Presbyterian Connection Newspaper: Fall Edition

Issue 31, Fall 2024 The latest issue of the Presbyterian Connection newspaper was sent to all congregations and subscribers in early September. This edition is once again packed with articles and photos from Presbyterian congregations, individuals, ministries and groups across Canada. In this issue you’ll find: A feature article on the Gaza Ceasefire Pilgrimage in Ottawa A message from the new moderator, the Rev. Dr. Patricia Dutcher-Walls Highlights from General Assembly A recap from the uplift: Audacious Hope youth gathering An article about the Canairelief Memorial Plaque dedication An update on the Patchwork Pride Project in Toronto An article about the 110th anniversary of the Women’s Missionary Society Photos from special celebrations, group activities and events, plus so much more! View or Download Copies of Prayer Partnership were sent out with theFall 2024 issue of the newspaper. The latest edition contains an in-depth Social Action Spotlight, daily prayers and Sunday Mission Moments for September, October and December 2024.

The Presbyterian Connection newspaper is a Christian newspaper that strives to unite Presbyterians across Canada through stories, reflections, interviews and articles, allowing us to share and develop our faith. The newspaper is distributed four times a year, free of charge. The goal is to further equip leaders, connect congregations and missions, facilitate communication and highlight denominational work—strengthening our denominational ties across the country.

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Presbyterian Foundation - How is your church doing financially?

How is your church doing financially? Do you ever wonder how well your church is doing financially? Or how your church compares to other Presbyterian congregations your size? The Presbyterian Foundation is bringing back its popular evaluation tool that will help your church measure your sustainability, evaluate participation and leadership, set priorities, and much more. This web-based tool, called the Church Financial Health Assessment, asks you a series of questions in a simple format, producing a report with recommendations and resources that your church can use. And this tool is 100% free. What makes the Church Financial Health Assessment especially helpful is that it takes data your church reported during the Session Annual Statistical Report (completed each year by most churches) and pairs it with the answers you provide as you take the survey. You can see how your church is doing financially compared to other congregations your size, as well as measure against all Presbyterian churches nationally. Your answers are confidential. You can download a worksheet to gather the data you’ll need to complete the survey here. And when you’re ready, you can take the survey by clicking on the button below. Questions? Email us at serving@presbyterianfoundation.org or reach out to your Ministry Relations Officer. We’d love to hear from you!  Take Assessment Now!

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Weekly Outlook - Policy ≠ relationships

Dear readers, Today, I pray that you are able to see the Spirit at work all around you — in community, in creation, in the work of the church. Know that God goes with you into all of the unknowns of this time and Christ's grace covers you. Peace, Rose Schrott Taylor Digital Content Editor

Wordsmithed policy is not the end goal by Larissa Kwong Abazia It’s time for Christians on all sides to talk — even debate — about what divides us by Jim Wallis 9/11 firefighter Tim Brown talks about loss, healing and faith by Jovan Tripkovic Reparations: The passageway to reorientation by Jermaine Ross-Allam In case you missed it... Grants help the PC(USA)’s vital congregations maintain their momentum Apply for a mini grant by Nov. 1. — Beth Waltemath Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary inaugurates its 11th president The Rev. Dr. Andrew Pomerville is formally installed 14 months after beginning his tenure. — Mike Ferguson Introducing the Center for the Repair of Historical Harms Jermaine Ross-Allam offers an introduction to the purpose of the PC(USA)'s Center for the Repair of Historical Harms, where he serves as the inaugural director. It has happened again, God A prayer after a school shooting in Winder, Georgia, by W. Mark Koenig. Magic Enuff "The arc of Magic Enuff bends toward hope, however, offering readers a benediction in a slim volume of poetry that reveals deeper truths upon each re-reading." — Amy Pagliarella Fix it, God: The weight of motherhood in a broken world Confronted with school shootings and stale prayers, new mother Meagan Kelly pleads: Fix it, God. Reparation as a primary task of the 21st century American church Chris Dela Cruz, a pastor in Oregon, shares how and why the Presbytery of the Cascades gave land to a local Native coalition.

WCC news: WCC eulogy for Baldwin Sjollema honors life of “man of profound faith and unyielding commitment”

A World Council of Churches (WCC) eulogy was delivered at Baldwin Sjollema’s funeral by Rev. Dr Konrad Raiser, former WCC general secretary, who represented WCC general secretary Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay at the funeral.  Baldwin Sjollema speaks at the meeting of retired WCC staff in 2023. Photo: Gregoire de Fombelle/WCC 13 September 2024 The eulogy described Sjollema as “a man of profound faith and unyielding commitment to justice.” The visionary Sjollema’s work left an indelible mark on the fight for human dignity and the global struggle against apartheid.  “Baldwin was known for having become, in 1970, the first director of the newly created WCC Programme to Combat Racism, which made grants to southern African liberation movements, including the African National Congress,” reads the message. “It also advocated the withdrawal of investments from South Africa and the closure of bank accounts with those banks which supported the apartheid regime.” The eulogy describes Sjollema’s long history with the WCC, as well as him receiving, in 2004, the Oliver Tambo Order from South African president Thabo Mbeki. “He was decorated for his commitment to the South African liberation movement and to the struggle against apartheid in particular,” reads the message. “At that time, Baldwin himself acknowledged that millions of people were engaged in the struggle against apartheid all over the world.” Sjollema’s life was a testimony to the power of faith-driven action. “He knew that the struggle for justice was not simply a political fight, but a spiritual and moral battle for the soul of humanity,” reads the eulogy. “As we remember Baldwin today, we give thanks to God for his life and the witness he has shared with us. We honor his tireless dedication and his resolute faith. May his memory continue to inspire us to act boldly in the pursuit of a world where all people are free, and where justice flows like a mighty river.” Read the full eulogy WCC commemorates life and legacy of Baldwin Sjollema - WCC news release, 12 September 2024 See more

The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 352 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 580 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is Rev. Prof. Dr Jerry Pillay from the Uniting Presbyterian Church in Southern Africa. Media contact: +41 79 507 6363; www.oikoumene.org/press Our visiting address is: World Council of Churches 150 route de Ferney Geneve 2 1211 Switzerland