Mission in Action - Mission Presbytery

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Mission Presbytery in Three Top-Ten Lists for Mission Giving

Pat yourself on the back! Mission Presbytery was honored June 21 at the General Assembly meeting in San Jose for its generous giving to mission. Recognition of the "Top 10 Presbyteries in Giving" is always a part of the GA meeting, and recognizes presbyteries who have given the most in dollars, or in dollars per member, in several categories of giving. (For reference, there are a total of 173 presbyteries in the PC(USA).)

Mission Presbytery was in the Top 10 in three categories: total mission giving, giving to Special Offerings, and giving to other Special Appeals.

Special Offerings are the four offerings that churches take up annually: the Joy Offering at Christmas, the One great Hour of Sharing at Easter, the Pentecost Offering, and the Peace Offering on the first Sunday in October, celebrating the Worldwide Communion Sunday.

Special Appeals in 2007 included Extra Commitment Opportunities, the Mission Initiative: Joining Hearts and Hands, Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and the Theological Education fund.

As we pat ourselves on the back, perhaps we ought to remember the words of St. Paul, "Let us not become weary in doing good..." (Gal. 6:9a). While we may be suffering with higher gas and food prices, the economic downturn affects the really poor much more harshly. After the pat on the back, we must extend our hands to their needs. Paul continues, "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, and especially to those who are of the family of believers." (Gal. 6:10)

Read more about the Top-10 presbyteries.

Monday, June 16, 2008

Your Church Can Help the Midwest Clean Up

Your church can put together Clean up Buckets for tornado- and flood-ravished communities in our nation's Midwest. Presbyterian Disaster Assistance is already at work in the region and welcomes your partnership. Read about PDA's efforts and how you can help.