Minute for Mission: College and Young Adult Sunday

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Ukirk (Gini Norris-Lane)

It’s often hard to imagine what Presbyterians were like 60, 75 or 100 years ago. The world was in a very different place in 1925 than it is in today, and there were very different things going on in 1950 than in 1965.

But what each of these years has in common is that Presbyterians were inspired to invest financially and spiritually in the spiritual, intellectual and emotional formation of young adults on college campuses across the country.

The Koinonia Center at the University of Oregon in Eugene celebrated its 100th anniversary last November. UKirk Tallahassee, originally begun as a Westminster House, celebrated its 75th anniversary in October. The United Campus Ministry at the University of Arkansas celebrated 60 years in its building in fall 2024, and over 75 years of ministry at the university. And UKirk TCU and UKirk Maryland each celebrated first anniversaries the following academic year. 

Presbyterians then and now still believe that nurturing the faith and development of young adults during a pivotal season of life when they are discovering their place in the world — and the church — and discern their future careers, develop lifelong friendships and often choose who they will marry is vitally important, not only for the young adult but also for the world that God so loves. On behalf of the PC(USA), the national UKirk organization connects, equips, and empowers this ministry so that local collegiate ministries and the broader church can help young adults experience and explore God’s inclusive love and be empowered to live for the flourishing of all Creation.

College and Young Adult Sunday is a day set aside to lift up college students and young adults in prayer, bless their journeys, and commission them to discover the gifts God has given them to serve the church and the world. Let us give thanks for the many ways God has made an impact in the lives of college students over the past 100 years!

The Rev. Gini Norris-Lane, UKirk Collegiate Ministries

Let us join in prayer for:

Tonia Trice, HR Generalist, Human Resources, Administrative Services Group
Stephanie Vasquez, Manager, Global Language Resources, Administrative Services Group

Let us pray:

Glory to God, who is able to do far beyond all that we could ask or imagine by his power at work within us; glory to God in the church and in Christ Jesus for all generations, forever and always! Amen. — Ephesians 3:20–21 (CEB)

Mission Yearbook: North Carolina church helps fight hunger

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Beulaville Presbyterian Church members join with Rise Against Hunger to package thousands of meals. (Credit: Rise Against Hunger staff)

On March 15, 2026, Beulaville Presbyterian Church in Beulaville, North Carolina, crossed a milestone of partnership with Rise Against Hunger by packaging their 100,000 meals. We have, over the years, partnered with what was Stop Hunger Now, which is now Rise Against Hunger, working to fight against hunger in the world. We have crested that 100,000 mark through invested work of packaging 10,000-plus meals at packaging events.

Folks come in and prepare for the event by washing hands and donning a hairnet. There are stations set up where rice, dehydrated vegetables, soy and vitamins are sealed in airtight packaging, preparing it for travel to lands near and far battling hunger daily. These events of packaging have been opportunities for all ages of our congregation to work together, from the 3 to folks in their 80s. The intergenerational work has enhanced the relationships of all in our church.

As we have embarked to worship differently during fifth Sundays, Rise Against Hunger packaging events have empowered us to be a part of a larger group working effectively to diminish the effects of hunger plaguing our world. These events have not completely eradicated hunger in the world but are working to meet needs of many while we still strive to understand how to eradicate hunger in all homes and lives. 

Rev. Richard “Hank” Bellomy; Beulaville Presbyterian Church; Beulaville, North Carolina

Let us join in prayer for:

Cuong Tran, Mail Clerk, Mail & Print Services, Administrative Services Group
Blaine Crawford, Relationship Manager, Presbyterian Investment and Loan Program                  

Let us pray:

Dear Lord, thank you for the gift of food, shelter and home. Challenge us to find ways to extend this gift as we work together to create just, sustainable communities for all. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.