please share this information with your congregation.
February 7, 2019
POJ Churches Excel in Meeting Statistical Report Deadline
Presbytery of the James churches are among the top five in reporting statistical data for 2018 to PC(USA). Nationwide, a little more than 40 percent of churches have entered membership data. In Presbytery of the James, 86 percent have submitted data. We appreciate the efforts of clerks to share this important information with the Office of the General Assembly.
Reach Your Audience in New Ways
Improve your church's communication skills to retain and engage existing congregation members as well as attract new members. In this free workshop sponsored by POJ's Small Church Ministry, you'll learn how to use social media and email newsletters to share your good news. Bring a laptop to set up a Facebook account on the spot and begin reaching out to your audience (optional). The workshop is March 9 at Southminster Church.
The review of 2018 church session minutes will occur soon. Clerks should send copies of minutes from stated and called session meetings as well as congregational meetings in 2018 to their assigned reader. Minutes are due to the readers by March 1.
The 101st stated meetingof Presbytery of the James will occur on February 16 at Three Chopt Church (9315 Three Chopt Rd, Henrico, VA 23229). The meeting convenes promptly at 9:15 a.m. Registration begins at 8:00 a.m. in the commons area near the sanctuary. Please review the presbytery packet in advance.
Registration Open for Stewardship and Leadership Workshop
Author Chick Lane will share insights from his book "Ask, Thank, Tell: Improving Stewardship Ministry in Your Congregation” at a workshop March 23. Co-sponsored by Presbytery of the James and the Virginia Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church, the workshop will teach how to share the impact of your stewardship program and show your appreciation to givers. In-person and online participation options are available.
The Presbyterian Foundation offers free webinars on engaging church givers in stewardship and money-related conversations. The next session on February 13 will focus on year-round stewardship. Four others will be held through May. Sign up for the whole series or just topics that interest you the most.
Triennium Youth Conference, July 15-20, is only held every three years. Don't let your youth miss out. Register through Camp Hanover and contact Colleen Earp with questions.
The deadline to apply for this service program for people ages 19 to 30 is approaching. Applications for international sites are due March 1 and for national sites, June 1, but earlier applications have more site availability.
Announcements
Workshop to Address Digital Issues for Families
The Brandermill Church hosts a workshop for parents on February 10. Learn tips for protecting and managing your children in today’s digital world. The workshop fee is $10 per couple, payable at the door.
Massanetta Springs Camp and Conference Center offers four camp sessions for middle school students in summer 2019. The registration fee is discounted through April 15.
Bring a program about hospice care to your congregation. Hospice of the Piedmont is available to speak about hospice care, myths about hospice and resources available to the community. Contact community engagement specialist Ronald Sykes for more information.
FYI is published on the first and third Wednesdays of each month. Submit an announcement for an upcoming issue by emailing editor Kelley Hope. Submissions due on Tuesdays.
