Weekly Coronavirus briefing and News from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)

News

Stated Clerk remembers recent victims of racial violence J. Herbert Nelson, II calls for change

The hope of the church in the nasty here and now Diane Moffett caps a service of lament with a stirring, yet sobering, reflection

Synergy between PC(USA) assembly and Poor People’s Campaign continues onlineLive General Assembly in Baltimore and Moral March on Washington had to become virtual events but continue in concert

Online Bible study opens new opportunities for the 224th General Assembly (2020)Leaders hope to engage entire families

PC(USA) celebrates the life of the Rev. Dr. Mary-Anne Plaatjies van HuffelShe worked tirelessly to uphold the dignity of all people

‘We fall to our knees with you’ A statement by the National Middle Eastern Presbyterian Caucus

‘Thank you for changing your Facebook profile or liking a post — but more is needed’ In the midst of protests, churches in Pittsburgh Presbytery work to dismantle structural racism

‘Racism is a sin against humanity’ PC(USA) Washington office calls for action following the deaths of George Floyd, Breonna Taylor and Ahmaud Arbery

Hispanic/Latinx National Presbyterian Caucus ‘stands in strong solidarity’ with African American siblings Says violence against black people ‘remains the most egregious example of white privilege and supremacy’

1001 New Worshiping Communities leaders report released Leaders continue to find new ways to do church while negotiating challenges

Responding to the trauma of gun violence Pastor reflects on mass shooting at South Carolina church

PC(USA) statistics show a leveling off in membership decline The number of new worshiping communities continues to climb

‘We are accountable to the commitments we have made’ Two advocacy committees call on the PC(USA) to recommit to the struggle for racial justice

Once upon a time in a pandemic A Presbyterian grandmother’s story of social distancing

PC(USA) agencies/entities complete Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Audit Report to be sent to 224th General Assembly (2020)

Mission co-workers finding new ways to serve global partners Need for connecting and support is greater than ever before

These youth are indeed rising Young Baltimore entrepreneurs will tell their stories June 23 as part of the online General Assembly

Arthur Fullerton and Marie Mainard O’Connell seek to embrace change for the PC(USA) Candidates for Co-Moderators see a different kind of two-year term

Eleven new worshiping communities, two presbyteries receive Mission Program Grants Grants awarded to new worshiping communities as well as more established ministries

Coronavirus News

‘If we will not face it, we certainly can’t fix it’Diane Moffett says Matthew 25 invitation, Vital Congregations can be a balm to a hurting world

Once upon a time in a pandemic A Presbyterian grandmother’s story of social distancing

Family, often the best teacher, can drive home environmental truths Politician, author and entrepreneur Stacey Abrams shares a bit of her faith story

2020 Pentecost echoes first century church gathering Even while isolated, we can still celebrate the Spirit’s movement

At many churches, homeless ministries continue during pandemic Some PC(USA) congregations have expanded services as needs have grown due to COVID-19

In Rwanda, integrity shines through difficult timesPIASS staff works together to solve COVID-19 economic crisis

‘Let’s take the opportunity to swing wide the gates’Spelman College’s Dean of Sisters Chapel encourages preachers to assert their moral authority

Going back to the future churchPresbytery to address what God is doing during the pandemic as churches consider reopening their buildings

Where is God in a pandemic?The short answer: God is amidst us in the suffering

Seeking a pastoral call during a pandemicCandidates, search committees get creative while learning more about one another

Minister of HouseholdThe pandemic has added titles and functions as we share virtual space

Five keys to reducing the stress around sermon preparationA Festival of Homiletics webinar urges preachers to let go of what doesn’t matter

Resources for such a time as thisPC(USA) provides prayer, hymn for churches during a time of racial injustice

Virtual camp that’s real funVirtual camp portal enables the camp experience even during the pandemic

Pandemic-caused losses span the age range of Presbyterians A pastor with ties to both parish and campus ministry laments the pain at both places

PC(USA) Hispanic/Latina-o faith community holds firm to faith in God Churches forge ahead despite structural obstacles and COVID-19

Take part in historic first virtual New Wilmington Mission Conference, July 17–19 2020 scriptural theme: ‘For we walk by faith, not by sight’

Sharing pandemic voices of hope in Peru Join in singing a new tune of mission outreach

Coronavirus/COVID-19 Resources for Congregations and Members

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Today in the Mission Yearbook - One Great Hour of Sharing gifts support housing affordability and fairness

Today in the Mission Yearbook - One Great Hour of Sharing gifts support housing affordability and fairness: Thanks to Presbyterian ministries, more people are experiencing a decent place to live June 3, 2020 Gifts to One Great Hour of Shari...

A Time for Action

A Time for Action: A Statement from Rev. Jimmie R. Hawkins, Director of the Office of Public Witness The week of May 24th will be remembered as a week of la...

‘We fall to our knees with you’

‘We fall to our knees with you’: A statement by the National Middle Eastern Presbyterian Caucus by Rev. Sameh Shaker, Moderator of the National Middle Eastern Presbyteria...

UPDATE on Ghost Ranch Openings - Workshops to Resume in September

When you click on the video above you will be taken to a page that contains the same message shared below.

Summer Update Hello, friends. A few weeks ago, part of the alfalfa field was plowed and seeded. This week at Ghost Ranch, the alfalfa field is turning green. The hummingbirds are zipping by the Welcome Center. Afternoon clouds have dropped a few sprinkles that have made for awesome New Mexico sunsets. Opening Dates RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED FOR ALL VISITS Reservations open Thursday, June 4 at GhostRanch.org. We appreciate your patience as the governor eases restrictions for business and as staff feels safe to have guests on-site, we will gradually open the ranch for day guests for limited trail rides (starting June 8), tours (starting June 10) and day visitors/hikers (starting June 12). We will then slowly open for overnight guests at suggested state occupancy levels to allow for social distancing. This date has not been sent. This cautious start-up process will allow us to safely and responsibly open the ranch for guest, staff and community safety. For revisions to the opening schedule visit: https://www.ghostranch.org/coronavirus-updates/ Summer Workshops Are Cancelled - Will Begin Again In September After a difficult decision process, we have chosen to suspend our summer catalog offerings and begin with those workshops and retreats starting in September. Our team is working to contact all the folks who had previously registered for workshops June through the end of August. If you have not heard something by this Thursday evening, don't hesitate to reach out to Stephen Picha (stephenp@ghostranch.org / 505.280.1860) or Robin Keck (robink@ghostranch.org / 612.770.5950). The option to keep funds on deposit for a workshop or future visits is available. Some folks have requested a partial refund leaving some as of their reservation deposit as a donation. We are truly grateful for those gifts, though we understand not all are able to take this option, especially in these times. We continue to ask for your prayers as we continue to hold you and your families in ours. Sincerely, Paul Fogg Executive Director