Making God’s community livable for all in 2021

On the first days of 2020, no one imagined the profound year of change and adaptation to come. But change and adaptation was exactly what the Compassion, Peace & Justice (CPJ) ministries of the Presbyterian Mission Agency did last year to respond to the pandemic and the twin scourges of poverty and racism. As 2021 dawns, CPJ is faced with many of the same challenges and has a lot more experience with ministry in this context.   In the January issue of Justice & Peace Monthly, we look at what the CPJ ministries are looking forward to in the new year, from work with decisionmakers in Washington to farmers in Central America to ministers oceans away, and many ways you can get involved in God’s work for justice. Visit the CPJ website

Compassion, Peace & Justice adapted to 2020 through collaboration and community Sara Lisherness, the director of Compassion, Peace & Justice, looks back at how ministries adapted to the challenges of 2020 and ahead to what 2021 may bring. Learn more → Mark your calendar now for Compassion, Peace & Justice Training Days 2021 CPJ Training Day will again be held virtually in 2021 and expanded into three days, April 7-9, offering attendees chances to hear from leaders and associates of the Compassion, Peace & Justice ministries. Learn more →

Self-Development of People announces COVID-19 grant recipients The Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People (SDOP) approved $118,000 in grants to 30 community-based projects in the United States aimed at alleviating the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Learn more → PC(USA)’s Washington office meets with Biden advisers The PC(USA) Office of Public Witness has joined in meetings between representatives of president-elect Joe Biden and interfaith groups as many Americans eagerly await new leadership in the White House. Learn more →

It’s time to order your Eco-Palms! So many things look different, these days, including how we worship. Even though many of us aren’t gathering in a traditional sense, the Presbyterian Hunger Program reminds you there is still a place for Eco-Palms in your virtual worship. Learn more and order online . Details and ordering info →

In civil war and economic collapse, Syrian ministers find hope in the Gospel, partnerships Despite decades of conflict, ministers in Syria say the nation is now facing its toughest days in more than 100 years. They and colleagues from Presbyterian Disaster Assistance and other ministries talk about partnerships that have fostered hope and relief. Learn more → God did not create race. God did create difference. For Race Relations Day, Racial & Intercultural Justice coordinator Rev. Denise Anderson reflects on the story of the Tower of Babel and what it tells us about race and diversity. Read the essay →

Have you seen the Presbyterian Ministry at the UN’s Sunday School resource? "Engaging Our World: Sunday School Resource for UN Sustainable Development Goals” is a great way to get involved and take action while also incorporating a spiritual component through the lens of Matthew 25. The study is free and downloadable. See the curriculum → Making the Commitment to Peacemaking This is a tool, introduced in 1983, to help Presbyterians engage individually and collectively in peacemaking ministries. More than 4,300 congregations and other groups have affirmed the Commitment and used it to shape faithful and creative ministries of peace and justice. Learn more →

PC(USA) responsible investment committee supports climate change declaration The declaration calls on the administration of President-elect Joe Biden to join the Presbyterian Committee on Mission Responsibility through Investment and other signers to commit to take steps to combat climate change and ensure the country’s safety and prosperity. Learn more → Can you be a Christian and support the death penalty? Unbound, the online journal of Christian Social Justice from the Advisory Committee on Social Witness Policy, regularly offers thought-provoking essays, including this one from ordination candidate Emily Wilkes about capital punishment. Read the essay →

Matthew 25 – A bold vision and invitation We recognize Christ’s urgent call to be a church of action, where God’s love, justice and mercy shine forth and are contagious. Over 680 churches and mid councils have accepted the Matthew 25 invitation to help our denomination become a more relevant presence in the world by building congregational vitality, dismantling structural racism and eradicating systemic poverty. You are invited →

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