March 2, 2023

Information for ministers, educators, church administrators, clerks, and congregations

Join Us in Celebrating Women in March

March is Women's History Month, a time to celebrate and honor the achievements of women throughout history. This year's theme, “Celebrating Women Who Tell Our Stories," honors women in every community who have devoted their lives and talents to producing art and news, pursuing truth, and reflecting society decade after decade.

To launch Women's History Month, PC(USA)'s Racial Equity & Women’s Intercultural Ministries and Presbyterian Women hosted a worship service celebrating women on March 1. This worship reflected on Mary, her prayerful song, and the sisterhood between Mary and Elizabeth. Worship leader Rev. Marcia Mount Shoop, Ph.D., is head of staff at Grace Covenant Church in Asheville, North Carolina. Her sermon, based on Luke 1:45-56, was titled "Scattering, Shattering, and Mattering." The worship is available to view on Facebook.

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Share Your Thoughts on Youth Ministry

Presbyter Barbara Chalfant reminds you about the conversation on youth ministry she is hosting March 6. Youth and adults are invited to join at 7:00 p.m. via Zoom to discuss youth ministry from the presbytery. Request the Zoom credentials by emailing office@presbyteryofthejames.org by 2:00 p.m. Monday.

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Miller Approved as Candidate for Ministry

Congratulations to Hannah Miller, who was approved for candidacy for the ordered ministry of the Word and Sacrament on February 18 at the 113th presbytery meeting. Hannah is a member at First Church, Richmond.

Union Announces 2023 Dawe Lecturer

Dr. Leela Prasad will discuss Gandhi and the practice of generous orientation in her remarks as speaker for Union Seminary's 2023 Dawe Lecture on March 15. Sanmati, the practice of generous orientation, underlies Mahatma Gandhi’s moral ecology and ethic of pluralism. In Sanskrit, sanmati variously means goodwill, wisdom, good sense, or truth perceiving. Dr. Prasad will show how contemporary moments suffused with sanmati help us understand what Gandhi meant by “a religion which underlies all religions.” The lecture will be held at the Early Center Lake Chapel, Union Presbyterian Seminary, 3401 Brook Road, Richmond. It also will be live-streamed.

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New Option to Help Small Churches with Pastoral Vacancies

In October, the presbytery approved spiritual parishes as an option to help churches call and retain ordained clergy. This month, you're invited to join the Commission on Ministry at one of three information sessions about the spiritual parish. Pastors, clerks of session, and session members are encouraged to attend to learn about the possibilities a spiritual parish offers.

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On February 26, Presbytery of the James commissioned Scott Jackson (center, with green stole) as a commissioned pastor to serve Hawkins Memorial Church. A commissioned pastor is a ruling elder who has completed training and been approved by the presbytery to provide limited pastoral service as outlined in the Book of Order. Scott joins the company of seven other commissioned pastors in POJ. May God bless and lead Scott and this congregation in their journey together.