Dear Good and Faithful Servants of the Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery community, “When someone prays for courage, does God give them courage, or God give opportunities to be courageous?” This gem of a quote comes from Evan Almighty, a 2007 comedy film where Morgan Freeman plays God. While not my usual grab-bag for theological wisdom, I still found myself reaching for this…
Here are the top ten reasons why you should answer the call to serve as our Stated Clerk of Giddings-Lovejoy Presbytery! Compiled by the Search Team for the Stated Clerk. 1. The timing is fantastic! As we come out of the pandemic, our presbytery life is stabilizing and we are returning to doing the things we love and care…
Wow, is it really summer already??? The staff has been hard at work these last several months in overhauling our financial accounting systems, streamlining the operations of our teams and committees, and resourcing our pastors and ministries in challenges both unique and shared. We are excited about hosting another dynamic September education month, as well as our years long-awaited picnic…
On March 28-31, Ryan Landino, Liz Kanerva, and Joy Myers all attended a pilgrimage to Montgomery, Alabama. They are so grateful for the opportunity to have experiences like this where they can be enriched in our work together! What was this experience, and who went with you? Liz: “Last year, a group of PC(USA) Mid Council leaders caught the vision…
Yesterday, I was horrified to hear the news of yet another mass shooting, this time approximately two blocks from the national offices of the Presbyterian Church (USA), where our colleagues’ work was put on hold while they locked down their building and gathered to pray. We received messages on social media from our friends marking themselves safe from gun violence.…
Since arriving here as your presbytery leader, learning your sacred stories, who you are, and the circumstances that have shaped you, I continue to hear about the 2018 trip that several of you took to Montgomery, Alabama to visit the Legacy Museum: From Enslavement to Mass Incarceration and National Memorial for Peace and Justice. I myself can testify to the…
You know that feeling when your heart is really full and you feel you were a part of something amazing and you don’t completely know why and you try to put words to it because you want to share it? This article is that. Last week, six of us from the Commission on Ministry and Committee on Preparation for Ministry…
In no specific order, here are FIVE reasons you do not to miss our February 18th Special Called Presbytery Gathering on the 33 amendments to the Book of Order we need to vote on! Commissioners have the opportunity for voice and vote on the business of the national church. Here is a glimpse of some of the highlights. 1. Be…
Dear Community in Christ, Several within our community have voiced concerns over a decision about the PC(USA) ordination exams proctored this month from the Presbyteries’ Cooperative Committee on Examinations for Candidates (PCC). The only text option for those taking the exegesis examination is a text from Judges 19 that features dehumanization, rape, and the murder of a sexual assault victim,…
In no specific order, here are FIVE reasons you do not want to miss our February 2nd Presbytery Gathering! Commissioners have the opportunity for voice and vote on the business of the presbytery. Here is a glimpse of some of the highlights. #1: Keynote on The Global Climate Crisis and the Biblical Response! Leading our first keynote education hour in…