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

March 18, 2026

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February 26 Newsletter Correction

Our February 26 newsletter included an incomplete summary of the 122nd Presbytery meeting. Additionally, the full document was meant to be attached as a PDF and was not. We apologize for this oversight.

The complete correct meeting summary is available on our meetings page or you can click here for the PDF of the complete summary.

Thank you for your understanding.

What is God Doing in Your Corner of the Presbytery?

Some of the most powerful moments in our presbytery never make it into a report or a meeting agenda. They happen in fellowship halls, volunteer and ministry settings, parking lots, Zoom check-ins, and quiet acts of care. They are the God sightings, the places where grace broke through, where hope surprised us, where community showed up.

"Around the Presbytery" is a space to share those moments. But we need your help to fill it.

Where have you seen God at work in your congregation or ministry spaces lately? It might be a new effort taking shape, a faithful volunteer who makes things happen, or a simple moment when someone felt the presence of God.

Take a few minutes and send it to us, and you're encouraged to share photos. Your story might be just the encouragement others need to hear. We look forward to your responses!

Send Us Your POJ Stories & Photos

Rev. Kerry at Covenant Presbyterian Church

Greetings all!

If I were sending a postcard, it would have that wonderful tag line, “Wish you were here!”

The “here” is Covenant Presbyterian Church, in Petersburg, Virginia. For those not familiar with the names and locations of our churches, Petersburg is about a 26-mile commute south of Richmond on I-95, with Covenant about nine and a half minutes off the interstate.

Covenant is in the midst of transition, as their covenant pastor left at the end of 2025. Like so many of our congregations, this “in between time” presents challenges, some expected, some not so much. And, true to form for all of our congregations, they are approaching this time in faith and hope and are doing the things that need to be done.

Covenant is a beautiful, contemporary (with 1960s architecture) building. The A-frame construction presents some marvelous inside views, as the photos illustrate. In the sanctuary, there is the floor level, the balcony in the back, and a side balcony, giving three distinct views of the space. The foyer/narthex area was set up in an inviting manner as well, having bulletins, light snacks, and activity from many getting the worship service parts aligned and ready to go. I hope people notice that finding “activity” when I enter a church building just connects with me. My thought is that “activity” is something any visitor would like to encounter when entering a church for the first time.

Covenant streams their worship service, following a typical Presbyterian worship format, but has several places in the service that allow for participation from those in worship. It is in these moments that the character of the congregation presents themselves. All in all, a very warm and welcoming format!

The building has some long hallways, taking you past classrooms, offices, and parlor-like places, down to a great fellowship hall (pictured a the bottom). While not as full as all would want it to be, in this new phase of discernment, conversations about having new groups use the fellowship hall and other spaces are underway.

The church is located just off a busy business street, with a small lake on one side of the structure, and backing up to a very nice neighborhood. They invited me to “tag along” on what seems to be a typical post-worship event—sharing a meal at a local restaurant, about ten minutes’ drive time, in “old town” Petersburg. This area was vital to the city in another era but had faded away, and is now being brought back to life with restoration, restaurants, and re-visioning.

I would encourage any and all to attend a worship service one Sunday, and then to visit the old town area. This congregation is part of a metro area that has seen good times and also bad times but has remained resilient and is embracing a new sense of place and presence. I speak both about Covenant and Petersburg.

And this is becoming truly a trend—Covenant is another one of our congregations that just seems to be doing good work and celebrating who they are, but is now opening itself up to other possibilities, growing more and more into being dependent upon God to lead them into the days to come.

Thank you, Covenant, for allowing me time to preach, see your site, share a really good meal with many of you!

Blessings,

Kerry

Faith Formation Resources & More

Christian Education & Ministry Resources Catalog at PC(USA) Store

As you look ahead to the 2026-27 ministry year, the PC(USA) Store offers a free tool to simplify your planning. The PC(USA) Christian Education & Ministry Resources Catalog is a downloadable digital publication that collects recommended books, curricula, and study materials all in one place. Whether you are selecting confirmation curriculum, planning a leader training, or looking for fresh worship resources, this guide helps you find materials aligned with Presbyterian theology and practice. It features clickable links to product pages and is regularly updated with new releases.

View or Download Christian Education Ministry Resources Catalog

Below is just a small sampling of the wide variety of resources available to church leaders from Practical Resources for Churches (PRC)! All event times are Eastern Standard Time.

Webinars

Increase Giving through “Story-Listening”: March 24, 2 p.m.

The Generosity Journey: From Financial Fatigue to Spiritual Momentum: April 14, 2 p.m.

The Role of the Legacy Church Pastor: April 16, 2 p.m.

When Your Church Experiences Deep Hurt: Practical Steps Toward Healing: April 21, 2 p.m.

When Bylaws Become Barriers: April 23, 2 p.m.

Anti-Harassment & Sexual Harassment Prevention Training

April 9, 2026, 2 – 3:30 p.m.

May 5, 2026, 4 – 5:30 p.m.

Jun 4, 2026, 10:30 AM – 12 p.m.

March Faith Formation Resources

Fresh Ways to Engage Scripture This April

Intergenerational Resource - Holy Week, Easter, and Pentecost Collection of Storytelling the Seasons tells the sacred stories.

Connecting with Children - This article is a great reminder about wondering together and connecting with children through questions.

For Adults - This resource looks great for helping adults to grow deeper faith roots in the upcoming great green growing season of Ordinary Time (it will be here before we know it).

Church Training Center - PRC is grateful to share a new partnership that expands the practical support available to churches and judicatories. Together with Church Training Center, we’re strengthening the ways leaders are equipped for faithful governance, financial clarity, and Spirit-led decision making. Learn more about them and how this partnership can support your ministry.

List of all PRC Services

Practical Resources for Churches Website

On the Road to Empathy: A Fresh Outlook Bible Study

What does empathy look like in a divided world? It’s a question many Christians are asking with new urgency. Some public voices have recently dismissed empathy as weakness or even a cultural threat. Yet Scripture repeatedly calls God’s people to something different: to rejoice with those who rejoice and weep with those who weep.

That tension is part of what inspired the newest Fresh Outlook Bible Studies resource, "On the Road to Empathy" from The Presbyterian Outlook. This four-session study, written by the Rev. Dr. Robyn Byrd Michalove, invites congregations to explore empathy as a faithful Christian practice through stories from Luke’s Gospel and the Book of Acts.

Written specifically for young adults, this study would also be a great fit for adult education programs, small groups, or a churchwide conversation.

Learn More & Read a Sample

Continuing Ed & Camp Hanover

National Faith + Climate Forum Apr. 25

Presbyterians are invited to join over 2,000 people of faith across the US on Saturday, April 25, 2026, for the National Faith + Climate Forum to hear from inspiring national leaders on caring for creation and working for climate justice, including Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson, author of All We Can Save and What If We Get It Right?

Join at home or in-person at a host location nationwide. Virginia's host location is at Pace Campus Ministry (700 West Franklin St, Richmond, VA 23220).

This forum is designed to be welcoming, accessible, and grounded in faith. No prior experience necessary.

This year’s theme, The Future We Choose: Faith in Action for a Thriving Tomorrow, invites attendees to imagine and build the world that becomes possible when people of faith lead with courage, care, and conviction. Be part of this growing movement!

Spring Dates at Camp Hanover

Here's how:

1) Register for summer camp.

2) Find the camp store coupon code in your confirmation email. *

3) Make a purchase in the camp store on or before April 15.

* Already registered for summer camp 2026? You’ll receive an email with the camp store coupon code.

Join us Sunday, April 26, from 2-5 p.m. for a sample of summer camp fun! All ages are welcome at this free event.

RSVP at https://www.camphanover.org/fun-day/ to avoid the registration line when you arrive.

You'll also be preregistered for awesome prizes.

Step out of your usual routine. Make time to rest and recreate, connect and be quiet, pray and play at this year's Women's Retreat at Camp Hanover May 8-9, 7 p.m. Friday to 4 p.m. Saturday. (Or extend your stay to Sunday with an extra night's lodging!)

You're invited to join us for Family Camp, May 15-17. Imagine sharing and knowing God’s love as a family in the beauty of God’s creation. Camp Hanover provides a range of activities, comfortable lodging, delicious meals, and fellowship opportunities for all ages. Head to the lake for swimming, canoeing, or fishing. Test your skills on the climbing tower or archery range. Relax at the arts and crafts pavilion. Explore our woodland trails. Learn more and register at https://www.camphanover.org/family-camp/

Learn More About Camp Hanover Events

Presbytery Calendar Highlights

Deadline to Submit: April COM Materials

Mar. 19

Registration Window for Polity 101 May Term

Apr. 1-30

POJ Staff Holiday: Good Friday

Apr. 3

Full Presbytery Calendar

Church & Community Highlights

Action Circles for Protecting Children from Gun Violence: Imagining a New World

Apr. 15–May 13

Union Presbyterian Seminary Sprunt Lectures

May 4-6

▪ March is Women's History Month

▪ Mr. Rogers Day Mar. 20

▪ World Water Day Mar. 22

▪ Palm Sunday Mar. 29

▪ Transgender Day of Visibility Mar. 31

Church & Community Events

Register a camper for summer camp on or before March 31 and you'll receive a coupon good for a purchase in the camp store!

Employment Opportunities

Director of Christian Education for Children and Youth (Clergy or Lay/Part-Time) – Bon Air Presbyterian Church, Bon Air, VA
Director of Music (Lay/Part-Time) – Laurel Presbyterian Church, Glen Allen, VA
Campus Ministry Coordinator (Part-Time/Temporary) – Westminster Presbyterian Church, Charlottesville, VA
Director of Youth & Young Adult Ministries (Clergy or Lay/Full-Time) – First Presbyterian Church, Charlottesville, VA
Church Administrator (Clergy or Lay/Part-Time) – Tuckahoe Presbyterian Church, Richmond, VA
Covenant Minister (Clergy/Part-Time) – King’s Chapel Presbyterian Church, Doswell, VA
Prison Chaplain (Clergy or CRE/Full-Time) – GraceInside, throughout Virginia
Preschool Director / Lead Teacher (Lay/Full-Time) – Meredith Loughran Preschool at Sandston Presbyterian Church, Sandston, VA

View Job Details

Submit an Opportunity

Nearby Presbyteries and PC(USA) Calls & Jobs

National Capital Presbytery

Presbytery of Eastern Virginia

Presbytery of the Peaks

Shenandoah Presbytery

PC(USA) Job Board

Association of Partners in Christian Education (APCE) Job Board

Past Issues

Our Mission

To support leaders, congregations, and ministries in growing followers of Jesus Christ who joyfully live out God’s mission in the world.