In advance of reading this Easter message, please read Acts 10:34-43. One commentator has said that these nine verses in Acts 10, Peter’s sermon to the Roman centurion Cornelius and his family, are the finest summary of the gospel. I call it the “crux” of the…
This time of pandemic has been a period of uncertainty and waiting. Waiting for healing, and direction, and answers, for ourselves, our congregations, and for Camp Hanover. Throughout this time, Camp Hanover, its staff, and the Board of Directors have remained hopeful. Through that hope…
As the COVID-19 pandemic wears on, food insecurity (lack of consistent access to food) continues to challenge individuals and families in our community. Cars line up, sometimes for miles, waiting to receive needed items from food banks and pop-up distribution events. Through soup kitchens, walk-in…
Ministers and commissioners at the 107th stated meeting approved a strategic plan that will guide Presbytery of the James into the future. The plan includes a new mission and a staffing structure to fulfill the mission. The mission addresses challenging times facing the presbytery and…
In late 2020, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Richmond received a generous gift from New Hanover Church in Mechanicsville. After selling a piece of land, the church used a portion of the proceeds to purchase a 15-passenger van for IRC Richmond. IRC provides opportunities…
I worshipped with Campbell Memorial Church the day after the presbytery met. Jim Moseley was preaching on one of my favorite texts from Hebrews. Listen for God’s word: “Let us think about each other and help each other to show love and do good deeds.…
By Rick Jones, Office of the General Assembly The co-moderators of the 224th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) say churches need to step out of their comfort zones to bridge the divide in race relations across the country. On February 1, Ruling Elder…
The presbytery meeting will proceed as planned on Saturday, February 20. Presbytery of the James (POJ) will hold its 107th stated meeting on February 20 virtually using Zoom. This memo outlines the plans that have been developed and the steps that attendees should take to…
On February 1 at 6:00 p.m., the co-moderators of the 224th General Assembly (2020) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) visit Presbytery of the James virtually for a conversation on race and the Church. As the elected leaders of the denomination, Ruling Elder Elona Street-Stewart and Teaching…
The year 2020 presented many challenges for us as individuals and as congregations. We are experiencing the effects of a pandemic, the challenges of economic and racial disparity throughout the world, and the stress of not being able to be together with friends and family…