While Gregory Memorial Church seats close to 200 comfortably, we tend to count it a good Sunday if we come close to about 25 percent of that. While some might find that disheartening, such a view overlooks the gifts that are in abundant evidence from…
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention updated its mask guidance on Tuesday, July 27, to recommend that fully vaccinated people wear masks indoors when in areas with “substantial” and “high” transmission of COVID-19, which includes nearly two-thirds of all US counties. This is to prevent…
An ongoing grant from POJ’s Hunger Ministry is helping mission partner CEDEPCA (Protestant Center for Pastoral Education) address hunger needs in Guatemala that have deepened due to the pandemic caused by COVID-19. With the grant funds, CEDEPCA purchases high-quality, non-genetically-modified seeds for crops such as…
As a Matthew 25 church, Second Church in Richmond is called to feed the hungry, welcome the stranger, and care for the sick. They are also called to build a more just society, seeking to eliminate the root causes of violence, racism, poverty, and inequality.…
Scottsville Presbyterian is a small church making a big impact on their local community. The church’s annual budget devotes 22 percent to mission expenditures. Some of that is dedicated to two funds created in 2018 to provide grants to people and organizations in Scottsville and…
Youth Ministry has concluded for 2020-2021 after an entire program season on Zoom. Despite the unusual circumstances, Youth Council members developed and demonstrated leadership in new and wonderful ways this year. These include leading the worship service for the presbytery’s 106th stated meeting in October…
The past year has revealed the resilience and determination with which all POJ congregations continued to be in ministry. This has been especially so for smaller congregations with fewer than 100 members. Nearly two-thirds of POJ’s 98 congregations fall into this category, ranging in size…
Colleen Earp Colleen Earp, who has been the presbytery’s associate for youth ministry since the fall of 2014, concluded her service on June 30. During her time in Presbytery of the James, Earp also served as an associate director at Camp Hanover. With the two…
In February, the presbytery approved a strategic plan incorporating three presbyters. These presbyters—a full-time lead presbyter and two three-quarter-time positions focusing on relational care and congregational life—will provide more support for congregations and ministries by focusing on specific challenges and opportunities. A search committee for…
The 108th stated meeting of the Presbytery of the James was held virtually. Some of the leaders were warmly welcomed to Tuckahoe and Lakeside Church was a second site where leaders hosted portions of the meeting. Teaching Elder Patrick Dennis, moderator, called the meeting to…