Protecting God's creation amid the beauty of fall

As nature adorns itself in magnificent shades of red, yellow, gold, orange and green, we are reminded of the importance of diversity in its many forms. Without any one of those hues, the annual autumn display, visible in many forests and neighborhoods, would not be as beautiful. Preserving God’s creation – around the globe – has been top of mind for Compassion, Peace and Justice in recent weeks as various ministries assisted a Presbyterian delegation at the United Nations Climate Change Conference. CPJ also has been busy facilitating virtual visits with International Peacemakers for churches and presbyteries, lifting up LGBTQIA+ siblings, decrying domestic violence in Puerto Rico and advocating for just policies in Washington. Read more in this edition of the CPJ monthly newsletter. Learn more →

Peacemaker from Fiji talks climate change and COP26 International Peacemaker Frances Namoumou made a virtual visit to a presbytery in Virginia recently to discuss how climate change is negatively impacting her home country of Fiji and neighboring islands in the region. Learn more → Presbyterians attend UN Climate Change Conference A Presbyterian delegation was among those in attendance at the United Nations Climate Change Conference to help sound the alarm about the need to slow global warming. Read more →

November Matthew 25 event will focus on immigration, refugee resettlement As news spread late in the summer of thousands of Afghan refugees coming to the United States, Presbyterians have volunteered to be part of welcoming them. Nov. 17, the Presbyterian Mission Agency will present a Matthew 25 event focused on immigration and resettlement where you can hear about the work being done and how you can be a part of it. Learn more → PC(USA) responsible investment committee expands divestment criteria At its October meeting, the Presbyterian Committee on Mission Responsibility Through Investment (MRTI) voted to expand divestment criteria. This means MRTI will likely recommend more companies be added to the General Assembly Divestment/Proscription list in 2022. Learn more →

Town hall precedes November push for federal reparations legislation The Presbyterian Office of Public Witness was part of a virtual Town Hall aimed at getting federal reparations legislation to a congressional vote before Thanksgiving. The gathering focused on H.R. 40, which has been stalled in Washington. Read more → Unbound to release Advent devotional Just in time for the Holy season, the folks at Unbound will release "Another Road: An Immigrant and Refugee Advent Devotional." It will highlight the experiences of immigrants and refugees and go throughout the Advent, Christmas and Epiphany seasons, with devotionals each Sunday and mid-week. In addition to the digital version, printable versions will be available. Learn more →

SDOP promotes churches working together with their communities to address systemic poverty The Presbyterian Committee on the Self-Development of People is emphasizing the importance of relationship building and partnership development in communities through its "The Struggle is Real" webinars. SDOP Coordinator, the Rev. Dr. Alonzo Johnson, explains the importance of the topic in a brief video. Watch now → LGBTQIA+ leaders in the PC(USA) reflect on coming out, history and the church The Presbyterian News Service invited some church leaders from the queer community to participate in a Q&A on National Coming Out Day and LGBTQIA+ History Month. The answers provide valuable insight. Read more →

Frank discussions of gender-based violence in English and Spanish "A Matter of Faith: A Presby Podcast" released two episodes – one in English and one in Spanish – about gender-based violence in Puerto Rico. It was one of several activities by the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A) to draw attention to the issue. Read more →

What is a Matthew 25 church? Matthew 25 is a living translation of Jesus Christ — strengthening relationships, transforming your church, and bringing alive your commitment to "serve the least of these" - those who are marginalized or in need — in your community and the world around us. Make no mistake, Jesus is calling us to perform ordinary acts of compassion in daily life. But we have also been called to consider the factors that led to these conditions, to confront the causes of inequality, to confess the sin of greed and to correct the problem of poverty — whether in our own nation and neighborhood, or around the world. Read more →

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