Psalm 133: 1 NIV

"How good and pleasant it is when God's people live together in unity!"

Featured in this issue...

A. Welcome from Charleston, SC, and Historic Angel Oak Tree, IMPORTANT Biennial Reminders

B. NBPC 47th Biennial Updates: Major Biennial Speaker Interviews

C. Announcements, International African American Museum, Juneteenth Celebration, Vital Positions for NBPC Leadership

D. Grant Opportunities

E. New Job Opportunities

F. NBPC Web and Contact Information

CHARLESTON, SOUTH CAROLINA SAYS

Welcome to

THE NATIONAL BLACK PRESBYTERIAN CAUCUS

47th Biennial Conference!

IMPORTANT information regarding NBPC 47^th Biennial Conference!



We can’t wait to welcome you to the National Black Presbyterian Caucus 47^th Biennial Conference! Our event is only days away, and we hope you are as excited as we are to attend. To help you prepare, here are some important event details to consider before heading to Charleston:



Red, Black, and Green

Don’t forget to pack your red, black, and green attire. Each day of the conference has been dedicated to one of these special colors. Review our conference-at-a-glance for key activities, suggested attire, and location details so you can effectively manage your time at the conference. See additional information on the Biennial Conference Page

Conference Location

All conference activities will be held at the North Charleston Marriott, 4770 Goer Dr., North Charleston, SC 29406. If you are staying at the hotel, please be mindful that check-in is available at 4:00PM and check-out is at 12:00 Noon. Complimentary airport shuttle service to and from the hotel is available to all out-of-town guests. Simply contact the hotel at 843-747-1900 upon arrival to secure your seat. Shuttles run every 30 minutes.

Registration

ONLINE REGISTRATION IS STILL OPEN! If you haven’t already completed your registration, to save time at the conference, click here to begin the process. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact Marla Edwards at 502-595-7390. All pre-registered attendees can pick up their name badge and packet on Wednesday, June 14^th from 10:00AM-6:00PM and on Thursday morning from 7:15AM-5:30PM. On-site registration will also be available during these times. You will need your name badge to participate in plenary sessions and special activities throughout the conference.

Vendor/Exhibitor Space

Exhibits may be set up starting at 10:00AM on Wednesday, June 14^th. Please mark any shipped packages Attn: NBPC Vendor/Exhibits. The Exhibit Hall is open Thursday and Friday from 10:30AM – 5:30PM, and Saturday 8:30AM – Noon. All exhibits must be taken down by Noon on Saturday when the conference concludes.

Networking and connecting with fellow attendees are as important to us as they are to you. To socialize with care, we are asking attendees to please respect one another’s decisions about wearing masks. Please respect one another’s decisions about physical distancing including hugs and other forms of greeting. In these ways, we can show our love and appreciation for each other by acting to help each other stay as safe as possible. If you have any questions or need assistance anytime during the week, please do not hesitate to call/text me at 502-595-7390.

We’ll see you in Charleston!

SOCIAL MEDIA CHALLENGE Winner is........

Thank you for your participation in this Social Media Challenge. The Winner will be announced at the Biennial.

B - NBPC 47th Biennial Information

Program Booklet Highlights:

+ General Information

+ Conference Registration Form

+ Speakers and Worship Leaders

Good to Know....

• Keep the updated Conference at a Glance Guide close to ensure that you are at the Right place at the Right time.
• FACEBOOK Live (Click HERE for NBPC Facebook Page) will be used to LIVE STREAM the 47th Biennial Opening Worship with Rev. Gregory J. Bentley at 6:30 PM on Thursday June 15th, Reverend Dr. J. Herbert Nelson Honoree Banquet at 7:00 PM on Friday June 16th and the 47th Biennial Closing Worship on Saturday June 17th at 11:15 AM. All Times are Eastern Daylight Time. Look for countdowns to these special events on social media
• Social Media Highlights will broadcast throughout each day on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
• As you prepare to be enriched and enlightened, learn more about the Featured Plenary Hosts and Guest Speakers at the 47th Biennial.

Stated Clerk J. Herbert Nelson II, Navigating Identity

An Interview with Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson conducted on June 8, 2023

By Margaret C. Priest   June 2023

J. Herbert Nelson is ending his tenure as the Stated Clerk of the Office of General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (USA). The person in this formidable position shared time with members of the NBPC 47^th Biennial Communications Team in preparation for his time at the Conference convening in just a few days. Stated Clerk Nelson is convinced that he was prepared for the position through his life as a Pastor. When asked, what about his life’s journey brought him the most joy, his answer was instant – “I would have to say election to this office”. He had not thought about assuming the position even though he had never seen an African American Stated Clerk in the PC (USA). Click HERE to Read Complete Article

Matthew 25 – Congregational Vitality: An Update



An Interview with Rev. Dr. Diane Moffett, President, and Executive Director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency

Written by Joy Williams   June 2023

When you think of Presbyterian community mission, Rev. Dr. Diane Moffett is who you should know! Rev. Dr. Moffett is the President and Executive Director of the Presbyterian Mission Agency, one of the six agencies of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A). Faith Presbyterian Church in Oakland, California is her home church. We were able to speak with Rev. Dr. Moffett about the visionary goals of the NBPC 47th Biennial, Matthew 25, and the future and challenges of Black P.C. (USA) congregations.

The Matthew 25 invitation focuses on Matthew 25: 31-46, the parable of the sheep and goats in which Jesus makes clear, that what we do matters to God and how we treat others is important to God. More information regarding the Matthew 25 Invitation is found at https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/matthew-25/. The initiatives of the Matthew 25 Invitation lift Congregational Vitality, Dismantling Structural Racism and Eradicating Systemic Poverty. Read complete article HERE.

Healing Generations: Rev. Jermaine-Ross Allam's Pursuit of Reparations and the Center for Repair of Historical Harms

An Interview with Reverend Jermaine Ross-Allam, Director of The Center for Repair of Historical Harm   

written by Maureen Anderson

As a young child, I remember sitting on the bedroom floor, surrounded by books my mother had collected over the years. These books gave me a glimpse of the richness of our family’s history and the broader African American experience. I recall a sense of wonder and hope when I first heard the word “reparations” whispered in the community, igniting dreams of a brighter future. Today, that same hope is being channeled into action by Rev. Jermaine-Ross Allam, the Director of the Center for Repair of Historical Harms. Click HERE to complete article

Three Historic Churches Brought Together as One!



An Interview with Rev. Eustacia Moffett Marshall

Written By Margaret Priest   June 2023

Rev. Eustacia Marshall, recently installed Pastor of New River Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, PA, was interviewed by the 47^th Biennial Communication Team. She shared highlights and challenges to achieving this goal. She had the task of transitioning these historic churches into this era while honoring their remarkable past. As the shepherd of these three churches, she faced extensive, yet familiar limitations such as declining membership, limited finances, a gap in technology resources and coming out of a pandemic which yielded a profound season of grief. Click HERE to read full article

NBPC Biennial: Reimagining the Black Church

and Embracing New Possibilities

An Interview with Anisha Hackney, Manager

Human Resources,

Administrative Services Group (A Corporation)

written by Maureen Anderson

The upcoming NBPC Biennial presents an exciting opportunity for attendees to reimagine the black church, step out of the norm, and embrace the new things that God has in store for us. As James Baldwin once said, "To be black in America is to live in a constant state of rage."^[1] This powerful statement reminds us that we carry a multitude of experiences and emotions with us, whether we're at the grocery store, work, or even within our church community.

In our journey to reimagine the black church, it's essential to recognize and address the various challenges and past experiences that congregants may bring with them. Church leaders embarking on this transformative process must be aware of these factors and create an environment where healing, growth, and innovation can take place.

The opening plenary, presented by the dynamic Anisha Hackney, sets the tone for this transformative journey. As we delve into the concept of reimagining, we will explore fresh perspectives on leadership, community engagement, and innovative approaches to address the challenges faced by the black church today

^[1] “To be a Negro in this country and to be relatively conscious is to be in a rage almost all the time,” Baldwin said in a 1961 radio interview.

Read Full Article Here

47th Biennial Pre-Work

A video for Friday June 16th Workshop on "Evaluating Congregational Models Segments A and B" is being provided by Rev. Reginald Ragland and the NBPC Western Region Group.

Check the NBPC Website for video availability.

C - Announcements:

The Presbytery of Southern Kansas installs the first African American woman as lead pastor

Read the story of Rev. Doris Evans Installation at the following link:

Read about Rev. Evans' Installation HERE

An online conversation on Black Presbyterian churches is slated for Juneteenth

Date: Monday June 19, 2023

Time: 12 Noon EDT at https://www.facebook.com/pcusa

Participants:

+ Rev. Michael Moore - Office of African American Intercultural Congregational Support PC(USA)

+ The Rev. Eustacia Moffett Marshall, pastor of New River Presbyterian Church in Philadelphia, PA

+ The Rev. Hodari Williams, pastor of New Life Presbyterian Church in Atlanta, GA

+ The Rev. Carlton Johnson, associate director of Theology, Formation & Evangelism in the Presbyterian Mission Agency

+ Olanda Carr, senior ministry relations officer serving the East Region at the Presbyterian Foundation

Get more Information HERE

The International African American Museum

From IAAMuseum.org -

"To Honor the Untold Stories of the African American Journey at one of our country's most sacred sites."

"The museum documents the journey that began in Africa centuries ago, and still continues today."

Opening in mid summer on the site at Gadsen Wharf where approximately 45% of enslaved Africans entered this country.

View IAAM Website Here

IAAM Video

April | 2023

The Black Theology and Leadership Institute (BTLI) at Princeton Theological Seminary is recruiting applicants for the 2023 conference, "Searching For The Soul Of Black Preaching." The conference will be held from July 16 - 21, 2023. We would like to extend invitations to individual churches to encourage ministry leaders and emerging talents in ministry and theological scholarship to apply. 

VITAL NBPC COMMITTEE POSITIONS ARE AVAILABLE

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: [email protected]. 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.    

D - Grant Opportunities:

Pride in the Pews recently launched the grant application for the inaugural Black Church Equality Fellowship (BCEF). The $4,000 BCEF Grant is a distinguished nationwide leadership development grant program for Black faith leaders committed to advancing congregation-based programmatic initiatives that promote LGBTQ+ inclusion.

E - Job Opportunities:

The Presbyterian Campus Ministry at North Carolina Central University (PCMNCCU)) is seeking a new campus minister.

The individual hired will assume responsibilities in August, in advance of students’ return to campus. We are seeking applicants with experience in parish and/or campus ministry but will consider individuals who have not had that experience.

North Carolina Central University has a proud history as the nation’s first public liberal arts institution for African American students. The University has an enrollment of more than 8,000 students, about a quarter of whom are in graduate study programs.

The mission of the PCMNCCU “is to support campus, church, and external communities by providing, equipping, and offering resources to NCCU students for spiritual, personal, and professional growth; bringing diverse opportunities to students under the umbrella of faith and fellowship; and instilling in them the value of future advocacy for social justice and equity.”

The campus minister facilitates this ministry through fellowship, study, worship, and service with students on campus and in the greater Durham community..

For more information about this position, see the Presbyterian Church (USA)’s Church Leadership Connection website (#74293) or contact Vanessa Hodges ([email protected]).Your copy should address 3 key questions: Who am I writing for? (Audience) Why should they care? (Benefit) What do I want them to do here? (Call-to-Action)

Zepher Point Presbyterian Conference Center Seeking Director of Development

This Presbyterian Christian Camp and Conference Center is posting an employment position in Zepher Cove, Nevada right on Lake Tahoe.

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT Director of Development Full-time, Year-round Applications accepted until filled. To apply and/or for questions - email resume and cover letter to: [email protected] Zephyr Point Presbyterian Conference Center, located on 24 acres on the east shore of Lake Tahoe, will mark 100 years of ministry in 2024. From its humble beginnings holding Youth Conferences tent camping by the lake, Zephyr Point is today a modern Camp and Conference Center hosting over 25,000 guests per year. Two fully equipped Conference Centers with 102 hotel style rooms, two dormitory style facilities, and over 40 rustic cabins comprise our lodging options for retreats, gatherings, and getaways of almost any size. Alongside the hosting of retreats, Zephyr Point has a diverse offering of year round Programs for Adults, and an 8 week Summer Camp Program for Youth. If you can get excited about Zephyr Point’s Mission/Vision/Values, would like to be part of a dynamic leadership team, have a passion for the outdoors and the experience to lead our Business and Donor Development efforts, this position may be for To Read Full Announcement Click Here

JOB DESCRIPTION and ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

The Director of Development provides leadership for the Zephyr Point Development Department, coordinating all Donor and Business Development efforts. The Director will design and implement a comprehensive donor relations program to achieve fundraising outcomes, capital fund objectives, and constituent involvement. The Director will design and implement marketing strategies that will maximize Conference bookings, Cabin rentals, participation in Zephyr Point Programs, as well as increase on-site sales opportunities and other ancillary revenue streams. Read Full Article Here