Information for ministers, educators, church administrators, clerks, and congregations | |
- Mission Council Listening Sessions in May & June - First session tonight!
- CON Needs You!
- May 13 Grant Workshop from Self-Development of People
- Spotlight on Tappahannock Presbyterian Church with Rev. Kerry
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- Hearing from Cindy Corell for Mission Worker Sunday (May 18)
- How Do You Participate in National Day of Prayer?
- Registration Still Open for Massanetta Middle School Conference!
- Church and Community Events
- Employment Opportunities
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Mission Council is inviting minister members and church leadership to listening sessions around the Presbytery of the James to build community and reflect on our life and ministry together as a mid-council. We are hoping to get to know our neighbors and learn more about what church leaders are hoping for as we prepare to call our next General Presbyter.
Please RSVP for each individual attending, and invite other leaders from your congregation and region to join us, too!
All sessions are 6:30-7:45 p.m. unless otherwise noted.
- Wednesday 5/7: Bethlehem Presbyterian Church, Mechanicsville, VA
- Monday 5/12: Zoom
- Thursday 5/15: Milford Presbyterian Church, Milford, VA
- Monday 5/19: Bon Air Presbyterian Church, North Chesterfield, VA
- Thursday 5/22: Ebenezer Presbyterian Church, Kenbridge, VA
- Tuesday 5/27: South Plains Presbyterian Church, South Plains, VA
- Thursday 5/29: Zoom (1:30-2:45 p.m.)
Locations in Petersburg and Richmond (Northside) are anticipated to be added for early June.
Sessions will be hosted by Colleen Earp (TE, Massanetta Springs), Dave Thomen (RE, Summit), and Joel Morgan (TE, Member at Large).
Questions? Contact Colleen
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The Committee on Nominations is recruiting Teaching Elder nominees for 2026 commissioners, alternate commissioners, and a Young Adult Advisory Delegate for the 2026 General Assembly, to be held in Milwaukee.
We’ll need two Teaching Elders and two Ruling Elders for both commissioners and alternates (a total of eight people). We are looking to nominate a diverse group of folks who are active in the Presbytery and interested in serving at higher levels. If that sounds like you (or someone you know!), please click the nomination form button below.
The deadline for GA commissioners and alternates is May 12. You may reach out to Rev. Kate Fiedler with any questions.
| | RVA League for Safer Streets, a crime-intervention program for men living in poverty in the City of Richmond, received SDOP's 2019 grant. Learn more | | Wondering if your project is eligible for Self-Development of People funding? Check out these past grant recipients to get an idea of what the committee seeks to fund, and be sure to register for the next SDOP Grant Workshop to find out if your project is a fit for SDOP! Please share this information widely within your networks. | | |
Into The Church Triumphant
The Reverend Doctor R. Jackson (Jack) Sadler passed away April 8 in Asheville, NC. He served at First Church, Richmond, from 1974 until his retirement in 1999. A memorial service will be held at the Montreat Presbyterian Church (Upper Anderson), Lookout Road, Montreat, NC on Saturday August 16th at 2:00 p.m. Please keep his family and friends in your prayers.
| | Tappahannock Presbyterian Church with Rev. Kerry | | |
Good morning to all in “the James!”
On May 4, 2025, I was able to lead worship at Tappahannock Presbyterian Church, just outside of Tappahannock, Virginia, a place I have driven through many times, but never had stopped. Always in a hurry to be somewhere else! Note to self: Slow down, take in in the sights!
Tappahannock Presbyterian is located on a clear flat lot, with a wonderful sign on the main road (it was raining so I did not get a picture of it). I parked at the side of a very inviting building (I do have a photo of that) and headed inside. Once inside the building (I entered from the side while it was still raining!) into the Sunday School/office/other spaces at what one might say was the back of the building. Despite this being “the side door” the space there just drew you into the building. This may be the best hallway I have ever been through!
The sanctuary (of which I have a photo) was open and friendly. I must admit I am beginning to like padded chairs more than padded pews. To the left of the sanctuary sits there “locally sourced and built pipe organ.” This is important because there was also a piano and a harpsicord as well. When walking through the fellowship hall, I learned that TPC is quite musically inclined and has/is sponsoring various musical events for the community. When we were in worship, the music and the singing were very much present and vital to the service.
TPC is not a big congregation, but it is acting as a presence in their community, offering the blessings they possess to each other and to their neighbors, especially in planning events such as the music festivals. For me, the ride out and back was rewarding because I was able to meet the good folks at TPC! Thank you for being such wonderful hosts!
Blessings,
| | So Much Gratitude, and the Journey Continues: A Letter from Mission Worker Cindy Corell | | |
Since January 2013, it has been my great honor to serve as a mission co-worker in Presbyterian World Mission. I journeyed from “are you kidding me?” to “my goodness, it’s over.”
I’m not talking about time spent in my beloved Haiti. I’m talking about a great change. On March 24, World Mission concluded in connection with a decision made by the Interim Unified Agency of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.). In its place will be a new imagining of the way Presbyterians do mission in the world. Read more...
Above Photo: Fabienne Jean, coordinator of FONDAMA, and me in September 2018 visiting with folks from First Presbyterian Church in Fort Worth, Texas. Photo by Steve Christian.
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Now may the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you will abound in hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. Romans 15:13
How did your congregation or worshipping community participate in the National Day of Prayer? We'd love to hear all about it!
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Deadline to Nominate GA Commissioners & Alternates
May 12
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Deadline to Submit Reports, June Meeting
May 13
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Deadline to Request Time on Agenda, June Meeting
May 13
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SDOP Grant Workshop
May 13, 6 p.m.
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June Meeting Packet Available Online
May 27
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Family Camp
May 16-18
Camp Hanover
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Providence Presbyterian Church 200th Anniversary
May 25
Providence Presbyterian Church (Powhatan)
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Middle School Conferences
June and July
Massanetta Springs
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Bible and Church Music Conference: Wilderness Promise
July 20-26
Massanetta Springs
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2025 Presbyterian Youth Triennium: As If We Were Dreaming
July 28-31
Louisville, KY
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Called Together Retreat
July 28-31
Massanetta Springs
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Youth Director, Part-time (Clergy/Lay) - Meadows Presbyterian Church, Charlottesville, VA
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Office Administrator, Part-time (Lay) - The Gayton Kirk, Henrico, VA
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Covenant Pastor, Part-time (Clergy/CRE) - Byrd Presbyterian Church, Goochland, VA
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Guest Experience Specialist, Part-time (Clergy/Lay) - Camp Hanover, Mechanicsville, VA
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Summer Camp Staff, Part-time (Lay) - Camp Hanover, Mechanicsville, VA
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Covenant Pastor, Part-time (Clergy/CRE) - Providence Presbyterian Church, Powhatan
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Calls and Jobs in Nearby Presbyteries
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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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