Information for ministers, educators, church administrators, clerks, and congregations | | |
▪ 124th Std Mtg SUMMARY & RECORDING
▪ Register for 11/10 Called Meeting by 11/09
▪ Corrected COM Liaison Assignments
▪ Camp Hanover CandyCornHole Tournament 10/31
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▪ George Whitefield Reenactment 11/15
▪ Rev. Kerry at Blue Ridge Presbyterian
▪ SPECIAL SECTION: Advent Resources
▪ Calendar Highlights
▪ NEW! Employment Opportunities
| | | | 124th Stated Meeting Summary & Recording | | |
124th Stated Meeting highlights are below. Please read the full summary here. Watch recording here.
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Worship and necrology: CRE Peggy Fox moderated the 124th Stated Meeting, which opened with worship, remembrance of those who have died, and the Lord’s Supper. Rev. Dr. Asa Lee delivered the message.
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Presbytery leadership: TE Alex Creager was elected moderator for 2027. The presbytery also elected members to its committees and commissions and approved the 2027 balancing of commissioners.
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New ministry candidates: Subin Sim of Lord Jesus Korean and Kaylyn McGhee of Fairfield were unanimously approved for candidacy for the Ministry of Word and Sacrament.
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Theological education: Rev. Dr. Asa Lee and Rev. Dr. Jacqui Lapsley discussed collaboration among Presbyterian seminaries and the vital role congregations play in developing future pastors.
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Art and dialogue: Richmond artist Hamilton Glass shared how collaborative mural projects foster honest conversations across racial and cultural differences.
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Local ministries: Updates highlighted Camp Hanover and two Self Development of People grant recipients: Street Singers, serving people experiencing homelessness, and C.A.S.E., supporting people returning from incarceration.
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Guatemala partnership: World Missions reported on its joint trip with Peaks Presbytery and encouraged continued congregational support for CEDEPCA’s ministry.
| | | | Register for Nov. 10 Meeting by Nov. 9 | A called meeting of the Presbytery of the James will be held Nov. 10, 2026, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m. via Zoom, to receive nominations for service on committees of the Presbytery of the James from the Committee on Nominations as well as the adoption of the 2027 budget motion. Registration is now open and the meeting packet is now available here. Be sure to register by Nov. 9 at noon. | | Liaison Assignments Updated | The 2026 COM liaison assignments document has been updated to correct an error in the previous version, and can be accessed here. The updated document can be found at the top of the COM section of the Forms and Documents page on the POJ website. | | CandyCornHole Tournament Oct. 31! | |
On Halloween morning at 10 a.m., teams will hit the boards and compete to win the ultimate “Battle of the Bags“ at Camp Hanover! It’s a day for the whole family. While players compete, guests can enjoy lunch, hayrides around camp, and games for the kids. Costumes are encouraged, with costume awards for both players and kids.
Register Your Team: Grab a partner and get ready to toss some bags! Registration is $100 per team of two and includes tournament entry, lunch and soft drinks for both players. Backyard pros and first-timers are all welcome. Individual entry is $50 and includes lunch and soft drinks. We’ll pair you with a partner at the event. Every dollar raised supports Camp Hanover’s ministry and mission. Come play and Make Camp Happen!
Can't make it? Support Camp in other ways!
| George Whitefield Reenactment at Providence Presbyterian, Gum Springs | |
Providence Presbyterian Church invites you to a George Whitefield Reenactment, presented by Dr. Rick Walker, on Saturday, November 15, at 1 p.m. in the church sanctuary at 3388 Three Chopt Road, Gum Spring.
This free event is open to all and offers an engaging look at the life and ministry of one of the Great Awakening’s most influential preachers. For questions, contact pastorsusanppc@gmail.com. Please join us!
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| Rev. Kerry at Blue Ridge Presbyterian Church: Listening & Looking Ahead | |
I led worship at Blue Ridge Presbyterian Church (Ruckersville) this week, but not for the “usual” reasons: I was the first-Sunday-after-our-pastor’s-depature preacher. This was my third time leading such a service, and while I knew this congregation a bit, it was still hard to anticipate what the mood would be in the sanctuary.
When I entered, I saw a fair number of folks attending to things: setting up the sanctuary, working in the kitchen, and setting up tables for food—they were having a chili dinner after worship! A very pleasant surprise!
Several of these folks chatted with me, sharing welcomes and just catching up a bit. The choir was by the piano rehearsing the anthem, and the liturgist and I discussed the worship service duties for the day.
Earlier, we determined I would be available after worship for all who wanted to stay and ask questions of the POJ. I anticipated some questions about transitions, pulpit supply, getting a moderator, and the steps for finding their next preacher.
Worship was well attended, and only a couple of members had scheduled things to do after the service, so attendance for the chili and Q&A time was excellent. During the meal, I learned the proper protocol for tasting multiple chilis: Do not use a bowl. Rather, get three to four small cups, place them on a plate, and take a smorgasbord to the table. Duly noted! Read about the rest of Kerry's visit...
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We've collected just a few of the many Advent resources out there to help motivate and inspire!
General Resources
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PC(USA) Theology and Worship: Advent — Guidance, liturgical calendar information, and worship planning resources for Advent.
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PC(USA) Store 2026 Advent Resource Guide — Overview of all resources for 2026.
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Presbyterian Outlook Advent Resources — Curated overview of devotional books, liturgies, children’s materials, and other Advent and Christmas resources.
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Practical Resources for Churches Advent & Christmas — Explore a diverse and vast curated collection for Advent and Christmas worship experiences and activities.
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LIFT: Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany — Intergenerational materials to help all ages experience Advent, Christmas, and Epiphany together in worship and study.
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Bible Project Advent Collection — Scripture-based videos, reading plans, and related study materials for Advent.
Worship Resources
Devotional Guides
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Dear Pastor: Advent Letters — Daily reflections to guide personal or small-group spiritual practice through the Advent season.
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A Weary World — Advent devotional companion giving voice to weariness and hope; suitable for Blue Christmas gatherings or personal practice.
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Advent 2026 Devotional — Daily devotional reflections on Advent themes from the best-selling author and Duke Divinity School professor Kate Bowler.
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Waiting — Westminster John Knox Press Advent devotional exploring themes of hope, patience, and faithful endurance during the season.
Studies and Study Guides
Children’s Resources and More
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Youth Group at Pace (Campus Ministry at VCU)
Nov. 15
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Duelo Latino: Free Grief Support in Spanish
Ongoing
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▪ All Saints' Day 11/01
▪ Honest Patriotism for Christian Citizens 11/03
▪ Election Day 11/03
▪ World Community Day 11/6
▪ Veterans Day 11/11
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Director of Music (Lay/Part-Time) – New Hanover Presbyterian Church, Mechanicsville, VA
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Business & Operations Director (Lay/Full-Time) – Westminster Presbyterian Church, Charlottesville, VA
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Director for Discipleship (Clergy or Lay/Full-Time) – Tuckahoe Presbyterian Church, Richmond, VA
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Office Manager (Lay/Part-Time) – Westminster Presbyterian Church, Richmond, VA
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Traditional Music Director (Lay/Part-Time) – Campbell Memorial Presbyterian Church, Weems, VA
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Covenant Pastor (Clergy or Lay/Full-Time) – Providence Presbyterian Church (Powhatan), Powhatan, VA
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Interim Associate Pastor for Christian Formation and Fellowship (Clergy/Full-Time) – First Presbyterian Church, Virginia Beach, VA
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Director of the Pace Center at VCU (Clergy or Lay/Full-Time) – Pace Center, Richmond, VA
| | Nearby Presbyteries and PC(USA) Calls & Jobs | | |
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Our Mission
To support leaders, congregations, and ministries in growing followers of Jesus Christ who joyfully live out God’s mission in the world.
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