Today in the Mission Yearbook - These three days

A reminder of Jesus’ sacrifice

March 29, 2024

Maundy Thursday was the start of what is known as the Easter Triduum — triduum, which is Latin for “three days.” Three days, which include Good Friday and Holy Saturday, in which before we get to the joy of the resurrection, we are reminded how quick we are to betray, to cry “crucify him” and to sink into the depths of despair when we are left in the limbo of loss.

Pope Francis once said that the Easter Triduum is not just the apex of liturgical year in the church, it is the apex of our Christian lives. But when I look around, it seems these three days have lost their significance.

Perhaps it is hard to embrace the Easter Triduum because it comes just as signs of life are springing forth. Amid crocuses enlivening the brown grass yet to turn to green, the choir of birds resuming their early morning introit and the return of the peepers’ evening vespers as the sun sets, these three days ask us to walk with our suffering Savior and face realities we would rather not face. Among them:

Life is hard. Jesus knew that. He and his family lived as refugees early in his life.

Life can be unfair. Jesus knows that all too well. When Pilate asked who shall be pardoned, Barabbas, the ruthless criminal, or Jesus, whose only crime was trying to make a difference in the world, the crowd shouted for the criminal to be released and for the innocent to be put to death.

Life comes with problems. How are we going to feed 5,000 people? The rough waves are going to capsize our boat. We have no more wine for the wedding banquet, only water. Jesus heard them all and attended to each and every one.

Life comes with confrontations. Jesus had his share. When he saw the three-ring circus known as moneychangers and other vendors in the Temple, Jesus confronted them, overturning their tables and giving them all a piece of his mind.

Life comes with betrayals. “The one who dips with me, will betray me,” Jesus said. And Judas, his friend, did just that, turning Jesus over to those seeking his life. Yet, even with Judas betraying him, Jesus mandated his friends to love one another.

Life comes with a cross looming on the horizon. Jesus knew that and while asking for “this cup to pass” was given strength to take that hard walk to death, trusting in great faith that no matter what, God was with him. We need not fear the cross or shun it. Rather, if we stand at the foot of it, we will be given strength. We will also hear the most powerful words this world needs to hear more often: “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”

Life comes with Holy Saturday silences. Like Jesus’ friends, life will bring those moments to us where we will sit stunned and dazed and wonder, “Will I ever smile again?” But before we rush to feel happy and whole again, we must allow space to process, to cry and for God to mend our brokenness as only God can do.

These three days are significant. They remind us of all that Jesus went through for us. They remind us that while joy and sorrow dance together, it is joy that will always take the lead. For that is our God — good and gracious and mighty to save. The “Alleluia, He is Risen” is coming. But right now, there’s a cross standing on a lonely hill, beckoning you and quietly asking, “How will these three days change you?”

Donna Frischknecht Jackson, Former Editor, Presbyterians Today

Today’s Focus: Maundy Thursday

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Dawn Diggs, Manager, Compliance, Presbyterian Foundation  
Carla Dobson, VP, Director of Philanthropic Services, Trust Services, Presbyterian Foundation 

Let us pray

Lord God, we have seen many Good Fridays and Resurrection Sundays come and go. Remind us anew of the extravagant sacrifice and excruciating death of your one and only son, Jesus. It is only because he took our diseases and bore our infirmities that we can stand firm through your mercy and love. Lord, we ask you to renew a steadfast love within us, as we fix our eyes on Jesus and follow him home. Amen.

A webinar for small churches ⛪

The Presbyterian Outlook has two exciting webinars coming up... This past January, the Outlook published a magazine dedicated to small church vitality. Within days, our extra copies of the magazine sold out and articles from the issue, such as “The future of the PC(USA) is pastor-less, and that’s ok” by Catherine Neelly Burton, went viral.  Join us for a webinar to continue the conversation our “Small is beautiful” issue started. On April 16, Outlook Editor/Publisher Teri McDowell Ott will convene a panel of voices from our January issue including Catherine Neelly Burton, Warren Lesane, Shavon Starling-Louis, and Philip Blackburn. The panel will discuss some of the troubles facing small churches, the strengths of these worshipping communities, and practical examples of small churches thinking in creative ways to continue their ministry. This conversation will be followed by a Q&A with audience members. Register The webinar is on April 16, 2024, at 7:00 p.m. EST. All who register will be emailed a link of the recorded webinar afterwards.

We’re living in a digital world. What can ministry look like online? Let’s talk ideas and strategy. Join Outlook Editor/Publisher Teri McDowell Ott in a conversation with skilled, experienced digital communicators: PC(USA) “TikTok Pastor” Bethany Peerbolte, Washington National Cathedral’s inaugural Pastor for Digital Ministry Jo Nygard Owens, Outlook Social Media Producer Jesy Littlejohn, and Outlook managing editor Dartinia Hull. Together, the group will share their personal approach to social media as a tool for connectional ministry. Then, there will be a time of Q&A where audience members can ask practical and theoretical questions. Register The webinar is on April 4, 2024, at 7 p.m. EST. All who register will be emailed a link of the recorded webinar afterwards.

Copyright © 2024 Presbyterian Outlook, All rights reserved.

The Voice of the Martyrs - Christians in Africa count the cost to follow Christ.

Front-line workers are serving and supporting persecuted Christians in Africa. Please stand with them.

Christians in Africa face ongoing persecution. Violent attacks by radical Islamist groups in countries like Burkina Faso, the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Sudan have left many Christians in Africa without spouses, parents, livelihoods and homes. But faithful believers continue to follow Christ and serve their neighbors. As our brothers and sisters there endure persecution for Christ’s sake, we can support them through prayer and giving. Your gift to help them in their time of need will provide medical and material assistance after violent attacks replace Bibles destroyed by Muslim extremists equip front-line workers to reach Muslims for Christ SUPPORT CHRISTIANS IN AFRICA Your support will help widows like Justina, whose husband, Nehemiah, was killed by Fulani Islamic militants. Nehemiah was on his way to baptize some Christians in a neighboring village when he was attacked and murdered; his body was severely burned either during or after his murder. Justina lost her husband, and her 2-year-old son lost his father. “Losing my husband was the hardest thing,” she said, “but God has given me the strength to bear the loss and to keep moving.” Front-line workers gave Justina, who cannot read, an audio Bible so she can listen to God’s Word and continue to grow in faith. Despite losing her husband because of his faithful obedience to Christ, Justina said she could never think of leaving Jesus. “He has done everything for me,” she said. “I see the evidence of all he does in my life. When I serve God with all my heart, it makes him happy.” Your gifts help Christians in Africa, like Justina, by providing medical assistance, basic necessities, housing or training in a vocational skill. Your gift may also be used to replace Bibles destroyed by Muslim extremists or equip front-line workers with ministry tools to reach Muslims for Christ. We invite you to stand with persecuted Christians in Africa through your prayers and gifts today. Thank you!

Please forward this email to Christian friends who will be inspired to pray for and support our persecuted Christian family.

Share this special opportunity with your friends and family.

The Voice of the Martyrs - Be Inspired by Courageous and Resilient Nigerian Widows

Celebrating the Godly Courage of Nigerian Women

Join us in honoring the godly strength and courage of women in Nigeria who have faced unimaginable opposition and grief because of their Christian witness. Sarah is one such example. Despite losing her husband and son in attacks by militant Fulani Muslims, she remains faithful to the Lord. She continues to provide for her family through farm work, and she also leads a ministry for women. Her unwavering faith and joy are testaments to her close walk with the Lord. “In all the difficulties, in all the problems I have been through, God has been faithful to me.” —SARAH Friends like you helped provide for Sarah and her family with support and encouragement in her time of greatest need. In 2023 alone, over 850 widows in Nigeria received help and support thanks to gifts from members of the global body of Christ like you. You can stand with our remarkable sisters in Christ. When you give to VOM’s Global Ministry, you’re not just offering aid — you’re encouraging women like Sarah by letting them know they are not forgotten by the body of Christ. Your gift also helps provide a voice for them among fellow believers around the world. Give a gift and get your free copy of Hearts of Fire 2! To express our gratitude for your support, we will send you a complimentary copy of Hearts of Fire 2. This new volume includes true stories of 12 courageous women, heroes of the faith, who represent countless others facing similar trials today for their Christian witness. These role models of faith and obedience will inspire you to pursue Christ with heart aflame, no matter the cost! Be inspired by the stories of these heroic women. Your gift can make a difference in the lives of women like Sarah, and Hearts of Fire 2 will remind you of the fruit of your generosity toward our sisters in Christ across Nigeria. GET YOUR COPY

Please forward this email to Christian friends who will be inspired to pray for and support our persecuted Christian family.

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The Voice of the Martyrs - Ways to Pray for Persecuted Christians in Nigeria

An Opportunity for Prayer and Fellowship

Nearly all Christians in northeastern Nigeria have lost family members or friends in attacks by Boko Haram or militant Fulani Muslims. It takes great courage and faith to openly worship and serve Christ in this region. Life is a constant struggle, as the threat of Islamist violence and the lack of available resources create pressure and hardship for our Nigerian brothers and sisters in Christ. In the midst of their suffering, the first request we often receive from persecuted Christians is “Pray for us!” In doing so, we are obeying the command of scripture to “Remember those in prison, as if you were in prison with them” (Hebrews 13:3). Through your prayers, our Christian brothers and sisters in Nigeria receive spiritual encouragement and strength as they bear witness to Christ amid great opposition. Will you remember them in prayer this week? WAYS TO PRAY

Please forward this email to Christian friends who will be inspired to pray for and support our persecuted Christian family.

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Today in the Mission Yearbook - After its sanctuary is burned by an arsonist in 2020, a PC(USA) church in Springfield, Massachusetts, works to rebuild

Martin Luther King Jr. Community Presbyterian Church hosts gala to help complete the work

March 28, 2024

An Dec. 28, 2020 arson fire did extensive damage to Martin Luther 

King Jr. Community Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Massachusetts.

(Contributed photo)

The Rev. Dr. Terrlyn L. Curry Avery and the congregation of Martin Luther King Jr. Community Presbyterian Church in Springfield, Massachusetts, held a gala March 2 designed to “raise money and celebrate — and raise spirits as well,” the church’s pastor said.

“The Agape Gala transcends being just a fundraiser; it is an opportunity for our community to come together, celebrating our shared vision and fostering hope for a more peaceful and loving world,” Curry Avery said. People who participate with their financial support “become an integral part of our journey towards healing, rebuilding, and fostering a spirit of love in the face of adversity.”

A key component of the gala was the Called to Conquer Awards, created to recognize individuals who embody agape principles and actively pursue social justice in various capacities. Three awards were presented: the Dr. Martin Luther King. Jr Award to an agape love ambassador, the Ida B. Wells Award to a social justice trailblazer, and the Bryan Stevenson Award to one who’s brought about community healing and reconciliation. According to Curry Avery, a committee selected awardees who aren’t necessarily well-known in the Springfield community. “It takes more than just the people who are out and about,” she said. “There are others doing the work just the same.”

The Rev. Dr. Terrlyn L. Curry Avery

More than three years after an arsonist burned the sanctuary of the predominately Black church, members and friends are well along in the rebuilding process. Curry Avery expects the work to be done by mid-year or late summer. On varying Sundays during the month, church services are currently held inside the gymnasium, with another Springfield congregation and online.

Watch this video to learn more about ways the church plans to continue serving its community once the rebuilding is complete. The church is working on a multipurpose sanctuary it’ll be making available to the community and plans a labyrinth, educational programs, and a recovery program for formerly incarcerated individuals. “That’s why we have community in our name,” Curry Avery said. “We are here for the Springfield community.”

A $500,000 grant from the city, other grants and insurance funds have paid for the rebuilding work so far.

“We have never stopped doing ministry, not during Covid or since the fire happened,” Curry Avery said, ticking off a list that includes diaper drives, voter registration forums, mental health workshops and food programs around the holidays.

The sanctuary of Martin Luther King Jr. Community Presbyterian 

Church following the arson fire. (Contributed photo)

A trained psychologist, Curry Avery said the trauma that was inflicted on the congregation on the night of Dec. 28, 2020, “impacts us. Particularly as people of color, we have learned to adapt to situations that have been trying and challenging, and our faith helps us move forward.”

“I know it takes time to get through grief and trauma” that comes with “somebody destroying your place of worship because of the color of your skin.” She said her message to the church has been, “We are the church, and that was a church building. Parishioners have held onto that as we move to sustain ourselves.”

Carlton Edmonds, 87, has been a member at MLK Jr. Community Presbyterian Church for more than 40 years.

“The church has been really active in the community” through outreach efforts as varied as basketball, tutoring and food programs, he said. “As an old guy coming out of the ’60s, we were taught you had to do something,” Edmonds said. “As we go forward, I’d like our headset to be, what can we do for the community? Our demographics have changed, but people still need help.”

A year ago, the church started offering promising scholars tours of Historically Black Colleges and Universities, HBCUs. Edmonds appreciates the impact those tours have had. “You can sit down with them, and you could see they now had options they didn’t know they had,” he said of the students’ experiences. “It did my heart good.”

Edmonds said people in the congregation “are doing everything we can to figure out how we rebuild and what we do about [boosting] membership and serving the community. It has something to do with keeping that spirit of service.”

Mike Ferguson, Editor, Presbyterian News Service

Today’s Focus: Martin Luther King Jr. Community Presbyterian Church

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Doug Dicks, Associate for Ecumenical Partnerships in Israel/Palestine, World Mission, Presbyterian Mission Agency 
Christy Dickson, Manager, Fund Services, Presbyterian Foundation  

Let us pray

Merciful God we give thanks to you for our day-to-day blessings. Give us faith and strength to help the people who are suffering. We pray for God’s kingdom and his glory that we bear fruit through works that you have given to us. Amen.

Earth Care Devotion for Maundy Thursday

Maundy Thursday March 28, 2024 By Sally Swan   Mark 14: 60-62 When Jesus was arrested and brought to trial before the council, the high priest stood before them and asked Jesus, “Have you no answer?  What is it they testify against you?” After initial silence, the high priest interrogates Jesus directly.  He asks, “Are you the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed One?”  Jesus says “I AM.”   Today we reflect on Jesus’s life and acts during this eventful period of Holy Week.   Jesus sends disciples to prepare for the Passholder in the upper room. Jesus humbly washes the feet of disciples. Jesus discloses that one of the twelve will betray him. Jesus shares bread and cup in the last supper.  This is our tradition’s first communion. Jesus prays to God in the secluded garden, saying “Abba, Father, for you all things are possible; remove this cup from me; yet, not what I want, but what you want.” Jesus is arrested and tried, boldly proclaiming “I AM” to captors. The trial and Jesus’ affirmation of “I AM” leads to a verdict.   Jesus is condemned to death.   When the day dawns on Friday, Jesus will be handed over to the Roman governor.  The end – and the beginning – are near.   On Maundy Thursday we reflect on despair, violence, abandonment, and grief.  We also reflect on bravery, devotion, hope, and steadfast love.   We are assured that Maundy Thursday is not the last supper for followers of Jesus.  With the promise of Jesus, we share communion in eternity.  We are assured with each prayer, each hymn, and each offering of ourselves in the service of Christ… Jesus is with us.  Jesus lives on… in and through us.   Thanks be to God. Rev. Sally Swan is an ordained Interfaith Chaplain and Mendocino Presbyterian Church Elder who celebrates seasons and cycles of Creation and life.  www.blessingallbeings.org    Traducción:  Gloria D. Lozada-De Jesús Marcos 14: 60-62 Cuando Jesús fue arrestado y presentado delante del concilio para juicio, el sumo sacerdote se levantó frente a ellos y le preguntó a Jesús:  ¿no tienes respuesta?  ¿qué es esto que testifican contra ti?  Luego del silencio inicial, el sumo sacerdote le pregunta directamente:  ¿Eres el Mesías, El Hijo del Dios Bendito?  Jesús responde:  “YO SOY”. Hoy reflexionamos en la vida de Jesús y los eventos que ocurrieron durante este período de la Semana Santa. Jesús envió a sus discípulos a hacer preparativos para la celebración de la Pascua en el aposento alto. Jesús lava los pies de sus discípulos humildemente. Jesús revela que uno  de los doce lo traicionará Jesús comparte el pan y el vino en la última cena.  Esta es la primera comunión de nuestra tradición. Jesús ora a Dios en el Getsemaní, diciendo:  “Abba, Padre, para tí no hay imposibles, pasa de mí esta copa, más no se haga mi voluntad, sino la tuya” Jesús es arrestado y enjuiciado, proclamando abiertamente:  “YO SOY” a sus captores. El juicio y la afirmación “YO SOY” de Jesús provocan el veredicto. Jesús es condenado a muerte. Cuando amanece el viernes, Jesús fue entregado al gobernador romano.  El final - y el principio - están cerca.   Durante el Jueves Santo reflexionamos en la desesperación, la violencia, el abandono y la aflicción.  También reflexionamos en la valentía, la devoción, la esperanza y el amor inquebrantable. Estamos seguros de que el Jueves Santo no es la última cena para los seguidores de Jesús. Con la promesa de Jesús, compartimos la comunión en la eternidad. Estamos seguros con cada oración, cada himno y cada ofrecimiento de nosotros mismos al servicio de Cristo… Jesús está con nosotros. Jesús sigue viviendo... en y a través de nosotros.   Demos gracias a Dios.   La Rvda. Sally Swan es una Capellana Interreliosa ordenada  y una Anciana de la Iglesia Presbiteriana Mendocino que celebra las temporadas, los ciclos de la creación y la vida. www.blessingallbeings.org      Please consider promoting the PEC devotions in your church and consider using them in sermon preparation and teaching lectionary Bible groups. The Lenten Devotional was made possible by the volunteers contributing their devotions as well as financial donations that covered the cost of recruiting contributors, editing, laying out, web posting and promotion online, by email and social media.  Your donation towards our work is needed and appreciated.  You can give online through our secure website presbyearthcare.org/giving or by mail to PEC Treasurer, P.O. Box 8041, Prairie Village, KS 66208.

Copyright © 2024 Presbyterians for Earth Care, All rights reserved.

Today in the Mission Yearbook - New Castle Presbytery sponsors life-changing field trip for young adults in Guatemala

The presbytery’s longstanding Guatemala Partnership funds a trip where bread is baked, broken and shared

March 27, 2024

Last November, seven Guatemalan young adults embarked on an 

adventure that will have a lasting impact on their lives. (All photos by 

Carrie Saathoff)

In November, seven Guatemalan young adults embarked on a four-day adventure that will have a lasting impact on their lives. I had the privilege of accompanying the group, alongside Pastors Emerson Morales and Mardoqueo Perez of Jesus es El Camino church in Guatemala City. The Guatemala Partnership of New Castle Presbytery funded this trip.

These young people are founding members of the Utz Pan bakery, a project recently initiated by Jesus es El Camino (Jesus is the Way) church and funded with a grant from Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People, part of the PC(USA)’s Compassion, Peace & Justice ministries.

A year ago, travelers from eight churches in New Castle Presbytery visited the newly created Utz Pan bakery. We had just returned from seeing a well-established bakery located five hours away and the idea of an “exchange trip” was born.

The young bakers are pictured outside a bakery they visited.

These young bakers live in an area of Guatemala City known as a “red zone” due to its high levels of poverty and drug-related crime. Gangs and violence are a way of life. There is little opportunity for these youth, and many have never traveled very far from home. Utz Pan, meaning Good Bread, offers these young people a way to learn new skills and earn money to pay for their education and help support their families. This field trip was designed to give them a behind-the-scenes look at other bakeries, learn more about the business, showcase the incredible beauty and history of their country, and strengthen friendships — both old and new.

We piled into two cars and headed five hours west to Quetzaltenango (aka Xela), stopping at Iximche, a well-known Mayan archaeological site, along the way. Early the next day, we arrived at our first bakery, owned by Justa and her family. Several years ago, Justa received revolving funds from the Association of Mam Christian Women for Development to start her own bakery. With an incredible amount of perseverance and hard work she has grown it into a very impressive operation.

A sacred lagoon is nestled in Chicabal Volcano.

After several hours standing in a hot and crowded kitchen learning how to make more than a dozen kinds of breads, we ate a wonderful lunch at a nearby restaurant owned by Julia and later watched a chocolate-making demonstration by a second woman, also named Justa. Both of these strong and determined women received revolving funds to launch their small businesses. Many in New Castle Presbytery have supported this project over the years.

The third day provided us a chance to relax, have some fun, and experience the natural beauty of Guatemala. We climbed up Chicabal Volcano and had time for reflection on the shores of the sacred lagoon nestled in the crater at the top. After such an intense hike, we decided to swing over to the natural hot springs of Fuentes Georginas to soak our weary legs, and then headed into downtown Xela for a nice dinner out. We even caught a pre-game parade of a beloved national soccer team in the main square!

Day four started out with a visit to a second bakery, owned by my Spanish teacher Astrid and her family. It was very different from the first one, from the atmosphere to even the look and taste of the bread, which was quite interesting. We were able to ask a lot of questions, see how they tracked their sales, and sample delicious pastries.

Alas, it was time to head back to Guatemala City. Clearly, this experience was life-changing and formative for the participants as they discern their future in the bakery business. It also afforded them a rare opportunity to explore their home country and meet people who live far away yet have similar dreams and struggles. We already have plans to offer this trip again next fall to different youth. Thank you for your ongoing support!

Watch a video the young adults made documenting their trip.

Carrie Saathoff is co-chair of New Castle Presbytery’s Guatemala Partnership.

Today’s Focus: New Castle Presbytery sponsors trip to Guatemala

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Jim Deweese, Graphic Designer II, Communications, Presbyterian Mission Agency 
Bryan Dickerson, Financial & Investment Planning Associate, Presbyterian Foundation

Let us pray

O Lord, open our hearts to those who come into our midst in need. May all be treated as children of God who reveal the in-breaking of your kingdom on earth, as it is in heaven. Amen.

Today in the Mission Yearbook - PC(USA) camp partners with land trust to conserve nearly 300 acres in Colorado

Nature will be protected in perpetuity so that bull moose and young campers can play

March 26, 2024

Highlands Presbyterian Camp & Retreat Center is part of the 

Presbytery of Peaks and Valleys in Colorado. (Photo by Cindy 

Cassen)

At night when the campfire glows inside Highlands Presbyterian Camp & Retreat Center in Allenspark, Colorado, it’s not uncommon to find a familiar bull moose come close to the fire.

Situated five miles from one of the entrances to Rocky Mountain National Park at an elevation of 9,000 feet, the nearly 300 acres of Highlands Camp is an important habitat for wildlife and a place of spectacular beauty. Its wildlife and its beauty are just two of the “conservation values” of the camp property, which made it eligible to partner with Estes Valley Land Trust in obtaining easement status and tax credits for 260 undeveloped acres within its bounds.

“The Highlands has been a part of the Presbytery of Plains and Peaks for over 75 years,” said Mike Doyle, a member of the administrative commission that governs the camp. Doyle explained how the presbytery was very mindful of the legacy of 75 years in which the camp property had grown from a $20,000 purchase of 20 acres of cabins by the Rev. Andy Hollers into purchases and bequests increasing the total acreage to just under 300 acres.

The structures on Highlands Camp are under a conservation 

easement but have fewer restrictions so that these areas can 

continue to be used as a camp and conference center.

“We never wanted it to be developed,” said Doyle, who explained the administrative commission’s concern that if it were ever to be sold, it would be divided and developed “with McMansions built on it.” Therefore, the commission explored the possibility of an easement, partnering with Estes Valley Land Trust and Camp Futures.

“We put almost 300 acres into an easement in perpetuity. This will ensure that it will never be developed, never subdivided, and will always be Highlands and available to future generations for use,” Doyle said.

The structures of easements are unique to each property. Highlands continues to own all 283 acres of the property and has the right to retain, repair and rebuild the structures already on the main 40 acres where the central camp activities take place. The rest of the acreage is largely undeveloped, except for trails, a campsite and an archery range. “The conservation easement will keep that area from being developed. It will always be what it is,” Doyle said.

What it is, according to Doyle, is “simply scenic beauty” that sits on Colorado’s Peak to Peak Scenic Byway, so that the public can access its majestic landscape easily, as can animals who follow a tributary of the local river that runs through the property. “And it is a major wildlife byway,” said Doyle. “We have elk, moose, deer, bighorn sheep and a variety of other animals that regularly move through the property.”

A view of Mt. Meeker, one of Colorado’s famed peaks that sits at almost 

14,000 feet above sea level.

The process to donate the conservation easement took “a year of pretty steady work,” according to Doyle. It started with a baseline study of the property, which comprised over 200 pages and included pictures and descriptions of what was on the property. According to Debra Pentz of Camp Futures, which assisted Highlands in the work, an appraiser determined the value of the conservation easement by touring the property, researching values of comparable properties, and reviewing this baseline report. “The value of the property without a conservation easement is compared to its value with the conservation easement restrictions and the difference between the two provides the conservation easement value,” said Pentz. The value determined by the appraiser then supports the eventual conservation tax credit that the project will receive from the state.

As a tax-exempt organization, Highlands can sell this tax credit to another organization, an endeavor it’s doing with the help of Camp Futures, who will find a qualified buyer that meets the approval of Highlands Camp. The commission has specified that any buyer must align with the values of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.).

For instance, Highlands Camp will not sell its tax credits to oil and gas companies.

Camp leadership is planning for another busy spring and summer season, which will include new education programs around biology, forestry and astronomy, as well as popular summer youth programs. Last year, Highlands welcomed more than 4,000 guests, and Doyle reports that the conference center is on track to exceed that in 2024. Reservations can be made by families and nonprofit organizations online.

Beth Waltemath, Communications Strategist, Mission Communications

Today’s Focus: Highlands Presbyterian Camp & Retreat Center in Allenspark, Colorado

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Mark DeSantis, Vice President, IT Infrastructure & Security, Board of Pensions 
Ann DeVilbiss, Production Associate, Presbyterian Publishing Corporation     

Let us pray

We praise you, God, for the bountiful harvest and pray that the fruit of this harvest will remain and grow. Amen.