Black History Month, Eco-Palms, and Festival of Homiletics

February 1, 2023

Information for ministers, educators, church administrators, clerks, and congregations

Join Us in Celebrating the Contributions of African Americans in February

African Americans have been enriching the Presbyterian Church for more than two centuries.

The first ordained African American minister in the Presbyterian Church was John Gloucester. Rising from slavery and oppression, he formed the first African American Presbyterian congregation in the early 1800s in Philadelphia.

Many years later, in 1974, PC(USA) ordained a black woman, the Rev. Dr. Katie Cannon, to ministry. Cannon would go on to establish the Center for Womanist Leadership at Union Presbyterian Seminary.

These are just two examples of African Americans who have played important roles in the lives of the Presbyterian Church (USA) and America. In February, Black History Month, we celebrate their contributions.

Learn more

Bible Study to Focus on Black Resistance

PC(USA)’s Racial Equity and Women’s Intercultural Ministries (RE&WIM) is launching a virtual Bible study to celebrate Black History Month. The series is called “Models of Black Resistance Past and Present.” It will stream on the RE&WIM Facebook page at 5 p.m. each Wednesday from February 1 through March 15. Tune in February 22, when Lead Presbyter Flo Barbee-Watkins leads the session.

Learn more

Support Social Justice and Environmental Stewardship on Palm Sunday

Make the loving choice for Palm Sunday, April 2: Choose Eco-Palms for your worship service. Eco-Palms members sort, package, and sell the palms themselves so more of the money paid for the palms stays with the people who worked the hardest to provide them. Many of the people employed by Eco-Palms are women who use the extra income to invest in their children’s education and health. In addition, harvesters collect the palms in ways that keep plants healthy and limit deforestation. Order by March 10.

Learn more

Festival Like Summer Camp for Preachers

Preaching Hope for a Weary World is the theme of the 2023 Festival of Homiletics. Participate in passionate worship, dive deep with preaching master classes, and fellowship with preaching colleagues from around the world. The event will be May 15-18 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. A virtual participation option also will be offered. Register by February 16 for a discount.

Learn more

Pastoral Relationship Changes

Rev. Mary Bielen completed her service at Southminster Church on January 31. She had been a covenant pastor. We are grateful for her service to the church and its people. May God bless and lead this pastor and congregation in the future.