Everyone Has a Calling - Ours Is Helping You!

PRC Mt Sinai

631-821-2255

233 North Country Rd., Mt Sinai NY 11766

Mt Sinai Congregational Church

Wed, Thurs 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM 

Sat by appointment

PRC West Islip

631-486-4350

109 Udall Rd., West Islip NY 11795


Westminster United Presbyterian Church

Monday -Friday 
9am to 2pm

Timely resources are regularly shared. Click to follow and join!

PRC - Practical Resources for Churches

Cultivate Faith with PRC Facebook page 

Cultivate Faith with PRC YouTube

In this issue


Am I a Member??


Cohorts


Upcoming & Previous Webinars


Visit our Online Resource Center

 

Sexual Harassment Prevention Training


Hands to Work, Hearts to God Craft Group


Join our Virtual Book Club


New Job listings at the top of the list

Am I a Member???


Did you ever think, I could use some help?

Everyone Has a Calling - Ours Is Helping You



PRC membership includes individuals, congregations, and entire judicatories—and you may already have access through your church.


Reach out to us by phone or email, and we’ll be happy to help you find out what’s available to you.


Members of participating judicatories can borrow resources, connect with a consultant, take part in select member events, and more!


Take a look at what you get at the different levels.


Member Church $200

Member Church $300

Judicatory level $10 per Congregation

Judicatory level $15 per Congregation

Judicatory level $20 per Congregation


Here is the link to the newly revised

Sunday School Curriculum Overview booklet.


Fall Cohorts


PRC - Practical Resources for Churches is glad to introduce you to our partner Church Training Center Once you purchase a Cohort you will receive an invitation to a private space where they will have access to the links.



The Ministry of Money: Foundations for Faithful Financial Leadership

Church finance is not only a technical responsibility. It is a ministry of trust, clarity, accountability, and mission.


Monday nights at 7:00 pm Eastern

September 14, September 21, September 28, October 5

Registration deadline September 8th


This Cohort is for leaders who want to strengthen financial practices without separating money from ministry, mission, and faithful discernment

 

The Ministry of Money: Foundations for Faithful Financial Leadership is a four-week formation cohort for church treasurers, finance committee members, pastors, board members, and ministry leaders who want to approach financial leadership with both practical wisdom and spiritual grounding.

 

Facilitated by Keith Clark-Hoyos, this cohort invites participants to reframe the financial life of the church as part of its ministry. The work of budgets, reports, fiduciary responsibility, and financial communication is not separate from the church’s Calling. These practices shape trust, support discernment, and help the congregation understand how its resources serve its mission.

 

What Participants Will Explore

Over four weeks, participants will reflect on:

The treasurer’s role as a sacred assignment

Financial leadership as a ministry of trust

The spiritual dimensions of fiduciary responsibility

How financial language can build clarity or create anxiety

How reports tell the financial story of the church

How budgeting can become a ministry tool, not only a balancing exercise

How financial clarity supports congregational confidence and faithful decision-making

 

Who This Cohort Is For

This cohort is especially appropriate for:

Church treasurers

Assistant treasurers

Finance committee members

Pastors

Board and council members

Stewardship leaders

Congregational leaders who help interpret financial information or participate in budget decisions

 

Cohort Structure

This is a four-week cohort with one live session each week. Each session includes centering, guided dialogue, shared reflection, and practical connection to the participant’s own church context.

The four sessions are:

A Sacred Assignment

Reframing the treasurer’s role as ministry and recognizing why financial leadership matters.

Spiritual Leadership and Financial Language

Exploring fiduciary responsibility, accountability, and the language churches use around money.

Building Trust Through Financial Reporting

Understanding reports as tools for clarity, trust, and mission interpretation.

Budgeting as a Ministry Tool

Connecting budget practices with Calling, alignment, and faithful stewardship.

 

Why This Matters

Many church leaders inherit financial practices without much training, shared language, or theological grounding. Reports may be accurate but hard to understand. Budgets may be balanced but disconnected from mission. Treasurers and finance leaders may carry significant responsibility without enough support. This cohort helps participants approach church finance as a ministry of clarity. It is designed to strengthen the way leaders interpret financial information, communicate with care, and connect money to the congregation’s Calling.



Invitation

PRC invites church financial leaders, pastors, and governing body members to participate in this four-week cohort as a way of strengthening financial clarity, trust, and mission-centered leadership in the life of the church.

 

Individual Price $169 per person or a Church or Judicotory could purchase the cohort for $699.00 for all their congregation memebers.

 

You can use your PRC Discount, 10%, 15% or 20% if your Judiatory is a member. Not sure if you have a discount, email info@prcli.org


Click here to get to the PRC Store to pay for the Cohort group

 

Once you register you will get a communication from the presenter.

 

To register email charlaine@prcli.org


__________________________________________________


Rooted in the Call: The Sacred Work of the Mission Keeper

7:00 pm Eastern

September 17, September 24, October 1, October 8

Registration deadline September 8th


Rooted in the Call: The Sacred Work of the Mission Keeper

The chairperson’s role is not only to manage meetings. At its best, the role helps a governing body remain grounded in the church’s Calling, attentive to the Spirit, and faithful to the mission entrusted to the congregation.


Rooted in the Call: The Sacred Work of the Mission Keeper is a four-week formation cohort for church chairpersons, moderators, board chairs, council leaders, and other governing body leaders who want to lead with spiritual grounding, clarity, and discernment.


Facilitated by Keith Clark-Hoyos, this cohort invites participants to reframe the work of chairing as a sacred leadership responsibility. The chairperson helps shape the tone of meetings, the quality of conversation, the depth of discernment, and the way a board or council remains connected to the church’s mission.


What Participants Will Explore

Over four weeks, participants will reflect on:

  • The chairperson’s role as Mission Keeper
  • The difference between meeting management and spiritual leadership
  • How Calling, Energy, Resources, and Discernment shape leadership
  • How to create agendas that serve discernment, not efficiency alone
  • How to facilitate dialogue that becomes more than debate
  • How policies, practices, annual rhythms, and board culture can remain anchored in mission
  • How the chairperson strengthens collaboration between board, pastor, and congregation

Who This Cohort Is For

This cohort is especially appropriate for:

  • Church chairpersons
  • Moderators
  • Board chairs
  • Council leaders
  • Governing body officers
  • Committee chairs
  • Pastors who work closely with board or council leaders
  • Congregational leaders preparing for future chairing responsibilities

Cohort Structure

This is a four-week cohort with one live session each week. Each session includes centering, guided dialogue, shared reflection, and practical connection to the participant’s own leadership context.

The four sessions are:

  1. The Call of the Mission Keeper
  2. Understanding the sacred role of the chairperson as Mission Keeper.
  3. Roots of Leadership
  4. Leadership identity grounded in Calling, Energy, Resources, and Discernment.
  5. Leading with Discernment
  6. Shaping agendas, listening for the Spirit, and facilitating meaningful dialogue.
  7. Anchoring in Mission
  8. Translating policy to practice, honoring the rhythm of the year, and nurturing the whole body.


Why This Matters

Many chairpersons inherit the role without much preparation. They may know how to open a meeting, follow an agenda, or call for a vote, but they may not have been formed to understand the spiritual influence their role carries.


A chairperson helps determine whether meetings become rushed, reactive, anxious, procedural, or discerning. The way a chairperson prepares, listens, frames conversation, and invites participation can shape the spiritual health of the entire governing body.


This cohort helps leaders chair with greater attentiveness. Participants will be invited to consider how their leadership can create space for trust, clarity, shared wisdom, and deeper alignment with the church’s Calling.


Invitation

PRC invites chairpersons, moderators, board chairs, council leaders, pastors, and emerging governing body leaders to participate in this four-week cohort as a way of strengthening the spiritual and practical work of church leadership.


Individual Price $169 per person or

A Church or Judicotory could purchase the cohort for $699.00 for all their congregation memebers.

 

You can use your PRC Discount, 10%, 15% or 20% if your Judiatory is a member. Not sure if you have a discount, email info@prcli.org


Click here to get to the PRC Store to pay for the Cohort group



Once you register you will get a communication from the presenter.

 

To register email charlaine@prcli.org

New and Refreshed PRC Cohorts



Child Protection Policy Cohort: Join this interactive, 3-month guided cohort designed specifically for pastors, Christian educators, and ministry leaders. Over three 1-hour monthly sessions, you’ll receive expert direction, peer feedback, and hands-on accountability to construct, implement, and operationalize a customized Child Protection Policy for your unique congregation. Spaces are limited- reserve your spot today.

 

Formation Lab Cohort: Formation Lab is a nine-month collaborative cohort designed to equip and support ministry leaders as they plan, experiment, and grow in faith formation ministry. Meeting monthly from September through May, participants will engage in a mix of collaborative “lab” sessions for shared planning and problem-solving alongside guest-led conversations focused on intergenerational ministry, seasonal worship planning, community engagement, and creative practices for connecting faith beyond the church walls. Created for leaders seeking practical support, fresh ideas, and meaningful connection with peers, Formation Lab offers a space to explore innovative ministry approaches rooted in faith and responsive to the changing needs of congregations and communities. $300 for the series of sessions running from September through May. We can fit one more person- reserve your spot here.

 

Children’s Ministry Cohort: Standard

Leading children’s ministry in the modern church is both incredibly rewarding and uniquely challenging. From volunteer recruitment to shifting family schedules, you shouldn't have to navigate these waters alone. You need a space to troubleshoot, dream, and prepare with colleagues who truly understand the joys and struggles of this sacred work. Our Children’s Ministry Cohort is an ongoing, monthly collaborative space designed to support, resource, and inspire you. Together, we step away from the daily to-do list to focus on what matters most: nurturing the faith of the youngest members of our communities. This isn't a lecture series —.it is an interactive, peer-led roundtable where we combine research, practical troubleshooting, and collaborative planning to help your ministry thrive. What We Do Together Each Month In each 90-minute session, our cohort focuses on four core pillars: Relevant Research: We dive into current trends in family ministry, child development, and faith formation to keep your programming relevant. Collaborative Troubleshooting: Bring your real-time challenges—whether it's volunteer burnout, low attendance, or curriculum choices — and crowdsource practical...

$150.00 Buy Now


Children’s Ministry Cohort: Premium Membership with 10% store discount

Leading children’s ministry in the modern church is both incredibly rewarding and uniquely challenging. From volunteer recruitment to shifting family schedules, you shouldn't have to navigate these waters alone. You need a space to troubleshoot, dream, and prepare with colleagues who truly understand the joys and struggles of this sacred work. Our Children’s Ministry Cohort is an ongoing, monthly collaborative space designed to support, resource, and inspire you. Together, we step away from the daily to-do list to focus on what matters most: nurturing the faith of the youngest members of our communities. This isn't a lecture series—it is an interactive, peer-led roundtable where we combine research, practical troubleshooting, and collaborative planning to help your ministry thrive. What We Do Together Each Month In each 90-minute session, our cohort focuses on four core pillars: Relevant Research: We dive into current trends in family ministry, child development, and faith formation to keep your programming relevant. Collaborative Troubleshooting: Bring your real-time challenges—whether it's volunteer burnout, low attendance, or curriculum choices—and crowdsource practical...

$225.00 Buy Now


Interested? email elizabeth@prcli.org

PRC's 2026 Online events

 

All webinars are recorded. Click the title to register or read the description.

See the full list of upcoming webinars here.


If you have a topic or a presenter you are interested in send us an email


Jesus Was a Changemaker–Your Congregants Can Be Too

Tuesday, September 1, 2026

2:00 – 3:00 PM EDT

Leaders – The Changemaker Initiative


Church Closure? You mean Religious Corporation Dissolution

Thursday, September 3, 2026

2:00 – 3:00 PM EDT

Leader – William McManus

Grant Writing for Mission and Ministry 

Thursday, September 10, 2026 

2:00 – 3:00 PM EDT 

Leader – Micháela Murray 


Becoming a Church the Community Thanks God For

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

2:00 – 3:00 PM EDT

Leader – Brett DeHart

Building a Digital Bridge

Thursday, September 17, 2026

2:00 – 3:00 PM EDT

Leaders – Cassie Waits and Joe Evans


What Matters: Unlock your Church’s Hidden Potential

Thursday, September 24, 2026

2:00 – 3:00 PM EDT

Leaders – The Changemaker Initiative


Not Sure How to “Do Justice”? Start with Listening

Thursday, September 29, 2026

2:00 – 3:00 PM EDT

Leaders – Joy Skjegstad and Heidi Unruh


More than a Moment: Children in Worship

Thursday, October 1, 2026

2:00 – 3:00 PM EDT

Leader – Erin Reed Cooper


Not Just Sundays: Leading the Church in a Changed Culture

Tuesday, October 20, 2026

2:00 – 3:00 PM EDT

Leader: Rev. Dr. Jevon Caldwell-Gross


Discover How Your Congregation Is Gifted for Justice

Thursday, October 22, 2026 

2:00 – 3:00 PM EDT 

Leaders – Joy Skjegstad and Heidi Unruh 


What to Do About Stewardship When a Well-Loved Pastor Leaves

Tuesday, October 27, 2026

2:00 – 3:00 PM EDT

Leader - Cesie Delve Scheuermann


Gen Gap Lab: Understanding Today’s Young Adults

Thursday, October 29, 2026

2:00 – 3:00 PM EDT

Leaders – The Changemaker Initiative


Simple, Inexpensive Ideas for Community Outreach: Less Can Be More 

Tuesday, November 10, 2026 

2:00 – 3:00 PM EDT 

Leaders – Joy Skjegstad and Heidi Unruh


Did you miss these webinars? Click for the recordings

January to August 2026 recorded webinars


Most Watched

Life After Publisher: Mastering Page Layout with Affinity

Time Management for Pastors: practical helps and deeper considerations

Church Bullies 

5 Steps to Help Your Church Be Friendlier to Guests  

Guests have arrived at church!! Will I ever see them again?  

Increase Giving through “Story-Listening”  


Full Day VBS Roundtable Discussion

Cross-Cultural Ministries  

Welcoming New Friends During Lent: Easy, Inexpensive Ideas to Connect  

Resisting Erasure and Isolation as Pathway to Belonging  

Using Artificial Intelligence to Create Stewardship Campaigns  

5 Steps to Help Your Church Be Friendlier to Guests    

Fields of Green: Unlocking Ministry Potential through Asset Stewardship  

Let There be (Lower Cost) Light: US Fluorescent Lamp Bans and Your Church 

The Generosity Journey: From Financial Fatigue to Spiritual Momentum 

The Role of the Legacy Church Pastor 

When your church experiences deep hurt: practical steps toward healing 

When Bylaws Become Barriers 

Effective Budget Planning  

Being the Helper: Trauma Informed Care for Young Children 

Leadership Transitions; Succession Planning for Church Leaders 

Contemplative Community Listening as an Act of Resistance 

When Giving is Flat; Faithful Response Beyond Panic 

Financial Transparency That Builds Trust (Not Anxiety)

You can take this training any time during the year

This training is 90 miniutes

charlaine@prcli.org


Anti-Harassment & Sexual Harassment Prevention Training

 Leader - Patti Berner


Tuesday, September 22, 2026

2:30 - 4:00 PM EDT 


Tuesday, September 22, 2026

2:30 - 4:00 PM EDT 


Thursday, Oct 15, 2026

10:00 – 11:30 AM EDT 


Wednesday, Nov. 11, 2026

4:00 – 5:30 PM EST 


Tuesday, Dec. 8, 2026

2:00 – 3:30 PM EST 


Annual fee for churches not affiliated with a member judicatory $75.00 .

Judicatories can take a membership that will cover all their churches. 

Join Hands to Work, Hearts to God Crafting group 


Gather monthly on the third Thursday, 7:00–8:00 pm via Zoom. Bring your “lap work” and connect through creativity and community.


Join an Online Book Club  


Meet every other month (January, March, May, July, September, and November) on the second Saturday from 11:00 am–12:00 pm via Zoom. Enjoy thoughtful conversation around bestsellers, Christian fiction, and uplifting reads in a welcoming community.


If interested in either, please call or email Karen Smith at PRC

Phone: 631-821-2255

Email:  karen@prcli.org


September 12 - BOOK CLUB - WHEN CRICKETS CRY by Charles Martin

JOBS

Practical Resources for Churches (PRC), a nonprofit organization serving congregations through consulting, education, and practical ministry resources, is seeking a part-time Executive Director. This leadership position (15–20 hours per week) offers flexible remote or on-site work in West Islip or Mt. Sinai, NY.



The Executive Director will provide strategic leadership, oversee operations and fundraising, support staff, and help expand PRC's outreach to faith communities worldwide. Compensation starts at $25 per hour, commensurate with experience.


Click for a full job description, send a resume and cover letter to info@prcli.org. Applications will be accepted through August 31, 2026.

FPC Franklin, in Franklin, TN, is seeking a part-time Coordinator of Children & Family Ministry position.

Full Job Description

The Coordinator of Children & Family Ministry at First Presbyterian Church in Franklin, TN is an integral team member in fulfilling the mission of the church of “responding to God’s grace through worship, study, and service”. The role provides leadership to ministry with children (birth-5th grade) and their families, playing a key role in fostering a culture of connection and inviting families into deeper relationship with one another and with God. Specific current offerings include Sunday School with Sunday morning music, Children’s Worship, Time with the Young Church (children’s message), and Wednesday night programming as well as seasonal special events. A robust volunteer base is in place and ready to receive continued leadership, support, and training. This part-time role (20-30 hours per week) reports to the Interim Senior Pastor and collaborates with church staff as well as the Children’s Ministry Team.

All resumes and inquiries can be directed to colson@fpcfranklin.org by 10/29/26.

The First Congregational Church, in Ridgefield, CT, is seeking a part-time Director of Faith Formation with 2 months of paid summers off work. All resumes and inquiries can be directed to the person listed in the job description at FCC-Ridgefield-Job-Description.pdf.

First Presbyterian Church of Evanston is seeking a Director of Youth and Family Ministries to lead a strong, well-supported ministry in a diverse, progressive, and intergenerational community. Located near Lake Michigan and Northwestern University, our church is committed to knowing, following, and serving Jesus Christ.

This role will oversee a dynamic ministry that includes youth groups, summer mission trips, family small groups, and the annual Christmas pageant. Working alongside a collaborative staff team and with solid administrative support, the director will help shape a ministry that forms children and youth for a lasting life of faith.

We are looking for a thoughtful, relational leader who can build on a strong foundation and guide the next season of growth. This is an opportunity to serve in a community that values both deep tradition and meaningful outreach.

Interested candidates should submit cover letter and resume to jobs@firstpresevanston.org.

We know every ministry is unique, and we want to serve you with resources that truly support your work. You can now choose which PRC emails you receive, making it easier to stay connected to the updates, tools, and opportunities that matter most to you.


Whether you're looking for event news, faith formation resources, or leadership support, you’re in control of what reaches your inbox.


👇 Update your preferences here

Parish Resource Center of Long Island, Inc.,
dba PRC-Practical Resources for Churches,
is a nonprofit, 501(c) (3), non-denominational, education-based organization providing knowledgeable consultants, workshops and practical/multi-media resources supporting the mission and ministry of faith communities locally, regionally and nationally. Our goal is to provide faith communities time-effective; cost efficient; and results-oriented programs and services supporting mission and ministry within their churches and, through them, to the larger community.
PRC is registered with the New York State Charities Bureau.
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