Today in the Mission Yearbook - Renewal occurs through relationships between new PC(USA) community leaders and pastors in Puerto Rico

1001 New Worshiping Communities travels to Puerto Rico with Presbyterian Disaster Assistance

September 18, 2023

Video: https://vimeo.com/840948023

Puerto Rico

Through a collaboration between Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and 1001 New Worshiping Communities, church planters and spiritual leaders visited Puerto Rico in June to learn about ongoing efforts to rebuild after hurricane disasters. 1001 New Worshiping Communities leaders recognized many commonalities with pastors in Puerto Rico, including the necessity of bivocational calls and a need for community engagement and the work of healing and relief.

“One of the many ways spiritual formation occurs is through relational service to others,” said the Rev. Jeff Eddings, associate for Coaching and Spiritual Formation for 1001 New Worshiping Communities. At the invitation of Presbyterian Disaster Assistance, Eddings and the Rev. Nikki Collins, director of 1001 New Worshiping Communities, decided to gather a group of leaders to travel to Puerto Rico to help with hurricane relief work and learn about Puerto Rico and the Presbyterian churches there in an ongoing effort to build community among leaders. “We came to listen, learn and serve,” said Eddings. “Our trip helped us understand the challenges the local Presbyterian churches faced in their context and gave us a framework to appreciate the work that Presbyterian Disaster Assistance has been doing in Puerto Rico.”

Beth Waltemath, Communications Strategist, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Today’s Focus: 1001 New Worshiping Communities and Presbyterian Disaster Assistance travel to Puerto Rico

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Troy Marables, Vice President, Director of Human Resources, Presbyterian Foundation
Michael Marrone, Vice President, Strategic Planning & Execution, Board of Pensions

Let us pray

Holy God, upon you we depend. Help your church to stand strong, shining the light of your goodness in a troubled world and our often-troubled lives. Empower us to proclaim your salvation and new life in Jesus Christ. Amen.