Grace to you and peace, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.
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First-ever virtual 224th General Assembly concludes
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More than 400 commissioners, over 180 advisory delegates, and hundreds of staff, churches, and spectators tuned in to take part in the first-ever, fully online 224th General Assembly (2020) of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) held June 19-20 and 26-27.
The Presbytery of the Miami Valley delegation to GA 224 was Ruling Elder Commissioner Bruce Saunders (Wilmington), Minister of the Word and Sacrament Commissioner Michael Isaacs, and Young Adult Advisory Delegate Anne Paquette (Dayton: Westminster), pictured at left addressing the Assembly.
Elona Street-Stewart and
Gregory Bentley were elected co-moderators of the 224th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), and
J. Herbert Nelson was elected to serve a second four-year term as stated clerk of the General Assembly. Street-Stewart and Bentley were the only co-moderator team seeking election from which both candidates were persons of color. Ruling Elder Street-Stewart, the synod executive for the Synod of Lakes and Prairies, is the first Native American to serve as moderator. Minister of Word and Sacrament Bentley, a teaching elder and the pastor of Fellowship Presbyterian Church in Huntsville, Alabama, is African American.
In addition, the Assembly worshiped together and discussed and considered a variety of docket items. The Assembly adopted a unified budget and a small increase in per capita, passed the resolution "Responding to the Sin of Racism and a Call to Action", updated the child/youth/vulnerable adult protection policy, affirmed the need to help those impacted by COVID-19, took action toward supporting Native American concerns, and more.
The 225th General Assembly is scheduled for July 2-9, 2022, in Columbus, Ohio.
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Racial Justice Resources from PMV
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"Racism is the opposite of what God intends for humanity. It is the rejection of the other, which is entirely contrary to the Word of God incarnate in Jesus Christ. Racism is a lie about our fellow human beings, for it says that some are less than others. Because of our biblical understanding of who God is and what God intends for humanity, the PC(USA) must stand against, speak against, and work against racism."
-Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)
Presbytery of the Miami Valley is assembling a list of resources to help equip churches to work against racism and seek racial justice.
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Just Mercy Film Discussion on Zoom July 6 and 7
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The film Just Mercy follows the story of Civil Rights Attorney
Bryan Stevenson and can be watched free on a number of platforms.
The Committee on Representation and Diversity of the Presbytery of the Miami Valley will host two Zoom discussion events about the film. These events will be moderated by Ruling Elder
Patricia Meadows.
The Zoom discussion events will be offered
July 6, 3:00 P.M. and
July 7, 7:00 P.M.
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Congratulations to our Stated Clerk Larry Hollar!
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Presbytery of the Miami Valley Stated Clerk
Larry Hollar
was elected by the 224th General Assembly of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) to serve a six year term on the General Assembly Permanent Judicial Commission, representing the Synod of the Covenant.
"I look forward to joining a diverse and able group of colleagues to resolve disciplinary and remedial cases that arise within our beloved Church. Please pray that we undertake this important work with wisdom, Spirit and compassion so that our Savior Christ Jesus is honored in all that we do," Larry said of his election.
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Preserve your church records at the PHS
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As the national archives of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.), the Presbyterian Historical Society (PHS) collects records of historic value from congregations, mid councils, national agencies, individuals, and families. PHS supports the record-keeping activities of all entities of the Church.
For congregations, PHS carries out that mission by digitizing records; storing records of permanent value; and providing advice on records retention, storage, and preservation.
PHS can digitize original records and microfilm for PC(USA) congregations at a subsidized rate.
It also holds original records of permanent value on deposit in an environmentally controlled archival storage area with specialized fire detection and security systems. Congregations can deposit records at no charge. Congregations retain ownership of the records and may request their return at any time with written authorization from the clerk of session.
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___________________________________________________________
Don Nowak
Presbytery of the Miami Valley
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