Information for ministers, educators, church administrators, clerks, and congregations
February 25, 2021
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Presbytery Approves Strategic Plan at 107th Meeting
The 107th meeting was held via Zoom February 20. With a full agenda, the meeting included many important actions, such as approving the strategic plan shared at the November 2020 called meeting.

This plan began in October 2017, when the presbytery voted to form a group and charged it to articulate a vision and mission for POJ, propose a structure for implementation, and recommend a financial plan for implementation. The Strategic Planning Team arising from that action developed a report that was approved Saturday with 90 percent of voters in favor.

With this approval, the mission and vision go into immediate effect. The Committee on Nominations will form a search committee for the three presbyters included in the report’s new staffing model.
Our Mission
To support leaders, congregations, and ministries
in growing followers of Jesus Christ 
who joyfully live out God’s mission in the world.
Installation of 2021 Moderator and Vice Moderator

2020 Moderator Leigh Anne Ring led a service to install her successor. Rev. Patrick Dennis, pastor of Tuckahoe Church, will serve as moderator through February 2022. Ruling Elder Dan Jordanger, a member of Providence Church in Gum Spring, will serve as the 2021 vice moderator. Patrick thanked Leigh Anne for her service during a year of significant challenge for POJ and the world.
Rev. Patrick Dennis
2021 Moderator
Ruling Elder Dan Jordanger
2021 Vice Moderator
Other Meeting Highlights

During the 107th meeting, the presbytery also:

  • Celebrated the life and ministries of the Lakeside Church and New Covenant Church and approved resolutions of the administrative commissions tasked with overseeing the closure of the churches
  • Welcomed Rev. Mark Ramsey, executive director of the Ministry Collaborative
  • Welcomed Rev. Todd Davidson, pastor of Sandston Church
  • Received Rev. Renita Page, pastor of Oak Grove Church in Amelia, who transferred from the United Church of Christ into the PC(USA)
  • Examined and approved for ordination candidate Erin Burt
  • Examined and approved for ordination candidate Keli Shipley Cooper
  • Received Joslyn Shipman as a candidate for the office of minister of the Word and Sacrament

A detailed summary is available on the presbytery website.  A recording is also available, with timestamps to help viewers jump to specific events in the meeting.

The 108th meeting of Presbytery of the James will be held on June 15.
Finding God in Moments of Crisis
Acknowledging the struggles that our African American siblings face is an important way to build empathy in our society. On Saturday at 10:00 a.m., join POJ's Black Caucus for an exploration of the American dream in the context of God's messages about race and equality. Registration closes February 26 at 11 p.m.
NEXT Church National Gathering
What if we gathered together in such a way that inspired us to act so the Church and the world were never the same again? Join NEXT Church for Breaking, Blessing, Building - A Call for the Common Good. This is a FREE live-streamed event March 3-5 for all church leaders.
Other News
This free webinar from Union Seminary on March 3 will feature personal stories from Muslim Americans sharing their unique perspectives and experiences. Also hear an overview of the significant history of Islam in America.

Check our online bulletin board to be reminded of events mentioned in recent issues of the Current.
Stated Meetings
June 15, 2021
108th Stated Meeting
Invitation needed
Overture deadline: April 20, noon
Packet online: June 1
October 16, 2021
109th Stated Meeting
Invitation needed
Overture deadline: Aug. 19, noon
Packet online: September 30
Jobs
Learn about church employment opportunities or submit a job to POJ's job board.


Office Telephone (804) 262-2074