FEBRUARY 27, 2024

Information for ministers, educators, church administrators, clerks, and congregations

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In This Issue

Presbytery Enacts Boundaries Training Policy
Apply for Grant Program Starting March 18
Dunkin Retires From Brandermill Church
Welcome New Pastoral Leaders
Salisbury Hosts Hymn Festival
Next PW Book Discussion Coming Up in March
Monthly Prayer
Join Local Churches in Earth Care Conversation
Tracing the Roots That Connect Us
Photo: Don't Veto Our Safety Rally
Presbytery Events
Church and Community Events
Employment Opportunities

Presbytery Enacts Boundaries Training Policy

Healthy and vital ministries rely on trust and mutual support to create spaces of welcome and safety for all. On February 17, the presbytery approved a policy that requires leaders to complete training on creating and maintaining healthy boundaries. All individuals affected by the policy (ministers, commissioned ruling elders, certified Christian educators, inquirers, candidates, and ruling elders serving the presbytery) must complete training by May 1, 2024. Two opportunities are available: a self-guided virtual course and an in-person course on March 21 at Ginter Park Church.

Learn more

Apply for Grant Program Starting March 18

Duke Divinity's Leadership Education program offers grants of up to $15,000 to help Christian leaders reflect on accomplishments, broaden perspectives, and discern next steps. Applications open March 18. Join a Q&A session via Zoom to learn more.

Learn more

Dunkin Retires From Brandermill Church

Happy retirement to Rev. James "Jim" Dunkin, whose last Sunday at the Brandermill Church was February 18. He had served as pastor there since 2016. We are grateful for his service to the church and its people.

Welcome to Presbytery of the James

POJ's Commission on Ministry has recently approved the following for service in our presbytery:

Rev. Elizabeth Smith-Bartlett - Transferred from Hudson River Presbytery to serve as a chaplain with the VCU Health System

Rev. Jay Sanderford - Transferred from Presbytery of Detroit to serve as a covenant pastor at First Church in Charlottesville

Patricia Higgins - Approved to serve at Ashland Church as a commissioned ruling elder

We ask the Holy Spirit to guide Elizabeth, Jay, and Patricia and the communities they serve as they create connections together.

Salisbury Hosts Hymn Festival

Both a concert and a congregational hymn-sing, Salisbury Church's Hymn festival will feature more than 100 voices from the church's various choirs, along with hand bells and guest instrumentalists. On March 3, hear performances by the Chancel Choir, Sunrise Singers, Youth Choir, Junior Choir, Jubilation Choir, and Salisbury Ringers. All are welcome, admission is free, and there is a reception following the festival.

Learn more

Next PW Book Discussion Coming Up in March

Presbyterian Women Churchwide’s Justice and Peace Committee is hosting book discussion groups again in 2024. The discussions will be held on Zoom on the second Monday of every other month. Registration for each meeting is required. You will receive questions for reflection/discussion and a Zoom link 24 hours before each session. The next event is March 11 to discuss Our Missing Hearts: A Novel by Celeste Ng.

Learn more

Monthly Prayer

Read Embroiderers of Hope and Help, a prayer written by Peggy Fox, commissioned ruling elder serving Woodville Presbyterian Church.

We invite you to use this in your personal devotions or during a meeting of your church, committee, or team.

Join Local Churches in Earth Care Conversation

Is your church considering becoming a PC(USA) Earth Care Congregation or have you already been certified? Join with other churches to share ideas and resources. Bon Air Church hosts the networking event on March 3, at 2:30 p.m. RSVP to Sally Johnston or Deborah Houghton.

Tracing the Roots That Connect Us

On March 9 and 10, Providence Church in Gum Spring will host genealogist, recording artist, educator, and author Orice Jenkins. Jenkins has traced his ancestry to 1756 in Central Virginia, uncovering the stories of family members who were enslaved by two of the founders of Providence Church. Learn more on March 9 at 10 a.m. when Jenkins shares his findings. All are invited to a potluck lunch following the presentation; bring a dish to share. RSVP to Providence’s pastor, Susan Steinberg. Jenkins also will sing during Providence’s 11 a.m. worship on March 10.

On February 24, presbytery churches participated in a rally at the Bell Tower in Richmond with a specific message to Governor Youngkin: "Don't veto our safety." Commonsense gun reform bills that have passed both chambers head next to the Governor's desk for signature or veto. Virginia Interfaith Center for Public Policy--which Presbytery of the James supports--opened the rally. Representatives from these churches attended: Second Church (Richmond), Bon Air Church, and Westminster Church (Charlottesville).