A Friendly Reminder . . .
In an effort to help maintain social distancing to combat the coronavirus, the Presbytery office is currently closed to visitors. Most staff are working remotely and email will be monitored and answered in a timely manner. Emergency contact information can be found at the end of this communication. Stay safe!
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Meet and Three Lunch
Tuesday, March 16th from 12:00-1:00 p.m.
The Small Church Committee is hosting another “meet and three” Zoom gathering on Tuesday, March 16th from 12:00-1:00 p.m.! The topic this time will focus on Easter and Holy Week preaching. Remember to bring a lunch if desired, and up to three illustrations, resources, or ideas for Easter preaching that have been helpful in your Easter proclamations. If you can’t think of any off hand, come all the same, as it is always good to catch up and check in.
Here is the ZOOM LINK for the meeting. Hope you can join us! |
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CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
Calvary Presbyterian Church, Asheville
Continuing our third in the series of celebrating the accomplishments and stories of African Americans during Black History Month, today’s story is on the rich history and contributions of Calvary Presbyterian Church in Asheville, NC.
To read about Calvary, please click here.
Peace,
Rev. Dr. Byron A. Wade
General Presbyter
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Provided by PWNC's Peace & Justice Committee
As Christians we are called to walk in the way of Jesus. The Gospels reveal that Christ came for the whole person and the wellbeing of the society. Jesus made his way past geographical boundaries as well as invisible boundaries constructed by systemic sin. He did not let that which divides humanity from one another to keep him from reaching out to all people whether it was the Pharisee or Samaritan, the proud or meek, the righteous or the sinner, and the slave or free. God’s love for the world revealed in Jesus Christ knows no bounds.
In an effort to bear witness to Jesus Christ, our Presbytery has engaged in the Matthew 25 vision for the church and community. This is a call for us to be actively engaged in our communities by working toward:
· Building congregational vitality
· Dismantling structural racism
· Eradicating systemic poverty
The Peace and Justice Committee is tasked in taking the lead on dismantling structural racism. The Presbyterian Mission agency explains that this is a call involving “breaking down the laws, policies, practices and structures that reinforce and perpetuate discrimination, bias, prejudice and oppression of ‘people of color.’”[1]
In this season of Lent, we are invited to a journey of discovery. It is one thing to confess the sin of racism and white supremacy. But, in a spirit of repentance we also are encouraged to turn and return to God’s command to love our neighbors and respond to people who are ignored with understanding, compassion and justice.
We are called to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. May the resources provided help us all work for the kingdom Jesus began in his birth, pushes us into with his Spirit, and will bring to completion in his power.
[1] Matthew 25 Bible Study For prayer and reflection, (Louisville: PC (USA) Presbyterian Mission Agency), 17.
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Attention KBR Recipients! |
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For Honorably Retired Pastors receiving the bi-annual Kate B. Reynolds stipend, Wells Fargo has indicated that the K-1 Forms will be mailed out by March 15, 2021. We have been receiving inquiries about 1099 Forms and the following is from Wells Fargo to that regard: "The ministers will only get K-1's. K-1's are for beneficiaries of private foundations versus a 1099, which is typically for contractor payment of services."
We thank you for your patience and efforts. For questions, contact Cam Murchison, Stated Clerk.
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Souper Bowl of Caring
If your congregation participated in Souper Bowl of Caring, please remember to record your congregation’s participation with the presbytery by emailing Billy Robinson at [email protected].
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Our own Reverend Dr. Byron A. Wade talks about how spending time in mourning and grief after a traumatic event, such as the death of a loved one or a crisis in the church or family, can help us on our path to wholeness and healing.
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A Lenten Journey to Peace and Wholeness
Shared from Presbyterian Mission Agency (PCUSA)
Lent is all about spiritual renewal. It is a sacred time of preparation for Easter and a time to reflect on what God has done to redeem us and how we can live a whole and full life as a child of God.
Many of us see Lent as a season of penitence, fasting, service and contemplation — but at the top of our list should be a prayer for the acquisition of peace. In our devotional this year, we invite you to reflect upon the gift of shalom, the Hebrew word with a host of meanings: peace, security, well-being, health, completeness. Our spiritual goal: exploring how can we receive this gift of shalom and, in turn, bestow it upon the world.
Now, more than ever, we deeply crave shalom. Our world is in desperate need of peace. The United States has just come out of a contentious election, a struggle with a global pandemic, and painful racial violence. Poverty, misery and despair fill many corners of the world. Yes, we desire peace. We need peace.
Every week from Ash Wednesday (February 17) through Easter (April 4), this year’s devotional focuses on shalom — and what it can mean in our lives and how we can bring it to the world. We explore themes of justice, peace, healing, hope, repairing and reconciliation. You’ll find Scripture readings along with beautiful meditations and prayers written by the director and staff of the Presbyterian Office of Public Witness in Washington: the Rev. Jimmie Hawkins, Catherine Gordon and Christian Brooks. You’ll be challenged and moved — and hopefully, spiritually enriched.
The Way to Shalom is online and free for download or printing. You’re invited to use it, share it, excerpt from it and make it your spiritual companion this Lent.
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Lunch with the GP
Our General Presbyter, Byron Wade, is available for a virtual lunch date! These were highly successful last year and this opportunity allows him to get to know more people in the Presbytery. The lunch dates will be at noon each Thursday using Zoom and will last up to an hour. The remaining available date for March is March 25.
The virtual lunches are open to Ministers, Commissioned Ruling Elders, Christian Educators, youth workers, or anyone! If you would like to schedule a date, please contact Byron at [email protected] or call/text his mobile at 828/430-1515. |
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Winter 2021
The Summer Countdown Begins
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Camp is coming! Even though it's winter, we're always thinking summer and the time to register is NOW! Spots are filling quickly and spaces are limited so be sure to check out our dates, rates, and registration page and sign up TODAY
For Camp Grier's most recent communication, visit this link.
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An Invitation ~
As a pastor, gerontologist, hospice chaplain, and spiritual director, I invite any of you who are seeking spiritual nurture in the midst of this troubling, exhausting liminal space in which we find ourselves, to become part of a Sacred Circle.
Years ago, I began offering persons who were in the midst of any kind of challenge to become part of a Sacred Circle. Since that time, I have nurtured Sacred Circles in every place where I have served. Presently, I have several Sacred Circles consisting of both clergy and lay folks from various presbyteries throughout the denomination. Sacred Circles are not counselling sessions, but a sacred space for spiritual nurture and discernment—seeking God in the midst of the ordinary and not so ordinary days.
This ministry has been endorsed by the Christian Education Committee of the Presbytery. If you are interested in being part of one of these Sacred Circles (which now gather virtually of course) or learning more about this invitation, feel free to contact me via email: [email protected]
Peace,
Rev. Dr. Beverly Thompson
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Spring 2021 Preview
New Continuing Education Events Added
Upcoming Pathways Online Courses
These online courses meet weekly for five-weeks, one class meeting per week. Class sizes are limited. Waiting lists will be generated, as needed.
Mission & Evangelism (Pathways Online Course)
Led by: Dr. Aram Bae, Adjunct Instructor
Dates: Tuesdays, February 16 - March 16, 2021
Preaching the Bible (Pathways Online Course)
Led by: Dr. Rich Voelz, Associate Professor of Teaching & Worship
Dates: Thursdays, February 25 – March 25, 2021
Worship & Sacraments (Pathways Online Course)
Led by: Dr. Paul Galbreath, Professor of Theology
Dates: Thursdays, April 15 – May 13, 2021
NEW Course Offering Polity & Administration II (Pathways Online Course)
Led by: Rev. Carson Rhyne, Adjunct Instructor
Dates: Tuesdays, April 27 – May 25, 2021
For more information on these and other offerings, click this link.
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Helpful Resources for
Church Leadership
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is providing resources for pastors and leaders of congregations in this time of rising COVID rates. The resources offered include –
• A Faith Leader Tool Kit which includes sample talking points for congregational
leaders
• Places of Worship Guidance
• Mental Health Helplines
• No-Cost Community Testing Events
Click here to access material that has been pooled for our members and churches, and to find other helpful resources for ministering in these unprecedented times.
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Free Monthly Seminars Offered
The Soul Repair Center at Brite Divinity School is offering a series of free monthly webinars designed to support veterans who have experienced moral injury in their service to country. Center director, the Rev. Dr. Nancy Ramsay who now lives in Black Mountain, describes the webinars this way: “The programming is to provide resources for religious leaders, chaplains (military, VA, and hospital), and professional caregivers who seek to support veterans and their families affected by moral injury. There are very few congregations in the PCUSA without such veterans since moral injury is a new term for injury as ancient as war. There are also lots of resources at the site. All webinars will be available at our site after they air and they’ll also be on the VOA YouTube channel.”
A link to upcoming seminars as well as recordings of previous ones are available here.
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Click the button below to see current job
opportunities in our area.
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PWNC OFFICE HOURS
Monday - Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
Rev. Dr. Byron Wade ~ 828/430-1515
Rev. Dr. Cameron Murchison, Jr. ~ 404/556-8041
Rev. Billy Robinson ~ 828/448-2153
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