POJ’s World Mission Ministry hosts a virtual visit by Frances Namoumou, a Presbyterian Peacemaker from Fiji, on October 24 and 25 at 7 p.m. via Zoom. Speaking on the topic “Peacemaking in Fiji: Climate Justice and Disaster Management,” Ms. Namoumou will share her insights and experiences with our current global climate crisis. Participants will have a
While Gregory Memorial Church seats close to 200 comfortably, we tend to count it a good Sunday if we come close to about 25 percent of that. While some might find that disheartening, such a view overlooks the gifts that are in abundant evidence from the people who faithfully gather each week. Gregory Memorial Church
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its mask guidance on Tuesday, July 27, to recommend that fully vaccinated people wear masks indoors when in areas with “substantial” and “high” transmission of COVID-19, which includes nearly two-thirds of all US counties. This is to prevent further spread of the Delta variant, more highly contagious than
An ongoing grant from POJ’s Hunger Ministry is helping mission partner CEDEPCA (Protestant Center for Pastoral Education) address hunger needs in Guatemala that have deepened due to the pandemic caused by COVID-19. With the grant funds, CEDEPCA purchases high-quality, non-genetically-modified seeds for crops such as tomatoes, spinach, and other greens. The seeds are provided to
As a Matthew 25 church, Second Church in Richmond is called to feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, and care for the sick. They are also called to build a more just society, seeking to eliminate the root causes of violence, racism, poverty, and inequality. For the past 10 years, the Mission and Advocacy Council
Scottsville Presbyterian is a small church making a big impact on their local community. The church’s annual budget devotes 22 percent to mission expenditures. Some of that is dedicated to two funds created in 2018 to provide grants to people and organizations in Scottsville and the surrounding community. One fund provides financial assistance to individuals
Youth Ministry has concluded for 2020-2021 after an entire program season on Zoom. Despite the unusual circumstances, Youth Council members developed and demonstrated leadership in new and wonderful ways this year. These include leading the worship service for the presbytery’s 106th stated meeting in October and giving a presentation to the Presbyterian Women this spring.
The past year has revealed the resilience and determination with which all POJ congregations continued to be in ministry. This has been especially so for smaller congregations with fewer than 100 members. Nearly two-thirds of POJ’s 98 congregations fall into this category, ranging in size from four to 98 members. Kerra English, covenant pastor at
Colleen Earp Colleen Earp, who has been the presbytery’s associate for youth ministry since the fall of 2014, concluded her service on June 30. During her time in Presbytery of the James, Earp also served as an associate director at Camp Hanover. With the two positions, Earp ran youth programming, managed service projects, and created
In February, the presbytery approved a strategic plan incorporating three presbyters. These presbyters—a full-time lead presbyter and two three-quarter-time positions focusing on relational care and congregational life—will provide more support for congregations and ministries by focusing on specific challenges and opportunities. A search committee for the three presbyters was approved at the 108th meeting last