Psalm 133: 1 NIV

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

Welcome and Happy New Year!

“For surely I know the plans I have for you, says the Lord, plans for your welfare and not for harm, to give you a future with hope.”

(Jeremiah 29:11)

Let us keep this in our hearts as we go forward in this new year and continue to strive to live together in unity!

Featured in this issue...

A. Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Recognition

B. Matthew 25 Summit & Rev. Dr. Diane Moffett's Matthew 25 Message

C. Rev. Dr. Heyward's Report of the President

D. Announcements- Barber-Scotia College, Southeast Region NBPC Conference

E. NBPC Membership and Contact Information

A - DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. 

Dr. Martin Luther King’s Great Legacy

By Joy Williams

As we confront ongoing challenges related to systemic racism, today, Martin Luther King Jr.’s message of justice, economic strength, and equity remains deeply relevant and impactful. Dr. King’s teachings continue to inspire us in our efforts to create a more just and equitable society. His writings and his legacy call upon us to recognize the inherent dignity and worth of each individual, regardless of race, ethnicity, or background.

Dr. King emphasized the importance of empathy, compassion, and understanding as fundamental principles in our interactions with others. In today’s world, these ideals are as critical as ever, as we strive to build communities and societies grounded in respect, dignity, and solidarity. His commitment to non-violent resistance and civil disobedience serves as a powerful reminder of the transformative potential of peaceful protest and activism. In a world marked by racism, division, and conflict, his advocacy for nonviolence underscores the importance of seeking constructive and peaceful avenues for addressing injustice and bringing about positive change.

As we reflect on Martin Luther King, Jr.’s message today, we are called to carry forward his legacy by actively engaging in efforts to dismantle systemic racism and foster a society where every individual can thrive.

B - MATTHEW 25 SUMMIT

First-Ever Matthew 25 Summit: A Sold-Out Invitation to Innovation

By Maureen Anderson

Mid-councils, churches, and individuals registered for the summit will gather this week at the historic New Life Presbyterian Church in College Park, Georgia to explore the Matthew 25 vision. What does it mean to eradicate poverty; how can we begin dismantling systemic racism; how will we know if we are building a vital congregation?

Immerse yourself in the remarkable journey of this event and help us document it! Capture memorable moments with your camera and jot down significant insights. We're eager to hear your personal experiences and perspectives. Please share your favorite photos and a key takeaway from the event with the NBPC Newsletter Team at info@nationalnbpc.org. Your contributions will help us create an even more engaging and comprehensive post-summit newsletter. Enjoy the summit!

Source: Matthew 25 Summit: An Invitation to Innovation https://www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/matthew-25-summit-an-invitation-to-innovation/

REPOST from July 2023

With the Matthew 25 Summit upon us, let us be reminded of Rev. Dr. Diane Moffett's message on Matthew 25.

Rev. Dr. Diane Moffett’s Message to the NBPC 47th Biennial

By Joy Williams

Many Black Presbyterians gathered from across the country to celebrate the 47th Biennial Convention in Charleston, South Carolina. The excitement of meeting in person was contagious as Black Presbyterians came together to worship and celebrate! The Caucus welcomed not only members and friends from around the country, but also General Assembly staff, Synod, and Presbytery representatives.

One of the speakers, during the event was Rev. Dr. Diane Moffett, who spoke from the Matthew 25 scripture and reminded us that God wants us to take a second look at how we serve, and how we treat those who are considered “the least of these”. She referenced how Matthew 25 churches and councils can unite the Black Presbyterian Church because it provides a natural platform for us to organize and work together, with one another, and other congregations outside Presbyterian churches. She spoke to how Matthew 25 works directly with the PCUSA’s mission to combat structural racism. The work of Matthew 25 is being done in churches across the country, and can be viewed on the program, “Viewpoint”, hosted by Dennis Quaid on your local public access channel or on the Presbyterian Mission Agency website.

Rev. Moffett reminded us, our Black Presbyterian ancestors did a lot more with a lot less than we have now, she continued, “Like Rev. Nelson said, the black Presbyterian church is not dying, it’s reforming!”

Click on the thumbnail below to watch the ViewPoint episode featuring Rev. Dr. Diane Moffett.

C - REPORT OF THE PRESIDENT

NBPC President Charles Heyward Shares Report of Term 2021-2023

WELCOME! On behalf of the National Board of Directors and The 47th Biennial Conference Planning Committee, a sincere Welcome is extended to each of you for your presence and participation in The Gathering of Black Presbyterians. Our time together is not just a traditional Caucus meeting, but more. It is a gathering of Black Presbyterians and those who support our: purpose, mission, worship, and fellowship, while learning together the reimagining of our shared ministries into the future. King David’s words highlight the kindred spirit of our time and purpose: “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”

(Psalm 133:1) 

Click here for the full Report of the President

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: ccheyward1@gmail.com. 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 - ANNOUNCEMENTS

Barber-Scotia College Announces its New Academic Programs

North Carolina- Barber-Scotia College (BSC) is pleased to announce five new academic programs that will be implemented in the Winter 2024 (Phase 1) semester. These programs include one graduate (Masters) and four undergraduate (Bachelors and Associates) programs. BSC welcomes all potential students who have the desire to succeed in the following academic schools: Divinity and Religious Studies; Business and Government; Health Science and Technology; and Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences. The application deadline to enroll for the Winter 2024 semester is February 6, 2024, and no late fee will be assessed. Students can enroll at any time of the year for the varied semesters; check out the academic calendar to find out more information.

New programs within these schools will be released in a multi-phased process over the next two years. Once Phase 1 has been successfully implemented, the College will then release information regarding the implementation of Phases 2 and 3. The new portfolio will include studies concentrated in Theology, Public Administration, HR Management, Criminal Justice, Cyber Security, Artificial Intelligence, Medical Assisting, Educational Studies, and many more.

President Chris Rey stated, “I want every student who comes through our programs, whether they are in science, business, the humanities, or the arts, to have a solid grounding in technology. Our focus is to integrate digital literacy across disciplines to create responsible leaders for the workforce future, and we believe these new programs will do just that.”

To learn more about Barber-Scotia's academic and admissions programs please visit https://b-sc.edu.

If you are interested in learning more about BSC programs, contact:

Academic Affairs – Dr. Jeffrey Weaver, (704) 789-2900, jweaver@b-sc.edu 

Admissions – Christopher Hinton, (704) 789-2900, chinton@b-sc.edu

To learn more about ways to support Barber-Scotia College, please visit:

https://b-sc.edu/barber-scotia-rising.

SAVE THE DATE for the 2024 Southeast Region NBPC Conference



Get ready for an exhilarating experience at the much-anticipated 2024 Southeast Region Conference! This year's event promises to be an inspiring celebration of unity, collaboration, and the incredible diversity that makes this region truly special.

The conference will be held July 19 – 20, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida. Come out and embrace the power of unity and explore the richness that comes from our diversity.

This year's theme, "One Body, Many Parts : Connecting for the Greater Good," emphasizes the strength we gain when we come together, each contributing our unique talents, perspectives, and experiences for the greater good.

What to Expect:

• Dynamic Speakers: Engage with thought-provoking speakers who will inspire and challenge us to strengthen our connections for the benefit of our communities.
• Interactive Workshops: Dive deep into topics that matter, fostering dialogue and equipping us to make a meaningful impact in our respective areas.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow members, leaders, and friends from across the region, building relationships that will extend far beyond the conference.
• Worship and Celebration: Come together in joyful worship, celebrating our shared mission and the incredible work being done throughout the Southeast Region.

Save the date, mark your calendars, and make plans to come to Jacksonville for an unforgettable experience. Let's celebrate our shared journey, embrace our differences, and forge connections that will empower us to make a positive impact in the communities we serve.

More details to come, including registration information.

Contact: Lauren Fields

President, Greater Atlanta Chapter, NBPC

(404) 914-3514

greateratlantanbpc@gmail.com

E. NBPC MEMBERSHIP & CONTACT INFORMATION