1 Corinthians 15:58 NIV

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord."

Featured in this issue...

A. The Interim Unified Agency Brings Significant Change to the PCUSA Structure

B. Hard Saying Goodbye

C. Unification: 2025

D. President's Corner

E. Regional News

F. Events

G. Employment Opportunities

H. NBPC Social Media, Membership and Contact Information

A - THE INTERIM UNIFIED AGENCY BRINGS SIGNFICANT CHANGE TO THE PCUSA STRUCTURE

The Interim Unified Agency Brings Significant Change to the Presbyterian Church USA Structure

by Gregg Breeke, Presbyterian Outlook Staff

In the Presbyterian Church USA, the Office of the General Assembly (OGA) and the Presbyterian Mission Agency (PMA) have been restructured into the Interim Unified Agency. Stated Clerk Jihkun Oh will lead the Interim Unified Agency. Stated Clerk Oh was elected at the 226^th General Assembly held in Salt Lake City, Utah in June 2024.

This move has impacted several agencies in the PC(USA). Rev. Dr. Diane Givens Moffet is no longer part of the PC(USA) staff as the commissioners voted in October of 2024 to dissolve the position as President and Executive Director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency effective October 31, 2024. Continue to read about other agency moves, personnel reductions and the intended budget savings resulting from the Unification move. Click HERE to read the full article.

Other related articles can be found on the Presbyterian Outlook website:

https://pcusa.org/news-storytelling/news/unification-commission-approves-its-interim-governance-operating-manual

https://pcusa.org/news-storytelling/news/beginning-next-month-meetings-unification-commission-will-be-more-accessible-public



Margaret Priest

B - UNIFICATION: 2025

Unification: 2025

What Does It Mean?

by Joy C. Williams

Significant changes are coming for our denomination in 2025. According to PCUSA.org, The PCUSA Unification Commission has recently voted to retire the Presbyterian Mission Agency Board and the Committee on the Office of the General Assembly, effective December 31, 2024. Going forward, the Unification Commission will take on the work of both governing bodies.

The Commission has established a management team to help with the implementation of new decisions, as well as unification strategies and communications during the process. Certain things are in place to make sure that both organizations’ missions will still be enforced during the unification.

Commissioners have shared that they recognize the complexity of dissolving both governing boards and assuming the responsibility for both bodies. This task is monumental. However, the commitment has been shared.

Rev. Deb Avery, a member of the Unification Commission, said the group is preparing to bring motions to the commission’s September and October meetings, “That will help address some of the things COGA and PMAB are carrying.”

The Presbyterian Mission Agency, headed by the Rev. Dr. Diane Givens-Moffett, also includes the Office for the Repair of Historical Harms, headed by Rev. Jermaine Ross Allam. Rev. Dr. Diane Givens-Moffett said in a statement, “I look forward to the opportunity to honor the PMAB’s many years of service and dedication to the PMA.”

All entities of the PCUSA have concerns about the changes and effects that unification will have. While we do not know what the changes will be, one major concern for the Black Presbyterian Caucus is: “What will these changes mean for Black Presbyterians?” “What results will the changes have for Black Presbyterians?”

Until Unification has been researched, discussed, and completed we will not know the effects for certain. One concern will be: what representation will Black Presbyterians have from national staff? Another concern will be: through what appropriate channels will Black Presbyterians make our needs known to the National Office and General Assembly? How

will all entities of the denomination work together for progress and for good?

These questions, concerns, and others will come to the forefront for the Commission on Unification. Our prayers, thoughts, and desires remain with the Commission. The National Black Presbyterian Caucus will remain available for any collaboration and communication as the Commission on Unification continues its work.

“To God be the Glory”

C - HARD SAYING GOODBYE

Hard Saying Goodbye

By Joy C. Williams

Major changes in our denomination are taking place in order to work more efficiently and effectively. The changes are designed to keep us moving forward, based on the position in which our denomination finds itself at this day and time. Realistically, it is a wise move to operate in the “NOW”—that is, how we are positioned at this time in our history. The PUCSA has developed a plan for Unification, which operates now as an Interim Unification Agency. It has combined the two branches, one of which was headed by The Rev. Dr. Diane Givens Moffett, and the other by The Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson. NBPC and all Presbyterians.

Our denomination said, “Farewell, and Best Wishes” to our beloved Stated Clerk, The Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, and to his lovely wife, The Rev. Gail Nelson. The farewell dinner at the 225 th General Assembly in Salt Lake City, Utah, was beautifully attended. It was quite celebrational. The Interim Unification Agency formed, and we welcomed the new Stated Clerk and Executive Director of the Interim Unified Agency, The Rev. Jihyun Oh.

As we welcomed new leaders, we said farewell to others in the positions that they held. Dr. J. Herbet Nelson is enjoying a new phase of life with his wife and daughter. The Rev. Dr. Diane Givens Moffett will enter a new phase of ministry also. Dr. Givens Moffett has served as the Presbyterian Mission Agency as the Executive Director, President, and CEO. Her work has been legendary. She has served with proficiency, professionalism, and with the heart of the Pastor that she is. PCUSA welcomed Matthew 25; synods, presbyteries, congregations around the nation embraced it with commitment and faithfulness. On behalf of NBPC, we wish you Godspeed and all of the means of grace that our Lord provides.

The PCUSA will continue to pray for Dr. Givens Moffett, will wish her well, and we will never forget all that she has done for NBPC, the PCUSA, and the Church at large. We look ahead now to the next stages of our denomination’s progress and will continue to secure NBPC’s place in that progress. What will your commitment be? God bless us all.

Image: Rev. Dr. Diane Moffett at Second Presbyterian Church May 11, 2024 - M. Anderson

On the Re-election of Donald J. Trump

So, the election is over. If you are anything like me, a Believer in Matthew 25: 31-46, then you are probably disappointed in the results. Fourteen days into the post-election season, at this writing, and what the 47th President’s Cabinet is beginning to look like, your disappointment has begun turning to fear. Take this man at his words, and don’t forget: You can be a citizen of the nation and not be a Disciple of Jesus Christ. The right to cast a ballot does not mean you’ll be faithful to Scripture, even though you might say “evangelically,” you are doing so.

By now, I hope that we all come away with this: God is in control! Even more, God is up to something! We may not understand it all, just two weeks later. The hymn writer has given us this encouragement: “We’ll Understand it Better, By and By!” How we come to understand, I can only imagine it will take some time. In the meantime, what do we do?

First, don’t get stuck. Don’t get stuck in your disappointment. Don’t get stuck in your fears. To do so suggests he that is in the world is greater than the One who is in you. Don’t get stuck on November 5, 2024. There is more for you to do in bringing love into your world.

Second, decide what you are going to do. Activate your participation in activities that will bring the future of life, liberty, freedom and justice. Be a Sheep! Live, work, play and minister from the “Right Side,” of Christ Jesus.

Finally, don’t lose Hope. “Hope does not disappoint us.” Believing is to know that it has happened before. Faith is believing it is going to happen. Hope is having faith that it is going to happen soon. Today! Maybe, tomorrow! But however, much time it will take, we’ll wait. And, while waiting, we will not get stuck but be involved in Christ’s ministry of transforming the human condition. In the Church, in America and in the world.

All this is possible because greater is the Holy Spirit in us, than the one chosen at the ballot box. Awe! The Cross chose you, before you chose The Cross. NBPC, let’s do the future, TOGETHER!

Rev. Dr. Charles C. Heyward, Sr., HR

President, NBPC

(November 19, 2024)

E - REGIONAL NEWS

Spread the News

Your news is important, so why not share it?

All items submitted for publishing in the Newsletter are subject to editing by the Newsletter Team. Please reference and cite any trademarked items and images.

Please send all materials to be published to: submissions@nationalnbpc.org.

#EveryRegionMatters

F - EVENTS

Your Labor in the Lord is Not in Vain

The theme for the NBPC 48th Biennial Conference is 'Your Labor in the Lord is Not in Vain.' The guiding scripture is 1 Corinthians 15:58. The Biennial theme will also incorporate the vision of Matthew 25, emphasizing the importance of serving others.

"Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stand firm. Let nothing move you. Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord." 1 Corinthians 15:58 (NIV)

Save the date and join us in Charlotte, North Carolina, June 19-21, 2025!

G - EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

ARE YOU CALLED TO A VITAL NBPC COMMITTEE POSITION?

NBPC President Charles Heyward reminds us that we know that an organization is only as strong as its core leaders. Here are some opportunities that are open, that when filled, will take our Team to the Next Level of Success. Join Us!

A.     NBPC Presidential Appointments of Needed Leadership Still Open:

1. Financial Administrator
2. Development Committee Co-Chair
3. Development Committee Members (4)
4. Nominating Committee Members (1)
5. Bylaws Committee Members (2)
6. IT and Social Media Member (2)
7. Membership Committee Members (2)

B.    Other Leadership positions that are open (1 each):

1. Regional Representative: Upper Northeast (Maine, Vermont, New Hampshire, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Upper New York State, Massachusetts – 60 Congregations)

2. Regional Representative: Mid-America (North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Wisconsin, Illinois – 18 Congregations)

3.   Regional Representative: Northwest (Northern California, Nevada, Oregon, Washington, Alaska – 6 Congregations)

4.  Regional Representative: Mountain (Montana, Idaho, Wyoming, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Arizona – 4 Congregations) 

Please call or email, me at: ccheyward1@gmail.com. If you know someone who may be interested, I will be happy to hear from them. You just make the referral. Thanks!

Rev. Dr. Charles C. Heyward, Sr.    

H - NBPC MEMBERSHIP & CONTACT INFORMATION