Welcome to the Office of Christian Formation (Presbyterian Mission Agency, PCUSA) Resources and News. The newsletter will highlight formation resources for all ages, intergenerational ministries, the Matthew 25 focus areas, upcoming events, and more! This installment has new resource releases and opportunities to gather with other leaders. Pass this newsletter along to leaders that could benefit from this compilation of ministry tools.
Grace and Peace, Stephanie Fritz Coordinator for Christian Formation
Upcoming Special Events
All About Cohorts! May 18 at 3pm EST Zoom link here. The Office of Christian Formation in the Presbyterian Mission Agency has engaged hundreds of leaders in dozens of cohorts over the last 3 years. Join this zoom call to learn all about cohorts. You will have an opportunity to hear from leaders that have engaged in cohorts, from coaches that coach them and from our office about our plans. We want to hear your ideas for topics and formats that will shape our future offerings.
Monthly Resource Zooms
This is a monthly opportunity to connect, share, and learn with the Office of Christian Formation staff and formation leaders. Join us May 11, 1:00pm Eastern or May 23, 8:00pm Eastern where our topic will be Children’s Resources. Zoom gatherings are offered at two different times each month and include resources on a specific topic as well as time for asking questions and general resource support. Click here for details, the zoom link, and links to resources shared in past months.
Peacemaking in the Family – Newly updated version of the original Peacemaking in the Family resource coauthored by Fred Rogers, includes 4 sessions for intergenerational events. The sessions are 1. Families and Feelings 2. Living in Families and Growing as Individuals 3. Families and Hard Times 4. Families and Celebrations
Why Presbyterians are Like That is a series of Bible Studies intended to help participants think about why Presbyterians are the way we are. There are now two editions. One is written particularly with college students in mind reflected in examples, language and questions. The other is written for use by adults in faith communities.
Elder and Deacon Leader Formation – If you are looking for resources to support Elder and Deacon Formation see this resource list as well as this new Quicksheet.
Youth Ministry is a new section listed under Explore More on the Opening Doors to Discipleship Training Website.
Eradicating Systemic Poverty Struggle is Real: The intersection between poverty and veterans. Join this dialogue on how the church can walk alongside those in our communities who have served, Wednesday, May 16 at 2 – 3:30 PM EST. View past webinar conversations on poverty and intersectional issues here.
Where Does Jesus Stand?: Exploring 5 Spiritual Practices to End Poverty Learn five spiritual practices (worship, learn, relate, act, and share) as well as resources and activities that Presbyterians engage to end poverty. Walk away with practical tools and ideas for next steps! Tuesday, May 23 02:00 PM EST
Dismantling Structural Racism ‘Then They Came for Mine’by Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts offers a blueprint for ways churches can facilitate healing from the impact of racial violence.
From UKirk Collegiate Ministries UKirk National Gathering for those leading college ministries will be June 13-16, 2023 at Massanetta Springs in Harrisonburg, Virginia. The theme is “More Than Enough” and the Keynote speaker Rev. Dr. Lakisha Lockhart.
From POAMN (Presbyterian Older Adult Ministry Network) Older Adult week is May 7-11, you can find worship and resources to celebrate older adults here. The 2023 Planning Guide for Celebrating Older Adults is out! Also take note of their Conference – September 14 and 15 in Detroit, Michigan. More information here.
Curriculum Update from PPC
May is Mental Health Awareness Month Take a look at this list of resources for children and adults.
Summer Curriculum Options & More Learn about summer curriculum options for all ages in our latest POINT newsletter. There are quarterly and unit-based options available. You’ll also learn about new books for adults and children. Go to www.bit.ly/AprilPOINTnewsletter
PCUSA Featured Resources
Everyday God Talk- The new season of Everyday God-talk shares the stories of those who are resting and growing -- pastors and teachers in-between calls, on sabbatical, and retired. In the first episode, we invite Monica, a retired teacher of yoga and guided meditation based in Chicago.
The Presbyterian Mission Agency provides scholarships to up to 100 college students per year. Undergraduates visit www.pcusa.org/college
Presbyterian Study Grant is the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)’s financial aid program for students planning for careers in the church by going to seminary visit www.pcusa.org/psg
We are still sending church workers serving PCUSA worshiping communities, mid-councils, and related organizations to PeopleJoy for coaching and document preparation services—visit www.pcusa.org/loanassist to register.
PYT Connect “When Did we See You’ Resources – Now available here in Spanish
PCUSA Highlighted Resources – Have you been looking for particular resources from the various ministry areas of PMA or the agencies of the PCUSA? Do you find it sometimes hard to navigate the PCUSA website? Are you looking for the Special Emphasis Sundays Calendar or Educator Certification page? What about where to find things in PCUSA Store or World Mission Co-Workers? Would you like an easy way to share key links with leaders in your congregation? Here is a link to several PDF’s with just this helpful information.
Time to connect, learn, and share with the Office of Christian Formation Staff. . .
May 11, 1:00pm EST or May 23, 8:00pm EST (Topic: Children’s Resources)
June 8, 1:00pm EST or June 27, 8:00pm EST(Topic: Help Me Find…)
July 13, 1:00pm EST or July 25, 8:00pm EST (Topic: At Home Resources)
Older Adult Week - May 7 – 11, 2023 resources are available to help you plan.
All About Cohorts! May 18 at 3pm EST Zoom link here. The Office of Christian Formation in the Presbyterian Mission Agency has engaged hundreds of leaders in dozens of cohorts over the last 3 years. Join this zoom call to learn all about cohorts. You will have an opportunity to hear from leaders that have engaged in cohorts, from coaches that coach them and from our office about our plans. We want to hear your ideas for topics and formats that will shape our future offerings.
Pentecost Offering Sunday, May 28 benefits young people and here are the resources
Worship and MusicConference - June 18-23 and June 25-30 at Montreat Registration Link
A Year with Matthew Webinar from Office of Theology and Worship July 11, the webinar will be live at 1pm EST and available for later viewing at the PC(USA) Facebook page and YouTube channel. This webinar will help worship planners connect the biblical texts of lectionary Year A with the PC(USA)'s Matthew 25 vision.
College and Young Adult Sunday – August 6 Worship Resources will be available here in early June.
Christian Formation Week – Begins September10 with resources here
Presbyterian Older Adult Ministry Network (POAMN) Conference – September 14 & 15 in Detroit Michigan. More information here.
Presbyterian Mission Agency, 100 Witherspoon Street, Lousiville, KY
