Mission Yearbook: New hymn celebrates blessing children in Jesus’ name

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The Rev. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette enjoys time with her granddaughter. (Contributed photo)

Presbyterian pastor and hymn writer the Rev. Carolyn Winfrey Gillette has a new hymn, “Jesus, You Once Blessed the Children,” set to NETTLETON, the tune for “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing.”

“This new hymn celebrates Jesus blessing the children,” she said in a statement. “It is a prayer that we, as followers of Jesus, will bless them, too, in his name— as we teach them the faith; as we protect them from gun violence; and as we create a cleaner, more just world for them to grow up in.”

“As the old children’s song goes, ‘They are precious in his sight,’ and since children are precious to Jesus, then he calls us to do everything we can to make the world a more loving, faithful, safe, and sustainable place for them to grow up. What are the ways we are willing to change, to be a blessing to them?”

She grants permission for free use of this hymn, including online, for local churches.

Jesus, You Once Blessed the Children

NETTLETON 8.7.8.7 D (“Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”)

Jesus, you once blessed the children who were often pushed aside.

“God has given them the kingdom,” you proclaimed, arms open wide.

You call people to protect them and to make sure they’re all right.

May we bless the world of children who are precious in your sight.

May we share with them the gospel: In your love, you make us new!

May we help them to be faithful; may they turn in trust to you.

May we teach them love of neighbors in this world’s diversity.

May our love toward friends and strangers be examples that they see.

When our children ask for safety, may we give them what is good.

God, may weapons never hurt them in their homes or neighborhoods.

May we learn that second graders in their classrooms matter more

than the guns we fill our land with — that our nation clamors for.

May we work to stop pollution, may we counter climate change.

For the love of growing children, God, what will we rearrange?

Will we change our laws to save them?  Will we try a whole new way?

May our actions bless the children as we build a better day.

Biblical references: Leviticus 19:34; Matthew 18:5-6; Matthew 19:13–15, Matthew 25:31-46; Mark 10:13–16 and Luke 18:15–17; Hebrews 13:2.

Tune: John Wyeth’s “Repository of Sacred Music,” 1813

Alternate tune:  HOLY MANNA (“Brethren, We Have Met to Worship”)
Text: Copyright © 2025 by Carolyn Winfrey Gillette. All rights reserved.

Email: carolynshymns@gmail.com. New hymns are found here.

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

Let us join in prayer for:

Angielee Acevedo, Lead Housekeeper, Stony Point Center
Rhea Adams, Service Desk Technician, Information Technology Infrastructure, Administrative Services Group 

Let us pray:

God of all peoples, help us to trust that you will bring to completion by the day of Jesus Christ the good work you have begun. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

World Evangelical Alliance - From Nazareth to the World: Botrus Mansour Leads 650 Million Evangelicals

Listen Today! In this episode of evangelical 360, Brian Stiller sits down with Botrus Mansour, our secretary general and a Palestinian evangelical lawyer whose life has been shaped by faith, culture, and the call to bridge divides.

Mansour shares his journey from local ministry in Israel to leading a global fellowship representing over 650 million evangelicals. He reflects on: • Evangelical identity rooted in Jesus, grace, and Scripture • The WEA’s role as a global convening space, not a hierarchy • Advocacy for religious freedom while remaining non-partisan From Nazareth, Mansour reminds us that global leadership can grow from connection and collaboration, not tradition or power — guiding a worldwide evangelical family to walk together across difference. Subscribe to YouTube Subscribe to YouTube to catch every episode of evangelical 360! Every blessing, Warmly, Brian C. Stiller is the Global Ambassador of the World Evangelical Alliance, serving a global community of over 600 million Christians since 2011. Born and raised in Canada, Brian holds undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Toronto and a doctoral degree from Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. His career began in 1967 with Youth For Christ (YFC), eventually becoming President of YFC/Canada, the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, and Tyndale University College & Seminary in Toronto. He is the author of 12 books, including Evangelicals Around the World: A Global Handbook for the 21st Century (General Editor) and An Insider’s Guide to Praying for the World. Visit him at brianstiller.com and follow his blog at dispatchesfrombrian.com. Over two billion Christians in the world today are represented by three world church bodies. The World Evangelical Alliance (WEA) is one of those, serving more than 600 million evangelicals belonging to churches that are part of 143 national Evangelical Alliances in 9 regions. Launched in London in 1846, the WEA unites evangelicals across denominations for prayer, evangelism, mission, theological education, religious freedom, human rights advocacy, relief, and engagement in a wide range of social issues. It speaks with one voice to United Nations, governments, and media in public or through behind-the-scenes diplomacy on issues of common concern to the Church. For more information, visit worldea.org WEA has been a charter member of the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability since 1980. WEA is audited annually by an independent public accounting firm. WEA is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. In the United States, your contribution is tax-deductible to the extent allowed by law.

© Copyright 2025 World Evangelical Alliance

WCC NEWS: WCC extends condolences, calls for justice in wake of Congo mine collapse

A landslide caused by heavy rain on 28 January collapsed several mines in eastern Congo, leaving at least 200 people dead. Photo: Albin Hillert/WCC 02 February 2026 The collapse took place at the Rubaya mines, which have previously collapsed because the tunnels are dug by hand, poorly constructed, and left without maintenance. Rubaya lies in the heart of eastern Congo, a mineral-rich part of the central African nation which for decades has been ripped apart by conflict and is already suffering from an acute humanitarian crisis with more than 7 million people displaced, including more than 300,000 who have fled their homes since December. Congo is a major supplier of coltan, a black metallic ore that contains the rare metal tantalum, a key component in the production of smartphones, computers, and aircraft engines. The country produced about 40 percent of the world's coltan in 2023, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. World Council of Churches general secretary Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay called for prayers from the global fellowship, and extended condolences to those who have lost loved ones. “We grieve with all those affected and hold you in prayer as you cope with loss,” he said. “We call for an end of the exploitation of mine workers who toil in unsafe environments and who bear the brunt of extractive greed.”  WCC member churches in Congo 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

Minute for Mission: Remember Our Chaplains — Presbyterian Federal Chaplaincies

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Matthew 25: “I was a stranger, and you welcomed me … I was sick, and you took care of me; I was in prison, and you visited me.”

On Feb. 2, 1943, four U.S. Army chaplains from different faith traditions selflessly gave up their life jackets to others on the USAT Dorchester as it sank from a strike by an enemy torpedo. Survivors recall seeing four chaplains, arms linked together, praying as the ship slipped beneath the waves. Since that date, Feb. 2 has become an observance called Four Chaplains Day, which brings together people of diverse backgrounds to recognize our shared humanity.

Our Book of Order states, “God sends the Church to join the mission of Jesus Christ in service to the world.” Just as those four chaplains were called to serve their military community during World War II, today, dedicated PC(USA) chaplains minister in various federal, state and local ministries as they seek to remain faithful to that call.

The Presbyterian Federal Chaplaincies endorses PC(USA) chaplains serving in the Federal Bureau of Prisons, the Veterans Affairs hospitals and the branches of our military. As highlighted in Matthew 25, these chaplains are called to bring hope and transform their respective communities through acts of love and compassion: feeding the hungry, caring for the sick, visiting prisoners, freeing captives, sheltering the homeless, welcoming strangers, comforting those who mourn and being present with all who are in need. These times include:

A VA chaplain called to sit with an elderly veteran in his hospital room during his last few moments of life. The chaplain conveyed words of love and reassurance and offered prayers while waiting for the family to arrive. They were grateful knowing their loved one was never alone.

A military chaplain conducted a funeral service for a soldier whose remains were identified 73 years after he was declared Missing in Action. The chaplain said it was an honor and privilege to help bring closure to the family that waited so long for their loved one to be returned.   

A Federal Bureau of Prison chaplain advocating for incarcerated adults and daily proclaiming God's grace as they deal with shame, guilt, anger and the belief that no one, not even God, can ever love them. This chaplain firmly believes these spiritual and emotional chains can be broken, and chaplains can help release them from their control.

Whether it’s 1943 or 2025, PC(USA) chaplains engage with people when life brings about cause for celebration, sorrow, accomplishment, doubt, renewal and despair. Pray for our chaplains who selflessly give of themselves so that the voice of the voiceless can be heard, the needs of those in need can be met, and the gift of hope and life itself can be given in the darkest moments in unexpected ways.

Rev. Dennis E. Hysom, Executive Director, Presbyterian Federal Chaplaincies and retired Army Chaplain

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff:

Chris Abney, VP, Director of IT, Presbyterian Foundation
Susan Abraham, Associate, Mission Program Grants & Mission Development Resources Committee
 

Let us pray:

Loving God, you know how deep wounds go. You know that many in our communities suffer, and you feel that pain in their lives. You know the memories that haunt them and the scars that many of them continue to carry. O merciful Savior, bring healing to those who are still hurting. Please grant patience and wisdom to those around them who cannot understand but can sometimes help. Permit both physical and spiritual healing to wounds that remain. For this, we pray in your most holy name, Amen.

Minute for Mission: Black History Month begins

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Samantha and her Nana (provided)

Western society has used two great tools to oppress Black people. One, the Bible, spewing oppressive theology to justify first the acts of enslavement, and still to safeguard harmful laws and practices that disproportionately impact Black people. Two, the erasure of Black stories, Black history and the stripping of Black culture. I will not spend the next 600 words declaring what I hope you already know; that we serve a JUST GOD.

So, instead, I will challenge us to take heed to these Scriptures, breathe them, live them, allow them to guide you whenever you have doubt. Consider this piece my attempt to model one small way we can combat systemic racism this Black History Month through telling, celebrating, and honoring Black stories, Black history and Black culture.

My Nana painted the walls of her two-bedroom townhome on the Southside of Pittsburgh the color of Pepto Bismol. She covered every inch with images of Black people from all over the world and called it beautiful. It was. Black people, 140 million in the diaspora, 1.2 billion on the continent, connected by water, land, history and culture. I see them, I feel them. And while we were taught that they should bring us shame, it brings me immense pleasure ... so let us honor it.

Honor our dance. It is both our rebellion and our freedom, connecting us across the diaspora to the souls of our ancestors. Connected by Bomba of Puerto Rico, as our bare feet repel from the land and our bodies move with the vibrations of the drums. Connected by Second Line of Louisiana, as the sound of brass instruments pair with our footwork and we parade down the streets of our homes. Let us honor it.

Honor our hair. Hair, like our melanin, both envied and adored. Our coils, locs and kinks that rise with the sun, act as a reminder of who our people are. We are the people of the Zulu tribe in South Africa rocking our Bantu Knots, the Mbalantu women of Namibia with our box braids and we are every Black girl across the diaspora today. Let us honor it.

Honor our food. The very nourishment of Black people, sustaining us in the darkest of hours and aiding in our joy in the daylight. Recipes, many never written, but inherently known, ingredients derived from the land our ancestors freely farmed. Let us honor it.

Honor our creativity. The holder of culture, embodying the authentic, diverse and unapologetic expression of our people. The hands, the voices, the words, the music, the eye, the rhythm, the style — Augusta Savage. Nina Simone. Raoul Peck. Josephine Baker. Creativity is the pathway to our liberation. Let us honor it.

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Samantha and her Nana (provided)

Honor our spirituality. It connects us to what has passed, what is and what is yet to come, reminding us of our innate power, reminding us of our divinity. It links us in practice through the pouring out of libations in memory of our ancestors from the ocean shores of Ghana to the street corners of Chicago. It grounds us in collective care and community as the Black churches create safe havens from Selma, through Louisville, to Delaware. It is our knowing that we will win. Let us honor it.

My Nana painted the walls of her two-bedroom townhome on the Southside of Pittsburgh the color of Pepto Bismol. She covered every inch with images of Black people from all over the world and called it beautiful. It was.

Let us honor it today, tomorrow, and all of our tomorrows by telling, celebrating and honoring our stories, Black stories, Black history, Black culture. AND you don’t have to stop there.

1. Proclaim your commitment to inclusion clearly and often. Concede nothing at the expense of inclusion, at the expense of the safety for the “other.”
2. Challenge oppressive interpretations of the Word.
3. Speak out against injustices. Ask how you can stand in solidarity with those that are oppressed. How can you be an ally?
4. Intentionally seek opportunities for yourself and others to learn and unlearn.
5. Acknowledge impact. Take/hold each other accountable.
6. When all else fails, lead with love. Do no harm.

Samantha Davis, Associate for Gender & Racial Justice, Racial Equity & Women’s Intercultural Ministries, Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff:

Beth Zornick, Vice President, Customer Business Systems, Plan Operations, The Board of Pensions
Princeton Abarahoa,  Associate, African Immigrant Congregational Support, Interim Unified Agency

Let us pray:

To the Most High, Creator of this Universe, Olodumare, Olorun, Mawu, Nzambi Mpungu, Unkulu Unkulu, Chukwu and the many other names by which African peoples have acknowledged you across the stage of human history, we humbly ask that you continue to be with us. Empower us, as you always have, even when we may have been ignorant of your presence. Remind us to honor our spirituality, creativity, food, hair and bodies as the Divine gifts that they are. Be with us this month and every month, from now until the end of time. Ase’ and Ase’-O