Grace and Gratitude Newsletter, March 2020

It has always been interesting to me that Jesus experienced in one moment God’s powerful, unconditional, life-changing love and in the next moment was tempted not to trust God’s love (Mark 1:9–13). This reality has haunted me my entire faith journey because this is my journey. My prayer this Lenten season is that I clearly recognize the Tempter’s voice and have God’s strength to overcome (Psalm 16:1). I am easily tempted to follow the voice that will meet my needs quickly. It is so easy to allow fear to be my guide. Along this Lenten journey, I am spending more time listening to the still voice of God in Christ and not the voice of the Tempter. The Tempter’s voice is always a voice that leads me away from my humanity. There is so much fear and division in our world right now. One such fear is the coronavirus. Read more

Pastoral statement about coronavirus From PC(USA)’s Office of Theology & Worship, communication is designed to help church leaders provide strong and loving leadership in worship —which is a significant part of the ministry of pastoral care during a time of crisis. Download statement

New worship resource Learn about a new documentary that explores the deep connection between justice and worship — compelling congregations to be part of God’s mission of justice in the world. Read more

Film comes with discussion guide The 33-minute Just Worship film encourages churches to answer God’s call to work for justice. It also reveals how taking part in worship is doing justice — and encourages the church to enact Spirit-filled worship that welcomes the coming reign of God. Watch, download here

‘Gift’ of Vital Congregations A South Carolina church is calling a painful discovery that they were not as healthy as they appeared to be a "gift" that is leading to renewal — thanks to their participation in the Vital Congregations initiative. Read more

Vital Congregations national gathering Be sure to attend the upcoming Vital Congregations gathering that is for all presbyteries/churches that have either been through, or are going through the initiative, and any mid council church leaders who might have interest. Read more

Scholarships available for PC(USA) students for 2020-21 For church members going to any accredited college, university, or seminary in the U.S. Read about these opportunities by clicking on each link below: $4,000 up to need scholarships for undergraduates. $6,000 up to need scholarships for seminary students. Apply online

Become a Matthew 25 church Matthew 25:31–46 calls all of us to actively engage in the world around us, so our faith comes alive and we wake up to new possibilities. Matthew 25 is a bold new vision and invitation from the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) with over 460 congregations and mid councils that have already pledged to become a Matthew 25 church by working to build congregational vitality, dismantle structural racism and eradicate systemic poverty. We invite you to join us on this journey! Find out how

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