Do you have a Matthew 25 story?

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The Leadership Summit is an annual event sponsored by the Synod of Lakes and Prairies to provide support and resources to its presbyteries in working with candidates, pastoral leaders, and congregations. It provides an opportunity for personal interaction with national staff as well as others doing similar work within the Synod. Each year has a particular theme. This year’s theme is about trends that we should be preparing for as we move into the future. It will be a virtual event. Registration is required to receive the links. View agenda, workshops and leaders here.

“Gender equality is essentially a question of power, and power has for millennia been concentrated in the hands of men, to the detriment of all,” Guterres said. “The challenges we face today, the COVID-19 pandemic, the climate crisis, the growth and spread of conflicts, are largely the result of our male-dominated world and male-dominated culture. Without these, we would not have a war with Russia in Ukraine. And that is why gender equality and gender parity are not only a matter of women’s rights, but a fundamental prerequisite for a safer, more peaceful and more sustainable world for all.” Read the full article.

Watch the Town Hall by clicking here.

In 2010, rooted in this report that was reaffirmed that same year by the 219th General Assembly, the ECC certification began, with eight churches becoming certified. Today that number has grown to nearly 300.

The idea for ECCs started in 2002. Jane Laping, who is now a member of First Presbyterian Church in Asheville, North Carolina, began making the connections between her faith and the environment. After learning about the 1990 GA report, she got a copy of the Unitarian Universalists’ “Green Sanctuary Manual.” “I thought, ‘This is really great. Presbyterians should have one of these,’” she said. Though she had the idea for ECCs in 2002, the program didn’t come to fruition until 2010.

“My timing isn’t always God’s timing,” she said. “People weren’t ready for this in 2002.” Read the full article.

Find out about Synod School.

Rock Prairie United Presbyterian Church, Janesville, Wisc. is looking for a solo pastor.

View the Rock Prairie MIF.

The Foundation is establishing a national coaching network to help address the challenges faced by pastoral leaders. Therefore, the goal of this coaching program is to develop pastoral leaders who have a solid foundation in church financial literacy and appropriate skills in leadership and management so that their ministries flourish and their congregations create a culture that forms generous disciples who join in Christ’s mission in their neighborhoods, communities and the world. More information about the program is on our website.

A free recorded Earth Day worship service will soon be available!

The Ministry Lab has collaborated with Lutherans Restoring Creation to offer "Listening to Nature". Rev. Dr. Carmelo Santos preaches on 2 Easter RCL texts; Vance Blackfox and friends, Tom Witt & Mary Preus, and Baird Linke provide music; and the liturgy is created by diverse folx from across the country. With stunning imagery, beautiful music, and a powerful call to listen to creation, this is a wonderful worship service to share in our second Sunday celebrating New Life - or any time!!

Register to receive the link here.

Presbyteries and churches share your news with the synod!