On February 1 at 6:00 p.m., the co-moderators of the Presbyterian Church (USA) General Assembly visit Presbytery of the James virtually for a conversation on race and the Church. As the elected leaders of the denomination, Ruling Elder Elona Street-Stewart and Teaching Elder Gregory Bentley are on the front lines calling the Church to repentance
The year 2020 presented many challenges for us as individuals and as congregations. We are experiencing the effects of a pandemic, the challenges of economic and racial disparity throughout the world, and the stress of not being able to be together with friends and family and our communities of faith. The Presbytery has met virtually
Pastors and Stewardship leaders in small membership congregations are invited to join a cohort to discuss their unique Stewardship needs. The goal of this cohort is to identify some of the key Stewardship needs of our congregations, share ideas, and explore new opportunities and possibilities for how to meet those needs. The input and sharing
“How can we break bread and share the cup over the phone?” When I finished seminary 38 years ago, it was not possible for Presbyterians to imagine celebrating the Sacrament virtually. The first Sunday I celebrated the Lord’s Supper by teleconference with the First United Church congregation, I only had Wheat Thins and lemonade at
In early January, POJ’s Strategic Planning Team is hosting listening and feedback sessions on the plan they presented at the November 21 called meeting. The sessions will be held virtually via Zoom and audio conferencing. Please register for one or more sessions to share your thoughts. The team is excited to be in conversation with you
The called meeting of the Presbytery of the James was hosted virtually by Ginter Park Church in Richmond and Tuckahoe Church in Richmond. Ruling Elder Leigh Anne Ring (Salisbury), moderator, called the meeting to order at 9:30 a.m. and led the presbytery in prayer. The moderator welcomed ministers, educators, first-time ruling elder commissioners, corresponding members,
To the Members of the Presbytery and its churches – Grace and Peace to you all, in the name of our Savior, Jesus Christ. The Planning Team, which has been charged with the planning of virtual meetings of the Presbytery, wishes to report to you about the disruption to the recent Called Meeting. With this
We are thankful for our covenant that is affirmed by your faithful, prayerful, and financial support of the Presbytery of the James and its ministry. As the year-end approaches, undesignated income totals $559,442.57 through November. We rejoice in your faithful giving support, especially during an unprecedented pandemic. The budgeted request for 2020, growing out of
The Strategic Planning Team of the Presbytery of the James is eager to share with you the results of our work together over the past two years. Our hopes, intentions, and objectives for the future of the POJ have come together in the Strategic Plan that was introduced at the called meeting on Saturday, November
Message from the Interim General Presbyter Updated December 15, 2020 per Executive Order 72 Grace to you and peace in the name of Jesus Christ! Many of you are asking what churches should do in the face of this new surge in the coronavirus. The Communications and Coordination Team and I have this guidance to