Matthew 25 In Action: Reflections on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

In celebration of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day on January 20, 2025, it is important to pause to honor a leader whose vision, courage, and commitment to justice have inspired generations. Rooted in the teachings of Matthew 25:31-46, Dr. King's life exemplified the call to care for "the least of these" and to work for a world where equality and love prevail.

In 2011, PCUSA shared reflections from pastors about Dr. King's legacy, offering unique perspectives shaped by their cultural contexts and lived experiences.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. – An Honored Leader

By Rev. Buddy Monahan

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a man of dreams and visions.  Within Native American communities dreams and visions are an essential part of determination and survival.  A person who seeks dreams and visions knows how things once were and how they need to improve in order for all parts of creation to exist together in a loving and caring environment. 

Throughout Indian country there is an unwritten checklist that exists as we seek leadership among our people.  One must humble themselves as they seek equality for others.  They must see their acts as a means of unselfishness so others will feel a sense of self-worth.  One must be a person of courage to be able to stand up on behalf of others and not allow your ego to overcome your calling.  It takes a person of intelligence to be able to know the barriers that might be ahead and how to plan for them.  A leader must also possess a good heart as they seek creative ways of communicating in a peaceful manner.  Many nations and tribes have and had chiefs and other leaders possessing these same qualities.  Native people today are living testaments of what these qualities can accomplish for a survival of people.  Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. also embodied these leadership qualities and is an honored leader among Native communities... (READ FULL ARTICLE ON WEBSITE)

Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

By Rev. Dr. Gloria J. Tate

Any reflection on the work of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. calls into view particular gifts of his ministry: the application of the gospel to political and social reform; the coupling of cries for justice with public action; and the merger of passion and intellect. 

Dr. King, like preachers before him, focused on agape. However, he was radical enough to merge the themes of grace and justice.  He brought to the pulpit a social gospel that defined racism as a theological issue and promoted active agape love as a power that could bring political transformation to a nation steeped in discriminatory practice and ideology....

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Remembering Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

By Rev. Dr. Unzu Lee

“Why We Can’t Wait,” in Korean were the words inscribed on the spine of one of the books found on the top shelf of a bookcase in my house.   We had just immigrated to this county, and the book probably was my father’s.  Although I knew that these words belonged to the Rev. Dr. King, Jr., I was too busy surviving day to day, and I never took the book out to read.  And yet, in my mind’s eye, I still see those letters as vividly as I did then.  I suspect it is because my years of encounter with the reality of racism in this country have made these words become real to me.

I know the realism of these words because forty some years since Dr. King said “I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character,” we are still judged by the color of our skin.  Fifty years after Ralph Ellison started his famous novel with a line “I am an invisible man,” the individuality of people of color remains invisible to a dominant society that judges us only by our color.

For Asian Americans who are often praised by the dominant society as the “model minority,” this is a hard lesson to swallow.  For those of us who immigrated after the civil rights era and have not been collectively subjected to overt forms of racism such as slavery or internment, it is even harder to realize the truthfulness of King’s words.  We want to believe in the security of our success.  We want to keep on believing in the creed that “all [men] are created equal.”  After all, we have come here seeking a better life.  Vulnerabiliy is the last thing we want...

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Donate to Help With California Wildfires

Imagine if everything you knew or had; your home, your neighbors, your children’s school, your local grocery store and shops, your church…was GONE. It’s hard to do. Yet, this is the new reality for thousands of Californians. It’s a devastation beyond belief.

But people are resilient. They may have nothing but the clothes on their back, yet they are thankful to be alive because they know that some did not survive this extreme disaster.

If you, like many, are thinking of how you can reach out to help our fellow brothers and sisters in their time of need, please consider donating to PC(U.S.A.)’s Disaster Relief Fund and support the church’s response to the California wildfires:

Connection to Transformation: Creating a Partnership Culture in Faith Communities

On March 14–15, 2025, the Synod of the Northeast will host Connection to Transformation: Creating a Partnership Culture in Faith Communities, an innovative and intentionally interfaith, ecumenical conference. This unique gathering will bring together faith leaders, community organizers, and interfaith partners to explore the power of collaboration in driving meaningful change and deepening collective impact across communities.

Event Details

• Date: March 14–15, 2025
• Location: First Presbyterian Church of Jamaica 89-60 164th Street, Jamaica, NY, 11432
• Theme: Connection to Transformation: Creating a Partnership Culture in Faith Communities

Conference Themes and Objectives

• Community Transformation through Faith and Interfaith Partnerships: Showcasing successful models for faith-based collaboration that drive positive social change.
• Engaging Community Organizations: Exploring strategies for repurposing shared spaces and expanding their impact through partnership.
• Securing Funding for Collaborative Work: Practical guidance on accessing public grants and sustaining long-term initiatives.
• Building Strong Civic and Interfaith Partnerships: Partnering effectively with local governments, civic groups, and faith organizations.
• Navigating Public Policy and State Resources: Unlocking state and federal resources to empower faith-based action.
• Sustainable Partnerships and Resource Mobilization: Sharing strategies for fostering long-term collaboration.
• Promoting Justice and Equity through Community Services: Advancing justice and equality through faith-driven initiatives.

EMI 2025 Planning is Underway

Planning for the 2025 Early Ministry Institute (EMI) is in full swing! If you are a newly called pastor or within your first five years of ministry, this is your opportunity to join the EMI family and embark on a transformative journey.

Mark your calendars for May 19-23, 2025, as we gather at the serene Silver Bay YMCA Retreat and Conference Center for an enriching experience focused on growth, learning, and fellowship.

This year's theme, Engaging Conflict, promises to be both timely and impactful. Conflict is an inevitable part of ministry and navigating it with grace and wisdom is crucial. To guide us through this complex and vital topic, we are honored to welcome Rev. Carol Howard and Rev. Dr. James Fenimore, co-authors of the insightful book Wounded Pastors. Their expertise and compassionate approach will provide valuable tools and perspectives for addressing and transforming conflict in ministry settings.

EMI 2025 is more than just a conference—it's a time for renewal, connection, and equipping for the journey ahead. Don’t miss this chance to be part of an inspiring community of peers and mentors dedicated to empowering early ministry leaders.

Register now and prepare for a week that will challenge, encourage, and equip you for the road ahead.

Join Us for the Seneca Nation Mission Day!

Date: Saturday, June 14, 2025

Location: Jimersontown and Wright Memorial Churches, Seneca Nation

We are excited to announce our Synod-wide Mission Day with the vibrant Seneca Nation! This incredible day of mission and ministry will take place on June 14, 2025, and you won’t want to miss it.

Why Attend?

1. Be Part of a Unique Mission: Join hands with fellow Presbyterians across the Synod to support and uplift the Seneca Nation churches—Jimersontown and Wright Memorial. Together, we’ll engage in meaningful projects that strengthen the spiritual and physical foundation of these cherished places of worship.
2. Experience the Rich Culture of the Seneca Nation: This Mission Day offers a wonderful chance to immerse yourself in the rich history and traditions of the Seneca people. Learn about their heritage, build connections, and gain deeper understanding through cultural exchanges and shared experiences.
3. Support the Community: For those traveling from afar, we’ve secured a block of rooms at the stunning Seneca Allegany Casino Hotel. Not only will you enjoy comfortable accommodations, but your stay will also contribute to the economic well-being of the community, as the hotel generates income that directly benefits the Seneca Nation.