Information for ministers, educators, church administrators, clerks, and congregations | |
- POJ Closed July 4
- July 15 Deadlines for:
- Submitting Clerk Index Sheets
- Ordering Planning Calendars
- Spotlight on: Rev. Kerry's Latest POJ Travels & Celebrations
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- Accomplices vs. Allies: Immigration Sunday is July 6
- Presbyterian Peace Fellowship Events
- Kaleidescope Conference
- Church and Community Events
- Employment Opportunities
| | Attention Clerks: Index Sheets Due to Readers by July 15 | | Order Your PC(USA) Planning Calendars by July 15 | | Rev. Kerry's Latest POJ Travels & Celebrations | | |
The last couple of weeks have been busy for me (and all of us, I know!). Sunday, June 22, 2025, I was at Culpeper Presbyterian Church, leading their Sunday worship as well as meeting with their Session following worship. Ronda Williams, an elder from Kirk O’Cliff, was there to support the Session as there has been a transition at Culpeper. As all of us have experienced in our church life, pastors will accept new calls and therefore we will have to begin the process of finding a new pastor. Ronda was there on behalf of COM; I was there on behalf of all of us.
Our time of worship was truly wonderful—a full sanctuary, children attending children’s church, beautiful choir music, congregational singing, and, honestly, a lot of “meetin’ and greetin’” before and after worship. It was an uplifting day in both the sanctuary and the Session meeting.
My next outing was a modern version of a “circuit ride.” Rev. Katheryn Jackson and I visited churches in Petersburg, Hopewell, and Dinwiddie—stopping to walk the grounds of our sister churches and meeting with members at Gregory and Hawkins. I will worship with Gregory on July 27, and on October 26, I will celebrate the 120th anniversary of Hawkins. We covered a lot of territory to ensure I knew where our siblings live and worship. I’m looking forward to as many conversations and worship experiences as we can schedule.
I’ll share one observation: it seems Rivermont has replaced a portion of the accessibility ramp into their sanctuary. They had a good carpenter at work, it seems! (Not saying it was the Good Carpenter—but certainly a good one!) For a first-time visitor, this simple maintenance work is an an inviting thing to see. Good work, Rivermont!
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Kerry
PS: For those who have ever attended a meeting of most any sort, there comes a time when someone will “take a moment of personal privilege,”--and this is mine.
This past Saturday, June 28, 2026, I had the joy of being the proud father of the bride as my daughter was married. She graciously asked me to serve as the officiant. My son had the honor of escorting his sister down the aisle; I was blessed in securing the blessings of family, church, and God over their marriage. Thank you, River Road Presbyterian Church, for hosting this event for one of your own, and for letting a dad have such a blessed part of the wedding!
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Immigration Sunday is July 6:
Accomplices vs. Allies and Our Call from Christ to Deliver Justice
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The below excerpt is from the June 24, 2025 Presbyterian Disaster Assistance blog:
Now more than ever we need to stand with migrants in our communities. Christ calls us to stand for those marginalized in our society. He calls us to justice. King David in Proverbs 89:14 writes, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your [God’s] throne; love and faithfulness go before you.” Jesus also reminds us in Matthew 25:
34 “Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world...
37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink?...
40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
To be Christian is to have righteousness, justice, love, and faithfulness as the cornerstones of our faith.
Christ calls us to do more than talk the talk. He calls for us to take action. An ally is someone who stands with the oppressed and speaks up for those who cannot speak up. Prayer and vocal support are important always. However, prayer and vocal support alone will not help those who are most vulnerable right now.
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Summer Action Circles
July 10 - Aug. 14
Learn how to Transform Unwanted Guns into Garden Tools and Art
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Register HERE for Noon ET Or Register HERE for 7:30 p.m. ET
Action Circles are Six Thursdays on Zoom, 1 Hour Per Week & 1 Hour of Preparation
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Gun Violence & Christian Ethics Webinar with Dr. David Lincicum, Professor of Christian Ethics, Notre Dame University
July 24 Noon ET
Register HERE. Sponsored by the Presbyterian Office of Public Witness PC(U.S.A.)
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James Atwood Institute for Congregational Courage
Sept. 24- 27, 2025
Massanetta Springs Conference Center, Harrisonburg, VA
Build Skills, Courage & Friends for Gun Violence Prevention
Bring the biggest team and win a scholarship and surprise gift! Learn more and register HERE.
| | | Stewardship Kaleidoscope is an annual conference offering excellent plenary speakers, informative workshop leaders, provocative worship experiences, and incredible networking opportunities for all passionate about stewardship and generosity. Drawing leaders from across the Presbyterian Church (PCUSA), the Lutheran Church (ELCA), and other ecumenical partners, Stewardship Kaleidoscope is designed to help participants explore stewardship in its many colorful dimensions! Grants and scholarships are available. | | |
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POJ Office Closed / Staff Holiday
July 4
Independence Day
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Guatemala Mission Week
July 14-21
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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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Band Director, Part-time (Lay) - Westminster Presbyterian Church, Richmond
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Covenant Pastor, Part-time (Clergy/CRE) - Providence Presbyterian Church (Powhatan), Powhatan County, VA
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Youth Ministry Coordinator, Part-time (Clergy/Lay) - First Presbyterian Church, Richmond, VA
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Pastor-Chaplain, Full-time (Clergy) - College Presbyterian Church (PCUSA) and Hampden-Sydney College, Hampden Sydney, VA
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Youth Director, Full-time (Clergy/Lay) - Wayne Presbyterian Church, Wayne, PA
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Calls and Jobs in Nearby Presbyteries
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HAVE NEWS TO SHARE WITH THE POJ?
The Current is published weekly. Submit an announcement for an upcoming issue by emailing our associate for communications with the word "newsletter" somewhere in the subject line. Submissions due Thursdays at noon for the following week. Send text (including a link to your website/Facebook page) in the body of your email or in an attachment. Attach photos to your email if desired.
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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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