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Information for ministers, educators, church administrators, clerks, and congregations | |
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- Highlights from 119th Stated Meeting
- COM Submission Deadline Change
- Delayed POJ Annual Session Minutes Review
- Ruling Elder Communion Training
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- PC(USA) Hunger Program Thank You
- Triennium for Youth this Year!
- Weekly Scripture Readings for Lent
- Church and Community Events
- Employment Opportunities
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The Presbytery of the James held its Stated Meeting on February 15, 2025, at First Presbyterian Church in Richmond and via Zoom. Key actions included the installation of the 2025 moderator, Teaching Elder Joshua Andrzejewski, and vice moderator, Commissioned Ruling Elder Peggy Fox. The presbytery approved the final ordination examination of Whitney Caswell Daou and voted to dissolve the Mechanicsville Presbyterian Church Administrative Commission. Additionally, policies on designated pastors, family medical leave, and sabbatical leave were adopted.
The Presbytery also voted to approve all proposed amendments to the Book of Order from the 226th General Assembly, covering topics such as gender identity protections, temporary pastoral relationships, and policies for vulnerable adults. The meeting adjourned at 2:14 p.m. with a closing prayer. Click below for the stated clerk's summary and meeting recording.
Please note that our next stated meeting has been rescheduled to Tuesday, June 10, at Bon Air Presbyterian Church. The originally scheduled date (June 17) is primary Election Day in Virginia, which posed logistical issues. Questions about stated meetings may be directed to the temporary stated clerk at statedclerk@presbyteryofthejames.org.
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The Commission on Ministry (COM) committees meet on or by the first Thursday of each month. To allow time for review, all required forms, including examination materials, must now be submitted to com@presbyteryofthejames.org by the third Thursday of the month for consideration at the following month’s meeting. | |
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The Presbytery of the James is delaying its annual review of session minutes to address challenges from last year’s process. Many churches did not submit their minutes, and finding reviewers has become increasingly difficult.
To improve the system, the presbytery will assess ways to ease the burden on Clerks of Session and explore options for additional training and support.
Clerks and church leaders are encouraged to share suggestions for improvement by emailing statedclerk@presbyteryofthejames.org.
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At the 115th meeting of the POJ on October 21, 2023, the Presbytery of the James approved “Creating a Way Forward” authorizing the Commission on Ministry to come up with a process for preparing and approving ruling elders to administer the Lord's Supper in their own churches when no installed pastor is available. In order for a ruling elder to administer communion in their own church, they must get approval from their session and attend a three-part training (two online sessions, one in-person session) and complete all assigned work. | |
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Dear Presbytery of the James,
Greetings from the Presbyterian Hunger Program.
We hope you have already received a copy of our New Year’s Greetings postcard in the mail. It has been mailed to say thank you to groups who sent gifts in 2024 to support the work of the Presbyterian Hunger Program.
We also wanted to send a version by email, in case you would like to share it with the congregations in your presbytery who gave to support the work of alleviating hunger and poverty and eliminating the causes.
You are helping to make a difference in many places, and we want you to know we are grateful.
Blessings be with you as you continue to help demonstrate God’s love in the world.
Jenny Oldham
Presbyterian Hunger Program
PC(USA) Interim Unified Agency
www.pcusa.org/hunger
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Registration is Now Open for Triennium! In July 2025, the Presbyterian Church (USA) will welcome thousands of its high school age youth and their adult youth workers to Louisville, Kentucky for four days of worship, recreation, bible study, outreach, and faith formation all around the theme of “As If We Were Dreaming”.
Most programming and meals will be held at the Kentucky International Convention Center (KICC) with all participants housed at nearby Triennium hotels.
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Weekly Scripture Readings during Lent | |
Sign up to receive One Great Hour of Sharing weekly scripture readings during Lent. Spend this season of Lent making intentional time to reflect on God’s Word. Help keep the habit going by making sure there is a reminder in your inbox each week. | | |
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POJ Georgia Disaster Recovery Assistance Trip
(Week 1 of 2)
February 23 - March 1
Augusta, GA
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POJ Georgia Disaster Recovery Assistance Trip
(Week 2 of 2)
March 2-8
Augusta, GA
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Overture Deadline, June Meeting
April 22
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Report Submission Deadline, June Meeting
May 13
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Agenda Time Requests Deadline, June Meeting
May 14
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POJ Office Closed
May 26, Memorial Day
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120th Stated Meeting
June 10
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POJ Office Closed June 19, Juneteenth | |
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Summer Registration Now Open for Camp Hanover! | |
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Spanish Language Mindfulness-based Support Group for Cancer Patients, Survivors, & their Caregivers
March 20 - April 17
Virtually Thursdays, 7-8:30 p.m.
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Easter Respite
April 21-25
Massanetta Springs
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Fun Day
April 27, 2-5 p.m.
Camp Hanover
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Family Camp
May 16-18
Camp Hanover
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Pastor/Head of Staff (Clergy) - Summit Presbyterian Church, Stafford, VA
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Director of Children and Youth Ministries (Clergy/Lay) - First Presbyterian Church, Gainesville, FL
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Pastoral Director (Clergy/Lay) - Richmond Hill, Richmond, VA
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Director of Children's Ministry, Part-time (Lay) - Salisbury Presbyterian Church, Midlothian, VA
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Bookkeeper, Part-time - Bon Air Presbyterian Church, Richmond, VA
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Calls and Jobs in Nearby Presbyteries
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The Current is published weekly. Submit an announcement for an upcoming issue by emailing our associate for communications. Submissions due Thursdays at noon for the following week. Send text (including a link to your website/Facebook page) in the body of your email or in a Word document. Attach photos to your email if desired. Please do not send graphics or flyers. | | |
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Our Mission
To support leaders, congregations, and ministries in growing followers of Jesus Christ who joyfully live out God’s mission in the world.
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