Ministers, Educators, Administrators and Clerks,
please share this information with your congregation.  
January 9, 2020
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Make Your Covenant with POJ by January 31
Congregational financial support is vital to the shared ministries of the presbytery, the synod, and the General Assembly. Complete your 2020 Covenant (formerly the statement of intent) with Presbytery of the James to designate your commitment to office expenses, committees, ministries, Camp Hanover, per capita, mission co-workers, validated missions, and special projects. Please send your 2020 Covenant to POJ by January 31. Throughout the year when you fulfill your covenant with a check, remember to include the 2020 remittance form outlining how each check is to be allocated. Both forms are available online.
Reminder: contributions for 2019 will be accepted through January 16. Please use the 2019 remittance form for 2019 gifts.
180 Days of Prayer Lead to 224th GA
PC(USA) will hold its 224th General Assembly June 20-27 in Baltimore. Leading to opening day, Stated Clerk J. Herbert Nelson invites congregations and members to 180 days of prayer.

“As we discuss [at General Assembly] the big issues that face us as a church,” Nelson states, “I pray that we will do more than just vote, but that we will come with open hearts, open to God’s spirit possibly changing our minds about the issues we consider.”
Synod Grant Deadline Approaches
Applications for funding grants from the Synod of the Mid-Atlantic are due February 1. There are many options for congregations to consider. In 2019, Bott Memorial received a $4,000 grant from the synod for a multi-faith initiative that distributed school supplies to Dinwiddie County students.
Youth Groups Invited to Free Monthly Events
POJ’s Youth Council hosts monthly free events for middle and high school youth groups. Events are 1:30-3:30 p.m. and usually at Camp Hanover. Upcoming dates are January 26, February 23, March 29, and April 26. Group leaders should RSVP in advance to Colleen Earp , d irector of youth, environmental, and service ministries.
Reminder

Parliamentary Procedures
Workshop
Tuesday, January 14
1:00 to 2:30 p.m.
Events
Disaster Relief Team Heads Back to Ocrakoke

Volunteers with POJ's Disaster Relief Ministry return to Ocracoke Island January 11-18. The team will continue working on homes and the host church’s parsonage. Please pray for their work and the people in that hard-hit community.
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Enjoy Music Monthly at Camp Hanover

Musicians and music lovers are invited to Common Chords, Camp Hanover's monthly music fellowship, on January 16. Sit back and enjoy the acoustic sounds of bluegrass and gospel or grab your guitar (or fiddle, bass, mandolin, banjo or whatever you play) and join in! Doors open at 6:45 p.m. in Wise Lodge and the music gets going at 7 p.m.
Vacation Bible School Curriculum Fair Coming in February

The Resource Center’s VBS Curriculum Fair will be held February 6-8 at Virginia Union University, a change from the original date of Feb. 13-15. The event will feature 2020 offerings from Cokesbury, Abingdon, Concordia, Group, David C. Cook, Urban Ministries, Inc, Mennomedia, and lots more! Attendees can take advantage of special discounts (up to 30% off plus free shipping), sample packs, consultations, and refreshments. 
Texas Church Seeks Mission Trip Project

St. Stephen Presbyterian Church in Texas seeks a host site for their annual youth mission trip in July. The group typically includes 15-20 middle and high school-age youth plus adult sponsors. They are willing to conduct Vacation Bible School and help with construction projects. For more information, contact Beth Fultz, director of Christian education, at beth.fultz@ststephenpresbyterian.com or 817-927-8411.
Stated Meetings
Feb 15, 2020
Presbytery of the James
Stated Meeting
Westminster PC, Charlottesville
June 16, 2020
Presbytery of the James Stated Meeting
Salisbury PC, Midlothian
Oct 17, 2020
Presbytery of the James Stated Meeting
Orange PC, Orange
Jobs
Churches throughout POJ are looking for new talent. Find information about these opportunities on POJ's job board . Searching for candidates? Submit a job.
-            Office manager and communications coordinator, Grace Covenant Presbyterian Church
Office Telephone (804) 262-2074