Ministers, Educators, Administrators and Clerks,
please share this information with your congregation.  
August 30, 2018
Save the Date For a Transition Meeting in October
General Presbyter/Stated Clerk Carson Rhyne invites you to attend one of four meetings around the presbytery in October to prepare for transition to an interim general presbyter after his retirement. All ministers, clerks, leadership, and members are encouraged to participate to be informed about next steps in the life of our presbytery.

Each meeting will include information about these same topics:
  • Interim Search Committee
  • Strategic Planning Team
  • Camp Hanover incorporation plans
  • Plans for our stewardship and evangelistic initiatives
  • 2019 proposed budget
  • Plus other matters

There will be time for questions and answers and clarification of any concerns that folks might
have. The meetings will be on Wednesdays from 1:30-3:00 p.m. on the dates shown below. No registration is required; just show up!
October 3
Three Chopt Church
Richmond
October 10
Meadows Church
Charlottesville
October 17
Covenant Church
Petersburg
October 24
 Fairfield Church
Mechanicsville
Registration Underway for Women's Retreat at Camp Hanover
Examine your faith journey at Camp Hanover's retreat for women this fall, September 21-22. Be inspired hearing how God has influenced the life of Pat Boord, a national bench press champion, while you gain a different perspective of the path on which God has placed you.
Pat Boord
Learn How the Church is Bringing Hope in the Midst of Syria's Unrelenting Tragedy
Go beyond news headlines to learn about the global crisis in Syria from an international peacemaker this fall. Presbytery of the James is fortunate to be one of only five presbyteries hosting Dr. Mary Mikhael, Syrian native and recent past president of the Near East School of Theology in Beirut, on a rare visit to the U.S.

From September 30 through October 3, meet Dr. Mikhael at a number of local events and hear how religious groups are seeking to bring hope to the growing refugee population and deepening tragedy in this war-torn region that longs for peace.

Dr. Mikhael is a graduate of PSCE (now Union Presbyterian Seminary) and Columbia University. Her visit to Virginia is sponsored by Presbytery of the James through the Peacemaking Program of the Presbyterian Church (USA).
Mary Mikhael photo
Dr. Mary Mikhael
Second Forum of Small Churches Scheduled for October 6
Representatives of small churches are invited to the second small church forum. Each of the four 90-minute workshops is geared to help small churches in their ministry.

Participate in the forum to:
  • Conduct a financial assessment of your church
  • Share and learn best practices
  • Ask questions and get answers about unique small church issues

Pastors, treasurers, sessions, and congregation members are encouraged to attend. There is no cost and lunch is provided.

Missed the first forum? No problem; you are welcome to join us for the first time at this gathering.

Contact Deborah Rexrode by email or by phone at 434-996-6032 by Wednesday, October 3 to RSVP the number of participants from your church who will attend.
A Clearer Look at
Today's Church
SMALL CHURCH FORUM
Saturday, October 6
Noon to 1:30 p.m.
Forest Hill Presbyterian Church, Richmond
Special Offerings News
Peace at all times, in all ways.

In the flurry of activity within our daily lives, what does the peace of Jesus Christ mean to you? In the face of tension and division within our communities, what does the peace of Jesus Christ mean for your family and communities? In the rapid shifts of global events, where new alliances and enemies arise each day, what does the peace of Jesus Christ mean for our global community?

Reflection on these questions may not produce quick and simple responses. And yet, the practice of looking for where the peace of Christ shows up, and sharing our experiences of how it comes to be can help us better partner in the mission of our reconciling God. The peace of Christ is a promise the church receives. The resources and reflections of A Season of Peace and the Peace & Global Witness Offering create an opportunity for the Presbyterian Church (USA) to be in conversation with one another and with global partners to learn, share, and grow the ways the peace of Christ is being made known, at all times, in all ways.

Peace & Global Witness Offering Resources

It’s time to prepare for the Peace & Global Witness Offering on October 7. Resources should be in churches now.

If you have not yet received yours, please call Presbyterian Distribution Services at 800-524-2612. Resources also can be found online .
Content Sought for The Vine
Share your church news across the Presbytery in The Vine. Send 150 to 300 words and up to four high-resolution digital pictures to Kelley Hope for consideration. Submissions will be edited to match The Vine's style and space. Articles must be received no later than October 1  for the fall issue.
Stated Meetings
Oct 20
Lord Jesus Korean, N Chesterfield

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 NEEDED
Into the Church Triumphant
Rev. William D. Leonard
August 25, 2018

Memorial Service 
September 6
Second Presbyterian Church of Richmond

Events
Deadline Approaching for Leadership and Anxiety Workshop Discount
The group discount deadline for  Leadership and Anxiety in the Church  is September 12.  Register online through Presbytery of the James.  For questions about registering, contact Barbara Espigh in the POJ office at 804-262-2074 or by email .   
Sept 10-11
Ginter Park Presbyterian Church, Richmond
Sept 21-22
Camp Hanover,
Mechanicsville
Sept 27
Camp Hanover,
Mechanicsville
Oct 5-6
Camp Hanover,
Mechanicsville
Oct 6
Forest Hill Presbyterian Church, Richmond
Oct 26-27
Richmond Hill Retreat Center, Richmond
Nov 3
Presbyterian Women Fall Gathering
The Presbyterian Church, Fredericksburg
Nov 9-11
Massanetta Springs, Harrisonburg

Job Openings
Executive Assistant to the Dean 

Unio n Presbyterian Seminary seeks an executive assistant to provide administrative support to the seminary’s academic dean in Richmond and the director of graduate studies and the Ph.D. program . View job description and apply.