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

October 16, 2025

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In This Issue:

▪ Stated Mtg Oct. 18, Register by Oct. 17

▪ Polity 101 this Fall, Register by Oct. 22

▪ Budget Listening Sessions & Called Mtg. Nov. 13

▪ PC(USA) Hunger Program Thanks POJ

▪ Spotlight on:

• First Presbyterian with Rev. Kerry
• First Presbyterian Charlottesville Installs Rev. Rachel Thompson Orfield

▪ Denomination News:

• Virtual Tour Reformation Museum
• Embracing Neurodiversity & Mental Health in Congregations PNS Article

▪ Continuing Education Opportunities: Luminosity Early Bird Date Dec. 12

▪ In Memoriam: Olivia Rowlett

▪ Church & Community Events Many New Events Recently Added - Don't Miss!

▪ Employment Opportunities

Be sure to register for the 121st meeting by noon on Friday, Oct. 17 by clicking below. View all meeting details here.

Thanks Presbytery of the James!

The Presbyterian Hunger Program (PHP), thanks its partners, including the Presbytery of the James, and donors for their crucial support in the fight to alleviate hunger and its root causes. The PHP emphasizes that “prayer and action are two ways to increase hope within us and around us.” Read the full letter by clicking below.

First Presbyterian Church with Rev. Kerry

World Communion Sunday was October 5, and I was able to celebrate this event with First Presbyterian Church in Richmond, Virginia. As “just” a visitor, which means I was able to hear a colleague preach and challenge me to listen intently, wanting to see how they encountered the Word, and how the Holy Spirit would speak to me through them!

First Richmond is on a busy road in a lovely neighborhood, which means it would be easy for me to miss my turn, which I almost did! Once off the busy street, I found a convenient set of “Visitor Parking” slots, and I, as a visitor, parked in one. Approaching the rear entrance, an usher greeted visitors while holding the door with a gracious “hello."

The sanctuary is at the front of the building, so one walks past offices, sitting rooms, the childcare portion of the building, along a hallway wide enough for two-way traffic but narrow enough for small, friendly nods of welcome.

Arriving a bit early, I was able to find a pew to sit in that felt like the right distance between the front and back. People were just beginning to enter, and while the choir rehearsed, they did what we all do—talk with our friends! For me, the tenor of these quiet public discussions speaks volumes about the nature of the congregation. This is a good-natured church!

Today’s worship was World Communion and Stewardship Sunday! Once it began, all eyes focused on the front of the sanctuary, and all participated in the service—responsive readings, singing hymns, and praying.

Communion itself was by intinction, allowing those able to go forward to receive the elements, and those with mobility concerns or dietary restrictions to be properly served as well.

I skipped the sermon and am coming back to it now. The Scripture passage was 2 Kings 4:1–7, 42–44. Take a moment to read it before returning to this article.

Knowing the passage now, would you have titled the sermon “Live as if…. There’s More than Enough”? As the pastor walked us through the passage, I was challenged to define the word “enough.” Is it a negative or positive word? For me, I tend to see it as a negative, like “I’ve had enough of that!” when something upsets me. It seems to say “Stop” or “Not now” too often for me. Now, I am reforming the image of Enough so that it lives beside Satisfied, Full, Sufficient, Ample, and Generous. I had other insights as well, but this one lingers with me.

This World Communion Sunday was the first one in probably two decades that afforded me the opportunity to feel it rather than do it. My thanks to First Richmond for providing me with this moment in time.

Till my next travels,

Kerry

First Presbyterian Church, Charlottesville Installs Rev. Rachel Thompson Orfield

First Presbyteryian Church, Charlottesville, is delighted to share that Rev. Rachel Thompson Orfield was installed as Associate Pastor on October 5. It was a beautiful service, and the church joyfully shares this news with the presbytery.

Have you ever wanted to walk in the footsteps of the Reformers? As Reformation Sunday approaches on October 26, the Presbyterian Foundation invites you to watch their new short video that takes you inside the International Museum of the Reformation in Geneva, Switzerland. This beautifully filmed piece (appx. 6 minutes) offers a glimpse into the heart of the Reformation and invites us to reflect on how faith, courage, and conviction shaped the church 500 years ago, and continue to shape us today.

Enjoy watching this video, and share it with your congregation during worship, Sunday School, or other study groups. It’s a meaningful way to celebrate our Presbyterian identity and remind ourselves of the enduring power of faith to transform lives and communities.

At Edgewater Presbyterian Church in Chicago, a partnership with a neighboring residential care facility has redefined what it means to be a faith community. Rather than simply serving the residents of Bryn Mawr Care, the church has fully integrated them as members, worshipers, and teachers. This philosophy is best captured by their pastor, Rev. Kristin Hutson, who states: “Although there can be a model in ministry of serving people, we are clear that we do not serve the people who live at Bryn Mawr Care... They are just part of who we are as a congregation. We’re in this thing together.” This approach has transformed the congregation, creating a richer, more diverse body where everyone belongs.

Read the full story by clicking below.

Visit the PC(USA) website for information and resources to support mental health ministry. Click here to learn more about the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI), Mental Illness Awareness Week, Oct. 5-11, and World Mental Health Day, Oct. 10.

What is the Luminosity Conference? In a world of constant change, leadership requires fresh vision, innovative thinking, and a deep commitment to growth. This year’s Luminosity Conference is all about sparking imagination and equipping leaders with practical wisdom—because effective ministry isn’t just about what we do, but how we envision, steward, and sustain our impact.

Through powerful keynote/plenary sessions, dynamic workshops, and meaningful conversations, we’ll explore how to navigate challenges, maximize resources, and lead with confidence. Whether you’re shaping the future of your church, organization, or community, this is your moment to be inspired, equipped, and empowered for lasting influence.

Let’s dream boldly, lead wisely, and shine brightly — together.

Register by December 31, 2025 for a reduced rate.

We share the news of the passing of Ms. Olivia Rowlett, a beloved long-time member of First United Presbyterian Church, on September 26, 2025, at the age of 101. Ms. Rowlett, who had been a member for approximately 80 years, was a cherished part of the congregation and lived independently in her own home. She was sustained by a devoted "village" of neighbors and her church family.

A memorial service will be held at First United Presbyterian Church on Friday, October 24th, at 11:00 AM. Please keep her community in your prayers.

Deadline: Nov. COM Mtg Materials Due

Oct. 16

Disaster Relief Trip

Oct. 18-25

Deadline: Register for Polity 101

Oct. 22

The Palestine-Israel Tragedy Adult Education Class

Sundays at 9:35 a.m. thru Oct. 26

Bon Air Presbyterian Church

Youth Group at Pace Center VCU

Oct. 19, 5:30-7 p.m.

Pace Center VCU

Mind Over Matter Workshops in Spanish for Anyone Affected by Cancer / Mente Sobre Materia

Oct. 23 - Nov. 20, 6 - 7:30 p.m.

Sacred Heart Center & Zoom

❄️Winter Camp❄️

December 28-30, 2025

www.camphanover.org

Don't miss new events recently added to the Church & Community Event page!

• Pastor / Head of Staff, Full-time (Clergy) – Christ Memorial Presbyterian Church, Columbia, MD
• Hospice Volunteers – Affinity Care of Virginia
• Covenant Pastor, Part-time (Clergy/CRE) – Byrd Presbyterian Church, Goochland, VA
• Worship Accompanist, Part-time (Clergy/Lay) – Providence Presbyterian Church, Gum Spring, VA
• Childcare Center Director, Full-time (Lay) – Forest Hill Child Care Center (at Forest Hill Presbyterian Church), Richmond, VA
• Interim Associate Pastor or Coordinator for Faith Formation, Full-time (Clergy/Lay) – The Presbyterian Church, Fredericksburg, Fredericksburg, VA

Nearby Presbyteries and PC(USA) Calls & Jobs



PC(USA) Job Board

Association of Partners in Christian Education Job Board

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