Presbyterians
To d a y May/June 2020
The digital church arrives Is it here to stay? LINK UP AND JOIN THE CELEBRATION!
Links of Love – our first-ever national collective giving activity – will be on display at the 224th General Assembly (2020) in Baltimore. Each link represents a gift given through the Presbyterian Giving Catalog, and our goal is to make a 1,000-ft. long paper chain.
The total length of the paper chain will be announced at the Presbyterian Giving Catalog booth (Hall E in the Baltimore Convention Center) on Saturday, June 20. Come celebrate with us, and see just how far Presbyterian generosity can reach.
Can’t make it? Follow @givingcatalog on Instagram and Facebook for Links of Love updates! God, from my youth you have taught me. — Psalm 71:17
Building a Life of Faith COVER PHOTO: MICHAEL ERDELYI PHOTO: COVER
BUILDING THE HOUSEHOLD OF GOD
Every strong building needs a solid foundation. Won’t you join us? WHEN WE ALL DO A LITTLE, Through the Pentecost Offering, IT ADDS UP TO A LOT! Presbyterians are helping build a foundation of lifelong faith and service in our children, youth and young adults. To learn more, go to gomore, learn To pcusa.org/pentecost Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Volume 110, Issue 3 Presbyterian Mission May/June 2020 CONTENTS PDS 17116-20-003
22 26 16 Features
The digital church is here — will it stay? Outdoor sanctuaries till new ministries 16 The COVID-19 pandemic showed just how 30 Presbyterians are looking at their church vital technology in the church could be. lawns as places of new ministries, turning When the health crisis ends, though, what green spaces into food forests and pollina- role will livestreaming and Zoom continue tor gardens. playing in congregations? Donna Frischknecht Jackson Donna Frischknecht Jackson Beds for children: a new mission focus Deacon makeovers 36 Churches in the Presbytery of Detroit take 22 With membership decreasing and the Matthew 25 to new heights, building beds struggle for volunteers increasing, con- for children and teens who have no place gregations are developing new models for to lay their heads at night. deacons, bringing the ancient office into Tammy Warren modern times. Sherry Blackman Pentecost Offering gives hope 40 to children and youth Juneteenth celebrations grow Gifts to the Pentecost Offering help 26 A holiday commemorating the freeing of churches build a brighter future for enslaved people in Texas, the last state children and teens. to grant freedom after the Civil War, is a Jessica Denson Van Hoy reminder that freedom’s work is not done. Zeena Regis
On the cover: The Rev. Dr. Donna Giver-Johnston of Community Presbyterian Church of Ben Avon, Pa., prepares to livestream Sunday worship. Photo: Steve Mellon STAY CONNECTED Find us. Follow us. Like us. AND SHARE @presby_today pcusa.org/today facebook.com/PresbyteriansToday
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Publisher Biblical quotations, unless otherwise . . . also inside Jeffrey C. Lawrence noted, are from the New Revised Standard Version. Editorial Donna Frischknecht Jackson, Editor Your privacy is important to us. We Jennifer Cash, Copy Editor never give anyone your information. 4 From the Editor Donna Frischknecht Jackson J. Mark Stewart, Copy Editor Editorial Offices The one certainty in a COVID-19 world Design/Production 100 Witherspoon Street Mark Thomson, Art Director Louisville, KY 40202-1396 Jackie Carter, Production Specialist 800-728-7228 or 502-569-5772 5 Ideas You Can Use Fax 502-569-8632 | [email protected] Circulation Creating a prayer tree; Snapshot on technology Jackie Carter, 800-728-7228, ext. 5772 Presbyterian Mission Agency Diane Moffett, President and 6 Exploring Spiritual Practices Diane Stephens Hogue Customer Care & Subscription Services Executive Director P.O. Box 52 Joe Morrow, Board Chair Breath prayer eases anxiousness Congers, NY 10920 Kathy Francis, Sr. Director of pcusa.org/pt-subscriber Communications 800-558-1669 7 What Presbyterians Believe Barbara Hedges-Goettl Presbyterians Today (ISSN 1083- Pandemic redefines traditional elements of worship Advertising Sales 2181) is published bimonthly by the Fox Associates Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), 100 800-440-0231 | [email protected] Witherspoon Street, Louisville, KY 8 Hungering for Justice Nibs Stroupe Fox-Chicago | 312-644-3888 40202-1396. Printed in the U.S.A. Fox-New York | 800-826-3032 Periodicals postage paid at Louisville, Making amends for wrongs is a spiritual issue Fox-Los Angeles | 805-522-0501 KY, and additional mailing offices. All Fox-Detroit | 248-626-0511 contents copyright © 2020. All rights 9 Living the Liturgical Year Samuel Son Classifieds | 800-728-7228, ext. 5772 reserved. Member, Associated Church [email protected] Press, Religion Communicators Council. Embracing the divine disorder of Pentecost Acceptance of advertising does not imply POSTMASTER: Send address changes endorsement by Presbyterians Today or the to Presbyterians Today, P.O. Box 52, 10 Matthew 25 Spotlight Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). Congers, NY 10920. Mission opportunities revealed in backyard Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 12 Moved by the Spirit Presbyterian Mission Church holds Bike to Church Sunday | Links of Love
46 Money Matters Robert Hay Jr. Pandemic reveals valuable stewardship lessons
47 Bible Explorations Chip Hardwick Our commitment Earth-friendly publishing God’s commitment to the poor is our commitment, too PRINTED ON We are committed to caring for God’s creation. RECYCLED PAPER 48 Justice for God’s World Vernon S. Broyles III Please help by recycling this magazine. History doesn’t have to repeat Presbyterians Today | MAY/JUNE 2020 3 FROM THE EDITOR | Donna Frischknecht Jackson
The one thing I am certain of Jesus Christ is the same — yesterday, today and forever
even hundred words are all I need for this editorial. were our personal agendas to get back the church of It’s not a daunting task. The real struggle is “word yesterday — to be the church we wanted, not what God Scrowd control.” And yet, even when writing in times wants. As a pastor, I’ve felt the frustration of leading of national crisis (9/11) and personal loss, words never God’s children into uncharted territory, where new ideas, abandoned me as they have now. I’m not sure what to like moving Sunday school away from Sunday and slowing write because I don’t know what our lives will be like by down all programming to pray more, were looked upon as the time you read this. crazy. What I do know is that the comfort we took in the One of the craziest ideas I had was that of being a predictability of our rinse-and-repeat lives screeched to a “modern-day circuit rider” in my rural area. I suggested halt during Lent when COVID-19 brought us phrases like that the churches use video conferencing to “beam” me in “ atten the curve” and “social distancing.” The pandemic on a given Sunday. I would preach in person at one church made us scramble for alternative ways to work, school our per week, with the other churches tuning in online. Each children and preach God’s Word. It was truly a Lenten church would have me in person one Sunday a month journey in which the invitation to walk more closely with and utilize virtual preaching the other Sundays. The idea Christ was no longer an option, but mandatory. tanked. No one was willing to risk using technology in The world was given a divine timeout that it needed. such a way on Sunday morning. That was three years ago. And with fatalities from the virus rising, concerns for Now COVID-19 has created a deluge of Presbyterian my elderly parents, disabled brother and truck driver YouTube personalities who have had to master online husband had me reevaluating what was really important. worship overnight. I, too, picked up the camera again Was I being true to myself — to God’s call in my life? The and resurrected my idea of online devotionals lmed at goats on my “someday” list edged higher up. my Vermont “farm” — remember, I still need to get those I also found myself reevaluating the stories in goats. When I posted the videos to the church’s Facebook this issue. The long lead time for the production of page, something happened: They were well received! The Presbyterians Today meant that 99% of the stories were crazy idea wasn’t so crazy after all. written many weeks before we even heard of COVID-19. I believe we are only beginning to process the impact The perfectionist in me wanted to rewrite the pages with COVID-19 will have on our ministries. I also believe that stories on how this crisis has already changed us. The the impact goes beyond the use of technology. This isn’t media, after all, didn’t waste time with its sensational about becoming the next televangelists, but about being headlines that this was the end of the world as we knew it. faithful in serving God’s children within the context to There was no time, though, for rewrites. which God has called us. For some, that might mean Still, I couldn’t stop thinking how bidding adieu to the utilizing the old-fashioned phone tree to keep connected old world wasn’t bad. I read about swans and dolphins with parishioners. And that’s okay. Wherever we go, I just returning to Venice’s less traf cked Grand Canal. I saw pray we don’t go backward. I pray we dare to risk big and images of China’s atmosphere clearing as fewer cars on boldly for the glory of God. the road meant fewer fumes in the air. I heard stories of When I look again at this issue, the perfectionist in time-stressed families sitting down to a meal together. me has been quieted. I see something beautiful that I I also saw more clearly the changes that still needed didn’t see before. I see the reassuring message that in to happen: high-speed internet for rural areas, health our changing world, God is still working through us. No coverage and paid sick time for all, etc. And, I caught a matter what happens, Jesus Christ is the same — yester- glimpse of Presbyterians stepping out of their comfort day, today and forever. zones to try something new like streaming worship online. These steps have been long overdue. Donna Frischknecht Jackson is editor of Presbyterians Today She For far too long we have been wandering in the wilder- still hopes that goats will make a guest appearance in her video devo- ness questioning God’s guidance. Behind the questioning tions from her Vermont home known as Old Stone Well Farm
MAY JUNE Presbyterians Today IDEAS YOU CAN USE
A prayer tree grows Youth create way to pray for one another
At the end of March when schools businesses and churches began closing their doors to curb the spread of COVID- the youth of Myers Park Presbyterian Church came up with an idea The Charlotte North Carolina teens wanted those in the community to know that they weren’t alone “The youth of the church wanted a way to represent our collective faith grief and need for God and each other ” said the Rev Michelle Thomas-Bush associate pastor for youth and their families And since the youth had experienced the power of prayer in spirituality centers created within the COURTESY OF MYERS PARK PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH church’s walls they had several creative ideas for outside the The Rev. Joe Cli ord, pastor of Myers Park Presbyterian Church, hangs church prayers on the prayer tree that the youth created. Among them was creating a prayer tree by the church’s front entrance Using colored strips of fabric — each color and exercise The Rev Joe Cli ord pastor of Myers Park signifying either family church the world etc — and Presbyterian advertised the prayer tree through social markers prayers were written down and then tied to string media inviting members to add their prayers hung over the tree’s limbs The string was anchored into While the prayer tree was a way to connect with others the ground with garden stakes The result was a beautiful during a time of sheltering in place the idea of o ering fl uttering of prayers that blew in the wind attracting the prayers for the community in creative ways will continue in attention of those passing by — who while mindful of the future social distancing found themselves in need of fresh air —Donna Frischknecht Jackson PC(USA) Snapshot Is your church prepared to shift your services online? Pastors Does your church regularly post any or all of your worship service online? 52% Post the sermon after the service 22% Livestream the entire service 10% Livestream only the sermon 41% None of these Members The COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic How many times in the past year have prompted many churches to scramble you watched a live video stream of a to stay connected with their members church service instead of attending in in worship, prayer, education and other person? services. Some congregations and 14% 6 or more times members were already proficient in virtual church life, while others faced 16% 3 – 5 times new challenges. Here’s a snapshot of 20% 1 – 2 times where things stood in fall 2019. 47% None
Source: LifeWay Research, fall , “Pastors’ Views on Live Streaming” and “Protestant Churchgoer Views on Viewing a Live Stream Service. ” Graphic by Jerey Lawrence
Presbyterians Today MAY JUNE EXPLORING SPIRITUAL PRACTICES | Diane Stephens Hogue
Breath prayer eases anxiousness Ancient practice synchronizes breathing with sacred words
hether it’s threats like climate change or a our deep breathing with breath prayer. This prayer pandemic — or whether we feel powerless after invites us to synchronize our breathing with sacred W news of another shooting or natural disaster — words. The psalms, with their raw emotions and poetic we live in a state of fear and constant vigilance. language, are well suited to breath prayer. Sacred poetry Take a deep breath, I tell those who come to me for and hymn texts work, too. spiritual direction. Let’s breathe together, slowly, I say. Breath prayer is simple to do, requires minimal These are anxious times. And they are taking a toll. preparation and can be done anywhere. The repetition We nd ourselves restless and indecisive. Tears ow at of words that mean something, our breathing — they every injustice. We are less patient and more snappish. engage us body, heart, mind and soul. We rest in the Self-doubt, stress eating and insomnia have a hold on us. Spirit and discover new dimensions of trust in God. Our creativity is shot. These are anxious times. Just breathe, I hear myself saying again and again. Yes, they are. But just breathe and pray, I remind While we cannot avoid stress in our lives, we can myself. develop healthy ways of managing stressors, beginning with mastering “breath prayer” — a spiritual practice Diane Stephens Hogue is a spiritual director and writer specializing tracing its roots to the desert fathers and mothers in the in spirituality and the arts prayer and liturgy third century A.D. We take about 25,000 breaths per day. The air we breathe contains 21% oxygen, 0.04% carbon dioxide, 78% nitrogen and small amounts of other chemical elements. PUT INTO PRACTICE The air we exhale is different only in the amounts of » Choose a phrase of up to 12 sacred words. oxygen and carbon dioxide, now 16% oxygen and 4% carbon dioxide. In that exchange, we have oxygenated » Divide it into two parts. You will be praying the fi rst our blood with nutrients our cells need for energy, intel- part on the inhale and the second on the exhale. For ligence, imagination and love. example, take words from Psalm 23 and as you inhale, But we tend to be shallow breathers, using only about pray, “beside still waters” and as you exhale, say, 15% of our lung capacity, which exacerbates fear and any “you lead me.” Or these words from Romans 8:38–39 anxiety we may be feeling. Deep breathing (also known (inhale): Nothing can separate us, (exhale) from the as diaphragmatic breathing, abdominal breathing and love of God. belly breathing) is the antidote, and it is as straightfor- » Sit comfortably. Close your eyes. Tune out any ward as lling the lungs by inhaling deeply through the distractions. nostrils, holding for three counts and exhaling slowly through the mouth. » Take three deep breaths, slowly. Resume your normal In the past few years, the healthcare profession pace of breathing. has been touting breathwork for improved health. All » When ready, introduce the fi rst part of your prayer on the while, religious traditions worldwide have known the inhale. Exhale the second. for millennia the bene ts of breath awareness, from Taoist Qigong breathing to Tibetan Pranayama to Zen » Repeat the phrase in the silence of your heart as you breathing practices. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, breathe naturally, up to 20 minutes. we understand that we are animated and enlivened » Slowly let the words fall away. Tend to your breathing. by the breath that was breathed into us at Creation. Open your eyes and reorient yourself. Interestingly, in Hebrew the word for “breath” and “spirit” are the same — ruach. » Carry your breath prayer with you as God’s word to In our Christian faith, we also know the power of you today. prayer. If we turn our attention to God, we can catalyze
MAY JUNE Presbyterians Today Barbara Hedges-Goettl | WHAT PRESBYTERIANS BELIEVE
Worship elements redefi ned Call, confession, communion and commission beyond COVID-19
ocial distancing as a way to atten the curve of in song and prayer, in Scripture and preaching, in the COVID-19’s spread has created many questions witness of nature and of others. It is shared truths and Sabout how to maintain a sense of community traditions mutually accessible even when we are apart. while not physically coming together in one space. For Is there a prayer, song or other devotional practice you Christians, though, the social distancing that resulted can commit to sharing at the same time as others? from the worldwide spread of a virus raises a pressing Confession then prepares us for the element of wor- question: How do we understand ourselves as the ship traditionally de ned as the breaking of the bread church when we can’t meet in person? and the sharing of the cup — communion — although John Calvin proclaimed that the marks of the true it includes the passing of the peace and fellowship time. church are the gospel rightly preached and the sacra- Truly our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son ments rightly administered. So, if the existence of the Jesus Christ (1 John 1:3). Without being able to break church is indicated by its worship, as Calvin said — the bread together or touch hands in a hearty shake, com- Word preached and the sacraments rightly administered munion as the church takes on new expression. When — what does the current diaspora mean for the church? I studied communion in the PC(USA), it became clear I want to explore four traditional characteristics of that all kinds of ways of receiving the elements were church that, although most clearly expressed and rein- viewed as “communing together.” Just as God’s action forced when we gather together, can apply to the Chris- among us is not hampered by particular models of par- tian life well beyond worship held in a church building. ticipation in a communion meal, God is not hampered The rst is call, which is best experienced in the by our inability to get together. The church is the church corporate Call to Worship that opens many a Sunday every time we choose to lean on one another, passing service. Presbyterians believe that God’s grace is “pre- the peace by phone, text or computer. The church is the venient”; that is, that God acts rst. The Christian life church when a simple table grace is said, asking God to — and worship itself — is begun by God calling us to join us all together in love and communion. God’s self, into his own kingdom and glory (1 Thessalo- Lastly, the fourth characteristic of what church has nians 2:12). However, during a time of sheltering we are always been about, still is and always will be, is com- reminded that this call can happen every day, anywhere. missioning. As the Father has sent me, so I send you Daily Prayer from the PC(USA) “Book of Common Wor- (John 20:21). In baptism we join Jesus’ disciple-making ship” offers this call in the form of prayer — morning, work of bringing Good News to all. Commissioning is for midday, evening and at the close of day — inviting us to the work of the church in the world — no matter how a new rhythm of worship beyond a church building. How we meet, where we meet or if we cannot meet together. else can you open yourself to hear God’s call? How can we express our love of neighbor and reveal that The call of God then leads us into confession — the the church is strengthened by the very necessity of nd- telling of the truth about ourselves, about God, and ing new ways to socially connect? What gratitude can about the relationship of the human and divine. “Let us we express to God, together or apart? How can we live hold fast to the confession of our hope without wavering, out the call, confession, communion and commissioning, for he who has promised is faithful” (Hebrews 10:23). not just as traditional Sunday morning rubrics, but as Our words express and form our faith, telling it like the very framework for being the church today? it is and shaping us for what is yet to be. This truth- telling includes the confession of sin and the responding Barbara Hedges-Goettl is a PC(USA) pastor who with her assurance/confession of God’s mercy. It is truth told in husband Len co-pastors a small neighborhood church outside of our formal confessions of the faith (The Apostles’ Creed, Philadelphia She has a Ph D in liturgical studies which began the Brief Statement, etc.). It is truth presented in the with an interest in what it means to be the church ways the Word of God comes to us in worship and life —
Presbyterians Today MAY JUNE HUNGERING FOR JUSTICE | Nibs Stroupe
Understanding reparations Making amends for wrongs is a spiritual issue
Where in the Bible can we fi nd examples of reparations? “Reparation” is a word sparking public curiosity — and Old Testament passages like Leviticus 25:1–10 and controversy Defi ned as “making amends for a wrong one has Deuteronomy 15:12–18 remind us that this idea of done ” the reparations conversation has recently gone from reparations was built into the codes of Israel, but also ambiguous talk to concrete actions as politicians academic intriguing is Luke 19:1–10. In this passage, the hated tax institutions and even denominations o er solutions to right collector Zacchaeus is welcomed by Jesus, and in return, the wrongs in our country’s past specifi cally the wrongs of he promises to make reparations to those whom he has slavery cheated. Our Reformed heritage also reminds us that we In public interest in reparations spiked when H R will not know the true power of the gospel until we begin — a bill brought to Congress in calling to remedy to work on the breaches in the community. slavery’s aftere ects — was revived and endorsed by the Speaker of the House Soon after a Wall Street Journal study How do reparations ask us to see di erently? revealed that Twitter mentions of H R increased by The consideration of reparations requires us to swim The same year Princeton Theological Seminary announced it against the stream of the idea of individual achievement. would set aside nearly million for slavery reparations This idea emphasizes that if one has “stuff,” it’s because Reparations though are not limited to America’s slave- they’ve worked hard and earned it, while if someone does owning past At the end of Hudson River Presbytery not have “stuff,” it’s because they’ve been irresponsible transferred the title of the former Stony Point Church in New and idle. York to the newly created Sweetwater Cultural Center “to promote the education health and welfare of indigenous or Just admitting the need for reparations is a huge undertak- native peoples ” The Ramapough-Lenape Nation encom- ing But acting on it? Thoughts? passes parts of north New Jersey and New York where Even if we agree that reparation is an idea whose Hudson River Presbytery is located time has come, the practicalities of implementing it are In the book “Passionate for Justice Ida B Wells as Prophet mind-boggling. How would we determine an amount? for Our Time ” Dr Catherine Meeks and the Rev Nibs Who would be eligible? How would we pay for it? Given the Stroupe list steps to lessen the power of race in our lives divisive nature of our current public life, it will be dif cult recognition repentance resistance resilience reparations to make much progress on this in governmental life. reconciliation and recovery The most controversial of them all Stroupe says is “by far reparations ” Can the PC(USA) do something? Presbyterians Today talks with Stroupe about the justice — We could strongly encourage our church judicatories to and the spirituality — of reparations designate parts of our budgets to supply oors of income —Donna Frischknecht Jackson to descendants of people held as slaves. While there are many problems inherent in this approach, it can be done.
What is at the heart of reparations? Can you explain reparations as a spiritual issue? Reparation is the idea that public acknowledgement Reparations force us to face the false gods in our lives. and economic recompense must be made to the descen- They also offer us the opportunity to engage the joy that dants of those who were held in slavery. Slavery and neo- Zacchaeus experienced when Jesus, moved by the pledge slavery (or modern slavery, as it is de ned) were designed for reparations, made the great pronouncement, “Today to use unpaid and cheap labor to create economic wealth. salvation has come to this house.” That is a fundamental fact of the American story. Many more stories are revealing the depth of slave and neo- Nibs Stroupe retired in as senior pastor at Oakhurst slave labor in creating wealth that was not shared by the Presbyterian Church in Decatur Georgia where he had served since laborers and their descendants.
MAY JUNE Presbyterians Today Samuel Son | LIVING THE LITURGICAL YEAR
Pentecost’s divine disorder Don’t contain the daring Spirit of God, embrace it
fter the 50 days of Easter, followed by the Rules of Order.” But Presbyterians love church life to Ascension of our Lord, comes the celebration of be done “decently and in order,” which might be why we A Pentecost. It’s a day on the liturgical calendar don’t know how to pull off a truly Spirit- lled Pentecost that is often played out in churches by a sea of red in celebration. Yet “decently and in order” is one of those the pews, as churchgoers are invited to wear something phrases that does more harm than we imagine, because red, symbolizing the “divided tongues, as of re” in Acts lots of decisions made on those three words can keep the 2:3 that appeared over the heads of Jesus’ followers who chaotic, daring Spirit contained. “Decently” and “order” waited prayerfully for the gift of the Holy Spirit. joined together implies that disorder is always indecent. Pentecost is a day that marks the surprising and Pentecost means that churches should learn to see explosive start of the church. The day is not for us to just disorder as a new way of doing things. Could embracing sing “Happy Birthday” to the church, marveling at how the use of multiple languages in worship or envisioning long the body of Christ has been around. a new way of running a session meeting be the mighty Rather, Pentecost is a day to remember our identity rush of the Spirit wind ruf ing things up? Pentecost as God’s beloved and return to the core values of dis- also invites us to consider how many truths have been cipleship. And so, the issue we should be wrestling with shushed for the sake of decency. is not how to “celebrate” Pentecost Sunday. Rather, Pentecost is not merely asking us how to make that the question should be: How can every Sunday be a one Sunday of worship a little bit out of order. It chal- Pentecost Sunday, lled with the surprising — and at lenges us to always be open to the reordering of the times chaotic — Spirit? Spirit in every part of our lives. The rst Pentecost worship started spontaneously on a side street in Jerusalem. It wasn’t sanctioned by reli- Samuel Son is the manager of diversity and reconciliation at the gious of cials. It was a tailgate party that became bigger Presbyterian Mission Agency than the main event itself. Devout Jews had traveled to observe Pentecost — Shavuot in Hebrew — which was the festival of the gathering of sheaves. Sunlight had just spilled through the streets, and a large crowd encircled the uncredentialed Galilean IDEAS FOR LIVING PENTECOST preachers — Jesus’ followers — who were now preaching » Just as Jesus’ followers were instructed to wait for the the Good News boldly. This open-air event was not some gift of the Holy Spirit in prayer, gather a prayer circle conference agenda. It wasn’t in their strategy for church the week leading up to Pentecost Sunday, which is growth. They didn’t have time to compose one. May 31 this year. Meet together physically if you can or During the days before Pentecost, they were too busy virtually using Zoom — and pray daily praying, as Jesus asked them to do. But that morning of the Pentecost festival, after being lled with the » Start a new daily routine that brings Pentecost into Spirit, they went out into the streets preaching Jesus. your everyday living. Sit quietly for a few minutes, They preached in different languages so that all could open your hands to be receptive, and repeat, “Come, understand. People from Crete and Rome, who came to Holy Spirit, come.” Jerusalem expecting to use their rusty Hebrew, were » Use di erent languages in worship on Pentecost surprised to hear the word of God in their own lan- Sunday — and subsequent Sundays What are the guages. Just a few weeks earlier, Jesus’ followers had languages spoken in your community? locked themselves in an upper room, afraid they might share the same fate as Jesus if they even spoke his name. » Think about language beyond the spoken word and Pentecost reminds us that with God’s Spirit, worship use sign language regularly to create a more inclusive isn’t necessarily about following the traditional worship worship experience for the entire congregation. order, and meetings aren’t all about following “Robert’s
Presbyterians Today MAY JUNE MATTHEW SPOTLIGHT | A look at churches engaging in the world
Summer ‘staycation’ reaps rewards Matthew 25 Backyard missions uncover community needs BY MIKE FERGUSON
First Presbyterian Church of Succasunna Succasunna New Jersey Approximately members Matthew focus Building congregational vitality and eradicating systemic poverty by viewing the local community as a mission fi eld
eed the hungry. Give water to the thirsty. Clothe the naked. Visit Fthose in prison. Jesus’ words in Matthew 25 often conjure images of far-away mission trips or radical ministries that only a few might be quali ed to do. Last summer, though, First Presbyterian Church of Succasunna held a mission trip for youth without leaving the cozy con nes of its northern New Jersey neighborhood. According to the Rev. Carie Morgan, the church’s weeklong summer mission adventure — fondly called the “staycation” — gave youth various community organizations to focus their attention on each day. Some participated in a Christmas in July event — decorating, giving COURTESY OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SUCCASUNNA gifts and holding a yuletide dance Last year’s summer mission adventure took First Presbyterian Church of Succasunna’s youth into their party for residents at a senior care community, where they helped their neighbors in a variety of ways, including gardening and yardwork. center. Others helped with construc- tion of a Habitat for Humanity home. shelter. There they talked, laughed First Presbyterian is among the The younger teens helped at the local and played games with one another. more than 400 churches and more Habitat for Humanity ReStore, where If all this wasn’t enough, there than 40 presbyteries and synods secondhand goods are sold at reason- were lunches served at a soup kitchen, that have become a Matthew 25 able prices, helping many furnish weeding done at a community garden church since the invitation was their homes while raising money to and yardwork and painting done at extended across the Presbyterian support the building of more homes Family Promise of Morris County. Church (U.S.A.) in April 2019. for families. After a long day of mission work, The summer mission adven- There were also opportunities the teens gathered nightly during ture helped the youth to be part of for the First Presbyterian Church their staycation to talk about what building congregational vitality and youth to connect with teens their own they experienced on their mission eradicating systemic poverty, two age who were staying at a homeless adventures. Matthew 25 focus areas that First
MAY JUNE Presbyterians Today Engaging youth in social justice: Matthew 25 resource offers activities
Looking for ways to engage youth in Matthew 25 ministries this summer? Or perhaps thinking about a Vacation Bible School that offers children the chance to help neighbors? “Seeing Jesus: Social Justice Activities for Today Based on Matthew 25” can help. “Seeing Jesus,” written by Phyllis Vos Wezeman, includes 60 social justice activities for children, teens and adults to live out the Matthew 25 vision. The activities use a variety of methods, COURTESY OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF SUCCASUNNA including art, creative writing, culinary, First Presbyterian’s youth participated in dance, drama, games, music, photog- building a Habitat for Humanity home during the raphy, puppetry and storytelling. Each weeklong mission staycation. activity focuses on ways to “learn,” Presbyterian has agreed to address. “locate” and “lead” in doing good The third Matthew 25 focus area that deeds as the hands and feet of Jesus. churches are called to engage in is Supporting Scriptures are included throughout the lessons and activities. dismantling structural racism. “Sharing God’s love with the least of these is the responsibility of every The idea for the staycation came Christian at any age,” Wezeman said. “I wanted to present a variety of options, after members of First Presbyterian first of all to make people aware that there are many ways to look at each of these visited Broad Street Ministry in categories. The imprisoned chapter, for example, is my favorite because ‘impris- Philadelphia, which models radical oned’ doesn’t just mean people behind bars.” hospitality to the community’s most Instead of focusing on people who are themselves incarcerated, Wezeman vulnerable residents. It was then that intentionally broadened the scope to include the families of prisoners behind First Presbyterian members “got bars; people who have been imprisoned because of their faith, like pastor and excited about mission opportunities theologian Dietrich Bonhoeffer; and people trapped in many other ways, such as close to home,” Morgan said. materialism, eating disorders, addictions, abuse and illiteracy. Returning from Philadelphia “That’s the approach, and it just scratches the surface,” Wezeman said of the with “great energy,” the church 224-page book. “My goal is that people will at least take a small step. They don’t began shaping plans for the summer have to take a giant leap, but everybody can do something.” mission adventure for the youth, Wezeman has written nearly 2,000 articles and books published by more which also included opportunities for than 80 publishers. She served as director of education and nurture at First the whole church to come together. Presbyterian Church in South Bend, Indiana, for 12 years and is nationally recog- During the staycation nightly check- nized in the fields of faith formation and religious education. ins, there were dinners and worship “Seeing Jesus: Social Justice Activities for Today Based on Matthew 25” is for young and old members of the available online at pastoral.center/seeing-jesus-paperback or by calling church to participate in. 844-727-8672. “We wanted to give everyone in —Tammy Warren the congregation a chance to give of themselves,” Morgan said. Morgan also put together devo- Matthew 25 focus will be spiritual as tional booklets and journals for well as numerical growth. “I feel we each summer mission adventure are that bulb in the winter waiting LEARN MORE participant that focused on Matthew to break forth from the ground,” she For more information on Matthew 25:31–46. Using the same passage, said. 25, go to pcusa.org/matthew25 prayer stations were set up around the church during the week. Mike Ferguson is the editor of Presbyterian Morgan believes a byproduct of News Service.
Presbyterians Today | MAY/JUNE 2020 11 MOVED BY THE SPIRIT
OUTREACH
Colorado church’s spiritual sprockets Bike to Church Sunday appeals to cycling community
BY MIKE GIVLER
COURTESY OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF FORT COLLINS First Presbyterian Church of Fort Collins, Colo., is a mecca for cycling enthusiasts. During June, which is Bike Month in Colorado, the congregation encourages cyclists to pedal to church the last Sunday of the month. The congregation also provides refreshments to cyclists on Bike to Work Day.
t’s only tting that a state whose Day route running adjacent to First response from the community at the of cial motto is “Nothing without Presbyterian Church of Fort Collins, church’s rest stop, was a clear sign Ithe Deity” would invite residents Colorado, it seemed only natural for that the church should more fully live to take in God’s handiwork from the the congregation to get involved. into the city’s vision of being a cycling vantage point of handlebars. But “We’re right on the main bike community. that’s exactly what Colorado does, and pedestrian way through the With Fort Collins annually listed inviting folks to pedal away during downtown area,” said Miriam Nelson, among the best bicycle cities in the the state’s designated Bike Month director of welcome and fellowship United States by cycling enthusiasts, each June. at First Presbyterian. “It seemed First Presbyterian certainly hasn’t While the monthlong promotion like the perfect opportunity to be ignored its city’s passion. of biking for health and recreation a presence in the community for a The congregation has been a features festivals and safety aware- positive good.” drop-off hub for the city’s yearly ness seminars, the highlight of the When it participated in Bike to Bikes for Tykes donation drive that celebration is its Bike to Work Day, Work Day last year for the rst time, helps young riders nd a bike if held on the last Wednesday of the the number of volunteers willing to they are in need. First Presbyterian month. And with the Bike to Work help, coupled with the overwhelming has also created a makeshift bike
MAY JUNE Presbyterians Today recently installed front and center of Sunday. the church building. “There are a lot of people who “We had a bike rack for years choose to bike here because it’s around one of the sides of the church,” good for them and their bodies, but said Moore. “But what you put in also because it’s good for the Earth,” front says this is what we value. So, Nelson said. we put the bike rack by the front This year, the word about the doors to the sanctuary, in part to say Bike to Church event will be more we think this is important. There widespread in Fort Collins as the was something symbolic about the church ramps up promotion of the front doors to the church being the event. best parking spot for bikes.” “If we can encourage people to be repair shop near the fellowship hall, First Presbyterian is working healthy, if we can cut down how much bringing in mechanics to repair bikes toward becoming an Earth Care carbon we use and say we’re a place for veterans and the homeless. Congregation, a certi cation offered that values all that, that’s a win for But when nearly two dozen bakers by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) everyone,” Moore said. agreed to prepare muf ns for the that encourages good environmental church’s Bike to Work stop in 2019, stewardship by its churches. One Mike Givler is the communications attracting about 350 cyclists that activity that quali es toward coordinator for the Synod of the Trinity in morning, it was obvious that First certi cation is Bike to Church Camp Hill Pennsylvania Presbyterian needed to keep the momentum going. “We ran out of muf ns and got great reviews,” said Joseph Moore, the church’s parish associate for mission and outreach, adding, “It became clear that we needed to inspire more people to ride to church.” That’s when its Bike to Church Sunday was born. Held on the last Sunday in June 2019, Bike to Church encouraged worshipers to leave their cars at home and travel to church in a healthier, more eco-friendly way. The result was several dozen members who rode their bikes, travel- COURTESY OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF FORT COLLINS ing as far as 10 miles, to participate First Presbyterian Church of Fort Collins hasn’t ignored its community’s passion for cycling. The in the church’s new initiative. congregation has been a drop-o hub for the city’s yearly Bikes for Tykes donation drive. A makeshift Since the Bike to Church Sunday, bike repair shop has also been set up near the church’s fellowship hall. First Presbyterian now has people who regularly ride their bike to church, “which is a blessing in many Trust the Stevens Worldwide Van Lines ways,” Moore adds, explaining that ™ the church’s parking lot is not big Clergy Move Center Stevens is proud to deliver over 110 years of family-owned enough for all the cars. moving expertise and quality services to Presbyterian Church “There’s a practical aspect for us, (USA) Members, Clergy and Employees and Educators: • Discounted pricing • Stevens Home Protection Kit™ as well as a health component. The • Top-rated drivers and crews • Free no-obligation move estimate more people who ride their bikes, the • Customized moving packages • Single point-of-contact more parking we have for families Endorsed Mover for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) with young children and older adults,” The way to move said Moore. CALL VICKI BIERLEIN: 800.248.8313 This movement has caught new energy surrounding cycling at First www.stevensworldwide.com/pcusa Presbyterian, as a new bike rack was USDOT 72029
Presbyterians Today MAY JUNE MISSION
Giving can be a chain reaction Links of Love activity shows generosity can multiply
BY BRYCE WIEBE
or nearly 150 years, First Presbyterian Church in F Michigan City, Indiana, has stood at the center of downtown — a mainstay of the Lake Michigan com- munity and an example of mission and faith in action. Pat Molden, an elder who started attending First Presbyterian 35 years ago after getting married and moving to Michigan City, has seen rsthand the generous hearts within the congregation. “Two of our members recently dedicated themselves to doing something about homelessness in the community — something that had been almost completely ignored in our city,” she said. “They went from church to church talking with other congregations to make sleeping arrangements for the homeless. They also started a soup kitchen. That’s just two examples COURTESY OF FIRST PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH The children of First Presbyterian Church in Michigan City, Ind., show o their paper chain of giving. among many that demonstrate the Each link created in the chain represents a gift purchased from the Giving Catalog. caring nature of our congregation. We live out our faith through acts of giving and service.” “We had an older member who toward buying a ock of chickens for Over the years, Molden has brought up global mission to me or a family. raised her three children at First other committee members quite a bit. “They learned how chickens could Presbyterian and continues to seek She was passionate about it, but our actually change a family’s life. The ways to serve any way she can, such eyes were on the local community,” kids found that really engaging, and as chairing the mission committee she said. “The more I read [the each year the response got even for the congregation for the past ve catalog], the more I realized we better,” Molden said. years. could do more elsewhere in the world As more church members began It was that committee that and continue our work locally.” asking Molden about the Giving came up with an idea of using the The church’s mission committee Catalog, the mission committee Presbyterian Giving Catalog to help members used the Giving Catalog to decided to create a “Gratitude the church’s members understand rst come up with ideas for children Marketplace.” — and visualize — their positive to participate in. “We took several mission ideas — impact in the world. They chose the One Great Hour of hunger, poverty, education — and The Presbyterian Giving Catalog Sharing sh banks, inviting children then created this marketplace that is something Molden had heard to “feed” their coins to “Gracie,” the focused on those mission categories about but had not leveraged when name given to the sh banks. The within three areas: the local church, doing mission outreach. money collected would then go local community and worldwide
MAY JUNE Presbyterians Today church,” she said. “We created a LEARN MORE little grocery store, a school building To learn more about the Presbyterian Giving Catalog go to and so on. Each place had at least presbyteriangifts org For more information on the Links of Love project several ideas from the Giving visit presbyteriangifts org linksofl ove Catalog, and the response was phenomenal.” Some who had never given general presbyter of Prospect Hill Links of Love is exciting, Molden through the Giving Catalog gave for Presbytery, likes the idea of the says it also gives her comfort the rst time. Others were reinvigo- paper chains, as it underscores knowing that the Presbyterian rated by the change. Even better, all the connected nature of being Mission Agency has done due were able to visualize the power of Presbyterian. diligence for the Giving Catalog to their contribution, Molden says. “Some of the best things about create effective mission and to nd Visualizing the power of one’s being Presbyterian are our out what people’s real needs are. contribution and showing how connections — to God, to each “I know our gifts are being used individual acts of service and giving other and to the world around us,” to do mission ‘with’ rather than ‘to’ can make a big impact in the world said McMullen. “The simple act of people worldwide,” she said. “This are what the Presbyterian Giving stringing pieces of paper together is so important because that’s our Catalog is designed to shine a light goes beyond the symbolic to the commitment as Christians — to on with its newest activity — Links tactile, physical representation show that we care about other people of Love. of our joyful response to God’s in need. That is one reason I became Every congregation member missional call.” a member at this church, because buying a gift from the Giving Molden adds that the visual there was a real longing to do some- Catalog is being asked to create a representation “gives you a concrete thing to truly better the world.” link for a paper chain, with each link look at how every act of giving really representing a gift given. does add up to something incredible.” Bryce Wiebe is director of Special O erings The Rev. Ian McMullen, While being part of building at the Presbyterian Mission Agency
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Presbyterians Today MAY JUNE The digitaL church arrives
MAY JUNE Presbyterians Today Is it here to stay?
BY DONNA FRISCHKNECHT JACKSON
holy silence filled the cavern- ous sanctuary. The gilded Aorgan pipes shone brightly from the lights hitting them. This morning, though, there would be no choir accompanying the bellowing pipes. The Rev. Dr. Donna Giver- Johnston, dressed in her Sunday best — doctorate robe, white collar and purple stole — stood in the center of the chancel. Taking a deep breath, she surveyed the empty pews, turned to the camera and smiled. Friends, it is good to be together to worship the Lord virtually … The pastor of Community Presbyterian Church of Ben Avon, Pennsylvania, came to preach the Word that morning, and preach it she would, in a new way for a new day, embracing the use of technol- ogy that allowed her to livestream a worship service into the homes of her congregants who were sheltering in place, due to the global outbreak of a coronavirus known as COVID-19. She was not alone. This spring, the phrase “March Madness” took on a very different meaning with a drama being played in sanctuaries across the country, rather than on basketball courts. With government officials issuing edicts of no gatherings of 10 or more people in public, Presbyterian churches, large and small, scrambled to get online using technology that they had either heard of, dabbled in
STEVE MELLON
The COVID-19 pandemic had the Rev. Dr. Donna Giver-Johnston’s congregation worshiping with their pastor from the safety of their home computer screens.
Presbyterians Today | MAY/JUNE 2020 17 or had been wanting to use in their worship service. The decision to worship option was “mostly for those own ministries. launch an online format was not in our church who couldn’t be with It was a steep learning curve prompted by the blessing of suddenly us.” But now there was an opportu- for pastors who were not videogra- having a “techie” join the congrega- nity to reach those without a church phers. Failed audio, bad lighting and tion, but rather one made in order home who might be needing a word buffering video streamed into many to care for the congregation more of hope. Posting on community sites a home. But there was no other consistently and effectively. and utilizing email lists helped option. The family of God could no “We were willing to give it a try Community Presbyterian broaden longer meet physically together out because we saw how important it its online reach. Such marketing and of fear of spreading a deadly virus. was for those in our congregation outreach will continue long after the The only way to stay connected was who couldn’t be with us — those who crisis is over, says Giver-Johnston. through the use of technology, using were in the hospital or at home sick,” “This crisis has led us in seeing platforms — such as Zoom meetings she said. our community differently and and Facebook Live — that had tradi- As they began exploring what how online worship can help us to tionally been looked upon warily by would be needed — a better camera, reach out to those not just in our churches. an upgraded computer, where to church family,” said Giver-Johnston. Ask any pastor who, in the last place the camera — not everyone Online worship will remain, she five years or so, has tried to take was sold. “I remember the discus- adds, a vital part of Community the church into the digital era, and sion well and I was skeptical about Presbyterian’s ministry. you will hear a litany of reasons it,” said Steve Mellon, a member of from session and worship committee Community Presbyterian. “I didn’t An evangelism opportunity members resisting it, among which see the value in livestreaming.” For the Rev. Richard Hong, the are that the congregation is not That was until Mellon’s wife COVID-19 crisis revealed what he “tech-savvy” to the lack of reliable became ill. “Having that connection has known already for many years: internet services in the community. to church and being able to expe- Technology is a powerful community The most common concern, though, rience worship with them online builder. has been the fear that if worship was became valuable,” he said, adding, Hong, who is pastor of First offered online, no one would come “You just don’t realize what it means Presbyterian Church of Englewood, into the church building. to be part of the service.” New Jersey, became aware of the A Barna Group study, “The State It was then the church agreed value of an online community about of the Church 2020,” in which data that going online would be part 25 years ago before he went to was collected in December 2019, of their ministry. “Even if we had seminary. confirmed this resistance, citing just a handful of people watching, “I was part of an online forum in that while the use of technology has it would be worth the investment,” the early days of the internet. Many grown in the last decade, it was still said Giver-Johnston. The initial of us communicated daily about a novelty in the church, with just cost was about $1,000 as the church technical topics,” he said. 2% of practicing Christians saying was already equipped with a sound But then one morning, when they attend a church that produces a system to plug into, Mellon says. he awoke to a message that one digitally videotaped or livestreamed The investment for a “handful of the group members had been a service. of people” was a wise one, as Giver- bystander in a store robbery and COVID-19, though, has changed Johnston found herself amid the been killed, he cried, even though that statistic. How great its influ- COVID-19 crisis with a virtual he had never met the man in person. ence on churches remains to be seen. congregation of hundreds of par- “In my tears, I realized that our For now, though, the question is ticipants. Among those tuning in online connection was real and whether or not churches that were were members of the greater Ben meaningful. It was different, but not forced into the world of technology Avon community, not just the church less,” Hong said. will continue to use such services for family. “Different, not less” is how he says ministry. “We spent the first 14 days of churches need to view their fledgling the COVID-19 shutdown getting online communities, adding that A new congregation emerges the word out about our services when the COVID-19 crisis is over, According to Giver-Johnston, being online to the greater public,” pastors who hurried to offer online Community Presbyterian Church said Deb Sadowski, a member of worship and Bible studies need to of Ben Avon made the decision 21/2 Community Presbyterian. begin thinking more critically about years ago to livestream its Sunday Up until then, she says, the online what they are doing and what role, if
18 MAY/JUNE 2020 | Presbyterians Today any, technology will continue playing in their ministries. “What we saw at the beginning of COVID-19 was churches setting up cameras to connect with their members,” said Hong. That was fine, he adds, as it filled an important and immediate need. But now the filming and technical glitches need to be ironed out. “When people return to the sanc- tuary you can’t have a camera on a tripod standing right in front of the pastor,” Hong said about one of the many logistical concerns that comes with streaming live worship services. There are also the concerns of music licensing, lighting, audio, camera angles and even scripts to consider. Giver-Johnston at Community COURTESY OF COMMUNITY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH OF BEN AVON Presbyterian Church of Ben Avon The Rev. Dr. Donna Giver-Johnston was able to stay connected to her congregation — even the littlest agrees with Hong because she had ones — through the use of online worship. It is a medium that will continue playing a vital evangelism to make sure camera angles were role going forward, she says. up close, creating a more intimate environment. And, she says, she now fire destroyed its grand and historic something we started doing in 2013. makes sure that when she greets sanctuary. We realized that our digital presence worshipers, she greets those in “We wanted to invest more energy [Facebook, Twitter, etc.] had to the sanctuary and those watching in reaching out and letting people be video-based. Full sermons are online. see that we were vibrant. We also too long for most people. We tried How to stream online in a way knew that the experience we gained extracting snippets from sermons that produces a professional and by livestreaming from our tempo- but realized that most of the extrac- seamless order of worship is very rary worship space (our gym) would tions lacked context. We settled on important, Giver-Johnston says, in translate into a better design for the 90-Second Sermon because that creating a worshipful experience. our new sanctuary,” said Hong. “We was the shortest time in which we But it is just one part of the virtual believe in livestreaming as a way could consistently present a message church. The other part is tapping of reaching out to the community. with a start, a middle and an end,” into a powerful evangelism tool, Online is where the people are, and said Hong, clarifying that it is not Hong says. it’s where people will come first to a “teaser” to a sermon, but solid “What churches have been given check out your church.” content in a snippet of time. with online worship during this Hong’s successful use of digital “Each week 300 people watch it, crisis is an opportunity for evange- media didn’t happen overnight. And which is 50% more than our average lism. It’s an opportunity not to be for churches feeling overwhelmed or in-person worship attendance. Our squandered,” he said. still not sure if such technology is members often share them with For example, First Presbyterian for them, Hong shares that the first people to introduce them to our Church of Englewood increased its “tech piece” introduced to his congre- church. It is not hard to ask someone budget for Facebook advertising, gation was an audio sermon podcast. to watch a 90-second video,” he said. casting the viewership net even “Over time we have built out our wider. Hong says that more oppor- digital presence, and most of that is Zoom becomes part of ministry tunities to advertise the church’s for outreach. Our members are not The season of Lent 2020 was to online presence will be explored the target audience,” said Hong. begin with something groundbreak- going forward. Hong also offers what is known as ing for the congregation of Fox Valley First Presbyterian Church the “90-Second Sermon” that is used Presbyterian Church in Geneva, began streaming services live in on social media. Illinois. They would try meeting for August 2017, about a year after a “The 90-Second Sermon was a weekly prayer gathering using
Presbyterians Today | MAY/JUNE 2020 19 little clunky at first,” the congrega- tion and pastor are finding Zoom meetings to be a helpful “way to join in prayer with one another and a real comfort for people during a lonely time.” During COVID-19, with in-person pastoral visits suspended, Anthony also used technology to host “check- in chats” with the church and even fellowship times. “Most members have expressed that they would like to continue meeting online in some way after the COVID-19 pandemic is behind us,” said Anthony. She is all for it, especially consid- ering how the culture of busyness that runs rampant in families, businesses and even churches leaves little time to stay at home. “One more night out of the house for church fellowship on top of a string of nights out of the house for everything else, including church business, is a lot to ask and is more
HUNG EN SUNG than many can give,” said Anthony. The Rev. Richard Hong of First Presbyterian Church of Englewood, reviews the order of worship, with “But 45–60 minutes on Zoom just special attention to camera angles, before the church’s livestreaming begins. to talk to each other about how our weeks are going, how we can be Zoom, an online meeting platform Anthony. Still, six people joined the praying for each other and our com- that allows multiple people to call in 30-minute virtual prayer meeting munities — that’s something we can or use the video from wherever they that featured devotions church do. It won’t replace our face-to-face are. members had written, Scripture gatherings when we are able to get The Rev. Stephanie Anthony says reading and the sharing of joys and back to that again, but it feels like it the idea was “dreamed up” in a staff concerns. will support them. These practices meeting last fall before anyone had What surprised Anthony the most will definitely outlast COVID-19 for even heard of COVID-19. was not that there weren’t too many our church community. I have no “We hadn’t held midweek worship technical glitches, but that those doubt.” in Lent for a couple of years, so gathered on Zoom were “a much While Anthony has no doubt, we decided to try something new, older crowd” than she anticipated. In Hong still wonders what the future thinking we might get participants fact, one of results of the mad dash of technology in the church will look who usually can’t come to the to get online due to COVID-19 for like post-pandemic. church building for a midweek many churches is that it has finally “Will some congregations breathe service, because it’s a long drive for brought along those in the congre- a sigh of relief and return happily a 30-minute gathering, it’s disrup- gation who were resisting digital to traditional worship on Sunday? tive to the routine with kids, or they church. Perhaps,” he said. “Sadly, though, if don’t drive at night,” she said. Anthony never would have they do, they will miss a wonderful The pastor was a little concerned imagined that just three weeks into opportunity to grow in ways they about the learning curve of church Lent, Zoom would become a lifeline never could imagine.” members who might be new to Zoom, to Fox Valley Presbyterian’s entire so she offered a few training sessions ministry — not just its midweek Donna Frischknecht Jackson is editor and tutorials. prayer group. While admitting the of Presbyterians Today. “No one took me up on them,” said experience of Zoom has been “a
20 MAY/JUNE 2020 | Presbyterians Today Small is Big How can you fit this much impact into one gift? It’s easy when you give through the Presbyterian Giving Catalog. Inside, you’ll find small gifts brimming with big potential, like this ox, which reduces manual labor to help make farmers more efficient.
Small Gifts. Big Impact.
Give today at smallisbig.gives Deacon Makeovers
New models for an old office emerge
BY SHERRY BLACKMAN
ince the early church, the office ministry to be overhauled?” recruited to serve.” of deacon has been an integral The Rev. Dr. Earl S. Johnson, The team has been in place for S part of ministry, with men and honorably retired, thought so — three years, and Jaberg says it is women called to care for the needs back in 1992. It was then, at the “working pretty well.” Each member of the faith community. In the Book 204th General Assembly, Johnson of the team is assigned one to three of Acts, Stephen was among the first presented a report titled “The people that they are to “care” for by of seven deacons appointed by the Presbyterian Deacon: An Essential checking in with them at least once elders to alleviate the burgeoning Guide” that suggested “deacons a month. As for serving communion care of widows and orphans. With could model new and even risky to shut-ins, elders now have that the appointment of these deacons — ways of serving.” responsibility. which comes from the Greek word Now some three decades later, the Jaberg says that the care team — diakonos, which means “servant” — pressures of serving an aging church not the pastor — is “the first level of the elders were then able to focus on population, coupled with fewer congregational care” at the church. preaching and teaching. members and leaner pastoral staffs, To nurture the care team, and in Today, though, there seems to have led congregations to reach for fact, to nurture all the ministries at be ambiguity as to what a deacon new models. the church, Jaberg says that “com- does. There are deacons wondering passionate care” is “intentionally if their only job is to send get-well, Widening the circle of care layered” into every meeting or small birthday and anniversary cards to Faced with a membership roll of group gathering. Compassionate members. There are clergy who see about 50 members, and with 75% of care includes a time for Bible study, beyond greeting card ministries and the community beyond the church prayer and sharing with one another train deacons to share in visiting the at retirement age or older, the Rev. what is going on in their lives. By sick and lonely, only to be frustrated Linda McCardle Jaberg, transitional doing so, she says, a deep connection when the care of their congrega- pastor of Community Church in has formed among the members of tions continues to fall solely on their Howey-in-the-Hills, Florida, has the church, and an understanding of shoulders. And then there are nomi- established a care team rather than how participants can minister to one nating committee members tasked a board of deacons. another has grown. Jaberg has also with filling vacant deacon slots, who The team currently includes nine discovered that meetings “go better are disheartened by the small pool of people, some of whom had served and tend to be shorter” as compas- candidates to choose from and then as deacons in the past. “The only sionate care is practiced. are told “no thanks” by the few. requirement to be part of the team These questions and challenges is to have a passion for caring for Shorter deacon terms are making many church leaders others,” said Jaberg. “Anyone from Several years ago, First Presbyterian ask, “Is it time for an ancient the congregation can volunteer or be Church of Rockaway in New Jersey,
22 MAY/JUNE 2020 | Presbyterians Today COURTESY OF COMMUNITY CHURCH
At Community Church in Howey-in-the-Hills, Fla., all worshipers are encouraged to care for one another. Three years ago, the traditional board of deacons was replaced with a care team.
Presbyterians Today | MAY/JUNE 2020 23 was faced with the dif culty of Joe Martinoni, an elder at First of commitment,” he said. In addition getting people to serve on the board Presbyterian of Rockaway, adding to the one-year term, there is also of deacons, mainly because of the that many of the deacons were also no limit as to how many consecutive high rate of burnout their deacons serving two consecutive three-year terms a deacon can serve. experienced. terms. Currently, nine deacons minister “People were overwhelmed with Realizing that the church “needed to those within the church and their responsibilities. They were a new beginning,” Martinoni says outside in the community. They responsible for getting ushers and that the bylaws were changed to are not on a board of deacons, but communion servers, and prepar- commission deacons for a one-year like Jaberg’s church, belong to a ing communion and meals,” said term rather than three years. “More congregational care committee. people are willing to make that kind However, First Presbyterian Church of Rockaway’s deacons do serve com- munion to those who are homebound or ill. They also oversee the prayer – Deacons in the PC(USA) – chain, deliver meals that are needed, track church visitors and host new What Deacons Do member breakfasts, Lenten lunches and Sunday fellowship hours. Reach out to members in need of support Lisa DiBonaventura, a deacon Deacons in the61% PC(USA) who serves as the communion coordi- Take meals to members in need of support nator, says the change in bylaws and creating a care committee “opened Two-thirds of 49% up more opportunities for everyone Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Funeral and memorial service receptions in the church to be involved.” congregations have deacons. 67% 46% “When I rst became a deacon Hospital visits 10% 20 years ago, there were a lot more have a card or deacons, so we could handle all the What Deacons Do 40% ower ministry responsibilities and needs of the ReachBring out communion to members in to need the of homeboundsupport 61% church. As the number of deacons Take meals to members in need 37%of support 49% dwindled, the need for more help in caring for our congregation grew,” CaterFuneral special and memorial events service at thereceptions church 46% DiBonaventura said. 27%Hospital visits 40% Dwindling numbers overall Organize small group ministries Bring communion to the homebound 37% continue, she says, but the congrega- tional care committee is “a fantastic, 8% Cater special events at the church Two thirds of Presbyterian 27% 10% hard-working group of people who Wedding receptions Church (U.S.A.) congregations Organize small group ministries 8% have a card or are committed to the care of our con- 7% have deacons.flower ministry Wedding receptions 7% gregation and supporting each other.”
51% Dissolving the board of deacons DDeaconeacon TTrainingraining bbyy PPresbyteriesresbyteries The Rev. Melodie Haag Long is Half of the transitional pastor of First Halfpresbyteries of presbyteries either Presbyterian Church in Oshkosh, haveeither deacon have training or are 21% 20% Wisconsin, which has a member- 21% 20% deaconinterested training in starting it. 8% ship of 200. During their transi- or are interested O ered training Has training but Thinking8% about Not interested tional process, she says the board of in starting it. Offeredwithin training past yearHas hasn’ttraining o butered it Thinkingstarting about training Not interested deacons was dissolved — requiring within past year hasn't offered it starting training a change in bylaws — as the church examined the role of deacons in its 100 Witherspoon St Data on what deacons do was gathered from a Church Louisville,KY40202 on the Corner survey sent to all churches for whom we overall ministry. [email protected] had email addresses. There were 985 responses. Data “When we looked at what the on deacon training came from a survey sent to all presbytery leaders and 61 responded. deacons had been doing, their duties revolved around social events, such
MAY JUNE Presbyterians Today as dinners, coffee hours and com- responsibilities were given to the The deacons meet monthly with munion preparation. We wanted to session. McCarty to share what the needs of move to a relationship model where Five years ago, though, the church the congregation are, who is in the commissioned individuals serve brought back the board of deacons, hospital and what they need, which under a congregational care commit- complete with 15 members who would may include visits, meals, trans- tee,” said Long. focus solely on witness, care and portation and taking communion By doing so, she says that deacons, compassion as defined in the Book of to those who are homebound or in who still serve for a three-year term, Order. According to the Rev. Megan nursing care facilities. They oversee are doing the work of witness, caring McCarty, associate pastor for mission the prayer quilt ministry, prepare for and compassion — and are helping and membership, the move to rees- funeral receptions, create care kits to prevent pastor burnout. tablish a board of deacons was made for those being treated for cancer, and “One of the things that con- simply because “our care team was welcome new babies. The deacons tributes to pastor burnout is [the too small, and there were too many also look for new ways to help those expectation] that the pastor will member needs.” going through a critical time. visit every person. That is not the The church of about 800 members, “We have a young woman who is way it was set up biblically or in with a pastoral staff of three, defines undergoing cancer treatment, and our Presbyterian polity,” said Long. the ministry of deacons as such: the deacons have arranged for her to “We’ve moved away from a diacon- “From birth to death, life is filled with receive a card every day over the last ate to a congregational care model, needs that the deacons support. The two years,” said McCarty. where deacons will work with the deacons celebrate babies born, grieve pastor.” in times of loss, and offer support to Sherry Blackman is the pastor of Long reports that the move to the church when people are recover- Presbyterian Church of the Mountain in a congregational care model has ing from surgery, are lonely, or simply Delaware Water Gap, Pennsylvania. meant more congregants have need a caring presence.” stepped up and taken over the social events of the church, such as coffee hours and dinners. A worship com- A creative deacon approach mittee handles communion prepara- Breaking down the needs for better care tion. Elders, as well as deacons, have taken on the task of bringing com- For the Rev. Hunter Camp of Memorial Presbyterian » The Health Navigator Team offers resource munion to the homebound, Long adds. Church in St. Augustine, Florida, the old deacon referrals to help members navigate medical Training is available for offering model of assigning families to individual deacons issues and life transitions due to health or home communion with a prepared to care for — sometimes up to 30 families per housing needs. liturgy and a home communion kit. deacon — just wasn’t going to “cut it,” especially in a With the congregational care congregation with over 800 members, and growing. » The Reception Team expresses hospitality and committee in place, what is emerging “The old model wasn’t serving the deepest care to family and friends during life remem- is a church that is embracing a new needs of the church,” said Camp, explaining that for brances (funeral receptions) and celebrations. identity. the deacons who were assigned young families, the “The deacons are nurturing responsibilities were often overwhelming, leaving » The First Friends Team connects new members relationships,” Long said, adding, many feeling paralyzed. to the life and activities of Memorial Presbyterian “How do we tell the world we care for “Over the years, many deacons simply mailed by providing one-on-one interactions and group others, when we don’t care for one birthday cards to households,” he said. The card fellowship opportunities. another?” ministry started becoming the predominant task of the deacons, which Camp says “left deacons feeling According to Camp, the team model has given The return of the deacons that their work was insignificant.” deacons a greater sense of satisfaction and energy as Back in the 1960s, Highland That has now changed to a model of care at it taps into their individual gifts and passions. Presbyterian Church in Louisville Memorial Presbyterian that focuses on placing 21 “Now our deacons are becoming more integral disbanded its board of deacons, deacons into the following four teams, each with its to the caring ministry of the church,” said Camp. which was responsible for the specific tasks: “They have become vital to the life of the entire care of people, as well as the » The “BeLoved” Team is responsible for visits, church community.” property and finances. In its place, calls, cards and home communion. a five-person care committee was —Sherry Blackman created. The property and financial
Presbyterians Today | MAY/JUNE 2020 25 Juneteenth celebrations grow Holiday remembers that freedom’s work isn’t done
BY ZEENA REGIS
sk Bettie J. Durrah, a longtime June 19 has come to represent Presbyterian from Atlanta, Independence Day to African According to Dee Evans, national Awhat she remembers of the Americans more so than July 4. Yet director of communications at the 211th General Assembly (1999) the day has gone mostly unheard National Juneteenth Observance and she will tell you how her fellow of by many Americans, let alone Foundation, in 2019, 46 states and African Americans perplexed Presbyterians. the District of Columbia recognized delegates in the Fort Worth, Texas, “The delegates found the celebra- Juneteenth as a state holiday or day convention hall by gathering to tion to be a curious sight,” Durrah of recognition. And, in 2018, a resolu- celebrate Juneteenth. said, noting that some mistook the tion recognizing Juneteenth as a Juneteenth — a combination of fanfare for an early Fourth of July national holiday passed the Senate. the words “June” and “nineteenth” — celebration. It was an opportunity, Despite the recognition, work still commemorates when Texas’ enslaved she says, to educate her fellow needs to be done to educate the public people were notified of their status Presbyterians about the significance on the significance of Juneteenth as free citizens, which occurred on of Juneteenth, which is also called — a quintessential American June 19, 1865. Texas was the last Freedom Day. holiday that continues capturing the state to inform its people, with the Today, educational opportunities tension between the American ideal notification coming two years, six abound as Juneteenth conversations of equality and the reality of how months and 19 days after President — and observances — are growing that vision is eclipsed by systems of Abraham Lincoln’s Emancipation beyond the African American injustice. Proclamation. community. “We still wrestle for all to be
26 MAY/JUNE 2020 | Presbyterians Today “Many churches have unique that was shed. That’s a reason why, access to these freedom narratives, she says, the wearing of red and the and it is important to create spaces eating of red foods, such as red velvet to share them. Faith communities cake, is often part of Juneteenth. The are often intergenerational, and the red also symbolizes the redemptive pews are full of living history. It is blood of Christ, making Juneteenth important to capture these valuable “more than a freedom story, but a African American stories and tradi- faith story.” tions while we can,” said Peoples. “Our people prayed to be free from their bondage, and their prayers were A new generation emerging answered,” said Willingham. “It is a While many communities around vital role of our congregations to pass the nation experienced emancipa- on the stories of those who endured tion from slavery on different dates, and fought against slavery.” Juneteenth is the closest the nation free today,” said the Rev. Denise Helen Toney, a retired educator has to a nationally recognized Anderson, coordinator for racial and member of Oakhurst Emancipation Day. And a new gen- and intercultural justice in the Presbyterian Church in Decatur, eration is emerging to champion the Presbyterian Mission Agency. Georgia, has vivid memories of cel- celebration of Juneteenth. ebrating Emancipation Day during A quick search of #Juneteenth on Freedom narratives shared August in Obion County, Tennessee, social media brings up thousands Dr. Lydia Willingham, a lay pastor in the 1930s. of images about the holiday, while in Trinity Presbytery and a member Toney was born in 1924 and heard a growing number of blogs and of Ladson Presbyterian Church in stories of slavery firsthand from podcasts disseminate information Columbia, South Carolina, says relatives like her great-grandmother, about its history. educating younger generations who was 16 when slavery ended. She Many black millennials see about Juneteenth is a “holy calling,” also heard stories of perseverance Juneteenth as an alternative celebra- underscored by the miracle “that our that made the freedom celebrations tion to July Fourth. A common senti- ancestors survived slavery.” “sweeter.” ment is that the vision for equality While Juneteenth is a time for Dr. Whitney Peoples, director set forth in the Declaration of celebration, Willingham, who also and coordinator of diversity, equity Independence in 1776 did not include serves as president of the National and inclusion at the University of those of African descent. Black Presbyterian Women Caucus, Michigan, views preserving stories In contrast, Juneteenth repre- sees it as a time to acknowledge the like Toney’s as a powerful ministry sents a movement toward freedom for brutality of slavery and the blood opportunity for churches. all people — and it can be celebrated
Presbyterians Today | MAY/JUNE 2020 27 by all people. Yet the ways that Americans observe the holiday may change based on one’s race and ethnicity. For the Rev. abby mohaupt (name lowercased as requested), moderator of Fossil Free PCUSA, Juneteenth is a call for reckoning and repen- tance for the sins of racism. She sees the holiday as an invitation for white Presbyterians to listen deeply to those who are descendants of enslaved people and as a time to confess their own complicity in insti- tutionalized injustice. Anderson agrees, cautioning
white congregations to temper the GETTY IMAGES celebrations so that the meaning of According to the National Juneteenth Foundation, in 2019, 46 states recognized Juneteenth as a state Juneteenth does not get lost. holiday or day of recognition. “I don’t want congregations co-opt- ing the celebration without engaging works of Sojourner Truth, Frederick captures Juneteenth’s past, present in the difficult history and linger- Douglass and other freedom fighters. and future is: “Sing a song full of the ing present,” she said. “Black and Willingham says that her con- faith that the dark past has taught brown people are still incarcerated at gregation, Ladson Presbyterian, us. Sing a song full of the hope that disproportionate rates. I would hope walks their youth down to the the present has brought us. Facing white congregations take Juneteenth Mann-Simons Cottage in Columbia, the rising sun of our new day begun. as an opportunity to wrestle with South Carolina. Celia Mann and Ben Let us march on till victory is won.” that and avail themselves to criminal Delane were African Americans who Presbyterians are marching on. justice reform in their communities.” walked from Charleston to Columbia This Juneteenth, Presbyterians Dr. Kathy Dawson, the Benton to find freedom in the early 1840s. were planning to gather at General Family Associate Professor of Their family home is now a museum Assembly to remember the past, to be Christian Education at Columbia that tells the story of Columbia’s honest about the present and to work Theological Seminary, sees African American community from toward a more just future. Juneteenth as an opportunity enslavement to the present. According to Anderson, the service to grapple with slaveholding in “The blood and tears of our of lament and celebration was to be Presbyterian history. She also invites ancestors truly meant something. held the afternoon of June 19 in the congregations to use Juneteenth as a We must remember that we are the lobby of the Baltimore Convention time to hold educational offerings on sum of those parts,” Willingham Center during the 224th General current human trafficking. said, adding that the bloodshed did Assembly. Unlike the 1999 gather- For the Rev. Jeff Geary, senior not end with emancipation. “African ing that Durrah remembers as being pastor of White Plains Presbyterian Americans endured decades of disen- a “curious sight,” this observance Church in New York, rooting his franchisement, dehumanization and would have been different, with more congregation firmly in a “theology of domestic terrorism following emanci- Presbyterians having heard of the place” helps to put faith in context. pation, and that struggle for complete hard work for freedom that continues White Plains Presbyterian, equality continues until this day.” today. Anderson had hoped “to bring founded in 1714, is just two blocks The Ladson Presbyterian con- awareness to the lingering impacts of from the historic location where the gregation also makes it a point to slavery and the ways in which slavery Declaration of Independence was sing James Weldon Johnson’s “Lift in other forms persist.” first read and adopted by a colonial Every Voice and Sing” on Juneteenth, But Juneteenth is not the only day government. The church uses the Willingham says. to raise that awarness. Every day is time between Juneteenth and July The lyrics to the song, known as one to “sing a song full of faith.” Fourth to revisit the Declaration of the Black National Anthem, resonate Independence, while putting that deeply for her. She says the line that Zeena Regis is a member of Oakhurst document in conversation with the is especially poignant to her that Presbyterian Church in Decatur, Georgia.
28 MAY/JUNE 2020 | Presbyterians Today Learn about Insurance Board’s SafeConduct™ Workbench and Abuse Prevention Resources by attending our workshop on Friday, June 19th at the 224th General Assembly in Baltimore, MD. Access valuable resources available to all PC(USA) ministries such as an abuse prevention policy template, FREE online training, discounted background screening services and much more: www.InsuranceBoard.org/Safety-Resources/ 30 MAY/JUNE 2020 | Presbyterians Today Outdoor sanctuaries till new ministries
Church lawns become creation labs
BY DONNA FRISCHKNECHT JACKSON
t’s a weekday afternoon in road in front of the church lies a Bragg. “Why not return most of it Parsippany, New Jersey. The surprising secret garden of sorts back to nature, rather than spending I bumper-to-bumper morning known as Parsippany Presbyterian’s thousands of dollars to keep part of commute has long been over; the Meadow Garden. It’s a space where the property well-manicured?” harried evening rush home has yet native plants have been allowed The idea of a Meadow Garden to begin. Still, the traffic whizzing by to grow back, where wildflowers emerged and began with the trans- Parsippany Presbyterian Church has provide much-needed pollen and formation of the church’s 50-foot- not let up — nor will it. “Thousands nectar for bees, and where chickens by-50-foot picnic area into plots to of cars” easily pass by the church — “Yes, we have chickens running grow an abundance of vegetables. daily, the Rev. Donald A. Bragg around the church,” Bragg says — Herbs were also planted that would explains. scratch at the ground foraging for then be dried and packaged and sold Like many 18th century buildings insects. through the church. Five additional that have been spared the wrecking Parsippany Presbyterian’s gardens were established solely to ball of development, the church — property wasn’t always this magical. help nature’s pollinators — includ- founded in 1755 — now sits on a “A large part of the property was ing butterflies, beetles and the most major thoroughfare known as U.S. neglected,” said Bragg, who came to vulnerable of all pollinator, the bee. Route 46. As one of New Jersey’s the church as pastor 23 years ago. Bragg’s interest in bees led to the notoriously congested roads — a In 2014, the congregation took addition of five hives on the church 2014 Department of Transportation a closer look at the potential of its property, where the pastor-turned- report cited 40% of the Garden property. A walk around it revealed beekeeper now collects and bottles State’s roads to be operating at places where garbage was being the honey for his church family and or near capacity — Route 46 has dumped and where weeds were community. Of course, one cannot become even busier in recent years, choking native flowers that once forget the chickens, Bragg laughs. with families seeking a better bloomed. In addition to the property The Meadow Garden has not quality of living that is still commut- that was neglected and abused, only become a refuge for those in able to Manhattan. Parsippany lies there was also a budgetary matter to Parsippany in need of a little green just 30 miles west of the city. consider. “We have a lot of property therapy in an ever-growing asphalt Yet beyond the busyness of the and it was a lot to maintain,” said jungle, it has also provided educa-
COURTESY OF EMMANUEL PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH tional and spiritual opportunities Lori Mercer helps harvest wheat that was planted around the perimeters of Emmanuel Farm, a ministry for all ages. For example, when eggs of Emmanuel Presbyterian Church in Bothell, Wash., that focuses on sustainable farming techniques. from the church chickens became
Presbyterians Today | MAY/JUNE 2020 31 available, Bragg says he was asked piece of property across the street to care for one another — and care by someone in the church if they from the church” and that it should for the bees and insects as well?” were safe to eat because they didn’t “be paved over.” Bragg asked. come in a Styrofoam egg carton from Today, the ever-growing com- a store. Bragg also intentionally munity of Parsippany is probably The value of green space placed one of the pollinator gardens relieved that that editorial didn’t go A church’s property is increasingly near the church’s playground so that any further than ink on newsprint. becoming a valuable ministry to its children could see the butterflies In 2018, roundtable discussions neighbors. No matter how large or and not be scared of the bees. In in the town’s master planning study, small the property, churches can find the summer, the youth make meals which examined the requirements ways to turn their space into creation using the produce grown in the of New Jersey’s Municipal Land Use labs, that is, going beyond the com- garden while the preschoolers enjoy Law, revealed that residents were munity garden trend or just planting growing their own popping corn, concerned with increasing traffic a few flowers out front and offering Bragg says, adding that “they are all congestion and pedestrian safety. educational opportunities to learn learning to appreciate nature.” They were also eager for their com- how to care for bees, regenerate soil, This appreciation is important munity to be better able to connect welcome back native flowers — and especially as land keeps getting with one another. Parsippany perhaps, more importantly, provide gobbled up by developers. Before the Presbyterian has done just that with outdoor sanctuaries for people to Meadow Garden came into being, its Meadow Garden. reconnect with nature and with one Bragg said someone wrote to the “You have to be serious about another. local newspaper that something being the church. Can this church be According to a U.S. Environmental should be done with “the useless a living, organic community? A place Protection Agency study, walkable
COURTESY OF PARSIPPANY PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Keeping bees is a passion of the Rev. Donald A. Bragg. The pastor of Parsippany Presbyterian Church has five hives now on the church property. Honey is collected and bottled and shared with the congregation and community.
32 MAY/JUNE 2020 | Presbyterians Today open green spaces are “socially adventure in sustainable food pro- nitrogen to the soil without the need valuable,” drawing people outside duction began and soon broadened for chemical fertilizers. Cover crops and fostering social interactions. to include classes on canning and also offer natural ways to reduce The United States especially saw seed saving. Among the highlights soil compaction and manage soil this need for community that can of Emmanuel Farm has been the moisture. meet openly and with enough space planting of wheat within the fence For now, Mercer is looking to social distance from one another line of the farm, which led to the forward to all the possibilities still during the COVID-19 crisis. baking of many loaves of communion to be tilled at Emmanuel Farm, like For Emmanuel Presbyterian bread. continuing the educational opportu- Church in Bothell, Washington, the “Since a few congregational nities for children. Last summer’s question of how to be good stewards bakers started baking communion Vacation Bible School was held at the of its three acres led to some surpris- bread with our homegrown Edison farm and lessons were taught to the ing answers. “We were grappling wheat, it’s been fascinating to see children on microbes in the soil and with how to use our space, and how how many iterations have sprung what good insects are. to do it in a way that also welcomed forth, all delicious!” Mercer wrote “There are lots of biodiversity the community,” said Lori Mercer, a on the church’s Emmanuel Farm’s and symbiotic relationships we can member of Emmanuel Presbyterian. blog page. “What’s so compelling is learn from as we farm,” Mercer Bothell is similar to Parsippany, the variety — just another reminder said, adding, “To love God is to love New Jersey, in that the community that there is no one right way to do God’s creation. Emmanuel Farm has is getting “densely populated,” says pretty much anything. Each loaf become our spiritual laboratory.” Mercer. reflects each baker’s level of experi- “We are leading an increasingly ence, risk tolerance, creativity and A food forest feast disconnected lifestyle. The porches preferences.” For years, Southern Heights have gone away. Space is evaporat- The planting and harvesting of Presbyterian Church in Lincoln, ing. And so how do we make use of the wheat was a celebration in itself, Nebraska, was holding two acres of our church property to connect with as many strains of wheat do not land it was gifted — unused green one another?” she asked. fare well in the maritime climate of space, says the Rev. Leanne Masters With the church’s park-like Washington, Mercer says. However, — that the congregation thought setting being a “gemstone,” a Mercer learned of the Bread Lab would someday be used to expand its dog walking park was suggested. at Washington State University ministries in the traditional sense of However, Mercer, having enrolled in in Burlington, Washington, that building bigger facilities. a graduate program in 2016 to study develops wheat that would thrive in But in 2011, when the church sustainable agriculture, had some- the area. Emmanuel Farm’s harvest entered into a partnership with thing else in mind: growing food for was a success, and when it came Community Crops, a nonprofit in the vulnerable in the area — which time to harvest, it was done after Lincoln, expansion began looking Mercer knows is just an immediate church the old-fashioned way — less like brick-and-mortar and more band-aid, stressing that the real hand-winnowed and hand-chaffed. like a space for the community to work is to eradicate poverty — and While Emmanuel Farm might come garden. to grow the food using techniques seem to be a major undertak- “There are not a lot of places left that care for the earth. ing, Mercer said, “It’s not a huge anymore for people to garden,” said Sustainable farming wasn’t endeavor. We have five serving on Masters. The garden would be a a hard sell for Emmanuel the farm committee and about nine refuge and a place where community Presbyterian as the topic is “hugely volunteers who routinely help out could gather. But it didn’t take long relevant” in the Pacific Northwest. in the gardens.” Of course, getting for the folks at Southern Heights “Climate change is on everyone’s more people involved to help is a Presbyterian and Community Crops mind,” Mercer said. “challenge.” But more people will be to dream even bigger, and soon the In the spring of 2018, Emmanuel needed as the vision of Emmanuel conversations moved away from just Farm was created. Ground was Farms continues to grow. offering garden plots to the public to broken, seeds were planted and “One of our projects is to put up creating a “food forest.” raised beds — with “lips on the cover crops in the winter,” said The simplest definition of a food edges, allowing seniors a comfort- Mercer. Cover crops such as ryegrass, forest, also called a forest garden, is able place to sit as they garden,” crimson clover and oats are a key a diverse planting of edible plants Mercer says — were built. The part of sustainable farming, adding that mimics the ecosystems and
Presbyterians Today | MAY/JUNE 2020 33 COURTESY OF SOUTHERN HEIGHTS PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH Southern Heights Presbyterian Church in Lincoln, Neb., made the choice to turn a vacant piece of property into a food forest for all the community to enjoy and learn from. Signage helps visitors explore the many fascinating intricacies of how flora and fauna coexist.
patterns found in nature. A food growing in the area that anyone in modeling how to be good stewards. forest would have, for example, fruit the public may enter, walk and eat “We’ve been commanded to be good and nut trees, shrubs, herbs, vines from, there is also an outdoor class- stewards, and this includes how we and perennial vegetables, which all room that was created with the help use the church’s land.” work together in ways that are low- of Nature Explore, a Lincoln-based And good stewards Southern maintenance and sustainable. company that develops outdoor class- Heights Presbyterian has been. As “A food forest is an older under- room programs and curriculum. Lincoln’s first publicly accessible food standing of planting in which every- This educational component was forest — featuring not just pathways, thing works together and helps one important to Masters, who notices an outdoor classroom, an extensive another grow. The plants feed each how the growing city is devouring pollinator garden and more than 50 other,” said Masters. precious green space. community garden plots — it is in a Just as Southern Heights “Our kids are not outside anymore. prime location, right off a fairly busy Presbyterian and Community Crops They are not playing in the dirt,” street where a public transit stop is were about to start to work on the said Masters. frequently used. And yet, when the groundbreaking food forest — pre- Masters is quick to point out that public steps a few feet into the food paring to plant the first fruit and the creation of the Southern Heights forest, there is only peace and quiet. nut trees in 2014 — the congregation Food Forest is not the sole work of “The food forest is less noisy than was approached by a funeral home the church but done in partnership one would think,” said Masters, to purchase the church’s two acres so with the community. “And there has been an increase in that a chapel could be built. “I don’t have all the skills to do the number of birds, butterflies, bees After much discernment, the this, nor does the church have all and other animals. It has been an vision of the food forest won. It has the volunteers. We are not meant to amazing journey.” since seen a lot of growth — no pun do this alone. This is a partnership. intended, Masters says. Southern Heights Presbyterian is In addition to an organic forest coming at this as a spiritual team. It filled with fruit and nut trees, is not a matter of will this get people Donna Frischknecht Jackson is editor of strawberries, radishes and raspber- in our pews,” she said. Presbyterians Today. ries, to name just a few of the edibles Rather, the food forest is about
34 MAY/JUNE 2020 | Presbyterians Today
The ministry of a good night’s Sleep Beds for children becomes a mission focus
BY TAMMY WARREN
o one knows exactly how many Thoresen, coordinator of the state- children in the Detroit area wide Faith Communities Coalition Nare in need of a bed of their on Foster Care and parish associate own, but it is likely the number is for foster and/or adoptive families’ in the thousands, according to the partnerships at First Presbyterian nonprofit organization Building Beds Church in Birmingham, Michigan. 4 Kids (BB4K). More than 12,500 children were Last fall, the Presbytery of in the state’s foster care system as Detroit, which has accepted the of Jan. 1, the lowest number in care Matthew 25 invitation extended by since 2016, according to the Michigan the Presbyterian Mission Agency, Department of Health and Human stepped up to help these children and Services. Interventions like providing held a bed-building event. Nearly beds not only provide a comfortable two dozen volunteers from nine night’s rest for children and youth, congregations gathered at the BB4K but also address poverty issues that warehouse. In just over two hours, may help keep families together, they assembled 68 beds, which were according to Thoresen. distributed by churches and social “One judge told me that nearly 40% service agencies to children and of the children he sees that go into youth in Michigan’s tri-county area foster care are the result of ‘environ- of Macomb, Oakland and Wayne mental neglect,’ that is the parents counties. not being able to provide adequate “One of the most basic needs of shelter,” she said. children in the child welfare system Thoresen and her husband, Tom, — ages 2 to 18 — is for a warm, com- who have three adult children and fortable bed and a good night’s sleep,” two grandchildren, have also served said the Rev. Dr. Kathryn “Kate” as respite foster parents. Through
36 MAY/JUNE 2020 | Presbyterians Today this experience, they have both devel- oped a personal understanding of the needs of children in the child welfare system, especially those in foster care. Thoresen said it is crucial for people of faith to be proactive, such as donating furniture and household goods when downsizing, so that these items can be passed along to strug- gling families. The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) reports that not getting enough sleep each night is associated with an increase in injuries, hypertension, obesity and depression, especially for teens who may experience increased risk of self-harm or suicidal thoughts. The AAP also found that getting adequate sleep on a regular basis can lead to improved attention, behavior, learning, memory, and mental and physical health. “We see that providing beds for every child who needs one is an
CHARLOTTE SOMMERS Volunteers from nine congregations in the Presbytery of Detroit assembled 68 beds in a little over two hours.
Presbyterians Today | MAY/JUNE 2020 37 referral source, such as a Michigan Department of Health and Human Services worker, a pastor, landlord or home visitor. The need for beds for children and adolescents came to light when two members of the church’s mission committee suggested launching a child-focused ministry by first hearing the perspectives of people in the community. These mission com- mittee members were inspired, nearly two decades ago, by the Presbyterian Planning Calendar’s 2000–01 “Year of the Child” theme. For several months, guest speakers, such as law enforcement, social service providers, educators and others proposed what they felt were the greatest unmet needs of children in Monroe County. After gathering data, the committee’s chair at the time, Sue Flaherty, said, “We know what we want to do. We want to buy beds for children who are sleeping on the floor in Monroe County.” The Rev. Dean McGormley, stated clerk of the Maumee Valley Presbytery, who served 17 years as co-pastor at First Presbyterian Church of Monroe, along with his wife, the Rev. Dr. Ellen McGormley,
BILL ZIELE said it took about “half a second Volunteers in the “Now I Lay Me Down” bed ministry at First Presbyterian Church of Monroe in to approve it” and half an hour to Michigan work in pairs to install beds. discuss it. “When you are sleeping on the floor effective way to prevent kids from for youngsters from before birth in Michigan, in our extreme weather, going into foster care in the first to age 16. The program has been it could get below zero,” said Kim place,” Thoresen said. “We are also a model for other churches, like Hooper, a volunteer since the church’s discovering that there are many Firelands Presbyterian Church in bed ministry began. “Some parents grandparents who suddenly need Port Clinton, Ohio, which launched don’t know where to turn.” beds when challenged to take in a bed ministry in 2015 and recently Hooper considers the bed ministry grandkids.” received a $20,000 grant through a health and education program, the Thank Offering of Presbyterian adding that if a person doesn’t believe ‘Now I Lay Me Down’ Women. that to “go home tonight and lay First Presbyterian Church of Monroe People in need hear about the down on your kitchen floor and sleep in Michigan has been giving beds to bed ministry at First Presbyterian there, then get up and see how well children and youth who need them Church of Monroe by word of mouth you are ready to go to work in the for nearly two decades. or through agencies and commu- morning.” Since 2001, the “Now I Lay Me nity sponsors. There is an applica- First Presbyterian Church of Down” bed ministry at the church tion process, and the need for a Monroe buys the beds through a local has provided more than 3,500 beds bed must be verified by a reliable furniture company. A twin bed with
38 MAY/JUNE 2020 | Presbyterians Today all of the bedding and accessories costs $200–$250. The all-volunteer ministry currently has about 30 people from the congregation, as well as other churches and organiza- tions in the community. Volunteers use their own vehicles to make the bed deliveries. They work in pairs to deliver and set up the beds. Every delivery includes a new mattress and box spring, mattress cover, pillow, sheets, a blanket or handmade quilt,
a stuffed animal and a book appropri- MARSIALLE ARBUCKLE ate to the age of the child or youth. Scouts work in teams to assemble beds, assisting a member of their troop who chose helping children in A local chapter of the nonprofit his community for his Eagle Scout project. Project Linus provides blankets, and the quilt ministry of St. Luke’s their own. The sled race, held for the first Lutheran Church donates quilts for “Those are the extremes of who we time during the “Christmas in Ida the ministry to distribute along with serve,” Hooper said. “A lot of parents Festival” last year, was a hit, Hooper the beds. In addition, the American are unemployed. That’s why it’s nice said. For one night the beds became Red Cross provides smoke detectors, that we can step in and help them.” sleds adorned with Christmas lights which bed ministry volunteers install To fund the “Now I Lay Me Down” in the festival’s parade. in homes without a working smoke bed ministry, First Presbyterian “It came off well. Everything fell detector. This is done simultaneously Church of Monroe has two major in place,” Hooper said of the inaugu- with the bed delivery and setup. annual fundraisers — a “Bed Race to ral sled race. “You know, sometimes Aid Children” and a “Sled Race to Aid you think it’s God telling you, ‘I’ll Turning nightmares into dreams Children.” provide.’ ” Over the years there have been many “We usually raise about $30,000 a stories to keep volunteers motivated year through the bed race,” Hooper Tammy Warren is a communications associ- in meeting the increasing need for said, adding that the race is fun to ate with the Presbyterian Mission Agency. beds for children and adolescents watch. in Monroe County. One young girl, for example, tested positive for lead poisoning. She had been eating the peeling lead-based paint from the floor where she slept. Having a bed got her off the floor and away from this health hazard, at least while she was sleeping. And then there was a military family with three children, ages 5, 7 and 10, who hardly had any fur- niture and no refrigerator. They’d been keeping food cold using a small cooler on the back porch, Hooper says. This family was paying off medical expenses incurred when their youngest was born with a congenital heart defect. Hooper and his wife were moving and were able to provide a couch and chair, another family KIM HOOPER provided a refrigerator and stove, and An annual Bed Race to Aid Children helps fund the “Now I Lay Me Down” bed ministry at First each of the children received a bed of Presbyterian Church of Monroe in Michigan.
Presbyterians Today | MAY/JUNE 2020 39 40 MAY/JUNE 2020 | Presbyterians Today RAISING HOPE among children and youth
Pentecost Offering gifts brighten tomorrow
BY JESSICA DENSON VAN HOY
osalyn McKeown-Ice was looking between a tutor and student is so for ways to live out her faith in important — having another adult to Rher community. count on and look up to. It makes the A member of First Presbyterian children more excited about learning Church of Oak Ridge, Tennessee, and helps build their confidence,” said McKeown-Ice is active with Educate Fairchild-Keyes. A Child (EAC), a program of the It’s not just the lives of the Education Above All Foundation, children that are changing. Susan which aims to significantly increase Byrne, one of First Presbyterian’s vol- the number of children worldwide unteer tutors, says the children touch who have access to education. At the volunteers’ lives as well. an EAC meeting three years ago, Byrne said one little boy’s face attendees were given the challenge to would light up when she peeked in “go home and try something” in their his classroom window. own communities, McKeown-Ice said. “No one is as glad to see me all McKeown-Ice accepted the chal- week as that little boy,” Byrne said, lenge. She went home and asked adding, “Now he says he wants to Sherrie Fairchild-Keyes, a fellow learn to improve his writing and member of First Presbyterian, for asked me to help.” some ideas. As the principal at The gifts made each year to the Willow Brook Elementary, a school Pentecost Offering have helped First in one of the lowest-income neighbor- Presbyterian Church reach out to the hoods in Oak Ridge, Fairchild-Keyes children at Willow Brook Elementary. had plenty of ideas. But one idea Forty percent of the Pentecost prevailed: tutoring. Offering collected by a congregation Because McKeown-Ice accepted can be retained by that church to the challenge to do something enhance the lives of young people in her community, Willow Brook in the church’s own community. The Elementary now has almost 60 tutors remaining 60% supports children at — nearly half of whom come from risk, youth and young adults through First Presbyterian. And they are ministries of the Presbyterian making a difference. Mission Agency. “I see a pronounced change in some “We are asking what it means to of the kids. The relationship built build the household of God,” said
PRESBYTERIAN MISSION AGENCY Scenes from the 2019 Youth Triennium underscore the power of reaching today’s teens with the Word of God. Gifts given to the Pentecost Offering help bolster the faith of the next generation.
Presbyterians Today | MAY/JUNE 2020 41 Bryce Wiebe, director of Special McFaul-Erwin said she didn’t said Yeager-Buckley. “But we have Offerings at the Presbyterian know how she would be able to do hundreds of volunteers that help us.” Mission Agency. “In this case, we are “this work I felt called to do.” Of those volunteers, half are teens, talking about what it means for us “Through the YAV program I found she said. as Presbyterians to support and lift a place where I was not only allowed The Rev. Dr. David Gambrell, who up youth, children and young adults, in, but celebrated,” she said. helped organize and spoke at the and I don’t mean just doing for them She now lives on Long Island, New 2019 Triennium, says youth already but living in mission with them.” York, where she serves as the com- have gifts to share with the church Byrne says working with munity outreach pastor at Setauket and community. children and youth is not something Presbyterian Church in Setauket, “We tend to say something like Presbyterians should wait to do. She New York. ‘We’re investing in the future because encourages every congregation to look “The YAV program laid the founda- the youth are the future of our around their community to see who tion for being embedded in the church church,’ ” he said. “But our youth God “has put at your disposal.” and the local community,” she said. already have important ways to serve She encourages congregations to “They gave me this feeling of freedom and lead in the church.” ask themselves, “Who are natural and opportunity to be my authentic Supporting the Pentecost Offering partners for us to work with?” self. To be authentic is so much at is a way to give youth the opportunity the heart of ministry, whether I’m to share their gifts, he says. Finding acceptance preaching on a Sunday morning or “If I could speak directly to every The Rev. Ashley McFaul-Erwin expe- visiting a local homeless shelter.” person in the church, I would want rienced firsthand how the Pentecost them to know that all of us have gifts Offering can change lives. Investing in the now of the Spirit and are called to offer McFaul-Erwin was a Young Adult Welcoming all people into ministry those gifts back in God’s service,” Volunteer (YAV), and gifts to the is one of the things Gina Yeager- said Gambrell. Pentecost Offering help support the Buckley appreciates about being a He especially encourages everyone YAV program. McFaul-Erwin served Presbyterian. to support the gifts of young people in Nashville, Tennessee, at the “There is no age limit on being and to experience the joy of connect- Martha O’Bryan Center, a nonprofit called,” said Yeager-Buckley, who ing with them. that helps families break the cycle of serves as associate for youth min- “I think it is part of what it means systemic poverty. Like the members istries in the Presbyterian Church to be connected in the body of Christ,” of First Presbyterian in Oak Ridge, (U.S.A.). “It’s not just for older adults he said. “Each person should consider McFaul-Erwin worked with students or the middle-aged. It includes the grace of God that they have — although hers were a bit older. youth, children, young adults and received and think about how they She spent a year serving with the people who are single or married. can use those gifts to serve God and Martha O’Bryan Center’s Top Floor, Presbyterians understand that each serve others — specifically through a program that helps students not of us is called to be in relationship the youth ministries of the church.” only graduate from high school, but with God and to share our faith.” It’s a joy Gambrell has experienced also plan what happens afterward, Yeager-Buckley helps coordinate as both a faith leader and a father. assisting with college applications the Presbyterian Youth Triennium, After his presentation at the 2019 and more. which takes place every three years Triennium, he received something While McFaul-Erwin still keeps and is supported in part by the that reaffirmed his commitment — a in touch with some of the students Pentecost Offering. Triennium brings text from his daughter, who was at she worked with as a YAV, her time together thousands of youth from the gathering. It read, “You did great. serving them had a much greater around the world. I’m so proud of you!” impact on her than many of the “Putting it together can be chal- students will ever know. lenging. We don’t have a lot of Jessica Denson Van Hoy is a freelance writer “The YAV program saved my life,” money and we have a tiny staff,” in Louisville. she said. “I’d been working as a youth and community worker in Belfast [Northern Ireland]. I had considered going into ordained ministry over LEARN MORE there, but as a gay woman I would Learn more about the offering atspecialofferings.pcusa.org/pentecost have had to keep part of myself secret.”
42 MAY/JUNE 2020 | Presbyterians Today We honor your service. Contact us to learn about special incentives for those who served the church.
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MAY JUNE Presbyterians Today CLASSIFIED ADS SOLO PASTOR SOLO PASTOR/HEAD OF STAFF First Presbyterian Church, Huntington, WV Ardmore Presbyterian Church is a friendly, mid- First Presbyterian Church in Huntington, WV, is sized, Reformed congregation located in suburban AD RATES: per line (approx characters) seeking a Solo Pastor with - years of experience, Philadelphia’s historic “Main Line.” We are seeking which includes posting online who is humbly committed to Jesus Christ our Lord a Senior Pastor/Head of Sta , who will join us in our DISPLAY AD: per column inch and Savior and committed to God’s unconditional mission of “Transforming Lives through the Good DEADLINE: weeks before issue date Email love. Searching for a pastor who can continue to News of Jesus Christ.” It is our goal to be a growing copy to today@pcusa org or call -- provide vision, optimism, leadership and growth church that is responsive to the needs of our com- ext for our church family. Specific responsibilities in- munity and our congregation, transforming lives ONLINE: Visit Presbyterians Today’s classifi eds clude leading worship and Christian study, pastoral through mission, prayer, worship and fellowship. care, financial accountability, managing staff and We seek a leader who will provide inspiring and web page at pcusa org classifi eds volunteers, and directing mission obligations. FPC biblically-centered sermons, insightful instruction is a downtown church with an average worship at- and strong institutional leadership. We are very YOUTH DIRECTOR tendance of , a vital midweek Program (LOGOS) excited about the future of our church, our mission FULL TIME SALARIED and very active outreach ministries. For more work and our ministries, and we hope that you will be Is God calling you to lead youth? Are you looking information, please view the Ministry Information called to join us as we work together for God’s king- for a rewarding, high profi le, creative calling where Form for First Presbyterian Church on CLC, Ministry dom. Please review our MIF .AD and visit you can make a difference? The joyful and ener- ID . Questions and Personal Information our website ardmorepres.org. You can also contact gized Faith Family at First Presbyterian Church — Forms can be forwarded directly to Alan Morrison, the PNC directly by email: jmichaelson@ Je erson City, Missouri, is seeking the right person chair of the Pastor Nominating Committee, at gmail.com. to lead youth and children Christian Education [email protected]. Qualifi cations include a Masters in Divinity and programs, mission opportunities and discipleship for years’ experience as Solo Pastor and Head of Sta . a growing Faith Family. Bachelor’s degree or higher EXECUTIVE PRESBYTER Salary is competitive and will include a stipend for in Christian Education, theology, religion or related (Three-Quarter Time) housing. The First Presbyterian Church of Ardmore fi eld preferred. Send resume to Rev. Angela Madden, PRESBYTERY OF UTAH is an equal opportunity employer. Senior Pastor, at [email protected] or Looking to live in a gorgeous Madison Street, Je erson City, MO . state, work fewer hours and enjoy coaching emerging church leaders? The Presbytery of Utah is seek- ing an executive with the skills and heart to help de- velop leaders, unite us in Please mission and build commu- nity. We’re congrega- facebook.com/PresbyteriansToday tions and , members strong. Yes, we’re diverse, RECYCLE and we like each other, love Jesus and genuinely seek this magizine to serve our neighbors. Cover letter and PIF/résumés may be sent to revralph@msn.com. MIF .AB.
Introducing Matthew 25 in the Is the church irrelevant? PC(USA): A bold vision and invitation
Research shows that and compassionately to serve Christianity in the U.S. is the hungry, the oppressed, declining. The church is the imprisoned and the no longer at the center of poor. By uniting as disciples our culture. Fewer people in this common mission, we show up for worship or even can bring our faith alive and identify with a Christian once again make the church denomination. supremely relevant and The Presbyterian Church important in American life. (U.S.A.) is profoundly We invite you to join us committed to turn around on this journey by choosing this sad state of a airs. By to become a Matthew 25 returning to our scriptural church. roots and the words of Jesus Christ, we can revitalize Find out more today at our congregations that pcusa.org/matthew25 nd themselves spiritually exhausted and nancially fragile. In Matthew 25:31-46, Jesus calls all of us to actively Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) engage in our communities 25 Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) Matthew Presbyterian Mission and the world to act boldly
Presbyterians Today MAY JUNE MONEY MATTERS | Robert Hay Jr.
Stewardship in a pandemic Valuable lessons learned on being the church
n mid-March, COVID-19 began changing the way the Online giving — If your church is not offering online world interacts, and the church was not immune to giving, you need to start offering it immediately. This I those changes. Amid social distancing and shelter-in- is the best way to allow people to give when they cannot place orders, many churches either canceled worship or physically be in church to drop a check into the offering moved to a virtual form of worship. Pastors and sessions plate. Even if people are using online bill pay, or mailing looked for creative ways to worship and to care for the checks to the church, these ways of giving still require most vulnerable church members in a quickly changing someone to come to the church, count the checks, go landscape. But what about nancial stewardship during to the bank and make a deposit. Online giving will be such a time as a pandemic — or any other event that directly deposited into the church’s account and doesn’t would interrupt traditional modes of being the church? require anyone to go to the church or to the bank. If you Many churches operate on a very thin margin and need help with this, visit the Presbyterian Foundation at have little to no reserves. Most churches are still heavily presbyterianfoundation.org/onlinegiving. dependent on gifts that are made in an offering plate Set up an assistance fund — Many individuals when people are physically in church. According to the and families in your church and community are going National Study of Congregations’ Economic Practices, to be nancially impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. Set 78% of gifts are given during a worship service. Churches up a special fund and authorize your pastor or session living on thin margins are not going to be able to operate to use this fund to provide assistance to those in need. if they lose 78% of their revenue during a crisis that shuts Encourage people to give to the church as they normally them down for traditional Sunday worship services. do and to give to the assistance fund, in addition to their So, what can churches do to maintain giving revenue normal giving. Recognize that many in your church will when people are not in church? need help, but also recognize that others will still have Be the church — One of the most important things the capacity to give. a church can do to sustain stewardship is to continue Just ask — We often don’t do a very good job of to serve the Lord and to love its neighbors. Pastors and asking for money in the church, but during a crisis, it is sessions are correct in focusing on worship and taking important to ask. Don’t assume that church members care of people. This initial response is absolutely the will realize the nancial impacts to the church on their right response. So, keep being the best church you can be own. They need to be reminded that the church cannot during any trying time. continue to support people in a crisis unless they — as the Communicate and tell your story — Use all the body of Christ — continue to give above and beyond their tools available to you (email, texting, social media, phone weekly tithes and offerings. Send a weekly email asking calls, etc.) to make sure your ock knows you are still members to give with the online giving option as a link. there and what you are doing. Organize your deacons to Keep being the church — The most important thing call and check on people. Share daily prayer practices on a church can do in a time of crisis — and always — is to social media. Seek out and ask church members if they glorify God and love its neighbors. Keep doing this, be in need help. Don’t count on them to reach out to you. communication with your ock, offer online giving and Model justice in employment — Churches are ask people to give — and people will respond. just like every other small business, with staff such as preschool teachers, janitors and hourly employees. Robert Hay Jr serves as the Presbyterian Foundation’s senior ministry Churches should do their best to continue paying all staff relations o cer for the Southeast He works with congregations to and honoring contracts with small businesses. As an create a culture of generosity o ers seminars and workshops develops employer, your church should be a model for this practice gifts and fundraising plans for ministries and provides coaching and by taking care of everyone who relies on the church for consulting to pastors committees sessions and lay leaders their livelihood.
MAY JUNE Presbyterians Today Chip Hardwick | BIBLE EXPLORATIONS: GOD’S CALL AND POVERTY
Moving mountains of poverty God’s commitment to the poor is our commitment, too
Psalm 68:1–10, 32–35 is a lectionary text for May 24, the seventh Sunday in Eastertide.
n his book “Breaking the Code,” Bible scholar Bruce areas destroyed by a hurricane. One of my least favorite Metzger says that different types of Scriptures engage tasks was to help move concrete blocks. A chain of more Ius in different ways. Revelation primarily engages than 20 of us would pass the blocks across a dirt road, our imagination. Paul’s letters like Romans develop our through a weedy path, up and down a ravine, and on to intellect. Old Testament law connects with our will. The the staging area next to the home being built. We were Book of Psalms largely meshes with our emotions. humbled as we watched a young woman who would be In the lectionary reading for May 24, we can see many moving into the home carrying two blocks at once — in emotions in and behind Psalm 68. There’s an underlying ip- ops. Meanwhile, our sweat wore us down while frustration right from the start: Let God rise up, let God’s passing the 50-pound blocks from person to person for enemies be scattered (verse 1). Why hasn’t God saved us? what seemed like hours. We tried to remember that the By the third verse, the tone has brightened with a call to soreness we would feel was a sign of discipleship and not let the righteous be jubilant with joy. This moves quickly just a measure of how out of shape we were. to awe in verse 4 (God rides upon the clouds) to gratitude On the third day of block-chucking, a college student in verse 10 (in your goodness, O God, you provided for the on the team said, “Hey, isn’t there a Scripture that says needy) to wonder in verse 35 (Awesome is God from your God will move a mountain if we pray hard enough? Why sanctuary, the God of Israel). don’t we start praying that God will move that mountain Amid all of this joy, the psalmist calls God to act on of concrete over to the house?” He was right. God did say behalf of the poor and downtrodden. Our author calls God that. But the next person to pipe up had an even better the “father of orphans and protector of widows” who “gives insight: “Guess what? God is using you to move that the desolate a home to live in.” mountain!” The Scriptures are lled with stories of God’s care for God uses us not only to go on mission trips to help those Jesus called the least of these. God calls Israel from move heavy concrete blocks. God uses us to move the all the peoples of the earth not because they are the most mountains of poverty in our communities. Be it in impressive of all the tribes, but because they are the least Honduras or elsewhere, God still gives the desolate a of all people. Israel’s law re ects God’s care for the lowly. home to live in. As God uses us to do this work, I pray our Prophets repeatedly highlight God’s concern for the poor. emotions will move with the psalmist’s, from frustration Mary’s Magni cat looks forward to God’s work to lift up into joy, awe, gratitude and wonder. the impoverished and weak. I’m sure that if Jesus showed up in person in our Chip Hardwick is the transistional synod executive of the Synod of churches this spring, one of his rst sermons would be the Covenant about these priorities of our God. (I’m sure our attendance would go up, too, with the Son of God in the pulpit!) The God who makes a way where there seems to be DISCUSSION QUESTIONS no way can live up to this commitment to the poorest among us in so many ways. Our God who created the • What emotions do you experience as you focus on universe with a word can surely snap two ngers together Psalm or Psalm or other psalms that are mean- and turn our world upside-down, ending structural and ingful to you? individual poverty. Yet, God seems to be betting on us as • How do you see God’s commitment to the poor in the best means to demonstrate care for the least of these, the Scripture? What about in the life of your own attacking the societal structures while also caring for the congregation? poor nearest our front doors. • How is the Spirit guiding you to take steps to tackle the Almost two decades ago, I was part of a team that went mountain of poverty in your neighborhood? to Honduras to assist local experts with construction in
Presbyterians Today MAY JUNE JUSTICE FOR GOD’S WORLD | Vernon S. Broyles III
( ) A new response to challenges History repeats itself, yet we don’t have to
He shall judge between the nations, and shall arbitrate to that of today’s mindset of trying to make our country for many peoples; they shall beat their swords into plow- great by building higher fences and by endorsing an shares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall economy in which the least fortunate do not have enough not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn to eat, do not have a place to sleep and, when they inevi- war any more. — Isaiah 2:4 tably become ill, cannot nd proper medical care. Amid the talk about creating a “great” America, we t can be depressing to study history, especially the have to ask where Jesus and his message t in. Jesus history of violence between and among nations. I is not, above all, a candidate for the prosperity gospel I was reminded of that when one of my sons sent me a that masquerades as Christianity. How long would he copy of a column I had written, which was published in last searching dumpsters for food, working long days for Presbyterians Today in November 1990. a pittance or seeking folks to hang out with who would The column was focused on Iraq and the threat posed by Saddam Hussein following his invasion of Kuwait. It Amid the talk about creating a “great” referenced an oil crisis in 1975, as well as a declaration made by the 115th General Assembly of what was then America we have to ask where Jesus and his the Presbyterian Church in the United States. The dec- message fi t in laration, urged by the Presbytery of Kansas City Union, stated that “the 115th General Assembly goes on record as af rming that the maintenance of a high standard of tolerate him even if he was a dark-skinned Jew? living cannot be justi ed as ground for participating in Yet over and over again, we follow leaders who are military action or war.” more interested in pointing out who our enemies are and My son had also retained a supportive note I had talk about how others are evil, rather than asking a very received from my father in response to the column. A Jesus-like question of what kind of people we are. longtime Atlanta Presbyterian pastor, he supported The nal comment in my father’s note to me was this: my concern over President George H.W. Bush declaring “Pardon the ramblings but I am concerned about the fact that this “Hitler” gure [Hussein] was not just a threat that we have so many people in church with so many to our oil supply, but “to our way of life.” Sen. Richard preachers … and the impact is hard to discover.” Lugar, then chairperson of the Senate Foreign Relations That was 1990. How shall we respond today? Committee, had also weighed in, announcing that what was at stake was “our standard of living.” Vernon S Broyles III is a volunteer for public witness in the It seems a short jump from this mindset of yesterday PC(USA)’s O ce of the General Assembly
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MAY JUNE Presbyterians Today LET’S GO FOUR FOR FOUR!
As Four for Four congregations, we declare our commitment to respond to God’s call to address needs we see around the world, together. Through our participation in each of the four Special Offerings, we share God’s grace and love with those who need what we can provide — around the corner and around the world.
WHEN WE ALL DO A LITTLE, TO LEARN MORE and see a map showing all of the IT ADDS UP TO A LOT. Four for Four congregations nationwide, BECOME A FOUR FOR FOUR CONGREGATION go to pcusa.org/4for4 by receiving all four Special Offerings G One Great Hour of Sharing G Pentecost G Peace & Global Witness G Christmas Joy
“Our church has been blessed to participate in all four of the PC(USA) Special Offerings to support our Presbyterian mission and ministry to build God’s household in our community and around the world. We do so joyfully, knowing that God uses these gifts to touch many lives for good.” PASTOR RONALD OSBORN ST. CHARLES PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH ST. CHARLES, MO
PCUSA.ORG/FOR Leave a Legacy
I've pledged and tithed my entire life “ to my church, but I've never felt like I could give as much as I wanted to. By leaving a gift to the church in my will, I can give them what I wasn't able to during my lifetime. And that's really important to me.
— Caroline Davis Rourk, member, First Presbyterian Church, Durham, N.C. ”
Your church can reach the faithful donors in your congregation like Caroline – and we can help. Contact your Ministry Relations Officer to find out how. Presbyterianfoundation.org/MRO or call 800-858-6127.
Legacy Sunday materials are available at: presbyterianfoundation.org/legacy