Providence Presbyterian Church
Published by Presbytery of the James 3218 Chamberlayne Ave. Richmond, VA 23227 877877-262262-2074
Nonprofit Organization US Postage PAID Permit #911 Richmond, VA
the
Volume 16, No. 3 November, 2016
BRANCHING THROUGH PRESBYTERY OF THE JAMES OVER TWENTY YEARS
“One of the best kept secrets of the presbytery.”
ON THE INSIDE Review of Oct. 15, 2016 Stated Meeting 2
Pix Karen Witt
by Leigh Anne Ring
‘On Cowabunga Farm’ 3
Karen Witt, Teaching Elder Providence Church
Providence Presbyterian Church, a unique historic site within Presbytery of the James, has also been one its best-kept secrets. Very few know that this building has the distinction of being the oldest Presbyterian Church in continual use in the Commonwealth of Virginia. It is also the only remaining example of the seven “Meeting Houses” built by dissenters of Hanover and Louisa counties when the Church of England was the established church. In the early 1740’s, Samuel Morris invited a group of people to read the Bible and worship in his home. As this group grew, he began to build “Meeting Samuel Morris Houses” for Bible study. Upon being called to Williamsburg to defend his actions before Governor Gooch, Morris and other dissenters declared themselves “Presbyterians.” Governor Gooch granted them permission to worship in this denomination under the “Act of Governor Gooch Toleration.” Samuel Davies arrived in 1747 to minister to this group of Christians in the seven Meeting Houses. Although he was a weak and sickly man, he had a profound impact on the move for religious freedom in VirSamuel Davies ginia. Patrick Henry was greatly influenced by Davies’ skill as an orator. During his tenure in Virginia, Davies taught slaves to read and sent missionaries to the Indians. Davies only preached at Providence until 1752, when the Presbytery sent
John Todd to take over some of his preaching points. Davies remained in Hanover until 1759 when he was asked to take over the Presidency of the College of New Jersey, which would eventually become Princeton University. John Todd became Providence Church’s first pastor in 1752 and he remained in this position for 41 years. He became a resident of Louisa County and established one of the first classical schools in the area. This school was a forerunner of Hampton-Sydney College of which Rev. Todd was one to the original trustees. Rev. John Todd was a supporter of the American Revolution and served as the chaplain of the Louisa Militia. It was also during Rev. Todd’s ministry to Providence
that the famous evangelist, George Whitefield, preached from the church’s pulpit. Providence Presbyterian Church stands as a tribute to the dissenters who struggled for the religious freedom that we enjoy to this day. Unchanged except for necessary upkeep, the simple structure stands amid oak and pine, much as it did 250 years ago when Naïve Americans roamed Virginia forests and a few simple people met to read and study the Bible. Provi- George Whitefield dence looks back at a remarkable history with gratitude and celebrates God’s blessings on this enduring congregation.
Life lessons for all ages at Camp Hanover by Emily Enders Odom
If camps are famous as places for roughing it, the tablecloths were an unexpected amenity. “Because you are here at camp, there are tablecloths,” said Doug Walters, Camp Hanover’s executive director, to a dining hall filled with delighted laughter. “There are no tablecloths here in summer.” With those words, Walters—who has served the 600-acre retreat center, summer camp, and outdoor ministry resource of the Presbytery of the James since October 2012—enthusiastically welcomed attendees of the 20th annual ARMSS/POAMN Conference, held October 11–14, in Richmond. The national event, jointly sponsored by the Association of Retired Ministers, Their Spouses or Survivors (ARMSS) and the Presbyterian Older Adult Ministries Net-
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work (POAMN), is designed to resource persons engaged in ministry with older adults. The 50 conferees were visiting the camp as part of an afternoon mission tour, one of two offered by the conference planners on Wednesday, Oct. 12. Stops on their tour included the historic St. John’s Church—where Patrick Henry delivered his famous “Give me liberty” speech at the Second Virginia Convention of March 1775—and the Polegreen Church, the site of the first non-Anglican church in Virginia, where Presbyterian dissenters were led in worship by the Rev. Samuel Davies. Ready for supper at the end of their full day—which began, for some, at 6:00 a.m. with a labyrinth meditation, followed by morning devotions, a keynote presentation, and a workshop option—the visitors were treated to a hearty, family-style meal and an introduction to the camp’s ministry and history.
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Young Adult Volunteers 4 Second Petersburg 4 Union Among Top Four 5 Westminster Launches Dynamic Campaign 5 Necrology 5 Letters in the Sand 6 Advocacy Training 6 Oysters, Bees & Crabs 7 Providence Church 8 Life Lessons at Camp Hanover 8
At the February 20, 2016 meeting of Presbytery, the following recommendation was made: That the presbytery develop a strategic plan for the year 2020. Such a plan would ensure a unified focus for the work God is calling us to do. Areas to be included are: Mission and vision of the presbytery. Structure for doing ministry through the presbytery Involvement of our constituent groups (i.e., Camp Hanover, Seminary, Congregations, Teaching Elders) Use of financial resources in an effective and efficient way.
A Legacy of Stewardship by Deborah Rexrode Associate for Stewardship
When Paul wrote to Timothy, he urged the younger man to command those who are rich “to set their hopes on God who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.” Paul goes further to declare that “they are to do good, to be rich in good works, generous, and ready to share, thus storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of the life that really is life” (1Timothy 6:17-19). Paul calls them to invest in the kingdom yet to come, and, in so doing, they establish a firm foundation for that which is yet to be. “Legacies reflect who we are and what we hold dear. We use our experience and wisdom to benefit those we love and who love us. It is the method by which we make a life statement by leaving something behind. Beneficiaries often include spouses, children, grandchildren, friends, and universities. What about our church?” In Creative Giving: Understanding Planned Giving and Endowments in Church the authors who explore this topic present the See ‘A Legacy of Leadership’ page 7
To initiate the work of a strategic planning period, a six member interview team appointed by the Moderator would interview consultants to assist the presbytery in developing the strategic plan. The team would contract with a person or firm to assist the presbytery in developing the strategic plan. Funding would come from Presbytery’s reserve fund. Formation of a team to assist the consultant in developing the strategic plan would occur when the consultant is hired. The appointed team included: Rosalind Banbury (Teaching
Dr. David R. Sawyer
Elder, First-Richmond), Fran Hooper (Ruling Elder, Cove), Bruce Harvey (Ruling Elder, Fredericksburg), John Moeser (Ruling Elder, Second-Richmond), Joel Morgan (Teaching Elder, Westminster, Richmond), and Leigh Anne Ring (Ruling Elder, River Road). The team began meeting in April and structured our time to understand the tasks we can expect from a consultant, which consultants have al(Continued on page 6)
Defining Evangelism by John Vest
During my first year of evangelism work in Presbytery of the James and at Union Presbyterian Seminary, one of my goals has been to develop a working definition of evangelism that can be shared by the widest range of Presbyterians and mainline Protestants as possible. It was clear to me, even as I interviewed for this position, that neither the POJ nor UPSem communities had a shared understanding of what evangelism is. For some people, it is a very specific practice of witness and for others it includes almost everything Christians do. And, of course, many Presbyterians would just as soon not talk about it at all. I quickly realized that the biggest challenge involves the question of conversion: does evangelism necessarily involve trying to convert someone to Christianity—or a particular version of Christianity? For some, the answer is unequivocally, “yes.” Others are more reticent, given their experience with coercive, aggressive, or arrogant forms of evangelism. Many people feel that
religion is a private matter and John Vest don’t want to impose. In addressing this question, I’ve found Doug Pagitt’s book, Evangelism in the Inventive Age, to be very helpful. Instead of conversion— changing the hearts and minds of others to match our own—Doug uses the metaphor of resonance to describe evangelism. Think about how a vibrating tuning fork can cause another tuning fork to vibrate and make the same sound. And consider that tuning forks vibrate at a variety of frequencies, which means that we need to communicate the gospel in a variety of different ways, not one-size-fitsall. So here’s the definition I’ve been testing in recent months: Evangelism is talking about and demonstrating our relationship with God in such a way that it might resonate with others and draw them into their own relationship with God. What do you think? Read more and join the conversation at http:// evangelism.upsem.edu.
A Legacy of Stewardship from page 1 following questions for the members of your congregation to consider:
94th STATED MEETING PRESBYTERY OF THE JAMES THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH FREDERICKSBURG, VIRGINIA
October 19, 2016 Dear Friends in Presbytery of the James: The 94th Stated Session of the Presbytery of the James was held Saturday, October 15, 2016, at The Presbyterian Church in Fredericksburg, VA. It was beautiful fall day, sunny, warm, and delightful. The new addition at the church enabled us to register on their patio and enjoy their new fellowship hall and gathering space for displays and for the lunch meal. A special word of thanks to the Session and Congregation of the church for their fine hospitality and warm welcome. A number of important events occurred during the day. We welcomed some new ministers to the Presbytery: Rev. Joel Blunk, Co-Director of Richmond Hill Rev. Gary Charles, Pastor at Cove Church Rev. Ken Henry, Pastor at Westminster, Charlottesville Rev. Jim Dunkin, Pastor at The Brandermill Church Rev. Scott Fouts, Pastor at Hartwood Church In addition, we were grateful to hear from Issaka Moussa, International Peacemaker from Niger who share of the struggles in that country. We heard form Ruth Brown, Mission CoWorker to the Congo and member of Ginter Park Church about her ministry in the Congo. The Louisa Session presented a $60,000 check to the presbytery from the estate of Tommy and Lois Hadder for the creation of Hadder Way, an access road to the lake at Camp Hanover. We also viewed a video showing the good work of the PCUSA agencies in assisting Humphrey Muyara obtaining his Green card. We spent 20 minutes in prayer for the world and for efforts at curbing violence in our world. Olanda Carr, Presbyterian Foundation Representative shared with the Presbytery the value and possibilities of Planned Giving in congregations. Educator Leigh Anne Ring shared that the Vision 2020 Team had hired David Sawyer as consultant for the presbytery, to lead the presbytery through a visioning process in the first quarter of 2017. We enrolled two new candidates for the ministry: Emily Hook (First, Richmond) and David Frost (Swift Creek). We examined for ordination and approved Nicole Ball (First, Richmond) in her work as Church Relations Officer for Union Presbyterian Seminary.
Caring For
It was a joyful day with good work done by the presbytery under the capable leadership of Moderat or Kenna Payne (Westminster, Richmond). In other business matters, the following actions were taken: We approved the minutes of the June 14, 2016, Stated Meeting. We voted to dismiss the Wesley Church, Weems, VA, to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church denomination. We elected numerous people to the various committees and teams of the presbytery while learning that only 3 vacancies exist in the leadership of the presbytery. We elected Teaching Elder Stephen Hodges as 2017 Moderator and Ruling Elder John Garrett as Vice Moderator for 2017. We approved the proposed 2017 Presbytery budget. We approved a new program for small congregations for emergency physical needs and emergent program possibilities. We approved the merger of Beulah and Fairfield Presbyterian Churches to become Fairfield Presbyterian Church. Action was taken that Rev. Gordon Pace and Rev. Shane Roberson no longer have voice or vote in the presbytery as they do not meet the criteria for Members at Large. An Administrative Commission to respond to the requests from the Wylliesburg and Chase City congregations to be dismissed to the Evangelical Presbyterian Church. Rev. Mark Sprowl was approved as the installed pastor at Laurel Church for a three -year term.
God’s Creation
Oysters, Bees & Crabs The Presbyterian Church, Fredericksburg, VA
Andrzejewski appointed to national 20/20 Team Office of General Assembly
Appointments have been made for two General Assembly created bodies charged with helping the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) chart a way forward as a denomination. Twelve people have been named to the Way Forward Commission and fifteen individuals have been named to the 2020 Vision Team, both of which were actions of the 222nd General Assembly (2016). The appointments for the 2020 Vision Team Joshua T. Andrzejewski were made by the Co-Moderators of the 222nd General Assembly (2016). The Co-Moderators serve ex-officio on the 2020 Vision Team. Appointments to the Way Forward Commission were made by the Co-Moderators of the 222nd General Assembly (2016) and the Moderator and Vice Moderator of the 221st General Assembly (2014). Rev. Joshua T. Andrzejewski, Chaplain at VCU Medical Center, has been appointed to the National 2020 Vision Team.
Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.
UPCOMING MEETINGS: February 18, 2017 INVITATION NEEDED TO HOST PRESBYTERY
October 21, 2017 Tuckahoe Church as Host
Carson Rhyne
NOVEMBER, 2016 The Vine — 2— July, 2016
one really knows, but some researchers are making what appear to be some good guesses. The situation is different for crabs and oysters. Water pollution from fertilized croplands, lawns and golf course, as well as rain runoff, has poured huge amounts of nitrogen into their habitats, causing algae and other undesirable marine growths to drive out the oxygen these creatures needs to propagate and live. Crabs and oysters are among critters serving as good indicators of the environmental health of our lakes, streams and estuaries – just as the absence of certain small marine invertebrates shows the presence of water pollution. The difficulties threatening bees, crabs and oysters are resulting in the higher and higher prices we must pay for the food we put on our tables – and those costs will continue to rise, perhaps exorbitantly, unless effective counteractions are taken. As David Mendes, a commercial beekeeper in Fort Myers, Fla., says in “Vanishing of the Bees,” a television documentary, “When the bees are dying, something’s wrong, and that’s going to affect all of us.” His words might by echoed by a Chesapeake Bay waterman. Indeed, what does the plight of the bees, crabs and oysters tell us about how well we’re doing – or not – in caring for God’s creation as God directed humankind to do?
The top two reasons people give for not including their churches in their wills is: 1) they have not been asked; and 2) lack of knowledge. People often feel their estates are too small, the process is too expensive, and they just don’t want think about death. What safer place could there be than the church to address these issues? Here are some practical suggestions for how to get started
by Bill Kling, St. Andrews Church
Hebrews 13:16 Share your copy of the Vine or even better send us the name and address of a friend and we will add them to our mailing list. The Vine is always free and informative. Congregations are encouraged to submit their membership directory so all can receive their own copy of The Vine.
June 20, 2017 Fairfield Church as Host
H. Carson Rhyne, Jr. Stated Clerk
When we contemplate God’s creation, most of us focus mainly on its wonderful bounty and glorious natural marvels, but too often we don’t consider what keeps them wonderful and glorious. Was that sometimes the case even in biblical times? In the Holy Bible, for instance, there are more than 60 mentions of honey, all of them quite positive, but there are only a meager four references to the bees that made it into the Good Book, and most of them are scary. The Bible makes no mention of how these busy insects gather the pollen and nectar to make their honey, in the process fertilizing the plants and trees that produce the fruits, vegetables and beautiful flowers we so enjoy. Nor does a search of the Bible find any hint of crabs and oysters, both of which today rank among the mainstays of our Northern Neck’s marine economy. Yet bees, crabs and oysters – although they’re part of the creation God instructed humankind of care for – are being seriously threatened by pollution, disease and neglect. There are 25,000 different species of bees around the world – about 4,000 of them in the United States. In recent years, their colonies have been collapsing in our country as well as in Europe and the Far East, disappearing from their hives without leaving a trace or any definable explanation. Scientists are trying to determine if the bee crisis is caused by pollution, or new exotic fertilizers, or genetically altered food crops, or mites, or diseases – or what? So far, no
How do I want to be remembered? What are my values? What aspects of my life do I find to be most important? How do I choose to be remembered? From where did my blessings come? Why do I want to give to support my church? The answer to the last question is an important one and any or all of the following would motivate us to provide an opportunity for people to be able to leave something to the church: To express gratitude to God for the blessings I have received To add meaning to my life and make me feel good To continue my family tradition of giving To leave a legacy To honor someone To support a special ministry in the future
The Vine is published by Presbytery of the James, 3218 Chamberlayne Ave., Richmond, VA 23227. Editorial Rights Reserved. Articles without byby-lines are written by the editor. The Vine is a publication mailed free to members of Presbytery of the James. Submissions, corrections, letters of request or requests for additional copies should be sent to: Clifton Edwards, Editor; Presbytery of the James, 3218 Chamberlayne Ave., Richmond, VA 23227. or Email: cliftonedwards@pbyjames.org.
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Make sure your congregation has a welldefined mission and vision Communicate your mission and vision through the program and budget Use the bulletin to ask, “Have you remembered the church in your will?” Preach about leaving a legacy to the church Teach about the stewardship of accumulated assets Provide small group classes on how to write a will Create an endowment fund for accepting bequests Establish a gift/endowment policy so donors will know how their gift will be used
Imagine the legacy you would provide if you tithed your estate to the church. While the stewardship of our time and talents ends, the stewardship of our treasures can live on for many generations.
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Vacation Bible School ‘On Cowabunga Farm’
Letras en la arena—Mexico by Kristin S. Dinwiddie
The buckets need to be filled. The wheel barrows need to be dumped. The blocks need to be stacked. The mezcla needs to be mixed. The walls need to go up. And here I sit . . . On the dusty, arid land, being careful to avoid the bits of thrown away “stuffs” of others. Across from me, sits a lovely, wide-eyed 6 year old with a smile that never ceases. We sit just outside of the ring of organized chaos that is building a home for his aunt, uncle and two cousins. But we could just as easily be miles away, as we are so intent on what we are doing, we cannot be distracted. Even though neither of us speaks the other’s language, we understand each other. He brought to our little party what looked like a wooden chair spindle that he had found sticking out of a concrete block. I show him how to write in the arena with the ‘pencil.’ I write out the letters of my name one at a time, K-r-i-s-t-i-n, as he attempts to sound them out. He then takes his turn with our shared pencil and writes the letters of his name, upside down, so they are right reading to me, A-l-e-xi-s, with a precision and accuracy that I have never mastered. I had taken a respite from the filling and
dumping and sticking and mixing to draw letters in the sand. We adjourn our meeting in the sand and reconvene in the 2 square feet of shade along the concrete block wall. I removed my earrings as Alexis watched. He moved his face within inches of mine. He stood perfectly still, while staring at my ears. I had no idea what he was doing or thinking. He finally broke his gaze and walked over toward his abuela. He returned with a small metal tin, which I thought he found in one of the many trash piles around, and handed it to me. I wasn’t able to remove the lid so he returned to his grandmother for her assistance. He walked back to me with the seriousness of someone much older. He then very deliberately took a small finger-full of the salve contained in the tin and smoothed it on each of the holes in my earlobes with the gentleness of butterfly wings. He cared for me. What a gift I have received for just taking time to write letters in the sand. Now I am home and day-in and day-out . . . The clothes need to be washed. The rugs need to be vacuumed. The meals need to be cooked. Although the filling, dumping, stacking, mixing, washing, vacuuming and cooking are so very important, it is the connecting with
Buttercup Alexia
by Kathy Alexander
(left to right) Julli’s mother, Julli holding Brittani, Eduardo holding Brillith, Sarah Morgan, David John McGrath, Adriane Allen Newmeister. (in window) Kristin & Will Dinwiddie.
each other that rewards our sole beyond measure. I hope I can remember to take a moment every now and then to again draw letters in the sand.
POJ hires Dr. David R. Sawyer for Local 20/20 Project (Continued from page 1)
ready worked with Presbyteries with success, and which consultants we felt might provide the leadership needed for our Presbytery. Through a conference call with Sue Krummel (Office of Mid Councils at General Assembly) we developed a list of six people to contact. From these conversations three consultants rose to the top of the list. We brought each of them to Richmond for a face-to-face interview. From this group we identified Dr. David R. Sawyer (Flourishing Church Consulting and Coaching) as the best candidate to lead the Presbytery of the James in our planning process. David worked with New Covenant Presbytery (Southeastern Texas) on their strategic plan and came highly recommended by Mike Cole, General Presbyter. From David’s website: David R. Sawyer, Writer and Consultant, is devoting himself to the health and sustainability of congregations as local faith communities. In 2012 he retired from the faculty at Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary where he taught church leadership and administration and directed the Lifelong Learning and Doctor of Ministry programs. He has forty years’ experience as a pastor, associate pastor, interim pastor, and new church development pastor, judicatory executive staff, and in group facilitation, human systems consultation, and workshop leadership. He is author of Work of the Church: Getting the Job Done in Boards and Committees (Judson Press 1987), and Hope in Conflict: Discovering Wisdom in Congregational Turmoil (Pilgrim Press, 2007), and is currently finishing a book on flourishing congregations. The team was impressed not only with David’s plan for leading a futuring process but also with his listening skills. His futuring process includes utilizing Appreciative Inquiry (a process of building on the strengths of an organization) to gather stories from a broad spectrum of the Presbytery’s members and churches, interpreting those stories with qualitative research methods and developing provocative proposals that envision what is probable in five years. The process builds on the best of the Presbytery and then takes an imaginative leap to what it can be in the future. The committee appreciated his breadth of experience in the denomination as well as his understanding of organizational systems with theological grounding. NOVEMBER, 2016NOVEMBER, 2016—the
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“On Cowabunga Farm, God’s with us everywhere. On Cowabunga Farm, He’s faithful and He cares! We’ll grow and play, and have fun each day, On Cowabuna Farm!”
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Vacation Bible School. Like everything year, mostly sticking to what had always else in our world and in our church, “VBS” has worked. In the 90’s, preparation for VBS beseen changes – and has had to grow with the came quite a production – scenery, props, times in order to survive. VBS has always rehearsal of skits, and elaborate snacks that been a strong ministry at Rosewood Presbytercorrelated to the lesson. Over time, attendian Church. The article’s writer has vivid ance and enthusiasm waned. However, no memories of “craft packs” which contained pre matter if there were three or thirty children in -printed sheets of wood that children would attendance, Rosewood held Bible School. punch out, smooth with sandpaper, then paint A few years ago, the crew of teachers set and assemble. A highlight of Bible School was out to re-dedicate themselves to VBS. They snacks — ice cream scheduled a sandwiches or cookjoint training “For we know that all things work together ies and Kool-aid; session with a For good to them that love God, nothing extravagant local church of To them who are called according to His purpose. but ea gerl y de another denomivoured. W het he r VBS was held for five, seven or ten days, a commencement was held on the last night and was typically followed with a picnic and swimming at Moore’s Lake in Chester, Virginia. Water balloons and a volleyball match were annual traditions at the picnic. As teenagers, we served as teachers’ helpers. As adults, we took over the roles of teachers, leaders and directors. VBS was held every
Romans 8:28
nation in Petersburg. They invited a representative from Standard Publishing to lead the training and provide inspiration and encouragement. They gave every church member a “prayer rock” and held a prayer walk during Sunday worship service. God heard their prayer and their attendance swelled from 12 to 25 on the second night! Attendance has stayed up every year since. This year’s Vacation Bible School was a
Rosewood Presbyterian Church Prince George, Virginia
farm theme, and its focus was learning to be faithful to God, as God is faithful to us, because God has a plan for each one of us. The children explored the examples set by Joseph in the Book of Genesis. Each night they enjoyed a visit from “Buttercup” the resident bovine. Classrooms were transformed into a horse stable, chicken coop, pig sty, and dairy farm. The week’s activities kicked off with a hayride, and the children had the opportunity to milk a simulated cow, provided by the local Farm Bureau. “When we walk with the Lord, in the light of his Word, what a glory he sheds on our way! While we do His good will, He abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey.” Rosewood has remained faithful in its dedication to holding Vacation Bible School every summer. When enthusiasm waned, God remained in control. He is ever present, and always speaking to us to trust in Him. When we open our hearts and minds to His will, we discover the lessons we teach the children apply to us as well.
Attendees for 2016 Vacation Bible School, Rosewood Presbyterian Church
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Westminster Church Launches Dynamic Capital Campaign
Young Adult Volunteer in Mission Want to put your faith into action? Want to grow in Christian service? Want to see what God is doing in the world? Want to discover God’s purpose for you? by Mary Jane Winter
“I wouldn’t be the person I am today without my year as a Young Adult Volunteer (YAV),” Jason Cashing emphasized, a former YAV and now pastor of Gregory Memorial. For Colleen Earp, it brought new openness, an ability Kathleen Murphy to look for God and “most of all to sense where I needed to go and that taking care of God’s creation could be a calling from God.” Colleen serves on the staff of Camp Hanover. For Kathleen Murphy, now working at the Virginia Poverty Law Center, “My YAV year in Boston helped me take the leap into food justice. After this year, I felt that I had my life’s work, which is to assist people find enough good quality food that also takes care of creation.” Young Adult Volunteers (ages 19-30) put their faith into action through a year of service in sites throughout the world and in the United States. YAVs serve with church mission partners. They live in community and engage in discernment about God and who God is calling them to be. “My year opened up new understandings of what ministry is and what it could be for me,” noted Jason, who considered the Peace Corps and Habitat as he struggled with discernment. “The YAV year frames your service and discernment in the context of the Christian faith and with a supportive community.” This mission initiative of the Presbyterian Church offers a variety of international sites and 14 more in the United States. Amelia Vogler who served in Kenya after graduating from the University of Richmond, noted “My placement gave me the opportunity to use my journalism degree to produce compelling stories of the beneficiaries of Church World Service in Africa.” Regardless of the site, “the YAV year challenges you physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.” “It trained me to look for God in everything,” added Colleen. In recent years, YAVs have been accepted from Blue Ridge, Bon Air, Brandermill, Ginter Park, First Richmond, Second Richmond, New Hanover, and Westminster Charlottesville. Presbytery scholarship funds are here to assist you! This funding “is very helpful and it’s a sign that your home presbytery supports you and believes in this YAV year of service,” commented both Kathleen Murphy and Amelia Vogler. The deadline for early decision for YAV placement is December 1. The next deadlines are February 1 for international placement and April 1 for national sites. To apply see https:// www.presbyterianmission.org/ministries/yav/ apply/ or contact Collen Earp.
Press Release
Union among top four that changed the world PC(USA) News Service
Second Presbyterian is listed on Virginia's Landmarks Register and on the National Register of Historic Places.
Second Petersburg celebrates 165 years of Ministry By Alice & Brandon Martin
On November 13, the congregation of Second Presbyterian Church in Petersburg will celebrate 165 years of ministry. In 1851, twenty-two former members of Petersburg's first Presbyterian congregation on Tabb Street, decided to establish a new church which would focus mainly on missions. Over the years, chapels that grew into churches in Chesterfield and Hopewell were started, and missionaries to China, Japan, Africa and southern France were supported. That emphasis on missions continues today on local, national and international levels. In 1861 the growing congregation needed a larger building, and the second pastor, Dr. Theodorick Pryor, served as architect of the church that now stands at the corner of Washington and Lafayette Streets. Constructed at a cost of $30,000, it has been called “one of the purest pieces of Gothic architecture in the state.” Of special note in the sanctuary are the splendid plaster medallions on the ceiling and the cast iron rosettes lining the balconies and rostrum. The latter were created by William H. Tappey, a charter member of Second and co-owner of Tappey and Lumsden Foundry in this city. The elegant rostrum with ogivalarched window and ornamental apse was praised by Davis and Rawlings in their book Virginia's Antebellum Churches for its beauty. Last year, the church celebrated the 50th anniversary of the installation of the Austin pipe organ with a recital by noted organist Richard Cummings of Roanoke, a former member of Second. McIlwaine Fellowship Hall was added in the 1970s to meet the needs of a growing congregation. NOVEMBER, 2016
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With such a long history, stories of Second Presbyterian Church abound. Ancient Indian mounds have been located behind the church building. During the War Between the States, the current minister and former Confederate artillery officer, The Rev. John Miller removed with his bare hands the 32 pound Union shell that had landed in the church wall. Placing it on his shoulder, he walked down the aisle and laid it on the communion table. Ascending the pulpit, he said “it is evident that the enemy have the exact range of our church”, and dismissed the congregation. He later removed the shot from the shell and gave it to the older boys in the church for fall hunting. One of the last Confederate soldiers killed was buried in the church yard, while passing Union troops were made to stand silently until the burial was finished, thus delaying the advancement of Grant's army on Richmond. While honoring our past, Second Presbyterian also looks to the future. Its outreach programs are impressive. As a charter member of Downtown Churches United and former minister, the late Dr. Robert C. Vaughan, Jr., serving as its first president, Second continues to support DCU and other local hunger relief programs. Second has served as the charter organization for Boy Scout Troop 175 for over 50 years. The Lenten Series with weekly luncheons and services has been held for fiftyfive years serving as a source of spiritual renewal for the community. The Rev. Archibald Wallace, Jr. is the current Covenant Pastor, and Dr. Donald Traser serves as organist and choir director of both adult and hand-bell choirs. The Vine—4
The Center for Faith and Service, based at McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago, Illinois, has announced the fourth annual list of Seminaries that Change the World (STCTW). Among the winners are four seminaries of the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.): Austin Presbyterian Theological Seminary, Columbia Theological Seminary, McCormick Theological Seminary and Union Presbyterian Seminary. “We are pleased that the many efforts of our students, staff and faculty, and indeed the work of the institution itself, have been recognized as we respond to God’s call to engage in and participate with the transforming work of God’s Reign in our world,” said Union Presbyterian Seminary president Brian K. Blount. “Our commitment to serving God in this way neither begins nor ends with this wonderful recognition, but we are delighted to be counted
among such wonderful company.” STCTW highlights a select group of seminaries and divinity schools offering innovative courses, programs, and opportunities for students seeking to engage in social justice and service work while in seminary. The Rev. Wayne Meisel, one of the architects of the AmeriCorps program and founder of the Bonner Scholars program, created STCTW four years ago to act as a resource for service minded young-adults looking for ways to grow spiritually. Meisel, who now serves as the executive director of The Center for Faith and Service, explained, “At some point I learned that for many people, their faith inspired, sustained and deepened their commitment to community service and social justice. So I began a journey of looking for institutions where these individuals could connect their faith and service.
Hadder Way—new access road to Camp Hanover On Sunday, July 24, the Louisa PresbyteriThough they never had children, they were an Church presented a check for $60,000 to surrogate grandparents for the children of Doug Walters, Executive Director of Camp their church. The session of the Louisa Hanover. This is the largest gift so far toward Church decided the best way they could rethe $750,000 goal of the member Tommy and Reach Forward in Faith camLois was to make possipaign. One of the top priorible the building of the ties of this campaign is imaccess road to be named provements to the lakefront Hadder Way. and the building of a new At the October dock in the shape of a Celtic P resb yt er y m eetin g, Cross. Before any of these members of the “Big Check” presentation. improvements begin, an acLouisa Presbyterian cess road must be built, not only for accessibilChurch presented a symbolic check to Neil ity but also for the safety of our main campers. Palmer, Moderator of the Camp Hanover This gift is made possible by the bequest of Purpose Group. Part of the presentation inTommy and Lois Hadder who were long-time cluded a video groundbreaking. The Louisa faithful members of the Louisa Presbyterian Presbyterian Church issues a challenge to Church. Tommy was a ruling elder and Lois other congregations in the Presbytery of the served as the church treasurer. They were inJames to consider your gift to the Reach Forvolved in Sunday School and loved children. ward in Faith project! NOVEMBER, 2016
Westminster Presbyterian Church (WPC) of Richmond, Virginia has announced a bold plan designed to carry the church into the next decade. The campaign, ReImagine WPC, will raise funds to remodel the church's worship and gathering spaces. This project, approved by the Session, is a response to the growth the church has been experiencing in recent years, and the desire to create a flexible worship space for both contemporary and traditional services. The leadership of WPC also hopes that the remodeled spaces will equip the church for growth as a center for community and cultural events, a hub for God’s missions flowing into the neighborhood. Jim and Beth Elliot are the Co-Chairs of the campaign while Kenna R. Payne is serving as its Coordinator. The Pastor of the church is Joel Morgan. Tom Norwood of Horizons Stewardship is serving as the consultant for the campaign. This campaign will last three months, culminating in mid-November with the church’s membership committing itself to capital gifts over a three-year period. Even the children of the congregation are actively engaged in the campaign, learning about stewardship and sacrifice as they build a Lego® church into which they will place their own offerings. The congregation is excited about this journey of faith and the wonderful opportunities it brings to share God’s love in the community. WPC has been a presence in the community for 127 years and is located at 4103 Monument Avenue, Richmond, Virginia, 23230. For additional information on WPC in general, or the campaign specifically, contact the church office at (804) 355-6885. You can also follow the c hurc h's p ro gress at www.wpcrichmond.org or on Facebook @WPCRichmond.
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Church building, one brick at a time.