POJ’s Public Policy Witness (PPW) Ministry encourages clergy and congregations to engage in policy advocacy at local and state levels. For eight years, this ministry has worked with partners to promote affordable health care, public safety and prevention of gun violence, living wages, and accessible public transportation. Over the last year the ministry also has
In advance of reading this Easter message, please read Acts 10:34-43. One commentator has said that these nine verses in Acts 10, Peter’s sermon to the Roman centurion Cornelius and his family, are the finest summary of the gospel. I call it the “crux” of the gospel. The thesaurus gives the following synonyms for “crux”: root,
This time of pandemic has been a period of uncertainty and waiting. Waiting for healing, and direction, and answers, for ourselves, our congregations, and for Camp Hanover. Throughout this time, Camp Hanover, its staff, and the Board of Directors have remained hopeful. Through that hope this ministry has continued to grow and transform lives even
As the COVID-19 pandemic wears on, food insecurity (lack of consistent access to food) continues to challenge individuals and families in our community. Cars line up, sometimes for miles, waiting to receive needed items from food banks and pop-up distribution events. Through soup kitchens, walk-in pantries, and weekly drive-throughs, many POJ churches and ministries are
Ministers and commissioners at the 107th stated meeting approved a strategic plan that will guide Presbytery of the James into the future. The plan includes a new mission and a staffing structure to fulfill the mission. The mission addresses challenging times facing the presbytery and its churches. Over the last decade, Presbytery of the James
In late 2020, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Richmond received a generous gift from New Hanover Church in Mechanicsville. After selling a piece of land, the church used a portion of the proceeds to purchase a 15-passenger van for IRC Richmond. IRC provides opportunities for refugees to thrive in America. Each year, thousands of
I worshipped with Campbell Memorial Church the day after the presbytery met. Jim Moseley was preaching on one of my favorite texts from Hebrews. Listen for God’s word: “Let us think about each other and help each other to show love and do good deeds. You should not stay away from the church meetings, as
By Rick Jones, Office of the General Assembly The co-moderators of the 224th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) say churches need to step out of their comfort zones to bridge the divide in race relations across the country. On February 1, Ruling Elder Elona Street-Stewart and the Rev. Gregory Bentley participated in a
The presbytery meeting will proceed as planned on Saturday, February 20. Presbytery of the James (POJ) will hold its 107th stated meeting on February 20 virtually using Zoom. This memo outlines the plans that have been developed and the steps that attendees should take to prepare for the meeting. General Meeting Information Agenda Overview Meeting
On February 1 at 6:00 p.m., the co-moderators of the 224th General Assembly (2020) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) 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