GAMC APPROVES BUDGETS, ANNOUNCES STAFF CHANGES: Today, the General Assembly Mission Council of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) approved budgets for 2011 and for 2012, and announced staff realignment. "Our role is changing from doing mission on behalf of the church to inspiring, equipping and connecting the church for mission and ministry," said Linda Valentine (at left), GAMC executive director. "At the same time, God calls us to look at our resources honestly. We must be sure we live within our means to sustain ministry into the future." A year-long strategic discernment initiative and budget realities were identified as the primary drivers for the development of the new plan. "The 2011-12 GAMC Plan and Budget answers a bold call - to discern and live into the future God intends for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)," Valentine said. "This plan reflects healthy change that is adaptive to trends in the church and the world, and that is consistent with projected resources." The complete GAMC press release can be found at "GAMC." The complete Presbyterian News Service story can be found at "GAMC News."

PRESBYTERIAN LEADER OFFERS FREE ACCESS TO GA 219 MATERIALS: According to the website, thepresbyterianleader.com, the site is offering free materials related to the 219th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). The sites states, "The Leader Readers ... will give you all the information you need to know about General Assembly and ensure that your experience at GA is a rich one. ... These materials provide just a small sampling of the benefits you'll enjoy with a subscription" to The Presbyterian Leader. At the site, readers need to scroll down to the General Assembly area where they can find free "General Assembly Study," "General Assembly Devotions" and the "Leader Reader."