Dear Friends in Christ, It is a joy for me to begin service with you in the Presbytery of the James. I started this week with a prayer of thanksgiving for the faithful and diligent service of Carson Rhyne whose ministry throughout these 22 plus years has been remarkable. Franklin Reding, Carson, and I gathered
Rev. H. Carson Rhyne Jr.’s last day as general presbyter and stated clerk of Presbytery of the James (POJ), a position he has held for more than 21 years, is Friday, November 30. He will become honorably retired on February 28, 2019. Carson has served as a visionary for the presbytery by establishing a mentorship
In August 2017 in Charlottesville, groups advocating for and against the removal of Confederate statues clashed. Nationwide reaction to the events varied. For some, it was another shocking moment which reinforced the persistence of racism in our communities and nation. For others, it was a wakeup call to the reality of continued racism some considered
Rev. H. Carson Rhyne Jr.’s last day as general presbyter and stated clerk of Presbytery of the James (POJ), a position he has held for more than 21 years, is November 30. He will become honorably retired on February 28, 2019. The presbytery celebrated Carson at its 100th stated meeting on October 20, with peers
Presbytery of the James has partnered with the Presbyterian Foundation to provide four quarterly “small church forums” where experts in small church finance and financial planning meet with church leaders to: · Provide a clearer look at congregational finances · Offer some examples of best practices · Enable networking with other congregations The second forum
Approximately 70 people attended the Older Adult Ministries fall retreat on September 27 at Camp Hanover. Rev. Denise Anderson, co-moderator of the 222nd General Assembly, spoke on the power of using stories to connect people across economic, ethnic, and generational divides. As Jesus did with parables, storytelling helps personalize people of different backgrounds, leading to
Nearly three-quarters of Haitians live on less than two dollars a day. Hunger and poverty are daily challenges, as are political turmoil and violence.Yet God is at work in Haiti. God called Cindy Corell to serve in the desperately poor country of Haiti. As a Presbyterian mission co-worker, she works with a network of Haitian
Throughout 2018, the Camp Hanover Ministries Purpose Group has been discussing plans to change Camp Hanover’s structure through incorporation. Among other benefits, incorporation secures the future of the camp and helps insulate both the presbytery and the camp from liability risks. Learn about incorporation at one of four meetings October 30 through November 8. At
The 100th Stated Meeting of the Presbytery of the James was held on Saturday, October 20, 2018, at Lord Jesus Korean Congregation in Richmond. It was a wonderful meeting; the host congregation was very gracious; the facilities were superb; we had a full day. Our worship service was inspiring with music led by the Lord
UPDATE: At the October 20 stated meeting, Presbytery of the James voted to approve Rev. Fred Holbrook as the interim general presbyter/stated clerk to succeed Rev. Carson Rhyne. Fred will begin a 12-month renewable call on December 1. Learn more about Fred and read his statement of faith * * * * * * *