination, and economic hardship.” The statement acknowledges the “theological witness” of Christians in Palestine, which offers an important contribution to Christian reflection on faith, human rights, peacebuilding, and reconciliation. The WCC executive committee is meeting online 8 to 12 June. Read the full statement See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 356 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches Chemin du Pommier 42 Kyoto Building Le Grand-Saconnex CH-1218 Switzerland

Mission Yearbook: Gathering of African leaders offers opportunity to reimagine global partnerships

“When African traditions are honored, through worship, food, or fellowship, it strengthens the sense of belonging and mutual respect across cultures,” observed one participant at the third national gathering of the African Presbyterian Leaders Alliance at the YMCA of the Rockies in Estes Park, Colorado.

Image

Photos of the African Presbyterian Leaders Alliance by John Alonge

The gathering brought together 30 African Presbyterian leaders from across the United States under the theme “Bridging Worlds, Building Tomorrow: African Leadership Reimagining Presbyterian Global Partnerships.” The sessions focused on questions of cultural identity, belonging and leadership within the PC(USA), exploring how African immigrant communities can move from feeling like guests to becoming full participants in denominational life.

The alliance has existed since 2019, though the Covid pandemic and financial constraints delayed its first official gathering until 2023. The latest event marked its third meeting, with all African constituents invited to attend.

The three-day retreat followed an intensive schedule, beginning on a Thursday afternoon with leadership team preparation and evening storytelling sessions. Friday featured worship, breakout discussions on cultural identity and faith journeys, and group debriefs. The conference concluded on a Saturday morning with personal reflections and discussions about next steps for the alliance.

The Rev. Cheryl Barnes, manager of U.S. Global Engagement and Leadership, and Destini Hodges, manager of the Young Adult Volunteer program, attended the gathering. Stephanie Vasquez, manager of Global Language Resources, met with alliance leadership before the conference.

Image

Photos of the African Presbyterian Leaders Alliance by John Alonge

The Rev. Dr. Moses Biney, pastor and head of staff at Bethel Presbyterian Reformed Church in Brooklyn, New York, and moderator of the Conference of Ghanaian Presbyterian Churches in North America, described how African perspectives enrich PC(USA) ministry.

“African immigrant communities bring vibrant worship traditions, deep biblical engagement, and strong evangelistic fervor that revitalizes many congregations,” Biney said. “We bring transnational networks that connect American churches to the global church in tangible ways.”

Biney, who was commissioned in 1993 and ordained in 1995 by the Presbyterian Church of Ghana before being received into PC(USA) membership in 2007, emphasized the educational and experiential depth African leaders contribute.

“It’s important to note that many Africans in the PC(USA) are highly educated with several years of pastoral experience and are now serving as pastors of congregations, leaders of mid councils, and professors in seminaries, bringing rich theological and practical expertise to these roles,” he said.

Mary Kiriaku, a church elder ordained in 2006 at Emory Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, who now serves at Church of Amazing Grace International, explained what meaningful inclusion looks like.

“Belonging looks like mutual acceptance for who one is and an appreciation for what they bring,” Kiriaku said.

She noted how African communities’ diverse experiences can strengthen the broader church. “The resilience and openness that comes with such experiences can enhance leadership within the PC(USA)," she said.

Dr. Ayodele John Alonge, a theology student from Africa who photographed the conference and compiled its communiqué, which he published on his blog, observed how participants understood belonging as active participation.

“Belonging is not automatic; it is something we create by showing up, by volunteering, by participating in the life of the church,” Alonge reported one participant sharing during discussions.

Another participant added, “We must not wait to be invited; leadership begins when we take initiative.”

Conference discussions highlighted how food, language and music serve as powerful tools for cultural expression and fellowship, with participants noting that churches hosting multicultural festivals and community meals build bridges across cultures.

The Rev. Princeton Abaraoha, an associate at the Interim Unified Agency working with African Immigrant Support, reflected on its broader impact. “The African Presbyterian Leaders Alliance gathering has been a gift to the national church. It brings together African leaders to worship, learn and celebrate our shared faith," Abaraoha said. "Each year, we remind the church that its witness is global and vibrant, rooted in hope, resilience and community.”

Looking ahead, Biney expressed hope for deeper integration. “I envision African immigrant ministries not existing parallel to but fully interwoven with the PC(USA)’s fabric, where our theological insights, worship styles, and mission perspectives help reshape American Christianity for the 21st century.”

He added, “True belonging happens when the church recognizes that diversity isn’t a challenge to overcome but a gift that reflects God’s kingdom.”

Beth Waltemath, Communications Strategist, Presbyterian Life & Witness (Click here to read original PNS Story)

Let us join in prayer for:

Karl Mattison, VP of Planned Giving Resources, Planned Giving, The Presbyterian Foundation
Anne Marie Mazzone, Director, Financial Systems & Operations, Finance, The Board of Pensions                 

Let us pray:

Gracious God, you have taught us to celebrate with those who are celebrating and to cry with those who are crying. May our eyes be open to see and distinguish between the two. Keep us mindful of all those who need your Spirit shining through us as much as they may need our monies and our labors. Amen.