July 31, 2014     
In This Issue
A Moderator Momement
A Synod Summer
Synod Grants and Scholarships
Black Theology & Pastoral Care Retreat
Work, Worth and Value
Presbyterian News
Rabbi David Saperstein tapped as first non-Christian to serve as U.S. ambassador for religious freedom

Montreat summer worship series concludes Aug. 3
'From the brink of death to life'
Ukrainian students' views
A light shining in the darkness
 WCRC's Partnership Fund aids Bolivian women, children

Grace for refugees from Central America
"Why are you so good to us?" refugees ask Presbyterian Volunteers


PW NEWS
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Presbytery Events
The Presbyteries of the Miami Valley and of Cincinnati present
Joint Educational and Spiritual Opportunities Mission in the City-Innovative Approaches from Philadelphia
Monday, September 8, 6:00-8:30 P.M.
Light Dinner (free will offering) at 6:00 P.M.
First Presbyterian Church, Middletown

Bill GoldererThe Rev. Bill Golderer (left), founding pastor and convener of the Broad Street Ministry in Philadelphia, along with the Rev. Andy Greenhow
from BSM's staff, discuss new and open ideas of transformation and mission, and ways for your congregation to take part. BSM is an innovative ministry emphasizing hospitable outreach, civic involvement, and creative expression.

Bill Golderer will also preach at the September 9 meeting of the Presbytery of the Miami Valley at Clifton United Presbyterian Church, Clifton.

POAMN
 

 
Other LInks
A Moderator Moment

The reason I became a Presbyterian in the late 50's is because I attended a membership class and found out what it means to be a Presbyterian. We are a church led by elders.

I learned that the power in the church is not top down. The power is not in the General Assembly, nor in the Synods, but in the Presbyteries. Synods are here to help the Presbyteries in their ministries to the churches in their geographic area.  

Hopefully in our August 8-9th meeting the Synod will learn more as we listen to the moderators or vice-moderators as to how we can help the Presbyteries. At the same time the Presbyteries will hopefully learn from each other as to how they can better serve their congregations.  

So this meeting is more than just a meeting. Hopefully we will learn from each other.

 

Moderator, Russ Brandt

A Synod Summer...sent by God..

 

  The Synod of the Covenant mission statement reads "........ sent by God to be a living, active and inclusive witness to the love of Christ". Our summer ministries are striving to live, act, and be inclusive with the love of Christ.

 

Summer is nearing the halfway point. The Synod has held its 3rd MultiCultural Youth Conference this time at Michindoh Campgrounds. It was held June 29 - July 4, 2014 and our theme this year was based upon the Beatitudes. The youth enjoyed the camp, the food, and morning energizers the most. The dates for 2015 have not been announced yet.

 

van As of July 15 the Mobile Health Fair team has had 22 fairs and seen over 600 people.There has been many referrals for medical, dental, and vision treatment. Thank you to everyone who supports the Health Fair Team as volunteers, with donations of hygiene kits and finances, opening their homes, and with their prayers. The 2015 summer calendar is quickly filling, if there is a date you are discerning for 2015, please contact me and lets discuss.

 

MUSA 2014 has changed dates. The new 2014 dates for Mission to the USA are October 18 to November 8, 2014 and our three-year focus is the Middle East. The shorter schedule is to benefit the clergy and lay persons from not being away from their jobs and homes for such a long period. If your congregation is still interested for 2014 or are considering hosting for 2015, please let us know.

If you would like more information on any of these programs of the Synod of the Covenant, please contact Doris Evans, Program Coordinator, d.evans@synodofthecovenant.org or 800-848-1030. 

 

 

GRANTS AND SCHOLARSHIPS AVAILABLE

 

Synod New Covenant Grants

One-time grants in amounts up to $10,000 are available to congregations, institutions and organizations within the bounds of the synod that have formal established ties to the synod. Projects must fit within the three mission priorities of the synod:

  • Church Transformation and Development
  • Multicultural and Justice Ministries
  • Ministries in Higher Education

Additional information and guidelines may be found on the application form.

Due date: October 1

Racial Ethnic Scholarships

For college, university and seminary students who are . . .

  • Minority persons
  • Members of a Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) congregation within the bounds of the Synod of the Covenant
  • In good academic standing

Source of Funds: Annual mission giving to the Synod

Guidelines

  • Scholarships are for one year
  • May apply for a second year
  • Demonstrated financial need
Due date: September 1 

Synod Grants and Scholarships 

Black Theology & Pastoral Care Retreat

 

THE ANNUAL IRVIN MOXLEY BLACK THEOLOGY PASTOR CARE RETREAT

is scheduled for October 19-22, 2014 at the Quaker Hill Retreat Center in Richmond, IN. 

 

 Theological Education: A Conversation Between the Lines 

 

Registration and Information 

 

 

Work, Worth and Value
A Reflection on Work by the Reverend J. Herbert Nelson  
On Tuesday, July 29, 2014, The Reverend J. Herbert Nelson, joined with workers and other leaders in the faith community in an action of nonviolent civil disobedience to urge President Obama to improve jobs for millions of workers. together, workers and faith leaders asked the President to sign a Good Jobs Executive Order that will require federal contractors to bargain collectively with their employees, pay living wages and benefits, stop wage theft, and limit excessive CEO pay.

 

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