Ministers, Educators, Administrators and Clerks,
please share this information with your congregation.  
January 16, 2019
BOP Offers Retirement Seminar
Board of Pensions presents a two-day pre-retirement planning seminar for members and guests within 15 years of retirement. The workshop will be at Union Presbyterian Seminary on March 5 and 6. The event is free, but a meal fee of $28 for both lunch and refreshments both days is payable at the event. Seating is limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis. Registration closes February 18.
Grow Generous Stewards
at Leadership Workshop
Develop your understanding of stewardship ministry at a workshop March 23 offered by Presbytery of the James and the Virginia Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church. Based on the book “Ask, Thank, Tell: Improving Stewardship Ministry in Your Congregation,” the workshop will give you tools to strengthen stewardship ministry in your own context. Author Charles “Chick” Lane, pastor for stewardship and generosity at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Maple Grove, Minnesota, will lead the workshop. In-person and online participation options are available.
Synod Grant Deadline Approaches
Synod of the Mid-Atlantic considers applications to many of its grant programs twice annually. The deadline for the first review of 2019 is February 1. Prepare your application now for programs such as the New and Small Church Grant Fund, Peacemaking Fund, Visionary Fund, and Jubilee Fund.
Certification Courses for Older
Adult Ministry Available
Increasingly, older adults make up a significant percentage of our congregations and communities. We need to be prepared to serve them well and to tap into wisdom and resources they bring to our congregations. In March,   Columbia Theological Seminary in Decatur, Georgia offers t wo courses on ministry to older adults through its Center for Lifelong Learning. The courses are t he Process of Aging and Implications for Ministry and Teaching for Transformation with Older Adults .
POJ's Older Adult Ministry Seeks Volunteers
If you are interested in ministry to older adults, please consider serving on POJ's Older Adult Ministry committee. Moderator Lillian Rhudy seeks a co-moderator and other volunteers to conduct the ministry's service to seniors in POJ. Learn more about the ministry.
Application Process Open for
Young Adult Volunteer Program
PC(USA)'s Young Adult Volunteer (YAV)  program is a year of service (Aug-July) for young adults age 19-30. YAVs serve in 22 sites around the US and world, working with local agencies to address root causes of poverty and reconciliation, while exploring their faith in intentional community with peers and mentors. Presbytery of the James offers financial support of YAVs through World Mission Ministries. Follow @yavprogram for program updates and  apply today ! The deadline to apply for international sites is March 1 and for national sites is June 1, but earlier applications have more site availability. Contact Colleen Earp (a YAV alum herself!) with questions:  colleen@camphanover.org . 
Public Policy Ministry Supports
Rally for Sensible Gun Laws
Advocates for sensible gun laws are invited to a rally on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, January 21, in Richmond. Speakers include Governor Northam and religious leaders from various faith traditions. After the rally at 2 p.m., participants may meet with their local representatives (or their aides) in the General Assembly office building.

Interested people west of Richmond may ride to the rally via bus coordinated by POJ's Public Policy Ministry and the Charlottesville Coalition for Gun Violence Prevention. The bus leaves from Meadows Presbyterian Church in Charlottesville at noon and returns at 6 p.m.
2018-2019 Presbyterian Planning Calendars
$10
POJ has a limited supply of 2018-2019 Presbyterian Planning Calendars, discounted now to $10 each. Pick up your order at the presbytery office or stated meeting on February 16.
Announcements
First Richmond
Selects Pastor

First Church Richmond has called the Reverend Amy Starr Redwine as its next pastor and head of staff, effective February 6. Amy grew up in Roanoke and currently serves as pastor and head of staff at the Church of the Covenant in Cleveland, Ohio.
Detroit Presbytery
Seeks Mission Groups

The Hands-On Mission Work Group of Presbytery of Detroit welcomes mission work groups during spring or summer breaks. Opportunities include urban gardening, building and remodeling, homeless outreach, feeding programs, and working with populations including  veterans, children, or survivors of domestic violence. Churches within the presbytery house and extend hospitality to work groups. 
Ashland Hosts
Mentoring Retreat

Ashland Church invites you to their annual Step-By-Step retreat for leaders of small congregations. This year's theme is Mentoring, and we will be looking at biblical, theological, and practical models for both being a capable mentor, and receiving the mentoring of others with grace. The event is March 15 at Richmond Hill Retreat Center.
 
For clergy, there are add-on options for silent reflection, spiritual direction, and an evening clergy discussion from 7 - 9 p.m. on March 14 for those interested in extending their retreat time. 
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Pianist for Hire

Julie Massey offers her services as a pianist. Please contact her at (804) 731-4461 or by email .
Into the Church Triumphant
James Smylie
October 20, 1925  - January 5, 2019

Professor Emeritus, Union Theological Seminary, Richmond

Memorial Service
February 1
4 p.m.
Westminster Canterbury Richmond
Stated Meetings
Feb 16, 2019
Presbytery of the James Stated Meeting
Three Chopt Church, Richmond
June 18, 2019
Presbytery of the James Stated Meeting
INVITATION NEEDED
Oct 19, 2019
Presbytery of the James Stated Meeting
Invitation pending
Events
Jan 21
Richmond
Feb 14
D eadline for Triennium Youth Conference Registrations
Feb 20-27
March 23
Three Chopt Presbyterian, Henrico
Office Telephone (804) 262-2074