Presbyterian Vital Congregations

Are you headed to Atlanta for the Matthew 25 Summit? We hope to see many of you there! If you’re unable to attend, please join us virtually for worship and plenary sessions. We’re looking forward to an impactful experience either way!

With less than a week to go, the conveners of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s first Matthew 25 Summit are excited about its intention and impact. While registration is closed, those not able to attend in person can still engage via livestream and follow along with news coverage. Learn more: https://hubs.ly/Q02g1ZKZ0

Happy New Year! May 2024 bring all that you’ve hoped for and more!

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.” Friends, we are entering a new year, full of possibilities and God’s new plans for us. What are you most excited for in 2024?

Join us on this second week of Advent in reading our weekly devotion available in English, Spanish, and Korean.

Advent Devotionals for Pastors and Churches Advent is the season of the church year where we wait and anticipate something wonderful to come. The coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We

Bound copies of the Book of Order have been printed in Korean and Spanish, making the second part of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) constitution available in book form for the first time in any language other than English: https://hubs.ly/Q02cp8CX0

Se han impreso copias de libros de pasta blanca del Libro de Orden en coreano y español, lo que hace que la segunda parte de la constitución de la Iglesia Presbiteriana (EE. UU.) esté disponible en forma de libro por primera vez en cualquier idioma que no sea el inglés: https://hubs.ly/Q02cp12V0

한국어 규례서와 스페인어 규례서가 책으로 출판되었다. 미국장로교 헌법 제 2부가 영어 이외의 언어로 출판된 것은 이번이 처음이다. https://hubs.ly/Q02cpbK00

Lord, hear our prayer.

On this first Sunday of Advent enjoy a reflection of hope from Rev. Dr. Ray Jones, Director of Theology, Formation, and Evangelism (Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)https://www.presbyterianmission.org/wp-content/uploads/Advent-Devotional-Hope.pdf

The holidays and Advent season are upon us, and we invite you to take part in a series of devotionals over the next 5 weeks that espouse the themes of Hope, Peace, Love, and Joy. These devotions written by Rev. Dr. Ray Jones, Rev. Carlton Johnson, Rev. Veronica Cannon, Rev. Tony Oltmann, and Ms. Naomi McQuiller are sure to encourage and uplift you during this time! Start your year off right, won't you? Begin today with the opening devotional. Available in English, Spanish, and Korean.

Advent Devotionals for Pastors and Churches Advent is the season of the church year where we wait and anticipate something wonderful to come. The coming of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. We

Friends, the Matthew 25 Summit is getting closer and closer, and I could not be more excited!
I hope you will join me in Atlanta, Jan. 16-18, 2024, for the Matthew 25 Summit! It will be a time for worship, workshops, food, fun and great fellowship. Together, we will explore the Matthew 25 vision and how it is taking root in our denomination and around the world. I can't wait to see you there! Learn more about the Summit and register here: https://hubs.ly/Q026Wlrj0

Let’s work together to end hunger!
Fighting hunger is at the heart of the Matthew 25 vision. In Matthew 25: 31-46 Jesus makes clear that what we do matters to God and how we treat others is important to God. Presbyterian congregations are responding to the Matthew 25 call by reaching their communities with the love of Christ – offering meals for hungry people through food pantries, soup kitchens, community gardens, backpack programs, and, equally important, advocating for just laws and policies for millions of Americans and persons around the world. This is vital work.
The Presbyterian Hunger Program offers educational and worship materials, as well as participatory opportunities, so that those who would like to join in this work can take action to help end hunger for neighbors next door and around the planet. Learn more: https://hubs.ly/Q022BX-X0

Have you registered for the Matthew 25 Summit? You won't want to miss our incredible lineup of speakers!
The Rev. Dr. Victor Aloyo Jr. currently serves as the 11th president of Columbia Theological Seminary. Aloyo will be joining us in Atlanta, GA, following Martin Luther King Jr. weekend, January 16–18, 2024. Will you be there with us? Register today: https://hubs.ly/Q021RRdW0

Have you registered for a leadership cohort yet? Sign up to reserve your space now! Registration is only open for a few more days. Take advantage of the opportunity to join the coordinator for the Office of Vital Congregations, Rev. Veronica Cannon, and delve deeper into what it means to have vitality in the post-pandemic church!
https://forms.gle/tZvTE6PGD1DELyvQ8

Join us TODAY at 2:00PM Eastern for a conversation with Bridgett Green from Presbyterian Publishing Corporation. Bridgett serves as the vice president and editorial director of Westminster John Knox Press. https://zoom.us/j/96204768160?from=addon

Many churches are struggling with church vitality in a post pandemic world. Congregations are discerning what ministry looks like and the landscape of many of our churches has changed since the pandemic. Vitality is not about the number of people who attend church, nor about the money we take in tithes and offerings. It is about how we connect with the community we serve and partnerships we strengthen with others. Join us as we journey through uncharted territory to uncover ministry vitality in inventive ways. This cohort will be coached by the coordinator of the Vital Congregations Initiative of the Presbyterian Mission Agency, Veronica Cannon. All are welcome, you do not have to be enrolled in the initiative.

Tuesdays 12 Noon – 1:30 pm Eastern, 6weeks starting October 10.

Register: https://forms.gle/A1Z99NTs2LekDMC69
There is no charge for this cohort.

Fall 2023 cohorts have been developed in partnership with organizations that are part of the Christian Formation Collective (APCE, PYWA, UKirk, and POAMN) and other ministry areas within the Presbyterian Mission Agency.
While you are welcome to register for any of the cohorts, #8,9,11 & 12 may be of particular interest to CREs and are on the topic of Leadership in the PC (U.S.A.)
Register by September 15th, although some will fill fast!
Cohort descriptions and registration:
https://forms.gle/tZvTE6PGD1DELyvQ8

Can you believe it’s back-to-school season already? As the children we love return to school, I pray for their safety and well-being, and I pray that they will receive an education that will set them up for bright futures. To learn how you can advocate for public education, view our Educate a Child, Transform the World toolkit: https://hubs.ly/Q01YT9tq0

Happening this month!
Check out these events coming up in August:
📆 Aug. 15: Matthew 25 Congregational Vitality webinar. Register here: https://hubs.ly/Q01--gP30
📆 Aug. 22: Faith Formation Leader Connection. Register here: https://hubs.ly/Q01--n040
📆 Aug. 24: YAV Commissioning Service
📆 Aug. 28: Matthew 25 Poverty Workshop. Register here: https://hubs.ly/Q01--7JZ0

Did you know that August is National Black Business Month? This exciting time provides us with the perfect opportunity to support and draw attention to Black-owned businesses across the country! Which Black-owned businesses will you be supporting this month? Let me know in the comments.

Join us for an enlightening session led by the new director of the Vital Congregations Initiative, Rev. Veronica Cannon. Rev. Cannon and VCI staff and leaders will delve into the PCUSA Matthew 25 vision and the significance of vital congregations within our denomination.

Presbyterian Vital Congregations Presbyterian Evangelism & Discipleship

The Rev. Jimmie Hawkins, advocacy director for the PC(USA), spoke at the 69th Annual Synod School this week, discussing the topic of following your conscience. Read more: https://hubs.ly/Q01YP95l0

PW Gives Day is July 31—a day set aside each year to commemorate the founding of Presbyterian Women. This year, PW celebrates 35 years as the women’s organization of the PC(USA). Won’t you consider sharing your PW story and supporting PW with a gift of $35 or more? $35 can commemorate 35 years! (This PW Gives flier is available too! https://ow.ly/zmNa50OZMbE)

If you have a story about what your PW group is doing, a favorite PW memory, mentor, or dream, then please share. Photos welcome too! Contact Carissa Herold ([email protected]).

As part of your PW Gives Day celebration, make a gift online at https://ow.ly/ifZX50OZMbC. Then select PW Gives Day and your gift amount. Please scroll and type “PWGDay23” in the comments box as well as your church and presbytery (or synod) information. Or mail your gift to Presbyterian Women, Inc., PO Box 643652, Pittsburgh PA 15264-3652. Please indicate “annual fund” and PWGDay23 in the memo line of your check.