Fall 2022
In this issue:
- Living the call of Matthew 25
- Presbytery holds successful hybrid meeting
- Building a culture of peace and nonviolence for all God's children
- See God at work in mission trip to Guatemala
- Ecumenical board works together to strengthen Camp Hanover’s ministry into the future
- Providence (Powhatan) ensures home Is where the heart is
- Mitchells Church ruling elder elected stated clerk
- Presbyter Ring ordained to ministry
- Volunteers needed for disaster relief trip in January
- 275 years of ministry at Providence Church (Gum Spring)
About the Vine
The Vine is published three times per year, following each stated meeting of the presbytery. This publication is mailed to 10,000 congregation members of churches in Presbytery of the James. Not receiving the Vine? Ask your church if they have submitted their membership directory to Presbytery of the James or email the POJ office.
Have an idea for the Vine? The deadline for articles is the first of months when a stated presbytery meeting is held (i.e., February 1, June 1, and October 1). View submission guidelines.
Past Issues
Summer 2022
In this issue:
- Barbee-Watkins named lead presbyter
- Chalfant and Ring complete presbyter triumvirate
- Gratitude to Holbrook for interim service to presbytery
- Presbytery approves three candidates for ordination, elects interim stated clerk
- Presbytery representatives participate in 225th PC(USA) Assembly
- World Mission Ministry offers opportunities to love your neighbor
- Legacy of closed church continues through generous gifts
- Christian hospitality at core of Camp Hanover’s new mission and strategic plan
- Celebrate 65 years of ministry at Camp Hanover
- Living life so that others see Jesus in you
Spring 2022
- Trustees pay off burdensome debt for four small churches
- Presbytery supports proposal to increase education about eastern Europe
- Two meetings in early 2022 carry out business of the presbytery
- Blessings to Rexrode on her service to Presbytery of the James
- Work of Presbyter Search Committee continues
- No more shall there be an infant that lives but a few days
- Your support of hunger programs provides valuable aid at home and abroad during difficult circumstances
- New after-school program gives kids a summer camp experience all year long
- Camp Hanover welcomes operations director
- Registration open for scholarship golf tournament to benefit seminary students
- Summer days are not too far away
- Massanetta Springs celebrates 100 years of ministry
Fall 2021
- Let the Children Come to Me
- Worshiping Community Becomes a Church
- Jordanger Installed as Moderator, Three Candidates Approved for Ordination at 109th Meeting
- New Youth Ministry Associate Seeks Applicants for Youth Council
- Prepare Now for Earth Care Certification
- Campbell Presbyterian and Living Water Lutheran Share Faith and Space
- Collegiate Ministries Welcome Back Students to Campus
- Presbyterians Help Afghan Refugees in Virginia
- Monthly Saturday Program Fills VBS Void at Culpeper Church
- Presbytery Sponsors Young Adult Volunteer Serving in Scotland
- Kirk O’Cliff Church Celebrates 145 Years of Ministry
- Camp Hanover Welcomes Outdoor Ministry Director
Summer 2021
- Small Churches, Like Mustard Seeds, Grow Where God Sows Them
- 108th Presbytery Meeting Highlights Small Churches and Covenant Pastors
- Summer Camp Returns After 2020 Absence
- Small Church Has a Big Heart for Giving
- Committee Approved to Begin Search for New Presbyters
- Blessings to Youth Ministry Leader Earp on Her Next Chapter
- Youth Find Connection and Grow in Community Through Virtual Year
- Presbytery Hunger Grant Aids in Guatemalan Crisis
- Second Richmond's Faithful Response to Gun Violence
- Join AFREIM for Tea
- Fund Your Church Project with a Synod Grant
- New Initiative Helps Christian Educators Reach Out
Spring 2021
- Presbytery approves strategic plan
- Stated meeting highlights
- Summer camp registration is open
- New program supports education ministry
- Churches should “put the bucket down” where they are to dismantle racism
- Tilling and keeping God’s garden
- Public Policy Witness Ministry advocates for reforms
- Churches respond to continuing hunger crisis
- Stewarding the Church during a pandemic
- New Hanover Church fulfills wish for International Rescue Committee
- Registration open for Presbyterian Women Spring Gathering
- Older Adult Sunday is May 2
Fall 2020
Black Caucus cultivates conversations on racial reconciliation; Stated meeting highlights; Great Camp Give raises $116,000 in one day; Camp gets new bridge and boardwalk; Brett-Reed revitalizes community gathering place; Haiti Ministry funds launch of home garden program; First Richmond: virtual can still be personal; Presbyterian Women invite you to virtual Bible study; Swift Creek Church hosts online school; Chester Church's Grace Café marks fifth anniversary; what good news can your congregation share?
Summer 2020
Physically apart, together in spirit: POJ churches respond to COVID-19; Responding to the sin of racism and a call to action (224th GA); 105th stated meeting recap; In the wilderness, prepare the way for the Lord: The Isaiah 40 Project at Camp Hanover; Camp Hanover putting together a psalter; Voices of Jubilee: new ministry serves incarcerated youth; SDOP awards grant to RVA League for Safer Streets; Stewardship and the thriving church
Spring 2020
World Mission Ministry explores roots of refugee crisis in Guatemala; highlights of the 104th Stated Meeting at Westminster Charlottesville; faith in action on Ocracoke Island; reach forward in faith: Camp Hanover's capital campaign update; a dynamic new sanctuary for Westminster Richmond; and South Plains Church is a dwelling place throughout all generations
Fall 2019
Teens deepen faith and develop life skills; Stated meeting highlights; Genito Church keeps up with changes in Powhatan; Strategic planning process reaches midpoint; Camp Hanover hosts environmental ed retreat; Camp board creates plans, deconstructs dock; Bott Memorial receives synod grant; Presbytery ministries share God’s gift with the world
Summer 2019
Could a capital campaign be right for your church?; stated meeting review; getting involved in presbytery reaps many rewards; explore migration and ministry in Guatemala this fall; ubuntu and tomatoes; Camp Hanover news; faith is growing in Egypt
Spring 2019
Hunger Ministry: our change can make a change; 101st stated meeting review; Hebron PC marks 175 years; new campus minister called to VCU; Camp Hanover's incorporation process; explore the four PC(USA) special offerings; Ethiopians give blessings of faith to enemies; and Presbyterian Children's Home of the Highlands.
January 2019 (Special Issue)
Holbrook begins service as interim presbyter and stated clerk; Stewardship associate offers adult Sunday school class; Forest Hill PC launches new website with POJ grant; Virginia State University ministry feeds bodies and souls; “Ask, Thank, Tell” author to lead March stewardship event; Summit Church celebrates 35th anniversary; Madison Church earns Earth Care Designation
Fall 2018
After two decades at the presbytery, Carson Rhyne to retire; 100th Stated Meeting Review; Holbrook elected interim general presbyter/stated clerk; POJ teams help with hurricane recovery in North Carolina; small church forums; following God's call to haiti; new ministry group forms to oppose racism; former GA moderator headlines fall retreat
Summer 2018
Finding strength and understanding in shared faith; 99th Stated Meeting Review; Self-Development of People Purpose Group awards grant to Richmond youth group; new education fund honors retiring Rhyne; Camp Hanover news; mission co-worker heads to Ghana; explore new ideas for your annual stewardship campaign