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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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.

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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.

Upcoming Events

Yard Sale for Manna Ministry

February 4

Culpeper Church

Older Adult Ministry Meeting

February 7

Via Zoom

Planning Calendar Photo Deadline

February 14

PC(USA)

Earth Care Congregation Application Deadline

February 15

PC(USA)

Leadership Program Application Deadline

February 17

Roslyn Conference Center, Richmond

Hosted by Duke Divinity School

Confirmation Retreat

February 24-26

Camp Hanover

View event details

Important Presbytery Dates

Terms of Call Reports Due

for called pastors and certified Christian educators

  • February 15

Annual Reports Due

for certified Christian educators, ministers serving in validated ministry outside congregations, and minister members at large

  • February 15

2022 Session Minutes Due

  • March 1

Presbytery Meetings

113th Meeting


Saturday, February 18

Online: Zoom

In person: Westminster Church, Richmond

Packet online: Feb. 2

114th Meeting


Tuesday, June 20

Invitation needed

Overture deadline: April 25, noon

Packet online: June 6

115th Meeting


Saturday, October 21

Invitation needed

Overture deadline: Aug. 24, noon

Packet online: Oct. 5

Employment Opportunities

Learn about church employment opportunities or submit an opportunity to POJ's calls and jobs board.


  • Interim pastor, Westminster Church (Richmond)
  • Organist/director of music, Laurel Church (Glen Allen)
  • Summer camp staff, Camp Hanover (Mechanicsville)
  • Day camp counselor, Massanetta Springs (Harrisonburg)


View job details
Submit an opportunity

Calls and Jobs in Nearby Presbyteries



National Capital Presbytery || Presbytery of Eastern Virginia

 

Presbytery of the Peaks || Shenandoah Presbytery

 



PC(USA) Job Board


Association of Presbyterian Church Educators Job Board

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