Today in the Mission Yearbook - Presbyterian Commission on the Status of Women delegates meet with Cuban delegation

The Cuban delegation reports that women’s rights there have resulted in economic, scientific and educational advancements

April 23, 2023

On Wednesday, March 8 — International Women’s Day — members of the PC(USA) delegation to the 67th Commission on the Status of Women were hosted by Yuri A. Gala López, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Deputy Permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations, at the offices of Permanent Mission of Cuba to the United Nations.

The gathering was coordinated by Sue Rheem, Representative to the United Nations and Director of the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations, to provide space to hear the voices and stories from the Cuban delegation around women’s equality in Cuba.

“The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) has a long and rich relationship with Cuba. Our witness began in 1890,” Rheem said at the opening of the gathering.

The Rev. Shavon Starling-Louis, Co-Moderator of the 225th General Assembly (2022), is pictured with Ambassador Yuri A. Gala López, the Deputy Permanent Representative of Cuba to the United Nations. (Photo by Rich Copley/Presbyterian Mission Agency)

Gala López welcomed the group and then invited members of the Cuban delegation to share stories on the history of women in Cuba, their contributions to the economic and development of the country, as well as the equality and representation of women in leadership in Cuba. The delegation reported the following impressive statistics:

• Sixty-six percent of professionals in Cuba are women.
• The number of Cuban women who hold government office is growing. Currently, 313 of the 605 members in parliament are women.
• The new process of Cuban elections has resulted in increased female candidates — currently 55% of candidates are women.
• Women have a large presence in education, health and science. They currently represent 55% of scientists in Cuba.
• Fifty-five percent of lawyers and 66% of the Supreme Court are women.
• Wages are equal between men and women.

Despite these statistics, the delegation reports that Cuba has not peaked when it comes to gender equality. “It was born in the revolution and continues,” one delegate said.

Not surprisingly, in Cuba there is access to universal and free education for all. Even though there are efforts to make others believe there is no freedom of religion in Cuba, the delegates assured the group, “this is a lie.”

During the fight against Covid, Cubans worked to develop their own vaccines, foreseeing the challenge of getting vaccines from outside the country because of the trade embargo. Five vaccine candidates were developed in Cuba and three were approved. The protagonists of these vaccines were women; most Cuban citizens were able to be immunized. Scientists have produced other vaccines against hepatitis and cancer, and they are also women.

Ironically, treating their citizens was challenged by the lack of access to medical supplies during the pandemic.

Members of the delegations paused a moment for a group photograph. (Photo by Rich Copley/Presbyterian Mission Agency)

“As we have gathered our efforts in the development in biotechnology, the blockade hinders us from producing them,” one delegate shared. “When we were in the middle of the pandemic and Cuba needed oxygen in the very worst moments, Cuba asked the global community — including the United States — for oxygen to treat their patients. No one answered the call. The obstacle to technology — scientific and economic — is the blockade.”

“The main obstacle for women’s rights in Cuba is the United States [embargo],” said one delegate. “It is a greater form of violence against women.” Despite all these advancements in women’s rights, medical equipment shortages can hamper treatment in Cuban hospitals, where it is a matter of life and death.

Since 1969, the church has addressed U.S.-Cuba relations with a focus on human rights, immigration and regional tensions sprouting from the Cold War. At the 223rd General Assembly in St. Louis (2018), the PC(USA) reaffirmed its partnership with the Presbyterian-Reformed Church in Cuba. In 2016, the 222nd General Assembly approved a policy focusing on the “Nuevo Momento” in the country. This included support for the reclamation of private property lost during the revolution, normalization of diplomatic relations and immigration policies, an end to U.S. attempts to encourage regime change or isolate Cuba, and the return of Guantanamo Bay. Recent polices have also encouraged the U.S. to remove Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism and lift all travel restrictions for U.S. citizens visiting Cuba.

Melody K. Smith, Associate Director for Digital and Marketing Communications, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Jon Baxter, Maintenance Specialist, Administrative Services Group (A Corp)
Glen Bell, Senior Vice President of Development, Presbyterian Foundation

Let us pray

Loving Christ, you have loved and welcomed many people to be your disciples, and you have called us to welcome one another and even strangers. On this day, help us to welcome those you love in your everlasting love. Amen.

Today in the Mission Yearbook - Voices of young adult delegates given space by PC(USA) Co-Moderator

Speaking with the Rev. Shavon Starling-Louis, young adults lament lack of opportunity to influence the future of the church they will inherit

April 14, 2023

The Rev. Shavon Starling-Louis, Co-Moderator of the 225th General Assembly (2022), met with young adults and Young Adult Volunteers attending the 67th Commission on the Status of Women. (Photo by Rich Copley, Presbyterian Mission Agency)

The Rev. Shavon Starling-Louis, Co-Moderator of the 225th General Assembly (2022), gathered with a group of young adult delegates and young adult volunteers (YAVs) at the close of the second day of the recent 67th Commission on the Status Women to share stories and experiences as young adults in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). It was an open space with frank and vulnerable discussions, so the names of the young adults are not included in this report to respect them and their voices.

Starting their time together, Starling-Louis shared some of her own experiences over the years as a young adult and person of color in the PC(USA). She recognized the challenges the church presents. “I love our denomination and I love you all, but the space is imperfect,” said Starling-Louis. “I was once at the bottom of the barrel of our presbytery in regard to salary and I have never given this church the bottom of the barrel.”

She acknowledged that this space is not equipped to take care of women and historically marginalized people. “I am your sister, your sibling. I do not have all the answers, but I am here to listen. There is justice in the doing and preparing the space for change,” said Starling-Louis.

The Co-Moderator asked the group how they feel their roles should be shaped in the future of the church and what their ideas of representation looked like.

The responses were rich, full and complex — mixed with hope for the future and dismay at the lack of priority placed on young adults to hold significant roles in the church.

“As a candidate for ministry in my presbytery, it is a lot of other people holding the reins for my ordination and that feels uncomfortable,” said one delegate, “especially in light of the recent concerns around the most recent exegesis ordination exam [requiring seminarians to exegete one of the most difficult texts in the Bible, Judges 19:1–30].”

Another delegate shared concerns around membership in the PC(USA). “People my age are starting to build families and in the past few years there have been aggression and hate around particular issues. We need to be reaching out to the younger people and give them another option of a place to build your family in a loving and inclusive environment.”

Ivy Lopedito of the Presbyterian Ministry at the United Nations was among the young adults meeting with the Rev. Shavon Starling-Louis. (Photo by Rich Copley/Presbyterian Mission Agency)

Rich discussion evolved around inclusivity and finding a place in the church. “I feel like we are teetering on the edge of something transformational,” said one delegate, while another added, “the PC(USA) has been set up for transformation.” The energy among the delegates continued to grow along with the subject. “We can’t wait. We need to own our power,” said one.

One YAV shared her concern that there is a huge disconnect between what happens at General Assembly every two years and what happens in the churches. “They write papers that no one reads. We have a very conservative structure in place with liberal ideals and other denominations — the more evangelical — are the opposite, and that is why they are attracting the youth.”

“Our duty as the church is to say there is another way to do church,” said another delegate.

As a whole they agreed that more investment of time and money needs to be made in youth and young adults. “In spaces like this and looking at these faces, I am hopeful,” said one. “But then I go back to church and feel disparaged. Invest in the youth. We are the ones who are going to be here down the line.”

“Young people don’t feel invested in. They use our faces for promotions but don’t listen to our voices.”

The CSW is a rare space of intergenerational women gathering. All the young adults gathered expressed gratitude for this opportunity.

“We have real bodies with real needs and real impact. We are disembodied from the structure. It was not created with real people in mind. The church lies,” Starling-Louis reminded them. “I love the church. That’s why I can say these things.”

She ended their time together by asking, “How can we stay connected? How can we encourage each other?”

Melody K. Smith, Associate Director for Digital and Marketing Communications, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Shelby Andrews, 1001 Apprentice, 1001 New Worshiping Communities, Presbyterian Mission Agency
Jeffrey Arnold, Executive Director, Association of Presbyterian Colleges & Universities (APCU)

Let us pray

God, who created the world when all was chaos and void — as we wonder, not knowing where we go, and when all seems dark — say again, we pray, “Let there be light.” Amen.

Today in the Mission Yearbook - What does JOY mean to you?

A Matthew 25 new worshiping community focuses on environmental justice

May 2, 2022

The JOY Community, a new worshiping community in Heartland Presbytery, held a Planet Party in July 2021. (Photo courtesy of JOY Community)

New worshiping communities in the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) take on new and varied forms of church in a changing culture. Primarily they are seeking to make and form new disciples of Jesus Christ in order to transform the world. How they put that into practice often involves creativity and out-of-the-box approaches.

The JOY Community in St. Joseph, Missouri, part of  Heartland Presbytery, gathers in a beautiful sacred space that offers solace and restoration for body and soul. Its origin comes from a Laudato Si understanding of seeking equity through both social and environmental justice.

JOY — Justice, Outreach and Yoga — made the commitment to join the Matthew 25 journey in May 2021. Last year before the pandemic resurge, JOY hosted a gathering as part of honoring its Matthew 25 call for eco-justice and honoring God’s gift of Creation.

The Go Green St. Joe! Planet Party was sponsored by JOY and organized by new worshiping community leaders Natalie Ward, Jan Storts, Emily Fite and Diane Waddell. Collaborating with several other local organizations, they offered music, TED-type talks, yoga demonstrations and informational booths on local food sources, climate change, etc.

“We are enjoying celebrating and worshiping in creative, diverse ways,” said Waddell, NWC Matthew 25 contact leader for JOY. “And we are now officially receiving offerings for the four PC(USA) special offerings.”

Recognizing the connection of systemic poverty to food sourcing, climate change and environmental challenges, JOY also hosted a Citizens’ Climate Lobby with the Missouri Western State University Biology Department, where virtually all the faculty are doing research related to climate change and the environment.

The Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s invitation to become a Matthew 25 church was issued in April 2019. There are now more than 1,060 congregations, groups and mid councils who have accepted that invitation and helping the denomination become a more relevant presence in the world.

Melody K. Smith, Organizational Communications Manager, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Eva Rebozo, CLC Consultant/Database Administrator, Office of the General Assembly
Sharon Reid, Archives Technician, Presbyterian Historical Society

Let us pray

Lord of Creation, help us to live in Job’s words: “Ask the animals, and they will teach you; … and the fish of the sea will declare to you. … In his hand is the life of every living thing and the breath of every human being” (12:7–10). Amen.

Today in the Mission Yearbook - A journey of learning and unlearning

Matthew 25 vision challenges a Denver church’s perceptions

April 6, 2022

Wellshire Presbyterian Church in Denver responded to the Matthew 25 invitation in September 2020. Ever since, the congregation has embarked on a journey of self-education, starting with the 21-Day Racial Justice Challenge.

Tom Bacon, a member of the church’s Diversity Task Force, reports the challenge seemed tough for some, but “once you do one or two days, you are hooked.” The task force launched more learning (and unlearning) opportunities, Bible studies, worships and classes. “Sometimes it is as much about what we unlearn that makes a difference,” said Bacon.

The Presbytery of Denver embraced the Matthew 25 vision in July 2020 and has been a strong encourager for churches to connect and labor together in the work of Matthew 25.

Historically, churches tend to work on the symptoms of poverty and racism first and often only, instead of addressing the systemic elements. Wellshire acknowledged the importance of services, including food pantries and housing assistance, but also wanted to give the congregation an opportunity to become active in the community addressing the source of the problems.

When they began meeting in person again last summer, they hosted a mission fair and invited local organizations, addressing legislative support, detention centers, legal defense and the like.

As a predominantly white church, many question the difference they could make. The Diversity Task Force explored ways to collaborate around World Communion Sunday. The task force sponsored a video series of diverse speakers addressing elementary education, affordable housing and food equity. Racism and poverty intersect in these issues; understanding how was part of the unlearning.

Putting mission money where their heart is, members and friends also donated funds to four local organizations that support mission in Denver around leadership and diversity training, racial equity and economic justice, migrant support and legal defense for those falsely accused of crimes.

“These are more actionable than talking about racism alone,” said Bacon. “The pandemic actually made learning better as we were already living in a virtual world where people were accustomed to Zoom.”

Wellshire is looking forward to getting physically back into the community again in more diverse settings as soon as it is safe. In the interim, the church is looking at additional ways it can live out its commitment to diversity. An audit is underway for books in the children’s library to ascertain if they offer helpful lessons on diversity, equity and inclusion. Youth and young adult ministries support working for justice and against racism. Opportunities for discussion or action among the youth are also under review.

As a Matthew 25 church, Wellshire is committed to work to dismantle structural racism. This is a key objective of the Diversity Task Force.

Convicted by the Matthew 25 passage, both the 222nd and 223rd General Assemblies (2016 and 2018) exhorted the PC(USA) to act boldly and compassionately to serve people who are hungry, oppressed, imprisoned or poor.

To see the map and list of all 1,000-plus congregations, groups and mid councils who have accepted the Matthew 25 invitation, click here. You can learn more about the work of each congregation through their stories and videos.

 Melody K. Smith, Manager of Organizational Communications, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Joseph Moore, Ministry Relations Officer, Presbyterian Foundation
Michael Moore, Associate, African American Intercultural Congregational Support, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Let us pray

God of solidarity, thank you that your arms stretched across this broken world. We are grateful for the work and witness. Encourage us. Bless us so that your word may be spread far and wide. In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Today in the Mission Yearbook - ‘Stories are a way to feel how wide God’s love can be’

Children’s ministries at Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis embrace Matthew 25 vision

July 15, 2021

Welcomed by a sign, the drive-through VBS Parade at Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis also served as a canned good drop-off for the food pantry. For many children it was their first time back on the property after mid-March. (Photo courtesy of Second Presbyterian Church)

Matthew 25 tells us to feed the hungry, provide water to the thirsty, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, care for the sick and welcome the stranger. These basic tenants of Christianity aren’t limited to adults, though. Start with the children.

Kathryn “Kat” Green-Ross, coordinator for Children’s Ministries at Second Presbyterian Church in Indianapolis, Indiana, believes that children should be focused on what adults are focused on when it comes to mission and ministry. “Take adult resources, curriculum, etc., and make it child forward, accessible,” Green-Ross said, “telling stories in a way that can fit inside a child’s mouth.”

The Children’s Ministries at Second Presbyterian is taking that seriously, even in the pandemic or maybe because of it. Coat drives, food pantries, welcoming the homeless to sleep inside the church (on hold during the pandemic), community gardens, drive- through Vacation Bible School parades and blessing of the animals are just a few of the ways the youth are practicing radical hospitality.

“Children at Second Presbyterian strive to be playful, prayerful and active in the life of the church,” said Green-Ross. “They are as dedicated to social justice issues as adults — maybe more.”

Working to keep their language and imagery child accessible, Children’s Ministries at Second Presbyterian is integral to their understanding of what Matthew 25 means to them.

“When the pandemic first hit, it occurred to me that before any organization, government or social agency, the church should be able to do this and do it well,” said Green-Ross. “Church begins at home. Just because the sanctuary is closed doesn’t mean church isn’t happening. Paul’s letters are a good example of a shared experience not in real time.”

When it comes to Advent and the holidays, the youth are embracing the virtual with a “Meet at the Manger” event, where they will gather via Zoom singing songs of faith and sharing the story of Christmas. They will celebrate communion at home, offering gifts to the baby Jesus and dressing up as a character in the nativity story. “The manger story has always started at home,” said Green-Ross. ”Youth are encouraged to think about how they will show their love for Jesus and for the ordinary people in ordinary places. It puts them in the story, not just a teller of the story.”

The themes of Advent — hope, peace, love and joy — are touchstones as Christians wait for the birth of the King. This year especially, they are also touchstones of promise. “We were made royal for times like these,” said Green-Ross. “We are children of a King.”

“If we don’t come out of this experience changed, we have done something wrong,” said Green-Ross. “In this virtual world, opportunities haven’t always been limited, they have been expanded. Physically challenged members are able to access everything much easier in the virtual world. The services aren’t just accommodating but accessible. There is a difference.”

Launched in April 2019, the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Matthew 25 invitation has received more than 800 congregations, groups and mid councils to make the commitment to radical and fearless discipleship. Convicted by the Matthew 25 passage, both the 222nd and 223rd General Assemblies (2016 and 2018) exhorted the PC(USA) to act boldly and compassionately to serve people who are hungry, oppressed, imprisoned or poor.

To see the map and list of all 900-plus congregations, groups and mid councils, click here. You can learn more about the work of each congregation through their stories and videos.

Melody K. Smith, Associate for Organizational Communications, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff

Scott O’Neill, Presbyterian Mission Agency
Mary Oxford, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Let us pray:

O God, our hope is in you, the One who sets the prisoner free, brings justice for the oppressed and protects the orphan, the sojourner and all who are vulnerable. Invite us into your sacred work and strengthen us in doing it. For we ask it in the name of Christ Jesus. Amen.

Today in the Mission Yearbook - Miami church engages the community while the worshiping is remote

Congregation takes advantage of quarantine time to lean into Matthew 25

July 14, 2021

A Black Lives Matter sign created by high school members of Riviera Presbyterian Church has been the site of a Free Art Friday event. (Photo by Robertson Adams)

When Riviera Presbyterian Church in Miami made the commitment to become a Matthew 25 church, it wasn’t a difficult decision.

“We thought nothing of it,” said Barbara Overton, co-chair for the Mission Committee. “Riviera has been a long-standing progressive voice in South Florida. We were comfortable being known as a ‘social justice’ church.”

Launched in April 2019, Matthew 25 is a bold vision and invitation to actively engage congregations in the world around them by embracing one or more of the three focuses: building congregational vitality, dismantling structural racism and eradicating systemic poverty.

Even with its history of social justice, Riviera Presbyterian was still surprised at the negative public reaction to large Black Lives Matter and God Loves All rainbow signs designed by their high school youth that were posted prominently outside the church.

“We received hate mail and threats stating that our signage was ‘un-Christian,’” said Overton. “We recognized being a Matthew 25 congregation is not about being conventional or safe. For some, systemic racism is not an accepted reality.”

For others, their public stance has made Riviera a friendly and welcoming space. The controversial Black Lives Matter sign has been the site of Free Art Friday — a social media-driven, local pop-up art scavenger hunt-like event promoting art, and in this case, highlighting social justice issues.

“When you can’t be in the building, how do you use the building to communicate?” asked Overton. “We are hopeful that standing with our siblings in Christ will bring more joyful creativity to and out of the community, whether we are worshiping inside, outside or at home.”

Like most other congregations, Riviera’s well-planned programming had to be set aside when COVID-19 came on the scene in early 2020. The Mission Committee came up with an alternative that allowed members to meet virtually and educate themselves on various topics related to the Matthew 25 journey.

Some of those gatherings were centered on a movie or short film that they watched on their own time and came together virtually to reflect, discuss and action plan a response. Action items included an offering of letters related to hunger issues, renewed focus on fertilizer use at home and at the church, and participation in the Season of Creation. Some of the topics were gun safety, racial justice, climate change, immigration, hunger and violence against women. They also focused on educating members and the community about the importance of voting and how to vote by mail.

“One of my goals for the program was not to sit and rehash that there is a problem. We all know there is a problem,” said Overton. “What can we as people of faith do about it individually or as a community?”

Convicted by the Matthew 25 passage, both the 222nd and 223rd General Assemblies (2016 and 2018) exhorted the PC(USA) to act boldly and compassionately to serve people who are hungry, oppressed, imprisoned or poor.

To see the map and list of all 800-plus congregations, groups and mid councils that have accepted the Matthew 25 invitation, click here. You can learn more about the work of each congregation through their stories and videos.

Melody K. Smith, Associate for Organizational Communications, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Let us join in prayer for:

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff

Elizabeth Olker, Presbyterian Mission Agency
Laura Olliges, Presbyterian Investment & Loan Program

Let us pray:

Our Father in heaven, may we find courage and comfort in the daily reminder that you are a God who assures his children: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by name, you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you” (Isaiah 43:1–2). In Christ’s name. Amen.

Today in the Mission Yearbook - Matthew 25 Bible study explores the intersectionality of vital congregations and racism

‘The Gospel and Inclusivity’ looks at identity through the reading of Galatians

March 23, 2021

‘The Gospel and Inclusivity,” a free downloadable Bible study based on the Book of Galatians, is now available on the Matthew 25 resource page.

The vision for the Matthew 25 invitation asks us to engage together in the three works of vitalizing congregations, dismantling structural racism and eradicating systemic poverty. Though individual, these three works are inseparable. Can a congregation be vital without confronting racism? What is at stake when racism directs our congregational and community life?

The Rev. Samuel Son, manager of diversity and reconciliation in the Presbyterian Mission Agency, is the voice behind a new Matthew 25 Bible study, “The Gospel and Inclusivity.”

“I started this study by sharing my journey of discovery,” Son said, “that the gospel is about how we do church life that is inclusive.”

Eighty percent of American churches are monocultural. In the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), 89% of congregations are predominantly white.

“I had accepted this segregation as an unfortunate but effective means of doing church. Why let cultural differences get in the way of the work of the church?” said Son. “Then the study of the Scriptures made the scales of discrimination begin to fall off my eyes.”

Son encourages the reading of Galatians multiple times — alone, together and out loud. Then he begins to break down the various sections of Paul’s letter to the church at Galatia. “Most of Paul’s letters are basically him working out theologically the understanding that Jesus Christ totally changed what it means to be God’s people when by Christ’s sacrifice, Christ welcomed all people to God’s household,” said Son.

Then he poses the question, “If Paul visited us, what letter would he have penned to the American church? Would it start with the same warning and urgency as the Galatian letter? Would he see the segregated Sunday services as the very evidence that we have the words of the gospel but not its heart?”

The Matthew 25 Bible Study, “The Gospel and Inclusivity,” is available for free digital download on the Matthew 25 resource page. The Bible study can be done alone, but Son encourages groups to take the journey together.

 Melody K. Smith, Associate for Organizational Communications, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Let us join in prayer for: 

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Ruth Gardner, Administrative Services Group (A Corp)
Kevin Garvey, Presbyterian Foundation

Let us pray:

Dear God, your blessings are always evident and give us the good pleasure of enjoying your presence. Continue to abide with us as we love and serve those in need. In Christ’s service. Amen.

Today in the Mission Yearbook - Congregations self-rate ‘fairly well’ after the first few weeks of the pandemic

Initial results from Research Services survey highlight areas of great support and areas of great need

July 18, 2020

Most of the nearly 500 congregations responding to a Research Services survey say they are faring fairly well with technology and other facets of ministry in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. (Photo by Robyn Davis Sekula)

Technology appears to be the greatest benefit and the greatest challenge of doing church differently during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, according to a survey by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Research Services.

When asking congregations about their current approach to worship in this time of social distancing and sheltering in place, almost half (49%) said “strictly church online (with a different format than our in-person gathering).” Of those, nearly 58 percent said technology was their biggest hurdle.

“It isn’t surprising for people to find ways to make things that seemed hard or impossible before work during a time of great need,” said Dr. Susan Barnett, director of Research Services. “Before the virus outbreak, 81% of the churches surveyed had never streamed their services online.”

During a recent virtual meeting with mid councils, one presbytery executive lamented that he had been trying to get his church to stream services for quite some time. “The virus did in two days what I couldn’t accomplish in two years.”

Related to the technology topic, when asked what resource has been the most helpful, the answer was resoundingly Zoom — the web and video conference software platform that has served to connect so many people and congregations over the past few weeks.

Other resources lifted up in the questions and answers of the survey include those found on the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s COVID-19 resource page. Over 80% of those surveyed found the information to be somewhat to very helpful.

The 22-item survey is still open and can be accessed here. To date almost 500 constituents have completed the survey, providing valuable feedback about their current situation and how they are responding to the new challenges with resilience.

There are also concerns, and though some are about the financial impact this new reality could have on the churches, more than half (52%) believe “it will be tight, but we will manage without too much pain by reducing expenses.” More are concerned about the health and welfare of their members, neighbors and communities.

One pastor who is caring for two small churches said, “While it might sound like we are overwhelmed, I have seen the trust in God grow in the hearts of my congregations. And as I learned during the dark journey with my husband, Corrie ten Boom said it best: ‘There is no pit so deep that God is not deeper still.’”

 Melody K. Smith, Senior Mission Communications Strategist, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Let us join in prayer for: 

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff

Steve Hoehn, Administrative Services Group (A Corp)
Courtney Hoekstra, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Let us pray:

Redeeming and sending God, send the rain of your Spirit on the land. Pour out grace on the people. Redeem us for the abundant life given to us in Jesus Christ. Amen.

Today in the Mission Yearbook - Presbyterian campus ministry group makes a commitment to Matthew 25

Historical legacy helps University of Georgia’s Presbyterian Campus Ministry to drive anti-racism work

May 21, 2020

University of Georgia students are photographed at the Presbyterian Student Center. (Contributed photo)

The Presbyterian Campus Ministry at the University of Georgia (UGA) is not new. It’s been around since 1940 and housed in its current space since 1959, which served as a safe space for African American students during the tumultuous 1960s.

With the integration of students and the Vietnam War, a historical review reveals that Presbyterian Campus Ministry was taking on unpopular social stances that were difficult — and Christian. That legacy drives the ministry’s work toward anti-racism and dismantling white supremacy today. It also makes the ministry a great fit for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s Matthew 25 initiative.

The three focus areas of Matthew 25 are dismantling structural racism, eradicating systemic poverty and building congregational vitality. This bold invitation was launched in April 2019; the university’s campus ministry is now part of over 460 congregations/groups/mid councils to have made the commitment to the Matthew 25 invitation.

The Presbyterian Campus Ministry is not a congregation, but a community of faith comprised of students who minister to each other and the university community. The Rev. Will Norman is the campus minister and executive director of the Presbyterian Campus Ministry, which is housed in the Presbyterian Student Center. “We saw the foundational narrative of how this ministry has been and how the Spirit has been at work on this campus and wanted to continue that,” Norman said.

Beginning in January, the campus ministry started addressing the “false peace” narrative that the United States had reached post-racism because of the election of President Barack Obama. “We are addressing the ways we have proclaimed peace has come and still maintain an inequitable system for non-white folks,” Norman said. “Most importantly, how the Christian faith does and can speak into that reality.”

The Presbyterian Campus Ministry board, staff and students are all reading the book “White Fragility” by Robin DiAngelo. They are holding weekly discussions that are proving to be challenging as expected with this topic, but Norman said there are “light bulbs going off for students and leaders” in the process.

“‘White Fragility’ is not specifically theological. We are hoping to move to a more theological lens in the reading material selected for fall,” Norman said.

This spring, the campus ministry is emphasizing the faithful pursuit of racial justice, including education, self-examination and intentional anti-racism training. The Journey Toward Justice project is facilitating programs through which students build their capacity to engage thoughtfully in advocacy work. They are following the end of Matthew’s gospel, which aligns with the three areas of focus of the Matthew 25 invitation.

“We had this crazy idea that all these things Jesus said are things we should be paying attention to,” said Norman. “We’ve got the educational piece down. How do we convert it into disciples who advocate for structural change and build relationships across the barriers, across different people groups, racially, economic and otherwise?”

Melody K. Smith, Associate for Organizational Communications, Presbyterian Mission Agency

Let us join in prayer for: 

PC(USA) Agencies’ Staff
Kathie Davenport, Board of Pensions
Deb Davies, Office of the General Assembly

Let us pray:

God of boundless love, thank you for meeting us at our place of deepest need. Look with compassion on our brothers and sisters. Fill us with your Spirit, that we may witness to our love in the world. Amen.