Published by Presbytery of the James 3218 Chamberlayne Ave. Richmond, VA 23227 804-262-2074 Clifton Edwards, Editor
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the
Volume 15, No. 3 November, 2015
ON THE INSIDE Page 2 Review October 17 Stated Meeting Page 3 Going Green Caring for God’s Creation Roman Life Lessons from Paul Page 4 Newell Cabin Camp Hanover Page 5 Trent @Montreat Volunteers Paint Hopewell School Hyun Bae Elected Moderator
BRANCHING THROUGH PRESBYTERY OF THE JAMES
Visiting Assistant Professor of Evangelism Called to Union The more I learned about this position, the more I felt called to a rare and unique leadership and learning opportunity,” said Vest
"This is an exciting day for Union,"
Page 6 UPSem builds on Westwood Tract
said Brian K. Blount.
The Rev. John W. Vest has been called to be the new Visiting Assistant Professor of Evangelism at Union Presbyterian Seminary. His work at Union will focus on engaging students in the study of evangelism, church growth and vitality, new church development and ministry among emerging generations. Vest began his appointment this past summer. In addition to teaching, he will work closely with Presbytery of the James to explore new models of missional evangelism and to coordinate internships focused on evangelism within the Presbytery and beyond. "This is an exciting day for Union," said President Brian K. Blount. "In a time when the church needs to tell its story and tell it well, the Union faculty will have an experienced and gifted professor who can equip our students in the vital task of evangelism and church revitalization." Vest received a B.A. in Religious Studies and Ancient Mediterranean Civilizations from Rice University, a M.Div. from the University of Chicago Divinity School, and a Doctor of Ministry from McCormick Theological Seminary in Chicago. He also participated in advanced study in the Hebrew Bible at the Hebrew University in Jerusalem and at the University of Chicago Divinity School. Vest has served as associate pastor for youth ministry at Fourth Presbyterian Church since 2006. He was the moderator of the Presbytery of Chicago for 2014 and served as commissioner to both the 219th and 221st General Assemblies. He is a member of the Society of Biblical Literature, the American Academy of Religion, the Presbyterian Youth Workers’ Association, and the Association of Presbyterian Church Educators. “The more I learned about this position, the more I felt called to a rare and unique leadership and learning opportunity,” said Vest. “I will have the opportunity to host conferences and engage leaders around the country as our wider church reimagines what ministry looks like in the twenty-first century.” Vest, his spouse Anna, and their two children have settled into a home in Glen Allen. Although they are die-hard Cubs fans, they began their stay in Richmond with an outing to a Squirrels game, so they are clearly adapting to the area!
John Vest
Page 7 Byrdie’s to Ireland
Renewed Commitment To Sustainable Foods
This fall Grace Covenant changed the way it served meals. The focus isn’t on low fat, or low carb, but instead on using fresh ingredients, no processed foods, and ingredients that reflect a faithful care of the earth and God’s people. After a summer program focusing on where and how faith, theology, and what we eat intersect, the church has become committed to eat in a way that supports the practices that work alongside God’s creation. Sometimes that means organic foods, and sometimes that means local foods. By working with Relay Foods here in Richmond, the church has developed a brand new menu for the fall that paired with exciting programming which supported the overall atmosphere of family-oriented fellowship. The church is buying most of the food for this program from Relay because of that company’s close work with farmers who are generally not part of the industrial farming groups that can prove harmful to the land as well as the growers and pickers who work on the factory farms.
Page 8 Presbyterian Hunger Program
Midweek Family Suppers.
The new commitment to how the church provides food is stretching out to other facets including the Sunday School programs, as well as the Child Development Center, which is also passionately pursuing action that provides the best foods possible, following these same faith-based ideals, for every child in its program.