Grace and Gratitude Newsletter, September 2020

Now more than ever, we need to experience the nature and meaning of Jesus. Responding to a devastating pandemic and the evil of structural racism requires a strength that is not our own. Nothing but Jesus is going equip us to face the problems inside and around us and wholeheartedly engage God’s mission of restoration. Without Jesus, our training will only take us so far. One more meeting won’t solve our problem. Simply being able to go back to our pre-pandemic lives will not help, either. Maybe, just maybe, this is the gift of COVID-19. And I do not write these words outside the heartache caused by this virus. But what if we are being stripped of all we hold dear? We are separated from the people and the routines that once gave our lives meaning and purpose. Yet we are waking up and discovering that Jesus continues to be at work in our lives, communities, church and world. Jesus continues to be the light revealing the way. Now more than ever, we need to experience the nature and meaning of Jesus. Responding to a devastating pandemic and the evil of structural racism requires a strength that is not our own. Nothing but Jesus is going equip us to face the problems inside and around us and wholeheartedly engage God’s mission of restoration. Without Jesus, our training will only take us so far. One more meeting won’t solve our problem. Simply being able to go back to our pre-pandemic lives will not help, either. Maybe, just maybe, this is the gift of COVID-19. And I do not write these words outside the heartache caused by this virus. But what if we are being stripped of all we hold dear? We are separated from the people and the routines that once gave our lives meaning and purpose. Yet we are waking up and discovering that Jesus continues to be at work in our lives, communities, church and world. Jesus continues to be the light revealing the way. Read more

Beyond buildings, borders and geography In this time of “Scattered Church,” the Rev. Bruce Reyes-Chow encourages pastors to build theological understanding of what the future church might look like. Read more

Rethinking Evangelism This event is designed for congregations to reconsider what effective evangelism might look like in the midst of the pandemics of COVID-19, racism and poverty. Learn more

In a place of great danger By comparing the triple pandemics with the Israelites’ wilderness experience, Bible study at a Vital Congregations gathering helped leaders encounter God — and cultivate resilience. Read more Digging deeper into well of PC(USA) ministries An Oct. 5–7 event will stress importance of lifelong discipleship, while fulfilling the PC(USA) Education Certification requirement for Presbyterian Program and Mission. Learn more

New from the Office of Christian Formation   This digital faith practices toolkit launch explores five "Sabbath practices" that are designed to help faith leaders guide congregations into becoming an intergenerational community of faith. Read more

Building bridges instead of walls A PC(USA) historically related university in Charlotte, North Carolina, is building partnerships for interfaith engagement work, which is strengthening the response to pandemic needs in the community. Learn more ‘Keep singing the Matthew 25 vision’ Like a prayer, a new Matthew 25 hymn asks God to ‘Send us your Spirit’ and ‘Show us your way.’ Read more

YAV is ‘virtual’ in 2020–21 and ‘in-person’ in 2021–22 Sign up for ‘virtual’ YAV service in 2020–21 by the Sept. 29 deadline. Application season for ‘in-person’ YAV service in 2021–22 opens Oct. 1 (pcusa.org/yav). Be a 'virtual' YAV!

Matthew 25-Actively engaged in the world The Matthew 25 invitation was officially launched in April of 2019. Over a year later there are more than 530 churches, groups and mid councils that have made the commitment to become a Matthew 25 church and work towards building congregational vitality, dismantling structural racism and eradicating systemic poverty. Learn about this bold vision

Coronavirus/COVID-19 — Latest church resources for congregations and members

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